I Never Pay for Food

"I don't think being able to eat a lot makes you strong. Even without Goku, you couldn't beat a few friends of mine." The woman clearly didn't believe him. She knew some of the strongest people on the planet, and this guy wasn't one of them.

"..." Wang Yang rolled his eyes at her and went back to eating. They simply had different perspectives. He'd spent his whole life on Earth—how could he know about the powerful people in the universe?

"The World Martial Arts Tournament starts tomorrow. If you're really that strong, why not enter? I bet Goku will show up too." The woman's eyes shifted as she smiled at Wang Yang. I'll let you see those inhuman fighters. Then you won't be so full of yourself.

"Sure. If I win the World Martial Arts Tournament, you have to be my girlfriend." Wang Yang had given up when he heard she had a boyfriend, but the moment he realized who she was, the flame he'd extinguished suddenly roared back to life.

If it were any other woman, he'd never interfere in her relationship after learning she had a boyfriend.

But... she was different! She was the girl of his youth!

"Let's talk after you win the World Martial Arts Tournament!" Bulma snorted and picked up her bag, ready to leave.

"Wait for me!" Wang Yang stopped eating and got up to follow her.

The tournament began tomorrow. Rather than asking around for directions to the venue, he might as well catch a ride with her.

"Sir, you haven't paid yet!" Just as Wang Yang reached the door, two waiters blocked his way. The manager stared at him expressionlessly.

"I never pay for food!" Wang Yang declared with righteous conviction.

"..." Bulma stared at Wang Yang in surprise. What kind of shameless person could say something like that?

"Here. Keep the change." Wang Yang rummaged in his pocket and pulled out a piece of deep-black metal that gleamed like a lustrous black pearl, pinched between two fingers.

He'd gotten the metal by smashing a huge meteorite during his travels through space. He'd thought the alloy looked pretty, so he'd kept it. It had started out as a piece as big as a washbasin, but after countless journeys, he'd gradually used it up. Now he didn't have many pieces left.

Every planet had its own currency. Only rare metals from across the universe were accepted everywhere.

"Sir, you ate all that food and you're paying me with a worthless rock? Do I look like a fool?" The manager pointed at the alloy in Wang Yang's hand, his greasy face turning red.

He'd never seen anyone try to pay with a glass marble in his life.

The manager somehow produced a mirror and checked his hair, slicked back until it shone. Seeing the handsome, strikingly successful man in the mirror, he nodded with satisfaction.

"This is an extremely rare alloy in the universe. It could advance scientific research and drive countless scientists crazy with excitement. It's a hundred times more valuable than a meteorite. Take it to an auction, and you could buy this whole restaurant with the proceeds." Wang Yang rolled his eyes in exasperation. Every time he paid with this alloy, he had to explain everything. In the end, people always fell all over themselves to serve him, making sure he was comfortable and well fed.

The alloy was precious, but to him, it was nothing special. Once he stood at the pinnacle of the universe, why would he care about such valuable metals?

Then, all he'd have to do was say the word, and people would line up to bring him gifts.

"If it's that valuable, go auction it off. Then you can buy my restaurant and I'll work for you." The manager gave a mocking laugh. He wasn't some gullible fool who'd lived only half his life—how could he fall for such a flimsy, hole-riddled scam?

He'd seen the two of them talking privately from across the room.

"Let me see that!" Bulma took the thumb-sized alloy from Wang Yang without waiting for an answer. It was incredibly heavy, and she nearly dropped it before she realized.

"Careful!" Wang Yang reacted quickly, catching Bulma's soft, fair hand with his right hand.

Their eyes met. Bulma's fair face flushed, and her gaze darted away, unable to meet his.

"This alloy really is as valuable as he says. If you don't want it, give it to me. I'll pay for the meal." She looked away and examined the alloy closely. The more she studied it, the more astonished she became.

As an outstanding scientist, Bulma knew what she was looking at.

This alloy really is incredibly valuable. It could finally help researchers overcome the material limitations that have held their work back. Her eyes shone with excitement. With a discerning eye and a moment's thought, she'd already figured out the alloy's properties and potential uses.

"Then you two can pay up!" The manager gave a cold laugh. He still didn't believe the alloy was worth much. These two had to be working together.

"Hey, Wang Yang, where did you get this alloy? Do you have any more?" As they walked along, Bulma put the alloy in a Hoi-Poi Capsule, then waved it in front of Wang Yang.

"I do. I've got lots." Wang Yang grinned and pulled a handful of little beads in all sorts of colors from his pocket—red, white, yellow, rainbow-colored. Every one of them was beautiful.

Bulma practically pressed her head against Wang Yang's hand, eyes sparkling and face alight with joy. These weren't ordinary pearls or gemstones. They were not only beautiful but also scientifically valuable—a fatal temptation for someone like Bulma, who loved research.

"Mine! Mine! They're all mine!" Bulma grabbed at the alloys, but they were too heavy for her to lift.

"These are what I use to pay for meals. You can have them, but you have to guarantee me three meals a day from now on." Wang Yang smiled.

He was planning to stick with Bulma now.

"No problem! I thought it was going to be something serious." Bulma patted her firm chest and answered generously. Wang Yang ate a lot, but to her, it was just a drop in the bucket. Her family was the richest in the world. They had plenty of money; one day's profits could feed Wang Yang for the rest of his life.

"You really are going to enter the World Martial Arts Tournament? I was just saying that." Bulma sounded doubtful. Looking at Wang Yang's handsome face, she thought it would be a shame if he got beaten black and blue.

"Of course. I'm serious. Do you think I'm joking?" Wang Yang said with a smile.

"I'm not talking to you anymore!" Bulma gave a soft snort, took all the treasures from Wang Yang's hand, and walked away with elegant steps.

Up ahead, Bulma wore a short skirt that showed off her fair, shapely legs. Her graceful figure and high heels made a crisp clicking sound against the ground. At that moment, Wang Yang's heart itched as if a cat were pawing at it.

If she did the splits... Bah... He couldn't indulge in such a lewd thought.

When they reached an open area, Bulma casually tossed down a Capsule. The next moment, a small car appeared in its place.

Wang Yang nimbly climbed inside.