The NO.1 Food Stall in the Wasteland novel Chapter 166

Chapter 166: Chapter 166: The Imperial City Is Truly About to Fall into Chaos

An air purifier costs several thousand Star Coins; she could never bring herself to buy one.

Shen Lu didn’t quite know what to say. She wouldn’t have minded giving an air purifier to Granny Jin, but she knew the old woman would never accept it.

Shen Lu took out the meal she had prepared, but Granny Jin refused to take it.

"Shen Lu, I’m touched that you came to see me. Please, take the food back." Granny Jin’s expression was stern as she turned and took some Star Coins from her nightstand. "And for the meals you had Wang Daguo deliver before... I don’t know what would be a fair price, so just take this."

"Granny Jin, I didn’t bring you food to get your money." Shen Lu shook her head. "I just want to do something for you."

Since arriving in this Otherworld, Granny Jin was the first person who had shown her any warmth.

Shen Lu would always remember this kindness.

"You’ve already done more than enough for an old woman like me..." Granny Jin’s eyes grew a little red, and her voice choked with emotion.

If not for a lingering attachment in her heart, she would have long since followed her late husband.

But life as a widow was lonely and solitary. Shen Lu’s arrival had brought a splash of vibrant color to her gray existence. Aside from her son, from whom she hadn’t heard a word, she now had someone else to care about.

Her monotonous life now had some flavor. Though Granny Jin never said so, she truly cherished it.

"Granny Jin, our meeting was a kind of fate. When I was first cast out into the Seventeenth District, I had nowhere to live. If it weren’t for you, I never would have made it through that time safely."

"But you paid your own rent."

"But your kindness isn’t something money can buy." Shen Lu patted the back of her hand. "I’m earning good money now, so these meals don’t cost much. Please, just eat and don’t worry about it. If you still feel you owe me something, then just focus on getting better. And when you have some free time, come visit me at the shop."

Granny Jin’s lips moved a few times, but in the end, she couldn’t bring herself to keep refusing.

One who walks in darkness can’t help but be drawn to the sight of a warm fire.

Shen Lu waited for Granny Jin to finish her meal, then once again brought up the idea of her staying at the shop for a while.

This time, Granny Jin didn’t reject it outright, only saying she needed to think about it.

"You can move back here after you’ve recovered." Shen Lu explained patiently, "The weather is bad right now, and this house isn’t good for your recovery. Granny Jin, I’ll come see you again tomorrow. You can give me your answer then."

"Okay, I’ll give it some serious thought tonight."

Shen Lu packed up the lunchbox. Granny Jin walked her to the door, reminding her to be careful on the way home.

"Got it."

Shen Lu opened her umbrella and stepped unsteadily into the rain.

The water on the ground was murky, obscuring the pavement. Shen Lu didn’t dare walk too fast, carefully wading through.

Just as she was leaving the entrance to the Seventeenth District, she was knocked down by someone who crashed into her from the side.

"Ah!"

The umbrella fell into the water. Shen Lu flailed her arms, trying to grab onto something to keep her balance.

A pair of strong arms grabbed her raincoat, stopping her just before she plunged into the filthy water.

"You—!" The accusation died on Shen Lu’s lips as she got a clear look at the person’s face. "Brother Wang?"

"Boss Shen?!" Hearing the familiar voice, Wang Daguo recognized her too. A chagrined look crossed his face. "My apologies. I was in such a rush, I didn’t see you."

"It’s okay, I’m fine."

Wang Daguo picked up the umbrella and gave it a good shake before handing it back to Shen Lu.

"Boss Shen, it’s getting dark. You should hurry home."

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