Chapter 22: The Energetic Girl Liu Erlong Applies to Work at Juxiang Pavilion

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In the outer city of the Tiandou Empire, a pretty girl with fiery red hair was hurrying along the road. From a nearby alley, a figure suddenly stepped out. Caught off guard, she crashed right into him.

"Ouch!"

The girl fell backward from the impact, while the man remained standing, barely budging.

"Slow down, little girl," the man said with a light chuckle, extending a warm, fair hand toward her.

This man was Fu Ye.

He hadn't expected to meet Liu Erlong at this time—still just a 15-year-old girl.

It made him reflect: Yu Xiaogang, the so-called master of martial spirit theory, couldn't even recognize his own cousin back then. Later, in the original story, he even managed to turn that cousinly bond into a messy love affair.

Fu Ye could only marvel at how bold Yu Xiaogang had been. That kind of drama wasn't something just anyone could copy. Besides, Fu Ye had no close relatives left; he was an orphan.

"Oh, my head..." the girl whimpered, rubbing her forehead. When she looked up, her gaze locked onto Fu Ye's strikingly handsome face.

"So handsome…" she blurted without thinking.

No matter how fiery a girl's temper, spring stirred in every heart at her age. Even the usually fierce Liu Erlong was no exception.

Seeing Fu Ye's hand reaching toward her, she instinctively placed her own small, white hand in his.

Rustle.

Fu Ye easily pulled her up.

"Walk slower next time," he said with a smile. "You might not be so lucky if a carriage comes charging by."

At 1.6 meters tall, the young Liu Erlong had to tilt her head back to look at Fu Ye, who stood at 1.85 meters. Gently patting her head, Fu Ye turned to leave. After all, they had only "accidentally" met—asking her name directly would seem suspicious.

"I'm not a little girl! My name is Liu Erlong! I'm already fifteen—I'm an adult!" she protested loudly behind him.

Fu Ye didn't turn back. He just waved casually and said, "Well then, hello, little adult," before vanishing from sight.

"Argh, that guy!" Liu Erlong stamped her foot in frustration.

Still, she quickly brushed the matter aside. Juxiang Pavilion, a prestigious restaurant near the inner city, was hiring—and it was rumored the pay was excellent. She had come here to try her luck.

Meanwhile, Fu Ye, sensing Liu Erlong's direction, raised an eyebrow.

If memory served, Liu Erlong should still be living in the outskirts of Tiandou's outer city. Why was she headed toward the inner city?

Since he had nothing pressing to do—Ah Yin was currently cultivating in the Star Dou Great Forest, and Yuehua was busy teaching at Yuexuan—he decided to leisurely follow her.

As he walked, Fu Ye's mind drifted to more serious matters: the time teleportation card he possessed, and his plans for the future. In nine years, the tragedy of Tang Hao and Qianxunji would unfold. Fu Ye needed to be there, to safeguard the birth of the child of destiny. If Tang Hao chose to give up the child...well, that would be disastrous.

He had to pick the perfect moment to insert himself into the story's timeline.

But for now...he just quietly followed the fiery-haired girl all the way to—

His own restaurant?

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Inner City, Juxiang Pavilion

As Liu Erlong entered the magnificent Juxiang Pavilion, the welcoming waiter immediately bowed respectfully.

"Welcome, little sister. Dining alone today?"

Liu Erlong shook her head vigorously. "Sister, are you still hiring? I want to apply for a job!"

Blinking her large, hopeful eyes, she gazed at the welcoming staff.

The waiter hesitated for a moment, but then she remembered Fu Ye's earlier instruction:

"It's okay. Let the little girl give it a try."

After all, the Juxiang Pavilion was a renowned high-end restaurant near the imperial city. Wages here were impressive, thanks to the constant flow of nobles and wealthy citizens. Ordinary people dreamed of eating here, saving up just to enjoy a meal in this luxurious setting.

"Yes, we're still hiring," the waitress said warmly. "Please, follow me."

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Not long after, Fu Ye entered the building. Seeing him, the staff inside all straightened and bowed respectfully.

"Boss."

Fu Ye waved a hand casually. "Carry on with your work. No need to mind me."

As he stepped inside, he spotted an old acquaintance sitting at one of the tables.

"I haven't seen you in over half a year," Fu Ye called out. "How have you been?"

The man, who had been chatting with a young gentleman, immediately rose and bowed.

"Your Majesty Fu Ye."

"...Huh?" Fu Ye blinked. "What's with the 'Your Majesty' title, Brother Chen Xin?"

Laughing, he sat directly across from them. Beside Chen Xin sat a plump but handsome young man.

"Thanks to Your Majesty's guidance, after an epiphany half a year ago, I finally broke through the bottleneck in my cultivation. Just today, I advanced," Chen Xin explained respectfully.

Oh?

Chen Xin had already broken through to Titled Douluo? Five or six years earlier than in the original timeline!

Fu Ye smiled. "Sit down. Since you're in my Juxiang Pavilion, make yourself at home. I'm only eighteen—don't go making me sound old with titles like 'Your Majesty.'"

He waved over Xiao Lizi, a trusted waiter.

"Boss! You're back!" Xiao Lizi greeted joyfully. After working at Juxiang Pavilion for years, he owed his house, his marriage, and his happiness to Fu Ye.

"Give these ingredients to the kitchen," Fu Ye said, handing over a bundle containing thousand-year-old earth dragon tendons and earth bear paws. "Tell them to cook freely, but be quick about it."

"Understood! Boss, please relax. The dishes will be ready soon!" Xiao Lizi said, scurrying away.

Turning back, Fu Ye looked at the elegant young man sitting beside Chen Xin.

"And you, brother? What's your name?"

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(End of Chapter)