Chapter 150: Carrots, Cores, and A Night of Steamed Buns
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Their smiles lasted until they rounded the last turn. Kent's heart dropped like a stone. The neat snack land garden was now mostly a charcoal wasteland. Shattered fence rails stuck out like ribs. A crooked bucket dangled from a half‑melted pump. Steam still curled from holes in the ground.
"MY VEGETABLES!" he gasped. "My million‑dollar carrot empire!"
Nima's jaw fell open. "Who nuked our backyard? They even broke the sign I put up."
Auri fluttered above the wreck. Chip‑chip‑chip?!? "Looks like a dragon sneezed on the garden."
Kent staggered forward, fell to his knees, lifted one limp black lettuce leaf and let it crumble. His eyes went blank with shock.
From the porch, Old Man Xian Yu shuffled forward, broom in hand, ash on his robe. He cleared his throat.
"Welcome home, my dear disciple," he said, forcing a smile. "About the garden …"
Kent turned slowly, face pale. "Old man, What…happened?"
