Chapter 690: Big Black

As Hu Li followed Ji Yuan, who was laughing heartily, he suddenly felt that the distance between himself and Mr. Ji had significantly shortened, much like their steps at that moment. Previously, awe had predominated, but now a sense of intimacy was growing.

Hu Li also perceived a subtle shift in the big man named Jin Jia's attitude toward him, though it was not outwardly discernible. This was a subtle sensation, felt only in the slightest degree.

The market in Luoping City was already bustling with vendors and pedestrians. Naturally, many restaurants and shops were open, and the Lu Family Shop was one of them—an old, established cooked food store.

The shop's counter was integrated into its outer wall. During business hours, the removable wooden panels above were taken down, creating a large, street-facing counter.

Inside, several large pots simmered and braised various meats. The rising steam, mixed with the savory aroma of the stew, wafted down the street, tempting passersby.

To one side, a large oven held glowing charcoal, with several chickens roasting above. Their fat glistened as it dripped, reflecting the firelight. A man, dressed lightly despite the cool weather, continuously turned the chickens with a hooked wooden pole.

At the front of the stall, a man who looked remarkably similar to the one working inside, and appeared to be of a similar age, was loudly hawking his wares.

"Come one, come all! Fresh braised meat! Passersby, grab some! It's simmering now and will be ready soon! We also have roasted chicken, made with our Lu family's traditional sauce and marinade—guaranteed delicious!"

"Shopkeeper, save me a roasted chicken. I'll pick it up later. Make sure it's well-wrapped." "You got it!"

"Shopkeeper, half a *jin* of braised mutton, sliced finely, please."

"No problem at all! We can slice it as thin as you like!"

The two brothers inside the shop were happily busy, sometimes switching positions. Many customers frequented their store, and they consistently made sales.

As Ji Yuan and Hu Li turned onto the street, Hu Li pointed to the distant cooked food stall and spoke to Ji Yuan.

"Mr. Ji, that's the one. It's the most delicious, so we've come here quite often. Over the past few months, we've probably consumed over ten *jin* of their mutton, and as for our favorite roasted chickens, we've had at least twenty!"

Ji Yuan looked at Hu Li and inquired.

"You've stolen from them so many times, and the shopkeeper has frequently lost items. How could they not take precautions?"

"Ah, yes, that's right. Later, they tied a large, very fierce black dog beside the shop. In fact, one time, a child who tried to steal a roasted chicken was almost bitten to death by that old black dog. Its neck was torn open with a large gash. Had the dog not been chained, that child likely wouldn't have survived."

Hu Li's voice noticeably dropped as he spoke, an expression of lingering fear on his face. It was clear that the gruesome fate of that fox had left a deep impression on the group.

Ji Yuan grimaced slightly upon hearing this. He had never heard this particular story from Hu Li and his companions. It was no wonder their reaction to a dog's bark was even more extreme than Hu Yun's had been; they had clearly learned a painful lesson.

Although their pace was no different from anyone else's, within a few exchanges, they had already approached the Lu Family Shop. Just then, the last customer left, carrying their wrapped braised meat, leaving the shop front momentarily empty.

Spotting a plump man and a scholarly-looking individual walking towards the shop, the man currently minding the business naturally called out a greeting.

"Hello, gentlemen! Are you looking for some cooked food? It's fresh out of the pot! Why not try some? I guarantee it's delicious!"

At that moment, a large black dog, chained to the side of the shop, stood up and began baring its teeth at Hu Li.

"Grrr... grrr... Woof!"

"Oh no... Mr. Ji..."

This dog was even larger than the biggest yellow dog Ji Yuan had ever seen, and its fur was longer than that of a typical dog. Startled by the animal, Hu Li instinctively hid behind Ji Yuan, who couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated.

"What are you afraid of? The dog is chained."

"Oh, yes, yes! Please don't be afraid, honored guest. Big Black is very docile, truly very docile!"

"Woof woof woof! Woof woof woof woof!"

The large black dog, showing no deference to its owner, barked furiously at Hu Li, its iron chain pulled taut as it strained to lunge. Hu Li's face turned grim. Though he no longer reacted with the same panic as before, he clearly dared not step out from behind Ji Yuan.

"Uh, the dog is chained! It has a chain! Big Black, stop barking! Stop barking! Big Black, listen!"

"Grrr... grrr..."

At its owner's words, the big black dog's barking gradually subsided, but it continued to bare its teeth, emitting menacing growls from its throat. Anyone familiar with dogs knew that a dog in this state was often more dangerous than when it was actively barking.

From the shopkeeper greeting customers to the dog's threatening barks, only a brief moment elapsed. Then, Ji Yuan stepped forward, looked at the old black dog, and without speaking, simply smiled and nodded at the large animal.

Strangely, the big black dog seemed to notice Ji Yuan's presence only then. After observing Ji Yuan's gesture, its aggressive posture immediately softened. After staring at Ji Yuan for a moment, it surprisingly sat down quietly, making no further sound.

"Huh? Sir, you're truly remarkable! You're more effective than I, its owner!"

Ji Yuan looked at the man in the shop and smiled.

"Perhaps Big Black finds me amiable. By the way, shopkeeper, how much are the roasted chickens and braised meats?"

As Ji Yuan spoke, he subtly inhaled, his finger twitching slightly at the tantalizing aroma from the shop. The meat from this Lu Family Shop had not been present at the fox banquet that night, likely due to the big black dog's presence. However, the sheer fragrance compelled him to try it.

"Oh, our braised meats include both mutton and pork. We offer lean cuts, fatty cuts, and tendons, as well as tails and offal. Essentially, every edible part of a sheep or pig is available here. Prices vary depending on the cut: pork is generally twenty *wen* per *jin*, and mutton is thirty *wen* per *jin*. The roasted chickens are twenty-five *wen* each, or twenty *wen* if paid with Da Zhen *tongbao*."

The prices were not cheap, but Ji Yuan possessed an exceptionally keen sense of smell; simply by inhaling the aroma, he knew the braised meat and roasted chicken would be truly exquisite.

"Alright, shopkeeper, I'll trouble you for two braised pork forelegs, including the trotters and tendons. And ten *jin* of braised lamb ribs. Hmm..."

Ji Yuan glanced towards the roasting oven and continued.

"Also, I'll take all ten roasted chickens from that oven. Please tally the total cost."

The two brothers inside the Lu Family Shop were both momentarily stunned by this request. The one who had been tending to the roasted chickens turned his head, and they exchanged bewildered glances. The brother at the counter then asked for confirmation.

"Sir, are you really buying this much?"

"Indeed. I'm preparing a banquet, so I'm buying a larger quantity. Don't worry, shopkeeper, you'll be paid in full, and there will be a gratuity."

As Ji Yuan spoke, he glanced at Hu Li, who immediately understood. Hu Li quickly retrieved his money pouch from his robe and took out the silver.

At this, the two brothers inside the shop became visibly pleased, nodding and agreeing enthusiastically.

"Oh, splendid! Yes, we'll get this ready for you both right away, right away! It's quite a large order, so please bear with us for a moment. Second brother, move quickly!"

"Got it! Ten roasted chickens!"

This was a significant order. To sell so much before noon meant business was truly booming that day.

As the two Lu family men worked diligently, Hu Li was continuously swallowing, his mouth watering. Meanwhile, Ji Yuan, with a smile, approached the large black dog chained to the side. The dog sat watching Ji Yuan, panting with its tongue out, and wagging its tail incessantly.

This sight made the elder Lu brother, who happened to notice it, exclaim in wonder.

"Our Big Black never wags its tail at outsiders. Sometimes, when it's in a bad mood, it can be quite fierce. Sir, you truly are remarkable!"

Ji Yuan nodded subtly to the man, then shifted his attention back to the large black dog. He not only moved closer but also reached out to pet it. The big black dog willingly lowered its head, allowing Ji Yuan to stroke its fur, and a look of pure contentment spread across its canine face.

This sight made both Hu Li and the elder Lu brother gasp in silent astonishment.

Ji Yuan's pale eyes did not employ an overly sophisticated illusion; it was merely a simple visual trick. Even an ordinary person, if they stared intently, could discern the unusual nature of his eyes after a moment. To the big black dog, Ji Yuan's pale eyes were even more strikingly apparent.

"You're a good dog, a very good dog. You must be quite old, aren't you?"

As Ji Yuan stroked the black dog, the elder Lu brother inside the shop overheard his words. Assuming the question was directed at them, he replied with a smile.

"You're right, sir. Big Black was originally raised by my grandfather. When he passed away, he told us to take good care of him. He's been with us for at least twenty years now!"

"Twenty years! That's quite uncommon for a dog!"

Ji Yuan turned his head to address the Lu family man, who chuckled.

"Indeed! Although Big Black is old, he's the king of dogs in our neighborhood and these streets. No other dog can beat him in a fight. Heh heh, he gets to pick any female dog for breeding!"

"Oh?"

Ji Yuan turned his gaze to the big black dog, which immediately let out a low "Woof..."

At this point, even Hu Li cautiously approached to observe the black dog, which no longer reacted as aggressively as it had earlier.

"Mr. Ji, this dog..."

"It's a good one. Its name is Big Black, isn't it?"

"Yes, Big Black!"

The elder Lu brother in the shop quickly responded, keeping a close eye on the movements of this valuable customer, eager to cater to him. However, Ji Yuan hadn't actually been addressing him; he had been smiling and looking at the big black dog.

"Grrr grrr..."

"You remind me of a simple-minded ox..."

Observing the big dog's slightly confused yet remarkably human-like gaze, Ji Yuan glanced at Hu Li, then chuckled softly to the dog again.

"That little fox from before, you could have easily bitten it to death, couldn't you? Why did you let it go?"

"Grrr..."

The big dog let out a soft whine. The elder Lu brother, who had been constantly observing Ji Yuan, then raised his voice to ask.

"Sir, what did you just say? I didn't quite catch it..."

Ji Yuan replied without turning his head.

"I wasn't speaking to you."

"Oh... wait, what?"

The elder Lu brother poked his head out, puzzled, and glanced to the side. If he wasn't speaking to him, then to whom? To the dog?