Shadows of the Deep Space

Zhao Ning still said a bit reluctantly.

"We'll talk later, I'm leaving!"

Su Ming quickly slipped away.

Su Ming soon ran to the street outside and let out a long breath.

It was really close, almost got caught in a setup again.

Su Ming turned his head to look around, then lifted his bracelet, found Chen Tong's number, and dialed it.

It's rare to return to the Thirteenth District, and he doesn't know what Chen Tong is up to. The call resulted in a busy signal.

Su Ming was slightly taken aback; that kid actually changed his number. He then dialed Mink's number.

Quickly, the call connected, and Mink's voice came through the bracelet.

"General, what's up?"

"Call me by my name."

"Oh!"

"Mink, did Chen Tong change his phone number?"

"Yes, he changed it a while ago."

"Do you know where he is then?"

"I know this; he's in Thirteenth District, Echo Street, seems to have opened a shop."

"Let's go find him for a sit-down."

Su Ming said to Mink.

"Alright! See you at Echo Street then."

Mink replied to Su Ming.

"Okay!"

Su Ming then hung up the call and headed towards the nearby skyrail station.

...

Echo Street.

Su Ming stood at the street corner patiently waiting. At this time, Mink came running over dressed casually, cheerfully shouting.

"Su Ming, I'm here!"

"Let's go; it's been so long since we saw that kid."

Su Ming said with a smile.

"Yeah, that guy has been so inconsiderate; hasn't called us in years."

Mink chimed in with criticism.

The two then walked into Echo Street.

Su Ming curiously looked at the shops along the way and asked Mink confusedly.

"Which shop is Chen Tong's?"

"I'm not quite sure, but I think it's Echo Street No. 135."

Mink was also a bit unclear, having been away since joining the Thirteenth Legion, it had been a while since he returned.

"130, 131... 135, this is it!"

Su Ming saw the address, took a closer look, and noticed No. 135 was a stir-fry restaurant, somewhat surprisedly asking.

"Mink, you sure it's here? Can Chen Tong cook? Never heard of it."

"Should be here; I specifically got the info from classmates."

Mink replied very confidently.

"Let's go check it out!"

Seeing Mink's certainty, Su Ming headed towards the restaurant.

This restaurant was located at the tail end of Echo Street by the street side, not well positioned, and its facade looked quite old.

Soon, Su Ming and Mink arrived at the restaurant's entrance; the place wasn't large, just a typical husband-and-wife shop.

However, the business was good, most of the tables inside were full of guests.

Looking inside, one could see an open kitchen.

Chen Tong was wearing a neck-hanging apron, busily stir-frying dishes. Zhao Ran, dressed in a khaki knit top, stood beside him, occasionally using a towel to wipe the sweat from Chen Tong's forehead.

"It's really them, let's go mess with them!"

Su Ming looked at them, smiling brightly.

"Alright!"

Mink eagerly replied.

The two pushed open the restaurant's glass door and went straight to Chen Tong and Zhao Ran.

At that moment, Zhao Ran saw Su Ming and Mink, a look of surprise and joy appeared on her face.

Su Ming made a shushing gesture towards Zhao Ran and then asked Chen Tong, who was focused on stir-frying.

"Boss, what's good here?"

"The signature fried beef fillet is good, you can..."

Chen Tong was plating the dish when he lifted his head and saw Su Ming and Mink, he froze immediately.

"You can what?"

Su Ming and Mink said with a laugh.

"Damn, turns out it's you two."

Chen Tong turned off the heat excitedly, came out, and gave both Su Ming and Mink each a hug.

Su Ming and Mink didn't mind the grease on him at all, warmly embracing him back.

"Wasn't it a big surprise!"

"Certainly a surprise, haven't seen you in years, have you guys eaten?"

Chen Tong asked delightedly.

"Not yet, just planning to take advantage of the big boss here."

Su Ming said with a laugh.

"Nonsense, what big boss, you guys sit first, I'll stir-fry a few dishes for you!"

Chen Tong said to Su Ming and Mink.

"Alright, make something good so we don't have to roast you."

Su Ming and Mink joked with a laugh.

"Get lost, I promise it'll be good."

Chen Tong said in a very good mood.

At this point, Zhao Ran went straight to the store's entrance, hung an "We're closed" sign, then quickly returned to the kitchen to help Chen Tong.

Soon, Chen Tong stirred up three dishes and served them, Zhao Ran brought over a box of craft beer.

"Is it too much trouble?"

Su Ming said with a laugh.

"Tch, what trouble, rarely see you guys! But when did you come back, didn't even give a heads up."

Chen Tong picked up a canned craft beer, handed it to Su Ming and Mink.

"Came back a few days ago, we wanted to let you know, but couldn't reach you directly!"

Su Ming took the beer and joked.

"It's my fault; my phone got stolen, the sim card was under my mom's name, it was troublesome to replace so I got a new one. I did call you guys later but couldn't get through. You know, the Thirteenth District's communication is extremely bad, nobody wants to spend money for upgrades."

Chen Tong explained to Su Ming and Mink.

"Ah, so that's what happened,"

Su Ming and Mink realized it was during their sailing period.

"How have you two been lately?"

Chen Tong opened a can and clinked with the two, took a sip and asked.

"We're alright, what about you guys? Are you together now?"