Chapter 65: Peaches in the Supermarket

I had no idea that Fire had almost recognized me just now, because my attention was entirely absorbed by the snack shops on both sides.

“Lin Fan, do you know the origin of Guanqian Street?” Murong Shanshan asked with a mischievous smile. Seeing me shake my head, she continued, “The name Guanqian Street comes from the Xuanmiao Temple in the district. Just like Nanjing Road in Shanghai or Confucius Temple Street in Nanjing, it’s a bustling urban area. But Guanqian Street also has a myth to it.”

My interest was piqued, so I asked, “What myth?”

Murong Shanshan smiled proudly and went on, “It’s said that at the end of the Qing Dynasty, there was a small cold dish and marinated meat shop on Guanqian Street in Suzhou, run by a man surnamed Liu. Because business was bad, he often napped at the table. One time, he dozed off again and dreamt of an old beggar, a familiar face whom Liu often helped. The beggar said, ‘I am no ordinary man. I am leaving now. The straw mat you gave me is still under the bridge where I rest. Retrieve it—you’ll find it useful!’”

I burst out laughing. Murong Shanshan’s beautiful face was so amusing when she recited ancient language, especially dressed all in white, walking through falling snow. She truly had that “I am no ordinary man” air about her. No wonder the young men passing by couldn’t help but cast stunned glances.

Murong Shanshan looked a bit annoyed, saying, “Don’t interrupt—I haven’t finished yet!”

I grinned, “Alright, keep going, I’m listening.”

“After Liu woke up, he found the straw mat under the bridge just as the beggar said. He took it home, thinking it useless, and threw it into the stove to burn. Then a miracle happened—the strangest aroma wafted through Suzhou. Liu hurriedly rescued the unburned part and preserved it in a lacquer box. After that, whenever he cooked marinated meat, he’d toss a piece of straw mat into the stove, and each time, the meat turned out more fragrant than any other shop in town. His business gradually flourished.”

Murong Shanshan blinked at me and asked, “Do you know what this legend teaches?”

I shook my head, completely lost.

“Hmph, it means ‘three parts technique, seven parts timing.’ Everything in life is like that—you must know when to stop. Do you understand?”

I smiled, “Of course, my elementary school teacher taught us that.”

Murong Shanshan turned to face me directly, enunciating each word, “No, you don’t understand. I’ve calculated—you rest no more than six hours a day, and the rest of the time you’re online. If you keep this up, your body will eventually collapse. Do you see now why I insisted you come out for a walk?”

I was taken aback. Perhaps Murong Shanshan had a point, though her talk of good intentions felt unnecessary.

“Come on, I’m hungry too. Tonight, I’m treating you to hotpot!”

…

By the time we returned, it was past eight. Walking along the edge of the neighborhood, I suddenly remembered I should buy something for Liu Xuehan. After all, she’s been kind to me, and with someone as lovely as Liu Xuehan, no one would believe I had zero improper thoughts about her.

After some deliberation, I went into the downstairs supermarket to buy snacks for Liu Xuehan and Xinyu. Girls love treats—snacks should be a safe bet.

This supermarket wasn’t small, and its most famous feature was a notoriously flirtatious cashier. She was well-known within a ten-mile radius. Many boys from the nearby college went out of their way to shop here, just to catch a glimpse of her impressive figure and pert backside. I’d seen her a few times myself, but Xinyu always dragged me away before I could properly appreciate.

I glanced around the store but didn’t see the legendary cashier. Instead, I bought some snacks and went to pay. Near the counter, I noticed a display selling chewing gum. After all the spicy food with Murong Shanshan, it seemed wise to buy some gum to freshen up. So I walked over, and did something I’d regret for a week—

“Miss, do you have Green Arrow?”

Without looking up, my eyes scanned the small boxes on the counter. Huh? The packaging looked odd—there were even suggestive images on the boxes. Was this supposed to make chewing gum more exciting?

“Handsome, what kind of chewing gum do you want? Tell me your size.”

A sultry voice floated over. I looked up and was completely stunned. The cashier, dressed in a uniform suit, was smiling at me. In the depth of winter, she wore only a jacket and a plush top, with the neckline cut low, revealing a deep cleavage that was tantalizing in the dim light.

“I just want some chewing gum…” My voice trembled. This busty girl must be the legendary Peach of the supermarket!

She arched her chest and smiled flirtatiously, “Don’t be shy. A man must be responsible. If you get your girlfriend pregnant, that’s no good! Let big sister check your size!”

I had no idea what she meant by “size,” but saw her reach out a delicate hand. The area was empty, and this felt like a private booth. Shoppers outside couldn’t see in, only vague silhouettes through the glass divider.

“Miss, I really just want chewing gum…”

She laughed seductively and pointed behind me, “The gum’s right over there, help yourself. Are you sure you don’t want anything else? Want me to leave you my number?”

I fled in a panic. Was she always this forward with good-looking guys? If I were to get involved with her, I might as well go home and be with Xinyu—at least her figure was just as good, and her face was even prettier.

After paying, I carried my purchases home. Everyone was probably still playing games. I opened the door, split the snacks into two portions—one for Xinyu and Xu Lin’s room, one for Liu Xuehan’s bedside. I couldn’t help but caress her soft, snowy cheek, not knowing if she noticed, then returned to my own room.

Entering the game, I appeared on the bridge at the east gate of town. Xinyu and Liu Xuehan were probably off leveling up; Murong Shanshan hadn’t logged in yet. After repairing my equipment, I decided to visit Wild Horse Prairie and check out the new map—maybe there’d be a new quest awaiting me.