Chapter 199

"Hmm, the flavor isn't bad."

Eclair said softly, her face flushed.

But as soon as she finished speaking, Eclair noticed Lin Cheng staring at her as if he'd discovered a new continent, and she quickly turned her head away.

Lin Cheng smiled but said nothing, walking quietly beside her.

On the street paved with blue stone bricks, people walked by leading horses.

Slowly, without realizing it, Lin Cheng gently took Eclair's soft little hand in his.

In that instant, Lin Cheng felt Eclair's body stiffen and her steps falter.

Just as Lin Cheng thought Eclair would pull away, he realized she made no further reaction—she simply let him hold her hand.

Though the night street was lined with magic crystal lanterns, the light remained dim.

Even Mengmeng beside them failed to notice the oddness between the two.

On this day, even farmers exhausted from a full day's work brought their wives and children out onto the streets.

Lin Cheng wandered with Eclair and Mengmeng, giving the impression of a family.

The night street was far livelier than the daytime, its dazzling lights making Eclair momentarily dazzled.

These were scenes she had never seen before.

Even when she encountered them, she had no time to feel them—only rushed past.

In her memory, there was only flight; alone, she had never known the world could hold such a different place.

Seeing these never-before-seen bustling scenes, and the tall, upright back walking ahead of her, Eclair felt for the first time that the world wasn't as terrifying as she'd imagined.

And all of this… had changed since Lin Cheng arrived.

Thinking of this, Eclair tightened her hand in Lin Cheng's grip; when they reached the entrance of a restaurant, Lin Cheng noticed a few beads of sweat on Eclair's face and spoke.

"Let's go eat. You've always cooked for yourself—today's rare, you're happy, so why not try someone else's cooking?"

Perhaps because of their earlier gesture, Eclair's face was still flushed.

In the past, Lin Cheng's casual spending would have drawn a few words from her, but now she didn't even hear what he said—she just kept nodding vigorously.

She pulled her hand away, ignored Lin Cheng, and walked in without looking back, making him chuckle.

"This way, guests."

Entering the foyer, Lin Cheng glanced at the crowded, noisy first floor, then led Eclair and Mengmeng straight upstairs, choosing a window seat and ordering a few simple dishes.

"Hurry up."

After ordering, Lin Cheng lightly placed a few gold coins in the staff member's hand.

Seeing this, the man's eyes instantly brightened.

"Right away, sir, please wait a moment."

Driven by money, the dishes arrived at Lin Cheng's table quickly.

"How is it? Taste good?"

There weren't many dishes, but each was exquisitely prepared.

Without having to cook herself, tasting such delicious food brought a faint smile of joy to Eclair's face.

Seeing this, Lin Cheng also smiled, picked up his cup, and took a sip of fruit wine.

It was light, almost like drinking fruit juice.

No worries about food or clothing, no troubles at all, with a beautiful woman beside him—this life was simply too comfortable.

It would be even better if Eclair fed him herself.

Of course, that was just a thought.

Eclair was slowly opening up to him; suddenly pushing too far would overwhelm her.

But people still need dreams.

Maybe one day, it will come true.

Lin Cheng ate his food, drank his wine, and watched Eclair's beautiful smile.

And just then, another group of people climbed up to the second floor.

They were weary travelers who sat down at a window table.

With their appearance, Lin Cheng noticed Eclair's smile vanished at a visible speed.

Not only Eclair—Lin Cheng also recognized their identity from their attire.

These people were mages of the Fapingyi Society.

Have they already reached here?

Seeing this, Lin Cheng fell into quiet thought.

"Sigh."

The leader was a middle-aged man in a magic robe, holding a magic array; as soon as he sat down, he sighed heavily.

"Life is getting harder and harder."

"With all these foreign forces appearing lately, even the Anheigong Society is stirring up trouble—we can't get a single moment's rest."

"Boss, if things get unbearable, maybe we should just quit the Fapingyi Society."

"With so many foreign forces appearing in this world, the Fapingyi Society will surely be the first target."

Another mage countered.

"What do you know? The Fapingyi Society may be in bad shape lately, but it's still the safest place."

"Do you really think the Fapingyi Society has no tricks up its sleeve? How else would it control the Daoshigong Society below?"

The middle-aged leader retorted.

"Oh? Boss? You must know some secret—tell us!" urged one of the mages.

The middle-aged mage narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice.

"As far as I know, the Fapingyi Society is preparing to summon the last two of the Four Heavenly Kings of Ishgaria, along with the other Ten Sacred Mages."

"To gather the strongest forces on the continent and launch a surprise attack against these foreign powers."