Chapter 1120: Chapter 1118: Field Expedition

Considering the customer base, the small restaurant favored by Professor Lanaya was undoubtedly still a bit quiet at this moment.

“Welcome, you’re quite early today.”

Behind the counter, the owner was bustling with food preparations, but the owner’s wife still remembered Fu Qian and warmly greeted him.

It was quite clear that she still had a strong impression of this peculiarly dressed individual.

Not to mention that tonight, he was also wearing a metal headband.

“Find a seat anywhere you like.”

“By the side?”

Fu Qian glanced at Ji Liushuang.

She was looking around the small restaurant with interest, seemingly unfazed by how modest the place was for their celebration meal.

But this didn’t mean she was used to chatting with strangers sitting nearby.

“Okay.”

Going with the flow, Ji Liushuang followed Fu Qian to the only small table and sat down.

“It seems Professor Lanaya really likes this place?”

It was her first visit, yet she had evidently asked Jia Keke in detail about her previous visit.

Not surprised at all, Fu Qian nodded in acknowledgment.

“Judging by the contents of her fridge, you’re more likely to find her here than at her place.”

…

Seeing Fu Qian fabricate stories about the head of the Punishment Department, Ji Liushuang couldn’t help but cover her mouth and snicker.

“At this time, would you like to start with something to eat?”

The owner’s wife also came over to make suggestions.

“Of course.”

Before Ji Liushuang could say anything, Fu Qian took the menu directly.

“Order whatever you’d like.”

“…Do you have any recommendations?”

“Unfortunately, I’m also here for the second time, and the last time, that guy just dragged me into drinking all night.”

“I actually thought so too…”

“You actually wanted to drink?”

Fu Qian’s expression turned stern, and his voice grew more serious.

“No, no… I really don’t drink, actually.”

Although it was the other party who mentioned adult beverages, Ji Liushuang still felt guilty and hurriedly explained.

“That’s more like it; the alcohol here is very expensive.”

After finishing her explanation, she heard Fu Qian hum lightly.

“Did you bring money?”

So that’s what he was concerned about?

Ji Liushuang felt a bit dumbfounded for a moment.

“I did.”

“Then you can have a little drink, but don’t overdo it, youngsters.”

“Hmm…”

“Don’t forget to ask the owner’s wife for the receipt when you leave.”

“Actually, I could just pay for it…”

“How could that be okay? We should keep personal and business matters separate.”

…

After deciding what to eat with the recommendation of the owner’s wife, the two did not continue discussing the entanglements of the wealthy and chose some lighter topics instead.

Unfortunately, Miss Liushuang’s Academy life was hardly worth mentioning, always practicing Sword Dao, practicing Sword Dao, and then practicing even more.

Thus, under the concerned eyes of mentors like Chang Mo, they would occasionally haul her away to help with clerical work, as a way to distract her mind.

“Actually, they really don’t need to be so worried.”

Ji Liushuang even did not forget to defend herself.

“I do hope to improve my skills quickly, but not only because it’s necessary. I love using the sword…”

“I can see that.”

Fu Qian agreed with her statement.

“Otherwise, I wouldn’t only ask you to be a Research Assistant, despite Heaven’s Commencement Institute’s notorious reputation.”

“But you still think that Sword Dao might not be without hidden concerns?”

Ji Liushuang giggled.

Some of the insights Professor Fu provided today were clearly not mentioned by the Academy.

“Is that what you think, but with no solid evidence?”

Fu Qian’s response was casual and honest.

From previous research findings at Ye Island, it can be known that the “sugar” extracted from fruit does indeed constitute a more pure path of cultivation practice.

But it is precisely this concept-level purity that makes one wonder if, compared to the traditional Transcendent fraught with crises, it is more capable of preserving humanity.

“Professor Lisa is right to say that practice is the only truth. Just be more cautious in the future.”

Hmm.

Ji Liushuang sincerely agreed.

As a long-held belief, she could not randomly deny it, but she valued the opinion of the person in front of her very highly.

The idea of prudence, on the other hand, is easier to accept.

…

Professor Lanaya seems quite busy tonight.

As time swiftly passed during casual conversation, more people gradually filled the small establishment, yet there was no sign of the head of the Punishment Department.

Manager Sunny was also absent.

That person clearly had yet to successfully start a new career here.

However, considering the distance between the Wasteland and the Academy, this was somewhat expected.

Although the alcohol that even commoners drink is almost unlikely to harm the body, Ji Liushuang heeded Fu Qian’s suggestion and only tasted it lightly.

Her expression made it clear she did not appreciate the flavor.

“Aren’t you drinking?”

Upon frowning and setting down her glass, she looked at Fu Qian somewhat surprised.

“Are you sure you don’t know why I’m not drinking?”

Unfortunately, her comment seemed to poke a hornet’s nest, and he retorted with a cold snort.

“Why…”

Ji Liushuang was a bit stunned.

“The young people nowadays seem to be getting increasingly impolite!”

Professor Fu seemed to think she was feigning ignorance, his face mask frosty as he gave a cold laugh.

“Not even offering a drink to your leader on your first meal together?”

“…Really?”

Ji Liushuang was once again dumbfounded.

“Of course it’s not true.”

Fu Qian’s anger vanished in a second. Glancing at her, he leisurely began to enjoy his meal.

“I’m far less interested in that stuff than Professor Lanaya. Instead, I am more concerned that you ordered fish for yourself only.”

“Then I’ll ask them to add another serving.”

Confirming Professor Fu’s sincere words, Ji Liushuang smiled and turned back to call the proprietress.

“The fish is indeed good.”

…

“Are you setting out again soon?”

After watching Professor Fu nearly clean out the dishes in the small shop, Ji Liushuang finally asked a caring question.

“Why do you say that?”

“Because on the way back I had a strong feeling that if I had been any later, I probably wouldn’t have seen you.”

“Your feeling is correct, there’s an external research expedition planned.”

Fu Qian nodded.

“When is it?”

Ji Liushuang asked naturally, her face lacking much emotion.

“In ten minutes.”

“…Then I wish you a smooth journey.”

After a slight pause, Ji Liushuang then gave a small smile and truly turned to ask the proprietress for the receipt.

…

When she left the small shop, it was already late at night.

Watching Miss Liushuang head back to the Academy alone, Fu Qian didn’t delay and walked down the dark street, removing his face mask a few seconds later.

Reappearing in the warehouse, Fu Qian took off the Bronze Headband and threw it on the desk, examining the Messenger in his hand.

Without the dispersal of the Return Edict, the bloodstains on the mask were gradually emerging, although they were not enough at the moment.

Fu Qian waited patiently until the blood turned sufficiently dense.

As he put on the Messenger again, the familiar bookstore upstairs appeared before his eyes.