The food box was opened, and the five dishes inside were still steaming, giving off a delicious aroma...

A merchant crudely picked up a piece of pork tripe with his hand, and as soon as he put it in his mouth, he froze.

The merchants all began to taste the food.

"Who did this? Who gathered those street vendors together and taught them how to cook? Who could have such skill?"

"This is someone setting new rules for us merchants in Bianliang City! Who is it?"

The merchants' eyes were filled with gravity; some even couldn't believe it and pinched themselves hard.

With a scream, a knight who arrived later said, "It was that... the one selling potstickers, Ethan Sullivan."

Silence!

Chapter 0014: A Paw

"The two biggest night markets in Bianliang City—one is the stretch outside Zhuque Gate, which is much larger than the night market here at Zhouqiao, and the crowds are denser..."

"But last night, the night market by Zhuque Gate was sparsely attended, and even many merchants came over to Zhouqiao instead."

"I'll go back and gather information right away. If anyone tries to harm you, the merchants of Zhouqiao Night Market won't just sit by!"

The steamed chicken vendor had probably been working all night; his eyes were bloodshot.

Seeing him get up to leave, Ethan Sullivan handed him a bowl of porridge without a word.

"Have a bowl of porridge in the morning—it's good for your stomach. Then go home and get some proper sleep."

Ethan Sullivan saw him off, and when he saw the couple next door come out, he turned and called, "Grace, time for a stroll."

"Okay!"

Grace came out first, followed by Hannah.

The little one strolled ahead, with Hannah following behind—a very harmonious scene.

Ethan Sullivan stood to the side, watching with a smile.

"Brother!"

Grace only walked a few circles before pretending to be tired, stumbling over.

Ethan Sullivan squatted down with a smile, and Grace threw herself into his arms.

"Brother, I'm tired."

"Alright, at noon we'll make something delicious for Grace."

This little act between the siblings had been played out many times—they did it every day.

The couple over there were also taking a walk, but since the courtyard wasn't big and they were too proud to come over, they had to turn around after just a few steps, which was quite tiring.

"The young gentleman is so talented. As his husband, being able to teach him—even if we don't talk about his future prospects—just makes me feel so happy inside."

"Husband, that's a noble family's young master. The fact that he values you shows how learned you are!"

"Not at all, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

The couple, full of mutual praise, went out for breakfast. Ethan Sullivan just smiled.

The sun was wonderful today. He brought out a small table and had Grace practice calligraphy.

Grace was very focused, until a little butterfly appeared.

A white butterfly fluttered past the small table, dancing among a few flowering trees in the corner of the wall. The tender grass on the ground was dotted with dewdrops from the morning, sparkling and clear.

Hannah scampered over to the wall, then stretched out a paw to swat at the butterfly.

Grace couldn't help but look up, feeling a burst of joy in her heart.

"Brother, play."

Having a four-year-old girl practice calligraphy was a bit cruel; even the brush was specially made, otherwise Grace couldn't hold it.

So seeing the joy in Grace's big eyes, Ethan Sullivan patted her head and said, "Alright."

So Ethan Sullivan put on his backpack, placed Hannah inside, and then took Grace by the hand and left the courtyard.

Spring in Bianliang City was beautiful. Shops lined both sides of the street, and the young ladies and wives couldn't sit still—either coming out every now and then or standing in the doorway looking out.

Green buds sprouted on the branches, and the breeze brought the fresh scent of plants.

Hannah lay on Ethan Sullivan's shoulder, watching intently.

Grace hugged Ethan Sullivan's neck and pointed at a shop nearby, saying, "Brother, something tasty."

Ethan Sullivan saw it was a shop selling fried quail and said seriously, "Grace, eat less of these, or else brother won't be able to carry you anymore."

Grace pouted, "Brother, I want to eat."

Kids always love to eat and never know their limits.

"Woof woof woof!"

Hannah barked, and then someone spoke from behind.

"Mr. Sullivan, what's the harm if the little lady wants to eat? If you wish, you can eat as much as you like at Fanlou."

Ethan Sullivan slowly turned around and saw a man in his thirties standing there with a smile. Behind him were two burly men, looking rather shady—not good people, clearly.

"Greetings, Mr. Sullivan."

The man cupped his hands and greeted loudly, very at ease.

"What is it?"

Ethan Sullivan asked impatiently.

Fanlou was the top-tier establishment in Bianliang City, much like the most exclusive clubs in later times.

Food, drink, and entertainment—all in one.

This guy actually said you could spend freely in Fanlou, which showed how the stir-fry incident had blown up.

"What a lovable little lady."

The man first praised Grace, then said, "Many merchants in Fanlou wish to get closer to Mr. Sullivan. If you are willing, you are welcome anytime."

It sounded grand, but to Ethan Sullivan, it was all a threat.

The restaurant industry in Fanlou is watching you!

Brother, be smart, or else...