Chapter Sixty-four: The Japanese Host a Banquet

Thank you to 69 and Baihua Lao San for your generous rewards. And thanks as always to my brothers for your likes, favorites, and recommendations—Half-Immortal will keep working hard!

After tidying up the shop, he was once again preparing to go fishing, but Davis came over to talk to Qiu Fengyu.

"Those Russians still intend to extend their reach into our town. A few guys who used to run with David started selling last night in the town."

Qiu Fengyu, of course, understood what "selling" meant.

"Don't get involved. You're not one of them anymore."

"I know, of course I know," Davis nodded. "But they still came to me last night. I refused, but I have a feeling they'll come looking for me again... After all, they've lost face because of me. Russians are all about pride—those damned bastards."

"If you don't feel safe staying at your own place, you can crash at the shop. There's a bed in the attic anyway," Qiu Fengyu said, tossing his keys.

"I'll think about it," Davis didn't take the keys immediately. "If it comes down to it, I'll just get out of here, maybe look for David—I've heard he's doing pretty well elsewhere..."

"You know where David is?"

"Yeah, he called me once," Davis replied. He still didn't want to drag Qiu Fengyu into this, though he suspected Qiu Fengyu was quite capable. He still worried he couldn't stand up against the Russian gang, and didn't want to see this place ruined. He knew just how ruthless those Russians could be.

"Alright. But if you really have to leave, let me know. You'll need something for the road," Qiu Fengyu said, patting him on the shoulder, then shook his head. "Are you staying here tonight?"

Davis, startled, quickly left the noodle shop. Watching Qiu Fengyu drive away, he shook his head. If he really couldn't withstand the Russians' threats, he'd rather leave early than get Qiu Fengyu involved. He used to hope for Qiu Fengyu's protection, but now he didn't want to implicate him—his mindset had changed.

To be honest, he'd had an easy time here, so he cherished it.

Afterwards, Qiu Fengyu headed out to fish. After driving to the river, he thought for a moment, then decided to call Corvin.

"This is Officer Corvin... Oh, it's you. What made you call?" Corvin asked.

"Well, I think there might be some trouble in town..." Qiu Fengyu hesitated, then explained about the Russians planning to move in and start selling.

Corvin was quiet for a moment, then simply responded, "Got it," and hung up.

This girl really had a personality—just hung up like that.

He didn't care how Corvin responded to the Russians' intrusion, nor whether Davis would really have to run. He just did what he thought was right.

Fishing was fruitful. He caught four big fish—so many that his bucket couldn't hold them, so he just tossed them in the trunk. When he got home and took them out, the smell was a bit strong, so he decided to wash his car.

While washing, he saw two beautiful women—one older, one younger—approaching.

"Mr. Qiu, sorry to disturb you," the older beauty bowed first.

Qiu Fengyu couldn't help but wonder: if she did that in bed too, wouldn't it be something new? Before making love, undressed, she would kneel and bow solemnly, saying, "Mr. Qiu, please take care of me."

The image was oddly enticing, and Qiu Fengyu couldn't help but smile. But his smile must have been a bit off, because the beautiful woman noticed something, her face flushing red, a flicker of anger in her eyes.

"You can go ahead. I know the way," Qiu Fengyu waved, shooing her off.

She clearly had no intention of lingering. She pulled the little girl along. The young girl, less self-conscious, grinned at Qiu Fengyu and said something in Japanese, but he didn't understand a word. Still, she was quickly tugged away, and despite her reluctance, could only wave goodbye.

After washing the car, Qiu Fengyu didn't bother dressing up for the dinner party—he just tossed on a T-shirt, a jacket, jeans, and boots, and headed to the Japanese family's house.

Once there, he realized he had indeed been casual. The whole family was dressed to the nines. The middle-aged couple wore traditional kimonos, and even the two beauties had changed into kimonos. The young man was nowhere to be seen, but Qiu Fengyu didn't mind.

The food was Japanese, and so was the manner of eating. Everyone sat before a small table laden with dishes: sushi, grilled fish, seaweed in vinegar, tofu, miso soup, and more.

Sean Biggs' house had long since been transformed to suit Japanese living habits and furnishings. They were worried at first that Qiu Fengyu might not be used to it, but seeing him kneel and eat so naturally, they knew he was no stranger to Japanese cuisine.

The sake was poured by the older beauty, who didn't join the meal but served drinks at the side. The younger girl didn't appear, perhaps not allowed to serve guests.

Qiu Fengyu expertly polished off the food before him—even drinking the miso soup properly, stirring it with his chopsticks.

During the meal, they made small talk, and he finally learned the family's names: his host was Kenzo Yonekura, his wife was Asami Takahashi, their son was Masatoshi Yonekura, the beautiful daughter was Ryoko Yonekura, and the little girl was Minami Yonekura.

After one bottle of sake, they opened another. After two bottles, Kenzo grew more talkative, sharing bits of his past. Qiu Fengyu barely listened, but fortunately the man wasn't too drunk—just some simple stories, nothing deep or involving family secrets. Ryoko refilled their cups silently, unmoved even when Qiu Fengyu winked at her, her face never betraying emotion.

After the meal came tea.

This time, the little girl appeared, smiling at Qiu Fengyu and trying to drape herself around his neck. Ryoko swiftly pulled her away by the collar. The little one pouted, tears welling up, almost ready to cry, but a glare from her sister kept her silent, tears trembling in her eyes.

Qiu Fengyu, amused, reached out his hand. Instantly, Minami beamed, leaping into his arms, her tears rolling down her cheeks as she grinned, making Qiu Fengyu laugh outright.

In the end, it became clear—the family intended to settle here for good.

It was a pleasant enough evening. When Qiu Fengyu took his leave, Kenzo and Asami saw him out, the two daughters following as well. At the door, Kenzo lingered and said, “I’m planning to open a hotel in Paso City. Would you be interested in joining?”

So this was the real business.

“No, I’m not interested in running that kind of thing. The noodle shop is just a way to pass the time,” Qiu Fengyu replied. He wasn’t short of money and had no interest in more complicated ventures.

Kenzo seemed disappointed, sighing, “Your talent is like a pearl covered in dust—why not let it shine?”

Qiu Fengyu wasn't fond of such flowery talk. “Personal preference,” he replied, then left coolly under Kenzo’s regretful gaze.

Back at home, he felt a deep sense of ease—he’d come to see Sersha’s house as his own, enjoying its freedom and comfort.

That evening, Tim came by again, eager for another round with Qiu Fengyu. Spurred on by sake, Qiu Fengyu gave him a thorough beating, sending him home limping but, oddly, with a look of joy in his eyes.

The next morning, when they went running, Corvin made a point to match her pace with Qiu Fengyu’s. Tim, grinning mischievously, flashed an “O” gesture at Qiu Fengyu and sped off out of sight.

“What do you think we should do?” Corvin’s first words made Qiu Fengyu gawk.

“Do about what?” he asked.

Corvin shot him an irritated look. “What you told me yesterday—the Russians…”

“Uh, isn’t that a police matter?”

Corvin fell silent, realizing she’d picked the wrong person to ask. Still, she felt the weight of it, and quietly ran with Qiu Fengyu until they were done.

“Hey, Corvin…”

She stopped and turned to look at him.

“Don’t let yourself get stressed. You’re the police—don’t let your mind get tangled up before anything’s even happened,” Qiu Fengyu said, heading home.

“Don’t get tangled up?” Corvin snorted. That was hardly helpful advice.