Infinite Cosmic Cafeteria Chapter 58: Identity

Translator: Stellar Novels Editor: Stellar Novels

Ma Lu cleaned up the white mess and placed an A4 sheet of paper on the spot, acting as if nothing had happened, and continued the conversation.

“So, about the inspection…”

Perhaps due to the earlier mishap on the sofa, the white pigeon’s attitude became noticeably more courteous, no longer speaking in a formal tone.

“I can help you deal with the inspection, but I can’t be at your shop all the time. I have other responsibilities. Here’s the deal: I’ll give you an address. Go find the owner there; he should have what you need.”

The white pigeon waited for Ma Lu to take out his phone before continuing, “Jinxin Plumbing and Hardware, on Fangyuan East Road. But the owner is out of town this week for supplies, so go next week.”

“Alright.” Ma Lu checked the location on Gaode Maps and found that it wasn’t too far away—only about a 20-minute ride by tricycle from Civil Aviation University.

(Translator's Note: Alibaba’s mapping service which is a competitor to Google Maps)

He wanted to build a better relationship with the white pigeon and get more information from him.

But the pigeon didn’t give him the chance. “That’s all for now. I have other things to attend to. Be careful and try not to cause trouble.”

Ma Lu quickly responded, “Can we exchange contact info? That way, if there’s an emergency, we can reach you right away.”

“No need. I’ll find you when the time comes.” The white pigeon glanced at Old Wang one last time before spreading its wings and flying out of the apartment.

Ma Lu watched as the pigeon disappeared behind the building across the street, then turned back to Old Wang.

“What do you think?”

“Huh?”

“Do you think what he said is credible?”

“My database doesn’t contain any records of a City Administrator,” Old Wang said. “Of course, it’s possible that those records were stored in damaged sectors that are now inaccessible.

“However, based on the information I’ve observed and collected over this period, I also lean toward believing that there’s an unofficial organization on this planet managing interdimensional visitors and maintaining stability.”

Ma Lu’s interest was piqued. “He mentioned something about the Great Alliance. I remember you also mentioned that name. What exactly is the Great Alliance?”

“The Great Alliance is the entity responsible for establishing and maintaining order in the multiverse, similar to the United Nations on this planet,” Old Wang explained. “The Great Alliance has many departments and a large number of officials who handle various affairs across the multiverse.

“While some people dislike the Great Alliance, hating its regulations and bureaucratic nature, surveys show that at least 71% of respondents hold a positive view of the Great Alliance.”

“The pigeon said our dimension is outside the Great Alliance. Why is that? Is it because we don’t meet the criteria to join, like technological level or something?” Ma Lu asked.

“No, your technology, while far from outstanding, is definitely not the worst. Many dimensions within the Great Alliance have even lower technological levels than yours.”

Old Wang paused, then continued, “It’s mainly due to geographical reasons.”

“Geographical reasons?”

“Yes, your location is rather remote, far from the main trade routes, and lacks any unique resources or goods. As a result, there’s no compelling reason for other dimensions to establish contact with you.

“But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your low presence in the multiverse has kept you untouched by the last two major wars.”

“After careful deliberation, the Great Alliance decided that it was best to leave your dimension as it is, so they went ahead and closed off the trade routes leading here.”

Ma Lu scratched his head. “Now that you mention it, I think staying like this is just fine. But if the routes are closed, how did you, that pigeon, and a Craftsman manage to get here?”

“I’ve lost that part of my data. In fact, I’ve forgotten where I came from, what my job was, and who I knew in my previous universe.”

Old Wang said, “Based on the current information, I can only speculate that I arrived on this planet aboard a private aircraft, bypassing the Great Alliance’s blockade. It’s likely that the others came in a similar way.”

“Hmm, so do you have any grudges against the Great Alliance?”

“Your guess is possible, but the sector storing that part of my data is damaged, so I can’t verify it.”

“Is there anyone who can help you repair the damaged sector and restore your memory? Oh, No. 6 seems to have a repair function!” Ma Lu suddenly thought of something and slapped his thigh in excitement.

“Its repair function is designed for high-dimensional artifacts, but I am not an artifact,” Old Wang replied. “Even the Craftsman behind it cannot resolve my condition.”

“I see, but as long as you’re willing to look, there’s always a way, right?”

“Maybe.”

Ma Lu noticed that Old Wang didn’t seem particularly interested in regaining his memories.

Sensing Ma Lu’s thoughts, Old Wang patiently explained, “Identity and self-discovery might hold great significance for carbon-based life forms like you. You spend your lives seeking your place and role within society, but these matters are less important to me.

“My kin and I have understood our purpose since the moment of our creation—to preserve and explore the beauty of the multiverse. No matter who I was or what experiences I had, it doesn’t change our pursuit of that goal.”

Seeing that Old Wang himself wasn’t in a rush, Ma Lu felt reassured.

From his personal perspective, the current Old Wang was great as he was. Ma Lu wasn’t sure how Old Wang might change after regaining his memories. However, as a friend, if Old Wang ever needed his help in this regard, Ma Lu would undoubtedly support him.

After thinking it over, Ma Lu added, “Considering the potential issues between you and the Great Alliance, let’s try to avoid their people in the future. Although it’s unlikely we’d run into any Great Alliance officials.”

“Sure.” Old Wang didn’t object.

“Also, according to that pigeon, there are other interdimensional visitors on this planet.” Ma Lu rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“If I could bypass the Great Alliance’s blockade, then others could too,” Old Wang said. “But there’s no need to worry too much. Those who come here likely don’t want to be discovered and will probably follow the local rules. Besides, the City Administrator is watching.”

“Oh, I’m not worried about Earth’s safety,” Ma Lu replied. “That busybody pigeon can handle that. I was thinking of expanding our customer base, but that’s not urgent. Let’s focus on opening the shop first.”

Over the next few days, the two continued selling Volcano Sausages at the west gate. As more short videos of the flaming sausages were uploaded online, racking up countless likes, the fame of Universe’s Best Snack Stall spread beyond Civil Aviation University.

Ma Lu could clearly feel the increase in off-campus customers, and there were even out-of-town tourists who saw the flaming sausages on Douyin and Xiaohongshu and came specifically to try them.

Ma Lu and Old Wang started closing up shop earlier and earlier, eventually setting out at 11 a.m. and selling out before 3 p.m.

During this time, Ma Lu also visited the location the pigeon mentioned and found Jinxin Plumbing and Hardware on Fangyuan East Road, just as described—closed with a note on the shutter stating that the owner was away on business.

Previous

Next