He’s a Nuisance, Stupid and Way Too Talkative
Faced with this sudden intruder, the person lounging on the recliner didn’t even lift his eyelids. “That chicken is from next door,” he said.
Every day after Su Jingyang and the others went out, that chicken would find every possible way to flap its way over, even if it was tied up. It would wander aimlessly around his yard, impossible to chase off, so he eventually stopped bothering with it.
After a pause, he added in an unhurried tone, “Call me Ah Yi. Don’t call me by my name.”
“Ah Yi? Isn’t that the nickname your father gave you?” The newcomer was a striking woman with vivid features. She wore a red, narrow-sleeved dress layered with sheer gauze of the same color. Her hair was tied up and accented with a red ribbon. Her posture was valiant and upright, her beauty dazzling, though the sharp hostility in her eyes made her seem unapproachable and gloomy.
She sat down at the table as casually as if it were her own home. Wearing black gloves threaded with gold, she grabbed a teacup and took a large gulp.
After glancing around, she spoke with faint disbelief, “You’ve been living here all this time?”
“It’s quiet here.” When he bought the house, the middleman had claimed hardly anyone lived nearby, that it was peaceful and secluded. Only after moving in did he realize that he had been fooled. The neighbor wouldn’t stop chattering and playing with the child. Calling it quiet had become a joke.
Rong Ci finally flicked her a glance. “Why aren’t you behaving yourself as the Saintess? What are you doing running around here?”
Rong Hua snorted and turned slightly toward him, crossing her arms and crossing one leg over the other. Her long black eyes narrowed at him. “I came to see why the City Lord, who’s been running all over the place for the sake of a dream, hasn’t sent a single word back. What? After all this time, that old dream master still refuses to see you?”
“Mm. He’s avoiding me.”
Rong Hua cracked her knuckles loudly and sneered. “He’s still holding a grudge from back then, when Rong City drove him out and separated him from his family. Things like this should be left to me. I’d make sure he has nowhere to hide and force him to obediently interpret your dream.”
Rong Ci, who had been expressionless, gave a light, humorless chuckle. His dark eyes settled on her. “Of course. Who wouldn’t fear you, Little Rakshasa?”
Rong Hua’s face changed instantly. She cursed, “F*ck your grandmother! Don’t say those three words to me. My head hurts just hearing them!”
The Saintess of Rongcheng was chosen by the Grand Shaman, with her birth time precisely calculated. From birth, her role was destined. Throughout history, the Saintesses had either been aloof and transcendent or gentle and kind, beloved by the people. Rong Hua was the absolute exception.
She was cold-tempered, ruthless, reckless in action, fearless, domineering, and uncompromising. In all of Rongcheng, aside from Rong Ci, who had grown up with her, almost no one dared provoke her. The moment she appeared on the streets, people would scatter in fear, terrified of offending this unpredictable madam and getting their limbs torn off in public… because she had actually done that before.
Nowadays, there was no one in Rongcheng who didn’t know her. In private, they called her Little Rakshasa, whispering that she was a demon incarnate and not a Saintess at all.
Of course, they only dared say it in secret. If Rong Hua ever heard it, she’d definitely take their life.
Rong Hua clearly despised this title. Just hearing it annoyed her enough to want to kill someone. If the one who had said it hadn’t been Rong Ci, she would’ve drawn her dagger without hesitation and stabbed him.
Rong Hua tapped the table rhythmically with her fingers. “Oh right. Preparations for your birthday banquet have already begun. Are you going back or not?”
Rong Ci sat up, pressing his knuckles against his brow. His black hair fell beside his sharply defined face as he spoke lazily, “Whether I go back or not doesn’t matter. I’ll decide when the time comes.”
“As expected.” Rong Hua sneered. “Your mother’s been wishing day and night for you to die outside so her precious youngest son can inherit the City Lord’s seat. She’s even afraid others won’t know, going around telling everyone the Grand Shaman predicted you’re destined to have no heirs. Truly malicious! If she weren’t your own mother, I’d have killed her long ago. I honestly admire your patience for enduring her all these years.”
“Let her be. She can’t stir up much trouble.” Mentioning that woman made Rong Ci’s expression noticeably colder.
He stood up and took long strides, changing into a black outfit. Rong Hua rose as well and walked over, glaring at him. “You don’t seriously believe the Grand Shaman’s words, do you? I don’t buy that you, young and strong, can’t father children. Just pick someone you fancy and get busy a few times. Have a child and show her. No, have ten or eight of them and slap her face hard! Otherwise, with her mouth running all day long with that yap yap yap, I might lose control and cut it off myself.”
“Someone I fancy…” Rong Ci seemed to miss everything she said after that. His movements paused as he adjusted his clothes. Suddenly, his lips curved slightly. “There’s no one I fancy. There is, however, someone I don’t fancy.”
Rong Hua studied his expression carefully. After a long moment, she asked suspiciously, “The way you’re smiling… is it really someone you don’t like?”
“Mm. Definitely.” Fully dressed now, Rong Ci turned back and nodded firmly. “He’s a nuisance, stupid, and talks too much.”
Rong Hua seemed to sense something. Her gaze drifted toward the window before she asked, “That chicken in your yard is…”
“His.” Rong Ci commented calmly. “Like owner, like chicken. Always hopping over walls.”
He casually tied up his hair, grabbed a handful of rice from a plate on the table, and walked into the yard. He scattered it on the ground. Without even calling, the chicken happily ran over to peck at it.
Rong Hua followed him out and watched him feed the chicken with practiced ease. Her eyes widened in disbelief, as if struck by lightning.
She shouted, “F*ck your grandmother! You’re feeding someone’s chicken and you still dare tell me you don’t like him?!”
…
The weather was clear, the long-missed sun warm and comforting. A filthy old beggar sat in a corner across from the unopened eatery, basking in the sunlight, leisurely eating a large meat bun given by an old friend and sipping sesame porridge, his face full of contentment.
After eating and drinking his fill, the old beggar stroked his greasy beard, squinting in satisfaction. Just as he was about to nap, a clear voice rang out, “Dream Master.”
A black figure and a red figure stood before him, blocking the sunlight.
Hearing that title, the old beggar’s beard twitched. His dust-covered brows furrowed tightly. He shut his eyes and pretended not to hear, even letting out fake snores.
“…Dare to play dead? I’ll kill him!” came a vicious voice.
Rong Ci reached out and stopped Rong Hua’s raised hand. His gaze hardened. “Enough. Don’t cause trouble.” Rong Hua shot him a glare but reluctantly withdrew her hand, turning her head away with a heavy snort.
Rong Ci looked back at the old beggar, who was snoring with exaggerated enthusiasm. After a moment’s thought, he knelt on one knee and softened his voice. “A strange dream has troubled me for a long time. I ask the Dream Master for guidance. Rong Ci would be deeply grateful.”
The old beggar finally couldn’t keep up the act. He opened his eyes and looked at Rong Ci, sighing. “There are hundreds, if not thousands, of dream masters in Rongcheng. Why must the City Lord insist on seeking guidance from an old man like me?”
Rong Ci shook his head gently. “Their abilities are shallow, so it’s useless to ask. Naturally they can’t compare to you.”
The old beggar fell silent for a long while. Then he said, “This old man has lived in confusion for many years, without cultivation. I fear… I fear I won’t be of help…” He glanced at Rong Ci’s earnest face and finally couldn’t resist his lingering affection for the former City Lord of his homeland. With a long sigh, he relented. “Fine, fine. I’ll give it a try.”
“Many thanks.” Rong Ci cast a glance at Rong Hua, signaling her to step away.
Rong Hua actually wanted to listen. She only knew Rong Ci dreamed of someone, but not the details. Seeing his reluctance to have her nearby, she paced away anyway.
What kind of dream needed this much secrecy? Rong Hua muttered unhappily.
She wandered around bored, then fixed her gaze across the street, where people were bustling as they hung up a signboard.
“Lin’s Small Eatery,” she murmured. The red ribbon in her hair fluttered in the breeze. When her expression was calm, the cold hostility around her seemed to soften.
With nothing else to do, she stood there watching from start to finish. Only after the signboard was installed and everyone dispersed did she turn back toward Rong Ci.
Rong Ci was just rising from in front of the old beggar, murmuring something softly. He left behind a gold ingot, then strode toward her.
Noticing his poor expression, Rong Hua asked what the old beggar had said. Rong Ci replied, “He said… it’s a dream, yet not a dream.”
“What the hell?” Rong Hua scoffed. “How is that any different from saying nothing? Just mystical nonsense to fool you.”
Rong Ci’s expression was cold as he said quietly, “He also told me to maintain the status quo. There’s no need to deliberately search. It would have no meaning.”
That only angered her more. “All useless crap. He deserves a beating.” She turned back, only to find the old beggar had already vanished. She cursed under her breath, “Damn old man. Lucky you ran fast.”
Rong Ci closed his eyes briefly before speaking to her more calmly. “Go back to Rongcheng first. I plan to… return after some days.”
Rong Hua looked at him strangely. “Why wait? You came out to find the Dream Master, and that’s done. Staying here, are you planning to build a relationship with your nuisance?”
Rong Ci shot her a cool, indifferent glance.
Rong Hua pointed at Lin’s Small Eatery across the street. “Since I’m here, treat me to a meal.”
Rong Ci followed her gesture and observed for a moment. “Pick another place. This one hasn’t opened yet.” He was about to turn away when a familiar figure suddenly ran out of the eatery. Fair skin, big-eyed, with lingering injuries on his face, carrying two large red lanterns. Close behind was a slender figure wearing a veiled hat, carrying a ladder. The two began preparing to hang the lanterns.
Rong Ci watched the person wobbling atop the ladder, as if struck by a spell. His feet rooted to the spot.
He knew Su Jingyang and Ling Li had opened an eatery and had been busy until night these past days. He hadn’t expected to run into them like this.
Rong Hua asked in confusion, “Weren’t we leaving? Why did you stop?”
Rong Ci tugged at his lips, as if smiling faintly. “We’re not leaving. This place will do.”
With that, he walked toward Lin’s Small Eatery. Rong Hua’s face was full of bewilderment, not knowing why he suddenly changed his mind, but she still followed behind him.
As Rong Ci approached, he saw the person on the ladder trembling. Sure enough, just after hanging one lantern, his body tilted back. He failed to grab the ladder in time and was about to fall.
Amid Ling Li’s startled cry, Rong Ci darted forward, caught Su Jingyang in his arms, spun once with the momentum, and quickly set him back on the ground without giving him a moment to recover.
Su Jingyang staggered a couple of steps before steadying himself. Ling Li rushed over anxiously. “Are you alright?!”
Su Jingyang shook his head, still shaken, but said he was fine.
The lanterns had originally been meant for the signboard crew to handle, but in the rush, everyone forgot. They already left, and Su Jingyang felt awkward calling them back, so he tried to handle it himself. Unfortunately, he was weak in the legs and waist that day. Hanging lanterns took effort, and he lost his balance.
Thankfully, he was caught just like in a TV drama. The person didn’t spin him around dramatically or lock eyes for thirty seconds. Instead, he was promptly set down, as if holding him any longer would be unbearable.
Seeing it was Rong Ci didn’t surprise Su Jingyang. He seemed to run into this guy everywhere.
Su Jingyang said to him somewhat dejectedly, “Thank you, but couldn’t you let me steady myself before putting me down?”
Rong Ci stared at him, gave a short laugh, and said, “No. You’re too heavy.”
“Heavy? I weigh that much and you call it heavy? Are you even a man?”
“A bit heavy. Your head’s full of water.” Rong Ci teased him as usual, expecting him to snap. Instead, Su Jingyang froze, let out a tired sigh, and didn’t retort.
He nodded briefly at Rong Hua, who had just walked over, then turned to fetch the other lantern.
Ling Li didn’t dare let him climb again and tried to take the lantern. “Jingyang, if you’re not feeling well, go rest. I can do it.”
Not feeling well? Rong Ci frowned and glanced at him. His complexion really was poor. Su Jingyang dodged and kept climbing. “I’ll do it. I just didn’t stand firm earlier. Just hold it steady for me.”
Seeing his insistence, Rong Ci felt inexplicably irritated. His lips moved, then he suddenly reached out. “Come down. I’ll do it.”
Standing on the ladder, Su Jingyang turned back and glared at him. “Stay away from my ladder. I’m afraid you’ll murder me.”
Whether due to discomfort or the lingering injuries on his face, his big eyes lacked their usual fierce spark. Instead, they looked moist, pitiful despite the bravado.
After being rejected, Rong Ci’s gaze tightened sharply. He withdrew his hand, chest rising and falling, staring at him without a word.
Su Jingyang stubbornly finished hanging the lantern and climbed down. He grabbed Ling Li’s arm and was about to head inside when he sensed a flash of red beside him.
He tilted his head and met a stunningly beautiful face, smiling freely as she appraised him. Knowing she came with Rong Ci, he smiled back politely. He internally thought that no wonder Ah Yi ran out early this morning, turns out he was with such a beauty.
Though uninterested in women, Su Jingyang had to admit she was truly gorgeous. A fiery red dress, a unique aura, a strikingly aggressive beauty that was unforgettable.
Her voice was low and distinctive as she said, “My name is Murong. I’m Ah Yi’s friend. I want to eat at your restaurant. Is that convenient?”
“Sure. Sit wherever you like. Ah Li and I will prepare food.” They were already inside. Convenient or not, it had to be.
Since the eatery hadn’t officially opened, Su Jingyang went to close the door once everyone was inside. Before shutting it, he glanced toward the opposite corner and saw the old beggar was gone.
That old beggar had chatted with him before at a clothing shop and explained things about Rongcheng. Seeing him today, Su Jingyang had given him some food and gained a bit of energy. He planned to pack some buns for him later, but the man had disappeared. Oh well. Next time, then.
Ling Li always worried about being recognized, so whenever he went out, he wore a veiled hat. After Su Jingyang closed the door, Ling Li removed it and followed him to the back kitchen.
Rong Hua casually scanned the place, found a comfortable seat, and sat down. She placed her hands side by side on the table, tapping rhythmically, her gaze drifting repeatedly toward Rong Ci.
Sitting beside her, Rong Ci glanced at Su Jingyang’s awkward, limping figure as he left, then quickly looked away, his expression icy as he stared at the table, ignoring her.
Not long after, Su Jingyang came out with a teapot and poured tea for them.
He discreetly glanced at Rong Hua’s black, gold-threaded gloves. Rong Hua noticed immediately and smiled. “Strange, isn’t it? I cultivate poisonous techniques, so I have to wear these all the time. Otherwise, hurting someone by accident wouldn’t be good.”
Su Jingyang nodded in vague understanding, then smiled at her again. He then asked what she wanted to eat and her preferences. After she answered, he turned to head back.
Rong Hua stopped him, pointing innocently at Rong Ci. “Boss, you haven’t asked him yet.”
Su Jingyang finally spared Rong Ci a glance. His smile vanished. “Him? Feed him grass.”
Rong Ci tugged his lips in a cold laugh. “I think you’re itching for a beating.”
“I am. Want to scratch it for me?”
“Then come try.”
“You think I’m scared?” Su Jingyang leaned in, pressing his face close. His dark, clear eyes stared straight at him as he murmured, “Go on. Scratch.”
Rong Ci froze, sensing his light breath. After a long moment, he said, “So ugly.” He pushed his face away and turned to drink tea in silence.
Rong Hua finally burst out laughing, watching the two. Resting her chin on her hand, she said, “Then feed him grass. Just don’t make it too spicy.”
Su Jingyang switched back to a smile, then went straight to the kitchen to help cook.
Of course, they didn’t really serve grass. Su Jingyang and Ling Li cooked four dishes and a soup. Rong Ci had tasted Ling Li’s cooking before, but it was Rong Hua’s first time.
Like Rong Ci, she hadn’t expected much. After the first bite, her expression froze, eyes going hazy as if her soul had left her body.
Rong Ci glanced at her strangely and watched as she silently kept eating. Then as she continued eating, she actually choked up. Her tears spilling soundlessly and flowing heavily.
Rong Ci: “……”
Growing up together, this was the first time he had seen her cry. Saying he wasn’t surprised would be a lie. Rong Hua seemed startled by herself too, wiping her tears and muttering a curse. She remained off for the rest of the meal.
Just as they sat in silence, Ling Li came out with a bowl of sweet soup.
Rong Hua hadn’t seen Ling Li’s face before. The moment he appeared, she shot to her feet, staring at him wide-eyed. “You…”
Ling Li was confused. After hesitating, he approached, set the bowl down, and nervously clasped his hands. He thought she might know about his past, like others in town. Yet her expression didn’t seem hateful.
“You…” Rong Hua gazed at him, breath unsteady. Confusion and tears filled her eyes. Her lips moved, but she seemed unsure what to say.
Rong Ci found her reaction strange. Given her status, she rarely left Rongcheng. There was no way she could know Ling Li.
After a long while, Rong Hua finally looked away and slumped back into her chair. “You look like a relative of mine. Even your cooking tastes the same.”
Ling Li relaxed, smiling gently. “Is that so? If you like it, you can come often.”
Hearing his gentle tone, she seemed reminded of her family. Her mouth trembled, tears falling again. She wiped her cheeks and nodded obediently. “Okay. I definitely will.”
The wet nurse chased the rambunctious Ah Xuan into the hall and carried him away. Rong Hua craned her neck, only catching sight of the back of the child’s head, feeling increasingly stifled.
Ling Li insisted on not charging for the meal. They agreed verbally, but when cleaning up later, they found a gold ingot on the table. Gold, not silver. Shocked by the extravagance, Ling Li refused it. When he tried returning it that night, he was declined.
Rong Ci said, “This was given by Murong. You keep it. When she comes to eat again, just don’t charge her.”
Ling Li shook his head. That much gold could last a lifetime. He didn’t even know how long his eatery would stay open. “Please return it to her for me.”
Seeing his insistence, Rong Ci turned slightly, glancing at Su Jingyang chasing the chicken in the yard. A thought stirred. “How about this…”
Su Jingyang caught the chicken that couldn’t be restrained even with rope and headed for the door, just in time to hear Ling Li softly say yes.
Back home, Su Jingyang asked what Ling Li had agreed to. Ling Li folded clothes on the bed without looking back. “Murong’s money won’t be returned. Ah Yi will eat at our place every day.”
“Huh? Why does he eat here if Murong paid?”
Ling Li replied calmly, “He said he and Murong grew up together and share everything.”
Su Jingyang immediately shut his mouth. So that was it. Ling Li’s faint displeasure made him speculate.
Ah Yi definitely did it on purpose, using Murong to provoke Ling Li. Judging by the result, it worked. Ling Li was indeed a little jealous. Plus, Ah Yi could now come over daily, spending time with Ling Li constantly. Killing two birds with one stone.
Su Jingyang clicked his tongue. What a calculating move.
In the following days, Rong Ci indeed came daily to eat at Ling Li’s home, though not every meal. Sometimes breakfast, sometimes dinner. After Lin’s Small Eatery opened, he would occasionally stop by, eat, and leave without lingering.
Thanks to Liang Lu’s support, business boomed beyond expectations. Su Jingyang, acting as both server and owner, was run ragged. Whenever Rong Ci came, Su Jingyang was too busy to talk, sparing them from bickering. It became their most peaceful period.
Ling Li was also so busy every day that his whole body ached. At first, he could barely lift his arms, yet he enjoyed it, never feeling tired. He often brought back recipes, experimenting in the kitchen at night.
He grew increasingly obsessed, unconsciously filling the stovetop with dishes, wanting to continue.
Ling Li would pick out a little from each plate to taste, and by then he would already be full. The rest went to Su Jingyang and Ah Xuan. Su Jingyang ate until his stomach was round, nearly bursting from being stuffed. Ah Xuan also ate until he kept burping. So whenever food appeared, he went to hide in his room and shaking his head repeatedly saying no more. Yet leaving food unfinished was such a waste.
After some thought, Su Jingyang started climbing a ladder to call the neighbor whenever this happened, lowering bowls of food in a basket for him to share.
Every time Rong Ci saw him leaning over the wall, he would silently roll his eyes, thinking he looked like he was feeding pigs. Still, he would take it. Rong Hua came by twice more, joining late-night meals. Instead of eating in Rong Ci’s yard, she went straight into the kitchen, circling Ling Li with shining eyes, speaking warmly. She truly treated him as that relative she missed.
As time passed, Su Jingyang’s five-day cycles came and went repeatedly. He grew numb, no longer resisting. The man seemed to have sensed he didn’t like that position. Afterward, he didn’t torment him much in that regard, which made Su Jingyang breathe slightly easier.
However, the mole in Su Jingyang’s palm stubbornly remained unchanged. No matter how much was left inside him, he never conceived. The system stayed silent, no longer mocking him.
It seemed System #1 was right. Time meant nothing to it. It wanted results. Meaning… no matter what, he would eventually get pregnant. That was why it stayed cold.
Facing reality, Su Jingyang tried not to let it affect him. Whether execution awaited or not, until the blade fell, he had to live well.
With Ling Li’s excellent cooking, Lin’s Small Eatery’s business exploded. Liang Lu sometimes couldn’t find a seat, so Su Jingyang arranged a private table in the backyard. If Rong Ci came too, Su Jingyang seated him with Liang Lu. The two would exchange silent looks before turning away, ignoring each other.
One particular day, Su Jingyang was so busy his scalp felt like it would explode. Back home, he bathed, collapsed onto bed, and fell asleep instantly.
He vaguely remembered the date. When warm breath approached and lips pressed to his, he sighed bitterly, unable to even open his eyes. He was exhausted.
He pushed weakly. The man kissing him suddenly stopped, reluctantly pulling back. After holding that position, he rolled aside and lay still.
After a long while with no movement, Su Jingyang was astonished, his drowsiness fading.
A system-controlled man showing autonomy?
Asleep? But this was a dream for him. How could he sleep?
Reaching out in the dark, Su Jingyang touched his nose bridge, sliding sideways until his fingertips brushed fluttering lashes, tickling him.
The man turned slightly toward him, seeming to look at him. Though Su Jingyang knew he couldn’t see, he quickly withdrew his hand and turned away, sleeping back-to-back.
The man suddenly wrapped him from behind, something hard pressing against him. Startled, Su Jingyang slapped it away.
The man seemed confused, released him, and turned back. They lay back-to-back in silence.
Su Jingyang was truly tired and fell asleep again. When he jolted awake, he didn’t know how much time had passed. The man still lay there, only his breathing audible.
Su Jingyang sat up, panic rising as he waited endlessly without being released. He had to face reality. If nothing happened, he couldn’t leave.
Trash dog system! Trash dog system! Trash dog system! Say important things three times with curses!!!
Su Jingyang grew angry for a moment, then turned to look at the man beside him. After hesitating a long time, he poked him with his hand.
He seemed to move and turn his head, but quickly turned it back, ignoring him.
Su Jingyang nudged again. This time, he didn’t move at all, only letting out a faint, trembling breath, almost a hum.
…Was he sulking?
Su Jingyang felt suffocated. Gritting his teeth, he leaned in and kissed his face. No response.
His frustration nearly exploded. Being forced was one thing. Now he had to coax someone into it? What kind of world was this?!
Yet despite his rage, he had no choice. He would occasionally lightly peck the corners of his mouth, kiss his chin, even use his hands to touch him. Finally, the initiative was seized away. The man turned over to press him beneath, capturing his lips and kissing him so thoroughly he couldn’t breathe. Then he held him down and thoroughly worked him over until he was half-dead.
After finally escaping, Su Jingyang returned to his bed. Dawn had already broken outside.
Breathing the air of the real world, the suffocating feeling in his chest finally dissipated somewhat.
Su Jingyang grimaced and supported his waist as he got up and peeking into Ling Li’s room. Both he and the child slept soundly. Su Jingyang frowned. Ling Li never slept this late. He must’ve been held too long. To avoid discovery, the system must’ve interfered.
He was about to summon the system when movement stirred. Ling Li and Ah Xuan woke up.
Ling Li was surprised himself. Su Jingyang said they were probably just tired. Ling Li smiled as he dressed the drowsy Ah Xuan. “Being able to build Lin’s Small Eatery with you isn’t tiring at all. Even doing this for a lifetime wouldn’t be exhausting.”
A lifetime. Su Jingyang felt a pang. I might not be able to stay with you for a lifetime. He swallowed the words. It wasn’t time to part yet.
They woke late that day. After breakfast, Su Jingyang wondered why Ah Yi hadn’t come.
He climbed the ladder and called out. He was used to it now, rarely knocking.
After a while, Rong Ci appeared, dressed in thin white clothes despite the cold. He stood by the wall, looking up with dark eyes, voice hoarse. “I want noodles.”
Su Jingyang tugged his lips. “Ah Li made lean pork porridge and fried spring rolls. Eat or don’t.”
“I want noodles.” Rong Ci insisted. “Longevity noodles. It’s my birthday.”
“Oh?” Su Jingyang blinked. “Really? How old?”
“Twenty.”
Su Jingyang sighed at his youthful face. “Twenty. Growing older means being more sensible.”
Rong Ci added, “You go cook. I want you to make them.”
“Don’t joke. Mine won’t be as good as Ah Li’s. And why not go home for your birthday?”
Rong Ci looked at him silently for a long moment. Then his expression dimmed, the corners of his mouth trembling slightly as he turned his face away, saying nothing.
… At this moment, silence spoke louder than words.
Su Jingyang felt he had touched a sore spot. With family, who wouldn’t go home, especially at twenty?
Feeling guilty, he said, “Fine, fine, fine. I’ll cook for you. You’re the birthday boy. Just don’t blame me if it’s bad.”
Hearing this, Rong Ci turned back, eyes curving into a bright smile, as if his mood had suddenly improved. “Then I'll go back and change clothes. I’ll come over in a bit.”
Su Jingyang was dazzled by that smile. Only as he descended the ladder did he somewhat come to his senses. Damn it. He just didn’t want Ah Li to tire himself, did he?
Shaking his head, Su Jingyang headed to the kitchen. Ling Li asked why he was cooking. “Ah Yi’s birthday. He wants longevity noodles.”
“I’ll do it,” Ling Li offered.
Su Jingyang smiled half-jokingly. “Better I do it. Someone would be unhappy if you got tired.”
Ling Li’s gaze flickered. He looked away, fetched two eggs for him, and returned to the room.
Su Jingyang waited for the noodles to finish cooking and come out of the pot before looking around, only to discover Ling Li sitting at the table in a daze. Ah Xuan was drinking porridge on his own, getting it all over his face, and Ling Li hadn’t even noticed.
While washing Ah Xuan’s face outside, Rong Ci arrived. Su Jingyang told him to eat first. Rong Ci glanced at him and went inside.
Bringing Ah Xuan in, Su Jingyang saw Ling Li placing spring rolls into Rong Ci’s bowl. Rong Ci lifted his eyes, meeting Ling Li’s gaze.
Ling Li smiled gently. “Jingyang said it’s your birthday. Happy birthday. Eat more.”
Rong Ci paused, then smiled faintly. “Thank you.”
Ling Li added some side dishes. “Noodles go well with sides. They’re more appetizing.”
“I can do it myself.”
Ling Li still gave him a bit of everything, then called Su Jingyang over.
Su Jingyang pressed his lips together, restraining his gossiping heart, and sat down with Ah Xuan, eyes darting between them.
Not his imagination, right? These two seemed closer lately.
Rong Ci noticed and snapped coldly, “What are you looking at?”
“At your pretty face. Is that not allowed?”
Su Jingyang took a spring roll and porridge and went outside to eat while feeding the chicken.
Ah Xuan joined him, scattering rice, then gleefully chasing the chickens around.
Before long, Rong Ci came out from inside. When leaving, his face was expressionless. He didn’t even speak to Su Jingyang.
Su Jingyang was completely bewildered, not knowing what was wrong with him. Carrying his empty bowl back inside, the noodles had barely been touched. The eggs were also untouched. Only the side dishes were eaten.
Furious, Su Jingyang complained. He insisted, then didn’t eat. What kind of person was this?
He asked Ling Li, “What’s wrong with him?”
Ling Li shook his head. “I’m not too clear either.”
Ling Li took the bowl and smiled gently. “Don’t worry. I’ll eat it. Your effort won’t be wasted.”
Author’s Note:
Typing until collapse qaq
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