Chapter 705: Winner Winner
Hui wandered back into town as the sun began to set. The street quieted by this hour, only a few townsfolk still out. Instead, the aroma of dinner began to fill the air as the various families settled in for the night. He strode down the high street, hands behind his back, walking along like a wandering cultivator.
Hmm, yep. Definitely just walking along the road to have a nice afternoon stroll. Definitely not aimlessly wandering because I dont know where Jie Xinlei lives.
If youre going to invite me to dinner so insistently, make sure you tell me where dinner is! I cant eat dinner if I cant find dinner!
I mean, ahem. I have no interest in something as mortal as dinner. However if delicious chicken were to appear before me rather, if a beautiful Immortal maiden were to make me chicken, it would be incredibly rude to refuse it! Right, right.
Haaa. I really dont know if I should go find her or not. I know I shouldnt give Jie Xinlei hope, and after all, it isnt like I need to eat. Still, I love chicken, and Immortal chicken does sound delicious. It probably strengthens me, too! All kinds of benefits from this dish. Plus, isnt it possible I might be able to get more information from Jie Xinleis parents, if her parents come to dinner?
Eh, wait. Is this a meeting-the-parents kind of dinner? Im not ready, Im not ready!
No, no. No need to panic. I have no intention of wedding Jie Xinlei. Thats all on her end. Its merely going to be the awkward one-side-introducing-the-parents-while-the-other-ones-a-good-friend dinner.
Hui paused. He shook his head and sighed. Somehow, thats worse than an actual meeting-the-parents dinner.
Still, Immortal chicken is Immortal chicken. Think of all the potential benefits! Even if its just tasty, think of how good its going to taste!
But meet the parents
But benefits
But this whole village is spooky
But the tasty chicken
But giving Jie Xinlei false hope
Xiao Hui!
Hui spun, startled out of his thoughts by a cheery voice. Jie Xinlei jogged toward him, one hand raised, her usual smile on her face.
He managed a conflicted smile. Jie Xinlei!
Is it to your liking? Jie Xinlei asked, smiling.
Its delicious, Hui enthused. You could open a restaurant!
Maybe I should, Jie Xinlei said, chuckling. She offered him another piece of chicken. More?
Hui held his plate up.
Eating and chatting, the two of them wasted the night away. At last, Hui sat back, patting his stomach. Thats enough. Thank you, Elder Sister.
She smiled, nodding. Watching him, she said nothing, but simply waited.
Hui tilted his head. Is there a problem?
No, I I just want to savor our time together, she said wistfully.
What do you
That oddly familiar energy surged again. It stirred all around him, rippling on the air. Hui frowned. His eyes grew heavy.
Jie Xinleis smile morphed into melancholy. She put a hand on his. Xiao Hui, I wish you would remember this.
Of course Ill remember this. This was the best meal I ever had, Hui insisted, but even as he did, his eyelids drooped. The urge to sleep grew stronger, almost overwhelming. He resisted, pushing his eyes open. Why am I so tired? I shouldnt have to sleep.
Jie Xinlei shook her head. Her eyes glimmered with tears. Gently clenching his hand, she said, You wont.
Another wave of that strange power swept through him. Hui frowned. I know Ive felt that before. But where?
Before his eyes, Jie Xinlei grew blurry. His head dropped, eyes shutting. He forced himself to sit up again, but his head grew so heavy, so very heavy that he couldnt hold it up. His eyes closed.
Oh! That powerI remember!
The power swept through him, and he thought no more.