The light of the Angelic Royal City seemed never to tire. Standing behind the counter of "Youyi Village," Chu Mo's fingers absentmindedly traced across the smooth tabletop, his mind elsewhere.
Lately, Hua Ye had been unusually "attentive" toward a rebellion in a remote galaxy, mobilizing resources far beyond what was needed to suppress a mere uprising. Furthermore, several old-school scholars at the Royal Research Institute had proposed a new round of life-enhancement protocols for King Hua Que. Among the discussions, one name surfaced with increasing frequency: "He Xi."
As for Hong Yu, she had not returned since the day Hua Ye took her away.
Just then, the wind chimes hanging at the restaurant entrance let out a clear ring. Chu Mo looked up.
The door curtain was pulled aside, and two young female angels walked in. The one leading the way had a tall, upright posture, her long golden hair draped straight down her back. Her features were exquisite beyond compare, yet her brow held a sense of profound stillness—a calm that seemed to see through everything without judgment. Her eyes were clear as mountain springs as she wore a simple white dress that somehow made her stand out more than any finery could.
Following closely behind her was another girl with playful brown hair resting on her shoulders. Her eyes were brighter, darting around with unbridled curiosity, a mischievous smile perpetually playing on her lips. Her attire was more casual: a short leather jacket paired with trousers and boots designed for easy movement—practical, but with an undeniable flair.
"This is the place, Sister!" The brown-haired angel's voice was crisp and laced with excitement. She tugged on the golden-haired angel's arm with the enthusiasm of a child discovering a treasure. "I'm telling you, I've only been in the Royal City for three days and I've heard this shop's name at least ten times! Everyone says the food is so good you'll swallow your own tongue! It's called... Blue Star cuisine? Anyway, it's a total rarity!"
Kaisha gently pulled her arm back, her tone calm but tinged with helpless affection. "Liang Bing, mind your decorum. We are here at the Royal City for the Academy Seminar, not specifically to satisfy your appetite."
"Oh, the seminar is the day after tomorrow, but eating is a matter for today!" Liang Bing replied dismissively, already scanning the room. Her gaze swept over the menu hanging on the wall, and her eyes lit up like a child's on festival day. "Double-cooked Pork... Tomato Stir-fried Eggs... Boiled Fish in Spicy Oil... they sound amazing! Come on, let's go—there's an empty table over there!"
Without waiting for a response, she pulled the reluctant Kaisha toward a relatively quiet table by the window. The surrounding diners were clearly drawn to the unique aura of these two—especially Kaisha's distinct, cold, heroic elegance—and cast many glances their way. Whispers followed in their wake, though neither seemed to notice or care.
Chu Mo's eyes flickered with recognition. Kaisha and Liang Bing.
The future Heavenly Blade King and Heavenly Apocalypse King who would eventually overthrow Hua Ye and reshape the Angelic civilization.
At this moment, however, they were merely the outstanding elites of the younger generation of Angelic nobility—brilliant, yes, but still未 forged by the fires of the conflicts to come. Seeing Kaisha caused Chu Mo's heart to skip for a fleeting second—not from attraction, but from the weight of knowing who she would become. He stepped out from behind the counter to personally greet them.
"Welcome to 'Youyi Village,' young ladies. You look like new faces—is this your first time in the Royal City?"
Liang Bing had already plopped down, making herself at home with the ease of someone who had never been told she couldn't. She picked up the menu without looking up. "Yeah, yeah! You're the boss, right? I heard your food is incredible! This, this, and this... oh, and this Sauerkraut Fish too—make it extra spicy! Sister, what are you having?" She shoved the menu in front of Kaisha with the casual force of long habit.
Kaisha took the menu with elegant movements, her fingers graceful even in such a simple action. As she scanned it, her brow furrowed slightly, seemingly confused by the dish names and unfamiliar ingredients. "These ingredients and cooking methods... they don't seem common in the Angel Nebula." She looked up at Chu Mo, her gaze calm but inquisitive—assessing, but not unkind. "You aren't of the Angel race, Boss?"
Chu Mo smiled frankly and bowed slightly—respectful, but not obsequious. "The lady has a sharp eye. I am Chu Mo, and indeed, I am not an Angel. As for these dishes..." He pointed to the menu. "They are hometown recipes modified with local ingredients. You could call it... a fusion style. I hope you'll find them to your liking."
"Blue Star?" Liang Bing's eyes lit up, cutting into the conversation with characteristic enthusiasm. "Never heard of it! But interesting!" She shot a quick, assessing glance at Chu Mo—sharper than her casual demeanor suggested—but was quickly lured back by the menu's promises. "Whatever, as long as it tastes good! Sister, hurry up!"
Kaisha looked deeply at Chu Mo, as if trying to discern something more from his smile, some hidden agenda or secret. But ultimately she said plainly, "Since we are here, we shall try it. I will have a portion of Stir-fried Seasonal Vegetables and... hm, the Tomato Stir-fried Eggs. Light on the oil. Pair it with a bowl of plain congee."
"Coming right up!" Chu Mo acknowledged. He confirmed the "heavy" dishes Liang Bing had ordered and added with a polite smile, "This young lady has ordered quite a bit. Our portions are generous; I'm afraid you might not finish it all in one sitting."
"If we can't finish it, we'll pack it to go!" Liang Bing waved her hand grandly, as if the very suggestion that she might not finish was an insult to her capabilities. "It wasn't easy getting here; I'm not going to let my stomach suffer. Go, go!"
Chu Mo retreated with a smile to the kitchen to give the orders. He gave specific instructions to his head chef: the Tomato Stir-fried Eggs for Kaisha had to be timed perfectly—the eggs tender and fluffy, the tomatoes juiced but not mushy, the plating clean and elegant. For Liang Bing's dishes, the flavors had to be bold and unapologetic, the spice level genuinely kickin'—no holding back.
The dishes were served quickly, carried out by one of his Angel waitresses. Liang Bing's side of the table was soon packed with vibrant red oils and dark, aromatic sauces, the complex fragrances wafting through the air and drawing envious glances from nearby tables. Kaisha's side was much more light and elegant—a study in contrasts between the two sisters.
Liang Bing couldn't wait. She picked up a piece of Guo Bao Rou coated in translucent sauce and stuffed it into her mouth without ceremony. There was a crisp crunch that seemed to echo in the sudden silence of her focus, followed by her eyes widening in genuine surprise. She let out a muffled "Mmh!" and chewed rapidly before swallowing. After a large gulp of a special fruit brew, she let out a long, satisfied breath. "Wow! This texture! It's so crispy, and the sweet and sour balance is perfect!" As she spoke, her chopsticks were already reaching for the bright red Boiled Fish, her enthusiasm undiminished.
Kaisha, meanwhile, elegantly took a spoonful of the Tomato Stir-fried Eggs. After a subtle chew, a trace of undetectable surprise flashed in her usually placid eyes. The silkiness of the eggs blended perfectly with the slightly tart and fresh sweetness of the tomato juice—a harmony of simple flavors that somehow exceeded their parts. Simple ingredients, yet they held a warm, grounded quality—vastly different from the exquisite, cold banquet dishes she usually encountered in noble gatherings.
She then tried the seasonal vegetables; they were crisp and refreshing, retaining their natural essence rather than drowning in sauce. She ate slowly and thoughtfully, as if tasting not just the food, but the philosophy behind it—the care and intention woven into each dish.
Chu Mo didn't linger by their side; he tended to the main hall with practiced ease, occasionally glancing at their table with the casual attention of a good host. Seeing Liang Bing feasting so heartily that sweat beaded on her nose, occasionally gasping from the spice but pressing on regardless, and seeing Kaisha—though eating with restraint—steadily finishing her eggs and congee, a faint smile played on his lips.
Liang Bing's "combat power" was impressive. She swept through more than half the dishes like a whirlwind, her chopsticks moving with precision and speed. Finally, she rubbed her stomach, let out a small, satisfied burp, and leaned back against her chair without any concern for her image or the glances it drew. "Satisfying! So satisfying! Sister, I didn't lie to you, did I?"
Kaisha gently wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin, her movements precise and elegant. Looking at Liang Bing, she felt a bit helpless, but there was a hint of softness in her eyes—the particular affection of an older sister for a younger one she both scolds and adores. "The taste... is indeed unique. It differs greatly from our cuisine, but it has its merits."
She paused and looked at Chu Mo as he happened to walk by. "Boss Chu, these cooking techniques and the food of 'Blue Star' are quite interesting. It seems to emphasize... layers and the harmony of flavors?"
Chu Mo stopped, turning to face her fully. He replied naturally, without the obsequiousness he showed to Hua Ye, "The lady's insight is keen. In Blue Star civilization, perhaps because individual lives are relatively short and resources were once scarce, we developed an extremely complex culinary culture and an ultimate pursuit of 'flavor.' Sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty—these are not just tastes; they are often imbued with emotional and cultural meaning. For instance, 'Tomato Stir-fried Eggs' is, in the hearts of many Blue Star people, the taste of 'home.' Simple and warm."
"Home?" Kaisha whispered the word, her gaze growing distant for just a moment—a crack in her composed facade that revealed depths beneath. Liang Bing tilted her head. "Short lives? That sounds boring! But coming up with all these tricks just for a bite to eat—now that's interesting."
Liang Bing's eyes darted around with calculated innocence, and she suddenly lowered her voice with a mischievous grin. "Boss, your shop is so popular, that fellow Hua Ye must come by often to squeeze some benefits out of you, right? Given his character..." She didn't finish, but the meaning was clear—and dangerous.
"Liang Bing," Kaisha whispered a sharp warning, shooting her a look of caution that brooked no argument.
Chu Mo's smile remained unchanged, carrying a perfect blend of helplessness and respect that had been honed through years of survival. "Prince Hua Ye is a person of high status; it is my honor that he appreciates this small shop. The Prince is busy with state affairs; it is my duty to provide a place for him to relax and enjoy a meal occasionally."
Liang Bing gave a soft "Tch," seemingly finding his answer boring and overly cautious, but she didn't press further. Her attention was already drifting back to the remaining food.
After a few more pleasantries, Kaisha signaled for the bill. Chu Mo quoted a fair price, neither overcharging due to their obvious nobility nor undercharging to curry favor—a deliberate choice that Kaisha's perceptive eyes did not miss.
After Liang Bing paid briskly, she waved to Chu Mo before leaving with the easy familiarity of someone who had already decided she liked him. "Boss, the food is great! I'll look for you next time I'm in the Royal City! Remember to research some new dishes!"
Kaisha gave Chu Mo a slight nod of farewell—dignified, but not cold. Her gaze lingered on his face for a half-second longer than necessary, as if filing away details for future reference, before she turned and followed Liang Bing, who was still reminiscing about the meal, out of "Youyi Village."
The door curtain fell, cutting off the light from outside. The smile on Chu Mo's face slowly faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.
The pieces are moving earlier than I expected.
---
Editing Notes:
Grammar fixes made:
· Corrected article usage throughout
· Fixed punctuation in dialogue and internal monologue
· Improved sentence structure for clarity
· Added appropriate commas and periods
· Corrected tense consistency
Flow improvements:
· Enhanced character introductions with more descriptive detail
· Deepened the contrast between Kaisha and Liang Bing's personalities
· Added internal observations from Chu Mo's perspective
· Strengthened the thematic weight of the "food as culture" discussion
· Made Kaisha's moment of vulnerability ("Home?") more poignant
· Improved the pacing of the meal scene
Style enhancements:
· Added subtle characterization through body language and micro-expressions
· Enhanced the subtext of political danger in Liang Bing's casual question
· Strengthened the parallel between food philosophy and character insight
· Added metaphorical language that fits the tone
· Made Chu Mo's calculations more evident without being heavy-handed
The chapter's plot threads remain intact—the introduction of Kaisha and Liang Bing, the subtle political tension, the character dynamics, and the ominous mention of He Xi and Hong Yu's disappearance are all preserved and enhanced.