Chapter 26: Sisterly Advice and Late Night Barbecues.

Chapter 26: Sisterly Advice and Late Night Barbecues.

After a refreshing cleanup, Huo Zhenwei sported a fresh pair of robes, though the same couldn't be said for his glasses – the cracked lenses wouldn't be gone anytime soon.

Currently, he sat in a small shop, indulging in a bowl of lamian adorned with rich garnishes.

The shop had a connection to the courtyard where Huo Zhenwei and his sisters resided. However, their sector on Spirit Harmony Peak was a bit distant from Yang Wei's courtyard

Since the constant back-and-forth felt too exhausting for Huo Zhenwei, he decided it was best to stay at the gate of Yang Wei. Not only would it save him time and energy, but it'd also depict him as persistent.

Savoring a slow, gentle slurp of noodles, he paused and sighed, poking at the noodles with deliberate intent.

It seemed like he was toying with his food, but his sour mood was evident.

Huo Yue, his older sister, asked, "Still thinking about that junior?"

Huo Zhenwei sighed again, dropping his chopsticks into the bowl and lowering his head in defeat. "Of course, that's the only thing on his mind right now."

Looking at him with a warm smile, Huo Yue offered support by gently patting him on the back.

She was a slender, well-endowed woman with short, light blue hair and brown eyes, framing her face with fringes.

Huo Yue chimed in, sharing her perspective, "From what you've told me so far, the simplest way for you to lift this burden off your back is to leave that Young Master alone." She elegantly walked away from the counter, grabbing a teapot to pour herbal tea into a teacup. Turning back to Huo Zhenwei, teacup in hand, she added, "Honestly, I never liked that Young Master."

Huo Zhenwei retorted, "You know I can't abandon Jin Tianyu."

Huo Yue sighed, handing him the cup of herbal tea. "I know you made a promise to his father, but still..."

Smiling, Huo Zhenwei took a sip of the herbal tea. "No 'buts' when it comes to a promise. Remember who told me that?" he teased.

Huo Yue sighed and admitted, "Yes, it was me."

Huo Zhenwei nodded, "And I haven't forgotten those words till this day. So, any tips on how to talk to this junior?"

Huo Yue, index finger pressed to her chin, gazed at the ceiling. Returning her gaze to Huo Zhenwei, she advised, "Well, the key to a sensible discussion with any man is always food."

Huo Zhenwei repeated, "Food?" with a confused expression.

"Yes, food," Huo Yue chuckled. "It worked for mother when she proposed to father. So the same thing should work here, although hopefully not in a romantic sense."

Huo Zhenwei, mid-sip, choked on his tea. "Of course not! I'm into women," he clarified.

Giggling, Huo Yue teased, "I hope so. Never seen you around one before."

Huo Zhenwei responded, "That's because I'm dedicated to Jin Tianyu."

Huo Yue advised, "While that's a good thing, remember you have your own life too."

"I know," Huo Zhenwei replied with a mild smile.

"Good."

"Mhm! Now, I have to get moving..."

Huo Zhenwei scrambled to his feet, ready to make a quick exit, but Huo Yue firmly grabbed his wrist. "No way, you're not going anywhere until you finish your meal," she ordered him. "I haven't seen you in days, so the least you could do is eat a little more before you disappear again."

At this point, Yang Wei had already hit the sixth stage of Vital Qi—Three Harmonies Breath. Still falling short of its requirements, he opted to refine his mastery by revisiting the stances.

This time, I'll really need to head to the market today and sell these herbs so I can actually buy enough to eat... Mu Zhong spoils me with all those resources and doesn't give me the one thing I need urgently, spirit stones, tch. Then again, I should've asked...

He was about to blend into his meditation once more.

But then, a sharp, powerful scent of meat invaded his senses.

Sniffing it, he shook his head, muttering, "Focus."

The tantalizing aroma, however, proved too tempting, prompting him to stand up.

Looking to the side, Yang Wei wondered, "Who would dare interrupt my nightly cultivation with such a tempting scent?"

Adjusting his robes, he stepped out of his house into the courtyard.

There, he already traced the aroma of grilled meat and rushed out to find Huo Zhenwei cooking up a feast right in front of Yang Wei's gate.

Spotting Yang Wei, Huo Zhenwei merely adjusted his glasses and grinned, remarking, "What a wonderful night we're having. Perhaps you'd be interested in joining me for this little feast?"

Yang Wei shook his head, stating, "No, nevermind. I only came out here to see who was interrupting my cultivation, nothing more."

Holding skewers of meat, Huo Zhenwei adjusted them on the open flame with a smirk. "Oh, if that's all, you should probably return to your cultivation then," he suggested.

Yang Wei gulped, eyeing the abundant spread of meat, rice, and bread ready for the barbecue.

Eager to taste, he sensed that not all were average—some carried particles of spiritual Qi, hinting at their spiritual nature.

As Yang Wei turned to leave, Huo Zhenwei sneakily eyed him and muttered, "Time for the secret weapon."

It was the trump card Huo Yue had suggested—if it failed, she warned him not to bother anymore.

Adjusting his spectacles, catching the fire's light and momentarily turning the lenses white, Huo Zhenwei grinned. "Oh, haven't even added the mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers yet. It'll definitely add flavor to the meat..."

Yang Wei's stomach grumbled at the mention, making him pause.

Huo Zhenwei thought, It's working.

He continued, "Ah, yes, should also add some soy-based for dipping..."

Yang Wei, growing hungrier, kept moving away.

Finally, Huo Zhenwei called out the crucial part he hoped would grab Yang Wei's attention.

"Ah, yes, how could I forget the hoisin sauce and Sichuan peppercorns and even the five... Spice... Powder..."

Dramatically spoken for Yang Wei to hear every word.

Looking back, Huo Zhenwei didn't see Yang Wei and thought he had failed. "I failed," he sighed.

But as he looked forward again, Yang Wei stood in front of him. "Get in," he instructed.

Huo Zhenwei was momentarily startled.