"Graceful as a startled swan, elegant as a swimming dragon, radiant as autumn chrysanthemums, and majestic like spring pines…"
This seat Fu Ye had chosen—"the old seat" in Juxiang Pavilion—was known for its perfect view. Perched on the second floor of the cozy restaurant, it was the favored spot of wealthy young men entertaining their companions. And today, it was Ah Yin who sat there, her ice-blue eyes filled with innocent curiosity as she gazed at the lively street below.
Fu Ye, watching her smile, was moved. The poem had slipped from his lips—words from his previous life on Blue Star, rich with five thousand years of history.
Ah Yin softly echoed him. "Graceful as a startled swan… swimming dragon…"
She repeated the words quietly, tilting her head. As a soul beast who had only recently taken human form, human language—and especially ancient poetry—was still a mystery to her.
"Hehe… I don't understand it," she admitted, lying down on the table, pouting. "But it sounds impressive."
Fu Ye chuckled. The confused look on her face was adorable.
"You haven't even mastered the language of Douluo Continent," he teased, "and you want to decipher the essence of Blue Star's ancient culture?"
Then, he added with a wink, "Don't be so discouraged. I was complimenting your beauty."
As dusk fell, the restaurant below filled with diners. The atmosphere buzzed with warmth and satisfaction. Laughter and praise echoed through the floor—praising the food, the service, the ambiance. Fu Ye couldn't help but smile.
Iron Man was right: with enough money, even gods can be hired.
The chefs and staff in Juxiang Pavilion were the best money could buy. Their monthly earnings here far outstripped what other restaurants could offer in a year. Naturally, the food and service were top-tier.
If any guest dared criticize the food, it wasn't just Fu Ye who'd be offended—the chefs themselves might break a plate over the critic's head. Anything less would be an insult to their craft… and to their paychecks.
"Mr. Fu, your dishes are ready!"
Xiao Li, one of the senior waiters, appeared with two other servers in tow. They carried a lavish spread of food, each dish covered with ornate lids. As the covers were lifted, a rich aroma surged forth, flooding the room and spilling into the streets below.
People walking by paused. Diners turned their heads, noses twitching.
"Boss Fu," Xiao Li grinned, "we have: braised thousand-year earth dragon tendons, butter-baked green vine root cores, and more…"
Seven dishes total, all glowing with vibrant energy—each one made from rare spiritual plants or meat from thousand-year-old soul beasts. A single bite of this feast could nourish a cultivator for an entire month.
"Thanks, Xiao Li. Everyone worked hard today," Fu Ye said warmly. "There are leftovers—share them with the staff for dinner."
From his storage, he casually took out more soul beast meat and spiritual herbs. He had plenty, and today, he was in a good mood.
"Thank you, Boss!"
Xiao Li's eyes lit up. These ingredients were worth a fortune, and even he, a senior staff member, rarely got to taste them.
But if the boss eats meat, the little brothers can at least drink the soup.
Around them, the other diners murmured in awe.
"Oh my god! The owner of Juxiang Pavilion is that young?"
"Second Aunt, shut up! Don't ruin my male god's image!"
"Wow, he's so handsome! And his date is gorgeous too!"
"Mom, I'm in love…"
Under the glow of warm lanterns, Fu Ye and Ah Yin looked like a pair straight out of a painting. Unbothered by the attention, Ah Yin was staring at the dishes—particularly torn between two of them.
"Should I eat the dragon tendons first… or the tuna belly? Ugh, they both look so good."
Fu Ye laughed. "Go for the tuna belly. It's light and perfect as an appetizer."
He picked up a piece of the shimmering golden fish belly and popped it into his mouth. The rich, velvety texture melted instantly, spreading warmth through his body. His eyes lit up.
"Mmm… that's amazing."
No wonder the system recommended this. All he'd typed was: delicious.
He turned to Ah Yin, who was still watching him wide-eyed. Without thinking, he picked up another piece and gently placed it into her mouth.
The soft fish belly melted on her tongue, leaving a trail of warmth. Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkled.
"It's delicious," she whispered.
"If you like it, eat more. If it's not enough, I'll order extra."
They both began eating, and for a moment, everything was peaceful.
But peace never lasts.
Across the street, two men in dark cloaks stood watching from the shadows.
"What a beautiful girl," one said, voice low.
"She is," the other replied. "Shame she has a boyfriend."
"So what?"
"So… we eat first. Then we show her what a real man looks like."
"I like her too."
"Then it's a competition."
They laughed quietly, unaware that Fu Ye had heard everything.
An electronic screen flashed before Fu Ye's eyes, revealing the identities of the two men.
[Tang Hao]
Identity: Disciple of the Clear Sky Sect. Grandson of the current sect master.
Age: 33. Soul Power: Level 83 Soul Douluo.
Martial Soul: Clear Sky Hammer (1 Yellow, 1 Purple, 3 Black)
[Tang Xiao]
Identity: Disciple of the Clear Sky Sect. Older brother of Tang Hao.
Age: 55. Soul Power: Level 83 Soul Douluo.
Martial Soul: Clear Sky Hammer (1 Yellow, 1 Purple, 3 Black)
Fu Ye's lips curled into a smirk.
Two middle-aged men… still chasing after teenage girls?
Well, in Douluo Continent, age gaps didn't matter much. But Fu Ye couldn't help comparing it to modern Blue Star standards. Thirty-three dating a teenager? A little sketchy.
Suddenly, a mischievous thought popped into his mind.
What if… he paired Tang Hao with Yue Guan? That would definitely shake things up.
Imagine: Tang San, reborn with the first spirit as Qirong Tongtianju, and the second as Haotian Tui…
The scene would be too chaotic to describe.
And with that evil thought, Fu Ye picked up his chopsticks again.