Reunion…

Li Miaosheng hesitated for a moment, then realized this was no longer the time for sentimentality.

For him, having nothing to eat was a serious problem…

And sure enough, early the next morning, his stomach began growling again.

But he didn’t want to dwell on that…

What he cared about was that he had no money left—if he couldn’t get any business today,

then starving to death wouldn’t be far off!!

So, he decided to set up his stall early and wait for customers.

To avoid repeating last night’s failure, he even woke up Bai Ze, as well as Miss Immortal Fox—if she was indeed still on his shoulder.

Among the three, only Miss Fox didn’t need to eat. The other two definitely did…

Including Li Miaosheng—who was starving—and Bai Ze, who was also starving.

Bai Ze transformed into a husky, staring fixedly at the big carp in the square’s fountain, drool constantly dripping from his mouth.

If he hadn’t been stopped in time,

he might have reverted to his true form and dived into the pond, stirring up chaos.

……

After being called back by his boss, Bai Ze reluctantly trotted back to the stall…

His small body full of confusion:

“Boss, boss! There’s food right in front of us—why don’t we eat it? Bai Ze is starving! Who cares if it’s artificially raised to purify water…”

“For me, as long as there’s meat, it’s enough! As long as it fills my stomach! Awoo~~”

A mournful cry entered Li Miaosheng’s ears…

It wasn’t that he wouldn’t allow it—

but beside the pond was a sign:

Surveillance installed. Theft will be fined tenfold.

If not for that, he would’ve already set up a pot and started feasting.

Covering his face with tears, he said:

“Hahaha~! …………………”

“Be good, Bai Ze. Let’s endure a little longer—we’ll have food soon! Really! When has your big brother ever lied…”

And so, the two of them stood there… waiting… and waiting…

Before they knew it, the entire morning had passed.

By lunchtime, waves of food aromas spread across the square.

Both of them swallowed their saliva uncontrollably.

But their states were different—Li Miaosheng covered his eyes and nose, trying to avoid the temptation,

while Bai Ze had already fainted from hunger, probably feasting in his dreams…

They could only keep enduring…

As the scorching afternoon sun beat down on him,

the hunger in his stomach transformed into a burning sensation across his body.

In his daze, he even saw his great-grandmaster beckoning to him, inviting him to taste green bean pastries back at the temple…

Until—bang!—a sound slammed onto the table.

“Ahhhhhhh!! Why, why has no one come yet?! Is this business really that hard? Or is the world too peaceful, and everyone’s life too comfortable that no one needs help at all?!”

“I’m hot and starving! Heaven, please have mercy on me! I’m the only one here in the square, still working hard at 2 PM, the hottest time of the day…”

“They say heaven rewards diligence—then give me some reward! Please! Sob sob~~ okay?”

Li Miaosheng finally couldn’t take it anymore. The long wait had crushed all his confidence,

and from heatstroke, he fainted on the spot.

When he woke up, it was already night.

He vaguely heard someone calling him, so he slowly opened his eyes…

“Hey! Kid! Are you okay? How’s your body?”

“Water… give me water!” he stretched out his hand weakly.

Seeing how pale he looked, the uncle seemed to realize something and quickly opened a bottle of water, handing it to him.

But in his haste, quite a bit of water spilled onto the tablecloth, soaking a patch…

Faced with the sudden bottle of water, he didn’t think at all—he grabbed it and gulped it down.

After finishing half the bottle in one go, he finally felt a bit better.

His complexion slowly regained some color.

When he saw the familiar face in front of him, shame rose in his heart again…

Lowering his head, he said softly:

“I’m sorry, uncle… I’ve troubled you again…”

“Huh? What do you mean ‘troubled’? What on earth did you do? When I came, you were drenched in sweat. Don’t tell me you’ve been here since noon…”

The uncle’s expression was filled with concern, just like caring for family.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t check the weather—today’s high is 40°C, didn’t you know?!”

After hearing this, Li Miaosheng blanked out a little:

“Ah… well… I was actually here since morning…”

“Since morning…” the uncle froze.

Looking at the dejection on the boy’s face, he seemed to understand something.

He stopped speaking and walked back to his stall.

“………………”

Li Miaosheng wanted to say something, but the words got stuck in his throat.

He could only stare blankly at that broad back…

Until his stomach growled again, pulling him back to reality…

“So hungry… I’m so hungry I don’t even have strength left…”

Still slumped over the table, his eyes had long lost their spirit.

His mind was completely blank…

He didn’t want to think, didn’t want to do anything—perhaps he had returned to a primitive state, completely reduced to a lifeless salted fish.

Even Bai Ze at his feet was lost in his dream world…

………………

As night fell, the square gradually filled with people again.

Many girls dressed boldly, showing off their long fair legs. Vendors began setting up their stalls, and waves of delicious aromas filled the air.

But what he cared about wasn’t the former—having Miss Immortal Fox by his side was pleasing enough to the eye.

That’s right—what he truly cared about was the hunger in his stomach,

and the fragrance slowly spreading through the air.

These were nothing less than deadly temptations, pulling him deeper and deeper…

At that moment, the uncle who had left earlier returned again.

He brought two bowls of noodles, saying they could be put on credit—he could pay later when he earned money…

The protagonist didn’t even have the energy to listen. He grabbed a bowl and started eating immediately.

After finishing one, he paused while looking at the second bowl.

He glanced at Bai Ze on the ground.

But Bai Ze was still dreaming, her small mouth moving slightly…

Until Li Miaosheng lightly tapped her head.

She gradually woke up—

transforming into a cute little girl.

This time, she wasn’t naked. Instead, like the other girls, she conjured a pure white oversized T-shirt.

Her delicate face, with well-defined features, was adorned with a pair of amber eyes.

Paired with that outfit, she looked both enchanting and adorable.

She silently walked to the stall, picked up the bowl of noodles, and began eating immediately.

Just like Li Miaosheng—wolfing it down.

Watching this, he didn’t know whether to laugh or feel sad.

At that moment—

a girl appeared in front of the stall.

She fidgeted shyly, occasionally glancing toward him.

She wanted to speak, but didn’t know what to say…

When he noticed someone standing there, he hurriedly stood up and said:

“Hello! I offer fortune-telling, divination, palm reading, feng shui consultation, and spirit removal services!”

“May I ask what service you’d like…?”

As he lifted his head—

a familiar face entered his sight.