· Let's Talk About 'Heart'

Inside the teahouse, the scantily clad young ladies looked at Lu Qiming, who had been dragged in by Anya, and cast envious glances. They hadn't thought much of the customers they were already entertaining for tea and conversation tonight.

But compared to Lu Qiming, those customers were nowhere near his level. Their own guests were fleshy and unattractive, while Lu Qiming's cold yet slightly shy expression, combined with his flustered movements, made it obvious he was still a virgin—and his delicate skin surely tasted delicious!

"Hmph!"

Anya saw the envious gazes around her and held her head high, like a victorious general. With her chest puffed out, she strutted forward with a confident gait.

"Big sister, business is really good at this teahouse!"

This was Lu Qiming's first time in a place like this. In his original world, he had never visited such establishments, and his country strictly prohibited them; if you dared to go, you were guaranteed a pair of limited-edition silver bracelets and ten to fifteen days of free room and board in an isolated cell.

Although there were groups of young ladies working hard in the dim street corners, Lu Qiming had never spent two hundred to support their work, mostly because he lacked the nerve.

But now? He wasn't in his original world anymore, and he wasn't here for anything illicit—he was just here to patronize the business of the enthusiastic lady from this morning. He absolutely wouldn't do anything else! (GPR: Serious and earnest face)

"Just call me Anya. As for business, it's alright. Big Sister Tia's teahouse is actually quite famous in Orario."

Anya watched Lu Qiming, who was peering around with a mix of curiosity and hesitation, stealing glances while trying not to look. Her breathing hitched, and she couldn't wait to take this little guy away and pamper him thoroughly.

"Um, my name is Lu Qiming. Anya, you can just call me Qiming. Wow! Anya, they..."

Lu Qiming stared blankly at the scene before him. Aside from manga and ** (censored), this was his first time seeing such a spectacle in person.

"Alright, Qiming, there's nothing to see there. In a bit, I'll show you something even better."

Lu Qiming looked at Anya in shock, wanting to say he was a decent person and didn't want to do that. Anya stopped in front of a door and tapped lightly on it.

"Knock, knock, knock."

"Tia, I brought Qiming. It's the guy you met this morning."

"Whoosh!"

As soon as Anya finished speaking, the tightly shut wooden door swung open, and a woman with fiery red hair and a seductive figure stepped out.

"Little guy, you really came!?"

Tia looked at Lu Qiming at the door in surprise. When she saw him this morning, she had immediately pegged him as a greenhorn who had just arrived in Orario. Still, seeing how handsome he was, she thought it would be a pity if he died in the Dungeon while still a virgin.

Naturally, she had wanted to be helpful and assist Lu Qiming in experiencing a different side of the world. But at the time, Lu Qiming had refused her, even after she offered it for free.

Tia had gradually become interested in this little guy. After telling him the way to the Adventurer Guild, she had extended the invitation again. She hadn't expected him to actually show up tonight.

"Yes, Tia, I'm here. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction this morning, so I came as soon as I earned some money today."

"Well then, come in!"

Tia looked at Lu Qiming, led him directly into the room, and reached out to pull the door shut.

"Slap!"

Tia looked at Anya, who was blocking the door, in confusion.

"Anya, what are you doing?"

"Hmph! Big Sister Tia, don't even think about hogging him for yourself. I'm the one who brought Qiming here, so I'm at least entitled to half the bed!"

Tia looked at Anya helplessly, then turned to Lu Qiming.

"Little Qiming, are you willing to let Anya join us?"

"Um, sure. Having more people for tea doesn't change anything."

Lu Qiming nodded and agreed. Since they were having tea anyway, three people were no different than two, and since Anya had brought him here, it wouldn't be right to leave without having a cup.

"In that case, come on in."

Tia stepped aside to let Anya enter, closed the door, and activated the soundproofing magic set up in the room.

Inside, Lu Qiming sat at the table, chatting with Anya about various things in Orario—such as which Familia had the strongest members, the various gods' Familias, and recent events.

This information was easily accessible to Anya; after all, many adventurers came to this place every day, and through their idle chatter, Anya and the others learned a great deal.

As they talked, Lu Qiming compared the information to the plot in his memory. The current time in Orario must be before Hestia had met Bell, though it was likely close.

According to Anya, the Loki Familia was currently preparing for another expedition into the Dungeon. The story began when the Loki Familia accidentally let a Minotaur escape during that expedition, which was then encountered by Bell, who had ventured into the fifth floor of the Dungeon.

Just as Bell was about to be killed by the Minotaur, Ais appeared and killed the monster with a single strike, saving him.

From that point on, Bell unlocked the skill 'Liaris Freese,' which allowed him to grow at a rapid pace, eventually becoming the fastest adventurer in Orario to reach Level 2, gaining fame among all adventurers and gods.

"What are you two talking about?"

At that moment, Tia walked over with a tea set, smiling as she sat down next to Lu Qiming.

"I was asking Anya about recent events in Orario. Tia, you know I just arrived and don't know much, so I was asking Anya to fill me in."

"I see. Is there anything else you want to know, Qiming?"

Tia smiled and placed a cup of tea in front of Lu Qiming, looking at him expectantly.

"No, I think I have a general idea now, and I have a plan for what to do next."

"As long as you have a plan, Qiming."

Tia smiled, took a sip of tea, and gently took hold of Lu Qiming's hand.

"Qiming, it's getting late. Let's have a proper heart-to-heart talk!"

"This..." Lu Qiming looked at his own hands, then back at Tia. "Um, Sister Tia, 'heart-to-heart' talks don't usually require putting one's hands there, do they?"

"Who says?"

Tia smiled, puffing out her chest.

"Sister's 'heart' is right here, and I want you to take a good look."

Beside them, Anya also pulled one of Lu Qiming's hands over, smiling with a shy blush.

"Qiming, come take a look at my 'heart' too."