I alone am the Honoured One! - Chapter 756

Chapter 756: A celebration? [2]
Together, Zhao Tian and Lan Shuqin made their way through the winding stone paths of the palace gardens and toward the capital.

As they approached the town, the streets were already bustling with laughter and excitement.

The sound of traditional music filled the air, and colorful lanterns hung from every post, casting a warm and festive glow over the cobbled roads.

Stalls lined the streets, selling fragrant street food, trinkets, and handcrafted ornaments.

They strolled through the marketplace, stopping occasionally as Lan Shuqin pointed out various foods and crafts.

As they continued walking, a group of performers took center stage in the town square, preparing for a traditional dance.

The crowd eagerly gathered and cheered as the musicians struck the first notes.

Zhao Tian and Lan Shuqin found a quiet spot near a small bridge and leaned against the wooden railing to watch the dancers.

Lan Shuqin sighed, resting her arms on the railing “I used to dream about attending these kinds of celebrations when I was younger. But back then, my duties as a maid took up most of my time. Now, I finally get to enjoy them.”

Zhao Tian turned to her and smiled gently “Then I’m glad I came with you. It makes the night more special.”

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but before she could respond, a familiar voice called out. “Shuqin! You’re here! And… oh! You brought someone?!”

A middle-aged woman approached them and a smile appeared on Lan Shuqin’s face “Madam Liu! Yes, this is…” She hesitated, glancing at Zhao Tian, unsure of how to introduce him.

Zhao Tian simply smiled and nodded. “A friend.”

Madam Liu’s eyes twinkled with curiosity “Are you still planning to come to the restaurant after this? We’re a bit short-handed tonight, and I could use the help.”

Lan Shuqin glanced at Zhao Tian hesitantly, but he only smiled. “I’ll help too.”

“You?” madam Liu looked genuinely surprised. “You look like a noble cultivator, not a server.”

He shrugged faintly “It could be fun.”

Lan Shuqin couldn’t help but chuckle before shaking her head. “Alright, let’s see how long you last.”

The restaurant was cozy, tucked between two large buildings.

Customers filled the tables, chatting and laughing while the staff rushed between them, serving dishes and taking orders.

The scent of sizzling meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, making Zhao Tian’s stomach rumble slightly.

Lan Shuqin handed him an apron with a teasing smile. “Here, put this on.”

He blinked in surprise “You’re really making me do this, huh?”

“You said you’d help,” she reminded him with a giggle.

With a resigned sigh, he slipped the apron over his robes and followed her to the kitchen, where Madam Liu quickly assigned them tasks.

Lan Shuqin was in charge of taking orders, while Zhao Tian found himself carrying trays of steaming dishes to waiting customers.

It was… chaotic, to say the least.

Zhao Tian moved through the crowded restaurant, balancing a tray of steaming dumplings and bowls of fragrant noodle soup.

The chatter of diners filled the air, blending with the sizzling of food being prepared in the kitchen.

At first, it was a bit awkward… but soon he began to enjoy the unfamiliar experience.

“Here you go,” he said, placing a plate of crispy roast duck on a table where a family sat eagerly waiting.

The elderly man at the table eyed him with curiosity. “Young man, you don’t look like a regular server. Is this your first time?”

Zhao Tian smiled faintly. “Yeah.”

“Well, you’re doing well enough. Just don’t spill the tea,” the man chuckled, lifting his cup.

Zhao Tian nodded his head with a smile, before moving to the next table.

The night continued, with the two of them moving in sync… Lan Shuqin taking orders, Zhao Tian serving dishes, and occasionally dodging overly excited children running through the restaurant.

…

As the night wore on, the restaurant gradually settled into a more manageable rhythm.

The initial chaos had faded, leaving behind a warm, bustling atmosphere filled with laughter and satisfied sighs from customers enjoying their meals.

Zhao Tian adjusted his apron as he placed the last of the dishes onto a nearby table.

Lan Shuqin wiped her brow, stealing a glance at Zhao Tian. “Not bad for your first time. Maybe you have a future in this if cultivation doesn’t work out, Master Tian.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle, undoing the apron strings. “I’ll consider it.”

Madam Liu clapped her hands together as she approached them “You two were wonderful tonight. Thank you for the help. Here, have some pastries as a token of my gratitude.”

She handed them a small cloth-wrapped bundle filled with sweet, fragrant pastries.

Lan Shuqin smiled and accepted it eagerly “Thank you, Madam Liu! We’ll enjoy these while watching the wedding.”

Madam Liu’s eyes twinkled “Ah, so you’re heading to see the ceremony? It’s a grand affair tonight. The entire town is celebrating.”

Zhao Tian and Lan Shuqin bid their farewells and made their way out of the restaurant, stepping into the cool night air.

Lan Shuqin tore off a piece of pastry and popped it into her mouth as they walked. “I always loved watching weddings. They’re so full of happiness and new beginnings.”

Zhao Tian glanced at her with a small smile on his lips “Have you ever thought about your own?”

She nearly choked on her pastry, coughing slightly before giving him an embarrassed glare. “W-Why would you ask that?”

He shrugged, feigning innocence. “Just curious.”

She huffed and looked away. “Well, maybe one day. But it’s not exactly my priority right now.”

They reached the central plaza, where the wedding ceremony was already in full swing.

The bride and groom stood beneath an elaborately decorated arch with their hands intertwined as an elder recited blessings.

Colorful silk banners fluttered in the air, and flower petals were scattered along the ground.

The couple exchanged vows, and as they sealed their union, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Fireworks burst into the sky, painting the night in brilliant hues of red and gold.

Lan Shuqin clasped her hands together, watching the scene with awe. “It’s beautiful…”

Zhao Tian, however, found himself watching her instead.

The way the lantern light reflected in her eyes, the genuine joy on her face… it was a sight more captivating than the fireworks above.

She turned toward him and caught his gaze. “What?”

He simply shook his head as a soft chuckle escaped his lips “Nothing…”

She smiled, a little flustered, before looking back at the newlywed couple as they bowed to the cheering crowd.

Zhao Tian closed his eyes for a moment ‘It truly is beautiful…’

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!