城市猎人：系统升级之王

Chapter 10: The Summer Lantern Gathering

To the south lay the Liu Family's mansion, where nearly three generations of direct descendants resided. Those beyond the third generation were dispersed, though unable to inherit the family business, they were provided with good jobs, ensuring a comfortable life. If they distinguished themselves, they could even be recalled to the mansion, becoming core members of the Liu Family. Such was the branching strategy of prominent clans, ensuring their prosperity.
Unlike the castle, the mansion was not open to the public, heavily guarded with armed soldiers surrounding it. To Tianfu, the mansion held a significance akin to Long City's South Sea. Anyone daring to intrude without permission could be dealt with swiftly by the guards, and if a nuclear bomb were to be dropped here, Tianfu's governance would instantly collapse, and the Liu Family would be swept into the dustbin of history.
Yue Chang and Yuexi approached the mansion, taking turns to photograph each other with their phones, posing as typical tourists. The armed police on duty paid them no mind, as tourists like them were a common sight. As long as they didn't cross the warning line, they were free to roam.
Yue Chang and Yuexi circled the mansion intermittently, and as evening approached, the sunset painted the sky with hues of crimson and gold. The mansion guards began their shift change.
After observing the process, the sisters exchanged glances and shook their heads. The mansion's defenses were impenetrable.
They turned and left, soon arriving at an inn. Their aims were twofold: to grab a bite and rest.
The inn had two stories and was of moderate size, serving local Tianfu delicacies. Tianfu was famous for its hotpot, a cuisine born out of the region's damp and foggy climate, which fostered a love for spicy food. Tianfu hotpots not only warmed against the chill but also helped dispel dampness. Although the numbing spiciness could be overwhelming initially, frequent consumption bred familiarity, and many came to crave it. A day without the fiery taste would leave them feeling incomplete.
The sisters booked a small private room on the second floor. The 'waiter' served tea and four appetizers, grinning broadly. "What would the two guests like to order?"
Yuexi was on a call, so Yue Chang smiled sweetly and asked, "Brother Waiter, what specialties do you have?"
"Well, we have plenty! Fresh Pepper Tender Chicken, Spicy Shrimp, Love Tofu, Boiling Mutton, Sour and Spicy Soup, Chili Crab, Green Onion Stewed Fish, Braised Beef Brisket, Intestine Bean Curd, Spicy Liver, Spicy Chicken, Stir-Fried Beef Strips, Sauteed Pork with Fish-Flavored Sauce, Dry-Fried Beef Strips, Boiled Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Pickled Fish... You name it, we got it!"
The waiter rattled off the menu like a tongue twister, impressing Yuexi so much that she applauded mid-call. Flushed with pride from the compliment of such a beauty, the waiter stood tall, almost assuming a Cultural Revolution-era pose.
Collecting himself, the waiter inquired, "Have the two decided on your order?"
Yuexi finished her call and chuckled. "Since you've mentioned so much, let's just have a hotpot!"
"..."
The waiter's eyes widened. Damn it! After listing all those dishes, they picked none.
"Two more friends will join us later..." Yuexi's smile faded. "Bring out the hotpot first, and we'll order more later."
That sounded reasonable.
The waiter relaxed. "Sure thing! One hotpot coming up, and you can order more later!"
As the waiter departed, Yue Chang asked, "When will Big Brother and the others arrive?"
"Coincidentally, they're nearby too. They'll be here in ten minutes, but..." Yuexi giggled, grabbing a handful of fried peanuts from the appetizer plate and popping them into her mouth. "There's that city gate tax. It's two hundred for them to get in. Am I too wicked?"
"Xixi, you eat without washing your hands again." Yue Chang chided gently, raising her right hand and extending her index finger. "Give me your hand."
"Ahh..." Yuexi stuffed the remaining peanuts into her mouth and extended both hands.
A stream of water appeared out of thin air, cascading down on Yuexi's hands. She quickly scrubbed, cleaned them, and shook off the droplets. Her palms heated up, turning red, and steam rose as they dried in just a few seconds, leaving no trace of moisture.
At the city gate, Li Nianlong handed a cigarette to the guard and exchanged a few pleasantries before entering with Nalan Ruyue. Unlike outsiders, Tianfu locals didn't have to pay the city gate tax; a simple cigarette sufficed, foiling Yuexi's plan to lighten Li Nianlong's wallet.
Night descended, and streetlights illuminated the city. Vendors continued their trade, colorful lanterns hung high, and a stage was set up in the square. The host, microphone in hand, addressed the tourists enthusiastically:
"Dear friends from afar, welcome to the annual Summer Lantern Gathering of Tianfu Castle! This year, not only will you admire various beautiful lanterns, but we've also prepared numerous riddles and the finest local opera, acrobatics, and street performances. And we're honored to introduce the renowned singer duo—Phoenix Combination, who have also graced our event. Let's give them a warm round of applause and welcome Phoenix Combination to the stage!"
"Hello, we are Phoenix Combination!" As the host finished, a man and a woman stepped onto the stage, eliciting cheers from the audience:
"Wow! Phoenix Combination! It's really them!"
"Phoenix Combination! I love you!"
"Cool Ethnic Wind! I love you!"
"Full Moon Above! I love you!"
"..."
Li Nianlong paid no attention to Phoenix Combination, pulling Nalan Ruyue's hand forward through the crowd.
Nalan Ruyue shivered slightly at his touch, her starry eyes gazing at him with a hint of bewilderment.
"Hold tight, don't get separated," Li Nianlong said casually.
The dense crowd could easily split them apart, and Li Nianlong didn't want to spend more effort finding Nalan Ruyue again.
Blinking, Nalan Ruyue nodded and firmly held Li Nianlong's warm hand.
A few minutes later, they reached the inn where the Yue sisters were staying. Entering, a waiter warmly greeted them, "Welcome, are you dining or staying?"
"We're looking for someone," Li Nianlong waved him off. "Don't worry about us, attend to the other guests."
Recognizing Li Nianlong's local Tianfu accent, the waiter chuckled and turned to other customers, "Oh, it's been a while! Please, come this way..."
Upstairs, Li Nianlong and Nalan Ruyue found the Yue sisters' private room and knocked on the door.
"Come in," a familiar, lively voice invited.
Opening the door, the room's occupants lit up upon seeing them. Yuexi jumped up,"Big Brother, Sister Ruyue, you're here! Come in, sit down quickly!" Yuexi greeted them with her enthusiasm infectious.
Moon Chang also rose to her feet, her smile as soft and sweet as ever. "Big Brother, Sister Ruyue."
"Hey!" Li Nianlong responded, while Nalan Ruyue could only smile and nod in acknowledgment.
"Why did you come here? I thought you'd rest at the hotel for a day before coming out," Li Nianlong pulled a chair and sat down without ceremony, promptly picking up the teapot to pour himself a cup.
"We've been eager to see the Tianfu Castle for a long time. Besides, we rested enough on the train, why rest more?" Yuexi loved Li Nianlong's straightforward and cool demeanor. "And today is the annual Summer Lantern Festival. Big Brother, after dinner, let's go enjoy the festival together, shall we?"
"Oh, is it that time already?" Li Nianlong had attended the Summer Lantern Festival before, usually alone since Li Ying never seemed interested in the events held at the castle. For other festivals, she was always willing to accompany him, but when it came to the castle's celebrations... Well, truthfully, Li Ying had never stepped foot inside the castle, at least not in Li Nianlong's memory.
He had once asked her why, but Li Ying never offered an answer. Over time, he stopped asking.
"Big Brother, is the Summer Lantern Festival fun?" Yuexi called out to the waiter, 'Xiao Er,' then turned back to Li Nianlong. "I heard there are many fun activities. Tell us about them!"
Li Nianlong smiled faintly. "There are indeed many enjoyable things. The most traditional activity is solving lantern riddles. I wonder if Dragon City has lantern festivals..."
"Nope," Yuexi shook her head. "Some parts of Dragon City do have lantern festivals, but not in our neighborhood. Nowadays, people are so busy making money that few have the leisure time to attend lantern festivals. It's colder outside; most would rather stay home and watch TV."