Chapter 154 The whole continent is waiting for me to update today's menu^...

In early summer, Hope Town welcomed an unprecedented grand event.

The Grand Ceremony for Trade Among All Races was the name Lin Yue gave to this event.

To call it a myriad of races is a bit of an exaggeration. But when representatives of elves, dwarves, humans, orcs, and even the rarely known Silent Ones, gather together, the name doesn't sound too far-fetched.

After all, in the history of this continent, there have been very few occasions where so many races have been able to sit together peacefully.

...

Early in the morning, the train station in Hope Town was bustling with activity.

A steam train had just come to a stop when the doors opened, and a large group of merchants and envoys from Blackrock City, Bluestone City, and Whitewater City poured out. Some carried suitcases, others shouldered goods, and their faces were filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Make way! Make way!"

A burly orc carrying two enormous wooden crates squeezed through the crowd. Behind him followed several younger orcs, each carrying a heavy load of goods.

Since the signing of the Peace Trade Agreement, more and more orcs have begun to travel between Hope Town and Blackrock City. They trade the furs, herbs, and animal bones and horns from the grasslands for food, salt, and various tools.

"Hey, big guy, watch out! Don't bump into anyone!" a human merchant complained.

"Sorry, sorry." The orc smiled憨厚ly, "The cargo was too heavy, I couldn't stop in time."

"Heavy? You call this heavy?" a dwarf next to him shouted indignantly, "Back in the Forge Court, I could carry three times that amount by myself!"

"Then you carry it." The orc placed the wooden box in front of the dwarf.

The dwarf paused for a moment, then burst into laughter: "You've got guts, kid! Come on, let's have a contest!"

The two of them started arguing on the platform, attracting a crowd of onlookers.

Such scenes are commonplace in Hope Town.

A year ago, the simultaneous appearance of orcs and dwarves in a human town would likely have sparked panic and even conflict. But now, the residents of Hope Town are quite used to the presence of these alien races. After all, the furs, ores, and handicrafts they bring are all genuinely valuable items.

Not to mention the orc and dwarf artisans, who had long been regulars in the town.

...

In the town center square, rows of stalls have already been set up.

The dwarves occupied the area near the tavern, displaying their prized ironware and mechanical parts. Several bearded dwarves were boasting about their craftsmanship to the crowd.

"See this axe? It's hand-forged, tempered thirty-six times, and can cut through iron like mud!"

"Stop bragging," another dwarf rolled his eyes. "Your broken axe can't even cut through my hammer."

"What did you say?"

"I'm talking about that broken axe of yours—"

The two dwarfs started arguing again, but neither of them actually laid a hand on the other. For them, arguing was as natural as breathing.

The elves chose a quiet corner and elegantly displayed the herbs, spices, and handicrafts they had brought. The fabrics woven from moonlight silk and the herbs exuding a faint floral fragrance attracted the attention of many.

"Mommy, that elf brother is so handsome." A little girl held her mother's hand, her eyes shining as she looked at the male elf who was tidying up his stall.

The young elf heard this, turned and smiled slightly at the little girl. His long silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, pointed ears peeked out from his hair, and his features were as exquisite as a sculpture.

"They are indeed very pleasing to the eye," a human woman whispered to her companion. "Elves are truly blessed with exceptional beauty."

However, the reactions of male humans were quite different.

"Tsk, she looks like a woman." A middle-aged blacksmith muttered.

“Exactly,” the orc warrior next to him nodded in agreement. “Skinny as a feather, you’d fall over in the wind, right? Look at my muscles, that’s what a warrior should look like.” He flexed his strong arm muscles as if to show off.

The dwarf merchant took a hearty gulp of ale and stroked his beard: "We dwarves may not be tall, but we are straightforward and do what we say. Those elves, on the other hand, speak in roundabout ways, which is exhausting to listen to."

Interestingly, when men of different races stand together, they often form a peculiar united front. Orcs believe that their strong and powerful physique is their only source of pride, dwarves consider a forthright and generous character to be the hallmark of a true man, while human men find a delicate balance between the two.

As for the delicate and elegant beauty of elves? In their eyes, that was the complete opposite of masculinity.

"How much is that piece of fabric?" the elegantly dressed lady finally mustered the courage to ask.

“Thirty gold coins,” the elf replied with a smile.

"Thirty?!" The lady nearly lost her balance. "Are all elves this greedy in business?"

"Madam, this is Moonlight Silk. It requires the silk threads of Silver Moon Silkworms to be collected on the night of the full moon, and then woven by our best weavers. The entire Silver Moon Forest can only weave ten bolts a year."

The lady hesitated for a moment, but finally gritted her teeth and took out her purse.

"Alright, I'll just consider it buying something rare."

The beastmen's stalls were the simplest and most straightforward: a large table piled high with all sorts of furs and animal bones.

"Frostback hide, genuine Northern Frostback hide, feel how soft it is."

"A necklace of clawed beast teeth. Wear it and you will be protected from all evil."

"And this too, the gall bladder of the Rockhorn Giant, soaked in alcohol and drunk, it's good for your health!"

An elf passing by frowned, covered his nose, and quickly walked away.

"What's wrong?" the orc asked, puzzled.

"You orcs..." the elf hesitated for a moment, "...your scent is a bit... strong."

"The smell?" The orc sniffed his arm. "It smells like a warrior! It smells like the grasslands!"

“It smells like someone needs a bath,” a dwarf chimed in rudely.

"What did you say?!" the orc exclaimed, his eyes wide.

“I told you you should take a bath.” The dwarf wasn’t afraid of him. “Hope Town has a bathhouse; it’s free for first-timers. Why don’t you go?”

"I..." the orc stammered, "We don't have bathhouses on our grasslands..."

"So you're not on the grasslands now, you're in Hope Town." The dwarf patted his arm. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do, understand? Come on, I'll take you there. I'll buy you a drink while I'm at it."

The orc paused for a moment, then grinned: "You shorty, you're actually quite righteous."

"Stop talking nonsense, are you coming or not?"

"Walk!"

And so, a peculiar scene unfolded. A towering orc, over two meters tall, bent down and walked away arm-in-arm with a dwarf who only reached his waist. The orc's large hand rested on the dwarf's shoulder, almost completely enveloping him; the dwarf, in order to reach the orc's shoulder, had to stand on tiptoe, practically hanging on the orc's body. The two swayed uncoordinatedly, the tall and short, strong and stocky combination appearing both comical and harmonious.

They staggered away, leaving the elf standing there, looking completely bewildered.

...

Around noon, a long queue formed in front of the No. 1 store.

But those queuing were not ordinary people, but rather richly dressed envoys and merchants.

Has the menu been updated today?

"I heard there are new products today."

"What new product?"

"I don't know, but it'll definitely taste good."

Today's menu, which was originally just a small blackboard that Lin Yue casually wrote on, has now become a weathervane for the entire Northern Territory and even more distant regions.

Every morning, a new menu board is hung at the entrance of Hope No. 1 Store, listing the dishes and specialties available that day, as well as the latest convenience gadgets. And this small menu board, at some point, became the most anticipated item for ambassadors and businessmen from various countries.

"I heard that a honey-glazed char siu dish appeared on the menu last month, and the next day the price of wild boar meat in the entire Blackrock City rose by 30%. A number of farmers also started raising wild boars, saying they were going to start domesticating them as domestic pigs."

"That's nothing. Do you know what poached chicken is? It's ridiculously simple to make. You just boil the chicken and dip it in sauce, and it tastes so good it's insane. Now all the restaurants in Blackrock City are learning it."

"I prefer the steamed spotted fish. I heard it's made with mutated fish from the rivers on the edge of the cursed lands, and the meat is so tender it melts in your mouth."

"What cuisines are you talking about? I've never heard of them before," asked a newly arrived merchant.

“Cantonese cuisine,” an old businessman next to him said proudly, “is said to be a cooking style that Mayor Lin learned from some mysterious place.”

"Cantonese cuisine? What does that mean?"

"A dish you'll want to eat more and more as you eat it," the old merchant laughed heartily. "You'll know once you've tried it. It's light and fresh, with an unforgettable aftertaste. It's completely different from our heavy oil and salt cooking methods in the North."

“And that claypot rice,” another businessman interjected, “is made with star wheat, cured pork, and various vegetables, cooked in a special clay pot, with a layer of golden crispy rice at the bottom. It’s so fragrant you’ll want to swallow your tongue!”

"Recently, they also launched a boat congee, which uses a congee base made from golden sweet potatoes and pearl rice, plus various seafood and shredded meat. Although the name of the dish is strange, the taste is really delicious."

A well-dressed middle-aged man stood at the front of the line, anxiously peering into the store.

He was Edmund, the resident envoy sent by Count Victor. Yes, the same Count Victor who was speechless with amazement at the electric lights on New Year's Eve. Ever since that experience, the Count had developed a keen interest in everything about Hope Town and had specially sent an envoy to be stationed there to report on the latest developments.

“Mr. Edmund,” a young man behind him asked, “do we really need to come and queue every day?”

“You don’t understand.” Edmund shook his head. “Today’s menu is more than just a menu; it’s a barometer of Hope Town’s development. What new crops have ripened, what new technologies have been developed, what new products are about to hit the market… you can see it all from this menu.”

"That's amazing?"

“Of course,” Edmund said in a low voice. “A cursed mushroom soup appeared on the menu last month. Do you know what that means?”

"Does that mean... the mushrooms from the Cursed Lands are edible?"

"This means that the people of Hope Town have begun to systematically explore the edible resources of the Cursed Land." Edmund's eyes gleamed. "They are no longer just passively avoiding the dangers of the Cursed Land, but actively studying and utilizing it. This shift in mindset is the most terrifying thing."

“And,” Edmund continued, “the menu doesn’t just have food. Look at last month, the bottom of the menu said ‘New Equipment: Hand-cranked Threshing Machine, Limited to Fifty Units.’ And what happened? It was sold out in less than half an hour!”

"Threshing machine? What's that?"

"It's a machine that can quickly separate wheat grains from the ears of wheat. What used to take ten people a whole day to do, one person can finish in half a day with that thing. Do you think farmers everywhere wouldn't be scrambling for it?"

The young man suddenly realized.

Just then, the shop door opened, and a waiter came out and wrote today's menu on the blackboard at the entrance.

Today's Menu

Signature dishes: Honey-glazed char siu, boiled prawns, steamed spotted fish

New Product Recommendation: Grassland-Style Hand-Pulled Lamb Chops (Special Recipe by Orc A-Qiang) - Limited Time Offer!

Limited Supply: Silver Moon Flower Honey Cake (Fairy Recipe, Limited to Twenty Servings)

New products: Portable water purifier (rune-purified, limited to 30 pieces), Improved kerosene lamp (adjustable brightness, limited to 50 lamps).

"Silver Moonflower Honey Cake." Edmund's eyes lit up. "An elven recipe!"

"Wait!" someone shouted from the side, "the water purifier and the kerosene lamp, grab them quickly!"

"What?!"

The crowd immediately stirred.

"I've wanted that water filter pitcher for a long time, but I couldn't get it last time!"

"An improved kerosene lamp. I heard it's three times brighter than the old one and saves fuel."

"Make way, make way, I was here first."

"Our chamber of commerce wants to order thirty lamps."

"Thirty cups? You wish! There are only fifty cups available, and each person can only buy a maximum of two cups."

Merchants rushed into the store, creating a chaotic scene.

A merchant dressed as a dwarf squeezed through the crowd, jumping up and down in a panic.

"Let me in. I've come from the Forge Royal Court, specifically to place an order!"

"The Crucible Royal Court? Doesn't that have a branch of Hope No. 1 Store? Why didn't you order from there?"

"What do you know!" the dwarf merchant glared. "A branch is a branch, and the main store is the main store. The factories are all in Blackrock City and Hope's Town. Ordering from here means you'll receive your goods half a month earlier than ordering from a branch. Half a month! Do you know how much business can be done in half a month?"

"That's true..."

"That's right. Our chamber of commerce ordered a batch of hand-cranked threshing machines from the Baishuicheng branch last month, and they still haven't arrived. If we had ordered them directly from Xiwang Town, we would have sold them and made money by now."

Just as everyone was scrambling for the tools, a gasp of surprise came from the other side.

"What! Chef A-Qiang is going back to his hometown!"

"It's true! The menu says 'Today Only'."

"Does that mean... we won't be able to eat his cooking anymore?"

"Hurry and grab these grassland-style hand-pulled lamb chops! If you don't eat them today, they'll be gone."

Half of the crowd that had been rushing toward the equipment counter immediately turned around and headed toward the food and beverage area.

"I'd like two servings of hand-pulled lamb chops,"

"Three servings! I want three servings!"

"I've been eating Chef Aqiang's cooking for almost half a year now, and there's always a queue! If I don't get to eat here one last time, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

Ah-Qiang stood at the kitchen door, looking at the crazy scene, somewhat at a loss.

“Mayor Lin…” he whispered to Lin Yue beside him, “Aren’t they overreacting? I’m just going back to visit, it’s not like I’m not coming back…”

Lin Yue laughed and said, "You'll definitely have a lot of things to take care of when you get back. Whether you can come back, and when you'll come back, is anyone's guess."

Ah Qiang's expression was somewhat complicated.

"Actually... I really don't want to go back. I'm very happy cooking here."

"I know," Lin Yue patted his shoulder, "but your family has so many expectations of you, you can't let them down, can you?"

“Besides,” he added, “it wouldn’t hurt for you to go back and take a look. Maybe you could make some changes for the orc tribe, right?”

Ah Qiang was silent for a moment, then nodded.

"You're right. I... I'll be back as soon as possible."

"Okay." Lin Yue smiled. "Go ahead, your customers can't wait."

Ah Qiang took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen.

Before long, plates of fragrant hand-pulled lamb chops were served. It was his specialty, roasted at high temperatures using a unique method from the grasslands until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, allowing you to savor the deliciousness of the meat juices with every bite.

"tasty!"

"It's so delicious!"

"Chef Ah Qiang, are you really leaving? We'll miss you!"

Ah Qiang smiled憨厚ly, responding to the guests' comments while he was busy working.

His eyes were slightly red.

Meanwhile, the scene was quite different at the clinic on the other side of town.

Several silent individuals are assisting doctors in treating patients.

Silent Ones are more sensitive to the energy of nature than ordinary humans. However, not every Silent One can harness this energy; only a few gifted individuals, under the careful guidance of spirits, can learn to harness the power of nature for their own use.

The patient being treated at this moment is a young Silent One. Her name is Eileen, and she is one of Elder Farador's most prized disciples.

“Take a deep breath and relax,” Eileen said softly, her hands hovering above the patient’s injured leg. She closed her eyes, focused her mind, and a faint green light gradually appeared in her palms. “Let the energy flow through your body.”

The patient lying in bed was an elderly farmer whose leg had been injured in an accident, resulting in a dislocated bone. Ordinary medical techniques would hardly allow him to fully recover, but under Eileen's energy guidance, the bone was slowly returning to its original position and healing.

"How are you feeling?" the doctor asked from the side.

"It feels so warm," the old farmer said in surprise, "my legs don't hurt anymore."

"She'll be able to walk in a few more days," the doctor said with a smile. "Thanks to Miss Eileen."

Eileen withdrew her hands, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. Utilizing the power of nature is an extremely mentally taxing activity, and even a genius like her cannot sustain it for long.

"You are such good people," the old farmer said gratefully.

“We’re just doing what we should do,” Eileen replied softly. “The earth nurtures all things, and we are merely using its power to help those in need.”

Another person standing nearby handed me a glass of water.

"Eileen, take a rest. We still have a few patients this afternoon."

"Hmm." Eileen took the water and took a sip. "Today is the grand opening ceremony for trade, why are there still so many people in the clinic?"

“They all came from other places.” The silent man said with a wry smile, “I heard that the clinic in Hope Town can cure diseases that can’t be cured elsewhere, so some people have traveled for several days to get here.”

“Hope Town…” Eileen looked out the window, “is truly a magical place.”

As evening approached, the highlight of the ceremony finally arrived.

The large conference room in the town hall was filled with representatives from all sides.

On the elf side, Ilandil was accompanied by Lorian and several elven elders.

On the dwarf side, Stonefist came on behalf of the Forge Court, and several dwarf craftsmen also joined in the fun.

On the orc side, Elder Sartu and Nightwind had arrived, while Aqiang hid in a corner, not wanting to attract attention.

The Silent Ones sent Elder Farador and several young Silent Ones, including Eileen.

On the human side, Ryan represented Blackrock City, while Earl Victor's envoy, Edmund, represented several southern cities.

Standing on the platform, Lin Yue looked at the sea of ​​people below and was filled with mixed emotions.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he cleared his throat, "thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this grand opening ceremony of trade."

"First of all, I have some good news to announce."

He gestured for Mia to hand him a document.

"Through friendly consultations between Hope Town and Silver Moon Forest, we have reached a new cooperation agreement for the Silver Moon Forest electrification project."

These words immediately sparked a murmur of discussion in the meeting room.

"Power it up? Power it up the sprite?"

"Those lights that glow? The elves need them too?"

This is a very big deal!

Lord Ilandil stood up and gestured for everyone to be quiet.

"Everyone," his voice was clear and resonant, "the Silvermoon Forest and the Cursed Lands have stood side by side for thousands of years, and we have struggled against the erosion of the earth's wounds for generations."

"But the arrival of Hope Town changed everything."

He looked at Lin Yue with genuine respect in his eyes.

"They were not defeated by the cursed land; instead, they found a way to tame the earth's wounded energy. Those forces that once brought only death and destruction can now be transformed into light and warmth."

"This is a miracle we never imagined."

He picked up the quill pen on the table and signed his name on the agreement.

“Silvermoon Forest is willing to join hands with Hope Town to usher in this new era. We will provide Wind Whisper Crystals and Iron Birch for the construction of power transmission lines. Hope Town will provide technology and manpower.”

"From this day forward, the Silvermoon Forest will also be bathed in light."

The hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Elder Farador stood up, his aged voice trembling slightly.

"We, the Silent Ones, have guarded the earth's wounds for thousands of years, never imagining that one day it could benefit others."

His eyes were a little moist.

"Today, I saw it. For the first time, the energy of the Cursed Land has emerged from that dark land to illuminate its former neighbor."

"This is true salvation."

Lin Yue stepped forward and shook hands with Lord Ilandil.

"Lord Ilandil, I hope this is just the beginning."

“I hope so too,” Ilandil said with a smile.

As soon as the signing ceremony ended, Ryan couldn't wait to come over.

"Brother Lin," he asked in a low voice, "even the elves are getting electrified, what about me?"

"You?" Lin Yue was taken aback.

“Yeah, when will my cities, Whitewater and Bluestone, get electricity?” Ryan looked at him expectantly. “Do you know how much I’ve been craving those electric lights these past few months? Every time I come to Hope Town, it’s so bright at night, and when I go back, I feel like my city lord’s mansion is like living in a cave.”

Lin Yue couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't rush, don't rush. Once the Silvermoon Forest project is finished, you'll be next."

"Really?" Ryan's eyes lit up.

"Really. But you need to get the railway from Blackrock City to Whitewater City built first. With the railway, it will be easier to transport materials and equipment, and the electrification project can be completed quickly."

“Leave the railway to me,” Ryan assured, patting his chest. “I’ll go back and urge construction to begin, and try to open it before the end of the year.”

"Then it's settled."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

After the signing ceremony, Lin Yue encountered Ryan, who was about to leave, outside the venue.

“Brother Lin,” Ryan patted him on the shoulder, “you’re really getting better and better at this. Elves connecting to electricity, orc trade… if this keeps up, the whole continent will revolve around you.”

"You flatter me," Lin Yue said with a smile. "I just want everyone to live a good life."

“Good days…” Ryan said with emotion, “Speaking of which, do you know? Those seeds you got from that mysterious channel have now spread throughout the entire North.”

Lin Yue's heart stirred.

Those seeds were modern crops he had redeemed through the system in his early days. In the special environment of the Cursed Land, they mutated and grew into various magical plants.

"It's traveled that far?"

“It’s not just the North,” Ryan said. “I’ve heard that several kingdoms in the south have started planting them too. Of course, once they leave the soil of the Cursed Lands, the crops that grow from those seeds won’t have the mutated effect. But even the regular version tastes much better and yields much more than the original variety.”

"Many places that used to struggle to feed themselves can now support more people."

Lin Yue remained silent for a moment.

He remembered the system.

The mysterious entity that had once helped him through his most difficult time had stopped offering physical rewards, sometime during that period. He had tried many times, but Xiao Hei would only lazily reply: "[This function is disabled.]"

At first, he was a little panicked, worried that without the support of the system, Hope Town would go downhill.

But it turned out he was overthinking it.

The development of Hope Town and Blackrock City no longer depends on food from other worlds. Through learning, people have mastered scientific methods; through exploration, they have discovered edible resources around the Cursed Lands; and they have also innovated independently, combining science with the magic and wondrous creations of this world.

Students at the Polytechnic are researching how to improve local crops, hybridizing sweet potatoes with local root vegetables to cultivate new varieties better suited to different soils; physicians at the clinic are collaborating with the Silent Ones to develop new therapies; and artisans at the workshop are combining steam power with rune technology to create a variety of convenient gadgets…

Hope Town no longer needs what he brought from another world, because it has learned to create it itself.

"This is a good thing," Lin Yue said softly.

“Of course it’s a good thing,” Ryan laughed. “However, what I admire most is not these things.”

What is it?

“It’s your social atmosphere,” Ryan said seriously. “I’ve traveled to many places and seen many towns that have become decadent because of sudden wealth. When people have money, they start to be extravagant and wasteful, greedy and eventually ruin themselves.”

"But Hope Town is different."

"The wealthier your people are, the more they value morality. There are few beggars on the streets because those in need are helped; forests and rivers are well protected because everyone knows they are the wealth of future generations; even petty thieves are fewer than before."

“Of course,” Ryan shrugged. “There are always people who are greedy and even sinful, everywhere. But overall, the atmosphere here is improving. That’s the most valuable thing.”

Lin Yue smiled.

"This is not my achievement alone. It is the result of everyone's joint efforts."

“You’re too modest.” Ryan patted him on the shoulder. “Come on, the banquet is about to begin. I heard that your orc chef has his signature dish on the menu tonight? And it’s the last time?”

“Qiang is setting off back to Thunder Tribe tomorrow,” Lin Yue nodded. “He has prepared a special dish, saying that everyone should try it.”

"Then I'd better go grab a good spot. If I miss this opportunity, I don't know when I'll be able to eat here again."

...

The dinner was held in the square of Central Park.

A long table was laid out in a row, laden with all sorts of delicacies. The dwarves brought their finest ale, the elves brought honey wine from the Silvermoon Forest, the orcs brought roasted meat from the plains, and the Silent Ones brought rare fruits and vegetables cultivated with purifying energy.

As for Hope Town, naturally, it was Chef Qiang who took charge.

"Come on, come on, have a taste." A-Qiang came out carrying a huge iron pot, his face beaming with excitement.

"What is this?" someone asked curiously.

“Hot pot,” A-Qiang said proudly, “my improved version of the Wanzu Hot Pot.”

He placed the pot in the center of the table, beneath which was a magical stove burning with blue flames. Steam rose from the pot, releasing an enticing aroma.

"The broth is made with dwarven ale and elven spices, with wild onions from the orc plains and lingzhi mushrooms cultivated by the Silent Ones. You can put anything you want to eat in it, meat or vegetables, it's all fine."

"Hot pot?" an elf asked in confusion.

“That’s it.” A-Qiang picked up a thin slice of mutton, dipped it in the boiling broth a few times, then took it out, dipped it in the sauce, and handed it to the elf, “Try it.”

The elf hesitated before taking it and putting it in its mouth.

His eyes lit up instantly.

"This...this is so delicious."

"Of course," Ah Qiang said with a smug smile.

In no time, everyone crowded around, vying to put things into the pot.

The dwarves cooked meat in hot pot, the elves cooked vegetables, and the orcs cooked everything. At first, everyone was a little reserved, but after a few drinks, the atmosphere completely relaxed.

“You elves eat grass all day long, no wonder you’re so thin,” a dwarf said while cooking meat in a hot pot.

“That’s called vegetables, not grass,” the elf retorted elegantly. “Besides, we elves value health, unlike you dwarves who only know how to drink and eat meat all day long.”

"What's wrong with drinking and eating meat? What those students said was: Life is short, so enjoy it while you can."

"You dwarves don't have short lifespans either, do you?"

"That's different."

The orc next to them, listening to their bickering, couldn't help but chime in, "You two are being too dramatic. We orcs eat whatever we have; we're never picky eaters."

"You orcs even eat raw meat," the dwarf said, scoffing.

"That was before, but we still have hot pot now."

The three races sat together, bickering noisily, but strangely, none of them were truly angry. They argued, cooked food, and drank, and the atmosphere gradually became more and more harmonious.

Lin Yue stood aside, watching this scene, a smile appearing on his lips.

Little Black jumped onto his shoulder and yawned.

What are you laughing at?

"It's nothing," Lin Yue said softly. "I just feel... this is what I wanted."

A group of people of different races sitting together eating hot pot?

"It's about everyone being able to sit together, put aside their prejudices, and live in peace."

You're such an idealist.

"Maybe," Lin Yue said, looking into the distance. "But at least for now, this ideal is slowly becoming a reality."

As night deepened, the laughter and chatter in the square continued unabated.

The hot pot steamed, the aroma of wine filled the air, and people of different races sat together, sharing food, stories, and hopes for the future.

...

Late at night, Lin Yue returned to his study.

The table was piled high with letters and documents from various places, mostly requests for trade cooperation.

He picked up a letter at random; it was from a merchant in a southern kingdom, asking if he could act as an agent for Hope Trading Company's canned goods and convenient utensils.

Another letter came from a lord of an eastern coastal city, who wanted to send someone to learn steam engine technology.

Another letter was from the village chief of a remote mountain village, who said that they had planted seeds purchased from Hope Town and that this year's harvest was three times that of previous years, so he wrote a letter to express his gratitude.

Lin Yue read through the letters one by one, his heart filled with countless emotions.

[Are you spacing out again?] Little Black jumped onto the desk and poked at the letters with its paws.

"No," Lin Yue shook his head. "I was just thinking that it really hasn't been easy for us to get to where we are today."

"Don't get too cocky," Little Black said lazily. "The road ahead is still long."

"I know." Lin Yue stood up and walked to the window.

Outside the window, the night view of Hope Town is spread out before my eyes.

Electric lights illuminated the streets, and the distant power station was brightly lit, with the occasional sound of a train whistle. On the outskirts of town, rows of newly built houses stretched out, more than twice the size of those from a year ago.

Further away, in the direction of the Silvermoon Forest, he seemed to be able to see a few faint lights.

Those were the first electric lights the elves used for experiments.

“A ray of hope…” he said softly, “I hope it can illuminate more places.”

Xiao Hei yawned but didn't respond.

Lin Yue smiled, returned to his desk, and continued processing the letters.

Outside the window, the stars twinkled, their light reflecting off the lights of Hope Town.