After completing negotiations with the little octopus "Hannah," Lin Yu took it out of the stairwell and returned to the hotel interior.
Hannah obediently perched on Lin Yu's right shoulder, using [Concealment Camouflage] to blend almost seamlessly with his clothing.
"Croak—the human world is so lively, Director," Hannah marveled from its perch on Lin Yu's shoulder.
Currently in its [Concealment Camouflage] state, Hannah communicated through their soul connection, making its words audible only to Lin Yu.
Lin Yu surveyed the surroundings...
He stood in the executive lounge atop Shengjiang Tower, where the dim glow of the Wakes Lounge sign illuminated a massive liquor cabinet and long wooden bar counter with seven or eight scattered patrons.
The window-side sofa booths weren't full either, hosting only two occupied tables.
"This can hardly be called lively..." Lin Yu responded through their soul connection.
"But there are so many people drinking together without a banquet!" Hannah excitedly looked around. "Absolutely incredible!"
Apparently, Hannah came from a place where human gatherings were rare...
Originally, Lin Yu had planned to take the elevator straight back to his hotel room.
But Hannah's interruption changed his mind.
He walked to the lounge bar and pulled out a chair.
"One non-alcoholic lemon special, and a plate of Iberian ham sashimi," Lin Yu told the bartender behind the counter.
The bartender nodded politely. "Certainly, sir. Please wait a moment."
With that, the bartender turned to prepare the order.
"Croak... So this is a human world mixologist!" Hannah whispered excitedly from Lin Yu's shoulder.
This was precisely why Lin Yu had changed plans.
First, he'd intended to test the effects of [Banquet Pendant] and [Bliss Immortal Pot], and this executive lounge provided perfect opportunities for sampling food and drinks.
Second...
Letting Hannah observe how human world cuisine was prepared might yield unexpected benefits.
After all...
Hannah's [Item Description] contained the word "apprentice."
Perhaps it could learn and evolve further!
Unfortunately, though Hannah watched with keen interest this time, no new skills manifested.
Naturally, Lin Yu hadn't expected instant results either.
Soon...
A plate of exquisitely arranged, paper-thin ham slices and a lemon-flavored specialty drink arrived.
Lin Yu rolled a ham slice with his fork, popped it into his mouth, then sipped the beverage.
While delicious...
After attending a banquet hosted by the god presiding over "feasts," everything else paled in comparison.
Just ordinarily tasty.
After leisurely finishing the food...
No buffs appeared.
"Seems the probability of gaining random buffs from ordinary food with [Banquet Pendant] is quite low," Lin Yu muttered, pulling out the white jade pendant shaped like a ram-headed beast from his pocket. He fiddled with it regretfully before wiping his mouth with a tissue.
"Croak, Director! My cooking tastes better than this!" Little octopus Hannah declared confidently.
"Admittedly mediocre, but... let's try more."
Despite the high prices, money meant nothing to current Lin Yu.
Since they were here, they might as well grind for at least one buff before leaving!
So Lin Yu ordered a new grapefruit-flavored drink and honey-roasted cashews.
This time, after slowly consuming everything...
He finally obtained a buff.
[Dance Mastery: Your physical coordination increases by 50%. Temporarily enhances charm while dancing.]
[Remaining Duration: 1 hour 59 minutes 59 seconds]
Lin Yu stroked his chin while examining this buff.
"Well... better than nothing!"
Though he didn't need "charm enhancement while dancing," improved coordination proved useful.
Thus, Lin Yu retrieved the [Bliss Immortal Pot] from his pocket.
The exquisitely crafted copper flask bore beautiful swirling cloud patterns.
Opening the lid, Lin Yu activated the pot's ability.
Instantly...
The nearly two-hour countdown on his [Dance Mastery] froze.
Then, this intangible buff seemed "peeled" from his body by some mysterious force.
Though invisible to others, Lin Yu saw faint white light streaming from himself, coalescing midair into a meandering trickle.
This was...
The [Dance Mastery] buff transformed into [Immortal Brew].
The pale white trickle slowly flowed into the [Bliss Immortal Pot], its lid snapping shut automatically after the final drop entered.
Now examining the pot, Lin Yu could see not only its original description but also new text about its contents:
[Dance Immortal Brew: Upon consumption, grants "Dance Mastery" buff lasting 1 hour 59 minutes 55 seconds.]
After storing the pot, Lin Yu prepared to order more food, hoping for additional buffs.
But just as he pressed the table bell to summon the bartender, he noticed a shift change behind the counter.
The ordinary male bartender removed his apron and departed, replaced by...
A petite young woman.
"Ding—"
The clear bell rang as the new bartender looked up toward Lin Yu.
Their eyes met.
Lin Yu's face instantly displayed an "oh crap" expression.
"Damn it..." he muttered involuntarily.
Hannah sounded surprised. "Eh? Director? What's wrong?"
Lin Yu didn't answer, merely sitting up straighter.
Meanwhile, the new female bartender briskly approached, wearing a genuinely delighted—not professional—smile.
"My, what a handsome, dashing, and accomplished guest! What may I get for you today?"
"Shall I recommend our signature drinks? Guaranteed to make you linger with delight!"
Facing this familiar countenance, Lin Yu sighed helplessly and lightly massaged his forehead.
"Spare me, senior..."
Standing behind the counter in bartender attire with a small ponytail...
Was none other than Lin Yu's senior from Jiangcheng Media University, president of the drama club—Shen Bingmiao.