As the store manager, Luo Chuan naturally didn't have the restriction of only playing the Tower of Trials for three hours a day.
The same went for Yao Ziyan, the shop clerk. She often fought in the Tower of Trials during downtime, though unlike Luo Chuan, she didn't block out her perception of the outside world.
"Forget it, let's eat out today," Luo Chuan sighed, making a spur-of-the-moment decision.
"Boss, can I come with you?" Yao Ziyan asked eagerly.
Having been cooped up in the shop for so long, she was starting to feel a little bored.
Luo Chuan didn't think much about it and nodded. "Sure, let's go."
The two left Origin Mall side by side, stepping out of the quiet alley into the bustling streets of Nine Stars City.
---
Evening was the liveliest time in the city. As soon as they emerged, the vibrant sounds of chatter and activity enveloped them.
Luo Chuan led Yao Ziyan toward a restaurant he often frequented.
While Luo Chuan kept a calm composure, Yao Ziyan paid no mind to the stares from passersby.
Unbeknownst to them, their presence caused quite a stir.
Yao Ziyan's beauty was nothing short of breathtaking, a vision that seemed almost otherworldly.
---
"This is the place," Luo Chuan said, stopping in front of a grand building.
The structure spanned nearly 100 meters and stood three stories tall, exuding an air of elegance and luxury.
Outside the entrance, people dressed in fine clothes came and went, a testament to the restaurant's prestige.
Above the doors, three large characters spelled out its name: Wind Immortal Tower.
This was the premier restaurant in Nine Stars City, as recommended by Jiang Shengjun. Only the wealthy or influential dined here.
The restaurant was just a few hundred meters from Origin Mall, an easy walk.
---
"What a beautiful woman! She looks like a celestial being descended to earth!"
"Junior Sister, look at her! She's stunning!"
"Heh, Junior Sister, who's more beautiful—her or you?"
"Hmm... Senior Brother, can we change the question?"
"Waaah! Senior Brother, you don't love me anymore!"
As Luo Chuan and Yao Ziyan stepped into Wind Immortal Tower, hushed murmurs filled the air.
Almost every whispered remark was about Yao Ziyan.
As for Luo Chuan?
He was entirely overshadowed, like a dim star beside the radiant moon.
Fortunately, Luo Chuan didn't care about the attention. Yao Ziyan, a being of the beast royal family and a powerful cultivator, was equally indifferent to the chatter.
---
Once seated, the lively atmosphere in the restaurant seemed to quiet down. Almost every diner turned to steal glances at Yao Ziyan, unable to look away.
Meanwhile, some directed envious looks at Luo Chuan, silently asking themselves, How is someone so beautiful with him?
Is it because he's handsome?
If Luo Chuan could hear their thoughts, he would have coolly replied, Yes, being handsome is amazing.
---
"Guests, may I take your order?" a server asked politely, approaching their table.
"What are the signature dishes here?" Luo Chuan inquired.
Since it was his first time dining out with Yao Ziyan, he wanted to make sure the meal was exceptional.
Over the past month, Origin Mall had been doing brisk business, and Luo Chuan had saved up a considerable amount of spirit crystals. A week ago, he deposited the shop's earnings into the system.
Although the funds required for the next system upgrade were steep, Luo Chuan wasn't in a rush. For now, he was content to splurge a little.
Currently, his assets totaled around five thousand spirit crystals.
"Our most renowned dish is Phoenix Soars the Heavens," the server explained with pride. "The main ingredient is Thunderhawk, a beast from the Nine Stars Mountains at the Origin Mastery stage."
Hearing this, Luo Chuan nodded without hesitation. "Alright, we'll have that. Also, bring out some of your other signature dishes."
He didn't even ask about the price. It didn't matter—tonight's dinner had to be exceptional.