Night in Bright Capital

Bright Capital's night was a river of flowing light.

When Tang Wulin and Gu Yue followed the crowd out of Bright Capital Station, the scent unique to a major city—exhaust fumes, spices, and the vitality of countless souls—washed over them. Traffic streamed through the streets, hovercars gliding silently between towering buildings that pierced the clouds. On enormous holographic billboards, light and shadows shifted endlessly, dazzling the eye.

Tang Wulin was like a country boy visiting the city for the first time, his head swiveling like a rattle drum, his mouth never stopping for a second.

"Gu Yue, Gu Yue, look at that flying car over there! Oh, no, that's one of the new models—it really is different. Hey, what's that on top of that building? A UFO? No, it's that revolving restaurant! Let's go!"

Excitedly pointing at the city landmark in the distance, he grabbed Gu Yue and charged toward the subway station, completely ignoring her reminder to slow down and not rush.

"Tang Wulin, didn't you say you were treating? Walking this fast, what if you forgot your wallet?" Gu Yue helplessly followed as he dragged her along, though the corners of her lips still rose slightly.

"What a joke! How could I possibly go out without money? I brought an entire month's allowance! Today, I'll show you what a 'Wulin-style feast' is!"

The subway's lightning speed soon carried them to the foot of the magnificent building. They took a high-speed sightseeing elevator straight to the top floor, and when the doors opened, it felt as though the entire world were spinning and unfolding beneath their feet.

"Wow—!"

Even Gu Yue, who had seen plenty of wonders, was stunned by the sight before her. The entire restaurant was a massive disc. As it slowly revolved, Bright Capital's countless lights, crisscrossing streets, and the hazy mountain shadows in the distance became a flowing painting that unfolded before their eyes. Gentle jazz drifted through the air. The servers wore crisp uniforms and moved with light steps. The air was filled with the fragrance of food, the mellow aroma of red wine, and the pleasant atmosphere of quiet conversation and laughter.

"What did I tell you? I wasn't bragging!" Tang Wulin puffed out his chest like a child asking for praise and pulled Gu Yue to an excellent window seat. From this angle, Bright Capital's nightscape stretched out before them in all its splendor.

"It really is beautiful," Gu Yue said sincerely. As she looked out the window, specks of starlight reflected in her violet eyes.

"Of course!" Tang Wulin proudly pushed the menu in front of Gu Yue. "A beauty's taste can't be wrong! Order whatever signature dishes you want! You're the boss today. Whatever you want to eat, I'll eat!"

Gu Yue took the menu. Pictures and descriptions of various dishes were printed on the exquisite coated paper. Her gaze lingered for a moment on a main course called "Light of the Deep Sea." It was an exceptionally beautiful dish: a tender premium filet mignon formed the centerpiece, covered in a layer of translucent caviar and garnished with an edible gold-leaf rose. Beside it were bright green asparagus and pink beetroot foam.

"Then I'll have this, 'Light of the Deep Sea,' along with a 'Walk in the Clouds' salad. For the main starch, I'd like a serving of 'Song of the Earth' risotto." Gu Yue closed the menu and handed it to the approaching server.

Tang Wulin was left dumbfounded. "Wait, Gu Yue, what kind of names are those? They sound... they sound expensive."

The server smiled as he wrote down the order, then politely asked, "Sir, miss, would you like something to drink? Our 'Stardust Sparkling Water' and 'Twilight City' cocktail are local specialties."

"I'll have a glass of... that Stardust Sparkling Water." Tang Wulin glanced at the price, his heart bleeding, but he still forced himself to remain composed.

Gu Yue merely said, "A glass of plain water will do."

After the server left, Tang Wulin's smile became a little stiff. He secretly glanced at the "Light of the Deep Sea" Gu Yue had ordered and began silently calculating the balance in his bank card. I'm done for. This month's allowance is probably going to be wiped out. I shouldn't have bragged like that!

"Um... Gu Yue," he said, rubbing his hands as he tried to change the subject. "Actually, don't you think we could switch restaurants? I saw a fast-food place downstairs. I heard it tastes pretty good, and it's affordable..."

Gu Yue lifted the lemon water on the table and took a small sip. Then she looked up at him. "Tang Wulin, didn't you say you were treating me to a good meal to celebrate? What, regretting it now?"

"How could I?" Tang Wulin immediately waved his hands, looking as though money meant nothing to him. "A real man never takes back his word! I'm treating! I have to treat! Forget one Light of the Deep Sea—even ten of them, I could afford it!" He encouraged himself, while inwardly crying his heart out.

Just then, the appetizer was served. On an exquisite little plate sat several amber-colored jelly-like morsels, accompanied by a small pinch of caviar and a slice of crisply toasted bread.

"This is 'Golden Rain.' Please enjoy," the server introduced.

Tang Wulin picked up a jelly morsel and put it into his mouth. It was cool and springy, sweet and sour, and wonderfully appetizing. His eyes lit up, and he temporarily forgot his worries. "Mm! Delicious! This tastes great!"

Gu Yue tried one as well and nodded in approval.

Then the main course arrived, bringing this "feast" to its climax.

When the "Light of the Deep Sea" was served, the entire table seemed to brighten. The translucent caviar gleamed beneath the lights like black pearls. The steak had been seared to perfection, its surface an enticing caramel brown, while the inside was tender pink when cut open. The gold-leaf rose added an air of luxurious artistry.

Tang Wulin stared blankly. This seemed rather different from the lavish meal he had imagined. He had expected huge platters of grilled meat and mountains of fries. But the dish before him looked more like a work of art.

"Try it. Don't just stare," Gu Yue urged softly, elegantly cutting off a small piece of steak with her knife and fork.

Tang Wulin snapped out of it. Following Gu Yue's example, he cut off a small piece of steak and carefully put it into his mouth.

In an instant, it felt as if a magnificent fireworks display exploded across his taste buds.

The steak's juices burst in his mouth. The tender meat carried a rich, savory flavor that blended perfectly with the caviar's distinctive salty freshness and hint of the sea. The gold leaf itself had no taste, yet it added a lingering sense of luxury to the dish. The layers of flavor were distinct: first the richness of the beef, then the burst of fresh umami from the caviar, and finally the crispness of the asparagus and the faint sweetness of the beetroot foam, weaving together in his mouth like a harmonious symphony.

"This... this..." Tang Wulin was so excited that he could barely speak. His eyes were wider than the steak itself. "It's so good! This is way too good! None of the grilled meat I've had before can compare! Is this really steak? This is practically... the essence of a Soul Beast!"

Forgeting all about appearances, he began eating in huge mouthfuls. Before long, only a few scattered garnishes remained on his plate.

Gu Yue ate slowly as well, savoring every bite. She could tell that the steak was indeed of exceptional quality and that the cooking had been executed flawlessly. But what caught her attention more was the pure, heartfelt joy on Tang Wulin's face.

"Slow down. No one's going to steal it from you." Seeing a bit of sauce at the corner of his mouth, she could not help reaching out and gently wiping it away with a napkin.

Her fingertips brushed his warm skin. Tang Wulin froze, then looked up at her. His cheeks reddened slightly, and a light more stirring than the steak itself flickered in his eyes.

"Gu Yue, you... you're so good to me," he said softly, lowering his head and continuing his battle with the food on his plate.

"Are you full?" Gu Yue asked.

"Full! I'm completely full!" Tang Wulin patted his stomach, his face glowing with blissful satisfaction. "I've never eaten anything this delicious in my life! Gu Yue, thank you! You picked an amazing place!"

Hearing his thanks, Gu Yue smiled. That smile was more captivating than the neon lights outside the window. "You're the one treating me. I should be thanking you."

Dessert was served after the meal: a "Starry Sky Mousse." A black chocolate cake base was covered in a blue mirror glaze like a deep night sky, dotted with white cream clouds and silver sugar pearls to imitate stars.

Tang Wulin scooped up a small bite. It melted the moment it entered his mouth, the bittersweet chocolate and rich cream dissolving together and bringing a peaceful sense of satisfaction.

"This meal was worth it," he said sincerely.

"So, do you still think the names of the dishes are strange?" Gu Yue teased as she looked at him.

"Not strange! Not strange at all! The names are perfect! 'Light of the Deep Sea'... tsk, tsk, that name is incredible!" Tang Wulin gave her a thumbs-up, utterly convinced.

Tang Wulin fell silent for a moment, then suddenly grinned. Picking up the last piece of "Starry Sky Mousse," he held it out to Gu Yue. "Here. Once we finish this, let's go shopping! I'm hungry already!"

She took the spoon and scooped a little mousse into her mouth.

"Okay," she answered softly.

Gu Yue listened quietly, watching how he was full of anticipation for every tomorrow, a gentle smile always resting on her lips. Because there was such a fool, willing to hold your hand and eagerly plan every unknown future in this city—a future filled with laughter.