Noon.
A restaurant in the alley across from the World Museum.
Xu Xingke rattled off several dishes, then stood up and went straight over to fetch a case of beer.
"This is for me. You're still underage, so have a soft drink."
"Yes, sir."
The two sat down.
Xu Xingke downed a beer first.
"Refreshing!" he exclaimed.
"Why did you turn into a statue and stand there, sir?" Shen Ye asked.
"To rest... I'm most relaxed as a statue. I don't have to think about anything. It's like a transcendent state of meditation," Xu Xingke said.
It seemed this was probably one of his teacher's talent abilities.
Better not ask too much.
"Kid, there's quite a lot going on above your head. Can you sense how many 'names' you have?" Xu Xingke asked with great interest.
"Three or four, I think. I actually have some side classes too," Shen Ye said.
He felt he should be honest.
This man was powerful and serious, and had just fought to back him up. From this initial impression, he seemed like a good teacher.
Getting along with people came down to compatible temperaments.
He could pick out a few things he could share.
"Side classes? Is that the pink glow above your head?"
"Yes. I sing, like this-"
Shen Ye sang a line: "What a lovely jasmine flower."
Spectacular Opening activated!
Clink, clink, clatter-
The chopsticks on the table stood upright in a row, swaying from side to side like fans waving their hands at a concert.
"Interesting," Xu Xingke said with a grin. "You're a Songstress, aren't you?"
"Yes. Good eye, sir," Shen Ye admitted openly.
A young waitress passing with dishes glanced at them, then silently lowered her head and left.
"You've already advanced into 'Night Roamer,' and now you even