"Going out to eat?"
"Yuan Gui's Shop?"
"Yeah, my treat."
"Okay."
The brief exchange ended, and Yao Ziyue and Elina left Origin Mall.
In the dark alley, the light spilling through the shop door provided a negligible source of illumination. The exit in the distance was bright as well, and passing vehicles and pedestrians could occasionally be seen.
The moment they stepped out of the alley, sound crashed over them like a tidal wave. Bright lights dispelled the deep night, and the clamor was even greater than during the day.
It was like crossing between two different worlds.
Yuan Gui's Shop stood beside the mouth of the alley. The sign above its door bore the words "Yuan Gui's Shop," and warm light streamed through the entrance onto the ground before it, bringing a trace of warmth to the cold night.
They pushed open the door and entered.
The springlike warmth instantly drove away the lingering chill on her body, making Elina let out a breath. After walking all that way, she had felt as though she were about to freeze solid.
It was now the Month of Cold Winter, and nighttime temperatures were very low.
"Welcome."
Bu Lige hurried over. "What would you two like to eat?"
"Bu Lige, what are you preparing to do today?" Yao Ziyue sat down at the last remaining empty table—Yuan Gui's Shop had only four tables in total—and glanced at her with a smile. "Playing the waiter at an ordinary restaurant? You look like you've learned it pretty well."
Elina sat down beside her.
"Master said this is called immersing myself in the role. That's the only way I can better learn the lessons he arranged for me." Bu Lige gave a simple explanation.
Yuan Gui was quite attentive toward his only disciple.
At