Chapter Fifty: Sudden Glory

Waking up refreshed yet ravenous, Wu Yue felt the soft, slanted rays of the sun upon his face. It was not blinding, but rather gave his features a gentle, softened appearance. He opened his eyes, feeling a comforting warmth—and a deep hunger.

He pushed open the door to find the courtyard unchanged; the arrangement was just as it had been. Underneath the large tree, however, four people were now seated, playing a game of leaf-cards and shouting boisterously. Seeing him emerge, they merely waved dismissively, as if that sufficed for a greeting.

It was likely dusk—Wu Yue estimated it to be around five in the afternoon. His years of experience in sanitariums had left him with a keen sense of time.

As his stomach gave a series of loud rumbles, Wu Yue called out, and a waiter came running over with a cheerful trot. The obsequiousness on the man’s face was so intense it seemed ready to peel off his skin. He bowed and scraped, insisting that Young Master Wu need only give the word, for the establishment would handle everything. Food, drink, and lodging were all on the house, and if he desired any other form of entertainment? No problem at all!

A sense of wariness rose within Wu Yue. This was no ordinary inn; it was considered a mid-to-high-tier establishment in Black Curtain City, and its staff, while not exactly looking down their noses at guests, were known for the inevitable airs that came with working at such a prominent place.

"Tell me," Wu Yue said bluntly, "this behavior of yours is making me quite uncomfortable."

"Oh, you wound me, sir! It is my own lack of vision—my dog-eyes failed to recognize a true immortal. I have blinded myself with such ignorance by failing to see who you were." The waiter spoke with trembling sincerity, yet his face was alight with irrepressible excitement.

Wu Yue decided to set the matter aside for now; his stomach was still demanding attention. "Just bring me something to eat," he said casually.

The waiter shouted a hearty "Coming right up!" and the meal was served shortly thereafter. It was by no means a "casual" affair.

First, a massive table was brought out, laden with dozens of exquisite dishes, a vast array of pastries, and an impressive selection of spirits—grain liquor, fruit wines, grape ferments, and the potent "Burning Blade" brew. Even some flasks containing spiritual energy were included. Despite his usual composure, Wu Yue was stunned. He had never seen such luxury.

What surprised him even more was Yu Fu. Renowned for eating two meals when there was nothing to do, ten when there was trouble, and simply eating when he was bored, Yu Fu was a man Wu Yue had never once seen full. Yet, at that moment, Yu Fu glanced over at the table and remained completely indifferent.

Noticing Wu Yue’s gaze, the perceptive waiter answered for him, "Master Yu has been eating for two days straight. Two whole days." The waiter held up two fingers, his expression one of profound admiration.

"Who are you, really?" Wu Yue asked directly.

The waiter’s answer was honest, though it missed the point of the question. "My name is Wang Xiaowen, nicknamed 'Bold Wang.' The proprietor of this inn is my uncle. I am twenty-four years old, and my home is right here in Black Curtain City."

Wu Yue waved his hand in resignation. "Then what exactly do you want from me?"

"Actually, it’s nothing. Serving you is my good fortune; everyone was fighting for the chance. If it weren't for my uncle, I likely wouldn't have snagged this duty."

Seeing Wu Yue’s impatience grow and the wariness in his eyes deepen, Wang Xiaowen hurriedly cut himself off. He had a habit: the more nervous he became, the more he talked. It often led people to mistakenly believe he was unflappable, capable of chatting nonchalantly in the face of danger.

Wang Xiaowen offered a humble smile. "It’s nothing major, really. It’s just this Wind-Listening Courtyard..." Wu Yue’s brow furrowed. "Are you kicking me out? There’s no need for that; I am leaving shortly."

"Oh, heavens, no!" Wang Xiaowen slapped his own face lightly. "How could I mean that? If my uncle knew, he’d skin me alive."

"Our proprietor simply felt this courtyard has been around for a long time, so he plans to renovate it and perhaps change the name."

"I see. But what does that have to do with me? Are you moving me to a different courtyard?" Wu Yue asked, trying to be accommodating.

"Oh, goodness," Wang Xiaowen smacked his own hand firmly. "Not at all! Our proprietor just wanted to change the name from 'Wind-Listening Courtyard' to... to 'Wu Yue Courtyard.'" He stole a glance at Wu Yue, terrified that this powerful figure might be offended; even he felt embarrassed by his uncle’s blatant sycophancy.

Wang Xiaowen had only just expressed this when his uncle had given him a sound thrashing. His uncle, who treated him like a son, had scolded him for his lack of ambition: "You don't understand a thing! There are layers to this. Regardless of whether he agrees, there are benefits for us. Just stop asking questions!" His uncle had been clearly impatient by the end of it, barking, "Go do as you're told! There are plenty of others who would jump at the chance, so stop the yammering!"

Wang Xiaowen blamed himself for not understanding the deeper meaning, but he knew his uncle would never lead him astray. Still, now that it was happening, he felt a twinge of fear.

Wu Yue was utterly bewildered by this news. What on earth was going on? It wasn't until Wang Xiaowen repeated it that Wu Yue was certain he hadn't misheard.

It was a strange, bizarre affair. Yet, Wu Yue shook his head decisively, refusing without hesitation. He would pay for the food, of course—it wasn't as if he lacked the money. As he said this, he glanced at Li Wenzhang, who was rolling up his sleeves and shouting, "Give me a pair! A pair! Play the cards!"

Upon hearing the direct refusal, the waiter did not look dejected. He remained grinning and said, "That is fine, sir. Might you at least do us the honor of choosing a name yourself?"

Having rejected someone once, it was difficult to be firm a second time. Most people would find it hard, and while Wu Yue was not usually like that, this time he didn't mind. He considered himself an interesting person—most of the time—though many were reluctant to admit it.

Listening to the rhythmic shuffling of the leaf-cards, Wu Yue said, "Then call it 'Leaf-Card Courtyard.'"

Having completed his task smoothly and beyond expectations, Wang Xiaowen offered a cheerful salute before regaining his composure. Seeing the intrigued expression on Wu Yue's face, he didn't push his luck and respectfully invited Wu Yue to the table.

Finally, having had his fill, with desserts still waiting for him, Wu Yue waited for Wang Xiaowen to walk away before stepping toward the tree. "What is actually going on?" he asked.

"You’ve become the Head of the Cabinet!" Hou Baiyu shouted, as if worried Wu Yue wouldn't grasp the significance. He continued, "The Black Curtain City Council has officially renamed itself the 'Cabinet,' and you are the new Head of the Cabinet. You’re in charge of the city’s economic planning. I heard it was a unanimous vote by the Council! Hey, Mei, what are you playing? Damn it!"

"That’s why they’re fawning over us. From now on, who wouldn't want to stay on your good side to make a living in Black Curtain City? Big and Small King."

Wu Yue’s heart grew heavy as he listened. He let out a long breath. "Exactly how many days was I asleep?"

"Two."

"Times have certainly changed," Li Wenzhang laughed.

They went back to their game. The leaf-cards of the Immortal Spirit Realm were, naturally, quite different from those of Earth.