Chapter 101: Destiny
After finishing his meal, Yu Xuan was served the desert — Jadefruit Snow Jelly. Under the soft glow of the moonlight, the translucent dessert shimmered like moon-kissed crystal.
He scooped a spoonful and took a bite. A sharp tang hit first, refreshing and cool, but it was quickly wrapped in a layer of mellow sweetness that lingered pleasantly on his tongue.
"Mmm... not bad," he murmured. ’This world really does have its culinary wonders.’
Then, tilting his head slightly, he asked with innocent curiosity, "Old man, are you a scholar or something?"
The middle-aged man, who was calmly wiping a dish, froze mid-motion. "...I’m not old," he said, his voice flat.
"Really? You don’t look that young either," Yu Xuan said with a cheeky smile, spooning more jelly into his mouth. "So, a middle-aged scholar, then?"
"I’m not a scholar either," the man muttered, clearly questioning his life choices.
"Oh," Yu Xuan nodded as if understanding something profound. "So this is how it is now. Even scholars have to open food stalls to make a living."
The man paused, spoon in hand, and gave Yu Xuan a long, unreadable look.
’This brat has no filter,’ he thought. ’Audacious little thing.’
Still... he didn’t correct him. Today he was here, to just to have a look at Yu Xuan.
Soon after finishing the dessert, Yu Xuan stood up, feeling completely satisfied. He paid the middle-aged man, who gave a faint nod in return, then turned and began walking back toward his temporary residence.