The sunset was red as blood as it slowly sank beyond the dark, distant edge of the Star Dou Great Forest, tinting the horizon a faint violet.
Seeing that it was getting late, Zhao Wuji led the group to a rather run-down restaurant.
After all, this was the only restaurant in this stretch of wilderness.
"Little Monsters, let's replenish our strength here and get some rest. We'll set out again tomorrow!"
"Okay!"
Everyone cheered.
After traveling all afternoon, they were half-dead with exhaustion.
They entered the restaurant, and since a teacher could not take advantage of his students, Zhao Wuji went upstairs to the second floor alone.
Chen Jue, however, did not see it that way.
Instead, he wondered whether the second floor offered some special services.
I'll have to go up and take a look when I get the chance!
The group found an empty table and sat down.
Chen Jue frowned as he looked at the menu on the table.
The sharp-eyed Tang San happened to notice and assumed Chen Jue could not afford the food. After all, Chen Jue hardly spent anything at the academy.
Besides, he stayed at the academy every day. Tang San never saw him go out.
Thus, Tang San decided that Chen Jue had no money.
After all, who with money would not go out and lose themselves in glittering luxury?
What Tang San did not know was that Chen Jue did want to go out.
It was just that the glittering luxury outside could hardly compare to what he enjoyed at the academy!
With four stunning goddesses surrounding him, why would he need to go anywhere else?
Tang San gave Chen Jue a casual sidelong glance, a mocking smile curling his lips as he spoke leisurely.
"Chen Jue, are the dishes here too expensive for you? Can't afford them?"
"Oh dear, sorry. Did I insult you?"
"It's fine. There's no shame in it. I'll treat you! I've got plenty of money. Order whatever you want!"
Tang San waved a hand grandly, putting his generosity on full display.
Beside him, Dai Mubai narrowed his eyes at the sight, an amused smile curling his lips.
"Tang San, what do you mean by that? You know perfectly well that Chen Jue has no money, yet you still talk to him like that. You've gone too far!"
Tang San chuckled, his laughter tinged with disdain.
Then he turned toward Chen Jue, the chill in his eyes receding slightly as he put on a smarmy expression!
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. Hahaha!"
Hearing such blatant mockery, the girls were instantly displeased.
He's our man, and even we haven't looked down on him for being poor. Now you two are getting carried away!
"What do you mean by that?"
As the leading lady, Hu Liena spoke first, her voice carrying unquestionable authority and a barely perceptible trace of anger.
Besides, how could Chen Jue possibly have no money?
She distinctly remembered her teacher secretly slipping him plenty of money.
And every time, Chen Jue would clasp her teacher's hand tightly, though she had no idea what he intended.
Just as the other girls were about to attack him together, Chen Jue raised a hand and stopped them.
Chen Jue gave them a look, signaling for them to quiet down.
I can't let them ruin such a perfect opportunity!
Since Tang San wanted to show off by treating them, he might as well let him.
After all, what was wrong with getting something for free?
Besides, it was time to screw him over again.
It had been ages since he had last done it!
Otherwise, how would he dare mock me in public?
This time, I'll find a way to teach him a lesson he won't forget.
"Since Young Master Tang has so generously offered to help, we would be discourteous to refuse!"
A refined, gentle smile curved Chen Jue's lips as he spoke softly.
Tang San laughed loudly, his voice ringing like a great bell and brimming with impressive confidence.
"Sure! Order plenty. Don't say I'm stingy!"
"Don't let anyone look over and think we can't afford to eat. One of everything, one serving per person!"
His declaration immediately drew eyes from all around. The other diners turned toward them, captivated by this sudden display of generosity.
A few women even seemed ready to make a move, as though they wanted to come over and strike up a conversation.
Tang San thoroughly enjoyed the feeling.
I finally got to show off!
I wonder whether Xiao Wu will see me differently now.
"Waiter!"
"Coming!"
The waiter answered readily, weaving briskly between the tables and chairs.
He had initially assumed they were ordinary visitors from the countryside. Their clothes were simple, and the dust of the road was plain to see.
He had never expected them to be big shots hiding in plain sight.
As the waiter hurried over, Tang San pointed at Chen Jue.
"I'm paying. Let him order!"
The waiter immediately stepped over.
Chen Jue lightly picked up the menu, his fingertips brushing the paper. Then, with leisurely ease, he took a pen and began carefully marking it.
Within moments, Chen Jue finished. The waiter standing beside him took the menu, and his brow furrowed with barely containable anger.
Every selection was either cheap or discounted.
So these people are messing with me?
All that fanfare, just to order a few vegetable dishes?
"Sir, are these the only dishes you're ordering?"
The waiter sounded somewhat impatient.
Beside them, Tang San lightly tapped his toe against the floor. His gaze casually swept over the menu, and a barely noticeable flicker of contempt passed through his eyes!
You call this fucking food?
It's all leaves...
Oh well! Be understanding. He's poor and hasn't seen the world!
Dai Mubai remained silent at the side, his eyes revealing the same disdain.
"Huh? I don't want anything I marked. Bring everything else!"
At those words, the waiter froze as though an invisible force had pinned him in place.
Even Tang San was stunned for a moment, astonishment flashing through his eyes.
The four girls lightly covered their lips, their eyes gleaming with mischievous amusement.
That's our Chen Jue. Even the way he orders is different.
"Gone stupid? Bring the food!"
Chen Jue raised an eyebrow, instantly snapping the waiter back to his senses.
As though waking from a dream, the waiter replaced his stunned expression with a humble smile, his attitude making an immediate about-face.
Now this is a big shot. My horizons were still too narrow!
"Certainly!"
With that, he rushed toward the kitchen like the wind.
Tang San's gaze slowly traveled across the menu. The astronomical figures following the dishes left him dumbstruck, shock surging through him like a tide.
He had thought Chen Jue was merely ordering on a whim. How could he have imagined that the extravagance of this feast would far exceed his expectations?
After all, how could just a few people possibly order more than twenty dishes?
That was why he had dared to shoot his mouth off.
In truth, he did not have that much money. At most, he could pay for half.
He quietly glanced sideways, directing a pleading look toward Dai Mubai, helplessness and hope mingling in his eyes.
Dai Mubai already understood what Tang San meant and unleashed a torrent of curses inwardly.
Using my damn money to show off!
If you have no money, don't act like a big shot!
But as Tang San's "good brother," he could only lend a hand, so he nodded.
Having secured help, Tang San instantly felt as though he were basking in a spring breeze.
After all, as the Third Prince of the Star Luo Empire, money was nothing more than a number to Dai Mubai.
Then Tang San looked at Chen Jue with feigned nonchalance, an amused smile curling his lips as he spoke with boundless swagger.
"Chen Jue, is that enough? If not, I've got more!"
Dai Mubai: ...
My money, your showboating.
You're just as much of a bastard as Chen Jue...
"Plenty, plenty, plenty!"
Chen Jue smiled. He was a man who had read the Douluo script.
Tang San doesn't have a damn cent. Someone must be backing him.
No need to guess who. It's that sucker, Dai Mubai.
But are you sure Dai Mubai has money?
"Honored guests..."
The waiter hurried out of the kitchen, his face bearing a measure of embarrassment and apology.
His gaze moved among them, as though searching for the best words to soften this sudden change in atmosphere.
"To be frank, our proprietor has just carefully calculated the cost. The dishes you ordered amount to a sum our humble establishment has rarely seen lately, so he specifically sent me over..."
At this point, the waiter's voice unconsciously lowered, as he feared his words might make anyone present lose face.
If they really were wealthy, this would undoubtedly be a slap in their faces.
After all, the rich cared most about saving face!
His call once again drew the attention of those around them.
Looking at the gazes surrounding him, Tang San smiled confidently.
"It's fine. We understand! I'll settle the bill!"
Tang San waved a hand grandly and took the bill from the waiter. Although the figure on it was astronomical to him, he did not panic in the slightest.
I still have Dai Mubai, don't I?
A subtle exchange of glances was enough to convey his meaning to Dai Mubai beside him.
Dai Mubai understood. He was just about to take Gold Soul Coins out of his Soul Tool when he discovered...
Where's the money?
Where's my money?
Did I drop it?
Impossible! How could money fall out of a Soul Tool?
The unexpected turn made the air freeze, confusion and bewilderment quietly creeping onto Dai Mubai's face.
Then Dai Mubai lowered his voice to almost a whisper and revealed his predicament to Tang San.
"My money's gone?"
Tang San's heart jolted at those words, and he could not help letting out a startled cry.
"What?"
That cry turned the surrounding gazes from envy to confusion...
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