Chapter 388: Going to Eden Garden?

At the street corner, the three of them crouched at the base of the wall, holding a handful of snack made by frying local plant seeds, tasting much like sunflower seeds.

They cracked away with a "crunch crunch", their eyes occasionally glancing toward the plain City Lord's residence.

"Hey, hey, stop eating, look!" Luoer, sharp‑eyed, shoved the remaining seeds from his hand into his pocket in one go and pointed toward the doorway.

A towering middle‑aged man, about three meters tall, stepped out from inside the door.

His face was imposing, features hard, a head of thick hair neatly combed, his gaze steady and powerful, exuding an undeniable authority.

His movements were neither hurried nor sluggish, yet carried a bold, magnanimous bearing; merely standing at the doorway and scanning the surroundings for a moment gave off a mountain‑steady, trustworthy impression.

"So this is the City Lord?" Luoer's eyes lit up, unable to help but whisper praise:

"Looks anything but ordinary! That gait, that gaze, that aura… hmm?"

His words of admiration suddenly got stuck in his throat.

In his line of sight, the imposing middle‑aged man turned, naturally extending a hand to gently steady the doorframe.

Immediately after, a youth of about twenty‑five or twenty‑six emerged from behind him.

The youth was fairly tall, yet appeared slender beside the middle‑aged man.

He sported clean, tidy brown short hair, a handsome face with distinct features, and a naturally gentle smile at the corners of his mouth.

His clothing was no different from that of ordinary citizens, yet against his upright posture and striking looks, he stood out as exceptional and dignified.

The moment the youth appeared, the whole street's atmosphere seemed to brighten a few notches!

"Lord of the City, you're awake?!"

"Lamai City Lord, how about coming to my house for dinner tonight? I've just baked some sweet pastries—they're delicious!"

"Lord of the City, the irrigation canal you mentioned last time has been completed on my side; thank you for your guidance!"

Warm and sincere greetings came from all directions, with citizens' faces beaming with heartfelt smiles and friendliness.

The handsome youth addressed as "Lamai City Lord" smiled broadly, replying to each greeting citizen in a familiar and friendly tone, his demeanor calm and unpretentious.

He spoke while strolling down the street, his steps unhurried.

Of course, his gaze also swept over the three crouching Yu Lin at the corner; a hint of puzzlement at the unfamiliar faces flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by a friendly smile.

He gave the three a slight nod as a greeting, then continued conversing with the passing citizens, moving farther away.

Luoer watched the increasingly distant upright figure, and after a moment, clicked his tongue, remarking in a tone mixing admiration with a hint of resentment:

"That guy… his looks are probably above mine."

He nudged the nearby Bei with his elbow, "Bei, what do you think?"

He turned his head toward Bei, but saw Bei's gaze firmly following the Lamai City Lord's figure until it vanished around the street corner; only then did they reluctantly pull their eyes back, a faint trace of lingering focus remaining on their face.

"Huh?" Bei, as if just snapping back to attention, looked blankly at Luoer:

"What did you just say?"

Luoer's face instantly broke into a teasing grin, stretching his voice: "Oh—? What, you've taken a liking to them? Your eyes are about to stick to them."

"Aren't you the one who likes Yu Lin? Switching affection so quickly?"

A faint blush flared on Bei's cheeks, their gaze darting around, fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of their clothes: "Um… um… didn't Yu Lin say there's no possibility between us? He turned us down quite clearly."

"So we can only be friends then…"

Their voice grew softer, as if encouraging themselves, adding: "And didn't he say before that I'd meet someone I truly like someday? Maybe… maybe it's…"

"Indeed." Luoer nodded, thinking the remark made sense.

Yu Lin's very being truly isn't something ordinary people can reach for.

He turned to the ever‑silent Yu Lin and asked, "Yu Lin, weren't you going to ask him about Noah? Why didn't you chase after him just now?"

Yu Lin rose at a leisurely pace, brushed the snack crumbs from his hand, stretched lazily, his gaze still fixed on the street corner where Lamai had vanished.

"No rush," he said lightly:

"Didn't you see they're busy chatting with the citizens? Interrupting abruptly would be impolite."

"Let's go, follow him; there'll be a chance to ask."

Having said that, he stepped toward the direction Lamai had taken.

The two saw this and fell in step.

"I'll personally send someone to inspect this tomorrow; we'll definitely resolve it, no need to worry."

After patiently addressing the last elderly woman's concerns, Lamai gently patted her son's shoulder, watched them leave reassured, then let out a soft sigh, his face showing a slight ease after handling the matter.

He didn't return to his residence immediately; instead, he slowly turned and cast his gaze behind him a short distance—where three figures lingered, having followed him for the entire afternoon.

They didn't disturb him, merely following quietly, evidently waiting for the right moment.

Lamai's face showed no impatience or wariness; instead, a hint of understanding and gentle curiosity appeared.

He didn't stay put waiting for them to approach; instead, he took the initiative, walking toward Yu Lin and the others.

Since Lamai is a head taller than Bei, to show respect and facilitate conversation, he naturally crouched, aligning his line of sight with Yu Lin and Luoer.

This subtle gesture indicated he harbored no condescending attitude, only a sincere, equal willingness to converse.

A friendly smile on his face, he asked in a gentle tone:

"You've been following me for a long time; is there something you need help with?"

"Tell me, and as long as it's within my ability, I'll do my best to help."

This gentle, equal, unpretentious demeanor caused Luoer and Bei's favor toward him to skyrocket instantly.

Luoer felt this City Lord truly lived up to his reputation; Bei even felt her heart skip a beat, staring unblinking at Lamai's handsome and sincere face just within arm's reach.

Yu Lin met Lamai's clear gaze, bypassed any preamble, and asked the core question directly:

"May I ask, do you know where Eden Garden is?"

His tone was calm, yet carried a peculiar certainty.

"I've traveled many places and asked many people; so far it seems you may be the most qualified—and most likely—to know where Eden Garden lies."

"Eden Garden?"

Upon hearing the name, Lamai's expression changed,

His bright eyes widened slightly as he carefully, anew, examined Yu Lin, as if trying to see through his exterior to discern the true motive behind his question.

A moment of silence followed, and the previously relaxed atmosphere in the air seemed to grow heavier.

Lamai did not immediately answer whether he knew or not; his demeanor became solemn.

He rose slowly and asked further:

"Are you going to Eden Garden?"

"Um..............."

He seemed to realize that this topic was far from ordinary, unsuitable for discussion on the bustling street.

"This is not a place for talking,"

Lamai made a decision, gave Yu Lin a slight nod, and made an inviting gesture:

"Please, follow me."