Chapter 63: A Coffee Quest and a Cheeky Reunion
“Meow~”
Hulu sat innocently to the side, looking oh-so-obedient. But Luo Su couldn’t stand it—this sneaky cat, acting cute after winning! She pounced, grabbing its big head, shaking hard.
“…”
No budge—she couldn’t shake it!
“Argh!”
“Watch me squash you, bad Hulu!” Fuming, she flopped onto its soft belly. No effect, but she got excited.
“Hmph, king’s steed!”
“Meow?”
Hulu blinked, yawning, then flipped, pinning Luo Su. “Wah!” She scrambled up pitifully. “Y-you crushed my wings!”
“Ugh…”
Sulking, she glared at the cat. Hulu lounged lazily. Big eyes met small, tiny tail swished, big tail wagged…
“Gulp…”
Three minutes of standoff, Luo Su deflated like a pufferfish. Rubbing sore eyes, she stood, wings drooping sadly.
“Seriously,”
Sighing, she crawled up. “Why’m I fighting Hulu? Better go out, clear my head.”
Still so mad!
At the door, she couldn’t resist, charging back. “Bad Hulu! Super bad! Universe’s worst!” Yelling done, she fled, satisfied.
(Yup… ran!)
(Smug.jpg)
…
Pingchang’s streets were a National Day finale “steel flood”—traffic jams, horns blaring, traffic lights flickering like a broken carousel.
“Hmph~”
In high spirits, Luo Su skipped along the sidewalk, tail tucked in her clothes, wagging happily. No four-wheel woes, her 100-meter dash powered by—
“Half a cream bun!”
Smugly weaving between cars, she stuck her tongue out at frazzled drivers. Honk all you want—useless.
Da da da!
“Ugh…”
Clutching her head, she darted across the crosswalk. Okay, maybe some effect—her head was pounding…
“Phew…”
Checking her phone’s coupon, “Wonder how this café’s coffee tastes.” Only 4.9 yuan for hand-brewed coffee!
(This…)
(Cheaper than store-bought!)
“Hmph, I’m the best!” Always snagging opening deals, indulging in snacks she’d never splurge on!
“Ugh, let’s see…”
1.3 kilometers to go! “???” Blinking in disbelief, “No way… it said 1 kilometer when I left!”
“Gulp…”
Glancing at the worsening traffic and “farther” destination, “Fine, I’m here…” With mixed feelings, she began her trek.
…
“Ugh… back then,”
“I could walk five kilometers blindfolded, no sweat…” Panting on a bench, Luo Su bragged. The past was always exaggerated.
“100 meters left!”
Exhausted for coffee, she rubbed her tail, glancing at her back. “Gulp… gotta watch two spots now.”
Finally…
Destination reached!
Tiptoeing, nose nearly on the glass, she peered—“New Opening! Hand-Brewed Coffee ¥24.9” with a wonky heart drawn beside.
“Huh???”
Checking her phone, “Yup, 4.9…” Oddly nervous, she crept into the café.
“Welcome!”
“G-good…” Startled, this setup didn’t scream 4.9 coffee. “I-I might’ve come to the wrong place…”
“Only new café around~” The server’s professional smile hid her melting heart—such a cute kid!
“Little… guest, try our special milk coffee?”
“Ugh…”
Seeing the server’s kindness, Luo Su gained courage, timidly asking, “C-can I really use… this coupon?”
“Of course~”
The server leaned closer, whispering, “But our coffee’s a bit bitter, might not suit kids~”
“No problem.”
Luo Su’s eyes sparkled. She wanted to taste discounted ¥24.9 coffee. If it’s bad, only 4.9 lost.
“Seats upstairs too.”
“O-okay!”
Relieved, the place was too nice—she felt like she was stealing a deal…
…
Compared to downstairs,
The second-floor terrace was autumn’s masterpiece—grapevines wove a hollow canopy, faded leaves letting light dapple through.
“Phew…”
As wind passed, curled leaves fluttered like tarnished gold foil, ground shadows dancing.
“Ugh…”
“Feels too fancy to drink here!”
Sulking in a corner, worried. Just under five yuan… could she really drink here? Wait, her eyes lit up!
“Jiang Cha?!”
Waving excitedly, courage surged. Yay, an ally! (Safety +10086!)
“Su Xi?”
Jiang Cha blinked, waving back happily. “You’re here for coffee too?” Luo Su ran over, smug. “Got a coupon~”
“Coupon?”
“Yup!” She showed her phone.
“Coffee, huh.”
Jiang Cha eyed the kid, hesitant. “Don’t you like sweet stuff?”
“Yup.”
Luo Su pouted. Why’d everyone think she’s a kid who can’t handle coffee? Supermarket coffee was sweet and great!
“…”
Seeing her huff, Jiang Cha rubbed her head, teasing, “Hmph, how was yesterday, fun?”
“Ugh!”
Luo Su’s face reddened, turning away. “N-no asking, I’ll get mad!”
“Okay, okay~”
Jiang Cha laughed. Luo Su recalled Jiang Ning saying Jiang Cha was down. Gulp… maybe she’s better now!
“Ugh…”
Puzzled but dropping it, Luo Su plopped on a wicker chair, waiting for her coffee, humming…
This was refining her taste!