Chapter 333 - Star Restaurant (1/2)

Shout-out to Joseph Lawrence for supporting me on patron!!

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Nik had created quite a fan base for himself once he defeated Huyan Xiong without the use of martial spirit. In the eyes of the commoners, all the aristocracies are evil—a story preceding in every world. Rich is wicked and miserable the underdogs. Not that Nik minded it. His presence in the late-night market brought a wave of uproar. Multiple individuals in the market at such a late hour already boast themselves for their information network. Nik's presence in their system would bring them a rush of prestige.

Aside from a section contributed towards an assortment of items, weapons, and inscriptions, multiple entertainment centers filled the rest of the market. But none of the so-called 'entertainment' sites could present the wildness in the bars of Nik's homeworld. Out of the three places Nik frequented, all three of them were filled with oily men, presumably the upper echelons of the other institutions, enjoying the sight of fully clothed women singing a graceful song.

And they were drinking tea at night!

Nik turned away from the three establishments instantaneously. His misconceptions that he could find a hook-up in such late hours within a traditional world was a joke— a fact Nik knew now.

Torn with the guilt of missing training and the hope of making his night better, Nik decided to give another Inn one last try. This time, Nik chose one of the expensive establishments of the market street encircling the Holy Orchid Institute. It was named the Star Restaurant.

With the entrance adorned in gold and luxurious velvet spirit beasts hide covering the floor, Nik's vision was dazzled with the sheer lavishness of this place.

Extreme lavishness that bordered to the realms of disgust.

”Welcome, Sir. Which floor are you interested in?”

A thin-mustached middle-aged receptionist inquired with a polite tone. With three prior visits, Nik understood the man's words. Whether Nik wished to avail premium services or dine down with the middle-level of the society depended on the tip that Nik can give.

Taking out a demon spirit card with the value of 1000, Nik placed it on the counter, and the receptionist smiled accordingly before leading Nik through the heavily-guarded stairs. The interior of the first floor was somewhat soothing, a surprising fact when Nik considered the overwhelming feeling near the entrance. The hall was spacious, and the tables were placed sparsely. Nik's arrival attracted the attention of a few well-informed men, but none took an initiative to approach Nik.

Even Nik couldn't focus on them for his eyes were instantly attracted to a lonely figure sitting on one of the tables alone. The delicious platter in front of her failed to arouse her hunger, and the vat of Grizzly Lemon Vine was unable to make her gulp in anticipation.

Her dazed gaze remained focused on nothing of particular.

Nik's smile grew wider. Forget a hook-up. Dinner date with Shen Xiu sounded even more impressive to him.

As Shen Xiu played with her thick locks using her index, a soft cough interrupted her session of 'Nik's recollection' and instantly aroused her irritation and fury.

”You won't mind me joining, would you?”

The moment her gaze landed on Nik's smiling face, Shen Xiu's eyes widened in a stupor. Such a reaction satisfied Nik, and he knocked on her able twice, ”You're drooling now.”

Shen Xiu's gaze fluttered, and she closed her parted lips instantly. She nodded silently and finally inquired the moment Nik sat in front of her, ”What are you doing here?”

”I thought that I should treat myself in an expensive place. What about you?”

Nik asked with a smile, and for the first time, Nik could see a layer of smugness Xiu's smile, ”I own this, as you call— expensive place.”

It was Nik's turn to feel astonished, and he glanced at all the spacious hall once again.

”Wow, I guess I can eat here for free then.”

Nik remarked while Xiu frowned and asked out, ”You are a man.”

”Hey, eating for free isn't illegal.”

Nik shrugged and raised his arm to call for the waiter standing in attendance at the entrance of the hall. While the waiter made his way towards Nik and Shen Xiu, the flaming red-head puckered her lips and replied, ”I have no reason to treat you.”

Nik, meanwhile, rolled his eyes, ”Oh, come on. I thought we were friends?”

”The word 'friend' disgusts me. I don't have any friends,” Xiu remarked calmly and matched Nik's gaze without shying away.