Chapter 155 City Streets 55

Chapter 155: City Life 55: The Prefectural Capital

The group arrived in the prefectural capital on the Lantern Festival itself, returning alongside Chen Sanxi.

It was already dusk, yet the streets were bustling.

By the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the year's coldest spell had passed. With the Lantern Festival in full swing, the lantern fairs and night markets were exceptionally lively, and the seven streets and eight alleys teemed with people out for a stroll.

However, after a long journey, everyone was weary and in no mood for revelry. All they desired was to return home, enjoy a hearty meal, and then sleep soundly.

Once inside the city, Liu Guyu and the others bid farewell to Chen Sanxi. One group headed for Fruit Lane on Riverfront Street, while the other led their horses back to the He Family Escort Agency.

The house had been vacant for half a month, but having been tidied before their departure, it wasn't particularly dirty. Only the courtyard had accumulated some dust and withered leaves. After changing the bedding and a quick clean, it would be ready for occupancy.

Liu Guyu went to the kitchen to prepare dinner, while the others unpacked, tidied the rooms, and fed the mule.

As evening drew near, the sky had largely darkened. The western clouds had turned ashen, and the golden sunlight gradually faded, replaced by the burgeoning glow of lanterns illuminating the entire city.

Outside, the festivities roared—fireworks, games, lantern viewing, and garden strolls. Yet, the Qin household remained serene and peaceful. Only upon stepping inside did they feel their bodies truly relax.

There was no time for elaborate dishes, so Liu Guyu decided to cook noodles—just enough to satisfy their hunger.

Though simple, it was prepared with meticulous care.

He made noodles with pickled peppers and shredded pork. He retrieved spicy green and red pickled peppers from a jar, sliced them into fine strips, and similarly cut the fresh pork bought from the market, marinating it with scallion-ginger water.

He heated the wok over high heat until white steam rose, then added a dollop of white lard to melt. Once hot, he stir-fried the pickled peppers and shredded pork until fragrant. The spatula clattered against the wok, oil splattered, and the aroma of meat filled the air. The pink lean pork shreds curled and turned white, seasoned with salt and soy sauce for a vibrant, savory flavor.

On the other side, a clay pot hung over the fire, filled with water to boil the noodles. The milky-white broth churned and bubbled, and the hand-pulled noodles changed color as they cooked. Just before serving, he added a handful of crisp, tender greens.

By the time the noodles were ready, the pickled pepper and shredded pork were perfectly cooked. Four steaming bowls of noodles, served in large blue-and-white porcelain, were brought out.

The noodles were springy, the shredded pork spicy and tangy, and the broth shimmered with glistening red oil. The blanched green vegetables added a fresh touch, and each bowl was crowned with a golden, crispy fried egg and a sprinkle of chopped scallions—a feast for the senses that made mouths water.

"Are you done tidying up? Time to eat!"

Liu Guyu untied his apron and called out. Soon, those busy inside began to emerge.

But the three cats were quicker. Calico, leading her two grown kittens, darted out and now lounged lazily by the stove, tails swaying.

After a whole winter, the three cats hadn't lost an ounce of weight. Their fluffy bodies huddled together like clusters of dandelion puffs.

The mother cat was calm and dignified, sitting obediently with her beautiful long fur—an elegant feline lady.

The orange-and-white brother was timid, cautiously hiding behind his mother, peeking up at Liu Guyu as he dished out the noodles.

The calico sister was the most outgoing. She rolled onto her back at Liu Guyu’s feet, clutching his pants and crying plaintively, clearly enticed by the smell of meat.

Liu Guyu quickly washed three small dishes for the cats, portioned out some shredded pork and noodles, and called them over to eat by the corner of the wall.

The calico kitten took a bite but immediately backed away, shaking her head and mewing—her tongue was too sensitive for the hot food. She circled the bowl anxiously, waiting for it to cool.

The others soon joined, each taking a bowl of noodles to eat.

"Brother Liu’s cooking is truly unmatched. Even a simple bowl of noodles tastes better than anyone else’s."

Qin Banban praised enthusiastically.

Cui Lanfang finished first. She stood to clear the bowls and said to Liu Guyu,

"Gu Yu, I’ve already changed the bedding in your room. Just unpack your luggage. Banban and I will do the dishes. After that, we can freshen up and rest. We’ve all had a tiring journey... Erlang, get two buckets of water from the well."

But before she could finish, Liu Guyu suddenly took her hand and said, "Mother, wait. Erlang and I have something to say."

Hearing this, Cui Lanfang had an inkling of what was coming.

She set down the bowls, sat back in her chair, and looked seriously at Liu Guyu, waiting for him to speak.

Liu Guyu exchanged a glance with Qin Rongshi, then reached out and took his hand, interlacing their fingers.

"Mother, Banban. Erlang and I are together. We’re in love and plan to stay together for a long, long time."

"Pfft... Cough, cough, cough... Ugh, cough, cough..."

Cui Lanfang had been prepared, but there was one person who had been kept completely in the dark—a clueless girl.

Qin Banban had just finished a bowl of steaming pickled pepper and shredded pork noodles. Her stomach was full and warm, the flavors so satisfying she almost drank the broth.

She was indeed lifting the bowl to sip the soup when she heard Liu Guyu’s words. Startled, she choked, the spicy soup burning her throat and bringing tears to her eyes. Her face flushed bright red.

The calico cat in her lap leaped up in alarm, ears perked, tail sticking straight up, and claws extended.

It landed and fled with airplane ears, afraid of being caught in the human commotion again.

"Cough, cough, cough... Wh-what? Cough, cough... Who? Who’s with whom?"

Qin Banban’s face and eyes were red as she stared in shock at Liu Guyu and Qin Rongshi.

Cui Lanfang and Liu Guyu were alarmed. One patted her back while the other took her bowl. Qin Rongshi quickly poured a bowl of warm water for her, and after she drank it, the burning sensation in her throat eased.

Banban remained stunned, clutching her bowl as she gaped at Liu Guyu, then at Qin Rongshi.

After a long pause, she finally said, "...Together?"

Liu Guyu, feeling belatedly awkward, nodded and rubbed the tip of his nose.

Qin Rongshi, however, remained composed. He took Liu Guyu’s hand again, his actions speaking louder than words.

After a long silence, Qin Banban spoke again. "...Well, that’s... that’s actually good."

Cui Lanfang, seeing how she had coughed and flushed, thought the news had been too much for her to handle. But to her surprise, Qin Banban quickly collected herself and nodded.

"That’s really good... If I had to say, only Brother Liu is worthy of my second brother, and only my second brother is worthy of Brother Liu!"

Cui Lanfang laughed joyfully. "Then it’s a happy occasion! A happy occasion! This is wonderful, truly wonderful! Since your hearts are united, I’m happy for you both. May you always be well!"

As she spoke, she patted their clasped hands, tears of joy welling in her eyes.

After sharing with his family, Liu Guyu felt much more at ease and went to his room to unpack. Qin Rongshi followed closely.

"What brings you here?"

Liu Guyu asked, smiling as he put his clothes away in the cabinet and glanced back at Qin Rongshi.

Qin Rongshi was straightforward. "I want to be with you."

Liu Guyu chuckled, leaned in, and kissed Qin Rongshi on one cheek. He tilted his head, thought it looked uneven, and kissed the other cheek as well.

Holding his clothes, he stepped back and gazed brightly at Qin Rongshi, whose dark eyes met his without a trace of embarrassment.

"Lame... no reaction at all."

Liu Guyu pouted and muttered under his breath.

Qin Rongshi ducked his head and chuckled softly, then asked in return, "What kind of reaction did you want me to have?"

Huh?

Hearing Qin Rongshi's words, Liu Guyu couldn't help but glance at him again. His gaze unconsciously drifted downward, and he couldn't resist sneaking a glance at his crotch before breaking into a sly grin, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Qin Rongshi: "..."

Qin Rongshi was in the prime of his youth—how could he not understand the teasing hidden in Liu Guyu's eyes? But he had never seen a guy so bold and unrestrained, utterly shameless.

"...Liu Guyu!" Qin Rongshi, who had been cool as a cucumber just moments before, suddenly flushed red. He shot Liu Guyu an annoyed glare and hissed his name in a hushed tone.

"I'm here, I'm here." Liu Guyu wasn't angry or scared. He tugged at the tip of his own ear and leaned in, tilting his head as he muttered, "I heard you, loud and clear."

"You were the one who asked... I haven't even said anything yet, and you're already getting all flustered."

Qin Rongshi took a deep breath and was about to speak when Cui Lanfang's voice suddenly called from outside.

"Erlang! Help me fetch two buckets of water!"

He let out a long sigh. Seeing Liu Guyu shaking his head triumphantly, as if proud of winning a round, a dark look flashed in Qin Rongshi's eyes. He suddenly reached out, pressed the back of Liu Guyu's neck, pulling him close, and bit down on Liu Guyu's lips.

The movement was quick and urgent but not rough, leaving only a faint bite mark on those chattering lips.

Without another word, he turned and left the room, heading to the well with a bucket to fetch water.

Liu Guyu sat on the bed, grinning foolishly for a while, savoring the moment before getting up to continue packing his luggage.

*

Winter passed, and spring arrived—everything came back to life.

The city's residents had a lively New Year celebration. After the Spring Festival, everyone returned to their routines, settling back into their daily lives.

Qin Rongshi went back to the academy, Qin Banban continued studying medicine with Fang Liuyin, and Liu Guyu opened his eatery, once again busy day after day.

Before the New Year, he had discussed business with the owner of Xichun Restaurant. They had originally agreed that Liu Guyu would go to Xichun Restaurant to test the dishes, and if there were no issues, they would sign a contract. But on that day, troublemakers who tried to dine and dash caused a scene at the eatery. Liu Guyu sprained his ankle, and the accountant, Zhang Yun, injured his back, forcing the eatery to close temporarily.

After recovering from his injury, the New Year festivities followed, so he had to negotiate with Owner Chang of Xichun Restaurant to discuss cooperation after the holiday.

Delays piled up, and the matter dragged on until now—it couldn't be postponed any longer.

Liu Guyu went to Xichun Restaurant as agreed.

Now, Xichun Restaurant and Liu's Eatery were both on Spring Street, not far from each other. But Liu Guyu had never set foot in Xichun Restaurant before, only catching glimpses of it from a distance when passing by.

Xichun Restaurant was indeed one of the best restaurants in the city, spacious and imposing.

The main building was five stories high, with elegantly curved roofs and intricate wooden brackets. Under the eaves hung octagonal bronze bells, and there were smaller buildings on either side. Built by the water, it wasn't until stepping inside that one noticed the pavilions along the shore, with small boats moored around them. However, the weather was too cold, so there were no guests on the boats.

"Customer, here for a meal? Would you like a seat in the main hall or a private room?"

As soon as a guest arrived, a waiter hurried over, bowing and smiling warmly at Liu Guyu.

Liu Guyu glanced at the staircase and replied, "I'm the owner of Liu's Eatery, here to discuss business with Owner Chang."