Upstairs of the inn was the lodging area, while the ground floor was where guests and customers eat.
In the morning there were a few people who had already woken up and were eating their breakfast and chatting with each other downstairs. But since it was still early in the morning and their minds have not yet been cleared of the drowsiness of sleep, the downstairs was quite tranquil.
Xing Liyun and Ying's breakfast was soon served after waiting for a while.
Two wood-curved bowls filled with fragrant, delicious porridge were placed onto the table, each bowl was placed respectively in front of Xing Liyun and Ying.
As they ate their breakfast and filled their empty stomachs, the loud clamoring noises from the outside caught their attention.
On the streets, the owners and workers of both stalls and shops alike finished setting up and preparing for the arrival of their customers. Interesting toys, trinkets, accessories, etc., were displayed neatly on the stalls. Local food, snacks, desserts, and treats were ready to be served from both shops and stalls.
As the rest of the town woke up, the streets slowly became more and more lively. The roads became crowded and a bit disordered, but all in all, everyone was having fun in this festival.
Watching the festivity outside of the inn's doors, Ying suddenly waved to the waiter.
"Bring me a plate of fruits and a raw cabbage as well as a cooked cabbage dish with only salt sprinkled," Ying requested to the waiter.
The waiter hesitated hearing this, he softly and politely said to Ying, "Sir Customer, you want raw cabbage...?" The waiter was confused as to what this sir would want the raw cabbage for.
Not minding the confusion on the face of the waiter, and brushing aside his words, Ying only said, "Yes, raw cabbage. Consider it like me buying it from the market, I'll pay you accordingly. Thank you." He reaffirmed his order to the waiter and thanked the other for the trouble out of courtesy.
On the other hand, the waiter didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He wasn't worried about him not paying for the cabbage. It's just...This isn't the marketplace, you know?!
However, keeping his thoughts to himself, the waiter smiled professionally with false flair and calm before he walked off.
Xing Liyun did not know what Ying wanted to do with the cabbage, fruits, and the dish he ordered. But he didn't ask. He should know after the orders are served.
Soon, the same waiter came up to their table holding a cabbage in his hands. The cabbage was big and fresh, with light-green to deeper green perfect leaves. It looked healthy and succulent at first glance.
Raising his eyebrows, Xing Liyun felt a bit surprised and amazed. He had never seen such a beautiful and flawless cabbage before in his life.
Taking the cabbage out of the waiter's hand, Ying thanked the guy and turned to face Xing Liyun who was somewhat curious of what the raw cabbage is going to be used for.
Clearing his throat, his expression abruptly turned solemn, mimicking that of an ancient old scholar.
Placing the cabbage on the top of the palm of one of his hands, Ying started to speak like narrating an ancient story with a solemn tone, "This is a cabbage grown natively on this town's land. As you can see, this cabbage was grown wonderfully. It is healthy, nutritious, and a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth. And what's astonishing is that this vegetable wasn't taken care of specially or deliberately with special care. You can find the same kind of cabbage like this one all over the marketplace in this town; they are commonplace here and are extremely quantitative, and cheap."
Hearing this, Xing Liyun was a little interested. How could this town produce such impeccable and healthy cabbages in bulks without giving them special attention and care? No matter how fertile the land is, it's just not something possible.
At least it wasn't possible in his previous world. Xing Liyun did not know about this world.
"Why?" Xing Liyun didn't elaborate on what he meant by the 'why', yet somehow Ying understood him without asking.
Revealing a grin, Ying enthusiastically started promoting like an advertiser.
"This town is called Osvaldo Town, named after its founder. People gave it the epithet nickname "Fertile Town" because of its extremely fertile and nutrient-rich soil, making it extraordinarily easy for crops and trees to grow." Suddenly, Ying stopped, as if to build up tension and suspense for his following reveal.
"Although the soil is rich and the produce grown is more healthy and tasty than in any other place, but be that as it may, for an inexplicable reason, nothing can be successfully grown on this land except for trees and leafy plants and vegetation."
"What are you getting at?" Xing Liyun asked, yet his tone was not one of impatience. He only wanted to know what Ying's intention of his explanation is.
His blue and silver eyes glimmered with intensity as he watched Ying and took in every one of his actions.
Nonetheless, Ying did not flinch back from his stare, a light smile on his face as he ignored Xing Liyun's sharp probing eyes. Totally a contrast to his initial easily frightened and nervous self when he had faced that beast back in the forest and when he had first met Xing Liyun.
And of course, this curious contrast did not go unnoticed by Xing Liyun's hawk-like eyes. However, Xing Liyun chose to actively ignore this.
Ying continued chirpily.
"I was getting to that. My main point is...
"In order to celebrate and commemorate their blessed bountiful harvest and rich-nurturing soil, and the wealth earned through the marketing of their healthy, delicious yields they reap every year because of their high quality produce, the townspeople established the Festival of Fiz.
"This festival lasts for a week, and the native townspeople prepare a lot of delicious and nutritious food, snacks, and fruits for this annual occasion. As well as other local merchandise to sell and earn some holiday money. Tourists, visitors, and indigenous people alike are welcome to join in and enjoy it. This is quite a friendly town and we have arrived in the middle of this festival."
Right at this moment, right when Ying had finished his monologic rant, the waiter arrived again with two dishes this time. One was a bowl filled with a variety of tasty-looking fruits---ones that Xing Liyun had never seen before---and one was the salted cabbage dish.
The waiter placed down the dishes. Ying handed him the payment.
There was also a small tip for the waiter mixed in.
Clutching the coins in the palm of his hand, the waiter smiled even brighter. He politely bowed before he turned and left.
Ying scooped up some salted sliced cabbages with his chopsticks and put them in Xing Liyun's bowl of porridge.
Xing Liyun ate it without a word. He had to admit that plain cabbage flavored with only salt tasted unexpectedly good.
Turning the salted cabbage in his mouth with his tongue, Xing Liyun could tell the difference between the cabbages he's eaten before and now. It was indeed tastier and more full of flavor even just by itself, and with the addition of salt, the flavor was enhanced even more.
On the bustling streets lively with people---both children and adults---the sun shone brightly down on the festive activities.
Various clamoring voices rang out throughout the wide streets urging passersby to look at their products and persuade the potential customer to buy them with glib tongues. People were sitting on the stools set out for customers, whether they bought food or not.
Although the Festival of Fiz was just beginning and it was only the first day, it was already vivacious.
Walking down the street as he took in the sight before and to the sides of him, Xing Liyun was guided by Ying around the town to sightsee all the stalls and shops for tourists and visitors.
Frequenting the many food services and tasting them. Xing Liyun and Ying were enjoying themselves at the festival.
Especially Ying, who was having the time of his life. It's like he's never been to a festival before!
He acted so similar to a child on Christmas; it's like the whole street was filled with presents he desires to open!
Xing Liyun arched an eyebrow at this scene, but he didn't comment on it and just followed along. It'll be a good chance to know more about this world through interacting with its people.
Time is slow when you're bored, while it runs like something's chasing it when you're having fun.
Regrettably, the sun was setting down below the earth and the land darkened.
However, although it was dark, the festival continued on into the night bravely and wildly. With everyone still having fun.
Xing Liyun watched as lights began to turn on in all the streets. It was weird.
It was weird because it wasn't fire that was lighting up the dark, but nor was it the electricity and light bulb he was familiar with.
Suddenly, at his side, Ying called out to get his attention, "Cereus," he then pointed at a food stall, "I'm going there to get some soup noodles."
At this, Xing Liyun perked up and his attention was unexpectedly captured!
However, his expression did not change much, it was ever-cold like Mount Everest and right now, it was expressionless. Not even a twitch.
He nodded, "Get me some as well."
Ying agreed and ran to the stall—his excitement still not wearing off.
Waiting in an alley for Ying to return, Xing Liyun suddenly sensed many presences behind him in the dark alley.
Shadowy figures pounced towards him.