Chapter 74. Cream Oysters
Chart your course back to the origins of this substance at n0v^lbin
"How about you let me take over for this period? You may have nothing to do, but I have plenty that I wanna do." Richard's voice suddenly rang in Charles' ears.
After a brief contemplation, Charles willingly relinquished control over his body. He was also curious about what his alter-ego would do under such circumstances.
In an instant, Charles' lost expression was replaced with one of exaggerated elation. With a swift kick against the ground, he leaped into mid-air and used a nearby laborer's shoulder as a stepping stone to further his jump and landed on the rooftop.
Jumping from one rooftop to another, Richard speedily crossed several streets before he arrived at a bar decorated with neon lights. It was called "Party Night," the largest watering hole in the entire harbor district.
Diving himself into the partying crowd, he navigated through the throng and arrived at the bar counter. He pulled out his Dark Blade and lightly tapped it against the metallic bar on the tabletop.
Ding!
The bell's chime echoed through the hall and attracted the attention of everyone present. The veterans of this place knew exactly what that sound signified.
"Everyone, all drinks are on me today!! Let's get this party started!!"
Richard's proclamation induced cheers so loud from the sailors that they almost tore the roof off.
Letting out a hearty laugh, Richard slung an arm over a scantily-clad waitress and downed the shots of alcohol on the tray she was holding.
Compared to the aloof Charles, the affable Richard seemed to have a knack for making friends. Even though he was a new face in the crowd, it didn't take long before he had grown familiar with everyone in the bar.
Richard's jokes had the patrons roaring in laughter. His coin magic tricks also won gasps of astonishment from those around him. In an attempt to show off, he even casually displayed his relics to others. His charisma further elevated the atmosphere in the bar, and it was an understatement to say that he was the center of attention.
Controlling his left eye, Charles calmly watched himself laughing through the reflection on the wine glass. The smile on his reflection was twisted and somehow looked like he was crying. For the first time, Charles felt a sense of empathy for Richard. After all, they were both Gao Zhiming yearning to return home, but with different responses to the same situation.
"Hahaha!!" Charles burst into an uproarious laugh as if he came to some amusing enlightenment. Slapping his thigh with abandon, Charles continued his hysterical laughter until tears streamed down his face.
Charles followed the crowd and moved forward, allowing himself to immerse in the festive atmosphere. Hearing the laughter and merry chatter, it seemed as though their infectious cheerfulness had begun to rub off on him.
The festival reminded him of Chinese New Year back home, albeit without the red and the firecrackers.
Rumble~~
Charles' stomach protested with a growl, interrupting Charles' train of thought. He had been drowning himself with alcohol last night and hadn't had a morsel of food. Now, he was feeling a little hungry.
He approached a street vendor and bought a spider crab leg for four Echo. Cracking open the shell, he savored the succulent, chewy meat. The grilled crab meat was extremely tender. The moment he bit down on the snow-white flesh, the rich, succulent taste of crab filled his mouth.
Though there wasn't much meat on a single crab leg, it was enough to whet Charles' appetite. His eyes scanned the surroundings in search of his next target.
Very soon, his nose picked up a milky aroma wafting through the air. Following the fragrance, Charles arrived at a small stall where a portly old man with a white beard was rapidly stirring fresh milk and oysters on an iron plate.
Recognizing the familiar face, Charles said, "I would like a serving, please."
"Aye! Comin' right up!" Old John made swift movements with his hands. A couple of seconds later, he suddenly realized the familiarity of that voice. He looked up, and an elated expression immediately appeared on his face.
"Ahoy, Captain! It's been a while!"
Charles looked at his previous First Mate and pointed at the small stall. "Didn't you say you were going to retire on land?"
Old John let out a sigh and replied, "Ye know how I am. Barely had me hands on me retirement money 'fore they ended up in gamblin' dens an' wenches' pockets. But don't ye be belittlin' this little stall o' mine. I've done me sums, I'm rakin' in more than I ever did on the high seas!"
Charles stole a brief glance at the patches on Old John's pants but decided not to bring it up. He nodded and replied, "That's great, then. At least you wouldn't need to risk your life."
Old John let out a hearty chuckle before he asked, "I heard ye really got yerself an exploration vessel. Any room for more hands? I ain't need the money, but the call o' the sea still sings sweeter. Life on this island is a real bore. The islanders all looked down on me when they learn I've been out to sea 'fore. Shiver me timbers, I were out as a sailor, not as some bilge rat pirate!"
Charles hesitated for a second before he shook his head, "I'm sorry, but we have a full crew already."
He didn't want Old John to risk his life at sea again. Perhaps he might be poorer if he stayed on land, but at least he could live out his days and die of old age.
A trace of disappointment flickered across Old John's face. But he soon masked it with a carefree smile as he said, "No worries, 'twas jus' a bit o' idle chatter. Hold yer horses. Yer cream oysters be almost ready for the feastin'."