"Graceful as a startled swan, elegant as a swimming dragon, radiant as an autumn chrysanthemum, vibrant as a spring pine."
The "old seat" Fu Ye mentioned was the prime spot in their small restaurant, Juxiang Pavilion—the best vantage point for wealthy young men to entertain their lady companions.
Ah Yin sat in the elegant second-floor private room, her ice-blue eyes brimming with curiosity as she observed the bustling crowd below.
Seeing her sweet smile, Fu Ye felt a stir in his heart and recalled a poem from his past life on Blue Star.
"Graceful as a startled swan, gentle as a swimming dragon, glorious as an autumn chrysanthemum, flourishing as a spring pine?"
Ah Yin repeated the words softly to herself. Yet, how could a newly transformed soul beast, still unfamiliar with the human world, grasp the depth of a poem steeped in thousand years of history?
"Hehe, even though I don't understand, I feels like these words are very profound."
After a long pause, she finally slumped onto the table in defeat.
If she couldn't figure it out, she wouldn't dwell on it. Human language was truly troublesome—thinking too hard about it gave her a headache.
Seeing her like this, Fu Ye smirked smugly. 'You little rascal, you haven't even mastered the language of Douluo Continent yet, and you dare to delve into the essence of Blue Star's wisdom?'
"Don't look so down. I was just complimenting your beauty."
As evening approached, the first floor grew increasingly crowded. Hearing the diners praise the food and service of his restaurant, Fu Ye couldn't help but smile.
As Iron Man once said: "With enough money, even gods will work for you."
Given the restaurant's booming business, his employees earned in a month what others might make in a year elsewhere. Naturally, he had no shortage of top-tier chefs and impeccably courteous waitstaff.
If a dish wasn't delicious? The customers wouldn't be the only ones complaining—the other chefs would thrash the culprit first. Anything less than a solid punch would be an insult to their paychecks.
"Boss Fu, your food is ready!"
Soon, Xiao Li arrived with two attractive waiters carrying Fu Ye's dishes.
When the lids were lifted, an intoxicating aroma wafted through the air, drawing the attention of every diner below.
"Boss Fu, we have braised thousand-year earthworm tendons, butter-roasted thousand-year Greenvine root cores, and more."
Seven exquisite dishes graced the table, each crafted from rare thousand-year spirit ingredients and soul beast meat. A feast like this could nourish a cultivator for nearly a month.
"Good work, Xiao Li. There's still some left—save it for everyone's dinner tonight."
Fu Ye casually handed over extra spirit ingredients and soul beast meat. He had plenty to spare, and today was a joyous occasion.
"Thank you, Boss!"
Xiao Li's eyes sparkled at the sight.
These ingredients were exorbitantly priced outside. Even as a senior employee of Juxiang Pavilion, he rarely indulged in such luxuries. But when the boss feasted, his subordinates could at least savor the scraps!
The onlookers and passersby gaped in awe—not just at the lavish spread, but at Fu Ye and Ah Yin themselves.
"Oh heavens! The owner of Juxiang Pavilion is actually this young?"
"Second Aunt, shut your mouth—don't slander my idol!"
"Wow! Big brother is so handsome, and big sister is so beautiful!"
"Mom, I think I'm in love!"
Under the warm glow of the lights, Fu Ye and Ah Yin's beauty was nothing short of breathtaking.
Meanwhile, the innocent Ah Yin was too busy agonizing over whether to eat the earthworm tendons or the tuna belly first to notice the stares.
"Should I try the earthworm tendons? They smell amazing. Or the fish belly—it's so shiny!"
(╯°□°)╯
"I'd recommend the thousand-year tuna belly first. It's the perfect appetizer."
Fu Ye picked up a glistening golden piece and popped it into his mouth. The tender, sweet flesh melted on his tongue, releasing a warm soul power that coursed through his body.
"Delicious!"
He nodded approvingly—this was the system's automatic recommendation, after all. Back then, he'd simply typed: "Delicious."
As he reached for another bite, he noticed Ah Yin staring at him, her cheeks faintly flushed. Without hesitation, he fed her a piece of fish belly. The moment it touched her tongue, her eyes widened in delight.
The fish belly was silky and rich, its sweetness balanced by a hint of oceanic saltiness.
"So good..."
Ah Yin savored the warmth spreading through her stomach. This was truly premium fare—both nourishing and delectable.
"Eat as much as you want. If it's not enough, we'll order more."
With that, Fu Ye dug in heartily. Once Ah Yin tasted the first bite, she, too, abandoned all restraint.
Unbeknownst to them, two men in black cloaks observed the scene from a distance.
"What a stunning girl."
"Indeed. Pity she's already taken."
"So what?"
"So?"
"Let's eat our fill, wreck the place, and show her what a real man looks like."
"I like her too."
"So?"
"May the best man win."
Their hushed conversation didn't escape Fu Ye's sharp ears.
Before him, an electronic screen materialized silently:
[Tang Hao]
[Identity: Disciple of the Clear Sky Sect, grandson of the current sect master]
[Age: 34]
[Soul Power: Level 83 Soul Douluo]
[Martial Soul: Clear Sky Hammer]
[Tang Xiao]
[Identity: Disciple of the Clear Sky Sect, elder brother of Tang Hao]
[Age: 38]
[Soul Power: Level 81 Soul Douluo]
[Martial Soul: Clear Sky Hammer]
Watching the two approach, Fu Ye's lips curled into a faint smirk. 'A man in his thirties still chasing after a teenage girl?'
Of course, in the Douluo Dalu, age gaps in romance were trivial.
Fu Ye's modern sensibilities simply found it amusing. Not that it was impossible back on Blue Star, just... awkward.
Suddenly, a mischievous idea struck him.
'What if I paired Tang Hao with Yue Guan? Then Tang San could get an epic upgrade—first martial spirit: the Chrysanthemum, second martial spirit: the Clear Sky Hammer.'
'Now that's a scene too glorious to imagine.'
…
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