Chapter 54 Observing Elixir Sales

Just as Su Hao settled steadily at the dining table, before he had a chance to carefully observe his surroundings, Gu Yu, like a lively and cheerful little bird, stepped lightly and suddenly appeared by his side.

Tilting her head with a playful and adorable expression, her sparkling eyes flickered like countless stars, full of curiosity and concern as she asked, “Brother Qingming, what else would you like? Surely you’re not going to eat just this one sea cucumber fried rice? We have plenty of specialty dishes here, each delicious in its own right. Please don’t be shy.”

Her eyes instantly brightened, shining like two twinkling jewels as she eagerly recommended, “For example, the roasted lamb chops—those are made by my best friend, and the taste is absolutely exquisite! Let me get you a serving; you just eat to your heart’s content. Tonight’s meal is on me since it’s my friend’s restaurant. Please, feel free to treat me like your own; don’t hold back.”

Hearing this, Su Hao quickly waved his hand with a gentle smile and replied, “No need, Gu Yu, just two orders of the sea cucumber fried rice for me. As for the lamb chops, don’t trouble yourself. My appetite’s modest; two servings of fried rice will be enough.”

Gu Yu responded crisply, “Alright then, Brother Qingming, I’ll get you two servings of sea cucumber fried rice. But I’ll throw in a serving of lamb chops as a gift, hehe. Eating only rice is too plain; I’ll also bring you a fruit platter to help cut through the richness. Just wait a moment—I’ll go to the kitchen and bring it right out.”

With that, she bounded toward the kitchen like a refreshing breeze, her ponytail swinging behind her, exuding the vitality of youth.

Before long, Gu Yu returned, carefully carrying a fruit platter. The fruits were arranged neatly, resembling a meticulously crafted work of art. Their colors were vibrant, as if freshly plucked from a painting, each piece plump and translucent, making one’s mouth water at the sight.

She took small, quick steps to Su Hao’s side, gently setting the platter on the table. A sweet smile blossomed on her face like a flower in spring as she said, “Brother Qingming, I’ve been meaning to properly thank you since last time. When we first met, I saw you looking so miserable, I thought you were disabled from birth. Little did I know you’re actually so handsome and tall—it’s like you’ve transformed into a different person.”

Su Hao blushed slightly, a bit embarrassed, scratching his head as he casually picked up a toothpick and speared a piece of kiwi to taste. The sweet and tangy flavor burst in his mouth like a carnival for his taste buds. Finding it delicious, he abandoned all pretenses, quickly devouring the entire fruit platter as if swept away by an autumn wind.

Hungry as he was, after eating his fill, he suddenly became aware of the little girl across from him, who was watching him intently with wide, expectant eyes, waiting for his response.

Clearing his throat, Su Hao offered a somewhat embarrassed smile and said softly, “Well, I was born like that—bedridden for ten whole years as a child, living as if forgotten by time. It wasn’t until I came here that I regained my vitality and grew limbs again, filling in what was missing. Thinking back now, it seems incredible, even a bit laughable. When we met, that was my original form; now I have these limbs and have learned plenty of skills at the Universal Environmental Protection Agency.

Last time on a mission, I even took down a formidable evil cultivator at the pinnacle of the Golden Core stage. Thinking about it now, it was quite a close call.”

Gu Yu’s eyes widened like copper bells, filled with astonishment and admiration, her mouth slightly agape. After a moment, she recovered and said quickly, “Brother Gu Yu, you went on missions again! Sometimes these tasks really are boring—either the same old routine or some headache-inducing problems.

My first survival trial was dreadful—I got zero points, a complete failure. The second time I went on a mission with you, I managed to gain a little. But since then, my missions have mysteriously stopped. I still don’t know why; it’s really frustrating.”

At this point, her eyes dimmed, and a hint of loneliness crept into her expression.

Su Hao looked at Gu Yu with a spark of hope and asked, “Have you never returned to the real world?”

She sighed softly, her face showing helplessness as her brow furrowed slightly. “In the real world, I’m like a lost soul, utterly alone with no family or friends. It’s better to be here at the Universal Environmental Protection Agency—at least it’s freer, without having to face all those complicated and heartbreaking things.”

Her gaze grew even dimmer, as if shrouded by a faint shadow, her complexion reflecting a bitter sorrow, radiating an unspeakable loneliness.

Su Hao opened his mouth, seeming to want to ask many things, but feeling the heaviness of the moment, those words stuck like fishbones in his throat. So, he refrained from pressing further.

An uneasy silence settled between them, broken only by the faint background noise, which only made the quiet feel more oppressive.

After a while, as if unable to bear the stifling atmosphere, Gu Yu suddenly stood up, forcing a smile and feigning lightness. “Brother Qingming, I’ll go check if your food’s ready.”

With that, she hurried toward the kitchen, her back radiating a subtle urgency, as if eager to escape the somber mood.

Soon, two steaming plates of sea cucumber fried rice were brought out. The rice grains were plump like pearls, glistening under the light with an oily sheen, and the aroma alone was enough to whet anyone’s appetite.

Seeing the fried rice, Su Hao’s hunger surged anew, his stomach growling impatiently. Without further ado, he grabbed his chopsticks and devoured the meal like a starving wolf, finishing the bowl in no time.

Gu Yu watched quietly, a gentle smile creeping onto her lips, soft and slightly indulgent, her eyes full of care as if looking at someone very dear.

When Su Hao was nearly done, she quietly slipped away to fetch the steaming roasted lamb chops, placing them carefully on the table with a smile. “Brother Qingming, try these lamb chops. They’re delicious—my best friend’s specialty.”

Su Hao looked up gratefully at her, smiling in return. He picked up a chop, taking a gentle bite. The tender, juicy meat melted in his mouth like a feast for his palate. The rich aroma and perfectly balanced seasoning made him unable to help but praise, “Mmm, this really is good.”

He continued eating, finishing the remaining rice and lamb chops in a few bites, then patted his full belly with satisfaction, exuding contentment.

Only then did he remember the bill and asked Gu Yu apologetically, “Alright, how much do I owe you?”

Gu Yu stood across from him, quietly watching him eat. Upon hearing his question, a teasing smile appeared on her face. “Brother Qingming, you forgot? This time it’s on me. Don’t ask about the cost. Next time, we’ll talk about it. You’re still too polite with me.”

Su Hao hurriedly waved his hands, embarrassed. “I can’t accept that, Gu Yu. You’re too kind. I really can’t let you pay; it wouldn’t sit right with me.”

But Gu Yu was serious. “Brother Qingming, it’s nothing. Last time I went on a mission with you, I got a huge advantage. I scored zero on my first survival trial—truly awful. The second time, I made some progress.

So my transfer hasn’t even been approved yet. There are very few contract holders like me with no prospects. So don’t be so formal with me. If you ever need anything, just contact me. Here’s my number.”

She pulled a small, delicate slip of paper from her pocket, neatly inscribed with a string of digits, and handed it to Su Hao.

He took the paper and quickly produced pen and paper, writing down his number and passing it to her with a smile. “Alright, Gu Yu, I’ll give you my number too. But next time, you can’t pay for the meal again—I wouldn’t feel comfortable.”

Gu Yu winked playfully, a hint of stubbornness in her smile. “Forget it, Brother Qingming. Next time you come to eat, I’ll treat you again. Don’t argue with me; I’m happy to do it. Just don’t spoil my fun.”

Su Hao smiled helplessly, knowing he couldn’t win, and stood up. “Alright then, Gu Yu, thank you for your hospitality. I’ll be going now. Hopefully, we can meet again.”

With that, he stepped out of the restaurant and headed toward the Contract Holder Trading Square, his figure gradually fading into the bustling crowd.

The square was truly lively—teeming with people shoulder to shoulder, a surging sea of humanity, stalls lining every corner.

Vendors shouted to advertise their goods, some hoarse from calling out their wares’ virtues, others waving their merchandise to attract attention. The cacophony blended into a noisy yet vibrant symphony, playing the tune of this small world’s prosperity.

Su Hao wandered through the crowd, his eyes scanning like spotlights. He soon found a stall selling elixirs.

The prices were shockingly high—each labeled with figures that made him gasp, often thousands or even tens of thousands of universal credits.

He sucked in a breath, astonished by such outrageous costs.

Yet, examining the elixirs more closely, each glowed softly with a strange light, their colors smooth and lustrous. They seemed potent, as if consuming one could transform the body instantly, making his heart itch with desire to buy.

Su Hao found a relatively quiet spot opposite the elixir stall and sat down, staring unblinking at the stall like a focused, wary leopard eyeing its prey.

The elixirs sold quite well—people approached, questioning the vendor about effects and usage, haggling before finally sealing deals.

Su Hao pondered whether to negotiate with the vendor himself.

After hesitating, he restrained himself, only sneaking glances now and then, his gaze filled with longing yet conflicted.

At the same time, he activated his perception, focusing all attention on the stall, observing every transaction and every word exchanged.

Gradually, he uncovered some trading patterns, committing them to memory, thinking they might come in handy someday.