Li Xin rolled his eyes, thinking Tang Yinxiao is beautiful, but she’s not his type, and besides, he doesn’t have that much charm anyway.

"You guy, Tang Yinxiao is not my type."

"What kind of girls do you like, Brother Li? Older sisters? You can’t still be a virgin, right? Doesn’t seem like it; Huerta is still a virgin, but you definitely aren’t," Lu Shuai laughed. "Old Hu is too shy. Every girl I introduced him to failed. He made every possible mistake one could make when chasing girls."

"That’s just because he hasn’t met the right one yet. There’ll always be a girl suitable for him."

"Oh, you really know your stuff, Brother Li. My time has come, haha."

Li Xin admired Lu Shuai’s mindset; no matter what setbacks he encountered, he would regain his confidence after a while.

The coffee shop is situated in the West First District of Dragon Capital, a prime location for the wealthy, a commercial center—prosperous but not crowded, with clean, orderly streets, each unique building, accommodating various styles. Pedestrians were mostly well-dressed, some even quite opulent. The girls were particularly dazzling, a feast for the eyes. Even just strolling around was delightful without buying anything.

The two people in the carriage inhaled deeply simultaneously, as the air was permeated with a faint fragrance that relaxed the mind.

"Golden Dragon Street is one of the three busiest shopping streets in the West First District," Lu Shuai chuckled. "There are two ultimate enjoyments for men; one of them is the Arts Loft, the pinnacle of body art. A man who hasn’t experienced the Arts Loft isn’t a real man. It’s a pity, Brother Li, you’re a decent person and not into stuff like this."

Li Xin widened his eyes, licking his lips, wanting to speak but stopping.

"Here we are, Holy Gospel." Lu Shuai said excitedly, but upon seeing a carriage beside them, he coughed a few times, restraining his emotions.

The domed building exuded exotic charm, somewhat in the style of Moncalleta, but not as grand, having instead a more delicate and cozy ambiance.

Huerta waved to them at the entrance.

"Old Hu, when did you arrive?"

"Lu Shuai, Brother Li, I just got here."

"Come on, let’s give it a try and see if the coffee here is really that good."

Upon entering the café, a waiter in a suit and tie greeted them with a smile, "Do you have a reservation, gentlemen?"

"Lu Shuai."

"Mr. Lu, please follow me, gentlemen. Your table is upstairs." The waiter led them to a window-side table on the second floor.

The second floor was almost full, mostly couples or elegantly paired ladies. A trio like Li Xin, Lu Shuai, and Huerta was a standout.

"Gentlemen, would you like a recommendation?" the waiter asked respectfully.

"Get my two brothers the most expensive, and give me your signature," Lu Shuai said generously, waving his hand.

"Alright, sir, please wait a moment." The waiter responded with a smile, appreciating such carefree spenders.

"There’s no need to waste money; I don’t really get coffee. This stuff is bitter, doesn’t taste good," Huerta complained.

"Learn to drink it even if it doesn’t taste good," Lu Shuai replied. "Drinking coffee isn’t about drinking; it’s about experiencing and socializing."

"Brother Li, I don’t have much going on lately. If Night Patrol has a case, I’d like to gain some experience," Huerta suddenly mentioned.

"Haha, you could say that I’m quite short-staffed," Li Xin nodded. Huerta was reliable and quiet, very suitable for Night Patrol.

"The three of us can team up; I also have a heart for upholding justice."

Li Xin and Huerta clinked their cups together. The cup was exquisite, neither like ordinary water nor tea, having a light pink hue with a slightly tart flavor.

"Hey, hey, what do you guys mean? I am pursuing both love and justice!" Lu Shuai shouted, raising his cup.

"As long as you’re happy," Li Xin smiled. "This place sure does brisk business."

Li Xin sensed a warm power from the drink, filling him with optimism, confidence, and positivity. Though faint, he was particularly sensitive to Hidden Power, which was confirmed further by observing Lu Shuai and Huerta’s expressions.

It wasn’t an illusion.

Seeing Li Xin’s cautious expression, Lu Shuai couldn’t help but laugh, "Brother Li, there you go again with your occupational disease, suspecting everyone as bad guys. Opening in a location like this, rest assured, safety is not an issue. Hidden Power can be used for food and medical purposes as long as it doesn’t harm. Alchemists, physicians, and gourmets all do this; making coffee is no big deal."

"Is this the power of the Fiery Sun Church?" Li Xin took another sip, feeling the silky heating sensation, quite miraculous. The power wasn’t strong but very dominant, with an overwhelming force.

"The Fiery Sun Church worships the Sun God, a true deity of the Sixth Epoch, generally not banned by countries. Besides, we in Lira practice freedom of belief. Promoting faith, however, requires considerable human and material resources," Lu Shuai explained. Governor Luthor once attracted many forces and resources with this approach, a method incomprehensible at the time.

"Governor Luthor said, faith resides in the heart, not achievable by monopoly and control. One shouldn’t fear challenges; only through enduring hardships is true purity obtained," Huerta said.

"Old Hu, memorizing the Grand Governor’s quotes so well makes me lose face," Lu Shuai teased.

The waiter returned with their order. Li Xin and Huerta each received a pot, crafted from silver with intricate golden engravings, accompanied by exquisite pastries and silver spoons. Lu Shuai’s signature was in a cup. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Li Xin and Huerta didn’t hold back with Lu Shuai’s gesture. The waiter, carrying the tray, poured them a cup gracefully, leaving respectfully thereafter.

"How much did it cost?"

"Yours is 648 a pot, mine is 160 Lira," Lu Shuai said.

Li Xin’s face turned pale upon hearing this, swallowing the coffee that threatened to spill, gulping it down his throat.

"Tastes great, whether it doesn’t or does!"

Huerta stared at the coffee dumbfoundedly, "Lu Shuai, you’re crazy; even if you have money, this isn’t how to spend it. You could treat us to a good meal instead."

"Haha, it’s different. Today is special, two brothers, please help me out," Lu Shuai chuckled, his gaze drifting to a carriage outside, where his target had appeared.

Luo Xue and Ji Mingyue strolled the street for a while; Ji Mingyue usually stayed either in the Royal Palace or Canon Law School, rarely venturing out so leisurely. Though her crown lost some of its sparkle, it gained some freedom.

Ji Mingyue and Luo Xue wore casual attire, youthful and vibrant, receiving the waiter’s genuine enthusiastic service. Their reservation was also on the second floor.

"The imperial attire from that store is overly lavish, only suitable for festive occasions."

"The luxury is just superficial; their workmanship and materials aren’t top-notch. The pearls are actually water beads," Ji Mingyue commented.

"President, if judged by your standards, none would meet the requirements," Luo Xue replied with a gentle smile, "The Sun God’s power certainly feels warm."

"The Fiery Sun Church has put thought into this. Their power consumption is significant in the north," Ji Mingyue agreed, feeling comfortable.