"Graceful as a startled swan, lithe as a wandering dragon, more radiant than autumn chrysanthemums, more lush than spring pines…"
The "old table" Fu Ye mentioned was the best spot in all of Juxiang Pavilion, a private booth with the finest view of the entire restaurant—also the favorite place for young nobles to bring their dates.
Sitting in the private room on the second floor, Ah Yin gazed curiously at the bustling crowd below, her ice-blue eyes full of wonder. When Fu Ye saw her bright, laughing expression, the line of poetry from his previous life simply slipped out.
"Graceful as a startled swan, lithe as a wandering dragon, more radiant than autumn chrysanthemums, more lush than spring pines…?"
Ah Yin repeated his words to herself in confusion.
But as a soul beast who had only just begun to experience human society, there was no way she could understand ancient poetry that carried five thousand years of cultural heritage from another world.
"Hehe, I don't really get it, but it sounds super impressive!"
After thinking for a long time, Ah Yin finally collapsed onto the table in defeat.
If she couldn't understand it, then she just wouldn't think about it.
Human language was such a pain. Thinking too hard made her head hurt.
Seeing her like this, Fu Ye couldn't help curling his lips in a smug little smile.
You haven't even figured out the language of Douluo yet, and you want to start deciphering the essence of my Blue Star's classics?
"Don't look so lifeless. I was praising how beautiful you are just now."
Evening was approaching, and the first floor was gradually filling up. Hearing the endless praise from the diners below about his food and service, Fu Ye couldn't help but smile.
As Iron Man once said: as long as you pay enough, you can even beat a god.
Judging from the restaurant's business, what one employee earned here in a month might be what others earned in a whole year elsewhere. It was no wonder Juxiang Pavilion never lacked top-tier chefs and extremely attentive staff.
If a chef's dishes weren't good?
Forget the customers—even the other chefs would beat him up first.
Punching him one time less would be an insult to their own income.
"Boss Fu, your dishes are here!"
Before long, Xiao Li had two beautiful waitresses carry in the dishes. When they lifted the lids, a rich fragrance instantly spread throughout the entire street.
Many diners, upon smelling that thick, mouthwatering aroma of meat, couldn't help but look around for the source.
"Boss Fu, this is braised thousand-year Earth Dragon Tendon, butter-baked core of thousand-year Azure Vine, and…"
There were seven dishes in total on the table, each perfect in color, fragrance, and taste.
Every ingredient was a thousand-year-level spirit ingredient or soul beast meat.
Just this one meal was enough to rival nearly a month of cultivation.
"Alright, Xiao Li. Everyone's worked hard today. I've still got some leftover cuts here—let the staff have a feast tonight."
Fu Ye took out some more spirit ingredients and thousand-year soul beast meat.
He had plenty, and he was in a good mood today.
"Thank you, Boss!"
Xiao Li's eyes lit up instantly.
This kind of thing was incredibly expensive outside.
Even as a long-time employee of Juxiang Pavilion, he didn't dare be this extravagant in his own life.
But if the boss was eating meat, then the little brothers could at least drink some soup.
This scene didn't go unnoticed, either.
Many diners and pedestrians saw everything.
But the moment they saw Fu Ye and Ah Yin, they froze.
"Dear heavens, the owner of Juxiang Pavilion is actually a young man!"
"Second Aunt, shut that foul mouth of yours! Don't you dare taint my male god!"
"Whoa, big brother is so handsome—big sister is super pretty too!"
"So handsome! Mom, I think I'm in love!"
Under the lamplight, Fu Ye and Ah Yin's looks were even more striking.
Meanwhile, Ah Yin, the silly sweetheart, was too busy struggling with a very serious question:
Should she eat the Earth Dragon Tendon first or the tuna belly?
She didn't notice the outside world at all, staring intently at the thousand-year Earth Dragon Tendon and the thousand-year Golden-Striped Tuna belly.
"Maybe… the Earth Dragon Tendon first. It smells so good. No, maybe the fish belly first, it's so shiny…"
("▔□▔) …Fair enough.
"I say we start with the thousand-year tuna belly. It works as a perfect appetizer."
Right in front of Ah Yin, Fu Ye picked up a piece of golden fish belly and put it into his mouth.
The soft, rich fish practically melted on his tongue, sliding down into his stomach as a wave of warmth that spread through his limbs and bones. The refreshing sensation made his appetite soar.
"Mm. Delicious."
He was very satisfied.
After all, when he searched the system store, he had only typed three words:
"Something delicious."
Just as he picked up his chopsticks again, he noticed something.
Ah Yin was staring straight at him.
He hadn't even realized her cheeks were flushed.
Without giving her a chance to react, he swiftly grabbed another piece of fish belly and popped it into her mouth.
Only then did Ah Yin snap back to reality.
The fish belly was tender and creamy, with a gentle sweetness carrying a faint hint of the sea's salty tang.
It was incredibly refreshing.
"So good…"
Feeling that warm current in her stomach, Ah Yin knew this was something truly precious—and insanely tasty on top of that.
"If you like it, eat more. If it's not enough, I'll have them make another round."
With that, Fu Ye entered full "eating mode."
After tasting the amazing food, Ah Yin soon joined him.
This scene did not escape the notice of two men in black cloaks sitting not far away.
"What a gorgeous girl…"
"She really is. Shame she's already got a man with her."
"So what?"
"So?"
"We'll eat our fill first, then smash this place—and show that girl what a real man with strength looks like."
"I like her too."
"So?"
"Each of us will depend on our own skills."
They muttered back and forth for a while, completely unaware that every word they said had been heard crystal-clear by Fu Ye.
A glowing system screen appeared before his eyes.
[Tang Hao
Identity: Disciple of the Clear Sky Clan, grandson of the current Clan HeadAge: Thirty-three
Soul Power: Level 83 Soul DouluoMartial Spirit: Clear Sky Hammer (Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black)]
[Tang Xiao
Identity: Disciple of the Clear Sky Clan, elder brother of Tang HaoAge: Fifty-five
Soul Power: Level 83 Soul DouluoMartial Spirit: Clear Sky Hammer (Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black)]
Watching the two approach, a faint smile tugged at Fu Ye's lips.
Over thirty years old, and still eyeing a young girl like that…
But then again, this was a fantasy world.
The age gap between men and women in relationships wasn't that important here.
It was only his Blue Star mindset talking.
Back there, a thirty-three-year-old uncle going after a girl in her teens would be… awkward, to say the least.
(Though not unheard of…)
Suddenly, a mischievous idea popped into his mind.
Should I… pair Tang Hao with Yue Guan instead?
That way, Tang San would get a legendary upgrade.
First Martial Spirit: Odd Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.Second Martial Spirit: Clear Sky Hammer.
Good grief… that scene is so beautiful I don't even dare picture it.