"I… ran into some trouble." Song Zhigao's voice was strained. "I can't go back to my place right now."
Shen Lu stared at him for a few seconds. 'Your lying skills aren't even half as good as your cooking. After lying low for so long, is he finally making his move?'
Shen Lu put on a perfectly appropriate look of concern. "What kind of trouble? Can you tell me the details? Maybe I can help."
Song Zhigao, who had rarely ever lied, picked at his palm and stammered out the excuse his master had fabricated for him.
"I offended some people. They forged an IOU from somewhere, saying I owe them 10,000 Star Coins, and if I can't pay it back, I have to give them a hand… These guys found my place yesterday and even picked the lock to get inside…"
