After being chosen by the Ice Queen

The doorbell rang.

Behind the counter, an elderly man with gray hair, who was wiping dishes, looked up. A pretty girl with a ponytail next to him also looked over curiously; she looked about fifteen or sixteen years old.

Gu Yan opened his mouth, but no sound came out. The scene before his eyes began to spin and darken. He staggered forward, the bamboo sword in his hand clattering to the ground, and then he lost consciousness and fell forward.

"Grandpa!" the girl exclaimed.

The old man rushed forward and caught Gu Yan before he fell to the ground, his brows furrowed as he looked at the wounds and bloodstains on his body.

"Quick, Miki, help her to the back and get the first-aid kit!"

My consciousness felt like it was sinking to the bottom of a cold sea, slowly rising. A dull pain spread throughout my body, a burning pain.

Gu Yan opened his eyes, his blurry vision gradually focusing on the low ceiling. The ceiling was covered with patterned wallpaper, the edges of which were slightly yellowed.

The air was filled with a faint aroma of food, mixed with the smell of disinfectant and old wood.

He lay on a tatami mat with clean bedding, covered with a thin blanket. His wounds had been properly treated, and his lower leg was immobilized with a board and bandages.

Looking around, it was a small, extremely tidy Japanese-style room, with faint sounds coming from outside the sliding door.

Memories flooded back: the underground arena, the suppressed physique, the fierce battle, the serious injury... and that black figure that descended from the sky and then left indifferently.

Her face, her cold, scrutinizing eyes, and the words, "Come find me when you're healed," are etched into my mind with exceptional clarity.

The door was gently pulled open a crack, and a pretty girl with a ponytail peeked in. Seeing he was awake, her eyes lit up: "Ah, you're awake!"

Her voice was clear and bright, filled with concern, "Grandpa, he's awake!"

Soon, an elderly man with gray hair came in. He carefully examined Gu Yan's condition, especially his immobilized lower leg, and then nodded: "The bone was set fairly well. Young people recover quickly, but he will need to rest for at least two or three weeks before he can walk with difficulty. The other parts are mostly skin and flesh injuries and bruises, nothing serious."

"Thank you... thank you for saving me." Gu Yan's voice was hoarse as he tried to prop himself up. The girl named Miki quickly stepped forward to help, placing a pillow behind his back.

The old man waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to be so polite. He paused for a moment, seemingly choosing his words carefully, before speaking: "That night, shortly after you fainted, a woman came to the shop."

Gu Yan's heart stirred.

"She didn't come in, she just looked out from the doorway," the old man recalled calmly. "She was very beautiful, but... she seemed like a very complex woman. She left a message saying that once you've recovered, if you still want to 'continue what happened that night,' go to 'Shimotsuki Tea House' in 'Tsubaki-zaka' to find her."

The old woman paused, glanced at Gu Yan, and said, "She left some money, saying it was for your medical expenses and food and lodging during this time."

"I understand, thank you for telling me." Gu Yan nodded, inwardly complaining. This young lady is so considerate, even kindly escorting me to the ramen shop. As the saying goes, if you're going to help someone, help them to the end. Couldn't she have taken me to the hospital instead?

But then he thought again, given his injuries and unknown origins, going to the hospital would likely cause more trouble. In that case, this secluded yet welcoming little ramen shop was actually the safest and most suitable place for him to rest and recuperate. He felt somewhat fortunate.

She wasn't as cold as she appeared.

However, due to his special status, he did not want to get involved with these ordinary people.

"That young lady...is rather unusual," the old man said slowly. "Just keep that in mind. My place is open during the day, but it's relatively quiet at night. You can stay here to recover for now. But try not to go to the front shop, so as not to attract attention. By the way, what should I call you?"

My surname is Gu.

"Gu Sang," the old man nodded, "get some rest."

In the days that followed, Gu Yan recuperated quietly in this small back room.

Compared to the old man's taciturn nature, the young girl Miki was much more lively. She was curious about where Gu Yan came from and how he could have been so badly injured, but she was also very sensible and didn't ask too many questions. She just did her best to help change his dressings, deliver his meals, and take care of him.

The ramen shop was small, with only five or six tables, but it was spotless. The dark wooden counter had been worn smooth by time, and bottles of soy sauce, vinegar, and seven-spice powder were neatly arranged on it.

The kitchen is open-plan, allowing you to see the elderly person busy inside. The rich aroma of simmering bone broth lingers all day, leaving a lasting impression.

Gu Yan gradually grew to like the udon noodles here.

The noodles are handmade, uniform in thickness, and have a smooth texture. They are soaked in a broth that has been simmered for a long time with kelp, bonito flakes, and several secret seasonings. The broth is clear and has a delicious flavor.

The dish was simply garnished with a handful of bright green scallions, a pinch of minced ginger for flavor, and two slices of pink and white Naruto rolls. It reminded Gu Yan of Ichiraku Ramen from the anime, where he would always unconsciously shout "Another bowl, please!" after finishing it!

After about a week, Gu Yan's injuries had healed by about 70-80%, and he could move around almost without any problems. Time was of the essence, and they had to set off.

"I might come back for noodles again in the future," Gu Yan said with a smile.

Miki nodded vigorously: "You're welcome anytime! Take care, Mr. Gu!"

The old man simply patted him on the shoulder silently.

After saying goodbye to the ramen shop, Gu Yan's figure blended into the deepening twilight of Kagoyacho and headed towards Tsubakizaka according to the address.

Frost Moon Tea House is a Japanese-style building with a private courtyard and an unassuming facade. After Gu Yan gave his name, he was quickly led into the inner courtyard by a young man in a black suit.

The courtyard was exquisite, and the dry landscape garden gleamed with a cool, serene light under the moonlight. Under the eaves, Chiba Rin knelt before the tea table, slowly and methodically preparing tea. She was still dressed in all black, her coat casually draped over her shoulders, a striking scarlet strand of hair at the end standing out.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up, her dark eyes meeting Gu Yan's. She gestured for him to enter and said softly, "It's a few days later than I expected."

"I need to heal my injuries before I can delay Miss's business."

Gu Yan sat down opposite her without touching the teacup in front of him.

"My name is Gu Yan. May I ask how you should address me, Miss?"

"Chiba Rin, Chiba Rin of the Chiba Group."

"I need manpower." Chiba Rin cut to the chase. "I just got back from America. A few old guys in the Chiba Group are using their seniority to control quite a few branches and businesses. My father... is getting old, and there are some things he can't handle anymore."

She spoke directly, making no attempt to hide the internal chaos, "I need some fresh blood, to do things that the Chiba Group can't openly do, or things I don't want them to handle."

Her gaze locked onto Gu Yan: "I checked your records after you appeared; they're as clean as a blank sheet of paper, except for a few insignificant underground boxing matches. No background, no entanglements, but your fighting skills are quite interesting."

Gu Yan calmly asked, "What can I get in return?"

"The money is enough for you to live comfortably here for the rest of your life." Chiba Rin tapped her fingers lightly on the sofa armrest. "Necessary protection, as long as you don't actively seek trouble. And..." she paused, "...I'll help you find what you want."