“But don’t you find it fascinating? This world was created with a book as its framework, yet now that the plot has deviated from its original path, it’s still running smoothly. And in corners the original text never mentioned, there are these interesting details. So is it possible that this world—”
“Hey,” Han Ao interrupted, scratching his head.
“Do all arts students think this much? I suddenly feel like I’m back in philosophy class. Alright, great philosopher—your Drunken Immortal Pavilion is right there. After you.”
Lin Jin paused, then let it go.
Shrugging, he followed Han Ao inside.
He hadn’t smelled any food besides roasted chicken for an entire month. The moment he stepped into the pavilion and caught the aroma of wine and dishes, all those stray thoughts flew straight out of his head.
A small stage had been set up in the main hall, where an opera was currently being sung. Most of the tables below were arranged for the audience.
A waiter led Lin Jin and Han Ao upstairs. With Miss Hua’s fifty taels of gold in his pocket, Lin Jin felt confident. He didn’t even look at the menu—just waved his hand and told the waiter to bring all the house specialties.
Recognizing a wealthy guest, the waiter beamed and hurried off. Once he left, Lin Jin untied his cloak and carefully pulled out a small fluffy bundle from inside his clothes.
Han Ao, who was pouring tea, nearly dropped the pot.
“Wait—bro, you’re serious? You went on a mission and brought a puppy? What if something dangerous happens—do you save yourself or the dog?”
“He’s easy to manage,” Lin Jin replied.
“He’s palm-sized. I can just stuff him up my sleeve. How much trouble could he be?”
He set Qiuqiu down by his feet and explained:
“Qiuqiu’s basically my own child. How could I leave him alone at Yanyu Mountain? And I’m a beast tamer—our bonded beasts are like your weapons. How could I not bring him?”
Han Ao scoffed.
“Man, you’re really particular—and overestimating him. I don’t believe your pup’s better than my crude iron sword. I’d be afraid of sitting on him and killing him.”
“Don’t underestimate him,” Lin Jin shot back.
“Who do you think helped me rack up those seven thousand points in the trial realm?”
Han Ao stared at the tiny dog dozing at Lin Jin’s feet, incredulous.
“This little thing?”
Qiuqiu cracked open one eye and shot him a cool glance.
“What do you mean by ‘little thing’? Show some respect to Brother Qiu! I’m a mighty Jade-Eyed Hound!”
At those last four words, Qiuqiu’s brow twitched. He shut his eyes tightly, looking utterly done with life.
Lin Jin didn’t notice. He patted Qiuqiu’s head, then frowned slightly.
“Sigh… it just feels like our little Qiuqiu isn’t growing. It’s been a month, but he still looks the same size.”
“That’s because you don’t feed him properly,” Han Ao said.
“You’re busy eating roasted chicken every day and never share. How’s he supposed to grow?”
Right then, the waiter brought over a Beggar’s Chicken. Han Ao tore off a drumstick, devoured it, then tossed the bare bone in front of Qiuqiu.
“Here, little runt. Eat.”
“….”
Qiuqiu looked at the bone with disdain, snorted lightly, and without hesitation kicked it straight back at Han Ao.
“Ow! My new clothes!!”
Han Ao nearly jumped out of his chair.
He pointed at Qiuqiu in disbelief.
“Why’s he so vicious? I even gave him a bone!”
“I told you—show respect to our mighty Jade-Eyed Hound.”
Lin Jin bent down, picked Qiuqiu up, and set him on the corner of the table.
“You’re letting him eat at the table?!”
Han Ao watched in disbelief as Lin Jin grabbed a clean plate, tore off the other chicken leg, and neatly arranged portions of the other dishes onto it.
“Our Qiuqiu’s very delicate—and picky. Back at Yanyu Mountain, my master roasted two chickens every meal. My master and I ate one, and Qiuqiu ate the other. Eventually, he got sick of roasted chicken and wouldn’t even eat the drumsticks anymore.”
As he spoke, Lin Jin placed the plate in front of Qiuqiu and said gently:
“This one tastes different. Mortal-world cooking—it smells great. And aside from the chicken, all these dishes are from the first serving.”
Qiuqiu lifted his chin and didn’t move.
Han Ao thought the dog was ridiculously arrogant and was about to urge Lin Jin to discipline him when he saw Lin Jin, completely unfazed, grow even more respectful.
“Your Highness, please dine.”
At that, the puppy finally lowered his head and reluctantly took the chicken leg.
“???”
Han Ao cursed internally.
He’d truly seen it all.
What kind of lunatic dog owner was this?!
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152