Apocalypse Forecast

Chapter 452: Chapter 390 Big Brother Takes You to Eat!_3

Even without a sky, gentle light, a substitute for the sun, still sprinkled its pure radiance. On the bustling streets, waves of enthusiastic travelers wove through the crowds, discussing where to head next. At this moment, they too were stunned by the sight, turning around in astonishment. Then, by the exit, they saw it: a grand carriage, almost excessively ostentatious.

Pulled by four teams of strong, large black steeds, the mere presence of the jet-black carriage seemed to exert an invisible gravity, drawing everyone’s gaze to its exquisite and luxurious design, making them appreciate its solemn dignity. In front of the carriage, an old man with an upright frame, dressed in formal attire and holding an ivory-white walking stick, looked up into the depths of the station. His green eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, swept across the travelers’ faces one by one before suddenly lighting up as he rushed over, taking great strides.

He moved with such speed, it was as if he were on a mission to collect a debt—afraid that any delay might allow the debtor to flee. Huai Shi was shocked. That’s how one should collect debts—swift and decisive! he couldn’t help but silently commend the old man. His amusement vanished when he realized, under everyone’s gaze, that the old man was heading straight for him. Could Raven have borrowed money here behind my back? an ominous feeling struck him.

”Can’t you think anything good of me?”

Raven sighed, ”Someone is here to find you.”

With a crisp sound, the walking stick touched the ground. The old man had already positioned himself three steps away from Huai Shi, bowing in a dignified manner.

”Welcome, Mr. Huai Shi.” He took off his hat, with reverence and politeness. ”Please forgive my late arrival. The concert hall prepared for you by the All Hells United Music Association has been cleaned and awaits your esteemed presence.”

”...Huh?” Huai Shi’s expression twitched. ”How do you know I’m here?”

This is ridiculous, he thought. It feels like every time I go out, my itinerary leaks all over the place...

”Five minutes before the train reached the station, we saw your name on the passenger list. After confirmation from headquarters, we immediately secured an exclusive venue for you from the managing authorities. It’s just regrettable that time was too short to prepare a welcoming ceremony.” The old man answered solemnly, gesturing towards his luxurious carriage. He then said warmly, ”If you do not mind, please ride in my carriage. Rest assured, even if only one person has come, the prestigious status of a Disastrous Musician must be duly honored!”

”Err...” Huai Shi’s facial muscles twitched again.

In the silence, Yuan Zhao looked up and cast a glance at their few stunned companions not far away, asking in a low voice, ”Hey, Huai Shi, you’re not seriously playing some kind of ’wolf in sheep’s clothing’ routine, are you?”

”It’s not me, I didn’t, and I don’t know either,” Huai Shi quickly waved his hands, glaring at him. ”You’re so young, why are you reading so many web novels? Shouldn’t you be studying more, understand?”

”Heh.” The top student from Ji Xia’s youth program shot a pitying look towards a certain slacker who could only muddle along in the special talents class. ”Since you’re so impressive, lunch is on you.”

Due to his understanding of Huai Shi, he went straight to the point, ”Don’t try to fob me off with some cheap takeout; get something decent.”

”Dream on.” Huai Shi rolled his eyes. ”Fifty per person, not a penny more!”

Yuan Zhao became furious. ”Just as I thought! You scoundrel, you saw how enthusiastic I was and just wanted to freeload a meal, didn’t you!”

Suddenly, he felt an enormous shadow looming over him. An imposing, burly figure appeared behind him. The bald man was draped in a tea-colored Yingzhou long dress, with Yaksha tattoos on his neck and face. His bare head made him look extremely fierce. He roughly pushed the ticket inspector aside and then bowed deeply to Huai Shi, a perfect ninety-degree bow. He presented a letter with both hands.

”Greetings, Mr. Huai Shi! It has been too long!” His voice was sonorous, like a clap of thunder, startling Yuan Zhao.

”Ah, you are... who exactly?” Huai Shi found the tattoos familiar. After flipping through the Book of Fate, he suddenly remembered the apprentice chef who had poured him wine beside Master Chef Watanabe in Xiematai.

”Caogene?” He couldn’t believe it. ”How did you suddenly get so buff? Is Mr. Watanabe doing well?”

”I am deeply grateful for your concern.” Caogene replied in a booming voice that pained their ears, ”The Master has been promoted to three stars at Tengu Mountain and conferred the name ’Ryuzanbo’ by the Great Tengu. He is now invited to take up residence on the Group Star. Hearing of your arrival, he is overjoyed and hopes you can spare some time to meet him.”

The handwritten letter was held out, brought a bit closer, Caogene’s expression one of earnest eagerness.

”Who was it just now saying I was going to freeload a meal?”

In the silence, Huai Shi reached out and took the invitation letter, turning back to grin triumphantly at Yuan Zhao. ”Know what it means to be a big shot, little brother?”

Yuan Zhao, completely shown up, could only roll his eyes. Calling people ’Big Brother’ when you need them, then ’little brother’ when you don’t. What a scumbag, he thought.

”Finally feels a bit like a vacation...” Huai Shi looked around, murmuring with emotion.

All of a sudden, he recalled the words once spoken to him by the Man in Grey, finally having a bit of a firsthand understanding of his own prestigious status.

A big shot who doesn’t rely on anyone... huh?

He no longer needed to think about clinging to anyone’s thigh; rather, he was genuinely on the path to becoming a ’Gold Thigh’ that others could only dream of holding onto tight. He was growing stronger, bit by bit, gradually becoming different from his former, down-and-out self. Even though his current success was different from the meteoric rise he had once imagined, he now possessed accomplishments he could proudly show off to others. And even if this achievement seemed small compared to truly grand undertakings, he had undoubtedly taken a firm first step, with many more sights awaiting him.

So, since everyone is showing him such respect, indulging in a bit of swagger now and again wouldn’t hurt, right?

With this thought, the young man jauntily ran a hand through his disheveled hair, then, full of spirit and looking rather dashing, slung an arm around Yuan Zhao’s shoulder and waved.

”Let’s go.”

Huai Shi grinned broadly. ”Big Brother’s taking you out for a meal!”