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Chapter 221: A small date!

The evening sun painted the sky in hues of gold and amber as Zhang Yuan and Jin Wei strolled down the cobblestone streets of the bustling Yu Hong Holy Land.

Lanterns were already being lit, their warm glow adding a festive charm to the evening air.

Jin Wei was walking beside him, her silver hair catching the light like moonbeams, and her cheeks tinged a soft pink that had yet to fade since their earlier conversation.

"This way," Jin Wei said softly, gesturing toward a quaint restaurant tucked between two larger buildings.

Its wooden sign swayed gently in the breeze, etched with the name Moonlit Orchid.

The aroma of freshly steamed buns and roasted meat wafted through the air, making her stomach quietly rumble.

Zhang Yuan noticed and chuckled, glancing at her with an amused smile. "Are you that hungry?"

Her blush deepened, and she quickly shook her head, trying to hide her embarrassment. "N-No! I just... the food smells really good," she murmured, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.

He smiled and opened the door for her, motioning for her to enter. "After you."

Inside, the restaurant was warm and cozy, with soft lighting and tables made of polished wood.

Delicate floral arrangements adorned each table, and the gentle hum of conversation filled the air.

A waitress greeted them with a bow and led them to a secluded corner table by the window, where the soft glow of the setting sun streamed in.

As they sat down, Jin Wei’s nerves began to get the better of her.

She picked up the menu, using it as a makeshift shield to hide her face.

Her heart raced as she tried to focus on the words, but the thought of sitting across from Zhang Yuan on what felt suspiciously like a date made her palms sweat.

Zhang Yuan, on the other hand, was calm and relaxed, scanning the menu casually. "Everything here looks good. What do you recommend, Wei?"

She peeked over the edge of the menu, her silver eyes darting around. "I-I heard their steamed dumplings are really good... and their lotus root soup..."

He smiled warmly. "Then we’ll have that."

He waved the waitress over and placed their order, adding a few dishes of his own to make sure she had plenty of options.@@@@

As they waited for the food, Jin Wei fiddled with her chopsticks, her gaze fixed firmly on the table.

Zhang Yuan watched her with amusement, his chin resting on his hand. "You know," he said softly, "you’re cute when you’re nervous."

Her head shot up, and her blush deepened to the color of a ripe peach. "I-I’m not nervous." she protested, though her trembling hands betrayed her words.

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Then why are you gripping those chopsticks like you’re about to fight with them?"

She looked down and realized she had been holding them tightly enough to turn her knuckles white.

Letting out a soft squeak, she quickly placed them on the table and clasped her hands in her lap. "I... I’m just not used to this," she admitted shyly.

Zhang Yuan leaned back in his chair, his gaze softening. "You don’t have to be so formal with me, Wei. Just relax and be yourself."

Before she could respond, the waitress arrived with their food, setting down a steaming basket of dumplings, a fragrant bowl of lotus root soup, and several other dishes.

Jin Wei’s eyes lit up at the sight, her nervousness momentarily forgotten.

"Let’s eat," Zhang Yuan said, picking up his chopsticks and gesturing for her to do the same.

She nodded and picked up a dumpling, carefully placing it on her plate.

The Holy Land’s representatives ascended to the elevated seats reserved for the most distinguished guests.

At the center of the coliseum, the announcer stepped onto the stage, his robes billowing dramatically as he activated a voice-amplifying talisman.

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He was an older man with a booming voice and a flair for theatrics, and he lived for moments like these.

"People of the continent!" he began, his voice reverberating through the air, silencing the crowd instantly.

"Today marks the pinnacle of our great tournament... the finals of the Continental Genius Tournament!"

Standing on the sidelines of the arena, Ming Yuelin patted Xue Hua’s shoulder "Hua, are you nervous?"

With a shake of her head, Xue Hua tightened the gauntlets on her hand "Not a bit."

"Good, hehehe."

The announcer’s voice boomed again "Now, let us welcome the heroes of this tournament... the finalists who have earned their place on this grand stage!"

"The young woman who had made a name for herself amidst the thousands of competitors, the Silver Tiger, who bares her fangs, XUE HUA!!!"

With a soft breath, Xue Hua stepped into the arena, and the crowd’s voice rose again, shaking the entire arena.

Finally, the announcer’s voice grew even more dramatic. "And now, the one who has captured the attention of all, the shining star of the Yu Hong Holy Land!"

The crowd fell silent in anticipation as a young woman clad in pristine white robes appeared, her white hair billowing in the air.

"Representing the Yu Hong Holy Land, a genius whose brilliance eclipses the sun... the Radiant Star, HONG SHI!"

The applause that followed was almost deafening, the crowd rising to their feet in a show of admiration.

With both of the finalists assembled, the announcer raised his arms once more. "The stage is set, the battlefield is ready, and the world watches with bated breath. Let the finals of the Continental Genius Tournament begin!"

"YEAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

...

"Ahh, that’s so loud.. my ears."

Sitting in the VIP room, Long Yue clutched her ears as she glanced at the grand spectacle on the battlefield.

Chen Zin, who was sitting beside her on the couch, giggled and nodded her head "En.. I am almost getting goosebumps."

Zhang Fumin’s eyes gleamed in excitement "Hmm, this is really exciting... when you not know who is going to win?"

As she spoke, she turned to Zhang Yuan, who was sitting beside him.

Feeling her gaze, Zhang Yuan shrugged his arms "It’s in the hand of fate."

Zhang Yuan’s lips curled up "Fate huh... Hmm..."

"Don’t worry Yuan, I have full confidence that Little Hua will win."

Zhang Yuan turned to Jin Wei and chuckled softly "I hope so.."

Jin Wei’s eyes softened, and she leaned to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Mhm..."

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