"Oh, the two of you, it's been a while," Zhang Xinwu greeted them with surprise as he saw Liu Nanfeng and Su Huamei arrive together.
"It has been some time, boss. Is your business doing well?" Liu Nanfeng asked with a smile as he walked in and found a seat.
It was still early, and the stall was empty, with not a single customer. Even some of the tables and chairs hadn't been set up yet.
"It's as usual. What have you two been busy with lately?" Zhang Xinwu asked casually.
Ever since he witnessed the battle between Liu Nanfeng and Ao Haiping, he knew that Liu Nanfeng likely knew his true identity. Because of this, his demeanor was even more relaxed than before.
"Ah, a whole pile of messy things," Liu Nanfeng sighed.
"I heard you flattened a research institute belonging to the Tide Society," Zhang Xinwu said with a smile.
He then served them cold appetizers: a plate of braised peanuts and a plate of salted edamame, which were complimentary and free of charge.
Since there were no other customers, he also sat down beside them, making it clear he was ready for a chat.
"Boss Zhang's news is really quite current," Liu Nanfeng said, picking up a peanut, peeling it, and popping it into his mouth.
"Jiangcheng is this big, and the commotion was so immense, how could it be kept a secret?" Zhang Xinwu chuckled.
After speaking, he added, "But you two need to be careful. The Tide Society is powerful. Be wary of their retaliation."
"Thank you," Liu Nanfeng replied dismissively.
Seeing Liu Nanfeng's expression and recalling that shocking sword strike from that day, Zhang Xinwu said with a dawning realization, "I shouldn't have said anything."
"No, we really do need to thank you, Boss Zhang. But Boss Zhang should also make preparations as soon as possible." Liu Nanfeng said.
"Preparations? Prepare for what?" Zhang Xinwu asked, a little confused.
"Are you aware of the Dragon Gate incident?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xinwu's expression turned serious. The matter of the Dragon Gate had already spread among the demon race, and he had heard some rumors, though most were vague and varied.
"The Dragon Gate incident is merely a precursor. This world will likely usher in a great change before long, so Boss Zhang should make some preparations."
"A great change? What kind of great change?" Zhang Xinwu asked, perplexed.
"Heh, I'm not too sure about that. I only heard it from others. If you know the Old Dragon King, or someone from the Nine Departments, you could inquire with them," Liu Nanfeng said with a smile.
If the world were to truly undergo a drastic change, Zhang Xinwu, whose strength was already considerable, would undoubtedly grow even stronger. He would then become a primary force in fighting the desolate beasts, which was why Liu Nanfeng had mentioned this.
Furthermore, Liu Nanfeng said this because he found Zhang Xinwu to be a genuinely good person, hence the extra words.
Seeing that Liu Nanfeng was unwilling to elaborate further, Zhang Xinwu did not press the issue.
Instead, he asked, "Is it just the two of you tonight? Should I take your order now?"
"No, there are two more. Give me the menu."
Liu Nanfeng did not stand on ceremony with Zhang Xinwu and waited for him to bring the menu.
"Alright then," Zhang Xinwu replied, rising to get the menu.
At this moment, Su Huamei, who had been silent, looked at Liu Nanfeng with a hint of confusion.
Her meaning was clear: she wanted to ask Liu Nanfeng why he had said all that.
Liu Nanfeng casually explained his thoughts, and Su Huamei seemed to understand.
She then frowned and said, "You always think things through thoroughly. I have a few friends, and I'll notify them as well, so they can also make preparations early."
Liu Nanfeng nodded, "When we get back tonight, I'll ask Jinxiu if there's anyone she needs to notify."
Su Huamei sniffed the rose in her hand and then asked, "Those desolate beasts you mentioned, when will they arrive?"
"When you feel the spiritual energy of heaven and earth becoming abundant, that will likely be when they arrive," Liu Nanfeng replied.
"Can't that be stopped?" Su Huamei asked with some curiosity.
"How can it be stopped? In fact, the tide has already begun, it's just that the waves haven't reached us yet."
Liu Nanfeng gazed at the rolling river water opposite them.
When a tide begins, it's a process, moving from afar to near.
And the universe is vast, so whether the tide is rising or falling, it's a very long process.
An ancient beast escaping from the Dragon Gate indicated that the tide had begun, but it hadn't yet reached Earth. However, it would soon arrive. Of course, "soon" was relative to humans, and there would still be a considerable amount of time.
When the "spray" permeated this world, the ancient beasts would truly arrive.
As the two were talking, Zhang Xinwu arrived with the menu.
Liu Nanfeng took the menu, scanned it from beginning to end, and ordered a large amount. Both he and Zhan Dundun had large appetites, and ordering a lot would not be a waste.
"Is there anything you want to add?" Liu Nanfeng handed the menu to Su Huamei.
Su Huamei took it and added a few more dishes.
Liu Nanfeng then handed the menu to Zhang Xinwu.
"And give us a dozen beers."
"Whoa, ordering so much, can you finish it all?"
"Don't worry, this might not even be enough," Liu Nanfeng said with a smile.
Since Zhan Dundun was treating them to dinner, they naturally had to eat more; otherwise, how could they "live up to him."
"Alright, I'll go prepare then." Zhang Xinwu took the menu and turned to leave.
"You ordered so much, Zhan Zhongxiao is probably going to bleed financially, isn't he?" Su Huamei said with a laugh after Zhang Xinwu had left.
"Not at all. Dundun is loaded. We're basically booking out Boss Zhang's stall tonight, and he can afford it," Liu Nanfeng said with a smile.
He was telling the truth. Zhang Xinwu's stall offered good quality at reasonable prices. Although they ordered a lot, it wasn't that expensive.
"I'll ask them where they've reached."
Liu Nanfeng took out his phone and asked in the "Childhood" group on WeChat.
However, Zhan Dundun didn't reply. Instead, Shen Wenhui responded.
"He said he's coming to pick me up, not here yet. He should be on his way."
"He bought a car?" Liu Nanfeng asked, sounding surprised.
But from his previous conversation, it seemed he did intend to buy one.
"Mhm, but it's a motorcycle," Shen Wenhui replied.
This made Liu Nanfeng even more surprised.
He immediately pictured a panda riding a retro scooter, finding it quite amusing.
However, whether he bought the motorcycle for convenience or to pick up girls, everyone knew.
Liu Nanfeng felt it was likely the latter, but the girl in question was specifically Shen Wenhui.
"We've arrived. See Dundun and tell him to hurry."
Liu Nanfeng sent another message, then closed WeChat and resumed chatting with Su Huamei.
It wasn't until the roar of a motorcycle engine sounded, drawing their attention.
They saw a super cool motorcycle speeding towards them.
Judging by the rider's build, it could only be Dundun, and behind him, a girl was holding onto his waist.
Zhan Dundun braked sharply in front of the open-air restaurant and then stylishly removed his helmet.
"Huh, it's you, kid," Zhang Xinwu said in surprise.
Compared to Liu Nanfeng, he was more familiar with Zhan Dundun.
"Boss Zhang, disturbing you again tonight."
"Don't be so polite with me. But park your vehicle across the street. Don't block my business," Zhang Xinwu said with a smile.
At this moment, Shen Wenhui also dismounted and removed her helmet.
Zhang Xinwu looked her over with some curiosity and then gave Zhan Dundun a knowing glance.
"Wenhui..." Liu Nanfeng waved to Shen Wenhui, beckoning her over.
As for Dundun...
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