"Master?"
Qi Zhongbin called out cautiously.
"Mm!"
Yi Shuyuan nodded and sat down at their table.
With the New Year approaching, business at little eateries like this had grown much quieter. The proprietor soon brought their food over.
"Enjoy your meal, sir. Just call if you need anything else!"
"Thank you!"
"Oh, you're too kind!"
The proprietor set down the bowl of wontons and the plate of steamed buns, then returned to work after a few welcoming words.
"Let's eat first, before it gets cold."
Yi Shuyuan picked up his spoon and began eating as he spoke. Having gone over a year without food, he certainly wasn't going to starve to death, but now that he saw something to eat, he could hardly restrain his appetite.
Qi Zhongbin also realized what was happening. This must be an immortal's transformation. People said demons, monsters, and ghosts could assume countless forms to beguile the heart; immortals and gods could hardly be any less capable.
Yi Shuyuan ate with relish. Anyone who had gone over a year without food, as he had, would find anything decently prepared delicious.
"By the way, Master, the Celestial Court sent a god to see you!"
Yi Shuyuan paused, looking up at Qi Zhongbin, who had lowered his voice, then at Hui Mian, who had already slurped up every last drop of wonton soup.
"That's right, sir!"
Hui Mian answered quietly, then added,
"It's Huan Yulang from the Fire Department. He's here to build a connection with you."
Yi Shuyuan frowned in thought, but eating took priority.
"We'll talk afterward."
About a quarter of an hour later, accompanied by the proprietor's loud farewell of "Take care, everyone!", Yi Shuyuan left with Qi Zhongbin and Hui Mian after eating several bowls of wontons.
Firecrackers sounded everywhere along the streets.