Storm of Gods

Chapter 259 Happiness
Returning to the Carp Dragon Inn in Young Master Eagle's carriage, Li Xin was greeted warmly by everyone, whether they knew him or not. In the inn, Li Xin was a legend. The carriage was similar to a Rolls-Royce from his previous life. Everyone felt honored that Young Master Xin, now successful, was still willing to stay with them.

Before he even reached the top of the stairs, he was stopped by Daenerys Targaryen, who looked around and asked, "Young Master Xin, isn't Young Master Simmons here?"

"Young Master Simmons is preparing for the Battle of Glory. A man should establish his career before starting a family. I think he wants to prepare a surprise for you." Li Xin can make things up as he goes now, and Daenerys Targaryen is all for it.

Daenerys parted her bright red lips in a wide grin, her eyes filled with anticipation and satisfaction. "Truly a man as majestic as an eagle. I will wait for him, Master Xin. Have you noticed anything different today?"

Daenerys blocked Li Xin's path, while Daliwen and the others chuckled. Clearly, everyone had been questioned. Ma Liu arranged the tables and chairs outside and pointed at Li Xin.

Li Xin sniffed the air and smelled a very pleasant fragrance, as if it could soothe his emotions. "Wow, it smells so good."

"See? I told you Young Master Xin would definitely find it! He's so eloquent, no wonder he's a great writer! A single sentence, 'A fine fragrance can see through everything,' so insightful!" Daenerys said proudly. "There's an old shop in St. Lawrence called Tianxiang Essence Shop, which specializes in essential oils and perfumes, exclusively for the noble ladies and gentlemen of Heldan. The only downside to their prices is that they're expensive. I went through a lot of trouble to get my hands on a bottle."

It's like applying perfume can instantly transform you into an aristocrat; the marketing tactics of businessmen, though varied, all boil down to the same thing.

"It's really a good product. How much is a bottle?" Li Xin asked. Many people in Herdan City have body odor problems, so they need to bathe frequently and use perfume. Over time, it has become a habit and a fashion. Although Christie is from Herdan, she inherited the advantages of the people of Tianjing and does not need perfume. But this is indeed a very good gift for a woman.

"I bought the special edition, a full 650 lira for a small bottle!" Daenerys said proudly. "What, thinking of buying one for your girlfriend?"

Li Xin nodded, and Daenerys glanced around mysteriously. "Young Master Xin, I'm only telling you this secret. You should contact David. I bought it through him. He's very knowledgeable about fashion."

A handsome man who understands women is a master in this area. David may look casual, but he knows how to groom himself and show his masculinity. He's also generous and has no trouble picking up girls. He truly deserves the title of the best man in the hotel.

"Thank you, Dragon Mother, I'll go back and finish my manuscript now," Li Xin said.

"Want to come down for dinner tonight?" Daenerys asked. The new young master was too low-key. Now that "The Grudges of Mount Utopia" was a huge hit, many people were asking who the author, Mount Utopia, was. It was rumored that he was a noble gentleman. Daenerys was itching to know him, but she didn't dare to show off, for fear of making the young master Xin lose her.

"It depends. Sometimes I forget things while I'm writing."

"As expected of young master Xin, he is so talented and hardworking," Daenerys said admiringly.

Back in his room, Li Xin sprawled out, but after a while, perhaps feeling he hadn't been dedicated enough, he sat back down at the table, adjusted the typewriter, patted his face, and felt he should get back to work and earn more royalties, since there were many expenses to come.

Should I buy a cup of coffee? I'm working late into the night, it feels incomplete without one. Should I go out and buy some? No, that would take up too much time. Or maybe a cigarette would be nice too. I forgot to mention it to Simmons again. Is it subconsciously that I want to quit?

Lost in thought, Li Xin lay down on the table and dozed off for a while. Time flew by, and when he opened his eyes again, damn it, it was already late at night.

This is so easy to sleep in.

Li Xin felt hungry again. Ma Liu's stall had already closed, so he could patronize Old Morton's business. He put on his slippers and went out. As soon as he stepped out, he heard a thumping sound.

It's David's house, it's a real fighter jet, always either in motion or on its way to motion.

As I went down the stairs, I saw Lao Fang smoking at the door. "Can't sleep either?" Lao Fang laughed. "As expected, it seems we're the only two young people here."

"Old Fang, want to grab some late-night snacks together?" Li Xin asked with a smile.

"Young Master Xin is wise. I happen to have nothing to do anyway. I'm not picky about food," Old Fang said cheerfully, his wrinkles smoothing out a bit.

"Old Morton's century-old beef soup with naan."

"Not bad, good taste. I've been eating chicken cubes so much lately that my tongue feels numb; I need to change things up," Old Fang said. People in the hotel rarely change their dining options; nothing beats the hotel for its generous portions and satisfying meals. As for the taste, they're just talking about it.

An old man and a young boy strolled leisurely toward the market. The night in Heldan was a bit cool, with occasional sea breezes blowing by, making it all the more comfortable and relaxing.

"Want one? I rolled it myself." Old Fang took out a homemade cigarette and handed it to Li Xin.

"Ah, what is this? I'm not very good at this." Li Xin took it skillfully.

Old Fang took out a flint and lit it for the two of them.

Li Xin took a deep breath, exhaling smoke through his nose. Ah, so refreshing! The taste was surprisingly good, which meant the tobacco had been blended. Old Fang really knew how to enjoy life.

Seeing the smoke rings and Li Xin's blissful expressions, Lao Fang rolled his eyes.

"Actually, I'm quite curious. You could easily move away from here to a better place, so why are you still staying here?" Old Fang asked. "Why would I move? I think it's fine here. It doesn't matter where I live as a bachelor," Li Xin laughed.

"Isn't the point of living to pursue a better and happier life?" Lao Fang said.

“I don’t know what happiness is for others, but I like to live in the moment,” Li Xin said. “Right now, my greatest happiness is finishing this cigarette.”

"Haha, you're pretty shrewd, aren't you? We're kind of alike." Old Fang squinted and took a puff of his cigarette.

"Damn it, Lao Fang, you're taking advantage of me. You have to treat me to this meal." Li Xin seized the opportunity and said with narrowed eyes.

"Foolish you, you're the boss." Old Fang said with a smile to Li Xin.

?

Because Li Xin was treating, Lao Fang very generously told Morton to add more meat and less soup, and to skip the naan, saying, "Naan is hard to digest at night." Lao Fang laughed.

Li Xin's face turned green. How could this little guy, at his age, eat more than him?

Little Morton was already asleep at this time. To allow him to rest better before school, old Morton rented a place near Grace Class, since he didn't sleep much anyway.

"Old Morton, how's the kid doing?" Old Fang asked.

"He's in the top ten of Grace Class. His foundation is a bit weak, but the child is smart and hardworking," old Morton said happily. He was a little tired, but he perked up as soon as he heard this.

"Then you'll be enjoying a life of luxury from now on," Old Fang said.

"This kid is lucky. With Master Xin's help, Grace Class has recently received donations from kind people, and our living expenses have been reduced again," Old Morton said happily.

Heldan's Grace Class is free of charge, but the school needs various things for education, such as meals. The children in the Grace Class have very different conditions, and the standards are not something that a family like Old Morton's can afford. So Old Morton works hard but can only barely make ends meet. However, the Grace Class receives donations from the community from time to time, which greatly alleviates the problem.

"Look, this is old Morton's happiness."

Old Fang smiled but didn't say anything. Perhaps.

While they were eating, Lao Fang suddenly said, "Write more, otherwise I won't have enough to tell when I'm telling stories."

This sudden rush to finish the manuscript caught Li Xin off guard. He smirked and said, "We don't talk about work over dinner!"

"Let's talk about the girl then. Aren't you and that girl doing well? Why do you still say you're single?" Old Fang laughed. "Don't look down on me now that I'm single. Back in the day, I was more successful than David."

"It's a bit delicate right now, but it's fine. Let nature take its course," Li Xin said while eating.

"Foolish, young master Xin, a man should be more proactive. Learn from David, he's so handsome and has a sweet tongue. He can even give gifts that touch the heart. He must have earned at least two hundred from that perfume with tears in his eyes." Old Fang's face was full of envy and jealousy.

That's what you call professionalism.

"Huh?" Li Xin was a little confused.

"No, you don't actually think David lives a life of debauchery and makes money off his life, do you?" Old Fang chuckled. "We fortune tellers believe in cause and effect. Since I've eaten your meal, I'll give you some pointers. Most of David's expenses are covered by women. Do you think those pretty women are short of money?"

Thinking of David's imposing and domineering demeanor all day, Li Xin was somewhat taken aback, "Trying to live off a woman?"

"That's a brilliant point, no wonder you're a literary giant. Actually, you don't quite understand the current market in Heldan. Muscle men are in a relatively low-end market, while the real high-end market belongs to artists. And an artist's value depends mainly on their popularity. Who do you think is the most popular in Heldan right now?" Old Fang asked mysteriously.

"I don't know much about this market, who's the most popular?" Li Xin took a sip of soup, quite gossipy, "Could it be someone like Mr. Kan?"

“What market is there for someone who performs low-level magic tricks?” Old Fang said disdainfully. “Noble ladies and young women prefer high-end, mysterious things. As long as you meet these conditions and learn some fishing skills, you can have whatever you want, like Mr. Utopia.”

Puff~~~
Li Xin sprayed soup all over Lao Fang's face. This is too professional! Is this the karma of fortune tellers?
"Sigh, you're still young. You'll understand when you're my age. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Heldan isn't a Li Dragon. Here, trends speak louder than words, and that prince is the epitome of it all, not to mention Duke Marshall. Let me tell you..."

Old Fang recounted the secrets among the nobility with great familiarity, and Li Xin listened with great interest. As expected of a fortune teller, his eloquence was truly remarkable.

(End of this chapter)