Heaven One Restaurant was a famously upscale venue in Brightsea City, where every private-room table cost at least ten thousand yuan per meal.
When Lucy Lu arrived at the private room with Evan Lin and Lynn Chen, Haiyang Sheng and the others were already there.
Seeing Evan Lin walk in, Haiyang Sheng quickly got up and nodded at him with a smile. "Little brother Evan, you’ve changed into a new outfit and suddenly look so much sharper—I almost didn’t recognize you!"
Charles Chen chuckled from the side, joking, "Manager Sheng, you don’t know—Evan’s always looked pretty good. Unlike other kids who like to show off, he’s more reserved. Just low-key, that’s all."
Haiyang Sheng nodded, agreeing, "True enough. After all, being accepted as a disciple by a miracle doctor means his character is definitely different from the average kid." His gaze at Evan was full of admiration.
Evan calmly poured himself a cup of tea and, facing Haiyang Sheng’s gaze, replied evenly, "My master only took me in by coincidence. As for him being willing to save you, it was because I saw how anxious Uncle Chen was and begged my master for help."
Evan didn’t bother to explain the whole ‘master’ story any further—less trouble that way, so he just went along with it.
Charles Chen laughed happily at Evan’s words. "Kid, you’re always putting me on the spot. But really, this whole thing was thanks to you!"
Lucy Lu chimed in, "Exactly! Evan’s just way too humble about everything. That’s not always a good thing, you know."
"Evan, we really owe you this time. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know what would’ve happened to our family. Last time you came to Auntie’s house, I didn’t treat you properly. This glass is my apology." On the other side of the table, Susan Pang raised her wine glass, stood up to face Evan, her eyes full of regret, then downed it in one go.
Evan accepted it calmly, showing no sign of discomfort.
Lynn Chen was seated to Evan’s left. As soon as she sat down, every person at the table—Haiyang Sheng, Susan Pang, Lucy Lu, Charles Chen—focused their attention entirely on Evan.
“What’s so handsome about Evan anyway?” Lynn had never been so ignored at a meal before. Usually, when eating with the Sheng family, Haiyang would start by praising her with a big smile.
But tonight, not a single person looked her way. It stung a little, and she poked at her food with her chopsticks, sulking.
On Evan’s right, whether by accident or design, sat Claire Sheng in a pink dress.
Claire looked gorgeous tonight. She’d inherited Susan’s fair skin and beauty, and with her careful styling, she resembled a porcelain doll.
Compared to Lynn’s occasional bossiness, Claire was like a pool of gentle water—soft, quiet, and totally nonthreatening.
She tilted her head, studying Evan with curious eyes. Whenever Evan glanced her way, Claire would freeze for a moment, then shyly look away—only to sneak another peek once he turned elsewhere.
She definitely seemed interested in Evan.
“Tonight’s dinner is my way of apologizing to you, Evan. Also, I wanted to ask—do you think you could introduce me to your master?” Haiyang’s tone slowed, his eyes full of hope as he spoke.
“Uh… I don’t think that’s possible.” Evan shook his head. “Honestly, I have no idea where my master is right now. Last time I saw him was years ago. Usually, when I try to call, I can’t get through. Once in a while, I get lucky and manage to reach him.”
“Plus, he’s not really into meeting new people. He’s got kind of a cold personality.”
As Evan spoke, an image flashed in his mind—a breathtaking beauty, aloof and otherworldly. Back then, Lily Zhao, the Glazed Glass Palace master, had taken Evan in on a whim. At first, she always wore a frosty expression. No wonder every genius in the Immortal Martial Continent described her as cold.
Haiyang looked disappointed but nodded. “Makes sense. Someone like your master probably doesn’t care about worldly stuff.”
Haiyang had visited countless experts about his illness, but none could help. In the end, it was Evan’s master’s prescription that cured him. That’s why Haiyang was so eager to find this mysterious master.
Hearing Evan refuse, Charles Chen seemed a bit anxious. After thinking it over, he said, “Don’t worry, Haiyang. Evan’s right here, so if his master ever shows up, I’ll let you know immediately.”
“Alright.” Haiyang nodded, sighing quietly to himself. Then he brightened up, smiling at Evan. “Oh, I almost forgot to introduce you—this is my daughter, Claire Sheng. She’s about your age. She used to study at River City First High, but came back recently because of my illness.”
River City First High?
Evan didn’t react, but Lynn was visibly startled. She glanced at Claire, her eyes full of surprise.
River City First High is way harder to get into than Brightsea First. Every student there is a total academic beast.
Just like Brightsea First is unbeatable in the minds of Brightsea Second’s students, River City First’s kids are seen as little monsters by those at Brightsea First—totally out of their league.
Lynn’s grades were decent, but if she had to compete with the River City First crowd, she’d definitely feel outmatched.
“Hi.” Claire looked at Evan, her voice soft and sweet. She offered her delicate, snow-white hand, looking so gentle you’d think she was made of marshmallows.
Her big eyes were wide open, gazing at Evan.
“Hello.” Evan reached out his left hand and shook hers; her hand was soft and lingered pleasantly in his memory.
But in the next moment, Evan paused, his gaze lingering on Claire.
He realized that Claire’s body was emanating faint traces of spiritual qi.
That qi looked like wisps of mist, swirling gently around her and leaking out from within.
“Claire’s about to head back to River City for school. Evan, you should hang out with her more during the summer,” Haiyang said, glancing at Evan with a smile.
“Yeah, our Claire is pretty quiet and hasn’t really made friends yet. Evan, you can keep her company,” Susan added, nodding gently.
“Still holding her hand? That show-off Evan—don’t tell me he’s got a crush on Claire Sheng?” Lynn shot Evan a look and noticed his eyes were still glued to Claire, making her feel even more annoyed.
“Claire Sheng is Haiyang’s daughter. Evan, you’re just some nobody—are you seriously dreaming about a toad eating swan meat?”
Lynn fumed inwardly, glaring at Evan and brooding to herself.