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墨書 Inktalez
The young man known as the Bull laid out the entire situation for everyone to hear, and the murmurs in the crowd grew louder, escalating into a frenzy.
Most of the discussions centered around the two young people. In their early twenties, even if they were destitute, it seemed unlikely they couldn't afford a few coins for noodles. Thus, everyone was curious, watching them as if they had come from another planet.
However, Jufeng did not share this perspective. He could clearly see that the two young people were not pretending; their emotions were genuine. Yet, it puzzled him why they would disregard worldly matters when they were so clearly part of this world.
Jufeng thought of a certain type of person—those who lived on the fringes, truly isolated from the world's splendor.
Determined to help resolve the crisis, Jufeng stepped forward.
“Boss.”
He gently took Ikeda Masahiro's hand and walked toward the center of the commotion. The single word "Boss" drew everyone's attention, and even the arguing parties fell silent, turning to look at Jufeng.
As the two approached the center, the crowd's eyes sparkled with intrigue—not solely because of Jufeng but because he was accompanied by a dazzling star.
Unfazed by their gazes, Jufeng continued after addressing the Boss.
“Now is a prime time for business, yet you and these two young people are arguing here. Not only does it affect your business, but it also tarnishes your reputation. Why not consider my suggestion and let this matter rest?”
The Boss was clearly a man who appeared strong but was actually weak inside. Until now, he had remained silent while a woman argued loudly beside him, his anger evident yet unspoken.
At that moment, the woman shot him a glance, giving him confidence. He feigned a threatening demeanor and said, “What suggestion do you have? You’re not in cahoots with them to set us up, are you?”
Jufeng couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly at this remark. He thought to himself that this Boss might have watched too many movies and was thinking far too absurdly. Four young people had gone through great lengths just to trick him out of a bowl of noodles—no matter how you looked at it, that made no sense!
Shaking his head with a smile, Jufeng replied, “You’re overthinking it, Boss. My suggestion is simple: I will cover their meal costs and double it. Then we can put this matter to rest. You can continue your thriving business while the onlookers disperse.”
The terms “double” and “thriving” were perfectly chosen; they made Boss Lady feel like she was getting a good deal and would naturally be more inclined to settle things peacefully. Compliments are always well-received; given some flattering words, she would likely provide an easy way out for everyone involved.
Boss Lady let out a heavy snort, clearly feeling that she had suffered a great loss by giving both the other party and Jufeng considerable face. She coldly stated, "You bring the money, and we'll let this matter go. But let me tell you, if you dare to trouble me again next time, I won't spare you."
Jufeng said nothing more; he glanced at Ikeda Masahiro, who looked slightly puzzled before revealing a helpless expression. It turned out that Jufeng was short on cash and needed to borrow from a woman to resolve the situation.
Ikeda Masahiro handed the money to Boss Lady. The man, feeling intimidated, couldn't help but steal a few more glances at the dazzling star. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his lower back and couldn't hold back a startled cry.
Turning around, he was met with Boss Lady's gaze, which was filled with murderous intent.
Ikeda Masahiro instinctively covered his face and chuckled softly before returning to Jufeng's side. Jufeng then approached the young couple and gestured for them to follow him.
However, the girl named Meizi seemed unable to accept the idea of paying double and intended to argue about it. But before she could voice her thoughts, she was dragged away by Niu, pulled out of the crowd.
As the commotion settled down, those who wanted to continue exploring the night market resumed their activities, while those tending to business went back to shouting their wares. Everything returned to calm.
Jufeng led Meizi and Niu to his previous seat, allowing them to sit where he had been earlier while he and Ikeda Masahiro moved over to another spot.
The previous seat still had some slightly cooled barbecue food emitting a faint aroma. As soon as Meizi sat down, she couldn't resist the temptation and began devouring the food without a care for politeness or inquiries.
"What are your names? I heard your titles earlier; they sounded quite interesting," Jufeng casually asked after they settled in.
"I'm Meizi, and he's Niu. That's what we've been called since birth; we don't have surnames," Meizi replied while stuffing her mouth with food, showing no concern for her image but still managing to answer Jufeng's question.
The vegetables and meat on Jufeng's plate were quickly devoured by Meizi, who then nonchalantly called Boss Lady over for an enormous order of food.
Seeing Meizi's eating habits and her assertiveness in ordering made Niu's face flush with embarrassment; it was clear he was very reluctant to be with her.
He glanced apologetically at Jufeng and then at Ikeda Masahiro, but when his gaze fell on the latter, it quickly darted away, unable to linger even for a second.
Following Meizi's words, he explained, "Both Meizi and I are orphans, taken in by our master. When my master found Meizi, it was winter, and the wintersweet was blooming, so she was named Meizi. When I was found, there was an ox plowing nearby, so I was named Niu."
Niu had a delicate appearance, with fair skin. His voice was gentle and refined. He was extremely reserved, displaying great courtesy in his words and actions, which made him seem quite shy.
Jufeng nodded in understanding and then said to Niu, "Brother, you look like you haven't eaten in a while. Don't be polite; order whatever you want. This meal is on me."
Upon hearing this, Niu was about to politely decline when Meizi, who was busy stuffing her mouth with food, suddenly looked up with gleaming eyes and exclaimed excitedly, "Really? Boss! Bring me two more of this and this—two of everything!"
With that, she lowered her head again and continued to devour the food on the table.
Niu's face turned even redder. After apologizing to Meizi and Jufeng, he looked at the food on the table and unconsciously swallowed hard; it seemed he was truly starving. Only after another invitation from Jufeng did he finally pick up a piece of vegetable and put it in his mouth.
As the food touched his lips and met his tongue before reaching his teeth, Niu's expression transformed into one of delight. At first, he managed to maintain some decorum while eating elegantly, but soon he began to gulp down food even more voraciously than Meizi. Plates of food kept coming out, but they quickly revealed their shiny bottoms.
Ikeda Masahiro looked at the two with confusion before turning to Jufeng with a questioning glance: What does it mean to bring these young girls and fellows here? Is it charity or just a way to pass the time out of boredom?
Jufeng smiled without responding with his eyes. He simply wore a meaningful smile that left Ikeda Masahiro even more perplexed.
Time passed slowly; soon the night deepened further. The night market became increasingly sparse as it approached its peak before dwindling again like a roller coaster nearing its end.
At this point, Meizi and Niu reluctantly set down their chopsticks. Meizi leaned back in her chair without regard for her image, allowing her already bulging stomach to settle comfortably after all the food she had consumed. Niu returned to his shy demeanor as if realizing how impolite his earlier behavior had been, making him even more bashful.
During this time, Jufeng and Ikeda Masahiro silently observed the two's voracious appetite. Both found themselves thinking of a mythical beast from ancient legends—Tao Tie! The two before them seemed like incarnations of that gluttonous creature.
Throughout this period, neither touched any of the remaining food on the table; Ikeda Masahiro had no intention of eating such unhealthy things while Jufeng felt indifferent about eating or not. He discovered that watching others eat was more enjoyable than eating himself.
Seeing that Jufeng and Ikeda Masahiro were continuously watching him and Meizi while glancing at the messy table—some of which had already been cleared away by the Boss—Niu's face flushed like it had been set ablaze.
"I'm truly sorry," Niu said, looking at Jufeng. "I didn't mean to trouble you, but rest assured, we won't take advantage of your generosity. If you need anything from us, we can help out—washing dishes for a month... oh no, make that two months is no problem at all. Thank you so much."
Seeing Niu express his gratitude so sincerely, a playful smile crept onto Jufeng's lips. He wasn't inviting the two to dinner out of boredom or overflowing sympathy; rather, it was out of curiosity.
Thus, he voiced that curiosity.
"Brother Niu, you're too kind. Since I'm treating for this meal, there's no need for repayment. However, I do have a curiosity that's been nagging at me, and I hope you can help me with it."
Niu's eyes lit up at this and he quickly replied, "Please feel free to ask, sir. I will certainly share everything I know without holding back."
Jufeng continued, "Tonight's dinner is on me, no problem there. But what about breakfast tomorrow? And lunch? In the long years ahead, will you both always be fortunate enough to meet someone like me again?"
(To be continued)
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