The night in Shu Du was just as lively and bustling as the day. Vehicles and pedestrians flowed like a river, weaving, crossing, converging, and colliding on the interconnected roads, stirring up a roaring tide of human noise.

In the streets and alleys, there were beautiful girls of every description, their fair, rosy skin radiating the scent of youth with every gesture. A delicate foundation of elegance made it impossible to conceal their appeal; even without makeup, dressed in ordinary clothes, walking amidst the throng, that exquisite beauty was enough to make one’s heart skip a beat.

Faced with these scenic views, Wang Guan maintained a degree of reserve, almost never letting his eyes wander, glancing only occasionally. Yu Feibai, however, was quite bold. The moment he spotted a target, he would stare with burning intensity; if Wang Guan hadn't held him back, he might have walked right over to strike up a conversation.

Then again, thick-skinned as they were, while such forwardness annoyed some beauties, quite a few other girls seemed to respond well to it, preferring that direct and audacious style.

Anyway, as they walked, Wang Guan saw that although many people ignored Yu Feibai, some even rolling their eyes in disapproval, a good number of beautiful women were certainly throwing him encouraging glances and flirting back.

Her features were exquisitely drawn, and her eyes, sharply contrasting black and white, were filled with a vibrant energy. At that moment, Wang Guan finally understood what "glancing eyes" truly meant—a captivating charm that felt like it could scorch the beholder.

"See that, see that…" Yu Feibai exclaimed excitedly, nearly clutching his chest, "That look, it’s like Cupid’s arrow, piercing right through my heart."

"Stop being nauseating. We haven't eaten all day, aren't you hungry?" Wang Guan rubbed his arms, feeling goosebumps rise, and absolutely refused to admit he was jealous.

"You just don't understand my charm," Yu Feibai said narcissistically, smoothing his hair, his face beaming with a smile. "I’m in a good mood today, name whatever you want to eat, my treat."

"Nonsense, it was going to be your treat anyway," Wang Guan retorted with a pout.

"Uh, that’s right," Yu Feibai admitted with a slightly sheepish expression before regaining his composure. He smiled and said, "Can you handle spicy food? There's a lot of delicious food in Shu, but the most famous is definitely the numbing and spicy hot pot."

"I can manage a little, but nothing near the level of Shu people," Wang Guan quickly replied. As a southerner, he could handle some spice due to the humid and hot local climate, but certainly not compared to the Shu natives for whom 'if it’s not spicy, it’s nothing.'

"Understood," Yu Feibai grinned. "Then, we’ll get the non-spicy hot pot."

Shu is also renowned for its gastronomy; the local diet has evolved into a culture. Shu Du is especially a culinary capital, gathering all kinds of delicious fare.

Most people visiting Shu Du must try the hot pot. This is somewhat related to the humid climate of the Shu Basin, which sees more rain than sun. Staying long in a damp environment is certainly not good for health. Thus, the clever people of Shu invented hot pot, coupled with the numbing and spicy condiments, allowing them to sweat profusely, curing all ailments.

Especially for beautiful women, after eating the numbing and spicy hot pot, their fair, rosy cheeks look even more like they have rouge applied, making them exquisitely charming. Because of this, Wang Guan strongly suspected Yu Feibai’s true motivation for wanting hot pot—was it for the food, or for the view?

Of course, Wang Guan wouldn't object.

Walking down any main street, one could see dense rows of hot pot restaurants, standing like a forest. To find the best one, there was no need to look at the shop signs or ask around. Simply go wherever the crowds were thickest and the atmosphere liveliest.

After a brief discussion, the two chose a hot pot establishment with the largest storefront and the busiest business. As they stepped inside, a tidal wave of noise and heat washed over them. The scene was so noisy, lively, and bustling that it felt like being inside a great kiln.

Furthermore, waves of a mildly numbing and spicy rich aroma rushed toward them, making one’s mouth water uncontrollably and forcing them to swallow.

Led by a server, the two were seated at a square table by the window on the second floor.

Yu Feibai expertly ordered the hot pot base and various accompanying dishes. Once the server left, he couldn't stay still, his eyes scanning the bustling crowd like a scanner, zeroing in on one beautiful woman after another.

"See that? Third row, seventh table, the one with long hair in a floral sundress—that quiet elegance, that gentle allure, it’s the unique aura of a beauty from Suzhou and Hangzhou… Oh, and fifth row, third table, the short-haired one, her skin is so dewy, it looks like it would burst if poked."

For a while, Yu Feibai was like a commanding general, pointing out the landscape and stirring up emotion. With his meticulous commentary, he had essentially cataloged every beauty in the second-floor hall.

At that moment, Wang Guan couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration. It wasn't a skill to merely look at beautiful women, but to filter and select them from a noisy environment filled with several hundred people—that was truly remarkable.

"Naturally," Yu Feibai said proudly, boasting a little, "Someone once praised me, saying these eyes of mine could be called Fiery Eyes, capable of seeing through anything."

"I guess if Uncle De knew, he’d surely scold you for neglecting your true vocation," Wang Guan chuckled.

"Alas, he’s scolded me plenty," Yu Feibai sighed, giving a wry smile. "Uncle De said that if I applied even half the dedication I use to appraise beauties toward appreciating antiques, I would have mastered the trade and could stand on my own by now."

"That’s absolutely true," Wang Guan agreed. "Actually, if you observe closely, you’ll notice that antiques and beauties are quite similar; they both possess a kind of beauty."

"But while antiques are beautiful, they are ultimately lifeless objects, unlike beauties who are lively and can chat," Yu Feibai rubbed his nose. "Don't tell me you're one of those people obsessed with antiques, who loves them more than women."

"Of course... not," Wang Guan laughed lightly. "Come on, I’m still young. Perhaps in a few decades, I’ll develop the mindset you speak of."

"Who isn't?" Yu Feibai empathized, chuckling softly. "When I get to Old Qian's age, if anyone dares to mention beautiful women to me, I'll probably fall out with them."

Amidst their banter, the server brought the hot pot, setting down several plates of meat and baskets of vegetables before retreating.

Simultaneously, the broth began to boil, releasing a thick, tantalizing aroma that made one’s mouth water profusely.

"Here, let's drink."

Being away from home and not at any formal banquet, the two ordered three bottles of beer, just enough to keep things lively.

For the next hour or so, they stayed in that lively atmosphere, drinking and dining heartily while admiring the scenery, leaving fully satisfied and content.