Lao Luo’s Noodle Shop, a renowned ten-year-old establishment in Jiangcheng, had built its reputation by blending its own unique flair into the classic Jin-style hand-pulled noodles. Loved by locals and frequented by loyal customers, the place was always packed.
Following Ye Qingyi’s suggestion, Su Mo and the others arrived at the shop only to find it already crowded despite it being just past 10 a.m.
“Wow, so many people! It must be really good,” Xia Qingqing said eagerly, practically bouncing on her toes. If not for Huo Jingshu holding her back, she would’ve dashed inside without a second thought.
Yes, she was currently holding hands with Huo Jingshu—not her bestie, Su Mo.
The reason was simple: Ye Qingyi was right there.
Though the two always maintained a certain distance, in Xia Qingqing’s eyes, they were already a couple.
Even if Su Mo had never admitted it outright, she was convinced.
What kind of guy and girl live together if they’re not dating?
Not to mention, she’d caught “Su Mo” sneaking into “Ye Qingyi’s” apartment more than once…
And for some reason, Xia Qingqing always felt an inexplicable hostility from “Su Mo”—especially whenever she got too close to “Ye Qingyi.”
It was hard to describe, but it was like watching a girl get jealous when another girl got too cozy with her boyfriend.
Weird as it was, she’d started keeping her distance from “Ye Qingyi” whenever “Su Mo” was around. Those eyes of his—seemingly calm, yet chilling to the bone—were downright terrifying.
Ugh, this guy’s possessiveness is off the charts. He won’t even let someone of the same sex near her.
Ye Qingyi tugged at Su Mo’s sleeve, eyes gleaming like a hungry kitten. “Hurry up! Ever since I tried this place last time, I’ve been obsessed.”
Su Mo coughed lightly, signaling her to behave—Xia Qingqing and Huo Jingshu were right there. But instead of toning it down, she only grew bolder, linking arms with him as she marched inside.
Huo Jingshu and Xia Qingqing stared, frozen for a solid few seconds, as if forgetting why they’d even come.
“They’re not even pretending anymore. Ugh, I’m not even hungry now,” Xia Qingqing grumbled, pouting sourly.
Huo Jingshu pulled her along, joining the line behind the crowd.
As they got closer, the diners could clearly see the noodle master at work in the open kitchen. His movements were mesmerizing—so fluid and fast it almost looked edited. One man managed three boiling pots simultaneously without missing a beat.
Su Mo studied his technique, only to find it inhumanly quick—his hands practically left afterimages. It made him seriously suspect the noodle master was a superhuman.
Just then, Su Mo sensed a ripple of spiritual energy—emanating from the man himself.
With a few deft flips, the dough in his hands transformed into perfectly even strands, thin threads of spiritual energy subtly weaving into the noodles.
The more Su Mo watched, the more fascinated he became. Did this guy awaken a culinary-based ability? One that enhances flavor, aroma, and presentation?
If so… that was incredible.
Catching Su Mo’s questioning glance, Ye Qingyi gave a confirming nod.
Interesting. Can’t wait to taste this.
The moment Su Mo took his first bite, the rich, layered flavors hit him like a revelation.
“You come here all the time. Why so shocked?” Ye Qingyi teased, slurping her own noodles.
“True craftsmanship stands the test of time.”
“Mhm~ Absolutely… So good.” Xia Qingqing’s eyes practically sparkled as she devoured her bowl, a stark contrast to Huo Jingshu’s delicate, refined eating.
They weren’t the only ones impressed—every customer who tasted the noodles had nothing but praise.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out near the entrance. Su Mo glanced over to see a stunning woman joining the line.
She looked to be in her early thirties—mature, elegant, and undeniably sexy. Even bundled in winter clothes, her beauty was undeniable.
When she reached the counter near Su Mo, Ye Qingyi—who’d been focused on her food—suddenly stiffened.
Her?
Noticing her reaction, Su Mo turned to the woman—only for her to wink at him.
“…” Su Mo rubbed his nose and pretended nothing happened, resuming his meal. Yet her face lingered in his mind.
Why does she look so familiar?
Before he could place her, the woman collected her noodles and sat beside him.
“Little Yiyi~ Not even a hello for your Hong-jie?” Her tone was playful, lightly scolding. Then, eyeing Ye Qingyi on Su Mo’s other side, she grinned. “What, did getting a boyfriend make you forget me?”
Hong-jie?
It clicked.
Shen Hong.
Ye Qingyu’s best friend.
Commander of the Northern Dipper’s Jiangcheng branch.
A C-rank expert.
And the “big sister” who’d bullied Ye Qingyi relentlessly as a kid.
Ye Qingyu had mentioned her before leaving—“If you need help, find Shen Hong.” Su Mo had even asked Ye Qingyi about her afterward.
“Hong-jie! Long time no see. I just didn’t recognize you at first.”
“Is it because I got even prettier?” She smirked, eyes twinkling.
“…Sure.” Su Mo sniffed. Wow, she’s full of herself. (Not that she was wrong.)
“Qingyi, so this is the ‘Hong-jie’ you told me about? She really is beautiful.”
Ye Qingyi’s sudden remark made Shen Hong’s eyes light up. “Your boyfriend’s got a silver tongue! I’ve been dying to meet him.”
Su Mo’s expression turned odd. “Dying to meet me”? Oh, right—Ye Qingyu must’ve told her about “us.”
Ye Qingyi replied smoothly, “I’ve been wanting to see you too, Hong-jie. Qingyi told me all about how much you… teased her as a kid.”
Shen Hong laughed, nudging Su Mo. “Look, your boyfriend’s holding a grudge for you!”
Su Mo had no response.
To Shen Hong, they were confirmed lovers.
To Xia Qingqing and Huo Jingshu, their behavior had always been suspicious—but still just speculation.
But with Shen Hong’s “reveal,” their relationship was now practically official.
If it were real, no big deal. But in this situation? Awkward.
“Ah, she’s just joking. Don’t take it seriously.” Su Mo forced a smile, indirectly “confirming” their status.
Xia Qingqing and Huo Jingshu gasped, hands flying to their mouths.
Rumors were one thing. But hearing it straight from the source?
Their grins widened so much their hands could barely contain them.
Eeeee! So shippable!!!
(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧