Sitting in Young Master Xiong Ying's carriage on the way back to the Lirong Inn, everyone at the inn, whether they knew Li Xin or not, greeted him warmly. At the inn, Li Xin was quite the legend. This carriage was comparable to a Rolls-Royce from his previous life, and everyone felt honored that Young Master Xin hit the big time but still wanted to stay with them.

Before reaching the stairs, Dragon Mother blocked his way, looking around as she asked, "Young Master Xin, didn't Young Master Simmons come?"

"Young Master Simmons is preparing for the Battle of Glory. For men, it's career first, then family. I think he's planning a surprise for you." Li Xin casually replied, knowing Dragon Mother would buy it.

Dragon Mother broke into a big red-lipped smile, her eyes filled with anticipation and satisfaction, "Indeed, just like an eagle of a man. I will wait for him. Young Master Xin, have you noticed anything different today?"

As Dragon Mother blocked Li Xin, Dalivin and others were snickering softly. It was apparent everyone had been asked the same question. Ma Liu set up the tables and chairs outside and pointed at his nose as he watched Li Xin.

Li Xin sniffed, catching a very pleasant scent that seemed to soothe the nerves, "Hmm, such a nice smell."

"See, I told you Young Master Xin would definitely notice. So eloquent, worthy of a literary great, a simple 'nice smell' that sees through everything, brilliant!" Dragon Mother boasted, "There's an old shop called Celestial Fragrance Workshop in the Saint Laurent area, specializing in essential oils and perfumes, exclusively for Hedan's noble families. Their stuff is flawless, except for the price. It took quite an effort for me to get a bottle."

It's like wearing perfume could instantly turn one into a noble, the unchanging essence of marketing tactics.

"It's indeed good stuff. How much is a bottle?" Li Xin asked. Quite a number of people in Hedan City have body odor issues, so regular bathing and perfume usage is common, eventually becoming a habit and fashion. Although Christie is a Hedan person, she inherited the advantages of the Celestial Capital people, thus not needing it, but it's undoubtedly a great gift for women.

"I bought a special edition one, 650 lira for a small bottle!" Dragon Mother said proudly, "What, planning to buy it for your girlfriend?"

Li Xin nodded, and Dragon Mother looked around mysteriously, "Young Master Xin, I only tell you this secret. Look for David, I purchased it through him. He's quite savvy with these trends."

A handsome man who understands women, he's got a knack for this. Though David seems casual, he actually knows how to adorn himself and shows his masculinity generously, making him quite invincible in wooing women, a top figure in the inn.

"Thanks, Dragon Mother, I'll head back to work on my manuscript." Li Xin said.

"Are you coming down for dinner?" Dragon Mother asked. The new Young Master is really low-key; now the Utopia Mountain Grudge Tale is incredibly popular, and many are inquiring who the author from Utopia Mountain is. Now there are rumors it's an aristocratic gentleman. Dragon Mother is itching with curiosity but dares not show off, afraid to scare Young Master Xin away.

"We'll see, sometimes I get so focused on writing that I forget."

"Truly, Young Master Xin is not only talented but also diligent." Dragon Mother admired.

Back in his room, Li Xin lay sprawled out, and after a while, perhaps feeling guilty for being so unproductive, he sat back at the desk, adjusted the typewriter, slapped his face a bit, feeling he should strive harder and earn more manuscript fees, with so many expenses ahead.

Should he get a cup of coffee? Working late into the night without a cup seems underpowered. Go out and buy one? No, it would take too much time. Or maybe a cigarette would do, but he again forgot to mention it to Young Master Simmons—was it subconsciously wanting to quit?

Then, lost in thought, Li Xin dozed off at the table, and before long, when he opened his eyes again, it was late at night.

Such a good sleep.

Li Xin felt his stomach growling again, Ma Liu had already closed up, maybe he could support Old Morton's business a bit. Slipping on his slippers, he walked out, and as soon as he stepped outside, he heard a series of thumping sounds.

It's from David's room. Truly a fighter jet, he's either exercising or on the way to exercise.

Going down the stairs, he indeed saw Old Fang smoking at the doorway, "Can't sleep either?" Old Fang chuckled, "Looks like only the two of us are young."

"Old Fang, how about grabbing some supper together?" Li Xin smiled.

"Young Master Xin, brilliant idea. I just happen to be free. What's on the menu? I'm not picky." Old Fang said cheerfully, wrinkles easing slightly.

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

"Nice choice, good taste. Lately, after eating chicken bits, I feel my tongue has lost its nimbleness, need to change it up a bit." Old Fang remarked. In the inn, people rarely eat elsewhere, as no other place offers better value and portion than the inn, taste being just casual banter.

The old and the young leisurely strolled toward the market. The Hedan nights were a bit cooler, with occasional sea breezes blowing by, cozy beyond measure.

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

"Uh, what's this? I'm not too familiar with it." Li Xin said, but skillfully accepted it.

Old Fang took out a fire flint and lit them both.

Li Xin took a deep drag, exhaling through his nose. Ah, so comfortable, the taste was surprisingly great, indicating the blend of tobacco was adjusted. Old Fang surely knew how to enjoy life.

Seeing the smoke rings and Li Xin's indulgent expression, Old Fang rolled his eyes.

"Honestly, I'm quite curious. You could obviously move out of here to a better place, why stay?" Old Fang asked.

"Why move? I think it's pretty good here. I'm a bachelor, it doesn't matter where I live," Li Xin laughed.

"Isn't life all about pursuing a better and happier life?" Old Fang said.

"I don't know what happiness is for others, but I like living in the moment," Li Xin said. "My greatest happiness now is finishing this cigarette."

"Haha, you kid have got it all figured out. We're a bit alike," Old Fang squinted his eyes and took a puff.

"Damn, Old Fang, you're taking advantage of me. This meal has to be on you," Li Xin seized the opportunity and squinted his eyes as he spoke.

"You're the real boss here," Old Fang said with a smile, looking at Li Xin.

?

Since Li Xin was treating, Old Fang generously ordered more meat and less broth, no naan. "Eating naan at night isn't easy to digest," Old Fang joked.

Li Xin's face turned green; this old body and this age, how could he eat more than him?

Little Morton was already asleep at this hour. To let him rest better for school, Old Morton rented a place near Grace Class, since he had little need for sleep anyway.

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

"Top ten in Grace Class. His foundation was a bit lacking, but the kid's smart and hardworking," Old Morton said happily. He was a bit tired, but hearing this made him perk up.

"Then you'll live a good life in the future," Old Fang said.

"This kid is lucky, with Young Master Xin's help. Grace Class recently received some donations from philanthropists, so our living expenses have gone down," Old Morton said happily.

Grace Class's tuition in Hedan is free, but there are always needs for education and food, and the children's conditions vary widely. The standards are not something families like Old Morton's can afford, so he works hard to barely scrape by. But Grace Class occasionally receives social donations, easing a large burden.

"Well, that's Old Morton's happiness,"

Old Fang smiled, not saying a word, perhaps.

They ate, and suddenly Old Fang said, "Write more, or I won't have enough to talk about in my stories."

This sudden demand for more writing caught Li Xin off guard. He tilted his mouth, "No work talk while eating!"

"Then let's talk about girls. Aren't things going well with that girl? Why say you're a bachelor?" Old Fang smiled, "Don't look at me alone now; back in the day, I was even more impressive than David."

"It's a bit delicate now, but it's pretty good, going with the flow," Li Xin said while eating.

"Oh, Young Master Xin, a man should be a bit proactive. Learn from David; he's handsome, sweet-talking, and gives gifts that hit the spot—he earns at least two hundred with that perfume," Old Fang said enviously.

This is what you call professionalism.

"Huh?" Li Xin was baffled.

"You don't think David's lavish lifestyle is all funded by his hard work, do you?" Old Fang laughed, "In fortune telling, we talk about cause and effect. Since you're treating me to dinner, I'll give you some pointers: half of David's expenses are covered by women. You think those beautiful women are short on money?"

Thinking of David's impressive demeanor, Li Xin was also shocked, "Freeloading through charisma?"

"Precisely, as expected from a literary genius. Actually, you're not that familiar with the current scene in Hedan. Muscle men belong to the lower-end market. The true high-end market belongs to artists, whose value is mainly determined by their popularity. Who do you think is the most popular in Hedan now?" Old Fang asked mysteriously.

"Who's the most popular? I'm not very familiar with this market," Li Xin took a sip of soup, also quite curious, "Is it someone like Mr. Kan?"

"A lousy trickster has no market," Old Fang said dismissively, "Ladies and maidens of the nobility like high-end and mysterious figures. Meet these conditions, learn some enticing skills, and you can have whatever you want, like Mr. Utopia Mountain."

Oops~~~

Li Xin's soup sprayed all over Old Fang. Damn, this is too professional. Is this the cause and effect of a Life Master???

"Ah, you're still young. When you get to my age, you'll understand. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Hedan's not Lirong; here, trends bring out more charm. That Prince is a master in this, as is Duke Marshel. Let me tell you..."

Old Fang elaborated on the secrets among the nobility with ease. Li Xin listened intently, as expected from a Life Master, his storytelling skills were formidable.

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