In a perfect world, you start by relying on your own strength.

"Order whatever you like."

Bai Yuekui pulled out a chair and sat down, then casually pushed the menu in front of Shi Geng.

Shi Geng took the menu and glanced at it, and was stunned. Which genius chef came up with these dish names? Mushroom Alone, Mushroom Alone for Life, Mushroom Bitterly Lonely, they were outrageous and heartbreaking. Did they mean that if they ate them, they would be alone for the rest of their lives?

Fortunately, the bizarre dish names were just a gimmick; the menu still contained many ordinary dishes. Shi Heng casually chose a bowl of noodles and handed the menu back.

Bai Yuekui glanced at him with slight surprise, then ordered the dishes: "One serving of Mushroom Single, one serving of Mushroom Life, and one serving of Mushroom Bitter and Lonely."

Before long, the waiters brought out plates of dishes, one after another, with the dishes mainly consisting of mushrooms.

The dish is exquisitely designed and brightly colored, but the playful name of the dish only adds to its humor.

Shi Geng glanced at the three strangely named mushroom dishes, then at Bai Yuekui's indifferent expression across from him, and instantly felt a hint of mockery. He immediately teased, "Miss Bai, you only order these. You seem quite lonely, don't you?"

Bai Yuekui slowly picked up a mushroom with his chopsticks and put it to his lips. His eyebrows curved slightly, and his tone was casual and relaxed: "They're just some ordinary mushrooms. I'm just using this as an excuse to have some fun. There's no need for all this fuss. Besides, being free and unrestrained is better than being tied down."

After saying that, she glanced at the simple bowl of noodles in front of Shi Geng and continued to eat calmly. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, completely unlike her previous aloof leader demeanor. Instead, she was more like an approachable girl next door.

The warm light of the small shop bathed the two people, one quiet and the other talking, accompanied by the delicious aroma of the food, creating a rare sense of peace and tranquility.

"Boss, you're back?"

Xia Dou's soft and adorable voice suddenly rang out, and she quickly came forward, her bright eyes sparkling as she looked at Bai Yuekui, full of affection and joy.

Her gaze shifted, and she caught sight of Shi Geng sitting calmly opposite her. She was slightly taken aback at first, then her expression turned to shock, and she widened her eyes in surprise.

Isn't this the Lighthouse Man who single-handedly swept through a large number of Devouring Beasts a month ago, and even killed a King-level Devouring Beast?

She had always thought that once he entered the Blood Vortex, he would never return. No one expected that he would not only emerge from the Blood Vortex unharmed, but also come to Dragon Bone Village and sit there peacefully, eating at the same table with the boss.

Xia Dou stared at Shi Geng, her heart filled with shock and disbelief, her little face showing utter surprise.

Seeing her dumbfounded expression, Bai Yuekui slowly put down his chopsticks, a faint smile playing on his lips, and said casually, "Xia Dou, you're here. Would you like something to eat?"

Xia Dou quickly snapped out of her daze, composed herself, shook her head vigorously, and then looked timidly at Shi Geng, whispering, "No need, I already ate at home, I'm not hungry yet. You guys go ahead and eat, I'll head back now."

"Wait, you've come at the right time. This is Shi Geng's first time visiting our Dragon Bone Village, and he doesn't have a place to stay yet. Take him back to your home later, and he can stay for a while."

As Bai Yuekui finished speaking, Xia Dou, who was about to turn and leave, suddenly froze, standing rooted to the spot. Her face fell, and she looked pitifully at Bai Yuekui, repeatedly declining, "Boss, my house is old and shabby, how can I let a guest stay here? Why don't you let him stay at your place instead?"

Xia Dou was terribly panicked, her legs were trembling. How could she possibly bring this terrifying guy home? She was more afraid to avoid him than to take him home. If she accidentally said something that angered him, her family would be wiped out in an instant.

Just as she was struggling with her decision and trying to refuse, Bai Yuekui slowly said, "I heard that a batch of new game consoles has just been shipped back to the village."

Upon hearing this, Xia Dou's eyes suddenly lit up, her gaze instantly filled with longing. But in the blink of an eye, her little face immediately drooped, and she looked at Bai Yuekui expectantly.

Bai Yuekui smiled faintly: "Let him stay at your house for a few days without worry, and I'll buy you the latest game console."

The allure of the game console struck Xia Dou right at the heart, causing her face to contort in a dilemma as she struggled internally.

On one hand, there was fear of Shi Geng, and on the other hand, there was the new game console that he longed for but could not obtain, making him itch with desire.

After several struggles, greed finally overcame fear. Xia Dou bit her lower lip, nodded fiercely, and looked like she had made a huge decision.

"You keep your word!"

Seeing that she had fallen for his trick, Bai Yuekui's smile deepened, and he calmly nodded: "Of course it counts."

After saying that, she turned to look at Shi Geng, who remained calm, and said in a flat tone, "You will stay at Xia Dou's house for the time being. If you need anything, just tell Xia Dou and have her put it on my tab. We will notify you as soon as we track down the lighthouse."

Shi Geng nodded slightly: "Okay."

Seeing this, Xia Dou quickly stepped forward, adopting a restrained yet respectful posture to lead the way. He was both happy and apprehensive, hoping to get the game console while secretly worrying that he might slight this troublesome star.

"Am I that scary?"

Shi Geng narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze gently surveying the uneasy Xia Dou.

Xia Dou felt his gaze sweep over her, and instinctively shrank back half an inch, clutching the hem of her clothes tightly with both hands, her head bowed low, and she murmured softly, "No...no, I'm just a little...a little nervous."

As she spoke, she secretly glanced at him quickly, then hurriedly lowered her head, looking cautious and afraid of offending him.

Seeing this, Shi Geng gently shook his head, seeing through the girl's timidity but not exposing it, and said in a calm and indifferent tone, "Take me around to see what's going on."

I had only briefly looked at the general layout of the village while traveling with Bai Yuekui, and had not yet explored the streets and alleys in detail.

Xia Dou was stunned for a moment upon hearing this. He hesitated and looked up. Seeing that his expression was gentle and peaceful, without any of the fierce and violent appearance he had been rumored to have, the fear in her heart quietly faded away a bit.

She clenched the hem of her clothes, mustered her courage, and whispered, "Okay, okay, wherever you want to go, I'll take you."

"Is there a place to play games here?"

A faint trace of nostalgia flashed across Shi Geng's eyes.

Xia Dou was startled and stared at him in astonishment. She never expected that this expert, who could kill a king-level Devouring Beast, would also be interested in games.

She paused for a moment before realizing what she meant, and replied with a hint of excitement, "Yes, yes, there's a game arcade at the edge of the village. They just got some new game consoles, and lots of people are playing them there."

As soon as she finished speaking, Xia Dou immediately cast aside the last bit of fear in her heart and excitedly strode forward to lead the way, her steps incredibly light.

Before long, the two arrived at a lively little house. The area in front of and outside the house was packed with children, all of whom were crowding around and craning their necks to look at the game console, making a racket and laughing all the while.

Shi Geng stood quietly to the side, watching this scene. His eyes softened slowly, and a deep sense of nostalgia welled up in his heart.

The bustling and vibrant scene before me gradually overlapped with the scenes of my childhood in my previous life. Back then, I was also surrounded by a few playmates, vying to take turns playing the game console, carefree and full of childlike fun.