CHAPTER 1031: CHAPTER 1030: RETURN TO NEON

"Left?"

"And not returning home, going directly to Neon?"

The moment Xia Yu’s flight took off, Gaius at the Aegean Sea mansion quickly received the news.

Gaius’s expression was intriguing.

An indistinct sense of bewilderment, as if he had painstakingly set traps and roadblocks to confront an aggressive adversary, only to have them ignore him completely, casting a strange glance from afar, and leaving.

It’s worth mentioning that Gaius hasn’t slept well or enjoyed his meals recently; his appetite has been ruined due to this matter. Outwardly, he appears composed and strong, but deep down, there’s a slight anxiety and even fear towards a young envoy with immense potential, bearing the name of the Chinese Cuisine World.

Now, upon learning that the fearsome person has directly left Europe, Gaius reacts with a deep sigh. Yet, for some reason, the shadow over his heart not only remains but even gradually expands.

"Next time, the target will undoubtedly be me. What should I do?"

The culinary Heavenly King’s facial lines faintly stiffened.

Humph!

He murmured angrily, "Want to take the ’Spiritual Treasure Vault’? Then come and defeat me! The battle among Heavenly Kings, no matter the era, cannot commence. Therefore, below the Heavenly King level, who dares say they can win against me? Even though the Chinese Realm has recovered seven of the eight legendary cooking utensils, I don’t believe anyone can simultaneously wield multiple or all seven of these utensils! Ever since a hundred years ago, the batch from the Chinese Realm, who died, disappeared, no one has gained recognition from multiple utensils ever again!"

"With the ’Spiritual Treasure Vault’ in my possession... I am undefeatable!"

Meanwhile, the IGO high-level officials also held a press conference.

Lance, already returned to the North American headquarters, watched the live television broadcast and said playfully, "These old nobles, remnants of the old empire, love to save face. Even with a swollen face, they still try to maintain appearances. For example, that ’Magic Saint Copper Artifact’, without my authorization and let-through, would that Xia boy be able to take it away? The world knows our food association deliberately let it go, but who dares gossip? With unanimous media silence, the storm won’t arise—that’s the power and influence of our food association!"

Turning off the television, Lance glanced at Tiqie Ji, standing not far away.

"Well done on this matter."

Suddenly, beads of cold sweat formed on Tiqie Ji’s forehead, "I didn’t..."

"No."

"You directed him towards Brune." Lance patted the Ghost Father’s shoulder, causing Tiqie Ji’s complexion to turn pale.

Lance, however, did not intend to hold him accountable, instead casting a look of affirmation. Mentioning Brune, a faint apprehension flickered in the eyes of the culinary Heavenly King. He stood with his hands behind him, calmly saying, "Even those foolish IGO folks can foresee the future trend, relinquishing legendary cooking utensils. As for us, best not play the villain either. In my view, it’s time for the eight legendary cooking utensils to reunite, revealing one secret after another."

Gazing at the bustling urban skyline outside the window, Lance’s eyes began to wander as if he were capturing a vast expanse of sky within his pupils, "Some shackles, some restraints, should be broken... Unwilling..."

Tiqie Ji’s heart skipped a beat.

Unwilling?

What shackles does a Heavenly King need to break? Tiqie Ji looked at Lance’s back, eyes filled with shock.

...

The flight from Europe arrived in Neon by the morning of the next day.

Getting off the plane, Eriina immediately took out her phone to make a call, and soon a luxury limousine picked them up.

Within Tokyo, Xia’s Commercial Street.

Now it’s mid-June, the height of summer, and returning to the shopping street after more than half a year, Xia Yu found the hustle and bustle incomprehensible. Sitting in the car, observing silently through the window, even though the view through the window turned grayish, on both sides of the street, the rows of restaurants and neon signs, as well as the tables inside the glass windows filled with diners, everything seemed lively despite the gloomy tint.

Gradually approaching the Xia’s store along the street, the sight of the shopping street expanding within Xia Yu’s view was flourishing, thriving magnificently.

Quietly, unbeknownst to anyone, the owner of the shopping street returned. Lei Aoxue, Makki, and Eriina headed to the apartment next door to unpack, while Xia Yu slipped into his own store’s little room. Surprisingly, the courtyard, house, store, even the bedroom were spotless, clearly someone was cleaning regularly.

After unpacking and heading to the first floor, he opened the kitchen door and looked around, nodding with satisfaction, "It seems the Yuchuan sisters arranged everything well before leaving. Now I’m ready to open the store at any time."

Yet, reopening wasn’t in Xia Yu’s immediate plans upon returning to Neon.

Buzz.

The phone in his pocket vibrated; Xia Yu checked the number but didn’t answer. Instead, he found Lei Aoxue to entrust her with two legendary cooking utensils, and himself swiftly walked outside carrying the tech metal box.

Inside a car ready to move at the street.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, Ichise Hui hesitated several times before deciding to dial one more call. At that moment, the window tapped, a familiar figure stood outside, pointing to the rear door, signaling to unlock.

"Really back?" Ichise Hui turned to look at the young lecturer in the back seat, surprise mixed with disbelief, "Weren’t you just in Europe yesterday? At the IGO Denmark Headquarters, how come your visit ended so quickly?"

"Hard to explain."

Xia Yu patted the metal box placed beside him.

"What’s this?" Ichise Hui asked, intrigued.

"Come on, directly to our Xia’s Farm’s livestock base. I handed you quite a large tract back then. As the boss, this is my first time inspecting it." Xia Yu urged without delay.

On this street.

A group of graduates from Far Moon surrounded the shopping street director, Rui Shan Zhi Jin Ye, loudly clamoring.

Kazasaki Tatsuki, graduate of the 88th class, with a fierce gaze befitting her title ’violent woman’, rolled up her sleeves, flexing muscles, angrily shouting, "Rui Shan, what do you mean by this? I just planned to relocate my Spanish-themed restaurant’s main store here, yet you suddenly raised the rent, heavily and significantly?"

The ’Mist Empress’ Qian Rixiangzi was also present, puffing out her cheeks in frustration, "What’s the new rule of the shopping street mean? I agree with some new regulations wholeheartedly, but some are utterly baffling. Like, cutting off restaurant supply chains to switch to unified supply?"

"Exactly, exactly!"

This year’s new graduates, led by Si Yingshi, including others like Kishikubo Momo, Saito Sohmei, and Nakamuki Fuyosuke. Because Ghost Father Tiqie Ji’s academy reform plans hadn’t yet unfolded, unlike the original story, many of last year’s Far Moon third-years graduated smoothly and opened restaurants on the shopping street.

Rui Shan Zhi Jin Ye stopped to adjust his glasses, explaining, "As for the ’supply chain’ new regulation, I will take this opportunity to explain it thoroughly to the main chefs. Our Xia Group has already reached an in-depth cooperative agreement with the IGO institution. All members of our Group will receive priority resource support from IGO, with food resources being everyone’s primary concern..."

Immediately, the group of store owners fell silent.

Coincidentally, a car accelerated past on the adjacent street.

The rear window directly facing the sidewalk rolled down, a face approached the glass, seemingly to take in fresh air, unexpectedly meeting a group gaze.

Si Yingshi, Qian Rixiangzi, Rui Shan Zhi Jin Ye instantly petrified.

"Huh?"

"Hey! Hey! Hey!"

Inside the car, Xia Yu was also taken aback, then leaned out to wave at familiar faces, "Hello everyone, it’s been a while!"