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In a strange environment, Vera faced a mysterious man across the table, along with two individuals who clearly held no affection for her and exuded an air of threat. Yet, she remained calm and collected, eating as if she were in her own world.
Jufeng observed this scene and felt no inclination to blame her; after all, what right did he have to criticize someone who could command respect in Europe? However, he was taken aback when she acted like a child in front of everyone, just as the rumors suggested. Wasn't she supposed to be the ruthless Underworld Young Master who killed without a second thought? Had gossip crossed borders and failed to retain even the most basic truths?
Jufeng was not one to seek confrontation, but being lectured by a seemingly immature girl stirred resentment within him—a matter that touched upon his dignity as a man. How could he swallow that indignation quietly?
With a smile, Jufeng savored the flavors he had already tasted earlier that evening while watching Vera delicately chew her food. Suddenly, an idea struck him.
He was already holding chopsticks and had just picked up a sprout. The table's diameter was only about five feet, so it was easy for him to reach across. Leaning forward slightly, he bent at the waist, and with a gentle flick of his chopsticks, the sprout fell into her bowl.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment.
Jufeng remained standing, unable to see if there was any change on Vera's lowered face. However, the large man behind her could no longer tolerate Jufeng's provocation.
Before the big man could explode in anger, he was caught off guard by someone even more audacious.
"Lance," Jufeng warned sharply, "I advise you to show some respect to your master. Don't go around releasing your barbaric killing intent. Do you really think the European Third can run rampant on my territory?"
Jufeng fixed his gaze on Lance behind Vera, who met his stare with equal fury. It seemed that any sudden movement would lead to immediate conflict.
The Female Manager at the front desk felt a tremor in her heart upon hearing the tense exchange and Jufeng's somewhat cryptic words.
Tong Bailong didn’t fully grasp the weight of Jufeng’s words either, but he recognized that this equally formidable man before him would not be easy to handle. If a fight broke out, he needed to quickly devise a strategy to create opportunities for Brother Jufeng.
Indeed, Tong Bailong had no thoughts of winning—not out of self-deprecation but rather as an objective assessment. He was even confident enough to consider how best to assist Brother Jufeng.
Should he use the Howling Forest Tiger Fist learned in Yanhuang City or rely on the earth-style boxing practiced at home?
Zhu Yao was the only one in the room, aside from Vera and the parties involved, who understood the significance of the terms "Lance" and "European Third." Lance was just a common name; many people in Europe could be called Lance. The term European Third was similarly broad, referring to anything from business rankings to military standings, sports placements, or academic achievements. However, when these two terms were combined, they could only point to one thing—the third place in the European Martial Rankings, a title held by a sacred master who could kill as easily as one would harvest vegetables: Lance.
The European Martial Rankings only listed the top ten, and Lance had held the second position for a decade.
Like his master, Lance was not one for many words and wore a rather expressionless demeanor. Even as he glared at Jufeng, there was no excess emotion on his face.
Vera raised her hand and waved it in the air, signaling Lance to step back. The burly man continued to glare at Jufeng but took a step back nonetheless.
Jufeng let out a cold snort, reminiscent of a victorious child, and slowly sat down. When he looked back at Vera, his expression instantly transformed into one that seemed harmless.
Since you are expressionless, I will break that silence with my own expression.
"Sister Vera, you wouldn’t think less of me, would you? I'm someone who loves cleanliness; I assure you I have no bad breath or contagious diseases."
Zhu Yao's right hand, which held the Lunar Blade, suddenly trembled slightly, nearly dispersing the rare killing intent he had mustered. Even Tong Bailong momentarily forgot the technique he had planned to use just moments ago, almost embarrassing himself in front of a formidable opponent.
The Female Manager hiding behind the front desk did not possess such self-control; she let out a laugh that she quickly stifled with her hand. Struggling to contain her amusement, she thought to herself that if it weren't for the other party's unpredictable identity, she might actually consider being his lover for once.
Even the Onlooker couldn't help but show a hint of amusement; however, those directly involved remained as cold as ice.
What impressive composure!
Vera looked at the sprout in her bowl while reflecting on Jufeng's retort regarding her being a "child." After much contemplation, she finally set down her chopsticks.
"You win. When it comes to thick skin, I truly cannot compete with you."
This statement seemed sarcastic at first glance, but coming from Vera's expressionless face, it carried no hint of mockery. Jufeng basked in his victory of having won through sheer audacity and also set down his chopsticks.
"I’ve shown you my Blue Cat; why don’t you meet my partner?"
Jufeng, who had put away his jokes, was serious and warm. The previous Female Manager had given off a similar vibe, which was why he couldn't help but linger until now.
Vera nodded, picking up Blue Cat and leading the way outside, with Lance following behind, towering like a hill.
Jufeng approached the front desk, where the Female Manager stood up shyly to see him off. Though neither of them spoke of it, they both understood the unspoken feelings between them.
"Could you please help me pack for my brother? I’m really sorry to trouble you at this late hour," Jufeng said with a smile, as warm as the spring breeze of the season, evoking nostalgia.
The Female Manager didn’t know how to respond and chose silence instead. After Jufeng entrusted some matters to Tong Bailong, he left with Zhu Yao.
For this meal, Jufeng didn’t leave any extra tip beyond what was required. The Female Manager didn’t feel upset at all; rather, she thought that it was only in this way that her “affair” could be deemed complete.
From then on, Qingmei Village's business flourished even more, always bustling with customers. This forced the Female Manager to frequently hire chefs and staff, eventually leading to the opening of a branch in North City.
Perhaps even in her old age, she would remember that one evening filled with dazzling light when a warm smile illuminated the entire spring.
...
Leaving Qingmei Village and arriving at Yangliu River, a green plum fell, sending ripples across the two rivers.
Vera stood by the riverbank, the water reflecting in her eyes.
"How did you think to wait for me there?"
Vera’s voice was exceptionally melodious, though it lacked much emotion.
Jufeng shrugged and replied, "It wasn’t hard to find out that you like cats. It was also easy to discover where in Washing City there are interesting cats. The rest really depended on luck; as you said, I’m just a kid."
Vera remained noncommittal, seemingly caught in Jufeng's unwavering grip on the matter, further solidifying her belief that he was the child's father.
Breaking the silence was her responsibility, but how to continue the conversation was Jufeng's task.
Thus, a whistle escaped Jufeng's lips, and Spring Moon responded with a clear call from the branches against the night sky.
The call was faint, indicating that its source lingered far away. The lazy Blue Cat perked up its large, upright ears at the sound, momentarily snuggling in Vera's embrace before gradually lifting its head.
As the cat raised its head, a silvery-blue sheen suddenly glimmered under the moonlight.
The call faded away, and a refreshing spring breeze stirred through the night sky.
The Azure Wind Antelope dove down from a great height like a bullet, swiftly landing on Jufeng's shoulder.
Jufeng affectionately stroked the green feathers on the Azure Wind Antelope's wings, while the antelope nuzzled against Jufeng's cheek.
"You have Blue Cat; I have Azure Wind Antelope. They are suited to be friends."
Jufeng's words made Blue Cat uncomfortable. It held its head high in pride, disdainfully ignoring the sharp-beaked creature. The Azure Wind Antelope also felt displeased with its owner's comment, casting a disdainful glance at the soft-bodied four-legged animal hiding in the woman's arms, thinking to itself that how could something that could barely climb a tree be worthy of being friends with its king of the skies?
However, in the next moment, when Jufeng reached out to touch Blue Cat nestled in Vera's arms, and Vera lifted her wrist to stroke the Azure Wind Antelope on Jufeng's shoulder, they both fell silent again, quietly allowing a stranger to touch their bodies. For them, it was likely the first time in their lives being touched by someone other than their owners.
Silence represented an attitude.
An attitude from both animals.
And an attitude from both people.
After a long night of turmoil, from Qingmei Village to this place, the darkness had begun to lift.
Morning Star grew brighter.
The eastern sky began to lighten.
Willow Shore, the dawn breeze Crescent Moon.
The two people met again.
"Hello, my name is Jufeng."
"I am Vera."
(To be continued)
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