Shopping Together

The days passed one by one. There were no attacks from Evil Soul Masters, nor did any Sea Soul Beasts surround the ship. Other than Chen Yan having to miserably cook every day, everything was wonderful.

Then an announcement came over the broadcast.

"Dear passengers:

Hello! Welcome aboard this ship, and thank you for choosing our services during your journey. We hope to provide you with a comfortable and safe travel experience.

We are now about to arrive at this voyage's final destination. Please prepare to disembark. If you have any luggage to take with you, please have it ready in advance so that you may leave the ship smoothly and quickly.

Please pay attention to your safety. Do not run or play inside the cabins or on the deck, lest accidents and injuries occur. When disembarking, please follow the crew's instructions, queue in an orderly manner, and watch your step.

If you need assistance, please feel free to ask any of our crew members. We will be at your service and ensure that you disembark safely and smoothly.

Thank you once again for choosing our ship service. We wish you a pleasant journey! Thank you!"

Chen Yan, who was holding a spatula, felt like crying. Who would have thought? Ever since he had cooked once that day, Gu Yuena had latched onto him. From then on, he had never eaten in the dining hall again. It was just like back in college, when he had never gone to the cafeteria again after discovering the convenience of takeout.

"Xiao Yan, you wouldn't want me to eat poorly, sleep poorly, and end up sick, would you?"

Whenever Chen Yan recalled those words from Gu Yuena, he felt they were absurd. Yet he would still grit his teeth stubbornly and say—fine, fine, you got me where I'm soft!

Cooking was something you learned in order to do, but why did it always feel like he had gotten the short end of the stick?

Chen Yan sank into deep thought.

"Xiao Yan, is the food ready?"

Chen Yan sighed as he replied, "Almost. Go wash your hands and get ready to eat. By the time we're done, it'll be about time to get off the ship!"

Gu Yuena gave a light hop and said happily, "Okay, I'm going right away!"

Watching Gu Yuena's cheerful retreating figure, Chen Yan could not help but smile bitterly. He had never imagined that he would end up in such a situation. Just a month ago, he had been a young master who only had to stretch out his hands for clothes and open his mouth for food. Now, not only had he become a chef, he was even providing free plate-serving services.

Chen Yan continued busying himself. Although cooking only required mastering the right methods, he still did his best to make every dish perfect. After all, Gu Yuena truly looked forward to his cooking every single time, and he hoped his efforts could make her happy.

Before long, Chen Yan brought several dishes to the table one after another. Gu Yuena was already seated at the dining table, and her eyes gleamed with delight as she looked at the spread of delicacies.

"These dishes look really delicious!" Gu Yuena praised happily.

Chen Yan smiled. "We've been eating this for a month. We've already tried pretty much every way there is to eat it. What's so great about it?"

Gu Yuena pouted in dissatisfaction.

Chen Yan ignored her expression and silently thought to himself as he set down the final dish. His cooking skills really had been improving. Every dish looked, smelled, and tasted excellent, enough to whet anyone's appetite at a glance. He would have no problem becoming a chef in the future.

"Where are we going to have fun after we arrive in Star Luo?"

After eating and drinking their fill, Gu Yuena tilted her head and asked. Chen Yan had arranged this trip, and she had not asked about it before. Now that they were about to reach their destination, she was somewhat curious.

"This time, we'll visit the capital first, then travel around the continent."

"The capital first?"

Although Gu Yuena had not asked Chen Yan about it, she had still looked up information on Star Luo.

She knew about the capital. The capital of the Star Luo Empire was called Star Luo City. It was the political, economic, and cultural center of the entire empire, with a long history and rich cultural heritage. There were many famous sights within the city, such as the imperial palace, large shopping centers, historical museums, and picturesque parks.

Seeing the look in Gu Yuena's eyes, Chen Yan knew that she had already learned about Star Luo. He nodded and explained, "Yes, we'll go to Star Luo City first. There are many places there that would interest us, such as that historic Royal Library, as well as the vast palace complex said to reflect the wisdom and aesthetics of the people of Star Luo. I think you'll definitely be impressed by those exquisite buildings and sculptures."

A trace of anticipation flashed through Gu Yuena's eyes. "That sounds wonderful. And I heard Star Luo's handicrafts are exquisite too. How about we buy some as souvenirs?"

Chen Yan was taken aback, but he went along with her. "Of course. Star Luo's handicrafts, especially the traditional crafts passed down from the continent's earlier days, have been preserved to this day. They really are quite distinctive. And there's plenty of unique local food too. We can try some."

Gu Yuena nodded with a smile, a hint of excitement in her eyes.

"Tap, tap, tap—"

Chen Yan and Gu Yuena disembarked and set foot on Star Luo's soil. What greeted them was the bustling clamor of prosperity and a unique foreign charm.

This was a city built around the port, as well as Star Luo's second-largest city. Its gates were tall and magnificent, carved with the emblem of the Star Luo Empire, displaying the nation's glory and strength. The streets within were broad and clean, lined with all kinds of shops and lively markets. Vendors shouted their wares, drawing passersby to stop and look.

Cities that grew around ports always had exceptionally developed commerce and service industries.

Gu Yuena was tempted. She turned back to look at Chen Yan and said with a light smile, "Want to go in and take a look?"

"Uh... let's wait until we come back from Star Luo City before we have fun here." Chen Yan was a little anxious right now. A treasure was right before his eyes—how could he not be anxious?

Gu Yuena: I know you're in a hurry, but don't be in such a hurry. Let's go shopping first.

Then Chen Yan was dragged into the bustling market by Gu Yuena. She seemed curious about everything here. Looking at the various goods laid out on the vendors' stalls, she would occasionally pick something up to inspect it closely and ask Chen Yan about it. Chen Yan patiently explained the origin and purpose of each item beside her.

During that time, she bought two tea sets, a Red Sandalwood cabinet, and a hairpin.

They weaved through the crowd, and passersby occasionally cast astonished looks their way.

What a perfect pair!

"Want me to buy you something too?"

Chen Yan looked at the girl whose carefully built persona was constantly collapsing before his eyes and sighed inwardly.

Honestly, for quite a long time after they first met, she had rarely smiled. She truly had been a girl with no expression, no emotion, and no desires. Now, however, she possessed the liveliness expected of someone her age. Chen Yan could not help but feel deeply moved.

Coming back to his senses, Chen Yan shook his head. "There's nothing I need to buy. Just get whatever you want."

Upon hearing that, the smile on Gu Yuena's face widened. Blushing, she gently hugged Chen Yan's arm and said as if she did not care, "The driver is already waiting for us. Let's go."

Gu Yuena: That's how it seemed to be written in the books, right? Hug his arm! (Definitely JPG.)