Chapter 519 - 418: Cyber Restaurant

"Is this kind of limb mutation common in Titan City?" Han Zhan asked curiously as they walked down the street.

"Why do you think that?" Judith asked in return.

"Because you seemed so calm just now, like it was a common occurrence."

Han Zhan recalled Judith’s demeanor and tone when she called for the defense squad earlier; it didn’t seem like it was her first encounter with such a situation.

Judith heard Han Zhan’s comment and a faint smile appeared at the corners of her mouth, "Your observation is quite sharp."

"You’re right, limb mutations are common in Titan City. The integration between the human body and artificial limbs cannot be a hundred percent seamless, which results in various rejection reactions. Severe rejections can cause life-threatening damage, while mild ones might result in mutations."

"A common manifestation of those mutations is the rampage and chaos of the artificial limb."

"It’s just that in recent years, the frequency of mutations has increased significantly, possibly related to Titan City’s urban district being open to everyone, so more ordinary people have opted for artificial limb fusion surgeries."

It sounded as if limb mutation was an inevitable trend after the fusion of human and artificial limbs, yet most people in Titan City knew the risks and still flocked to it.

It’s an unavoidable situation, one even Shang Jianyue couldn’t change.

Artificial limbs can change an ordinary person’s life, whether it’s an artificial eye that can scan, arms that can load heavy weapons, legs that can shoot flames, or even a mechanical giant snake.

Once an artificial limb is installed, a person’s life will change.

There are too many ordinary people in Titan City eager for a chance to change their destiny.

Compared with limb mutations, they were more afraid of being their powerless selves.

Han Zhan shook his head, choosing not to judge the choice made by the Titans.

Everyone has their own way of living, and he had no right to criticize, nor to intervene.

"Let’s talk about something else." Sensing the somber atmosphere of the conversation, Judith took the initiative to switch topics, "Do you know why I insisted on treating you to a meal?"

"Why?"

"Because ever since I parted with you in Titan City last time, I haven’t had the opportunity to properly thank you," Judith said with a smile.

"If it wasn’t for you, I might still be stuck in a quagmire. If it wasn’t for you, Shang Jianyue wouldn’t have noticed me, nor would he have made me his steward."

Judith wasn’t a fool; she understood it well.

After listening, Han Zhan pressed his lips together slightly, remaining silent.

"We’re here." As they spoke, they had already arrived at the entrance of a restaurant, and Judith stopped to speak.

Han Zhan instinctively looked up, glancing at the restaurant’s prominently displayed marquee and name, with dazzling neon flashing: "Cyber Restaurant" in four big characters, truly living up to its name.

At the entrance, two pretty girls with dreadlocks stood at the cyber restaurant’s exterior, responsible for attracting passing customers.

When Judith led Han Zhan into the Cyber Restaurant, the girls’ expressions seemed a bit surprised and delighted upon seeing Judith.

But due to their current roles, they ultimately stood their ground, only responding with even warmer smiles.

Judith was the same.

"You know them?" Han Zhan asked with curiosity after sitting down.

Judith nodded slightly, not denying it. "The two sisters are twins, and like me, they were once residents of Dawn Street."

"Don’t be fooled by their seemingly normal appearance; in reality, all of their internal organs have been replaced by artificial limbs. The misfortunes they have encountered have made them struggle to survive at the lower levels of Titan City."

Unexpectedly, just a casual inquiry revealed such a story.

Han Zhan had learned about Dawn Street, where many residents like those twin sisters, and the former Judith, struggled to survive.

At this moment, a waiter, whose legs had been replaced with a balance vehicle limb, came by carrying food.

"Sister Judith!" The waiter, like the girls at the entrance, beamed with delight at seeing Judith. "Long time no see!"

"Yes indeed," Judith exchanged pleasantries with her.

"Is this your boyfriend? He’s really handsome!" The waiter couldn’t help praising Han Zhan as her gaze landed on him.

Judith’s smile grew even more brilliant, but she still shook her head, denying it, "No, he’s a guest invited by the leader."

"Ah, ah." The waiter nodded knowingly, not interrupting them further as they continued dining.

Witnessing this scene, Han Zhan was thoughtful.

"First the girls at the door, then the waiter—they all seem quite familiar with you, and they all have at least some artificial limbs, though they don’t seem like the kind seeking the strength of such limbs."

"Could it be... they all come from Dawn Street?"

"And to make an even bolder guess, is this Cyber Restaurant yours?"

Judith was startled by Han Zhan’s words, her eyes wide in surprise, "You could even guess that?"

Though not entirely a guess.

Only this could explain why these people equipped with not very practical artificial limbs could be employed by the restaurant.

After all, restaurants aren’t charity organizations, unless there is a necessary connection among them.

For instance, Judith.

"I grew up on Dawn Street, and the people there helped me a lot, so when I became Shang Jianyue’s steward, I did my best to help more people from Dawn Street."

"This Cyber Restaurant is indeed my establishment."

"The waiters, the chefs, including the girls at the door, are all from Dawn Street."

"Their bodies have all experienced severe trauma, forcing them to replace parts with artificial limbs; hence, they could only live at the lower levels, bearing the risks of limb mutation."

So, Judith recruited them to her Cyber Restaurant, employing them as the restaurant’s staff.

Because of the restaurant’s name "Cyber," even customers who are unaware, upon entering and seeing these employees with artificial limbs, wouldn’t find it peculiar or dissonant; instead, they would feel it quite fitting, very "Cyber."

It has to be said, Judith was indeed considerate.

"How many people, after achieving success, still think of giving back to where they’ve lived, helping those in need?"

"Judith, in this regard, you’ve done very well. I toast to you."

Han Zhan raised his glass, which contained a blue liquid that glowed faintly.

Judith smiled softly and asked, "Do you remember what’s in this glass?"

Hearing Judith’s question, Han Zhan laughed silently.

"Of course I remember, this should be the drink you treated me to when we first met, ’Spiritual Young Man.’"

"Then, shall we officially celebrate our reunion?"

Judith finished speaking and tilted her head slightly, looking at Han Zhan playfully while extending her glass.

Han Zhan did the same, reaching out to clink glasses with her.

"To a happy reunion."