Chapter 203: Chapter 202 Old City Night Market_l

Translator: 549690339

Five-river Province was home to the most bustling night market, located on a street in the northern district.

In its early days, this place was very prosperous and was once a central area.

However, as the years passed, developers were reluctant to foot the bill for demolition, and with the local support for the construction of the New District, the area gradually fell into neglect.

In the boom of the construction industry over the last few years, buildings sprung up everywhere!

The city’s boundaries were planned further and further out, and houses were built increasingly off-center, while both administrative and commercial centers accelerated their move away.

What was once the central business district, in just a short decade, became the old city district.

Many people moved to the New District to live, and the influx of newcomers also chose to buy houses there, so gradually, the population here thinned.

But those who remained were mostly older folks, along with some of their children.

After the local administration moved away, the management here was relatively relaxed.

There was no need for environmental efforts like those in the New District, nor was there anyone checking on health and sanitation every other day.

Over time, one of the streets evolved into a night market.

The old residents were mostly down-to-earth with exquisite craftsmanship.

Not to mention the low prices, the food was delicious.

Many people came here drawn by its reputation, but most of them were of the older generation.

After all, with the constant influx of new things, fast-food chains like KFC and McDonald’s had already taken over the diet of many young people, so naturally, no young people would come to this kind of night market.

Transportation in the old city district was also not very convenient, so mostly locals frequented here, and some, like Octavius, who had a love for the old flavors.

This outing involved only four people.

According to Julius Reed’s wishes, going out was meant to be relaxing, and there was no need to bring so many bodyguards.

Aside from Allen, who was responsible for spending money and carrying things – a necessary hard labor — Octavius only brought his daughter, Ives Abbott.

They didn’t even drive; after three bus transfers and a one-kilometer walk, they arrived at Neil Street.

Octavius gasped for breath and couldn’t help but feel that he was getting old and his body couldn’t keep up.

Ives, on the other hand, found everything fresh and exciting, as the rich second-generation who normally drove luxury cars around town, suddenly found riding the bus a bit novel.

If she knew that back in the day, Julius Reed even rode tigers, elephants, and even upon a white crane, she would probably be even more envious.

They had set out when it was still daylight, and by the time they arrived, the sky had gradually darkened.

Octavius, knowing his way around, quickly located a large food stall in the center of the night market and took a seat like a regular citizen.

“Hey! Mr. Abbott, you’re here! What’s been going on lately, haven’t seen you for a few days!”

The food stall was owned by a couple around forty years old, very amiable in nature; upon seeing Octavius and his company, they quickly came over to greet them.

Clearly, Octavius was a regular here.

“Just been a bit busy lately!”

Octavius chatted amiably, without any of the airs he usually had.

“Busy with what, you? I was wondering if you were up to no good and got yourself locked up!”

The owner turned and brought over a few bottles of soda, opened them with a bottle opener, and placed them in front of the four, “That widow Liu over there has been missing you! ”

After saying this, he glanced around the night market.

“Go on! Don’t talk nonsense! My daughter is here!”

Octavius kicked the stall owner in the backside and scolded with a laugh, “The usual rules, give us four servings!”

He turned to Julius Reed, “Brother Reed, take a look at what you want to eat!”

The stall owner had already placed the worn menu on the table and looked at

Julius Reed, “Mr. Abbott, your son-in-law?”

They only knew Octavius had a daughter, and suddenly a handsome young man appears, naturally leading to wild speculations. Getting on in years, they couldn’t help being a bit gossipy.

“Don’t talk nonsense! Just a friend!”

Octavius’s hand shook, and he nearly dropped his soda.

Having Julius Reed as a son-in-law? That would be the death of him!

I don’t have the guts to do that!

Besides, the man’s already got a wife.

Thinking about this, he really kind of envied Julius Reed’s father-in-law.

Yet, Burl Radcliffe seemed to be filled with regret…

“Mr. Abbott, these days, if you can have a young man join you for a meal here, be content with that! I see this young brother with clear eyebrows and bright eyes, but not a hint of arrogance, really not bad!”

The owner sized up Julius Reed, his smile growing even broader: “If he weren’t your son-in-law, I’d consider setting him up with my own daughter!”

He had operated the food stall for many years and had seen all sorts of people.

Someone like Julius Reed, handsome yet approachable, was truly rare.

And it looked like he came from a good family background, a child of a wealthy family.

For a rich kid to be like this these days was quite uncommon.

Julius Reed didn’t say much, instead, he picked up a soda and took a sip:

“Tastes good!”

It’s not easy to find a taste from twenty years ago nowadays.

“Enjoy the soda, it’s on the house!”

The owner patted his chest and called inside: “Denzel Leopold, bring out a case of soda!”

“Right on!”

With a sweet voice, a girl around twenty years of age carrying a case of soda hurried over.

The soda was quite heavy, but the girl was strong. Her face was not made up, but she was very pretty.

“Your daughter’s not bad!”

Julius Reed nodded his head.

They say children from poor families take on responsibilities early. While other girls her age were indulging in fun, this young girl was helping out with the family business.

“Heh heh. She’s going to university in the provincial capital. She’s made us as parents proud, hardly spending any money. She’s at the University of Finance and Economics, it’s a top-tier school!”

The owner’s face was full of pride when he talked about his daughter.

They had only one child, who was well-behaved and clever, with excellent academic results.

In stark contrast was Ives Abbott, standing beside them in a daze.

She was the typical rich second generation: ignorant and incompetent, idling her life away.

“Good! Keep studying hard, repay your parents, and save them from such toil.”

Miguel Abbott looked at the young girl with a beaming smile, as if he were looking at his own daughter.

“You two keep talking, I’ll go and get started on your food!”

The owner took his daughter’s hand and headed toward the kitchen.

By this time, it was getting late, and a steady stream of customers began to fill the shop.

Julius Reed and Octavius began an intense discussion about folk cuisine.

Octavius thought of himself as well-traveled and knowledgeable, but Julius Reed mentioned a few dishes he’d never heard of, and by the end, he could only admire him!

In the midst of their casual chat, a group of young people walked in from outside.

The leader had dyed yellow hair, a large gold chain around his neck, and behind him were several young men with unfriendly expressions.

Their demeanor didn’t seem like they were here to eat.

“Goddamn, the hygiene fee has been overdue for three months, Alton Bread has spoken, if you can’t come up with the money today, we’ll smash up your shabby shop!”

The yellow-haired guy looked around, violently knocked over a table, and shouted at the customers inside: “Get the hell out of here!”

The crowd, seeing the situation, quickly left.

“Jett, take a seat!”

Hearing the noise, the owner hurried out and greeted them with a smiling face..