Volume One: Awakening of the Dragon Soul Chapter 55: Xia Ningxin’s Dinner

The great Zhang Zhihao and Shiyan... Who should I save? I don't think I've ever really considered this question. If such an emergency truly arose, who would I choose? Mo Xing frowned, unsure how to answer.

By the table, one committee member remarked, "That's practically a question with no right answer."

"I couldn't answer it anyway," another committee member shook his head, "It's just too difficult."

"President," Shiyan whispered, "If someone else had to answer, it might be all right, but isn’t it a bit unfair to make Mo Xing choose?"

"Don't worry, he'll come up with an answer," Zhang Zhihao replied with a smile.

Mo Xing's lips moved slightly as he drew a deep breath and lifted his head. "I...," he hesitated, "I wish I could save both, but if I absolutely had to choose..." He paused. "I would save Shiyan," he declared firmly.

"Ah?" Shiyan was taken aback. The answer might not have been unexpected, but Mo Xing’s expression was grave.

"Since I was young, I've always believed that in danger, you should protect girls first. And I trust that President Zhang can handle himself—he always gives off a reliable, reassuring air. So I choose to save Shiyan," Mo Xing explained. "Maybe it's not entirely proper to put it that way, but I believe in my choice!"

As soon as Mo Xing finished speaking, the room fell silent for a heartbeat. The quiet was unexpectedly harmonious and strangely comfortable.

"Well done," President Zhang Zhihao applauded, "That was a decisive answer."

The other committee members joined in, expressing their approval. Shiyan nodded slightly as well.

"Thank you, seniors, for your applause..." Mo Xing bowed deeply, "I’ll keep working hard."

"You may leave now. Someone will inform you of the interview results in due course," President Zhang gestured for him to go.

"Thank you all, then... I’ll be off," Mo Xing scratched his head and waved farewell.

"Off you go," President Zhang nodded.

"Mm."

At that moment, Mo Xing’s heart was in turmoil. Remembering his words just now, he felt a little embarrassed. Would Shiyan realize he liked her?

"Mo Xing—"

As he was about to leave, Shiyan called out.

"What is it? Shiyan—" Mo Xing’s heart raced, "Senior?"

He’d deliberately added "senior" to ease the awkwardness. Did Shiyan have something more to say? Oh dear, everyone was watching. How embarrassing...

Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to do?

"Remember to remind the next interviewee to wait a minute before knocking and coming in," Shiyan said.

"Oh, right. Sure," Mo Xing snapped out of his daze, recalling that this was indeed part of the etiquette. He nodded, "Consider it done!"

A moment later.

After leaving the Divine Luo Hall, Mo Xing glanced back at the snaking line and finally managed to let out a sigh of relief.

His heart had pounded nonstop while talking to Shiyan. He'd been so nervous! Still, he’d done okay, hadn’t he? Hopefully, she wouldn’t think poorly of him.

Rubbing his eyes, he touched his face and realized it was burning hot.

Damn, that was mortifying! A grown man blushing? Ridiculous! Enough, enough—no more thinking about it! It was getting late anyway—time for dinner. He’d slept until noon, grabbed a quick lunch, then rushed to the student council interview, only to find such a long line. The whole day had slipped by.

Time was like water in a sponge, but somehow, he’d lost his sponge!

This aimlessness felt so unfulfilling. Today had been less productive than last night’s bandit hunt.

Evening?

Oh, right!

Tonight he was going to Shopping West Street! Xia Ningxin was treating him to dinner! He didn’t know why, but he couldn’t refuse.

Shopping West Street.

Shops lined the road, traffic bustling. The setting sun cast its glow, and in the alleys, broken hearts picked up scattered fireworks.

Mo Xing had been here before and was fairly familiar with the area—

Or not!

Where on earth was "Shopping West Street No. 198" anyway? He’d asked countless people, but no one knew. Even the shopkeepers shook their heads. There was no navigation in this world. How was he supposed to find it?

"Wait!" Mo Xing suddenly recalled the bug inside him—the mighty Water Dragon God!

"Kaxin! Kaxin! Help me out! Use your senses and find this address!"

No response. He was talking to himself.

"Kaxin? Is the Dragon God napping? Or can I only summon him in danger?" Mo Xing scratched his head.

"Hey? Mo Xing, what a coincidence!" A familiar voice called out behind him. Turning, he saw Senior Cai Hong.

"Senior Cai Hong? You’re here too?"

"Yeah, haha, working the night shift here today," Cai Hong replied.

"Oh," Mo Xing nodded. He knew Senior Cai Hong often worked part-time. That meant he must know the area well.

"By the way, senior! Can I ask you something?" Mo Xing inquired.

"Of course," Cai Hong replied.

"Someone’s treating me to dinner, but I can’t find the place. Do you know where Shopping West Street No. 198 is?"

"Huh? Shopping West Street No. 198?" Cai Hong seemed surprised. "That’s the shop I work at!"

"Really? What luck! Senior, could you show me the way?" Mo Xing’s eyes lit up. Heaven was helping him—he’d finally found it!

"It’s right here," Cai Hong pointed beside them.

"Huh?"

Mo Xing followed his gesture. Overhead, a sign with floral trim bore the name "FENHUO Snack Shop," and a small plaque read: Shopping West Street No. 198.

A while later.

"What? You said Xia Ningxin’s treating you to dinner?" After swapping shifts with the counter staff, Senior Cai Hong nearly exploded upon hearing Mo Xing’s story.

"Yeah, she mentioned it in front of the hospital a few days ago," Mo Xing nodded.

"Did I hear that right? Someone as high and mighty as her is inviting you to dinner?" Senior Cai Hong eyed Mo Xing up and down. "You’ve got quite the luck with women, brother—even the Ice Queen is moved by your sincerity!"

"Don’t tease me," Mo Xing said, scratching his head awkwardly. "Maybe she just needs something from me?"

"Heh, all right." Senior Cai Hong grinned. "But why did she pick this place?"

"I have no idea..." Mo Xing glanced at the snack shelves, recalling lollipops, Oreos, and other treats he’d had before. He joked, "Maybe she’s going to treat me to snacks?"

"Ha ha ha—" Senior Cai Hong burst out laughing. "That’s hilarious! The Ice Queen treating the earnest lad to snacks? You’re killing me!"

"Um..." Mo Xing was momentarily speechless. His own silly idea was indeed a bit absurd.

Suddenly, Senior Cai Hong composed himself, straightening up and putting on his usual expression.

Mo Xing was puzzled. What was he doing?

"Good afternoon, Manager!" Senior Cai Hong flashed a brilliant smile, radiating positivity.

Mo Xing looked toward the entrance. A girl with shoulder-length hair, delicate features, and an orange-trimmed long dress walked in, exuding a pure, charming air—like the girl next door.

"Good afternoon, Cai Hong. What was so funny just now?" The girl’s lips curled slightly, her tone gentle.

"I’m happy to see my roommate supporting our shop," Cai Hong explained.

She turned to Mo Xing. "You must be Mo Xing?"

"Yes, I am." Mo Xing nodded. Had his name spread beyond campus now—even the snack shop manager knew him?

"My name is Little Orange—first-year at Akatsuki Academy, third tier Honglan-ranked Elementalist, and manager of this snack shop." She smiled. "You can also call me Orange. Pleased to meet you."

"What... third tier Honglan rank in first year?" Mo Xing gaped. In all the years at Saint Sky Royal Academy, only three freshmen had ever started at the Honglan tier. And here she was, already running a business so young. She was incredible!

What right did he have to be addressed so politely? He should be the one learning from her!

"Our manager was also first in this year’s freshman assessment at Akatsuki Academy," Senior Cai Hong praised.

"Oh, it’s nothing. Rankings change all the time," Orange replied modestly. "No need to take them too seriously."

Heavens, so laid back! Are all the geniuses in this world so humble? Zhang Zhihao was, Shadow Cannon was, and Orange too!

All of them prodigies who entered at Honglan rank! He kept crossing paths with such geniuses—what right did he have?

What right indeed!

"I’m pleased to meet you," Mo Xing quickly responded. "I look forward to learning from you!"

"Now, please follow me upstairs, Mo Xing," Orange said.

"Ah, but I’m still waiting for someone..." Mo Xing replied, not sure what was happening. Was Senior Cai Hong right—was his luck with women just that good, like the hero of some novel?

"She’s already upstairs," Orange smiled. "Please come with me."

"Oh, I see," Mo Xing realized. So Xia Ningxin had been waiting for him on the second floor all along. As expected, geniuses all knew each other.

He followed Orange upstairs.

The banister was delicately crafted, the floor covered in a red floral carpet. Landscapes adorned the walls, and at the corners stood potted plants with dewdrops sparkling under the lights like pearls.

If the first floor was a well-stocked snack shop, the second floor was decorated in an elegant, classic style—a world apart.

Mo Xing caught the scent of food. Orange pushed open a door, revealing a table laden with dishes.

My goodness! Such a lavish spread! This was probably the most sumptuous dinner he’d seen since arriving in this world.

Unlike Mo Xing’s astonished expression, Orange seemed puzzled. "Strange, where did Ning go?"

——Idle Chatter at the Edge——

Happy weekend, everyone! Today is the Spring Equinox—my love for you will never be divided!