Closing Up Shop

The members of the Fire Hammer Squad looked at the "kind-hearted" person before them, who was telling a terrifying fairy tale with such a cute expression, and couldn't help but shudder. Gao Feng laughed and readily agreed. Don't be ridiculous—the inheritance left behind by the Tiger Tooth Squad was likely worth billions, comparable to what they earned after years of adventuring in the Wilderness Zone. Only a fool would turn down such a lucrative job.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and night fell, the Fire Hammer Squad began preparing to return to the Military Base. Gao Feng promised that he would find people immediately upon returning and would deliver a satisfactory supply of goods to Xue Xi by tomorrow. Naturally, Xue Xi trusted the character of the captain of the squad that Luo Feng belonged to.

Before departing, Xu Xin secretly handed her own phone to Xue Xi, telling her to use this number to stay in touch once she got back. Xue Xi had been worrying about how to pass this boring night, so she didn't refuse the kindness of this little rich girl, Xu Xin.

"But, Sister Xu Xin, what should I say if someone calls this phone?" Xue Xi asked, curiously examining the transparent, futuristic phone and looking at Xu Xin with confusion.

Xu Xin waved her hand dismissively, "This is my private phone. It only has the numbers of a few friends in it, and I've already told them, so don't you worry about it."

As she spoke, she reached out to stroke Xue Xi's soft, dark-brown, ear-length bob, bidding a reluctant farewell to the girl she felt an inexplicable fondness for. "By the way, Xue Xi, are you really not planning on coming back to the Base City with us? Who would ever come here to eat in this desolate wilderness?"

Xue Xi felt helpless. She didn't want to be a hermit shopkeeper cut off from society, but the Gourmet Anchor could not be moved once placed. She had no choice but to decline Xu Xin's offer: "Sister Xu Xin, I have reasons why I must stay here. Don't worry, my cooking skills have been guided by state banquet chefs! You must come and taste it when you have time; it will absolutely leave you wanting more!"

Xu Xin didn't want to force her, so she just shrugged, "I can't do anything with you. Alright then, I'll be heading off first. A-Feng and the others are still waiting. Next time I have the chance, I will definitely come to taste the cooking of our little chef."

Xue Xi watched Xu Xin return to the squad and waved goodbye to them. Under the setting sun, the line of figures gradually disappeared, and the surroundings returned to a state of tranquility, save for the occasional unpleasant cry of a restless Monster.

Thinking that no one else would come here, Xue Xi pulled down the old rolling shutter door outside and locked the glass door inside, instantly shutting out all the noise.

There was no electricity in the restaurant at the moment, and the entire space was lit only by the faint, warm white light emitted by the Gourmet Anchor, illuminating an area of about ten meters around it.

Summoning her courage, Xue Xi shook all the demons and ghosts out of her mind, ran quickly to the restaurant office, dragged the long leather sofa directly under the Gourmet Anchor, and grabbed a fluffy blanket from the wardrobe.

Limited by the conditions, Xue Xi didn't wash up. She took off her shoes and socks, lay down on the sofa, pulled the blanket up to her chin, and tucked her feet inside. Suddenly, she felt protected by the blanket and fearless of any ghosts or gods.

Satisfied, she took the Future Phone gifted by Xu Xin out of her pocket, while her original one was hidden away in a secret corner.

This transparent phone, full of futuristic technology, looked like crystal; she could actually see her palm through the screen. Xue Xi studied it with curiosity and then gently tapped the center of the screen. Instantly, the screen lit up as if it were a projector.

As a seasoned netizen, Xue Xi quickly mastered the usage of this new phone and began surfing the web.

Around 11:00 PM, just as Xue Xi felt sleepiness creeping in and was about to doze off, the screen vibrated. The Juxin friend list showed a new request, and it was none other than Xu Xin.

Xue Xi instantly perked up, quickly accepted the friend request, added the note "Sister Xu Xin," and the two began chatting rapidly, continuing the topics they hadn't finished during the day. The friendship between two girls who found each other agreeable formed very quickly.

Xu Xin: "Xue Xi, Xue Xi, are you asleep yet?"

Xue Xi: "Not yet, Sister Xu Xin. Have you arrived?"

Xu Xin: "Yes, I just got to the Military Base and am on my way home now. I'll send someone to bring you some daily supplies tomorrow. Those rough guys probably only remember your ingredient list."

Xue Xi: "Hehe, then I won't stand on ceremony. Sister Xu Xin is the best! By the way, Sister Xu Xin, when can you come again? I'll make you something delicious then!"

Xu Xin: "I'm afraid there won't be a chance in the short term. School just started, so I probably have to wait until winter break. I'll definitely come then."

Xue Xi: "That's so long... alright then..."

Xu Xin: is typing...

Xue Xi: "By the way, Sister Xu Xin, I noticed you seem quite attached to that guy named Luo Feng. How far have you two gotten? Hmm? (Raises eyebrows, ready for gossip)"

Xu Xin: retracted a message, "I'm sleepy, going to bed now. Let's chat when we have time. Goodnight!!"

Xue Xi: "Oh come on, don't be shy, Sister Xu Xin, just tell me."

Xue Xi: "Hey hey, are you still there? Hello?"

Xue Xi looked at the interface where she had killed the conversation and muttered to herself: "Geez, is Mrs. Luo really still this shy?"

Seeing that there was no reply for a long time, she simply turned off the phone, placed it on a stool nearby, stretched beautifully, curled up in the blanket, closed her eyes, and fell fast asleep.