Tian Dou City—a bustling metropolis.
Streets teemed with carriages and crowds, energy crackling in the air.
Fang Yang held Gu Yue's hand, voice tender:
"Gu Yue—shall we try that grilled fish again?"
"Mm," she nodded, lips curving, black hair dancing in the breeze.
Behind them, Xiong Jun's copper-bell eyes lit up.
His thick fingers rubbed together, mouth watering.
After honey, grilled fish was his greatest weakness…
(Though he'd devour any meat thrown his way.)
They navigated the throng to Yuhao Grilled Fish.
Even outside, aromatic smoke—chilies, garlic, herbs—made stomachs growl.
Inside—packed tables, golden fish sizzling on iron plates, oil popping, servers weaving nimbly.
"Xiong Jun—sit at the next table. Order freely," Fang Yang instructed.
"Yes, my Lord!" Xiong Jun beamed—food was all he needed.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue claimed a window seat.
He ordered with practiced ease:
"Spicy, mala (numbing-spicy), garlic, and pickled cabbage—two fish each."
"Right away, sir!" the server jotted down.
Xiong Jun boomed: "Every fish on the menu—ten each!"
Heads turned. The server gaped, pen nearly dropping.
"S-sir… are you sure?"
"Afraid I can't pay?" Xiong Jun flexed, biceps bulging.
"N-no! Right away!" The server fled, sweating.
Fang Yang sighed.
Each fish cost 100 Federation Credits—ten days' wages for commoners…but trivial for him.
Soon—platters arrived.
Crisp golden skin, glistening with chili and scallions, oil hissing invitingly.
"Your order, sir. Enjoy!" The server bowed, then rushed to Xiong Jun's Everest-sized order.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue exchanged smiles, savoring the feast.
Flaky crust, tender flesh, spices dancing on the tongue—they fed each other bites, warmth radiating in their quiet bubble.
Xiong Jun?
GULP! CHOMP!
Two fish at once, grease dripping down his beard.
"I'm so smart to volunteer—human delicacies are divine!"
An hour later—"Full yet?" Fang Yang asked, watching Xiong Jun's feast.
"Hehe—ready, my Lord!" Xiong Jun wiped his mouth, still eyeing leftovers.
"Check, please," Fang Yang called.
"2,000 Credits for your table, sir," the server said, then paled while calculating Xiong Jun's bill.
"…32,000 total."
Fang Yang's eye twitched—this bear's appetite defied physics—but he casually pulled out his Black-Gold Card.
The server gasped—a symbol of untouchable wealth!
Ding! "Payment confirmed: 32,000 Federation Credits."
---
Leaving the restaurant, Fang Yang led Gu Yue through Tian Dou's streets,
Xiong Jun humming contentedly behind them.
They headed to Tian Dou Soul-Guided Train Station.
Fang Yang dreaded the journey—"Train Killer" incidents haunted him…
("Careful… I'm boarding!")
But with Xiong Jun's brute strength? Safety assured.
The station swarmed with travelers, soul-guided lamps blazing, giant screens flashing timetables, announcements echoing.
Woooo—
A soul-guided train glided in, wheels whispering on tracks.
Doors hissed open.
"Passengers to Donghai City—prepare to board…"
"Back on the train…" Fang Yang sighed.
Gu Yue squeezed his hand, amused. "Relax—this trip will be smooth."
"Mm," he nodded.
They boarded—Fang Yang and Gu Yue in one luxury cabin, Xiong Jun in another.
These cabins—mid-train for stability, soundproofed, with private lounges—were spacious as hotel rooms:
two crisp beds, a fruit-laden table, cozy window nook with armchairs.
"Fang Yang…" Gu Yue yawned, voice honey-soft, "I'm a bit tired…"
"Sleep, then," he murmured.
She nestled against him, eyes trusting. "Stay with me."
"Of course," he whispered, pulling her onto his bed.
She snuggled close, hair carrying her faint, calming scent.
Woooo—
The train lurched forward, Tian Dou's skyline fading into the blur of speed.
Smooth. Silent. Safe.
They drifted into slumber, wrapped in each other's warmth.
In the next cabin, Xiong Jun sat like a sentinel, guarding their peaceful journey.
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