Chapter 36

Page Thirty-Five City of Magic·Balance Commercial District

As a diligent and responsible divine apprentice, I should have been paying attention to Old Feng, who had just started his journey today. But now, I’m like a statue crossing a river, barely managing myself! With my life in Xiao Hai Tang’s hands, there’s no way I can spare any thought for Old Feng’s situation.

However, the quickest route to the Balance Commercial District would definitely pass by the bridge where Old Feng lives. Xiao Lei and I exchanged glances, planning to take advantage of our passage by the riverbank to find an excuse to go down and check on the situation.

“Sorry, I need to go relieve myself by the riverbank. Wait for me here,” I said. Usually, the “urine遁” (a pun on urination as a means of escape) is a perfect excuse, as three girls wouldn’t likely be spying on me going to the bathroom, right?

But Xiao Hai Tang looked at me with disdain, clearly disapproving.

“What happened to your sense of public decency? Can’t you find a toilet in the commercial district?”

After all, the real reason was to check on Old Feng’s condition.

“It’s easy for boys to use the restroom, they just stand and it’s done. Let’s wait a bit, Hai Tang.”

Xiao Lei tried to persuade me, but Xiao Hai Tang shot back, “Oh? Little Lei knows so much about boys relieving themselves?”

I felt Xiao Hai Tang treated Xiao Lei differently than other girls, being especially harsh… Could she have found out?

Under the bridge during the day, visibility was still decent, and due to the river absorbing heat, it was cooler than the scorching sun outside. Old Feng had hidden his livelihood cart between two bungalows, covered with blue-gray oil paper.

The empty bungalows were devoid of people, suggesting Old Feng had gone out. It was uncertain if he might be seen in the Balance Commercial District or if he went to restock his cart.

Since Old Feng wasn’t around, I quickly surveyed the area and climbed back onto the riverside highway. “All set, let’s go.”

Xiao Hai Tang glanced at my hands and frowned, “Tsk, your hands are dry. Didn’t you wash them?”

“Ew~ Brother, I think we should pay more attention to hygiene,” Orange stepped back two steps in the opposite direction.

Was it really that bad because I didn’t wash my hands? Besides, I hadn’t even gone to the bathroom.

Crossing the river via the pedestrian walkway on the bridge led us directly into the Balance Commercial District.

“Miaow! This place is too over-the-top!” Orange, visiting for the first time, looked awestruck, “It feels like it could take three days to explore!”

Orange wasn’t entirely inexperienced, as my first visit had been similar. Back then, the Balance Commercial District wasn’t this extensive.

As the most bustling commercial area in the region, its layout was problematic. After several expansions, large shopping malls and high-rise buildings scattered chaotically. Narrow and crowded roads between buildings meant many skywalks were built for convenience.

Looking up from the base of the Balance Commercial District, the complex network of skywalks seemed to entangle like a web. These intertwined walkways formed suspended outdoor platforms, turning a plain city into a tiered architectural space like a mountain city.

This chaos made the commercial district irresistibly attractive. Some found it rebellious, attracting countless tourists. However, it felt like a fire department would struggle to navigate in case of a fire.

“Let’s find somewhere to eat first? And think about what to buy.”

When Xiao Hai Tang mentioned buying things, Xiao Lei looked deflated… She had spent extravagantly yesterday and had little money left.

“How about hotpot?”

When unsure what to eat, I always chose hotpot. Its inclusive nature felt like the wisdom of ancestors, especially in cold air-conditioned restaurants during summer, providing a refreshing contrast.

“Rejected! Orange has a sensitive tongue and can’t handle hotpot,” Xiao Hai Tang objected, holding Orange.

There were such settings? As her brother, I hadn’t known. No, Orange seemed increasingly distant.

“Then, Orange, see if there’s anything you want to eat?”

After surveying the restaurants, Orange scratched her head, confused, “Miaow, too hard to decide! I want everything!”

“If you don’t like hot food, how about May Rome? They have a buffet with plenty of cold dishes, allowing Orange to try various foods. If Chairman wants hotpot, they have that too,” Xiao Lei, who had been silent, finally spoke up.

“That’s a good idea, but it might require a queue,” Xiao Hai Tang agreed.

I checked my phone; it was half past eleven.

Rather than waiting at May Rome, most popular restaurants would be busy at this hour.

Xiao Hai Tang whispered, “Chairman, did you notice Xiao Lei calling you Chairman?”

Damn, I was used to it and didn’t realize. Xiao Hai Tang was too observant!

Due to the unique environment of the Balance Commercial District, many shops had entrances on high glass facades, accessible only through skywalks. May Rome was structured similarly.

The restaurant’s main entrance was not inside the building but accessed via the seventh-floor skywalk.

Excited like a three-year-old, Orange ran around, enjoying the new experience. She seemed younger than three.

May Rome had a queue outside, but despite fifteen people ahead, mostly in pairs, we only waited ten minutes before entering, giving me a sense of superiority.

Enjoying their summer vacation, couples could wait in line while I, dining with three girls, felt like a winner.

Entering the restaurant, a uniformed server greeted us, “Four of you? Please follow me… Oh, it’s you?”

Seeing me, the server was surprised, and I studied him in return.

His messy hair, dark circles, and poor complexion gave off a tired vibe… Familiar, as if I had seen him somewhere.

“He’s the senior who delivered pizza that time, the one who fainted halfway,” Xiao Lei whispered.

I remembered him, the delivery guy who nearly starved me at home after delivering pizzas for half a day.

“Oh, Senior is working again? Saving for tuition?” I asked.

Working on the first day of summer vacation, he must be short on cash.

“My family situation is complicated… Sit here, this place’s cheese crab is delicious, sell out fast. Remember to queue early. What kind of hotpot base do you want?”

Despite his poor condition, he seemed enthusiastic about work.

“Just clear broth.”

“I’ll bring it soon. Go get your food.”

“Wait, Senior.” After seating us, he prepared to leave but was stopped by me, “What’s your name, Senior?”

His face turned even paler.

I quickly explained, “I’m not reporting you to school! We’ve met twice, and I don’t even know your name. I’m Chang Kai, Grade B Class 1, next year will be 2B.”

Hearing my introduction, he sighed in relief, “Li Jianlian, Grade B Class 2, the 2B you mentioned.”

“Huh? How is it written?”

“Li with wood radical, Jian with mountain radical, Lian with lotus radical,” I noted mentally.

“Li Jianlian, Li Jianlian, you’re busy, I won’t keep you from work.”

Why did I ask his name? To build a talent pool!

He seemed like an excellent candidate, though somewhat rude. He was the “unlucky person” described by Master Hariliuya.

Turning back, I noticed Xiao Lei and Orange had gone to get food, leaving Xiao Hai Tang alone.

“Is he from your school? Looks sick, like a vampire.”

“Yeah, a second-year senior. He looks tired, probably working elsewhere too.”

“So dedicated… Do you want to get food? If not, I’ll look around.”

“You can get food, I’ll manage the grill and hotpot. Also, grab some hotpot balls for me.”

“Okay.”