It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

"Hello, sir. Our restaurant is fully booked for today and currently has no available seats. How about you please move to another restaurant or take one of our business cards and come back next time?"

The well-dressed, polite receptionist, with a pair of horse ears, said this to the other party. Her words didn't seem particularly pleasant, but her tone was completely sincere, and she did what service should be.

After hearing this, the man glanced outside the door, then fumbled in his bag and took out a bag of money.

"I don't need to eat, please just add a seat for me..."

As he spoke, the man seemed to be thinking about something. He tried his best to straighten his expression and squeezed out a few words that suited the occasion with a trembling throat.

"My journey today was a bit hurried, and now my legs can no longer move. I only ask that you bring me some hot water, enough to relieve my fatigue and thirst."

Even so, the man's expression still looked unnatural. It was obvious that he wasn't that good at lying. Perhaps because the receptionist saw through this, she replied indifferently,

"Sir, I understand your feelings very well. I'm not trying to pick on you, but your current attire really damages the image of our restaurant. Besides, no customer would be willing to offer you an extra seat."

Indeed, this place is certainly a high-end place, and those who aren't dressed properly aren't allowed in. And how many people who can dine here would be willing to spoil their own enjoyment by letting someone like that into their table? Clearly, that's a rare sight. And here, I'm pretty sure no gentleman would welcome him.

"Ah, let him come."

A clear female voice rang out. The troubled man looked up and saw someone sitting in a corner, even more inappropriately dressed than himself—a large black cloak that obscured their features. Despite the weathered fabric, the hand she raised to greet the man revealed a hand clad in heavy armor beneath the cloak.

Such a sinister outfit, it really doesn't seem right to be seen in this city, the man thought.

I always feel that sitting next to her is very stressful.

However, now he can finally take a break. He called the front desk twice more, and the latter took action, arranged for the waiter, and prepared a seat for him. As soon as he sat down, he said,

"Thank you very much, beautiful lady, it was really helpful."

"Hey, don't say that. You haven't even looked at me, so how do you know if I'm beautiful? I'm telling you in advance, I haven't been very polite lately. I'm not in the mood. Rather than that, I have something to ask you."

The woman in black armor came closer, causing the man to shrink back unconsciously.

"I just called you over, why didn't you just come over? The customers inside have spoken, and you're also a customer, why are you still looking at the receptionist's face? You have to be tough here, but no one will take you seriously. I'm not from here, but I know this. You, what's going on?"

There was something intimidating and oppressive about her, something irresistibly aggressive. With these words and this attire, only our Bai Lin could act like such a foreigner. The man was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected the other person to speak to him in this tone, let alone why they would ask such a question.

"Okay, Rin, stop making things difficult for me. Everyone has their own worries, so why do you have to tell them to a stranger you just met for the first time? Let's order first."

At this moment, the hooded woman sitting next to him, who had been somewhat expressionless, spoke. Her voice was more delicate. Looking at the wrapped, unarmored demonstration, it was difficult to see her face. The faintly visible parts and the soft golden hair already made people imagine her beauty. Coupled with her gentle tone, the man immediately recovered a lot. He nodded and said,

"Thank you very much for your understanding, ma'am. My name is Hans, I'm a painter, and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"My name is Al, and this is Rin. We come from far away and travel together."

"Ah."

Rin, who was standing before him, seemed to be very obedient to Al's words. Without asking any further questions, he nodded silently as a gesture of greeting. He then handed the menu directly to the other party.

"Here, take a look and order a few dishes."

Chapter 1073 What’s so good about this dish

"Uh... this is not good—"

"It's not a bad thing. You pay the price. It saves you a few bucks."

Bai Lin raised her hand and said this, her attitude was very generous, her mouth was very tight. After all, the most sensitive part of her body was her wallet.

It seemed that after talking with Katie, the man had gradually been able to communicate normally. He smiled and said,

"Well, I don't have anything else, but I do have some money left. It would be my honor to treat you two ladies to a meal."

So, the three of them called the waiter, had a brief conversation, and quickly placed their order. The most incompatible table of people fell into a seemingly silent state. Katie placed one hand under the table and made a few strokes. Bai Lin could hear her voice.

"Are you wondering why I won't let you have your own way?"

Bai Lin thought for a while and thought in his heart,

"It doesn't matter. We can achieve our goals. You have your own considerations."

"No, yours is definitely more direct. He looks like a desperate man, and he doesn't have much experience in the world, at least not in dealing with public affairs."

Bai Lin raised his eyebrows, slightly puzzled.

"Why then?"

"Because I want to have a good meal with you, idiot. If he has too much to say, can we still stay here?"

Bai Lin was speechless. Indeed, she had grown accustomed to a life where she could abandon sleep or food at any moment. It was like holding her breath, diving into the water, and swimming with all her might until she reached the other side. In the past few days, it was the poet's arrangements that had allowed her a few moments of rest. Now that she thought about it, if it weren't for her, she might have lived a much more inhumane life.

Katie could certainly keep diving. But she wanted to take Bai Lin up with her so they could catch their breath. They could have countless opportunities to eat after everything was over, but they had to eat every meal they could to avoid missing out on the one they wanted.

Things like this should have been arranged by Bai Lin himself. But Katie knew that if she didn't remind him now, Bai Lin would definitely keep working non-stop, so she did this.

After pondering for a while, Bai Lin realized that it was impossible for him to refuse the other party's request, so he accepted it.

After a while, dishes were served. However, the contents of the dishes were beyond Bai Lin's expectations - they were too monotonous and even looked familiar.

Aside from a few beers to choose from, all they had were things called "grilled fish and golden sweet potato strips." They didn't look particularly good, and had a distinctly salty, fishy smell that reminded Bai Lin of some real-world dishes he'd seen in his past life.

Fish and chips, a famous British dish, is not really like the chips you usually get in fast food restaurants. The taste is completely different. For those who try it for the first time, it may bring a huge taste shock.

"This... isn't it a bit."

Bai Lin looked at the food with a serious expression.

"Since you two ladies are new here, didn't we discuss this beforehand and plan to experience some local cuisine for your first meal? This is our most famous dish."

"No, just one dish?!"

"If you insist, there are also macaroni meatballs. I can order them for you if you want."

"Forget it, forget it, let it be. When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Hearing this, Bai Lin waved her hands repeatedly. This stereotype was really strong. However, she had walked in this world for so many years and had eaten all kinds of food, so eating these was not a big deal. But...

Bai Lin glanced at the blonde girl next to him, and she playfully raised her hand and moved her fingers.

"I don't care what you eat. Have you forgotten my origins?"

Besides, being with you is the most important thing.

Katie no longer bothered to ask Bai Lin to drink less. After all, Bai Lin was already quite self-disciplined, and to her, the alcohol was just a drink. Furthermore, she only cared about Bai Lin's happiness, so she naturally agreed with his desire to rest.

Although she didn't hear the familiar words, Bai Lin, who was beside Katie, still felt warm. She didn't say anything more, and mealtime began.

"If you want to eat something delicious, you can go to some restaurants outside the city. However, they are even more crowded than places like this. Restaurants like this are only considered lower-class here, but they are basically full."

Hans picked up a piece of meat with a fork and looked at it, as if he was savoring the bitter and smelly taste of his hometown, but he also enthusiastically explained it all to the tourists.

"Uh, are these restaurants considered low-end? Then all the restaurants will be crowded. What will happen to those who don't have a table?"

Bai Lin asked curiously, and the other party quickly replied,

"Although seating is limited daily, most lower-end restaurants like this offer delivery. If that doesn't work, people can always make similar pre-made meals at home."

"Then why are these kinds of shops so crowded? It's the same as eating at home anyway."

"Hahaha, that's a very outsider-style question."

Hans couldn't help but laugh twice. He waved the fork in front of Bai Lin and seemed to be in a relatively happy mood.

"The food is already so bitter, what can we do to liven it up?"

"beer?"

Bai Lin looked at the few things left on the table and answered immediately, which made Katie burst into laughter. Hans didn't keep her in suspense and pointed directly in front of him.

“It’s a diner.”

The two of them sat close to each other and therefore seemed very close, their intimacy was so close that they were almost expressing it by feeding each other, as Hans pointed out.

"Maybe if you're alone, the feeling isn't that profound. But in this city, eating with or without company really makes a huge difference. It's really nice to have someone around, chatting and eating. Most people who come here sit at a table with friends they've already met, or maybe even meeting someone for the first time."

This city seems quite developed and affluent. So, it's understandable that people would pursue a higher quality of life. Since material possessions are often limited, let's allow the slow, enjoyable act of eating to bring more spiritual satisfaction. Courteous socializing, allowing people to spend leisurely and fulfilling time together, sounds really good.

"Well, in that case, wouldn't it be nice to bring friends home for dinner?"

Chapter 1074 I am a painter

The obvious question was thrown out from Bai Lin's mouth again. Hans did not answer with a smile, but ate something in silence and waved his hand. Katie shook her head, then patted Bai Lin's shoulder and said gloomily,

"Don't you think that everyone has so many friends, Rin?"

Bai Lin shrugged. She was indeed quick-witted. Hans also replied immediately,

"That's true, but it's more than just that. Talking to strangers every day is a different experience. Witnessing different things, not just the experiences they share, but also the way they talk and their different eating habits. The different feelings people give me are also very interesting."

"After all, I'm a painter. My inspiration might come from the little things in life. It's usually like that for artists."

Hans smiled again and spoke politely to Bai Lin.

"What if we meet someone who spoils the fun?"

Bai Lin raised his hand again, and Hans responded calmly.

"Of course there are people like that, ma'am. You're not one of them, of course. I think you're quite interesting. But I don't eat out every day."

"Oh?"

"I'm not that sociable. Going out and communicating with others is like gambling. It requires a lot of effort on my part, but it's hard to get a good result. But people still gamble, hoping for a good outcome, right?"

"So I will only come out and communicate with others if I can bear the bad consequences. That's it."

"But you look a little haggard, Mr. Hans."

Katie interrupted at the right time, and Hans' expression was obviously tense again. However, perhaps because the food had gone down his stomach, the blood flowed to his brain, warming his brain and soothing his nerves, so he also responded naturally.

"Indeed, these days haven't been easy. Everyone has hard times."

It’s indeed not easy, and the same goes for Bai Lin.

"But since we're lucky enough to be sitting here and dining with you, I'm too lazy to think about those things. Aren't you two travelers? You must have a lot of experience. I really want to hear your stories. If possible, could you tell me some?"

He immediately put on a normal demeanor, rubbing his hands together, revealing a look of hope that outweighed the food in front of him. This time, Katie smiled mysteriously.

"Have you read today's newspaper?"

"I don't have time to read. Why?"

"Then you might as well take a look, maybe you can see some stories."

This seemed a little strange, but judging by Katie's tone and attitude, Hans didn't think she was just refusing to talk to him. He wiped his hands casually with a face towel and picked up a newspaper from the magazine rack beside him. He glanced at it briefly and replied,

"The Land of Perfect People collapsed. It's said to have been caused by a group of dark knights led by a poet from the Astronomical Clan and the legendary Son of God. Only the wreckage of a brutal battle remains at the scene. The exact number of casualties is unknown, but it's likely that the Perfect People were largely destroyed. No wonder there's been an uptick in construction projects here lately, and the manpower has become much more abundant..."

"This is really big news. I see it happened a few days ago, but I just found out about it now. It's really shocking. But why do I have to read this?"

"Could it be that this is related to you two? Or am I the one who hasn't turned the page yet?"

He asked, smiling and looking up. Katie, sipping her beer, glanced at Bai Lin beside her. Bai Lin nodded silently, reached out, and tapped Hans's newspaper.

She pointed at the word "Holy Son" accurately through the back of the phone. Then, she pointed at herself.

"Son."

"I."

The meaning conveyed was very simple. After thinking for a moment, Hans took a breath of cold air. He understood it, but he immediately denied it because it was too shocking. Hans gritted his teeth and replied,

"Could it be that you know her?"

"I am who I am."

Bai Lin put down his glass and spoke calmly, his words slow and heavy to Hans' ears. In an instant, the figure, veiled in shadow, became incredibly solid, powerful, and sharp. Hans had no doubt that if he met her gaze, he would be instantly intimidated. She wasn't targeting him; she was simply sitting there, that was all.

He couldn't help but shift his gaze, but no matter how he tried to shift his focus, he couldn't escape the reality of the situation. So, he settled into the silence between the three of them. Hans silently picked up his glass, which was also much more profound, but he didn't take a sip before putting it down.

"What are you doing here?"

"Do what I have to do."

No matter how much of an artist he was, no matter how far removed from his world, Hans had heard of Bai Lin's name. While that was mainly due to the poet leading the team, the title "Holy Son" had long been renowned in many places. Furthermore, Hans himself wasn't a completely isolated painter.

His understanding of the Son of God was that he was kind, powerful, and decisive. He was like a hero straight out of a fairy tale, having accomplished great deeds with poets and knights in a short period of time, gaining a great reputation across the continent.

But he ultimately believed that individual power was limited, and even with more people, the upper limit wouldn't be much higher. In the face of absolute power, such as against a nation, there was no such thing as such. This wasn't a fairytale world, so there was no need for fairytale heroes.

But what they have done now has far exceeded Hans's imagination of heroes. Although he doesn't know what the other party's current situation is -

But they should be able to deal with their own troubles enough.

"Then, will you help me?"

Hans asked tentatively.

"I'm really confused by your question. Do you think you're the one I should help? Or do you think I'm a fool and want to use me as a swordsman?"