They sat on the benches, Xiao using the cornucopia to bring out ice creams and coffee. He made a quick Affogato for them both and watched with delight as Basilio’s enjoyment of the food showed in his amber eyes. 

“This is good, it reminds me of a drink from a country in Urobah.” 

“Is that so?”

As they sat in quiet contemplation, a man walked up to them. Xiao recognized him as the man from before, This time cleaner and the papers were nowhere in sight. 

“Hello there po,” the man began. “I couldn’t help but notice the drink you guys are enjoying and it smelled really good. Like really good. I wanted to ask where you guys bought that. I want to try it out for myself too.” 

Before Xiao could answer, Basilio smugly chimed in. Still sipping his Affogato. “This white-haired beauty is the man who made this amazing drink.” To really sell it, Basilio took a big gulp, moaning in satisfaction. Xiao just stared at him unamused, ignoring the slight warmth on his cheeks.

“It’s nothing special really, just used good products. I can make an Affogato for you too if you want?”

“Thank you so much!” He said, opening up his wallet. “How much do I need to reimburse you for the drink?”

Xiao shook his head, “It’s okay, this one’s free. I’m not sure of the market price right now for the capital, foreigner, and all but I’m more than willing to give you one for free. Just give some honest feedback on the product overall.”

“Sure I can do that.” The man said. “Though, it’s kind of weird to get a drink when I don’t even know your name. I’m Florante Alunan, I’m a freelance engineer.”

“Nice to meet you Alunan, I’m Xiao Chen. A tourist at the moment.” He cheekily replied, he put in the finishing touches of the Affogato and handed it over to him. Watching his microexpressions as he poured the hot coffee over the ice cream. 

“Hope you enjoy!”

Xiao made room for Florante on the bench, ignoring Basilio’s disgruntled grunt. In the short time they knew each other, Basilio liked being dramatic as his default personality. Along with a clear penchant for swiping food and drinks from other people.

Florante scarfed down the affogato like a starved man. Licking his lips to chase the remnants of the affogato flavors. Bemused, Basilio asked him if it was good.

“Good? It was great!” He exclaimed, giving Xiao a thumbs up in ecstatic approval. Basilio raised a brow, smugness exuding from his every pore. Xiao rolled his eyes but conceded that again, Basilio was right. 

“The coldness of the ice cream in contrast to the hot coffee as well as the crushed almond cookies to give it some texture variety and this syrup that’s a cross between caramel and fruit is really good! Smells absolutely decadent.”

“Well, I’m glad you like it! Want to keep in touch in case I open up shop here? You’ll be my first customer.” Xiao persuaded.

“Hey!” Basilio shouted, pouting at Xiao petulantly. “If anyone gets the title of the first customer, that’s going to me.”

“Unlike you, Sir Florante actually has manners and asked me. Whereas you took my drink like a common thief.”

“I resent that title, if anything I’m more than just a mere thief. I’d be the Datu of thieves… if I had to have a title.”

Xiao refrained from rolling his eyes, even if the man was petty as all hell, he was his only guide to navigating the Capital and tourist guides tend to avoid tackling the darker aspects of their city. Crime and social issues don’t bring in new gullible tourists after all.

He stood up accepting the empty ceramic bowl and spoon utensil from Florante’s hands and dropped them in a specialized container to clean later. They bid each other goodbye and went their separate ways, Xiao still wanted to go to the business center to get a permit if possible or at least prepare for the requirements and see if he could gather everything needed since buying a building and renovating it is going to take the longest time. 

Along with working out how to inconspicuously use Cornucopia without alerting the authorities or whatever this world’s version of a magical FDA is. He needed more information and luckily their next stop would help alleviate his current questions.