Chapter 3

A quarter of an hour later.

Cheng Bu Zheng stood at a distance, seeing a luxurious tavern from afar. The huge signboard above the entrance bore three gilded characters: "Liu Xian Lou" (Pavilion of Immortals). The building not only occupied a hundred square zhang but also had six stories, making it the most luxurious tavern in town.

At this moment, the tavern's main doors were wide open, with occasional groups of people entering and exiting.

According to local rumors, the tavern was initially not called "Liu Xian Lou." Later, an immortal descended to dine here, and upon hearing this, the owner was overjoyed and had a signboard made overnight.

The legend of Liu Xian Lou gradually spread throughout the town, with vivid details.

Once, Cheng Bu Fan, upon hearing this, couldn't help but marvel at the tavern owner's business acumen. Immortals and monsters were very popular in folk legends, and the tavern owner had somehow learned to capitalize on trending topics.

Now, thinking about it, Cheng Bu Zheng suspected that these rumors were likely true. He didn't believe the tavern owner would dare to mock an immortal.

The wrath of an immortal was not something a small tavern owner could withstand.

Cheng Bu Zheng glanced at the three gilded characters and walked straight toward the tavern.

As he stepped into the tavern's hall, a waiter hurriedly ran up to him, bending over with a low, smiling bow.

"Sir, would you like to order our signature dishes?"

The waiter knew that a young man dressed in coarse cloth was almost impossible to order the signature dishes, but the words still slipped out of his mouth. After all, introducing a guest to order a signature dish meant a tip.

This phrase had almost become his catchphrase.

Cheng Bu Zheng looked at the waiter, seeing a reflection of his former self, who had to bend his back for a living. The two were so similar.

"Which private room is the young master in?"

The waiter was surprised, not expecting the gentle young man before him to have a connection with the young master. He silently mused to himself, feeling quite envious but not showing it on his face.

The waiter quickly put on a professional smile and extended his right hand. "Please... The young master is dining in the Prosperity Hall on the third floor. Please follow me."

Led by the waiter, they arrived outside the Prosperity Hall on the third floor. The purple wooden door, adorned with elegant carvings, was closed. After completing his task, the waiter bid farewell and retreated.

Cheng Bu Zheng pushed open the purple wooden door and saw a large round table in the center of the private room. The walls were made of precious wood, intricately carved with various patterns.

The overall appearance was both grand and elegant.

Sitting on a chair by the round table was a slender young man in a white robe, with a delicate face. However, his thin lips added a touch of sharpness to his gentle appearance.

This person was none other than Cheng Bu Zheng's new friend, Qian Zhe.

"Bu Zheng... Look what I have here!" Qian Zhe said with a delighted expression, pointing with his right hand.

Cheng Bu Zheng's gaze fell on the solid wood round table, which was filled with various dishes, including the signature dishes the waiter had mentioned: Dragon and Tiger Battle, Immortal's Delight, and Dragon Meat Three Rolls...

Suddenly.

His heart stirred as he saw a large tray in the center of all the dishes, containing a nearly meter-long lobster of an unknown variety.

He had never seen such a large lobster before. It was either a monster or very close to becoming one.

Seeing the bright red lobster, Cheng Bu Zheng's throat moved involuntarily. He forced himself to look away and smiled at Qian Zhe.

"Such a huge creature, how did you get it? It's really beyond my expectations."

Qian Zhe seemed very pleased with Cheng Bu Zheng's reaction. When he first saw the creature, he was also greatly surprised. He had never seen a lobster larger than the size of a palm.

"If you hadn't told me... Who would have known that such a delicacy exists in the world!

You know I love to eat... You, Qian Zhe, are a friend I will definitely keep!"

Cheng Bu Zheng smiled. "Qian Shao... This giant creature needs to be eaten with the right condiments to truly savor its deliciousness. Otherwise, it would be a waste! I'll go prepare some!"

"No need, I've already prepared them!"

Qian Zhe waved his hand and opened two white porcelain bowls that were stacked together. Inside were the condiments he mentioned.

Cheng Bu Zheng quickly ran over, divided the condiments into two, and poured them into the white porcelain bowls. He then picked up a pair of scissors and walked to the giant shrimp. He forcefully cut along the joints of the front claws.

"Qian Shao... Try it, I guarantee it's incredibly delicious!"

Cheng Bu Zheng cut a slit in the shell, revealing the white, tender, and translucent flesh inside.

A fresh and fragrant aroma wafted from the translucent white meat. Cheng Bu Zheng then placed the front claws of the giant shrimp on Qian Shao's plate.

"I bet you wouldn't dare to deceive me!" Qian Zhe dipped the shrimp in the condiments, chewed it slightly, and his eyes lit up. He laughed and said:

"Truly a delicacy! How did you come up with this... Or are you just a food connoisseur!

Let's eat together, such a giant shrimp, I can't finish it alone!"

Cheng Bu Zheng smiled. "Then I'll follow your lead...

I've also never eaten such a large creature before. The ones I usually eat are only the size of a palm, with very little meat.

It's all thanks to Qian Shao, you have such great influence!"

He then wrote down the detailed process of making stir-fried small shrimp and handed it to Qian Zhe.

The Prosperity Hall was filled with laughter and joy. Under Cheng Bu Zheng's deliberate flattery, Qian Shao enjoyed his meal immensely.

After the meal.

Qian Shao lazily reclined in a recliner and looked at Cheng Bu Fan, slowly speaking:

"You know that Liu Xian Lou is run by my father. By giving me this culinary secret, you're giving me a money tree.

Bu Zheng... If you need anything, just ask."

Although Qian Zhe spoke grandly, Cheng Bu Zheng knew it was just a polite gesture. He understood the true nature of this person. He was not a naive and impulsive young man.

Cheng Bu Zheng had already planned his move and said calmly:

"Qian Shao, we are friends. Talking about these things... Do you not consider me a friend?"

He put on a displeased expression.

This was a psychological tactic, a retreat to advance. He had deliberately flattered Qian Zhe and used his own identity.

At this moment, Qian Zhe would not turn against him. After all, Qian Shao was only a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy, not yet ruthless.

Sure enough.

"Brother was wrong. If you have any troubles in the future, tell me. I still have some influence in town!"

Qian Zhe said sincerely, but he didn't really mean it. Helping with minor tasks was one thing, but major troubles were another.

At the same time, he was quite optimistic about this young man. He knew that the young man before him was the most talented medicine boy of the town's doctor, who was actually a disciple.

According to the information he had, this person's medical skills were already at about eighty percent of Doctor Bai's level.

In the future, his medical skills would surely surpass his master. Otherwise, a mere medicine boy wouldn't have tried to befriend him.

He wouldn't be so cheap.

Qian Zhe's calculations were clear in his mind.

And Cheng Bu Zheng was well aware of Qian Zhe's calculations. Otherwise, how could his plan succeed?