So what Lin Xinyan had been talking about was char siu bao. She said she came here whenever she had free time. And as soon as they walked into the bun shop, the staff all greeted her warmly.
What he ate didn’t really matter. Shi Ji just wanted to fill his stomach. It didn’t matter whether there was meat or not. Of course, if there was, all the better. When he learned that Lin Xinyan had meant char siu bao, Shi Ji got a little excited.
After the two sat down, several bamboo baskets of char siu bao were brought over in no time.
Shi Ji wasn’t trying to mind his manners. He dug right in, wolfing the food down so eagerly that Lin Xinyan couldn’t help laughing. She wasn’t making fun of him, but the way he was eating really did make him look like a pig.
“Slow down, or you’ll choke.” She gave him a friendly reminder, then thoughtfully poured a glass of water and slid it over to him.
Since they had some time, Lin Xinyan also told him about the practical assignment. Its main purpose was to help trainees get closer to everyday life and bridge the gap between them and ordinary people. Once they officially became Heroes, they’d have to put people’s safety first at all times. The practical assignment was undoubtedly meant to lay the groundwork for that.
Besides telling Shi Ji all that, Lin Xinyan also explained the various things tied to the practical assignment. The most important of these was the matter of credits.
What she was telling him was all very important, but Shi Ji just kept eating and didn’t seem to be paying much attention.
No—that wasn’t it. Shi Ji wasn’t just failing to pay attention. He wasn’t listening at all. All he remembered was that Lin Xinyan had said something about the practical assignment. The rest was a complete blank.
Seeing Shi Ji like this, Lin Xinyan could only feel helpless. It wasn’t as if she could force him to do anything.
After the hearty breakfast, Shi Ji sat there resting with a hand over his stomach. A smile spread across his face. He was completely satisfied, looking as relaxed as could be. He hadn’t enjoyed a meal this much in ages. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d eaten so well.
Seeing Shi Ji sitting there, Lin Xinyan stayed with him a little longer. Then she went to pay the bill.
“Shi Ji, the practical assignment has to be completed alone. We’re partners, but only because you’re a new student—we were paired up in name only. I can’t help you much with this. I can only tell you that the assignment is important, so you have to take it seriously. Let’s split up here. If you run into an emergency, don’t forget to call me on your wristband. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Shi Ji nodded. “Oh, okay. I understand.”
“Then I’ll be on my way. Take care of yourself.”
“Mm-hm.”
Shi Ji smiled as he answered Lin Xinyan.
Lin Xinyan smiled back at Shi Ji, then turned and left.
“Lin Xinyan!”
Suddenly, Shi Ji called out to her again.
The girl slowly turned around. “Shi Ji, what is it?”
He smiled. “Thanks for the treat!”
Lin Xinyan’s smile grew a little brighter. “You’re welcome.”
After Lin Xinyan left, Shi Ji sat there for a while longer. That meal had really left him stuffed. He rubbed his huge, almost-pregnant-looking belly and smiled with satisfaction.
Then he glanced at the staff busy at work. His eyes shifted, and a mischievous scheme suddenly came to mind.
He quickly got to his feet and headed toward a man who looked like the owner, a smile on his face.
……
After leaving the bun shop, Lin Xinyan couldn’t help glancing back a few more times. Shi Ji was a new student, after all, and she still felt a little uneasy about leaving him on his own. But then she remembered his incredible strength, along with the fact that he’d spent a year at General Star Hero Academy before. He should be fine.
Only after setting aside her worries did the girl finally leave with peace of mind.
……
