The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 157 Part 2

    "Brother Guzi, you, you really…" Shen Yan giggled uncontrollably, struggling to find words. Finally, she managed, "You’re something else."  

    Seeing Shen Xuanqing’s stunned expression, Lu Gu shrank back awkwardly, crouching silently on the ground like a scrawny little bundle. He regretted his thoughtless remark, it had slipped out without thinking. Wasn’t that just insulting?  

    Wei Lanxiang, protective of her son, initially frowned. But with the whole family laughing, even she eventually shook her head with a smile. This Guzi…  

    Shen Xuanqing, now the butt of the joke, felt his face grow hot. How had his name ended up matching the dog’s? But he couldn’t bring himself to be angry with Lu Gu, so he glared at Shen Yaoqing instead.  

    Shen Yaoqing coughed into his fist, though his eyes still sparkled with amusement. "Let’s change it, then. How about Huang’er? Drop the ‘Er’ part."  

    "Don’t pick on him, look at yourself first," Ji Qiuyue teased. "Da Qing, Da Hui, Da Bai, Da Hei, and now Da Guai. Are they supposed to be your brothers or your sons?"  

    "Now the mother’s finding uncles for her own son," Wei Lanxiang chuckled, swatting Ji Qiuyue's arm lightly.  

    The family’s harmless teasing was all in good fun, and the laughter made the room feel even livelier.  

    In the end, Shen Yaoqing tried to save face. "From now on, none of you call me Daqing. Use my full name - Yaoqing. And don’t single me out, half the village has names with ‘Da’ in them. They’re no different from Da Huang or Da Hei."  

    This actually made him feel better. They were all just country folk, who was he to fuss over names?  

    The four big dogs were still guarding the new house. The snowstorm was bitter, but firewood was easy to come by. Once the weather cleared, they could gather more from the mountains. There was no harm in letting the dogs warm up a bit. Lu Gu and Shen Xuanqing didn’t stay long, taking Xiaohuang with them and leaving Huang’er at home for Shen Yan to play with.  

    By the time they returned, the brazier in the new house had burned down to ashes. They brought leftover bones with them. Guaizi initially barked at the puppy in Lu Gu’s arms, but once the bones were dumped into the food bowl, he forgot all else and buried his snout in them.  

    Shen Xuanqing pried open the Xiaohuang's mouth to check his tiny teeth, then gave him a piece of steamed bun to gnaw on. "Wait until his new teeth come in before giving him bones. Uncle Jinhu fed them before we left. We’ll bring back some cooked meat for him this afternoon."  

    There were still some leftover meat slices at home, a little treat for the puppy.  

    "Once the snow stops, Big Brother and I will go hunt badgers. None of us like badger meat, so they’ll get to enjoy it," Shen Xuanqing said as he crouched beside Lu Gu. Together, they blew gently on the faintly glowing embers in the brazier, trying to ignite the fresh grass tinder they’d added, saving themselves the trouble of relighting it.  

    While they worked, Xiaohuang, not hungry, ignored the cold steamed bun and instead whimpered his way toward Da Hui and the others.  

    The big dogs didn’t guard their food from humans, but they were sometimes wary of other dogs. Da Hui and the others were fine, but Guaizi let out a low growl, clearly annoyed by the puppy.  

    Hearing this, Shen Xuanqing - since Guaizi was right beside him, reached out and smacked his rump.  

    Guaizi yelped, then whined pitifully at Lu Gu as if wronged. But when Lu Gu didn’t come over to comfort him, the dog gave up the act, turned his back on Xiaohuang, and ignored him.  

    The big dogs at home were generally well-behaved and wouldn’t attack a puppy. Lu Gu wasn’t worried, Guaizi had gotten spanked as a pup because he was too mischievous. Da Hui and the others had always held back their claws and teeth, never truly hurting him. Now, they treated Xiaohuang the same way. Da Bai, gentler than Da Hei, even played with Xiaohuang for a while. Da Hui, however, seemed lazy and indifferent.  

    The brazier flared back to life. Since it wasn’t yet time to feed the livestock, Shen Xuanqing braved the snow to check the backyard.  

    With nothing else to do, Lu Gu lit the clay stove to boil water. The water in tangpozi wasn’t as hot as it had been in the morning. Sitting back by the brazier to wait, he picked up his embroidery hoop and added a few stitches.  

    Xiaohuang wagged his tiny tail and nuzzled against his feet. Delighted, Lu Gu reached down to rub his head.  

    Da Hui and the others finished eating and noisily lapped up water from their bowl. Lu Gu glanced over, the water had been poured in the morning and was likely cold by now. The big dogs took a few licks before lifting their heads.  

    Lu Gu clapped his hands lightly and returned to his needlework, unaware of anything amiss—until Shen Xuanqing came back inside, brushing snow off his shoulders. Spotting Guaizi lying on a sack, he laughed. "Well, this is new. He is sulking."  

    Lu Gu looked over. Sure enough, Guaizi was sprawled stiffly on a sack in the corner, his head toward the wall and his tail facing outward. His muzzle rested on his crossed front paws, and he didn’t make a sound. His silhouette somehow looked… melancholy.  

    Normally, no matter who sat down, Guaizi would immediately rush over for attention, rubbing against legs or begging for head pats. Today, he hadn’t budged.  

    Belatedly realizing, Lu Gu called, "Guaizi."  

    Guaizi’s fluffy tail twitched. His ears perked up, but he didn’t come over, didn’t even turn hiw head.  

    "He is really upset," Lu Gu said, surprised.  

    Shen Xuanqing chuckled. "Probably jealous. You were carrying Xiaohuang when we came in, he's been barking since then."  

    "Guaizi," Lu Gu called again.  

    The dog’s tail wagged once more, but he still didn’t move.  

    Lu Gu smiled. He’d always known people could get angry, but he’d never imagined dogs could too. Guaizi really was clever.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 3 Part 1

Chapter 3

At noon, the medical clinic prepared some food for Huo Shu alone. The clinic was bustling with people coming and going, leaving no spare moment. The only physician in attendance was Huang Yinsheng, assisted by an elderly medicine dispenser and a young apprentice who tended to the patients.  

Huang Yinsheng was too busy diagnosing and writing prescriptions to spare a hand, and he also had to look after Ji Taoyu, so Huo Shu was left to eat by himself.  

The dishes were arranged on a square table by the window in the guest room, served on seven small painted plates, each about the size of a palm. They were all decorated in blue carvings, clearly part of a matching set.  

Compared to the large earthenware bowls of the northwest, these plates seemed rather meager. Small as they were, the variety was plentiful. The table was completely covered, making the meal appear abundant.  

Huo Shu had seen similar painted dishes in the northern frontier, but only in the tents of lieutenants or generals. They were seldom used, only brought out when civil officials visited the camp.  

Such fragile items were expensive in the north, so few people used them.  

However, these wares were abundant in the south. In Tongzhou, finely crafted painted dishes were not particularly costly.  

The apprentice pushed open the window, and the table was immediately bathed in light. Outside was a small courtyard where a few white chrysanthemums had already bloomed ahead of time.  

The sunlight fell on the table, making the food seem even more appetizing.  

This was Huo Shu’s first meal since arriving in Tongzhou.  

The table was set with three meat dishes: a plate of whole fish, each about two or three inches long; a bowl of roasted lamb; and another bowl of duck offal. There were also two seasonal vegetable dishes - diced lotus root and crispy bamboo shoots, along with a bowl of soup whose name he didn’t know.  

He noticed the food had been brought in from outside, likely ordered by Huang Yinsheng from a restaurant.  

After setting the dishes, the apprentice left. Huo Shu didn’t stand on ceremony and picked up his chopsticks to eat the southern-style dishes - spread usually reserved for generals in the military camp.  

After devouring the meal like a whirlwind, Huo Shu felt he had come to the right place.  

Southern cuisine was rich, delicate, and appetizing, though his rough eating habits made him feel like a cow chewing on peonies.  

[牛嚼牡丹 (niú jué mǔ dān): lit. a cow chewing peonies; fig. someone with crude manners unable to appreciate delicate things.]  

In the afternoon, Huo Shu rested in his room for a while but soon grew restless.  

With water everywhere here, he fetched some to wash his horse in the clinic’s stable. The stable housed only a donkey, which Huang Yinsheng used to transport herbs. Unless a family was wealthy, most common families couldn’t afford to keep many large livestock, they were expensive and required careful tending.  

With nothing else to do, Huo Shu groomed his black horse until its coat gleamed, then went ahead and brushed the donkey as well.  

Tongzhou was crisscrossed with flowing streams, and time seemed to slow down here.  

After washing the horse, Huo Shu went out for a stroll, listening to the townsfolk eagerly discussing who had passed the imperial exams and how fortunate they were.  

The streets were lively at all hours.  

He wandered around until the sun began to set before returning to Huang Ji Clinic.  

After a full day of work, the apprentice finally hung up the "closed" sign and began fitting the wooden door panels into place.  

Huang Yinsheng, frowning, stood at the entrance with the medicine dispenser.  

"Was the message delivered?"  

"I asked the ox-cart driver from the village to relay it, saying that Taoyu was helping at the clinic, got tired, and would rest here overnight, returning tomorrow morning."  

Huang Yinsheng nodded, hands clasped behind his back. "Good. That should keep his parents from worrying and rushing into the city at night. The village is swamped with autumn harvest work right now, and the village head has his hands full."  

The dispenser acknowledged.  

"I checked on Taoyu earlier, his fever has broken, but he still says he feels unwell."  

Huang Yinsheng’s face darkened as he recalled the feverish ger curled up in bed. "A child his age should know better than to play by the river! What if something had happened?"  

The dispenser chuckled. "Today was the exam results announcement, of course Taoyu wanted to see. He’s not the type to fool around. You know his temperament better than anyone."  

Hearing this, Huang Yinsheng seemed to remember something. "I was so busy I forgot about that."  

He sighed. "Whether he passed or not was already decided in the exam hall, why rush to know the result?"  

"That You family boy is talented, but he’s single-minded about studying. I’ve always felt there’s something calculating about him, but Taoyu’s parents are fond of him."  

"Who in Lichao doesn’t value scholars? You’re just worried because you dote on Taoyu. But our village head has sharp eyes, You Erlang passed on his first attempt!"  

[You Erlang (尤二郎): Second son of the You family]

The dispenser beamed. "Now he’s a provincial graduate. Taoyu may be frail, but he’s blessed with good fortune."  

Huang Yinsheng’s expression shifted from worry to surprise. "Really?"  

"Huang Qi saw the list - black on red, no mistake!"  

"If You Erlang has such ability, then I’ve nothing more to say."  

Just then, Huang Yinsheng noticed someone approaching and cut off the conversation. "Ah, Warrior Huo is back. We were just about to prepare dinner."  

Huo Shu didn’t know what they had been discussing, but Huang Yinsheng seemed in better spirits now. He nodded slightly and went inside.  

Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Shameless Scoundrel  

Mu Changnian turned his gaze to Mo Shanshan. "Miss Mo, may I ask why you went to the cemetery? Xiao Lin has already explained that he went to train himself, hoping to earn the Mu family's recognition. But you..." Though he left the sentence unfinished, his accusatory tone was unmistakable.  

"I said I was raising a little ghost, but I never said I intended to harm Mu Lichuan!" Mo Shanshan replied, her expression slightly uneasy.  

"Miss Mo, you're an ordinary person. To raise a ghost, you'd need special methods. I doubt Patriarch Mo would approve of you sneaking into a cemetery in the dead of night to capture a ghost," Mu Xiaolin retorted sharply. "The whole school, teachers and students, everyone knows about how you pursued my elder brother only to be humiliated."  

"I suppose the dean called you in for questioning too?"  

Though he was a transfer student, Mu Xiaolin had gathered plenty of information about the school, including how his elder brother was the top student, albeit one who was cold and unapproachable, having outright rejected the campus belle's advances.  

Mo Xiangxiong couldn't help but sigh. The second young master of the Mu family had a sharp tongue. "Young Master Mu, your family isn't an occult lineage. What reason could you possibly have for going to a cemetery?" It made no sense unless they dabbled in dark arts, though so far, no demonic cultivators had been encountered.  

"I went to train myself. I suppose Patriarch Mo isn’t aware that I possess a single spiritual root," Mu Xiaolin declared confidently, implying that Mo Shanshan - a mere mortal was unworthy of him.  

As expected, the Mo family’s expressions darkened at his words. There was an insurmountable gap between ordinary people and cultivators.  

Seeing Mu Xiaolin’s arrogance, Mu Xiaoran frowned slightly. Even if he was a rare genius, his character needed serious tempering - otherwise, he’d grow twisted and bring no benefit to the Mu family.  

The truth was now clear: Mo Shanshan had gone to the cemetery intending to harm the Mu family’s eldest son and ended up provoking a lustful ghost. She had brought this upon herself.  

"Second Brother, a young woman has lost her innocence because of you. Shouldn’t the Mu family take some responsibility?" Mu Lichuan spoke calmly when no one else did.  

"Elder Brother, Miss Mo is your fiancee. The Mu family can’t possibly call off the engagement, so..." Mu Xiaolin trailed off meaningfully.  

"You disgrace! You commit your own misdeeds and expect your elder brother to clean up after you?" Mu Changnian snapped, his face dark. If Mu Lichuan were just an ordinary man, it might be different, but he possessed Yin-Yang Eyes, a rare gift that benefited the Mu family.  

Even if Mu Xiaolin had a single ice spiritual root and was a rare genius, a talent that hadn’t yet matured could easily be snuffed out in the cradle.  

Mu Xiaolin stubbornly refused to argue. He was a genius, the Mu family would never let him die.  

"Xiaolin won’t remain ordinary. Marrying Miss Mo would only harm her. Wouldn’t it be better for her to marry Lichuan? Even with his Yin-Yang Eyes, his cultivation is difficult. He can marry a commoner," Bai Ping whispered. "Xiaolin won’t forget Lichuan’s kindness."  

"Exactly, even in death, I'm a member of the Mu family. I would never do anything to harm it," Mu Xiaolin vowed.  

Mu Lichuan finally understood why Mu Xiaolin was like this, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. "Great-Grandfather, do you intend to sacrifice me for his sake?" His gaze was icy.  

"What do you take me for? I’m not some object to be passed around between you Mu brothers!" Mo Shanshan, humiliated beyond endurance, turned and slammed her head into the wall.

Rebirth to Erase Dark History Chapter 52 Part 3

Skeptical, Ren Boying took a bite, then said, “Try it. This is way better than salmon.”  

“No way?” Xu Chen looked dubious but picked up a slice, dipped it in sauce, and ate it. The flesh was tender, fresh, and utterly delicious. “This is really black carp? How’s it so different from others? It’s amazing.”  

“That’s an exaggeration.” The others didn’t believe him but tried it anyway, and were instantly hooked. However, the plate was mostly ice, and the sashimi vanished quickly.  

“Young boss, more sashimi!” Zhang Yunwei called.  

The fish used for sashimi weighed around three pounds, so there was more. Yang Jiabo had two additional plates brought out.  

Yang Jiabo: “You should try other dishes too. Not to boast, but everything here is exceptionally good.”  

The group sampled other dishes. They were well-traveled and had eaten plenty of fine food. The cooking here wasn’t necessarily superior, but the ingredients’ freshness was unmatched. Soon, without Yang Jiabo’s prompting, they dug in eagerly.  

Once they’d eaten their fill, a fruit platter arrived, filled with produce from the orchard. After tasting it, Meng Fan declared he’d buy all the remaining fruit to take home, whether as gifts or personal snacks. But Meng Three-Year-Old was quickly overruled, as even Ren Boying wanted some for his elders.  

Examining the cordyceps in his bowl, Ren Boying asked curiously, “Jiajia, your cordyceps are top-grade. Where’d you get them?”  

“I grew them myself. Though they’re a restaurant specialty, I rarely sell them.” Yang Jiabo’s cordyceps were in such high demand that regular customers came specifically for them.  

Ren Boying: “My grandfather has lung issues. Could I buy some?”  

“No problem.” Yang Jiabo nodded.  

“Brother Ren, this isn’t cordyceps’ native region. Medicinal herbs aren’t like other products, the same herb from different places has varying potency. The best cordyceps come from the Tibetan Plateau. If you need some, I can have someone bring them.” Qin Ruiwen said.  

Yang Jiabo replied honestly, “Mr. Qin makes a fair point. I haven’t compared them, so I can’t speak to my cordyceps’ efficacy.”  

“My grandparents have tried them, they’re far more effective than wild cordyceps on the market.” Wei Jing said.  

Yang Jiabo had given his family plenty of cordyceps. His grandmother, formerly of the drug administration, found them unusually potent and had them tested - confirming they outperformed wild ones. His orchids were also exceptional, leading many to assume he had secret cultivation methods.  

“Jiajia, how much cordyceps do you have left?” Ren Boying was intrigued.  

Yang Jiabo thought for a moment. “Not much, about 500 grams. I need to keep some for the restaurant.”  

“Brother Wei Jing, why do you keep defending Yang Jiabo? Brother Ren has always been good to us, you shouldn’t lie to him for Yang Jiabo’s sake. Non-native cordyceps being better than wild ones sounds like a scam.” Qin Rong couldn’t hold back.  

Since arriving, Qin Rong had felt nothing went her way. Everyone sided with this rural small-time boss, even though she was their longtime friend. Resentful, she grew to dislike Yang Jiabo.  

“Neither Jiajia nor I need money badly enough to lie to Brother Ren.” Wei Jing’s tone cooled. If not for Qin Ruiwen, he’d have shown her the door. He’d known Qin Rong was spoiled but hadn’t realized her true nature until today.  

“Brother Wei Jing, don’t be angry. I didn’t mean to accuse you, I just worry you’re being deceived.” Qin Rong floundered at his displeasure.  

“Heh, comparing your IQ to Brother Wei’s? The audacity.” Chang Jin sniped.  

“If my sister offended anyone, I apologize on her behalf. We spoiled her, she’s not malicious, just too blunt, which often rubs people the wrong way.” Qin Ruiwen stepped in to smooth things over.  

“Qin Rong, you really should rein in your temper. Even your brother admits you lack tact.” Chang Jin deliberately twisted Qin Ruiwen’s words.  

“Enough. You grown men should cut the young lady some slack.” Zhang Yunwei, a covert chauvinist, saw no need to nitpick with Qin Rong.  

“We’ve eaten enough. Let’s all rest, everyone’s tired and tempers are flaring.” As the eldest, Ren Boying mediated.  

Yang Jiabo saw the pattern now - Qin Rong seemed to like Wei Jing, constantly seeking his attention. His tea performance had humiliated her, and Wei Jing kept defending him, fueling her resentment.  

What kind of logic is that? Shouldn’t she try to win him over to impress Wei Jing? 

Probably looked down on him as a country bumpkin unworthy of her effort. He’d have to warn Wei Jing, don’t be blind enough to fall for such an illogical, low-IQ woman.  

After seeing his friends off, Wei Jing returned to the bamboo house to find Yang Jiabo staring at him oddly.  

“What’s wrong?” Wei Jing asked, baffled.  

“That Qin Rong likes you, doesn’t she?”  

Wei Jing: “Just a childish crush.”  

Yang Jiabo scoffed. “A ‘child’ with that figure? A beauty like her chasing you, and you’re not even a little tempted?”  

Wei Jing: “No, we’re too different. I see her as a neighbor’s kid sister.”  

Yang Jiabo exhaled in relief. “Good thing you’re not into her. A sister-in-law like that would be a nightmare.”  

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Wei Jing ruffled his hair.  

Transmigrated As Cannon Fodder To Marry Chapter 95 Part 2

    The Ninth Day of the Ninth Month, in the sixth year of Emperor Changde reign was considered auspicious day for weddings, betrothals, and bedchamber rites.  

    The Wei mansion blazed with red lanterns and double-happiness symbols. Servants bustled about as Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao were moved out of their room at dawn. It was going to be converted into a bridal chamber.  

    The grooms, now idle, first ambled to the kitchen for breakfast before being separated into different rooms to prevent pre-wedding clinginess.  

    With nothing else to do, each was handed a book for "evening studies."  

  Jiang Lin flipped through the contents and found it different from the two he had seen before, proving that these fire-avoidance illustrations came in many varieties, and the market was vast enough to be a lucrative venture.  

[fire-avoidance illustrations ((避火图): a type of erotic art/painting used in ancient China, primarily during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties]

    Though they weren’t allowed to meet, no one said they couldn’t engage in other mischief. Hearing a knock from the next room, Jiang Lin leaned out the window just as Wei Yunzhao poked his head out and tossed a paper ball at him.  

    Jiang Lin unfolded it to find the words: "My wife, are the fire-avoidance illustrations to your liking?"  

    Finding no paper or brush in his room, Jiang Lin called for someone to bring him some, scribbled a reply, and tossed it back. The exchange continued until a small pile of crumpled paper balls accumulated between them.  

    Living under the same roof had spared them the bridal procession, but the wait felt agonizingly long. Finally, when close friends arrived to offer congratulations, they were urged into their wedding robes, adorned with golden crowns, and led out of their rooms.  

    A maid waited at the door with a red silk ribbon. Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao each took an end and walked side by side into the main hall.  

    The crimson wedding robes suited them perfectly. With no veils to obscure their faces, the two young and handsome men wore smiles as servants along the way murmured praises about how well-matched the young master and his bride were.  

    At the head of the hall sat Madam Wei on one side and the ancestral tablet of Wei Su on the other, flanked by Wei family members and guests.  

    The housekeeper stood nearby and announced loudly, "The auspicious hour has arrived! The newlyweds shall bow to heaven and earth!"  

    "First, bow to heaven and earth!"  

    "Second, bow to the ancestors!"  

    "Third, bow to each other as husband and husband! Escort them to the bridal chamber!"  

    Amidst the guests’ cheers, the two were swept into the bridal chamber, still holding the red silk ribbon.  

    Neither being women, they didn’t need to sit and wait in the chamber. After completing the rituals, they stepped out to toast the guests.  

    Zhou Chengwang and Du Yuling were the rowdiest of the bunch, immediately pulling them aside for drinks. Zhou Chengwang whispered to Jiang Lin while urging Du Yuling to keep Wei Yunzhao’s cup full, "Don’t worry, once we get that Wei fellow drunk, you’ll be the one in charge tonight. You know what I mean."  

    Jiang Lin smirked. "Xiao Wangzi, seems you and Xiao Lingzi have made quick progress. You already know about ‘taking charge,’ has he been bullying you often?"  

    Their relationship had already been acknowledged. With their families neither expecting greatness nor heirs from them, aside from a beating, things had gone smoothly.  

    Zhou Chengwang made a bitter face and launched into complaints about Du Yuling’s tyranny. "He’s downright shameless! Do you know how many fire-avoidance illustrations he bought? Every single variation sold on the streets, he got one of each! And he had the nerve to say we’d try every position! Since when was he such a beast?"  

    "Well, now you know. I appreciate the thought, but don’t worry, when your wedding comes, I’ll bring Wei Yunzhao to get him drunk so you can take charge."  

    Zhou Chengwang brightened immediately. "Lin’er, I knew you were my best friend! I’ll tell my parents to prepare the wedding right away, I need to marry that beast Du Yuling as soon as possible!"  

    Jiang Lin humored him, and Zhou Chengwang, convinced of their unshakeable brotherhood, showered him with blessings until his words nearly tripped over themselves.  

    Jiang Lin thanked him, then added, "If you really consider us brothers, go talk your man into drinking less with Wei Yunzhao. I still have a wedding night to attend to, and trust me... I don’t need him drunk to handle him."  

    Successfully persuaded, Zhou Chengwang dragged Du Yuling away.  

    The remaining guests were mostly military men Wei Yunzhao had befriended, along with his subordinates. Jiang Lin spotted the beggar gang leader Wang San, clearly part of the "Number Squad" alongside Xun Qi and Chu Ba.  

    Wang San stood and raised his cup. "Young Master, Young Madam, Wang San toasts you. May your union be blessed and everlasting."  

    Wei Yunzhao clinked cups with him. "Thank you."  

    "Young Master, I, Wang San, never backed the wrong man. You kept every promise, and I’ll follow you forever. And Young Madam, you’re a force to be reckoned with. I salute you both!"  

    They drank again, but Wang San seemed ready for a third round. Jiang Lin glanced at the table, where Xun Qi kept his head down while Chu Ba eagerly raised his cup, clearly planning a relay to get them drunk.  

    Jiang Lin grinned. "Aren’t you worried if your Young Master’s too drunk to perform tonight?"  

    Chu Ba, quick-tongued, waggled his brows. "Isn’t that what you’re here for, Madam?"  

    Jiang Lin looped his arm through Wei Yunzhao’s. "Oh no, some things are only fun with two. Right, husband?"  

    Wei Yunzhao’s silent glance made Chu Ba instantly backpedal. "A toast from the whole table! No more drinks!"  

    As they moved on, Jiang Lin overheard Xun Qi and Wang San scolding Chu Ba for folding too fast—to which Chu Ba retorted that he’d rather "read the room" than face Wei Yunzhao’s morning training sessions.  

    The once-crippled Young Master had resumed his dawn martial drills, often dragging his subordinates into sparring matches they invariably lost. Chu Ba gingerly touched his face, his "delicate looks" couldn’t afford a single bruise.  

    The toasts continued until they reached Yue Heng’s table, where an unfamiliar man sat beside him.  

    Refined as jade, the stranger exuded an air of quiet nobility that belied his unremarkable reputation. Before Yue Heng could introduce him, the man spoke.  

    "I am Yue Cheng. Forgive my uninvited presence, and accept my congratulations on your divine union, harmonized as qin and se."  

[harmonized as qin and se (琴瑟和谐, qín sè héxié): describes perfect harmony between spouses or partners, likening their bond to the seamless duet of two ancient Chinese zithers (qin and se), which symbolize balanced yin-yang unity in Confucian tradition]

    Yue Cheng. 

    The name confirmed Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao’s suspicion, this was the fifth prince, the lowborn, reclusive, and allegedly inconsequential son.  

    Yet one look at him shattered those rumors. This was no man destined for obscurity.  

    "Thank you, Your Highness," they replied, drinking in acknowledgment.  

    Yue Heng then raised his cup. "To my elder brothers, a match made by heaven, united till white-haired age!"  

    The "brothers" title was presumptuous, but on their wedding day, Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao let it slide. Whether the claim held would depend on Su Qiao’s feelings.  

    Most guests were peers, as elders had sent gifts without attending. By the time the last guest departed, the moon hung high - perfect for a bridal chamber.  

    Wine awaited them inside, and the wedding bed lay prepared.  

    The crimson cups chimed softly as they linked arms and drank.  

    A breeze stirred the candlelight, casting a rosy glow on their faces.  

    Wei Yunzhao pulled Jiang Lin close. "Wife, I’ve waited long for this day."  

    "So have I," Jiang Lin replied, his gaze drifting toward the bed.  

    Wei Yunzhao chuckled. "You seem rather eager."  

    "Damn right. Come on—bed, clothes, now."  

    "As my wife commands." Wei Yunzhao lifted him onto the bed.  

    Restraint abandoned, their lips and bodies tangled in fervor. Clothes loosened, then vanished entirely. Jiang Lin groped under the pillow and triumphantly produced the fire-avoidance illustrations stashed there since the night he transmigrated.  

    "Wei Yunzhao, let’s try every pose in here!"  

    "Still calling me by name, wife? Call me husband, and I’ll oblige."  

    Jiang Lin complied without hesitation. "Husband, darling, my good man, let’s go!"  

    Wei Yunzhao could resist no longer. Together, they put the long-hidden fire-avoidance illustrations to thorough use.  

    The room bloomed with spring

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 157 Part 1

Chapter 157

    The plump, round puppy delighted Lu Gu’s heart. He didn’t even bother to pour out the dish-scrubbing water, hurrying over in a few quick steps. Smiling, he picked up one of the puppies and cradled it in his arms. Already three months old, it was quite heavy.  

    Snow was still falling, and Shen Xuanqing’s shoulders and clothes were dusted with flakes from his trip outside. Seeing Lu Gu’s joy, a smile also appeared on his face. "Let’s go inside first," he said. "The snow’s heavy out here."  

    Shen Yaoqing, sweeping vigorously with a long broom, spotted the two puppies and laughed. "They’re raised well, so chubby!"  

    "Indeed," Shen Xuanqing nodded. The puppy in his hands was round and plump, though the mother dog had grown thin. He’d meant to bring them back days ago but had forgotten in the rush of work.  

    The main room had a brazier burning. Though the journey was short, the puppies’ fur had still caught some snowflakes, which soon melted into dampness. Perhaps drawn by the warmth of the fire, as soon as they were set on the ground, they toddled toward the brazier, their tiny tails perked up and wagging happily.  

    Yellow dogs were common in the village, and their winter coats were thick. Both puppies looked sturdy and well-fed. Lu Gu squatted beside them, watching as they waddled toward him, whimpering in the most endearing way.  

    Their fluffy little tails wagged incessantly. Unable to resist, Lu Gu reached out and stroked one from the base to the tip. His eyes curved with happiness.  

    The two earth-yellow puppies had slightly different shades of fur - one darker, one lighter. However both were soft and fluffy to the touch. Their warm, round little bodies felt wonderful in his hands.  

    Lu Gu felt a wet, warm lick on his wrist. The darker puppy let out a small "woof," its jet-black eyes fixed on him, its tail wagging nonstop. The other one sniffed his hand before trotting off to investigate Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yan, its tiny tail still wagging.  

    "So cute," Shen Yan said, scooping up the lighter-colored puppy with both hands. The moment it was lifted, it let out two little yelps and wriggled its chubby body in the air.  

    Puppies at this age were naturally affectionate. Since they’d been raised in the yard, and Lu Gu and Shen Yan had often visited Lin Jinhu’s house to see them, the puppies weren’t shy at all, yipping excitedly. Even Wei Lanxiang came out to look.  

    Shen Xuanqing had mentioned before that he wanted more dogs to guard the new house. Though Wei Lanxiang wasn’t entirely pleased because the family already had four, and two more would mean even more food to prepare, she couldn’t argue with him. Besides, the puppies were undeniably adorable, and she even reached out to pet them a couple of times.  

    The puppy that had been standing near Lu Gu now scampered to Shen Xuanqing’s feet, playfully biting his trouser leg. Shen Xuanqing tugged his pants and shook his leg, sending the puppy tumbling to the ground.  

    Shen Yan also set her puppy down and gave it a thorough petting, running her hands from its head to its tail. She was delighted. Puppies were just so fun to touch, with their round little bellies.  

    Lin Jinhu was skilled at raising dogs, his big yellow dog was sharp and alert as a guard.  

    Lu Gu stroked a puppy’s head and said with a smile, "Guaizi was even chubbier than these two when he was little."  

    Unlike yellow dogs, Guaizi was a wolf-blue mastiff. Niu Hong made money selling hunting dog pups, and Guaizi had been well-fed even while nursing. Dogs grew faster than humans. In just a year, Guaizi was already following Shen Xuanqing on hunts.  

    "Second Brother, what are their names?" Shen Yan asked, unable to put the puppy down.  

    Shen Xuanqing replied, "Haven’t decided yet. Any ideas?"  

    Shen Yan thought for a moment. "They’re both yellow, how about Dahuang (Big Yellow) and Xiaohuang (Little Yellow)?"  

    Country folk didn’t put much thought into naming dogs. Most yellow dogs were called Dahuang or Huang’er, while black dogs were called Dahei or Hei’er.  

    Shen Yaoqing, who had just finished clearing a path through the snow, walked in and burst out laughing at her suggestion. "Their mom’s already called Dahuang. If you shout ‘Dahuang’ outside, half the dogs in the village will come running."  

    Shen Yan had just blurted out the first names that came to mind and had forgotten this detail. "Then, Big Brother, what do you think they should be called?"  

    "Xiaohuang works," Shen Yaoqing said after a pause. Then he added, "The other one can be Erhuang (Second Yellow)."  

    This made even Shen Yan laugh. She looked up and said, "I thought you’d have some grand names in mind, but you’re just as bad as me!"  

    Shen Yaoqing grinned. "You don’t get it. Names like these are easy to say and distinguish from the older dogs. If country folk gave their dogs some fancy literary name, no one would even know how to pronounce it, let alone call it."  

    Ji Qiuyue came out carrying the now-awake Zhao’er. Hearing him defend himself, she rolled her eyes and teased, "Oh, so you’re the expert now, huh?"  

    Whenever Ji Qiuyue scolded Shen Yaoqing, Shen Yan was always delighted. Though she was the youngest in the family, her brothers often teased her, making them occasionally annoying.  

    Shen Yaoqing scratched his cheek and laughed, not daring to argue further. He took Zhao’er and played with him, making the baby giggle uncontrollably.  

    Lu Gu had learned a few characters by now, but naming things still felt difficult to him. Besides, Erhuang and Xiaohuang were perfectly fine names for dogs, so he stayed quiet.  

    Shen Xuanqing bent down, grabbed the two puppies by the scruff of their necks, and placed them in front of Lu Gu. "The darker one is bigger, let's call it Erhuang. The other one is Xiaohuang."  

    "Erhuang, Xiaohuang," Lu Gu murmured softly, stroking their heads with a smile. But then, suddenly, he looked up at Shen Xuanqing and said, "Erqing."  

    Shen Xuanqing froze. Shen Yan and Ji Qiuyue were the first to react, bursting into laughter.  

Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 29

Chapter 29: What a Pair of Scoundrels

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell into dead silence. Mu Xiaoran’s aged face flushed with humiliation, while Mo Xiao quietly stepped back.  

"My old friend, my apologies," Mo Xiao said with faint regret. This method wasn’t something a Foundation Establishment cultivator could perform, it required a powerhouse of a much higher level.  

"You disgrace!" Mu Xiaoran's expression was exceptionally grim.  

Mu Xiaolin, seeing their reactions, suddenly realized it had all been a setup. "You... you all... actually conspired to trap me?" His voice trembled with indignation.  

Mu Lichuan curled his lips into a faint, mocking smile. "Little brother, this isn’t such a big deal. If you just explain the whole story, I’m sure everyone here will be reasonable."  

Had he admitted it earlier, the matter could have been resolved privately. But now that the patriarchs of both families were involved, things were no longer simple. Mu Xiaolin’s standing in the Mu family was bound to plummet.  

"Mu Lichuan! It’s all your fault! Everything is your fault!" Mu Xiaolin redirected all his hatred toward Mu Lichuan.  

In his eyes, if Mu Lichuan hadn’t oppressed and ignored him, he wouldn’t have been driven to take such risks—only to end up trapping himself.  

Originally, he had wanted to capture a lustful ghost, but the spirit’s techniques were too strong. By sheer misfortune, he ended up redirecting it onto a girl who, to his shock, turned out to be from the Mo family.  

"You dare talk back?!" Mu Xiaoran lashed out with a surge of energy, sending Mu Xiaolin skidding several meters across the floor. With a thud, he spat blood, clearly suffering internal injuries.  

Bai Ping rushed to embrace her son, sobbing. "Master, Master, Xiaolin knows he was wrong! He just wanted your attention!" She frantically wiped the blood from his lips, tears streaming down her face.  

Mu Changnian’s expression darkened like soot. Just moments ago, he had thought his son was a genius, only to realize this "genius" had schemed against his elder brother and even dragged the Mo family into it.  

"You disgrace! Disgrace!" Mu Changnian roared, though he knew he still had to clean up his younger son’s mess.  

Mu Xiaolin’s face was pale, but his eyes burned with venom. "I’m not wrong! I just wanted the Mu family to acknowledge me!"  

"Fellow Daoist Mo, on behalf of the Mu family, I apologize." As a cultivator, for Mu Xiaoran to lower himself like this spoke volumes about his remorse.  

Mo Xiao shook his head slightly. "This is a matter between juniors. Let them resolve it themselves." Now that the truth was out, he clearly wanted no further involvement.  

Hearing this, Mu Changnian finally relaxed. In a hoarse voice, he said, "Patriarch Mo, since this was my second son’s doing, let him marry your daughter as compensation."  

Mo Xiangxiong glanced at his daughter, but Mo Shanshan immediately protested. "My purity was ruined, and you think letting him marry me is letting him off easy?"  

"Then what does Miss Mo suggest?" Mu Changnian fixed his gaze on her.  

"Death..." Mo Shanshan spat through gritted teeth.  

"You- what a vicious woman! You’re not even dead, just 'lost your purity,' and you want me to die?" Mu Xiaolin knew when to yield. "I was cultivating for self-improvement, while you were trying to harm my elder brother." He was clearly shifting the blame onto Mu Lichuan.  

"Tell me, does a girl who schemes against our Mu family even deserve to be a Mu daughter-in-law?"  

The moment these words left his mouth, the Mo family patriarch’s face twisted in fury. Truthfully, he knew his daughter had brought this upon herself.  

"Father, right? Wasn’t she raising that ghost to target my brother?" Mu Xiaolin knew his only protector now was his father.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 2 Part 2

Ji Taoyu was already struggling to breathe, feeling as if water had clogged his airways. His body was freezing, his trembling uncontrollable.  

Despite his discomfort, he knew with certainty that the Yu family’s ger had pushed him into the water on purpose. Whether it was to humiliate him in public or worse, he didn’t know, but it was best to avoid him now.  

"H-He’s not my companion," Ji Taoyu gasped. "He’s the one who pushed me in."  

After speaking, he clenched his fists and lowered his head, trying to push himself up. However his body felt like overhydrated dough, utterly limp.  

He had never felt so helpless, so utterly humiliated by his own frailty.  

Just as his distress peaked, something suddenly draped over his slumped body, a plain black cloak spilling onto the ground.  

Ji Taoyu looked up at the expressionless man and, oddly, felt a little better. Tears still in his eyes, he whispered, "Th-Thank you, kind sir."  

Huo Shu had originally planned to leave, but the ger’s words made him reconsider.  

The cloak, which barely covered his own body, now nearly engulfed the ger whole.  

Frowning, he hauled the cloaked figure up again.  

"Where’s your home?"  

Faced with the choice between accepting a stranger’s escort or remaining a half-drowned spectacle in the middle of the market, Ji Taoyu chose the former.  

"X-Xiaoxi Street… Zhenlu Alley… the Huangji Clinic."  

Without another word, Huo Shu lifted him onto his horse, asked the teahouse attendant for directions, and rode off.  

Yu Xia, who had been rushing over from a side path, saw that Ji Taoyu had been rescued as expected and let out a quiet sigh of relief.  

He had only wanted Ji Taoyu to make a fool of himself in public, not to actually endanger him.  

But he hadn’t expected the rescuer to take Ji Taoyu away!  

Yu Xia took a few steps forward, but when the man on horseback shot him a piercing glance, a cold sweat broke out on his back. His feet froze instinctively.  

That man… he looked like the fierce-faced stranger he’d seen on the official road earlier. Even if he didn’t remember the face, he recognized the black horse.  

Yu Xia’s heart pounded nervously. Suddenly, he wasn’t sure what to do.  

____

Ji Taoyu kept his face hidden in the cloak, shielding himself from curious onlookers. Though people stared, at least they couldn’t see his face.  

Dazed, he endured only a short ride before a familiar voice made him lift his head weakly, revealing his pale face from under the cloak.  

"What happened?!"  

From a distance, Huo Shu spotted the Huangji Clinic’s sign, with a steady stream of patients coming and going.  

He slowed his horse, but its snorting still startled a few elderly and frail visitors. The sound made the old physician at the counter, who had been writing a prescription, look up.  

Huang Yinsheng, annoyed at what he assumed was another troublemaker causing a ruckus on horseback, was about to scold when he saw a towering figure carrying a cloaked person into the clinic.  

He hurried over and, upon recognizing the ger’s face, felt his heart leap into his throat.  

"Quick, bring him inside!"  

Huang Yinsheng immediately took Ji Taoyu from the man’s arms. Feeling the icy hands and soaked sleeves, he didn’t ask questions, just helped the ger into the back room.  

"Huang Qi, fetch a set of dry clothes!"  

The young medicine assistant, a ger himself, acknowledged the order, reassured the waiting patients, and rushed to the rear courtyard.  

Huo Shu faintly heard the ger call out "Grandfather" weakly before disappearing into the room. He glanced around the clinic, typical medical furnishings.  

Given how concerned the old physician was, the ger was clearly a beloved family member.  

Since the family had a physician, there was no need to worry.  

With that thought, Huo Shu turned to leave.  

"Kind sir!"  

A voice called from behind. "Wait, please!"  

Huang Yinsheng hurried after him. "Thank you for saving my grandson’s life. Your clothes are soaked, why not change in the back courtyard?"  

Huo Shu glanced at his damp attire. Unlike the arid northwest, Jiangnan’s humid air meant clothes took longer to dry. Riding through town like this would be inconvenient.  

So he nodded, retrieved his bundle, and followed the physician to the rear courtyard.  

The clinic’s front was modest, but stepping through the back door revealed a spacious courtyard.  

Dozens of bamboo trays dried herbs on layered racks - at least forty or fifty in total. Further ahead were a kitchen and adjacent rooms.  

This was a classic shop-residence setup, convenient for business.  

Huo Shu mused that the ger’s family must be fairly well-off, though the physician had mentioned this was his maternal grandfather’s home.  

Not one to pry into a stranger’s background, Huo Shu changed clothes and emerged without further questions.  

A young assistant waited outside. "Sir, please rest a moment and have some tea. I’ll dry your clothes by the fire so you can take them with you."  

Huo Shu agreed and handed over his wet garments.  

Stepping outside, he found Huang Yinsheng already preparing tea in the courtyard. "Please, sit."  

Huo Shu cupped his hands in thanks. Noticing the ger hadn’t reappeared, he asked, "How is he?"  

"My grandson has always been frail, weaker than most. Hearing what happened today, had you not rescued him, it could’ve been dire. He’s taken medicine and is resting now, I apologize he can’t thank you in person."  

"No matter. It was nothing."  

Huang Yinsheng bowed gratefully. "May I ask your name, sir? Please stay for a meal, it’s the least I can do to repay you."  

"Huo Shu. No need for formalities, I have other matters to attend to."  

He added, "Do you know where Mingxun Village is?"  

Huang Yinsheng raised an eyebrow. "Twenty li down the official road, then another two or three li on a side path."  

Recognizing Huo Shu as an outsider - likely from the north, given his demeanor - the physician who had traveled widely in his youth, felt obliged to help.  

"If you don’t mind my asking, what brings you there? My son-in-law is the village head, perhaps he can assist you."  

Huo Shu’s eyes flickered. "I’m looking for someone."  

"What a coincidence. If you’re not in a hurry, rest here tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll escort my grandson back to the village, and you can come along. I’ll introduce you to my son-in-law."  

Huo Shu paused. Navigating unfamiliar territory alone would be difficult. His northern appearance and stern face might make villagers wary, complicating his search.  

After a moment, he nodded. "Very well. I’ll trouble you, then."  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 2 Part 1

Chapter 2

The yamen runners unfurled the crimson celebratory exam results list, and the crowd surged forward noisily to view the results, momentarily drowning out the splashing and cries for help from someone in the river.  

Even if some noticed, they were pushed ahead by the throng behind them.  

On the opposite riverside, however, a lone man seated in a teahouse had spotted the drowning person early on, yet he paid no heed.  

Sprawled lazily by the railing with a view of the small bridge and flowing water, he had removed his plain black cloak and draped it aside. He lifted a blue-patterned teapot, poured a cup of autumn tea, and took a sip.  

Tongzhou was refined in its tastes, treating even tea-drinking as an elegant affair. Compared to the large earthen bowls of bitter tea gulped down in the northwest to quench thirst, the delicate cup in his hand, barely holding any tea, was the very picture of leisure.  

The northern war had ceased in May, and the army returned to court in June. After resigning from the military, Huo Shu journeyed south in July.  

Traveling at a leisurely pace, he had moved from the height of summer into autumn. Nearly two months later, he finally arrived in Tongzhou—a place praised by the world for its white walls and black tiles, clear waters, and lush mountains.  

The rivers of Jiangnan meandered endlessly, threading through the city’s wide streets and narrow alleys.  

Along the banks stood towering buildings and resplendent palaces, shops and inns packed tightly together like fish scales, merchants bustling like a group of fish crossing a river.  

Men dressed in fine robes with jade pendants at their waists, women with jeweled hairpins adorning their buns. Whether the scenery or the people, everything dazzled the eyes of an outsider.  

His comrades hadn’t lied to him, Jiangnan was prosperous and flourishing, a truly splendid place.  

Huo Shu drank three cups of tea in a row, the faint fragrance lingering on his lips, finally easing his thirst. Though the relief was slow, there was a refreshing aroma to it.  

Amidst such scenery in this southern city, his spirit felt adrift. As an outsider, it was hard to muster the will to move, let alone jump into the water and get soaked.  

Yet when Huo Shu set down his cup, his peripheral vision caught sight of the figure in the river still flailing, unable to climb ashore, with no one coming to the rescue.  

He frowned.  

People from Jiangnan were born by the water, they ought to be strong swimmers. Who’d have thought there’d be such a land duck among them?  

[旱鴨子 (hàn yā zi): lit. land duck; fig. someone who can’t swim]  

In broad daylight, drowning in the river by the bustling prefectural yamen would be nothing short of a joke.  

Seeing the person beginning to sink, Huo Shu’s eyes flickered.  

Amidst the floating blossoms on the green water, a sudden splash erupted as a dark figure plunged into the river.  

In the end, he couldn’t sit back and watch the spectacle unfold.  

The person in the river was like a drifting weed, pushed wherever the current took them.  

Huo Shu grabbed the "weed" with one hand and swiftly resurfaced.  

Water streamed down as he glanced at his soaked pant legs, frowning slightly. He loosened his grip, intending to set the person down.  

But instead of slipping away, the person clutched his sleeve tighter.  

After struggling in the water for so long, Ji Taoyu had long exhausted his strength. Terrified and disoriented, he instinctively clung to his rescuer, still not fully recovered from the shock of nearly drowning.  

Huo Shu looked down at the person glued to him and realized, it was a ger.  

The ger’s soaked sleeves clung to his wrists, revealing a section of skin so pale it resembled polished jade untouched by sunlight.  

With his face buried against Huo Shu’s chest, his hair dripping, and his body trembling uncontrollably, he looked like a frightened kitten huddling in a corner during the depths of winter.  

Huo Shu’s chest rose and fell slightly. In the end, he didn’t simply drop the ger on the ground. Instead, he hauled him up and carried him toward the steps.  

As he walked, their limbs brushed against each other, and he noticed how light and soft the ger was, like an overproofed lump of dough.  

Huo Shu’s eyes flickered. His comrades hadn’t lied, Tongzhou really had ger as delicate as boneless creatures!  

But now that he was actually holding something so soft, his back stiffened slightly. Accustomed to wielding weapons with an iron grip, he worried he might accidentally squeeze the breath out of him.  

Focusing carefully, Huo Shu brought the ger ashore. At the top of the steps, standing at the corner of the teahouse, he finally uttered two words:  

"Get down."  

The words were so curt they sounded almost harsh, devoid of any warmth. Ji Taoyu, still recovering from the shock, finally regained some awareness.  

His nose and throat still burned from the water. His senses were sharper than most, and the discomfort in his throat was nearly unbearable.  

His chest heaved rapidly, his breathing ragged. Trembling, he lifted his head and met a pair of eyes—dark pupils smaller than most, set against whites that made them look fierce and intimidating.  

The gaze alone was enough to make Ji Taoyu’s vision darken. He nearly choked on his breath, instantly snapping back to full alertness.  

Huo Shu stared at the ger in his arms, his fair cheeks so delicate they looked like they’d bruise at the slightest touch. The corners of his eyes were red, his almond-shaped eyes brimming with tears.  

Huo Shu froze.  

…Was he crying?  

Over the years, he’d encountered plenty of people begging for mercy, even those who wet themselves in fear, but only when a blade was at their throats.  

This was the first time someone had burst into tears from just a few words. His arms stiffened, unsure how to react.  

Huo Shu simply stared expressionlessly at the ger in his arms, who seemed to grow even more flustered. Quickly, the ger pushed against his arm, putting distance between them.  

But when his feet touched the ground, his legs gave way, and he collapsed with a soft thud.  

He fell flat on his backside.  

"……"  

Huo Shu pressed his lips together.  

How could someone be this weak?  

Was he trying to scam him?  

But Huo Shu quickly dismissed the thought. This ger looked as pristine as white jade, his skin so delicate it seemed untouched by even the slightest chill.  

An ordinary family, no matter how doting, wouldn’t have the means to raise someone so exquisitely. There was no reason for him to swindle a weathered, broke old man like Huo Shu, who looked decades older from years in the northwestern frontier.  

The bustling streets were packed with people. Those who had already checked the exam results list were spreading the news of successful candidates.  

Spotting two soaked figures by the river, onlookers began casting curious glances their way.  

Out of the corner of his eye, Huo Shu saw another ger rushing toward them in a panic.  

"Your companion’s here," he said.  

Rebirth to Erase Dark History Chapter 52 Part 2

“Nope, I can testify they’re just bluntly telling the truth.” Meng Fan raised his hand.  

“Meng Three-Year-Old, with that hand-raising pose, you still dare to claim you’re not a kid?” Ren Boying chuckled and pinched Meng Fan’s baby face.  

“Young boss, why don’t you introduce some of your specialties?” Xu Chen said lazily.  

Thanks to their banter, an awkward scene was avoided. Qin Rong knew that apart from her brother, no one was on her side, so she sat there sulking. Zhang Yunwei felt it was a bit unfair for several grown men to pick on a young girl, but he didn’t say anything.  

Yang Jiabo said, “The biggest specialty here is the food.”  

Xu Chen: “I love eating. What’s good here?”  

Yang Jiabo replied casually, “Country-style dishes, like free-range chicken soup, lotus leaves, lotus roots, that sort of thing.”  

“How is that a specialty?”  

“Heh…”  

The group chatted over tea. Meanwhile, Yang Jiabo observed Wei Jing’s friends. Meng Fan was the youngest, often displaying childish tendencies. With his fair complexion and baby face, he was undeniably adorable, no wonder he was called Meng Three-Year-Old. Ren Boying was tall and rugged, the type who grew on you, with a steady personality.  

Chang Jin was a sarcastic chatterbox who loved teasing Meng Fan, hence he was called Chang Five-Year-Old. Zhang Yunwei had a refined appearance but carried an air of arrogance. Xu Chen was delicately handsome but lazy. Tang Yu was a classical beauty, silent like a painting of an ancient lady—though in reality, she was bold and straightforward.  

As for the Qin siblings, both were strikingly good-looking but gave off a superior air, though Qin Ruiwen was better at hiding it. To Yang Jiabo, they were two sides of the same coin.  

Wei Jing said, “Asking so much is pointless. You’ll know once you try it.”  

“Who knows? There might be a surprise.” Yang Jiabo smirked mischievously.  

Soon, a server announced the food was ready. Yang Jiabo led them to a private room. The first dish arrived—fried bee pupae. Plump, golden-fried pupae resembled a plate of maggots. The second dish was fried dragonflies, looking like a pile of disgusting bugs. The third was skewered roasted grasshoppers.  

“Are you serving us maggots as a joke?” Qin Rong paled, standing up angrily.  

“Miss Qin, don’t be upset. These are local delicacies—nutritious, crispy, and perfect with drinks.” Yang Jiabo smiled, fully aware of what he was doing. The first two dishes were indeed specialties, and the bee pupae had been specially procured from his uncle.  

“Qin Rong, calm down. Cuisine varies by region, don’t judge just because you’ve never seen it before.” Tang Yu tugged at Qin Rong’s sleeve, urging her to sit.  

Qin Rong shook her off and sat down, fuming.  

Chang Jin pulled Tang Yu’s hand. “Tang Tang, whether she eats or not, don’t bother with her.”  

“Don’t call me Tang Tang!” Tang Yu flushed, yanking her hand back and glaring at him.  

“There’s more coming. You don’t have to eat these.” Wei Jing knew Yang Jiabo’s little game, but since his friends had been rude first, he had to back him up.  

The fourth dish arrived, not bugs, but hardly better. Many refined people avoided chitterlings, yet here was braised pork intestines. Even Wei Jing began to suspect Yang Jiabo had prepared a full menu of bizarre dishes.  

When the fifth dish appeared, green and fragrant, Meng Fan couldn’t resist asking, “Jiajia, what’s this? Looks like pond scum.”  

“It is pond scum.” Yang Jiabo nodded.  

“Jiajia, do you have any… normal dishes?” Chang Jin felt these specialties were beyond his appreciation.  

“Patience. They’re coming.”  

Next came an array of floral dishes: stir-fried banana blossoms, pomegranate flowers with cured pork, night-blooming lily mashed potatoes, taro flower stewed with stinky tofu. After the flowers came fish soup, fish scales, and sashimi. Nearly twenty dishes were served in total, growing increasingly normal and expensive as they went. Only a fool wouldn’t catch on.  

“Hahaha! Jiajia, you’re hilarious.” Meng Fan laughed heartily.  

“The young boss has a unique way of entertaining guests.” Qin Ruiwen’s tone carried hidden meaning.  

“You’re unique guests.” Yang Jiabo shot back.  

“Jiajia, can you really eat these bugs?” Chang Jin hesitated.  

“Of course, they're best drinking snacks.” Yang Jiabo picked up a bee pupa and ate it. Of the three insect dishes, this was the only one he could stomach.  

“I’ll try.” Meng Fan took one, then brightened. “So crispy!”  

Chang Jin tried it too and found it delicious, promptly urging Tang Yu to do the same.  

“Disgusting.” Qin Rong felt nauseous just looking at the maggot-like pupae.  

“If it’s gross, eat something else. The cordyceps duck stew should suit your taste.” Zhang Yunwei meant well, but his words came out wrong.  

“By the way, those allergic to high-protein foods might react to bee pupae too. Anyone with such allergies should be cautious.” Yang Jiabo reminded.  

Every dish had been carefully prepared by Yang Jiabo, and Wei Jing naturally tried them all—they were genuinely delicious.  

“This sashimi is fresh. What fish is it?” Ren Boying was puzzled, it didn’t resemble any sashimi he’d had before.  

Yang Jiabo: “Home-raised black carp.”  

“Why not salmon?” Zhang Yunwei asked a rather silly question.  

“We’re not near the sea, salmon wouldn’t stay fresh during transport.” Yang Jiabo explained.