It has been quite some time since I escaped from the estate of the Youlan sisters. I must say, their territory is really quite vast.

Leaving the clean road with magical street lamps behind, there were scattered residents around. Even though it was deep into the night, occasional shops could still be seen open for business.

Mu Zhou was still wearing his tattered cloak. He used to despise the cloak, but after almost being forced to crossdress, he found it quite convenient. He also realized that his appearance should not be easily revealed...

Walking aimlessly on this street, Mu Zhou couldn't help but smile as he recalled the events of the past half day. First, he was robbed by people from another realm, then he was captured as a vagabond and sold as a slave at the exchange... And he almost got involved with the Problem Sisters in an indescribable situation.

Although it was quite a roundabout way, he had ultimately achieved his goal: learning the language of this parallel world and discovering that it was even more exciting than he had imagined.

"So, when it's daylight, I'll bring Talisa in and find a way to settle down in this city for a while, hmm?... Sniff, sniff."

From the side of the street, Mu Zhou caught a whiff of a rich aroma. Following the scent, he arrived at a small shop with a single-level building and a narrow wooden door just wide enough for one person to enter or exit.

Mu Zhou smiled slightly and touched his growling stomach, which hadn't been fed since the afternoon. "Only lolis and delicious food are not to be missed!" Then he walked towards the shop.

When he reached the door, he stopped in his tracks. There were constant customers leaving the small house, and inside, a noisy conversation could be heard.

"Hey, old lady! It's extra money if you're open so late."

"Oh? I've never heard of such a thing. Besides, do I have to pay you this money?"

Mu Zhou lifted the door curtain and walked inside. The strong aroma immediately hit his sensitive nose, making him salivate uncontrollably.

Inside the shop, there were only two people—a woman in her fifties and a young man in flashy attire. Mu Zhou's sudden intrusion interrupted their conversation.

The young man looked Mu Zhou up and down. Seeing his worn-out clothes, he impatiently pointed at him, saying, "Hey, this shop is closed. Get out of here, got it?"

Mu Zhou didn't speak to him. Instead, he swiftly approached the young man and slapped the side of his neck before he could react. The young man collapsed to the ground, and Mu Zhou grabbed him by the collar, slowly dragging him out of the shop and into the nearby alley.

Mu Zhou turned around and returned to the shop, pointing behind him with his hand.

"He'll probably wake up in about three hours. If someone asks, you can say that a mysterious person in a cloak broke into the shop and knocked him out, then robbed you."

"Hmm... So, I helped you deal with an unwelcome guest. Would you please treat me to some food, landlady? The aroma is driving me crazy."

The shop owner looked bewilderedly at the entrance, then turned back and stared at Mu Zhou for a while. She gave a slight shake of the ladle handle in her hand and smiled.

"Feel free to sit."

Mu Zhou smiled as well and found a chair nearby to sit down.

The landlady walked to the counter and asked, "What would you like to eat?"

"Well... I don't know. I followed this aroma here," he said, pointing to the air as if there were visible scents floating around.

"Then try our signature dish!"

"Oh! Much obliged!"

Soon, a large bowl was placed in front of Mu Zhou. It contained bright yellow broth with various vegetable toppings and some pasta-like noodles.

Mu Zhou picked up his utensils and took a bite. The taste was peculiar, unlike any food he had ever tried, but it was delicious.

He quickly finished the bowl, placed the utensils down, and leaned back in his chair, savoring the flavor.

"By the way, landlady, you seem very calm. Aren't you afraid that I might be a bad person and actually rob you?"

Without even turning her head, the landlady replied, "I'd rather give you the money than give it to that guy."Mu Zhou raised an eyebrow and said, "Really... don't worry, I won't do anything like that. Besides, the food is delicious!"

The landlady looked cheerful and asked, "As long as you're satisfied. Would you like another bowl?"

"No, one bowl is enough. Next time, I'll bring my companions here to eat. Of course, we'll pay," Mu Zhou replied. Then he thought for a moment and asked, "Do you know any way to obtain the record card of this place?"

The landlady paused in her actions and said, "Are you a wanderer?... It's not currently the time for expansion in the domain, so if no one introduces you, you can only go to the employment gathering and see. If you can help those big shots with something, they might be able to help you apply for a record card."

Mu Zhou nodded, stood up, and said, "In that case, I'll take my leave. Thanks for your hospitality, goodbye, landlady."

He then walked out of the cottage and looked at the still pitch-black night sky. He moved near the closed city gate, found a secluded spot, and casually leaned against the wall to rest.

The morning sun shone down from the towering city walls, and Mu Zhou slowly opened his eyes.

"Ah~"

Stretching lazily, he looked at the open city gate and walked out. He sensed the coordinates he had placed on Talisa and found that they were very close.

Looking up, he saw a small figure huddled at the foot of the city wall, covered with a simple blanket. Her water-blue head rested against a large tree. Mu Zhou quickly walked over and gently held her in his arms.

Talisa was suddenly awakened and relaxed when she felt the familiar embrace. She obediently leaned against Mu Zhou's body and said, "Master Mu Zhou... you're back?"

"Yeah, I'm back," Mu Zhou said with a touch of tenderness as he stroked Talisa's head. "You didn't wait for me in this place all the time, did you?"

Talisa widened her eyes in surprise at first. "Master Mu Zhou! You can speak our language now?" Then she blushed slightly and snuggled closer to Mu Zhou. "I was afraid that Master Mu Zhou wouldn't be able to find me when he came back..."

"You..." Mu Zhou indulgently shook his head and didn't put her down. He carried her back to the city like that.

[Employment Meeting]

Mu Zhou looked at the sign in front of him. It seemed that the location indicated in the small booklet was quite accurate.

In front of him was a spacious hall that resembled a bar. Several wooden tables of different shapes were placed around, and although it was early morning, there were already people coming and going. In a corner of the wall, there was a large bulletin board covered with notes, and in the forefront, there was a semi-circular reception desk where a young girl with a smile on her face was waiting to assist.

"Oh? This scene looks quite familiar," Mu Zhou mused as he walked to the bulletin board and hesitated while looking at the various notes posted on it. Although he had already identified some tasks that seemed to involve upper-class individuals, he didn't know the specific procedures for accepting these tasks as a mercenary, or what conditions or formalities were required.

Just as he was about to ask at the front desk, a maid-like girl walked up to him and respectfully handed him a card.

"Lord Mu Zhou, this is your record card. Please keep it safe. In addition, Lady Tianlu and Lord Tianlu have prepared a sumptuous banquet at the Youlan Manor. I wonder if Lord Mu Zhou and your powerful companion could be invited. We have no ill intentions; we just have a request."