Fated | Fangs Of Fortune [ZhuYi]

Chapter 6 : Revealed Truths

Two weeks passed quickly, and the Demon Hunting Bureau in Tiandu City was bustling with activity. People streamed in and out, decorating every corner of the Bureau without leaving a single spot untouched. Zhu Yan had already arrived in Tiandu City with his friend, Li Lun, a pagoda demon, before his promised meeting with Yi Chen.

As they wandered through the lively market, Zhu Yan subtly lingered near small gossiping groups, hoping to overhear any news about Yi Chen's home.

"They're decorating every inch of it" whispered a vegetable vendor to a group of humans, completely unaware of the eavesdropping young demon nearby.

"I've never seen anything like it. They've been so quiet all this time" another chimed in.

"That's right" added a scholar-like man in hushed tones. "I heard there's going to be a big event."

"What kind of event?" a younger voice in the group asked eagerly.

"I heard it's a wedding ceremony" the scholar said, adjusting his glasses for dramatic effect. "They're planning to officially introduce the youngest Zhuo to Tiandu City. I've heard that the kid isn't very talented, and it seems like they're trying to marry him off."

"What?!" Zhu Yan's voice unexpectedly shot up in pitch, startling the group.

The vegetable vendor glared at him, pointing an accusing finger. "And who are you, young man?"

"I'm sorry! Please continue!" Zhu Yan quickly apologized, clasping his hands together and bowing his head. He hurried back to Li Lun, whose scowling face betrayed his disapproval.

"Why are you eavesdropping on humans? You already look just like one of them" Li Lun said, wrinkling his nose in disdain.

"I just... I wanted to know what they were talking about" Zhu Yan mumbled defensively, pouting slightly.

"And?" Li Lun asked, his curiosity piqued by Zhu Yan's upset expression.

"I was right" Zhu Yan muttered.

"Right about what?" Li Lun pressed, noticing the growing frustration on his friend's face.

"Never mind" Zhu Yan dismissed the question, turning to walk away. Li Lun, though still puzzled, followed closely behind.

As they wandered further through the market, Li Lun couldn't ignore Zhu Yan's lingering frustration. Finally, he decided to take an interest in something human to distract him.

"What is that?" Li Lun asked, pointing at an umbrella displayed at a nearby stall.

Zhu Yan's face lit up immediately as he dashed over to the vendor, picking up a sleek black umbrella. "This," he began with enthusiasm, "is called an umbrella. It's used to block rain or sunlight. Here, let me show you how it works." He opened and closed the umbrella to demonstrate, explaining its utility with great excitement.

Li Lun couldn't help but smile at seeing Zhu Yan's usual cheerfulness return. "Do you want it?" he asked.

"We don't have enough coins for this" Zhu Yan replied, shaking his head. "Besides, we should spend what we have on something delicious. You barely come to the human realm, so I have to show you the best parts of it."

With a playful grin, Zhu Yan grabbed Li Lun's arm and began dragging him through the bustling market.

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The bustling market thrummed with life as Zhu Yan and Li Lun strolled among the colorful stalls. Zhu Yan's voice brimmed with excitement as he pointed out various items, a delicately carved fan here, a jar of fragrant spices there, eagerly explaining their uses and significance in human life. Trailing slightly behind, Li Lun responded with quiet nods and a faint, almost indulgent smile. It wasn't the details of human culture that amused him but rather the pure joy radiating from Zhu Yan's expression as he shared his knowledge.