Snacks

"Mmm, this is delicious." Xiao Xi's eyes lit up as she took the snack handed to her by the shopkeeper.

"It really is. It has such a distinct flavor, typical of the Luofu Xianzhou," Stelle agreed.

"See? I told you I wouldn't let you down. Come on, tell me what you like and I'll pack it up for you," the shopkeeper said while pulling out a bag.

"Let me think... oh, it's so hard to decide. Shopkeeper, would you mind packing a little bit of everything for us?" Xiao Xi asked after a moment of contemplation.

"Of course, no problem at all! I didn't expect to run into such big spenders today. Here, let me throw in a little extra for you," the shopkeeper laughed heartily.

"Has business been slow lately?" Xiao Xi asked, thinking of how desolate Aurum Alley seemed these days.

"Yeah, it's true. A hundred or two hundred years ago, Aurum Alley was thriving, but lately, it's been... well, if it were possible, I really wish it could be as lively as it used to be."

While Xiao Xi was chatting with the shopkeeper, Stelle picked something up from the stall.

"Shopkeeper, how does this drink taste?" Stelle asked, tilting her head as she held up a can.

The shopkeeper's expression turned strange the moment he saw what Stelle was holding. "That? Uh, how should I put this? While this 'Soda Mung Bean Milk' is indeed a specialty drink of the Luofu Xianzhou, its taste... well, it's actually quite hard for most people to accept."

"Usually, only the locals on the Luofu Xianzhou drink this; very few tourists can get used to the flavor. Of course, if you're really curious, you can take a can to try. I won't charge you for this one."

Seeing that Stelle wasn't willing to give up, the shopkeeper simply waved his hand and gave her the can for free.

Faced with the shopkeeper's reaction, Stelle looked puzzled. Is it really that strange? It's a Luofu specialty, after all; it can't be that bad, right? she thought, feeling a bit hesitant.

"I'll take two hot Floating Goat Milks, and I'll bring one for Bailu as well." The shopkeeper's expression had been far too ominous when mentioning the "Soda Mung Bean Milk," and after thinking it over, Xiao Xi didn't have the courage to try it. Ordering the Floating Goat Milk was the safer bet.

"Alright, everything is packed. Take care, you two, and have a great time," the shopkeeper said, handing the bags to Xiao Xi and Stelle.

"We will, thank you for your well wishes," Xiao Xi and Stelle said, waving goodbye to the shopkeeper.

Not far from the stall, Bailu sat on a chair, swinging her legs back and forth with her tail swaying behind her.

"Bailu, we're back." Xiao Xi and Stelle placed the snacks they had bought onto the table.

"You're back! What did you buy?" Bailu's eyes sparkled as she looked at us with anticipation.

"Don't rush, come and have a taste. Here you go." Xiao Xi handed Bailu a Qiongshi Bird Skewer and pushed a plate filled with various treats toward her.

"Wow! Thank you, Xiao Xi and Stelle! These are all my favorites!" Bailu cheered excitedly.

Stelle also ruffled Bailu's smooth purple hair. "Eat slowly, don't rush. With us around, we'll make sure you get your fill."

"Mmm..."

Click. The sound of a can opening echoed through the air. Bailu, who had been busy eating, looked over at Stelle and saw her opening the green can she had taken from the stall—the ominous-looking "Soda Mung Bean Milk."