City: Start practicing Chinese martial arts

Ever since Xia Linxi learned about Li Shiya during lunch, she'd been feeling flustered. A strong intuition told her that Li Shiya might be interested in Lin Tian. So, she decided to throw off her reserve and rushed to Lin Tian's side as soon as get out of class was over. Sometimes, she'd pretend to ask questions; other times, she'd just stare at him silently.

Finally, after the second-to-last class in the afternoon, Lin Tian couldn't stand Xia Linxi's fiery gaze anymore and asked, "Xia Linxi, is there something wrong with you?"

Xia Linxi, however, calmly revealed a sweet smile and said softly, "No!"

Lin Tian shook his head helplessly. Although he knew what Xia Linxi was thinking, he still asked knowingly, "If there's nothing wrong, why do you always run over to me after class? And you keep staring at me."

Xia Linxi was secretly delighted when she heard this, thinking this was her chance. She gave a mysterious smile and replied in a gentle voice, "Because I think you're very handsome, I just wanted to take a few more glances at you!" She blinked deliberately, her eyes revealing a hint of playfulness and cuteness.

Hearing this, Lin Tian's expression was a little unnatural. He had never been praised so directly by any other girl except Li Shiya. He scratched his head a little embarrassedly and then said, "Thank you for the compliment."

Xia Linxi watched Lin Tian's awkward expression, secretly amused. She knew she had successfully caught Lin Tian's attention, and now she needed to keep working hard to make him fall completely in love with her. So, she decided to strike while the iron was hot and spouted some cheesy love talk she'd just learned online, making Lin Tian feel awkward.

In short, Xia Linxi's main characteristic now is her thick skin. She knows that if she doesn't take the initiative, Lin Tian will most likely be snatched away by another girl. Therefore, she decided to let go of all her reserve and pursue Lin Tian wholeheartedly.

As for Lin Tian, he knew what Xia Linxi was thinking, but he didn't know why she liked him. This was actually normal. After all, everyone's emotions were complex and unique, and it was difficult to explain them with simple logic.

Lin Tian had known Xia Linxi had been interested in him since their junior year of high school, but she had been rather reserved at the time. However, this incident was like a catalyst, accelerating and intensifying Xia Linxi's feelings for him. Perhaps because they had experienced this accident together, Xia Linxi had a deeper understanding and reliance on Lin Tian.

Lin Tian would be lying if he said he had no feelings for Xia Linxi. After all, who wouldn't be tempted by such a beautiful, intelligent, and brave girl? However, he also understood that he needed to be cautious about this relationship and not make a decision lightly. Therefore, for now, his attitude towards Xia Linxi was one of acceptance, not rejection. As for the future battle between Xia Linxi and Li Shiya, he was confident he could handle it.

School was almost over, and just as Lin Tian was about to pack up and go home, Xia Linxi, holding Gu Xiaoman's hand, came up to him and said, "Lin Tian, I'm planning to treat you and Li Yingjun to a meal as a thank you for yesterday. Would you be willing to do me the honor?"

After thinking for a while, Lin Tian said, "Okay."

When they walked out of the classroom, the three of them ran into Li Yingjun. Lin Tian told him about Xia Linxi's treat, and Li Yingjun immediately agreed when he heard that there would be food.

After leaving the school, Xia Linxi brought Lin Tian and the other two to a restaurant called Hongjia Restaurant. The decoration of the restaurant was simple and elegant.

As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I bumped into a chubby and cute little girl.

Seeing this, Lin Tian immediately picked up the little girl who was about to fall.

Seeing the little girl, Xia Linxi said, "Little Fuqi, be careful."

Hearing this familiar voice, the little girl looked over and said in surprise: "Sister Lin Xi, you are here."

The little girl's eyes were like two black gems, sparkling with bright light. Her skin was fair and delicate, with a healthy blush. Her mouth was small, and her lips were rosy and slightly upturned, revealing an innocent smile.

She was wearing a pink dress embroidered with delicate flowers. Her hair was tied into two small braids with pink bows on them, making her look very cute.

"Okay, you are so lucky, you just get to see your sister Lin Xi." Gu Xiaoman said with a pout.

Hearing this, Xiao Fuqi scratched his head and said, "I'm sorry, Sister Xiaoman, I didn't notice it just now."

At this time, Xia Linxi introduced Xiao Fuqi: "These two are Lin Tian and Li Yingjun."

Hearing this, Xiao Fuqi said, "Hello, brothers!"

Then, Li Yingjun and Lin Tian said at the same time: "Hello, Xiao Fuqi!"

Lin Tian touched Xiao Fuqi's head and put her down. Facing Lin Tian's action, Xiao Fuqi lowered her head shyly.

At this time, Xia Linxi asked curiously: "Xiao Fuqi, where are you running to in such a hurry?"

Xiao Fuqi raised his head and replied with a smile, "I'm going to the Fandou Garden to play with my good friends, but since Sister Xia Linxi is here, I won't go."

Then, Xiao Fuqi shouted towards the kitchen: "Grandpa, Sister Xia Linxi is here."

Xia Linxi also shouted, "Grandpa Fugui, the same as usual, but I want four servings."

"Okay!" An old and kind voice came from inside.

Then, Xiao Fuqi said enthusiastically, "Come on, Sister Xia Linxi, I'll take you inside to sit."

Lin Tian and Gu Xiaoman followed them into the restaurant and sat down.

Sitting at the dining table, Xia Linxi introduced the restaurant to everyone, saying, "I've been coming to this restaurant since I was a child. I come here two or three times a week. The food here is very delicious."

Gu Xiaoman, who was standing by, also happily agreed, "It's indeed delicious. Ever since Xiaoxi treated me to it once, I've fallen in love with the taste here. Now I come here often to taste the food."

Xia Linxi then continued, "This restaurant was opened by Xiao Fuqi's grandfather. It has a history of over a hundred years. Xiao Fuqi's grandfather was called Lao Fugui, and we all called him Grandpa Fugui. We also heard that Grandpa Fugui was a legendary chef in the Qing Dynasty and once cooked for the Empress Dowager."

"It's so delicious! I have to try it. It's like eating the royal meal in the palace." Li Yingjun said in surprise.

After hearing Xia Linxi's introduction, Lin Tian's mouth twitched. It turned out to be the genius chef Xiao Fugui, but Xiao Fugui had become Lao Fugui. No wonder the name of this restaurant sounded familiar to him just now.

Isn’t Hong’s Restaurant a fictional place in “The Great Chef Xiao Fugui”? It is also the restaurant where Hong Fugui and his grandfather Lao Hongtou are.

At this time, Xiao Fuqi also said to Lin Tian and Li Yingjun, "Sister Xia Linxi is right. You two big brothers should eat more later. My grandfather cooks the best."

Hearing this, Lin Tian and Li Yingjun smiled and nodded. Their eyes revealed their anticipation and curiosity about this place. Just then, Lao Fugui came out with the food, a warm smile on his face.

Seeing this, Lin Tian and the other three hurried over to help, placing the food on the table. Soon, four large bowls and one small bowl were neatly placed on the table. Lifting the lids on the bowls, a rich aroma filled the air, making one's mouth water.

The rice in the bowl was alluring and translucent, each grain of rice radiating a luster, as if proclaiming its deliciousness. The vibrant colors and perfectly balanced accompaniments made it clear at a glance that this was a meticulously prepared delicacy. Lin Tian and the other three eagerly picked up their chopsticks, ready to enjoy this sumptuous meal.

Without further ado, Lin Tian and the other three quickly began to savor the food. They savored each bite, taking in its delicate and unique flavors. The food had a rich and varied texture, both chewy and tender, leaving a lasting impression.

At the same time, Lao Fugui also picked up the small bowl and carefully fed it to Xiao Fuqi who was sitting next to him. Xiao Fuqi ate with gusto, a satisfied smile on his face.

During the meal, Li Yingjun exclaimed from time to time: "It's so delicious! I never thought that there would be such a delicious restaurant in Shanghai. Why didn't I discover it earlier?" While praising, he kept picking up food and putting it into his mouth.

Time passed quickly, and Lin Tian and the other three finished their meal in no time. Xia Linxi rubbed her stomach with satisfaction, and said to Old Fugui with a smile: "Grandpa Fugui, your cooking skills are really amazing! Every time I come to your place, I can eat a big bowl of rice."

After hearing Xia Linxi's praise, Lao Fugui smiled with satisfaction and patted Xia Linxi's shoulder gently to express his gratitude.

Then, Xia Linxi held her forehead and said, "I forgot to introduce you. This is my best friend, Gu Xiaoman, you know her. These two are my classmates, Lin Tian and Li Yingjun."

Upon hearing this, Lin Tian and the other two greeted Lao Fugui.

At this time, Lao Fugui stared at Lin Tian and said affectionately, "Xiaotian, is it okay for me to call you like this?"

"Of course, Grandpa Fugui!" Lin Tian responded immediately.

Then, Lao Fugui said in surprise: "Xiaotian, I see that your energy and blood are abundant, like a volcanic eruption. Are you about to break through?"

Lin Tian was shocked and said, "You can see that?"

"Of course. I have also practiced martial arts, and I have several friends who are masters of martial arts. Besides, one also needs a good eye when making medicinal food." Lao Fugui said.

Li Yingjun, who was standing by, was surprised and said, "Brother Tian, you said yesterday that you were at the Grandmaster level. How come you broke through so quickly?"

Lin Tian smiled and said, "A Grandmaster who has reached perfection is still a Grandmaster."

"Damn, Brother Tian, you're a monster. You're going to break through the realm of heaven and man so soon." Li Yingjun said with a look of doubt on his face.

Then, Lao Fugui sighed and said, "You should be only 18 years old now. It's really scary to break through to the heavenly realm at this age."

At this time, Lao Fugui said again: "Would you like me to make you a medicinal meal to help you break through?"

Lin Tian said in amazement: "Medicinal food can have such an effect?"

Lao Fugui said, "There is a kind of medicinal food that does have this effect, but it can only increase the probability by 10 to 20 percent. Decades ago, a friend of mine named 'Axing' also achieved a breakthrough with the help of my medicinal food."

Lin Tian said: "Would that be too much trouble for you? Wouldn't that medicinal herb be very rare?"

Lao Fugui said: "It's not a big deal. As for the herbs, I still have some here, enough to make a medicinal meal."

Hearing this, Lin Tian said, "Thank you so much, Grandpa Fugui, how much is it?"

Lao Fugui waved his hand and said, "You're welcome. Just consider it a friendship. I'm also very happy to be able to help a monster like you."

"Thank you so much!"

Hearing this, Lin Tian did not refuse.