Chapter 337 : Spicy Chicken
"So, what are we doing for lunch?"
After settling into their rooms and unpacking, Ling Ning and the others faced a pressing problem: lunch. Since they had eaten breakfast before the drive, it was now almost 2 p.m., and they hadn’t had anything since.
"We can just find a place nearby to eat," Zhou Xiaoxiao said nonchalantly.
"Is there even anything nearby?"
"Of course! Just a few hundred meters up the road, there’s a little town. I know a great restaurant there~"
"Really?"
Ling Ning was surprised. She had slept through most of the drive and had no idea what the area was like.
"Let’s go! I’ll show you~ But before we head out, spray on some bug repellant. There aren’t many mosquitoes here, but it’s better to be safe."
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Once they were ready, Ling Ning and her daughter followed Zhou Xiaoxiao out the door. The cool sea breeze brushed against their skin, and Ling Ning couldn’t help but think, This is what summer is all about—relaxing by the sea.
It didn’t take long to reach the nearby town.
Seeing the lively streets bustling with people, Ling Ning was taken aback. "Wow, I didn’t expect such a small town to have this many people."
Zhou Xiaoxiao chuckled at her reaction. "Well, lots of people vacation here in the summer, so it’s pretty normal. But compared to the bigger beaches, this place is much quieter."
As Zhou Xiaoxiao gave a lively rundown of the area’s charm, the group arrived at a restaurant called "Windy Summer." The name made Ling Ning feel like she’d already lost to its punny nature.
"This place has great food! I highly recommend their signature dish, Spicy Chicken. Don’t let the name fool you—it’s incredibly delicious!"
Just thinking about the dish had Zhou Xiaoxiao drooling in anticipation.
Ling Ning chuckled dryly, unsure how to respond.
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They entered and found a table. Despite it being well past the usual lunch rush, the restaurant was still packed, a testament to its popularity.
Zhou Xiaoxiao took charge of ordering since she was the only one familiar with the menu.
"Xiaoxiao, what’s that stage-like area over there for?" Ling Ning asked, pointing to a raised platform in the corner of the restaurant.
"Oh, that! At night, they often have live band performances here. Some are local acts, and others are quite famous. Last time I was here, I caught a performance by the ‘Winter Snow’ duo. Their music is amazing!"
"‘Winter Snow’?" The name caught Ling Ning off guard. "Are they the ones who sang Unreachable Love?"
"Nope, you’re mixing them up with ‘East Three Sprites.’ ‘Winter Snow’ is another duo. I heard they came out as a couple recently, which totally shocked me! There had been rumors about them being together for ages, but I didn’t think it was true. Now, apparently, they’re married!"
"Wait, what?" Ling Ning was stunned. She didn’t usually keep up with entertainment news, so this revelation was a surprise. "Didn’t they lose fans after coming out?"
"Not at all! If anything, their fans were thrilled~"
Ling Ning was at a loss for words. She could only offer her silent blessings to this world that seemed to favor one of two orientations: girls’ love or boys’ love.
Their food arrived as they chatted, the aroma immediately whetting their appetites. Ling Ning couldn’t resist picking up a piece of the Spicy Chicken and popping it into her mouth.
"Wow, this is so spicy—but so good!"
"Right? The name doesn’t do it justice!"
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"What should we do this afternoon?" Ling Ning asked, patting her slightly full stomach. She felt she needed some exercise to work off the heavy meal.
"Swimming! Mom, I want to go swimming!" Ling Ye raised her hand eagerly, her excitement palpable. She couldn’t wait to show off her new swimsuit and dive into the sea.
"I don’t mind," Zhou Xiaoxiao said casually.
Though she didn’t know how to swim, that meant she could ask Ling Ning to teach her. Physical contact during a swimming lesson? Completely normal, right?
"Alright, let’s head back then."
Just as they were about to leave the restaurant, Ling Ning suddenly remembered something. "Xiaoxiao, is there a market around here?"
"A market?" Zhou Xiaoxiao blinked, clearly unfamiliar with the concept. She thought for a moment before pointing down a nearby street.
"I think there’s one if we go that way and turn a corner. I’m not totally sure, though..."
"Not sure?"
"Don’t worry! Just follow me. This town isn’t very big. Even if we wander around a bit, we’ll find it eventually."
Zhou Xiaoxiao confidently marched ahead, leaving Ling Ning no choice but to trust her dubious sense of direction.
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As they wandered the streets, Zhou Xiaoxiao stopped abruptly, staring at the unfamiliar yet vaguely familiar surroundings. "Wait, this doesn’t seem right... I was sure the market was around here. Did I get it wrong?"
Seeing Ling Ning’s expression, Zhou Xiaoxiao stomped her foot in frustration. "I know what you’re going to say! Don’t say it! I, Zhou Xiaoxiao, will find the market no matter what! And if I don’t... I’ll... never mind."
Ling Ning opened her mouth, wanting to suggest they simply ask someone for directions. But seeing Zhou Xiaoxiao’s determination, she decided to let it go. Oh well, we can explore this quaint little town in the meantime.
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Author’s Note:
The salted fish says: Yae Sakura is coming to Honkai Impact, and my wallet is about to die~