He had learnt some information regarding his father, but it brought even more questions, and everything put together made Xiao Lan even more confused.
He pondered on his father Xiao Chenyan, his skill, and the Advent World, and was clearly a little preoccupied for the entire afternoon.
When it was time for dinner, Xiao Lan was still in slightly low spirits.
At that moment, Luo walked over to him. “Sir, I made a booking at a famous Spanish restaurant. It has very good ratings. How about we go there for dinner and distract ourselves a little?”
Before he looked into Xiao Chenyan, Luo had already anticipated that there would be news that would leave Xiao Lan in a poor mood, so he had prepared for this.
Xiao Lan was going to say that he wasn’t in the mood to eat, but thinking about how Luo may have made a lot of arrangements beforehand, it didn’t seem nice to refuse him like this. Moreover, they would still have to wait even if they ordered takeout. In the end, he nodded in agreement.
It was still Luo who drove, and the two arrived at the restaurant.
The waiter led the two of them to the private room which Luo had booked.
In the exquisitely decorated restaurant, soothing music paired with delicious food was indeed relaxing.
The fragrance wafted out from the Spanish paella. The seafood in the rice was extremely fresh, and the rice was filled with the bouncy and rich taste of fresh and sweet seafood. Matched with the loose and distinct grains of rice, each mouthful was extremely satisfying, both in flavour and texture.
The beef cooked slowly at a low temperature was tender and delicate, and extremely juicy. With the chef’s special paste blend, each bite was a pleasure.
The outer skin of the fruit wood roast suckling pig was crisp, while the meat was chewy and tender. With two types of dipping sauce — the apple puree that was sweet and tasty, and the spicy paste that had a distinctly Spanish flavour — the taste was unique and wonderful.
The Portobello mushrooms which were served as side dishes were also sauteed to perfection; the existing fragrance of mushrooms carried a trace of unique mild spiciness. They were extremely fresh and delectable to eat.
Even if Xiao Lan was a person who thought everything he ate was tasty, he could also appreciate how delicious these dishes were. Sure enough, when in a bad mood, eating a large meal of delicious food would definitely lift one’s spirits.
When he put the beef in his mouth, the jitters from the doubts he couldn’t suppress faded a little.
Seeing Xiao Lan’s perpetual frown smooth out a little, Luo raised a wine glass and took a sip. “Sir, how about we take a spin for some fresh air after we eat?”
“Oh…” It had been many years since Xiao Lan did something for fun like driving around. After all, he didn’t have a car nor money, and also had no time, and he did miss it a little for a bit.
The last time he went for a drive for fun was probably when both his parents were still around, during his most carefree childhood that was free of worries.
“The fresh air and passing scenery can also help you relax,” Luo added with a smile.
After dinner.
Luo drove Xiao Lan along the river for some fresh air. Fortunately, non-humans didn’t have to worry about driving drunk.
The chilly wind coming off the river brushed against Xiao Lan’s cheeks and brought with it the hubbub of the city night. Radiant light was reflected on the water and broken up by the waves to create a river of glittering stars.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Xiao Lan leaned against the car window, staring at the gorgeous night scene which streaked past outside. Thoughts flew through his mind for a while, as if he was thinking of many things and nothing at all.
Pa tjv yffc j ibcu, ibcu alwf rlcmf tf tjv atf iezeglber qglnlifuf bo rqjmlcu bea jcv gfralcu ilxf atlr.
Ugfnlberis, fnfc atbeut tf kjr j olgra-gjaf ugjvejaf raevfca, tlr afgglyif mgfvla gjalcu jcv ogfdefca nlrlar ogbw ibjc rtjgxr wfjca atja wjcs mbwqjclfr gfoerfv ab rff tlw. Lf mbeiv bcis kbgx j rwjaafglcu bo bvv pbyr, jcv la kjr nfgs vloolmeia ab xffq fjmt bcf obg ibcu. Ktf cfnfg-fcvlcu kbgx jcv vfyar gjgfis ujnf tlw atf mtjcmf ab ygfjatf.
After entering the Advent World, danger was always by his side, and it was like his entire body was under constant strain. The slightest complacency could cause death…
Luo noted Xiao Lan’s utterly relaxed expression and didn’t speak to interrupt Xiao Lan’s current mood. His driving became even steadier, and they drove on silently.
Sir must be very tired. Even if he recovers from his physical exhaustion, his mental burden won’t ease up.
Luo hoped that everything he did could help Xiao Lan to relax even just a little. Even if there was an abyss they couldn’t see in front of them, even if they might encounter serious danger very soon, right now at least, he could help Xiao Lan relax and feel comfortable.
After driving for an unknown period of time, the Ferrari stopped on a hillside in the outskirts.
Xiao Lan came back to himself and lifted his head. In front of the hillside was a wide, open space. It seemed it would be clear skies tomorrow since the starry sky right now was especially bright.
Seeing Xiao Lan refocus, Luo said, “Want to get out and take a look?”
Xiao Lan nodded and got out of the car. Their surroundings were utterly tranquil, and the faint chirps of insects from the meadow and undergrowth only emphasised the stillness at this moment; it was as if he and Luo were the only two people left in the world.
The mountain air was refreshing and carried a plant fragrance, which was especially relaxing.
“Bang —”
At that moment, fireworks suddenly shot up from below the mountain as they exploded in the night sky in a constant stream to brightly decorate the dark expanse. They just happened to be in the best location to enjoy the show, as if it was a specially prepared firework festival.
“It’s said in the human world that fireworks symbolise well wishes, and are usually set off during festivals.
“I wish you well, sir.”
Xiao Lan turned his head and just happened to see Luo smile in the light of the fireworks.
The brilliance of the fireworks limned Luo’s figure in glimmering light, giving this non-human, who was extremely handsome to begin with, an otherworldly beauty; he was like the phantom from legend who would lure lost travellers into losing their way and take them to a place they couldn’t return from.
Perhaps those travellers would be perfectly willing to be bewitched if they saw something like this.
Dazed for a moment, Xiao Lan then came back to himself. “…Thank you, Luo.”
In the cool night wind, Luo took out hot tea which he had prepared in advance and gave it to Xiao Lan. “Whatever happens, I will always be by your side.”
Xiao Lan clasped the hot tea in both hands and stood shoulder to shoulder with Luo as he looked at the fireworks that had been prepared just for him.
The depression and confusion in his heart were suddenly dispelled.
Whether it was the Advent World or his father, everything had already happened, and feeling confused over it wouldn’t change anything. He may as well keep forging ahead; he would find hope as long as he moved forward.
Moreover, he also had a good comrade who was steadfast and loyal. When it felt arduous to be alone, two people might find a new way.
Xiao Lan silently turned his head to look at the person beside him. There was a smile on his face as he quietly told him in his heart: Meeting you was really good.
After watching the fireworks, the two of them drove back home.
It was already late at night.
At the entrance to his place, Xiao Lan saw the uncle who had walked his dog before and warned them that something was wrong with the house when they first moved in. It turned out that the uncle lived right next to them. However, they didn’t see that lively husky today.
The uncle also noticed Xiao Lan. He smiled and greeted him. “Hello ah. You guys look quite chipper!”
Xiao Lan got out of the car and returned the greeting, and also chatted with the uncle for a while.
While chatting, Xiao Lan learnt that the uncle was surnamed Zhang and was already retired. Usually, he was in his garden planting vegetables and feeding his dog. Although it wasn’t too clear at night, Xiao Lan could still see the holes in Uncle Zhang’s vegetable garden.
Uncle, you can’t have both a vegetable garden and a husky ah.
Uncle Zhang asked Xiao Lan, “And you, young man?”
Xiao Lan: “I’m Xiao Lan. I’m self-employed and I usually spend most of my time running about outside, so I probably won’t come back often.”
Uncle Zhang was very envious when he heard this. “Self-employment is good ah, you’re the one who makes all the decisions. I started my own business and was trapped at the office. If it wasn’t my own problem, it was someone else’s; I couldn’t even escape work when I ate. Thankfully, I’ve tossed the company to my son, and he’ll be the one losing hair, hahaha.
“Now, I’m just planting vegetables and raising my dog son. Saying it like this, I’m also considered a self-employed farmer ah.”
Who would have thought that this was an uncle who had started a company from scratch, although he was now immersed in planting vegetables.
Luo had parked the car by then and came over. Uncle Zhang was also very interested in him. “Young man, what do you do ah? Are you also self-employed like Little Lan?”
Luo shook his head at Uncle Zhang. “Hello. I’m Fei Luo. I’m just sir’s personal assistant.”
Uncle Zhang looked at Luo, then at Xiao Lan, and an understanding look appeared in his eyes. “A personal assistant ah, I understand, I understand. You two seem quite well-matched. I’m not as inflexible as those old fogeys either. I wish you both well ah.”
Luo smiled, but had no intention of explaining.
Xiao Lan’s smile slowly disappeared. “…”
No, uncle, what on earth are you understanding ah?!!! Is the high-class circle so complicated?
He tried to change this embarrassing topic. “Um… Uncle Zhang, what are you doing out so late? It’s so dark outside. Be careful not to run into anything.”
Uncle Zhang shook his head. “It’s all because of my Tie Hanhan. It’s that husky; it took the window down and ran off.”
Xiao Lan looked at Uncle Zhang’s house, and sure enough, he saw that a window on the second floor had disappeared without a trace. It had been taken down efficiently; who knew how many times this had happened.
“Do you need any help?” Xiao Lan asked.
“No need.” Uncle Zhang had a card up his sleeve; he took out from his pocket beef intestines especially for pets. He tore open the package and waved it in a practised manner. The smell of beef instantly wafted out.
Uncle Zhang shouted, “Tie Hanhan, see this?”
Xiao Lan felt a deep sense of admiration. It appeared that Uncle Zhang was also mature ah.
After that, out popped a husky covered in mud, and it hurtled over while wagging its tail. As it ran, it also shook off the mud.
Uncle Zhang had just smiled like victory was in his grasp, but unexpectedly, the husky directly pushed its muddy dog head against him. Uncle Zhang couldn’t avoid it in time, and was pushed all the way from his courtyard entrance into his house.
Distantly, they could still hear his flustered and exasperated voice:
“Tie Hanhan! Stop! You muddy creature!”
“Hey, my TV!”
“Put it down! That’s your ge’s shirt!!”
Xiao Lan: “…”
Perhaps Uncle Zhang still had a long way to go on the path to domesticating a husky.
The two returned home, and Xiao Lan suddenly stopped when he passed by the sofa.
He walked to the sofa, fished out the tablet which Luo had bought for him from the crack, and gave it to Luo. “I was looking for something for you, and in the end I nearly forgot to give it to you.”
Luo reached out and took the tablet, then saw a video on the screen — ‘Children, Butterfly Jiejie Will Teach You How To Draw Flowers’.
After opening the playlist, there was also ‘Dudu Jiejie Will Teach You How To Draw Kitties’, ‘Yueyue Jiejie Will Teach You How To Draw Little Housies’, ‘Tangerine Jiejie Will Teach you How To Draw The Sky’ and many other drawing tutorials for children.
Luo: “…”
He put away his smile in the end.
Wanting to maintain a smile at a time like this was still a little difficult…
Baobao Notes
I know yall probs know what the dishes look like, but googling dishes is just so fun for me.
Luo is the perfect partner for Xiao Lan. One is poor, one is rich. Both handsome. According to the neighbor uncle, they suit each other. His yandereness is a bit of a worry, but we shall see!
Thanks for the chapter <3
Now is it Luo’s turn to give Xiao Lan an apron and a cookery book? 😂
Thank you for the chapter 💕
it’ll end up learning together since Luo kitchen skill is the same level… 😂
Ugh it’s 2 am here and this chapter made me so hungry… Also they were so cute this chapter >_< Thanks for the chapter!!
Okay, I don’t think that conversation with the retired uncle is random thing. I wonder if it is possible to pass your “player status” to someone else (your child/descendant?).
Thank you for the chaptersssss~
Ooohh!! This is a possibility!
Luo: At least, our first date is success. smug smile
😂😂😂
Should Luo give XL a cooking class? XL really doesn’t know how to give a gift haha
Thanks for the chapter~
it seems u have forgotten that lou’s cooking skill is…..unique as well
Ah yes…I guess both of them need to go to cooking class…
Thx for the chapter ^^ ✨✨
Luo: date on a spanish restaurant, fireworks a new car
XL: children’s drawing tutorials
Luo:…
XL:…
Butterfly Jiejie:…
awww this chapter started off heavy but it was so adorable. that uncle zhang tho, seems sus.
thanks for putting up the pictures by the way, I didn’t know how those dishes looked like so it really helped a lot (seeing pics got me hungry tho)
Thanks for the chapter~
Thanks for the chapter! ^^)❤
Luo is so damm sweet
(≚ᄌ≚)ℒℴѵℯ❤
Thx for the chappy
(≡^∇^≡)
Uncle, you’re right lol
Poor luo he has to learn to draw
Thank you for the chapter!!! ❤️❤️
i love food pics 🍴🤤
I love their dynamic of being incredibly caring and then pitting each other 😂
how much can they eat?!? that was like three main dishes and a side for one person and one non-eating… entity… thing. how has xiao lan not exploded??
thanks for the great chapter!!
I hate moments with tasty food in the novels. It’s like my own Hell – wanna stop reading but that damn good and you continue suffer
Thanks for your hard work❤
Now he knows what “sir” thinks of his drawing skills 🤣😂🤣
Didn’t know what the dishes looked like. 😅
What a perfect way to end that “overbearing president” date xDD
Thx for the double update (≧▽≦)/
I like Luo as he is right now. I seriously hope he doesn’t go crazy like many other ML’s in BL novels
Thx for the chapter 😘
tbh I think he might if XL abandones/leaves him for any reasons, like ya’ll see those yandere and possessive lines??? Definitely the overbearing president type.
Thanks for the chapter! I love the food pictures, so please keep them coming!
Thank you so much for translating! <3
i definitely DO NOT know what these dishes look like
wheeze wheeze Luo took him on the most PERFECT date and Xiao Lan has the guts to give him a ‘how to draw’ guides for six year olds!!! wheeze cantbreathe wheeze dyinghelpcantgetup 🤣😂🤣😂
Nah, I love it. Saves me time to google what the food is. ☺️🙌
He really gave him the childrens drawing classes!!!! Hahahahaha Xiao lan i cant believe you 😂😂😂
Uncle Zhang, thank you so much 😂😂
Yo- As a person from the Valencian Community, Spain, I’m sorry, but I can’t help but say that paella (the original one, at least) is not made with seafood, but with meat… (mainly rabbit and beef). Well, and many other ingredients, but that’s not so important xd Although I won’t deny that they have made “weird” variants out there (aka other Communities of Spain) and the picture would indeed be (reluctantly accepted, cough) a “paella” ;-;
I don’t mean it in a bad way, just- things of valencian people 😅
I hope to see Xiao Lang cried once. He looked very tired. thanks for the chapter
im just a little curious, does anyone know the pinyin of what Luo calls Xiao Lan(Sir)??
And thank you translator-san for the pictures of all those dishes, they’re all very new to me and it feels really nice to see how they look like without having to google each one (≧▽≦)
Actually I really like that you include pictures! I’m from the United States and very unadventurous in my tastes. 🥲 It’s cool to see and discover new dishes even if I’ll probably never eat them. (I’m very picky 🙈)