Chapter 2114: Dad, why are you here?

Although the other party was of the same stature as Huang Lao, Ye Zhangqing, despite his doubts, personally brewed a cup of immortal tea and gently pushed it toward Zuo Fu before speaking.

"Senior, did you come today for something?"

Facing Ye Zhangqing's inquiry, Zuo Fu replied without changing his expression.

"Little Friend Ye, previously you and my son had some grudges, but after the previous battle, all that has passed like fleeting clouds."

Huh??? Little Friend Ye???

It's fine, but Zuo Fu calling me Little Friend Ye makes Ye Zhangqing even more baffled.

Suddenly hearing 'Little Friend Ye' left Ye Zhangqing feeling uneasy.

More importantly, Zuo Fu's tone was quite kind, even seeming to have a hint of flattery.

This isn't right—what level of existence is Zuo Fu, that he'd try to curry favor with me?

Before Ye Zhangqing could think further, Zuo Fu continued speaking.

"Frankly, I came here mainly to seek a position under Little Friend Ye."

Huh???

"Senior, I don't quite understand what you mean."

Hearing this, Ye Zhangqing replied with a doubtful expression, feeling confused.

Ye Zhangqing wasn't feigning ignorance; he genuinely didn't understand why someone would come to him for a job.

I'm just a minor late-stage Immortal King junior, while you are a top expert of the Immortal Realm—what kind of job could you possibly seek here?

Surely you didn't come to the canteen to be a helper cook, did you?

As for that, Zuo Fu's answer was.

"Little Friend, you may not know, but what I'm most interested in life is actually food—not just loving to eat, but also quite passionate about culinary arts."

"When I was young, I focused solely on raising my cultivation, so I never had time to study these."

"Now that I've roughly achieved cultivation success, advancing further isn't something that happens overnight; I finally have some leisure, so I'm turning back to pursue my youthful dream."

Huh???

"Senior, just speak plainly."

Ye Zhangqing frowned, having somewhat guessed, but you........

"So I'd like to take a helper cook position under you, Little Friend—don't worry, I ask for nothing else, just provide meals."

As expected, upon hearing this, Ye Zhangqing finally understood Zuo Fu's intention—wasn't he just here for a meal?

Gazing at Zuo Fu with a complex look, Ye Zhangqing did not immediately agree.

Zuo Fu also didn't press him, nor did he rely on his cultivation to bully others; after all, he was the one seeking help, so he kept his posture low.

Also, since no one from the Pill King Immortal City was present, otherwise they'd surely be shocked.

When have they ever seen Zuo Fu act like this?

Even when he formally joined the Pill King Immortal City and became its honored elder ancestor, Zuo Fu always maintained an arrogant demeanor.

Even when facing the Pill King Immortal City's lord, Zuo Fu never gave him a pleasant expression, and since the other party had no temper either, he could only endure.

After the two stared at each other for a while, Ye Zhangqing finally spoke softly.

"Are you serious, senior?"

"Every word comes from the heart; Little Friend, you needn't worry about how I'll act, since I'm doing this helper job voluntarily—if you have any orders later, I won't refuse."

"Furthermore, this isn't me being arrogant; with me by your side, Little Friend, there will be absolutely no more than a handful of beings in the Immortal Realm capable of threatening your safety."

"If we also add that Old Man Huang, the Immortal Realm is vast enough for you to go wherever you wish."

Zuo Fu unveiled his trump card—protection from someone of his stature is something countless people in the Immortal Realm would beg for.

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhangqing couldn't help but admit he was moved.

With Old Man Huang on the left and Zuo Fu on the right, my safety is absolutely guaranteed.

Furthermore, with these left and right guardians, not only myself but also those around me—such as Bai Hua Xianzi, Jueying and her few companions, plus Qi Xiong, Hong Zun, Xu Jie, and everyone from the Dao One Immortal Sect—would also have safety guaranteed.

So............ there's no reason to refuse this.

Only seeing Ye Zhangqing rise and cup his hands, he said.

"Since you have this interest, junior naturally dare not refuse; if you ever wish to leave, you may do so at any time."

"That's wonderful."

Seeing Ye Zhangqing handle advance and retreat so well, not getting conceited despite having a request, Zuo Fu was very pleased.

The last bit of unease in his heart vanished completely, and he couldn't help but secretly think.

This kid has few people; it seems it's all because of that unfilial son—I've been neglecting to discipline him these years.

As Ye Zhangqing nodded, their relationship quickly eased, and for a while they conversed happily.

Even that same day, Zuo Fu moved into Ye Zhangqing's cave dwelling, though just a separate small courtyard.

Anyway, the cave dwelling that Qi Xiong and the others built for Ye Zhangqing is extremely spacious—adding another Zuo Fu wouldn't matter, even housing a thousand people wouldn't feel crowded.

With Zuo Fu guarding the cave dwelling, safety is nothing to worry about.

That evening at mealtime, Zuo Fu followed Ye Zhangqing to the canteen.

Naturally, it wasn't possible to let him actually help; Ye Zhangqing merely let him rest a bit in the rear courtyard.

As for that, Zuo Fu didn't pretend; he sat down boldly, awaiting the feast.

Soon, several home-style dishes were placed before Zuo Fu, along with a jar of fine immortal brew.

While eating delicious food and drinking fine wine, Zuo Fu felt extremely content—this, damn it, is what life is about.

Recalling how that unfilial son had brought him a small bite of food at noon, Zuo Fu couldn't help but feel an itch in his hands.

So, I still have to rely on myself.

Mainly, it's not just about one meal, but being able to steadily eat this bite every day thereafter—that's what brings the most peace of mind.

He had tried every dish, and Zuo Fu unconsciously revealed a smile on his face.

No need to guess; just looking at his expression, it's easy to see that Zuo Fu's mood right now is obviously at its peak of happiness.

"Good wine and good food!"

He sighed with a smile, but just then a familiar voice suddenly sounded.

"Dad, what are you doing here?"

Following the sound, he saw Zuo Jue standing at the courtyard gate, eyes wide open, staring at his own father in astonishment.

Seeing this, Zuo Fu casually replied.

"Why can't I be here?"

"No, what are you eating? Where did you get all this?"

Seeing the dishes and fine wine on the table, Zuo Jue was completely stunned.

He rushed to the canteen in a hurry, never expecting to see this scene the moment he entered—while he was still here drooling with hunger, his old man had already dug in.

Moreover, what is this food? At a glance you can tell it's the canteen's highest-spec special stove, isn't it?

Looking across all disciples of the Dao One Immortal Sect, anyone who wants to eat from the special stove must, without exception, have rendered great service.

That requires a reward bestowed by the sect.

Simply put, that is the canteen's special stove—it's not something you can eat just because you want to, and even after a while, you might not even be able to reliably get the regular meals.