The Taste of First Love

"There's nothing particularly special about the fish."

Huo Yuhao skillfully turned the roasted fish and explained with a cheerful smile, "What's special is the grilling technique. As for the taste, I guarantee it's worth the price."

People were strange creatures. Even when they knew something was outrageously overpriced, they still held onto the mindset of, Let's see what's so special about something that costs this much, and gave it a try.

Only when they discovered it was no different from the cheap stuff did they realize they had been duped.

They called it gaining wisdom after taking a loss, yet the next time they encountered something similar, they would make the exact same mistake again.

As a middle-aged man who had endured society's harsh beatings, the vendor considered himself immune to such scams, but—

But it smelled far too good.

Watching the fish skin sizzle with oil, slowly turning golden and curling slightly under the heat to reveal the tender, juicy white flesh beneath, the vendor swallowed hard.

In a daze, he felt the scene before him change. The roasted fish in front of him was no longer roasted fish—it was the girl he had secretly loved for so long, the girl who had vanished from his life before he even had the chance to confess.

Wasn't that turning motion just like her dancing gracefully before him?

Wasn't that golden fish skin just like her long dress?

Wasn't that soft white fish flesh like the pale skin accidentally revealed when the breeze brushed against her dress?

That was— that was his first love, which had ended before it ever truly began!

Even the fragrance of the roasted fish had become the girl's scent in his mind.

The books said first love was always restrained and innocent, destined to have no ending. But after all these decades, it seemed he could finally have it!

As if he had comprehended some ultimate truth of the universe, the vendor no longer hesitated. Gritting his teeth, he took out a Silver Coin and held it out to Huo Yuhao.

"I want to see what's so special about roasted fish that costs this much."

"...Thank you for your patronage."

Huo Yuhao's expression turned strange. He wanted to reach out and take it, but then nervously drew his hand back. After hesitating for a long while, he finally accepted the Silver Coin. For some reason, he had suddenly absorbed Lust Original Sin from this vendor.

What the hell is this guy thinking about!?

Am I not selling roasted fish?

Suppressing the chill creeping up his spine, he continued turning the fish with slightly stiff movements and casually asked, "Would you like it spicy?"

The vendor closed his eyes and reminisced for a moment. His voice had taken on a husky, magnetic tone.

"A little."

Though his memories had become somewhat blurry, the person he had once secretly loved seemed to have had quite a fiery personality too.

"...It's ready. Be careful, it's hot."

After sprinkling on the final layer of chili powder, Huo Yuhao sold his first roasted fish. Once he handed the bamboo skewer to the man, he smiled and discreetly wiped his hands. As if that were not enough, he did it again.

Golden oil dripped down the fish skin, carrying an enticing fragrance. It truly looked as though it had been dusted with gold powder. Everyone unconsciously swallowed, their eyes fixed unblinkingly on the vendor as they awaited the final verdict.

The instant the man got it, he eagerly took a bite.

Crack—

The crispy fish skin gave a clear crunch beneath his teeth. The piping-hot flesh danced across his tongue, and with every chew, the unique aroma of the spices burst through his mouth, stimulating his taste buds.

"Ah—"

Like a dragon exhaling, the man opened his mouth and blew out a scorching stream of air. Though he was so hot he flailed around, his face contorted and his fists clenched, he still could not bear to spit out the roasted fish in his mouth.

That was the taste of first love!

This time, no matter how difficult it became, he refused to let go!

Seeing him look as though he were being electrocuted, a Passerby could not help looking at the companion beside him.

"...So, is it good or not?"

"I don't know. It smells great, but that reaction doesn't look like it's from normal roasted fish..."

"Could he be a lunatic?"

The vendor ignored the voices around him. With difficulty, he raised a fist and tremblingly held out three fingers.

"Th-three more!"

Huo Yuhao's eyelids twitched. Smiling politely, he said, "Since the roasted fish is limited, each person may only buy two. I hope you understand."

"Then give me one more!"

After taking the money again, Huo Yuhao handed him another fish that had already been grilled. Seeing the vendor devour it with gusto, the others finally found themselves unable to resist the fragrance and decided to try it for themselves.

"Give me one too."

"Get me one. Let me see what the deal is."

Just then, a crisp, pleasant voice rang out from beyond the crowd.

"It smells so good! Excuse me, please make way."

As the words fell, a delicate-looking young girl squeezed through a gap in the crowd. She did not seem much older than Huo Yuhao. Her long black hair was tied into a ponytail, and her beautiful phoenix eyes gleamed as she stared at the roasted fish.

"Excuse me, how much is this roasted fish—"

The girl's little nose twitched at the smell as she asked about the price and looked up. But upon seeing Huo Yuhao, the rest of her words caught in her throat.

She had not expected the person selling roasted fish to be so young.

Huo Yuhao also paused upon seeing the girl, but quickly withdrew his gaze and continued turning the fish as he spoke softly.

"Ten copper coins each. Limit of two per person."

The girl froze. "Why is there a purchase limit?"

Without stopping his movements, Huo Yuhao gestured with his chin toward the people behind her. "I only sell fifty a day, and quite a few have already been reserved. If you want some, you should hurry."

Hearing this, the girl glanced around at the Passersby waiting eagerly for roasted fish and nodded.

"Th-then I'll take two."

"Little brother, your roasted fish is unbelievably delicious! Why haven't I seen you before? Will you be here selling roasted fish tomorrow too?"

"My mother and I only arrived in Heaven Dou City in the past couple of days."

As Huo Yuhao packed up his stall, he chatted idly with the girl from earlier. "Roasted fish is a family craft. I thought I'd earn a little money to help support the household, so I should be here every day around noon from now on."

He had sold the fish much faster than expected. Though he did not have Mental Detection, his powerful Spiritual Power still allowed him to grill several fish at once. In just over an hour, he had sold all fifty roasted fish, earning five Gold Soul Coins. He could call it a day early.

"Are you familiar with Snack Street?"

"Of course."

At that, the girl proudly puffed out her small chest. "I come here every other day. I know exactly which foods are good here. Of course, the number one spot now belongs to your roasted fish."

Then, as if remembering something, she said, "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Tang Ya. What about you, little brother?"

"My name is Huo Yuhao."

After storing the grill in his Storage Bracelet, Huo Yuhao clapped his hands and looked at Tang Ya.

"Sister Tang Ya, do you know where the largest pharmacy in Heaven Dou City is?"