Chapter 384: Like a Couple, Maybe? ~
And so, Yun Zhonghe and Hu Shang continued their stroll.
Every street, every shop seemed like a gateway to a new world, full of infinite allure to her.
Xuantian Mansion truly excelled in commerce; anyone visiting for the first time would surely be awestruck. No wonder Hu Shang felt so fresh and excited.
Hu Shang’s golden fox tail darted among the colorful shops, pausing now and then at elegant jewelers or lingering by the fragrant snack stalls.
Thankfully, her tail and ears were prominent enough; otherwise, they’d have lost sight of her amid all these people.
And as usual, Hu Shang sampled just a bite from each treat, which inevitably ended up in Yun Zhonghe’s stomach.
It was almost like a couple scenario: she tried the food, he did the eating.
Before long, Yun Zhonghe’s belly brimmed with all sorts of snacks, making dinner unnecessary.
“Come to think of it, I’m getting a bit tired from shopping.”
The little fox gently leaned on Yun Zhonghe’s shoulder, sounding mildly lazy.
After all that excitement, fatigue began to set in too.
Yun Zhonghe asked, “Shall we head to an inn for the night? We can rest and pick up tomorrow.”
But Hu Shang shook her head, hugging his arm tightly, “No, I don’t want this outing with Brother Yun to end so soon… Besides, you need to practice. Don’t want to delay you either. Today being with me is more than enough.”
Ah, what a thoughtful little fox! So heartwarming.
I just want to pet her now.
Bam!
As Hu Shang nestled closer, Yun Zhonghe suddenly heard a loud noise behind him. Turning around, he saw nothing but bustling crowds, everything normal.
Strange…
Just an illusion?
Yun Zhonghe refocused his mind on Hu Shang.
Where else could they go?
Originally, Yun Zhonghe had plans, but these flew out the window upon learning Hu Shang was female.
Lost in thought, he caught sight of a fancy new juice store nearby, trendy in design with vibrant colors.
Reportedly, this store catered to the female cultivator market with fresh, fruity teas and drinks.
In another life, this would be a place girls would love too.
“Why don’t we… grab some drinks?” Yun Zhonghe suggested.
Hu Shang looked in the direction he pointed and her eyes changed subtly, pupils flickering, her face blushed slightly.
“Brother Yun, th—that is…”
“Yes? What’s wrong? You don’t like it? Sorry, I didn’t think it through.”
Doesn’t a fox drink beverages? Yun Zhonghe wondered silently.
Hu Shang quickly shook her head, “N-no! But… Brother Yun, do you mind?”
She sneaked a glance at him as she spoke.
Confused, Yun Zhonghe couldn’t understand why she’d ask something like that.
“Why would I mind? Drinking with you sounds great.”
At those words, Hu Shang perked up instantly, her tail wagging joyfully, eyes shining brightly.
“Oh wow~~ I also love Brother Yun… I mean, drinking with Brother Yun!”
She really does act like a dog.
Actually, Hu Shang really wanted to go in, but hesitated since she thought it might be inappropriate.
But if Yun Zhonghe doesn’t mind, it’s perfect!
She wouldn’t care going into this place with Yun Zhonghe.
We were made for each other!
So, under the watchful gaze of other girls, Yun Zhonghe and Hu Shang headed into the milk tea shop, while Miss Hu Chou waited outside.
This scene drove the already infatuated girls crazy, tightening their fists in envy.
“Why can he naturally go in with that flirtatious fox!”
“He hasn’t even gone in with any of us!”
Little did Yun Zhonghe know, his move had hit a huge snag!
Such stores weren’t just for casual visits with female cultivators—you needed to be lovers or couples for that.
Yun Zhonghe had heard it had become popular, but hadn’t delved deeper.
He saw it merely as a milk tea place, just something friends could relax over.
However, once inside, he noticed the intense sweetness in the air, immediately realizing something was off.
Everyone inside seemed like couples.
Everywhere around, mostly pairs, incredibly cozy.
Yun Zhonghe felt out of place.
“Oh wow~~ so many types here, Brother Yun Yun Yun, what do you want? I’ll buy for you!”
Hu Shang leaned against the counter, eyes sparkling, treating a menu like treasure, scanning through it happily.
Her finger glided over each line, mumbling contently, “this looks delicious, and that, so pretty…”
Next to her, Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help feeling uneasy; sensing perhaps he was in the wrong spot.
But here they were…
Never mind, just drinks, it’s fine.
They each ordered a beverage.
Hu Shang picked a sweet milk tea packed with toppings, Yun Zhonghe chose a refreshing fruit tea.
Soon, the server carried both over.
“Long wait, sorry.”
Setting the drinks down, the server also offered—wait for it—two heart-shaped straws?
Straws, yes, twin-tipped ones entwined in a heart shape, for simultaneous sipping.
Yun Zhonghe freaked out, pushing them back, “No thank you, let’s not share.”
“Huh?”
The server wore a strange expression but said no more, simply retreating.
Yeah, sure, only couples frequent this place!
By then, Yun Zhonghe realized his mistake.
Not that singletons were banned, it’s just not the norm here.
Misunderstandings could ensue when seen together with another girl.
“Xiao Hu, sorry, I didn’t realize it was…”
“It’s fine, it’s fine, I wanted to try too, but worried you’d mind. Being with you for a drink made my day, Brother Yun!”
He breathed a sigh of relief; Hu Shang knew how to avoid an awkward moment.
