“Oi, Wang Ming, don’t slack off! Go and greet the customer!” An old man with a grizzled beard and a sharp tone called from behind the bar, his voice cutting through the low hum of conversation and clinking glasses. Old Man Kang, as he was known, was a seasoned barkeep with a keen eye for business and a no-nonsense attitude.

Wang Ming, a young man with a gruff expression and broad shoulders, sighed heavily. With a reluctant nod, he pushed himself away from the counter where he'd been leaning and trudged toward the entrance. His steps were slow, almost dragging, as if each movement was a protest against the inevitable.

As he approached the door, his face shifted into a practiced, albeit weary, smile. “Welcome to The Sky Tempering Palace, where all your needs will be answered,” he recited in a tone that tried to sound enthusiastic but landed somewhere near resigned.

The tavern’s name, undeniably cheesy, was a source of amusement for the staff and regulars alike. It was an establishment known for its unique charm and atmosphere, nestled in a bustling part of the city. The interior was decorated with intricate tapestries depicting ancient legends and myths, while the tables were carved from dark, polished wood, giving the place a rustic yet inviting feel.

Old Man Kang, standing behind the bar with a towel slung over his shoulder, watched Wang Ming with a critical eye. He was a shrewd businessman, well aware that the tavern’s name and theme catered to a particular clientele. As he often said with a smirk, "We don’t serve the locals; no, we serve the tourists whose pockets are bigger than their brains." This philosophy had served the tavern well, attracting visitors from far and wide, eager to soak up the exotic ambiance and, more importantly, spend their money on the tavern’s overpriced but moderately delicious food and drink.

Meanwhile, Wang Ming greeted the newly arrived customers with a courteous nod and guided them to a cozy corner table, offering them the elegantly designed menus. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow over the polished wooden table, enhancing the rustic charm of The Sky Tempering Palace.

“What would you be having today?” he asked, his voice steady and professional.

The older man, with a jovial expression and a twinkle in his eye, glanced at the menu before responding. “Ah, I’ll be having the Toasted Tri-Colour Winged Turkey with a side of Tomato Sauce and Mint Leaves,”

“Excellent choice,” Wang Ming replied, noting the order with a slight nod. He then turned his attention to the younger man, who appeared momentarily startled by the sudden attention.

“And what would you be having, sir?” Wang Ming prompted gently, his tone encouraging and patient.

The younger man, recovering from his surprise, quickly scanned the menu and replied, “The Fried Potato Fiesta.”

“Very well,” Wang Ming said, jotting down the second order with practised efficiency. “Your meals will be out shortly. In the meantime, can I get you anything to drink? We have a fine selection of local brews and exotic spirits.”

“No, that’ll be all,” the older man said, smiling.

“Alright, the food will be served in a few minutes,” Wang Ming replied, nodding courteously before heading back to the kitchen.

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Before long, Wang Ming returned, carrying two beautifully arranged platters. “Thanks for your patience,” he said, his voice warm and appreciative. With practised grace, he began serving the dishes.

The older man's order, the Toasted Tri-Colour Winged Turkey, was a visual masterpiece. The turkey, perfectly roasted to a golden-brown hue, glistened under the soft light. Its skin was crisp and crackling, revealing tender, juicy meat beneath. The tri-colour aspect was brought to life with an artistic arrangement of vibrant, roasted bell peppers in red, yellow, and green, which added a burst of colour and sweetness to the plate. A small bowl of rich, tangy tomato sauce accompanied the dish, its deep red colour complementing the turkey perfectly. Sprigs of fresh mint leaves were scattered over the top, their bright green hue and aromatic scent adding a refreshing contrast.

As for the younger man's Fried Potato Fiesta, it was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. A generous pile of crispy, golden-brown potato wedges, seasoned with a blend of exotic spices, formed the centrepiece. Each wedge was perfectly cooked, crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They were accompanied by a trio of dipping sauces: a spicy, fiery red chilli dip; a smooth, creamy garlic aioli; and a zesty, tangy lime yoghurt sauce. Garnishing the dish were finely chopped herbs and a sprinkle of sea salt, adding the finishing touch to this delectable treat.

The two ate in silence, savoring their meals, until the older man finally spoke.

“How’s the food, Junior?” Xia Longwei asked, a smile playing on his lips as the juices of the turkey glistened at the corners of his mouth.

“It’s good,” Ling Xuan acknowledged with a nod.

“Alright.” Xia Longwei nodded in agreement, his focus returning to his plate as he continued eating.

In a few minutes, they had finished their meals. The plates were left spotless, evidence of their satisfaction. Xia Longwei stood up, wiping his hands meticulously with a cloth napkin before making his way to the front desk.

“I’d like a room,” Xia Longwei said, his tone courteous as he laid his hand on the desk.

“Alright, sir. How many days?” Old Man Kang asked, looking up from his ledger.

“A single day,” Xia Longwei replied, his smile unwavering.

“Understood. Please pay an advance o—” Old Man Kang suddenly froze, his sentence cut short as Xia Longwei’s eyes glowed ever so slightly.

“Where’s the key?” Xia Longwei asked, extending his hand.

“Here, sir.” Old Man Kang handed over the key with the room number attached, his movements almost mechanical.

“Oi, Wang Ming, come and take the guests to this room,” Old Man Kang called out.

Wang Ming arrived within mere seconds, his footsteps quick and efficient. “Right this way, sirs,” he said, taking the key from Old Man Kang and leading the way.

The corridor leading to the rooms was dimly lit, with ornate lanterns casting a warm, golden glow.

Wang Ming stopped in front of a sturdy wooden door with an intricate carving of a dragon winding its way up the frame. He unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing a spacious room furnished with a large, comfortable bed, a wooden table, and a couple of chairs. The room exuded a rustic charm, with beams of polished wood and a window offering a view of the bustling street below.

“Here you are, sirs,” Wang Ming said, stepping aside to allow Xia Longwei and Ling Xuan to enter. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.”

“Thank you, Wang Ming,” Xia Longwei said, slipping a coin into the young man’s hand as a token of appreciation.

Wang Ming nodded, a rare smile crossing his face. “You’re welcome. Have a pleasant stay,” he said before retreating down the corridor, his figure soon blending into the shadows.

As Xia Longwei closed the door and turned to Ling Xuan, the room seemed to grow quieter, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air.

“So, it’s been a while, eh?” Xia Longwei asked, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia