Landlord in the Arctic

Chapter 289 - 243: Delicious Food

Back in downtown Anchorage.

Night had completely fallen, as if a great black curtain had been abruptly drawn, blanketing the entire world in darkness.

Along the city streets, lampposts lit up one by one, casting a soft, yellow glow.

Most of the roadside shops were still open, their bright neon signs flickering with kaleidoscopic light, adding a lively and prosperous air to the night streets.

Compared to the remote, small-town atmosphere of Fairbanks, Anchorage definitely felt more like a modern metropolis.

Specks of snow began to drift down from the night sky.

The driver muttered some slang Feng Shan couldn’t understand and turned on the heat.

The car wound through the streets and alleys, stopping in front of a restaurant.

"Buddy, this is the best barbecue in Anchorage. The fare is 60 US Dollars. I’m not overcharging you, I swear on the Spirit of All Things."

Feng Shan glanced at the meter, which hadn’t been used at all. But hearing the man swear on the Spirit of All Things, he readily pulled out the money, handed it to the driver, and asked casually,

"Wild Bull Tribe?"

"That’s right," the Indigenous driver nodded.

"I know Chief Welta and Jeff quite well."

"You know Jeff? He’s my cousin." The Indigenous driver quickly pulled back the hand reaching for the cash and shook his head. "This ride’s on the house."

"No need. Goodbye!" Feng Shan placed the bills on the seat, then took Loki and pushed the car door open.

After getting out, Feng Shan stood in front of the restaurant.

The restaurant was located on a bustling corner of the city. People came and went, traffic flowed endlessly, and the urban clamor merged into a unique symphony.

The neon sign, flashing "Smokehouse BBQ," cast a multicolored glow on the small patch of ground in front of the entrance.

The restaurant’s walls were made of vintage brick and stone. Time had left its mottled marks on them, which only added to their historic charm.

A chalkboard on the wall listed the day’s specials in chalk.

Items like Texas barbecue, smoked pork, and grilled chicken wings were listed one by one. Just looking at the words, one could almost imagine the tempting aroma wafting from them.

With a hint of anticipation, Feng Shan reached out and gently pushed open the heavy door.

With the crisp jingle of a small bell, he stepped into a world buzzing with life and warmth.

Inside, a warm, yellow light filled every corner, dispelling the darkness and creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

The walls were adorned with all sorts of vintage decorations: old photographs, old records, and some unique handicrafts that added a distinctive cultural flavor to the place.

A lively atmosphere washed over him like a tide, instantly enveloping him. It was a mixture of the charred aroma of barbecue, the fragrance of spices, and the cheerful laughter of the crowd.

"Eat, eat!" Loki stood on Feng Shan’s shoulder, showing no signs of fear. Instead, he shook his head and looked all around.

His small, black-bean-like eyes sparkled with excitement, already captivated by the lively atmosphere and tempting smells.

Feng Shan’s arrival didn’t disrupt the diners enjoying their meals.

The patrons merely glanced at his shoulder for a few seconds before returning their attention to the delicious food in front of them.

Just then, a male waiter walked over. His gaze was calm, and he seemed completely unfazed by Feng Shan’s animal-hide coat, showing no surprise at all.

"How many in your party, sir? Do you have a reservation?" the waiter asked, bowing slightly, his voice gentle and polite.

Feng Shan gently shook his head, his eyes scanning the bustling restaurant. "No, just one. Do you have a table?"

"Please follow me." With a professional smile, the male waiter turned to the side, made a guiding gesture, and then led Feng Shan through the maze of tables and chairs.

The aroma in the restaurant grew richer, and the cheerful laughter of the surrounding diners continuously filled his ears.

Soon, the waiter led Feng Shan to a table by the window and pulled out a wooden chair.

A thin layer of condensation coated the window, shimmering like a dreamy, translucent veil under the warm yellow light.

Through this layer of mist, he could vaguely make out the city’s nightscape outside.

After Feng Shan sat down, the waiter placed an exquisite menu in front of him, then bowed slightly and stepped aside.

Picking up the menu and reading it carefully, Feng Shan said, "I’ll have a reindeer hot dog combo, a bacon and beef sausage, a rack of Texas-style ribs, a Texas-style brisket, and a Gentleman’s Spirit."

"Are you sure, sir? That’s quite a large order," the waiter said, his eyes widening slightly in surprise as he looked at Feng Shan.

He had worked at this restaurant for a long time and had seen plenty of customers with shocking appetites, but he was still taken aback by the size of Feng Shan’s order.

After all, a single rack of Texas-style ribs weighed a full two kilograms with the bone in, and the Texas brisket was another two kilograms. Not even a competitive eater could finish that much in one sitting, let alone with a reindeer hot dog combo and a bacon and beef sausage on top of it.

Feng Shan calmly handed the menu back to the waiter. Just then, he suddenly noticed Loki preparing to speak.

Having spent half the afternoon with the grey parrot, Feng Shan was already well aware of its habits. It seemed to have a particular fondness for swear words, which Feng Shan guessed had a lot to do with its former owner.

So, with a quick reflex, he reached out and clamped Loki’s beak shut to prevent it from blurting out something vulgar and ruining the restaurant’s atmosphere.

"I’m sure. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. Please bring the food out quickly."

"Of course, sir. But please don’t abuse your animal," the waiter said as he took the menu, his eyes landing on the hand Feng Shan was using to hold the parrot’s beak, offering the advice with good intentions.

’Am I abusing my animal?’

’I’m trying to save you from getting an earful.’

Feng Shan exasperatedly released his grip on Loki’s beak.