Juzi (Part 2)

The town backs onto the Far North, where it snows almost all year round. Aside from a vast expanse of white, falling snow, there is simply no other scenery to be seen.

The buildings and the ground in the town are covered in a thin layer of snow. If not for the faint scent of hearth smoke, one would never notice a town existed here when looking down from above.

Xu Lanqing walks along the streets of the town. Although it is already dark, the streets remain lively and brightly lit, with many people coming and going on both sides.

Most of them are Soul Masters; some, like him, have come here to obtain a Soul Ring.

As for the others, they are chasing whimsical dreams, venturing into the Far North in hopes of accidentally falling into a snow valley filled with rare treasures and legendary Soul Bones, expecting to soar to greatness overnight.

Of course, all they ever bring back is a handful of snow, or perhaps their own ashes.

A flash of golden light streaks across the horizon. The next moment, almost everyone turns their heads to look at the sun-like radiance in the sky, which dispels the cold with a blinding, warm glow.

"What is that?"

Xu Lanqing asks, stunned.

"It must be powerful Soul Masters fighting."

Jing Hongchen and Zheng Zhan wear solemn expressions. Even from such a distance, that pressure still makes their hearts palpitate; it is hard to imagine just how powerful that person must be.

"Your Highness, I have already sent people to investigate. There is no need to worry." The voice of Ye Yulin transmits directly into his mind.

Indeed, these matters are too far removed from him; he should focus on his own situation first.

He is set to obtain his Soul Ring tomorrow, and he has no idea what kind of Soul Skill he will gain. Plus, that group of Evil Soul Masters who keep haunting him—it is truly infuriating.

Lost in a jumble of thoughts, he walks back to the hotel in a daze.

Suddenly, a shop catches the edge of Xu Lanqing's vision. His heart stirs, and he turns his steps to walk over.

Juzi Barbecue.

That is the name of the shop. Well, he is just curious why a barbecue place would be named Juzi.

Jing Hongchen and Zheng Zhan follow with slight confusion. Didn't His Highness just finish eating? Why go to a barbecue shop again?

Business in the shop is clearly good, with more than half the seats filled. A quick glance reveals that men make up the majority of the customers, but the moment he sees the person grilling the meat, he understands instantly.

Fine, jet-black hair drapes over her shoulders, and her fair, oval face is slightly soft and delicate, evoking a sense of affection and pity. She is truly a beauty of the highest order.

The middle-aged beauty, wearing an apron, flips the meat in her hands continuously. The meat sizzles, and drops of hot oil slide slowly along the texture of the plump cuts, emitting a rich, intoxicating aroma.

Beside her, a little girl of about eight or nine years old is helping out. As soon as the meat is grilled, she carries it to the customers.

After ordering a few portions of barbecue from the waiter, Xu Lanqing finds a spot with fewer people and sits down.

"A five-ring Soul King. She counts as an expert in a small place like this," Jing Hongchen glances over and remarks casually.

No wonder the people here look so well-behaved; it turns out they simply can't beat her.

Xu Lanqing finds it a bit strange. Why would a Soul King open a barbecue shop here? Surely doing anything else would be more profitable than this.

But it doesn't matter; to each their own. Perhaps she just enjoys this life.

The barbecue is ready quickly, delivered by the same little girl. Aside from one waiter, only the beauty and the girl are in the shop; her father is nowhere to be seen.

"Hello, your barbecue is ready."

A crisp, melodious voice, like silver bells, rings out from her.

"Mm, thank you."

Xu Lanqing nods. Looking at the delicate, doll-like girl, he can't help but sigh inwardly—she is truly adorable.

Her fair skin is soft and supple, as if a gentle pinch would make it drip with water. Her large eyes are clear and pure, her nose is slightly upturned, and her two red lips are perfectly shaped. Everything about her is just right.

The girl turns around, her ink-black hair tied into a ponytail that sways behind her.

Xu Lanqing withdraws his gaze and picks up the barbecue to take a bite.

The meat melts in his mouth, and an explosive sensation of deliciousness spreads across his palate. Although the ingredients are ordinary, they have a unique charm compared to the delicacies of the imperial palace.

"Try it, it's delicious."

Xu Lanqing feels as if his stomach, which had just been full, is hungry again.

Jing Hongchen and Zheng Zhan each take a bite and cannot help but nod in agreement.

The night is deep and quiet.

Most of the customers have already left the shop.

Watching the girl tidying up, Xu Lanqing cannot help but ask, "Your shop seems quite busy. Why haven't you hired more people?"

The girl smiles and replies, her tone very cheerful, "The shop is closing in a few days, so there's no need to hire anyone."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Mom says she's going to take me to the best Soul Master Academy in Mingdu. I'm already a two-ring Soul Grand Master now."

The girl lifts her chin, speaking without reservation, telling him everything.

Perhaps it is because this is the first time she has seen a wealthy young master like Xu Lanqing—dressed in fine clothes, handsome, and polite—that she feels a sense of affinity. After all, everyone is drawn to beautiful things.

Xu Lanqing notices a hint of lingering attachment in the girl's eyes: "Are you reluctant to leave this place?"

"Of course, this is the shop my father left behind. The war took my father away, leaving only this shop..."

The girl's lively, bright eyes dimmed, her eye sockets turning slightly red. Her cute little nose twitched, and she pressed her lips together.

Watching the girl's distress, Xu Lanqing opened his mouth, not knowing what to say for a moment, and the atmosphere suddenly turned cold and quiet.

"I'm sorry..."

After only a short moment, the girl returned to her usual self, a lively and cute smile reappearing on her face as if nothing had happened.

"Alright, I still have things to tidy up. I almost forgot while talking to you."

Xu Lanqing smiled and finally asked, "I still don't know your name. My name is Xu Lanqing, what's yours?"

"My name is Juzi, just like the name of the shop," the girl said, blinking her bright, lively eyes.

"What a coincidence, oranges are my favorite thing to eat." Xu Lanqing's gaze flickered, surprised that it was actually true, and he spoke subconsciously.

"Hmph."

Juzi pouted, ignored him, and turned away with the tray in her hands.

Shaking his head with a wry smile, Xu Lanqing also left the shop.

Zheng Zhan stood where he was, his expression somewhat confused; he felt like something was off.

As for Jing Hongchen, he reached out to stroke his chin, as if he had discovered something...

He turned to look at Zheng Zhan, a man who had been single for decades, and shrugged. "Let's go, stop thinking about it. You won't figure it out anyway."

Zheng Zhan scratched his head, feeling baffled.

On the other side.

Juzi walked into the kitchen and set down the tray, her mood inevitably sinking.

"What's wrong, my precious daughter? Who upset you? Mom will go deal with them!" The beautiful woman raised her willow-leaf eyebrows, her gaze sharp as a blade.

"It's nothing, I just remembered Dad," Juzi said, her long eyelashes trembling, her voice soft and sweet.

The beautiful woman's aura faltered. She reached out to hug Juzi and comforted her, "Cheer up. You want him to see a happy Juzi, don't you?"

"Mm." A muffled sound came from Juzi in her arms.

"Juzi is such a good girl."

The beautiful woman sighed inwardly. Perhaps it was for the best; every time she saw Juzi sad and upset, her own heart ached.

Inside a simple white room.

Juzi lay on the bed, holding a portrait of a middle-aged man in her hand. She stared at it blankly, looking like an exquisite doll.

Crystal-clear teardrops fell from the corners of her eyes, sliding past her lips. She licked them—salty and bitter—and her mood worsened.

For some reason, she thought of that good-looking little boy from earlier.

She didn't know why she had said so much to him today. Was it because he was good-looking?

Pah, she was not someone who judged people by their appearance.

She shook her head in irritation, feeling even more annoyed.

"Ahhh!"

"You little brat, you like eating oranges, right? Next time I see you, I'll pelt you with oranges, stuff them in your mouth, and let you eat until you've had enough!"

With a flash of light, a bright, plump, orange-red tangerine appeared in her hand. She threw it with force, and it smashed directly against the wall, leaving an orange-red stain behind.

After venting, she imagined the little boy being pelted by her with oranges, and a smile couldn't help but curl the corners of her lips. She felt a little better.