Chapter 290

Chapter 290

"I did hear that last year, the young boss of Blue Star Pet Shop was working on a powerful self-defense technique for himself, which is why the shop wasn't open for business during that time." Another adventurer offered a different opinion.

"What kind of powerful technique?"

"How would I know? If I knew, do you think I'd be here drinking with y'all?" The practitioner who had spoken glared at the inquirer, responding defiantly.

All sorts of rumors were circulating, and if you closed your eyes, you’d almost think this was a Blue Star employee get-together.

"Come to think of it, I'd like to work for Blue Star too." A burly berserker drained his mug of ale in one gulp, saying, "They pay well, it's leisurely, and let’s not forget those paid holidays. Where else can you find such a good opportunity?"

"Ah, I couldn't agree more. If Blue Star were really recruiting adventurers right now, I'd sign up immediately!" Another adventurer lamented, "Even if it's just working on the periphery!"

"Sign up? Look at yourself—do you really think you’re cut out for it?"

Several familiar practitioners teased each other and burst out laughing.

"I don't think anyone in this tavern is qualified!" A heavily bearded, burly man laughed heartily.

"Boss! Blue Star is having their annual meeting next week and you're invited!" A small tavern waiter pushed open the door, waving a letter in his hand and shouted.

The excited announcement instantly silenced the previously lively tavern.

"Don't be hasty, little Jerry." The lean boss coughed softly, regretting that his young waiter was still so impatient.

Feeling the burning gazes in the tavern, Old Tom realized that if he hid the letter from the waiter now, he might incur the wrath of the crowd.

It wasn't anything to be ashamed of, so Tom sighed, stood up, and asked, "What annual meeting? What invitation? Explain yourself, boy!"

"Yes! Explain it clearly!"

"Tom’s always straight to the point!"

The atmosphere in the tavern became even more restless.

Jerry’s nose was red from the cold, but he was so bundled up in sweaters and a puffy jacket that he didn’t seem bothered.

"Blue Star's annual meeting! We’ve been invited because we’re a partner restaurant with Blue Star!" Jerry said proudly, puffing out his chest under the scrutiny of those around him.

Although he was wrapped up so tightly that the gesture didn’t make much of a difference.

Hearing this, Old Tom was taken aback for a moment, then puffed out his chest just like his young waiter.

The mention of ‘Blue Star’ and the envious looks from everyone made Tom swell with pride.

"Oh wow! This is fantastic!" Old Tom rushed out from behind the counter, eagerly grabbing the invitation from Jerry’s hand.

He couldn’t wait to tear open the envelope and pull out the thick, beautifully crafted letter, which had a faint scent.

'Dear Axe Tavern Team:

Blue Star Pet Shop will be holding its annual meeting this month on the 12th at the Holy Rose Venue and cordially invites all partners to attend.

This will be a formal event, and we’d love to have you there!

Blue Star Pet Shop.'

This invitation letter is so minimalistic it almost feels too plain. The few lines hardly resemble a formal invitation, but once they see the glowing Blue Star logo on the back of the card, no one dares to take it lightly.

It was rare for Blue Star Pet Shop to make their invitations so simple. Holding the card, Old Tom couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.

He'd always heard that Blue Star's invitations were so stunning they'd leave you speechless at first glance.

Words like luxurious, delicate, and noble flowed freely during such occasions.

Rumor had it that the small gifts accompanying those invitations were worth a pretty penny, and even the noble lords among practitioners felt honored to receive Blue Star's gift sets.

Unfortunately, Old Tom lacked the funds to upgrade his Blue Star membership, and his Battle Axe Tavern hadn’t been recognized as a higher-tier establishment by Blue Star, so he’d never experienced such perks.

But soon, Old Tom perked up. Aware of the intense stares around him, he carefully slipped the invitation back into the envelope and tucked it securely into his coat’s inner pocket.

His careful handling of the invitation was almost comical. But none of the adventurers laughed at him.

Instead, everyone eyed the skinny, unassuming boss with clear envy.

Once he made sure the invitation was safely stowed away, Old Tom turned to the crowd, "Everyone, drinks are 20% off tonight! Drink up! On me!"

Similar scenes played out in many other places.

Not just restaurants, but also noble lords who had purchased spots at Cotton Tree Ranch from the Church, toy stores that had obtained the image rights for beast pets, and other high-end stores that had joined the Blue Star platform—many of them had received invitations to Blue Star's annual meeting.

Ever since the Lightwing Butterfly Auction, Blue Star Pet Shop, which had once again become famous worldwide, only to vanish without a trace, quickly stirred up another round of heated discussion as soon as it reappeared.

Meanwhile, amidst all the excitement, the Pet Shop remained blissfully calm.

Lorant was lounging comfortably on the sofa bed in the sunroom, sound asleep, cuddling Maomao’s big tail.

Lancelot sat next to him, quietly flipping through a book in his hands.

The peaceful afternoon was brimming with a warm, tranquil vibe, as if even the air was imbued with serenity and warmth.

Fa Meng and her book hovered silently in mid-air, the enlarged book acting like her bed, rising and falling gently with the little fat dragon’s breaths.

Suddenly, Lorant jerked awake and sat up abruptly, as if he had come back to life.

Lancelot’s hand holding the teacup shook, spilling half the tea all over him.

Fa Meng also jolted upright, flipping off her book.

"W-What's wrong, Lorant?" The little fat dragon rubbed his eyes and slowly fluttered his tiny wings, floating back to his book page. He asked, still groggy.

Lancelot closed the book and gave Lorant a concerned look. "Have a bad dream?"

Lorant looked up dazedly and shook his head slowly.

He wasn’t fully asleep, just resting with his eyes closed in a half-dreamy state.

In fact, the simulator in Lorant’s mind had been running subconsciously all along. Over time, this had become second nature to Lorant. As long as he wasn’t in a deep, deep sleep, the simulator in his mind was constantly running.

Just then, a clear, pleasant 'ding' snapped Lorant out of his sleepy haze.

"I..." Lorant looked at Lancelot’s concerned eyes, blinking to clear his mind. "I... I've thought of another beast-pet breeding route."

When it came to Lancelot, Lorant had grown lazy about hiding anything, except for directly telling him about his magical ability chart.

With each secret he revealed to Lancelot, Lorant had long since stopped being cautious around him.

The moment he decided to tell him about Baby's existence, Lorant had already made up his mind.

Lately, he'd become so carefree that he was practically ready to tell Lancelot about the problems with his beast breeding.

However, the knight grew increasingly worried, often needing to earnestly advise the impulsive shop owner to watch his words and actions, so he wouldn’t accidentally spill the beans in front of others.

Unfortunately, whether this capricious shop owner had actually listened to the advice was anyone's guess.

At this, Lancelot looked momentarily surprised. "A new beast?"

"Yeah, a new beast!" He shook off his drowsiness, his face lighting up with growing excitement.

In front of his eyes, a gray character slowly materialized next to "Floating Giant Duck" on the C-grade list of the ability chart.

"Blood-eye Black Crow": A small C-grade beast pet with powerful vision, perfect for aerial reconnaissance.

Lorant flipped through it with surprise and delight, finding that this C-grade beast pet needed live beasts that weren't particularly rare, making them easy for the shop to get.

This meant that soon, the shop would have another valuable beast pet up for sale.

More importantly, according to the chart, this beast pet excelled at reconnaissance. These uniquely skilled beast pets often bring unexpected surprises, making them a great addition to the shop’s lineup.

The shop owner, now elated after reading the chart, clapped his hands. "I’ve made up my mind! Tonight, we’ll have the kitchen whip up a spicy hot pot!"

"We're having hot pot tonight!" Lorant said happily to Lancelot.

By this time, Lancelot had also calmed down and, though he didn't know what the new beast pet was, he was nonetheless pleased about it.

He returned his book to the small bookshelf and said cheerfully, "Sure thing! It’s been a while since we had hot pot, and I’m really in the mood for it!"

He didn't ask about the new beast pet.

Without realizing it, the knight, who had initially stayed at the beast pet shop because of his fascination with the creatures, had gradually lost some of his initial enthusiasm.

He knew that if Lorant wanted to talk, he would know. And if he didn't want to say anything, Lancelot didn't want to push him.

Eager to head to the beast storage and start the new beast pet breeding process, Lorant barely made it a few steps before Joe stopped him at the door of the sunroom.