NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 72: Chapter 69: "Let Go of Me"
Chapter 69: "Let Go of Me☆"
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'I really want to get some for Fu Lin...' Kiana, who had been quietly observing, swallowed her saliva upon hearing the owner's description.
"When did Taixuan Mountain ever have a creature called 'Red Chicken'? I've never heard of it..." Fu Shi muttered under her breath, glancing at the food on her plate, but her voice was soon drowned out by the surrounding chatter.
"Boss, is there a version of Red Chicken that's good for beauty and skincare?" Wutong asked sweetly, her innocent gaze fixed on the owner.
"The Black Chicken Set from the shop next door is for that..." The owner pointed to the restaurant across the street.
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"Thank you, boss! Master, let's hurry." Wutong grabbed Sirin and Yae Sakura, running across the street without a hint of hesitation.
"…Why send customers over to the shop next door? Aren't you supposed to be business rivals or something?" Fu Lin asked as he watched the departing group, chewing on a half-eaten chicken bone.
The restaurant owner replied proudly, "The shop across the street is run by my wife…"
Fu Lin spat out the bone fragments and stared silently at the owner for a moment before his gaze returned to the table.
He casually picked up another chicken drumstick and took a bite. He couldn't deny it—the taste was fantastic, though it was a bit tough on his teeth.
"As long as the customer enjoys it, I won't disturb you any further." Seeing Fu Lin focus on eating, the restaurant owner tactfully returned to the counter and began fiddling with something.
"This braised chicken with mushrooms is pretty good, though it's been stewed a bit too long."
"The chicken soup is excellent, too—rich, flavorful, and wonderfully savory."
After finishing the steaming hot soup, Fu Lin licked his lips with satisfaction, his detailed critique sounding so professional one might mistake him for a food connoisseur.
...
Fu Lin smacked his lips in satisfaction and patted his belly, feeling that he had definitely chosen the right place this time.
"Boss, check, please."
"Alright, let me calculate. Your total comes to 1,342 yuan, but I'll round it down to 1,300 for you," the owner said, fiddling with his abacus.
"Where's the payment code?" Fu Lin took out his phone, ready to pay, but after a brief search, he couldn't find a QR code.
"We only accept cash here—no payment codes," the owner replied, giving Fu Lin a peculiar look, clearly puzzled by his attempt to pay with his phone.
"Huh? …Do you take Japanese yen, then?" Embarrassed, Fu Lin put his phone away and rummaged around for a moment before reluctantly pulling out some large-denomination yen bills.
The owner shook his head with a blank expression.
"Hey, finished eating yet, Lin?" Fu Shi strolled in leisurely, whistling as she entered and glancing at Fu Lin.
"Fu Shi, you came at just the right time! Do you have any cash on you?" Fu Lin hurriedly grabbed Fu Shi's hands with excitement.
"Do I look like someone who'd have money?" Fu Shi pulled her hands away, spreading her palms helplessly.
"Yeah, fair point." Fu Lin clutched her head, feeling hopeless. He couldn't believe he had just asked the Herrscher of Sentience if she had any money. If only some blond fool would show up and pay for their meal right now.
"Although I don't have any cash, Wutong does," Fu Shi said, scratching her head and glancing at Fu Lin in confusion.
"Master, were you calling me?" Wutong poked her head excitedly through the door when she heard her name.
"Lin doesn't have any cash, so I'll have to trouble you to pay," Fu Shi explained, pointing at Fu Lin. She secretly felt relieved to see Wutong—Fu Lin was too unreliable.
"No problem! Helping my big brother-in-law pay is my duty!" Wutong reached into her chest pocket and pulled out a small bundle of cash.
"What are you talking about, human☆?" Sirin's eyelid twitched as she overheard Wutong's words.
"Ahem, I was just joking." Wutong stuck out her tongue before quickly handing the cash to the owner and diving into Sirin's arms.
"Let go of me☆!" Sirin pushed Wutong away in disgust. If her brother weren't watching, she'd have unleashed a few Void Spears by now.
'Who would've thought even Sirin could get clingy fans? Hahaha!' Kiana laughed, her grin wide as she watched Sirin's frustration.
"They seem to be getting along well," Fu Lin remarked, rubbing her chin as she observed Sirin and Wutong tangled together. Something felt slightly off, though.
"Totally. During the meal, Wutong kept serving food to Sirin… She's never been that nice to me, her master." Fu Shi chimed in, pouting enviously.