Day: August 19, 2024

Chapter 2

       The music was switched off, and the only sound in the room was the fat man’s rough snoring. The changing images of the MTV on the screen reflected on Ah Zhou’s face, blurring his expression. He held a cheap mobile phone and typed a series of familiar numbers on the keypad, but his finger hesitated over the dial button. After a while, there was a knock on the door. He quickly put his phone into his pants pocket and stood up.

       It was the room attendant who came to pick up Fatty Zhang. Ah Jie, who happened to take over, also arrived, so he returned to the staff dormitory.

       Though it was called a dormitory, it was actually just a low building next to Lihao’s, only about five hundred meters away. Each small compartment was packed with three sets of bunk beds, accommodating six people in total. Each floor shared a restroom at the end of the corridor. Since it was free, the accommodation was always full. Young boys gathered here, playing cards, smoking, and making noise. The cramped rooms were cluttered with shoes, socks, and clothes thrown about, and even with the windows open, the air was still filled with a strong smell of sweat.

       At this time, except for the two people on the night shift, the other three were already asleep, snoring slightly. Ah Zhou went in quietly, knocking over something in the darkness and making a soft sound. He casually wiped his face with the towel hanging by the bed and fell on his own bed. He couldn’t sleep for a long time and couldn’t help but take out his mobile phone. He looked at the numbers for a long time. Finally, he pressed ‘Cancel’ and threw it aside.

       Nothing could be done.

       A surge of powerlessness completely surrounded him.

       Mother, Jiahui, Minran… The longing grew crazily in his heart, yet he didn’t even dare to reach out. He felt like a rat hiding in a hole, struggling to survive.

       As the night grew darker, everything became quiet. He lay in a daze as if he hadn’t had a good sleep for a long time, and he was living the life of a walking zombie every day without end.

       He dreamt again of the past. In midsummer, after the rain, the sky was clear, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and wet soil. The old man napped in a reclining chair under the eaves while the big dog lay obediently by his side. His father and three uncles chatted in the garden, laughing heartily at some joke someone had told. His mother chatted with an aunt while handing him a peeled apple. Jiahui, wearing a white dress and a small crown, tiptoed over, covering his eyes from behind with her little chubby hands, asking him to guess who she was. Minran, with a slingshot in hand, called out his name and ran over, insisting on pulling him to play. And then there was that person…

       “Yichen, do you want to eat the apple?” He heard his own young voice.

       A slightly young and handsome face turned to him, with a smile in his bright eyes, as gentle and soft as moonlight.

       “I’ll share half with you.” He handed it over.

       Suddenly, the person’s brows furrowed, shifting from surprise to coldness. There were no words, no movement; those black eyes were as cold as ice, sharp enough to seem as if they could see through everything.

       But the apple in his hand had somehow turned into a gun—cold and heavy. “No, this isn’t right…” In his panic, he tried to throw it away, but it wouldn’t come off. He looked up in terror, only to see numerous black gun barrels pointed directly at him.

       His heart trembled suddenly, and he woke up, sitting up from the bed and gasping for air.

       It turned out to be a dream.

       The cold sweat on his body almost soaked his clothes. Fear followed him from nightmare to reality.

       How much longer would he have to endure? How much longer could he hide? What would happen if he was caught?

       He didn’t dare to think about it.

       How on earth did it get to this point? He curled up on his side. The name tag with ‘Ah Zhou’ written on his chest glowed light green in the dark.

       He gave a bitter smile. The name was truly fitting—he now felt like a small boat lost at sea, fearful of the tumultuous waves that might come at any moment and hoping for a safe harbour that might never appear.

       The old man was right. He really was no match for that man, and he had never been better than him since he was a child. Just because of his stupid dissatisfaction, he was instigated and flattered with ulterior motives, and he became arrogant enough to want to replace him. In the end, in just three months, he was forced into a desperate situation where he was betrayed by his family and had to hide out and work as an inconspicuous waiter in Lihao.

       Yang Lin arranged this for him. His father’s former subordinates were his last resort, and he promised to send him abroad secretly. However, ten days had passed since the last contact, and the person Yang Lin sent to pick him up still did not show up. Every day was like torture, and there was nothing to do but wait. He felt that if he continued like this, he might go crazy.

       After spending the night in a daze, he ordered some takeout to fill his stomach. Ah Zhou stayed in the dormitory all day and started the night shift at ten o’clock in the evening. As soon as he arrived at the private room he was responsible for, he heard Ning ge’s call in his headset.

       Luo Ning was the human resources manager. He always had a serious look and was very strict with Lihao’s employees. He had fired many people because of their shortcomings. Ah Zhou thought that the whole Fatty Zhang incident had happened yesterday, and he was mentally preparing himself for the consequences. However, what he received instead was a notice of his own transfer to a higher floor.

       “Why?” He was very surprised.

       “Someone on the tenth floor has resigned, and now we are short of people.”

       “I mean… why me? My ability to work is not outstanding, and I heard that waiters above the fifth floor must undergo professional training.”

       “You follow Da Hua, he will lead you.”

       “But…”

       “What, you don’t want to?” Luo Ning looked up at him, “Not many people refuse a salary increase.”

       At Lihao, the servers received a basic salary in addition to commissions based on the amount spent in the private rooms. Ah Zhou, who was currently working on the third floor, was responsible for four smaller rooms, where the service revenue for a single night amounted to only a few thousand yuan. In contrast, if he were transferred to the tenth floor, he would be assigned to a luxury room with two to three colleagues, where the spending could reach ten thousand yuan or more per night, naturally doubling his income. Lower-level servers would do anything to move up, often flattering Luo Ning. Xiao Ding had even tried to bribe him, but Luo Ning refused. It was a pity that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was not good for Ah Zhou. He lowered his eyebrows and said, “I am too timid. I am afraid I will make mistakes and make the guests unhappy.”

       Luo Ning’s lips curled up, “Really? I think people who dare to charge extra money to their guests must be brave.”

       His heart skipped a beat, and his face turned a little pale. As expected, this matter had indeed not gone unnoticed.

       “If this kind of incident—adding orders secretly while the guests are drunk—gets exposed, not only will you be fired, but you’ll also have to pay for all the ordered items. Whether I expose it or not depends on your attitude. Think carefully.”

       With that being said, there was no way out for him. He pursed his lips and said, “Which room on the tenth floor am I in charge of?”

       “1003.”

       “I’ll go over now. Thank you for the promotion Ning ge.”

       The elevator stopped on the tenth floor, and as the doors opened, the surroundings brightened. The hallway was lined with golden silk carpets, and the electronic wall displayed blue wave-like light patterns guiding the way to various private rooms. The guests for Room 3 had not yet arrived, so Da Hua, who was in charge of this area alongside him, led him around the room. Akin to a presidential suite, the room was equipped with all the necessary facilities. There was a small stage for entertainment performances with a space reserved for live music, and a silver pole stood tall. The room’s open-concept design allowed for an unobstructed view of the inner bed and the bathtub positioned by the window. The luxury of the space carried a subtle air of sensuality, making it convenient for guests to enjoy a variety of intimate services.

       “How about it? It’s much better than the third floor, isn’t it?” Da Hua glanced at him, “Working on this floor is no different than working downstairs. You need to have sharp eyes, quick hands and feet, and you have to keep your mouth shut no matter what. Whatever you do inside has nothing to do with us, so don’t make a fuss and don’t act around, do you understand?”

       “Yes.”

       “The guests are scheduled to arrive at eleven. You should prepare yourself first, cheer up, and fix your hair—it looks messy.”

       “Oh.” Ah Zhou responded but didn’t actually move. While Da Hua stepped out to get the fruit tray, Ah Zhou sat down in the middle of the circular sofa, looking at the empty little stage. A faint, self-mocking smile appeared on his lips.

       He was no stranger to this place. There was a time when he loved to hang out here, getting drunk with his buddies, drinking a lot of wine and hugging a lot of women. One time, he drank too much and was sent to the hospital for emergency treatment. When he woke up, he saw Jiahui’s crying face, and he never came here again after that.

       He didn’t want her to cry.

       But he knew she would definitely cry if he left without saying goodbye.

       Ah Zhou frowned a little irritably. Seeing Da Hua come in, he immediately stood up and pretended to wipe the clean coffee table.

       “Someone is looking for you outside.” Da Hua said, “Please deal with it as soon as possible. It will be bad when the guests come.”

       He responded, not surprised to see Tang Shaocheng standing outside the door, and greeted him politely.

       “I heard you were transferred here. I wanted this room, but it’s a pity it’s been booked today.”

       “Yeah.”

       “Then I can see you on this floor more often from now on, which is good.” The man smiled.

       “The guests will be coming soon.” It was a clear hint for him to leave.

       “Why don’t you go to East Lake with me tomorrow? You’ll be bored if you stay in the dormitory all the time.”

       Ah Zhou initially didn’t want to agree, but fearing that the man would keep pestering him and draw unwanted attention, he reluctantly complied. He knew that moving to this floor increased the chances of running into someone from his past, so he had to be extra cautious. After sending off Tang Shaochen, he immediately lowered his head and returned to his post outside room 1003, waiting to greet the guests.

       Around eleven o’clock, the buzzer vibrated, indicating that the guests had arrived. The sound of staggered footsteps came from the direction of the elevator, getting closer and closer.

       Ah Zhou raised his head slightly and saw the person clearly from under the burgundy bangs. He suddenly stiffened and even stopped breathing.


Notes:
His name the Zhou in Ah Zhou (阿舟) means boat


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Chapter 25 – Revitalizing the Bird Clan!

Chapter 25: Revitalizing the Bird Clan!

 

Su Muluo twirled the little black dragon around his finger like a keychain, swinging it back and forth.

 

The little black dragon, feeling neglected as his phoenix was busy picking out clothes, let out an unhappy “squeak.”

 

Su Muluo continued to ignore him.

 

The little black dragon began to wriggle and twist.

 

After a while, the little black dragon managed to untangle itself and slipped off Su Muluo’s finger with a swift “whoosh”—only to be caught immediately by Su Muluo.

 

In a quiet corner of the mall, Su Muluo poked the little dragon in his palm and asked, “Will you take advantage of me again next time?”

 

The little black dragon, hugging a feather, rubbed its soft little horns against Su Muluo’s fingers, making pitiful sounds.

 

No, I won’t. The phoenix is the best.

 

Su Muluo rubbed its little horns and laughed, “Always acting cute.”

 

Then he tried to take his feather back.

 

The little black dragon hugged it tightly.

 

Su Muluo: “?”

 

He tugged at the feather, but it wouldn’t budge. He glared at the little black dragon.

 

The little black dragon: “Squeak.”

 

I want it!

 

This phoenix feather was even more beautiful than the previous ones, more delicate and soft, carrying a fragrant scent filled with the phoenix’s essence.

 

Really liked it.

 

The little black dragon looked at Su Muluo expectantly, its dark golden dragon eyes sparkling, tail swishing back and forth.

 

After a few seconds of eye contact, Su Muluo let go.

 

Forget it, since his dragon liked it, he could have it.

 

Though he felt a bit heartbroken.

 

The little black dragon cheered: “Yippee!”

 

It then transformed into human form, smiling with curved eyebrows, and rubbed its face against Su Muluo’s cheek, “The phoenix is so nice, I love the phoenix the most.”

 

The movement was swift, and before Su Muluo could react or dodge, it was done.

 

Su Muluo: “…”

 

He expressionlessly patted Long Ling.

 

Long Ling happily put the feather away. Even if he got hit, it was gentle. Besides, the phoenix gave him a beautiful feather, which made the black dragon very happy, even wanting to hug and kiss the phoenix.

 

However, kissing was definitely impossible. If he dared to kiss here, the phoenix would explode and beat him up, then throw him out.

 

Thinking about it felt tragic.

 

The two of them continued shopping around the mall, with Su Muluo buying several outfits for Long Ling, along with some daily necessities.

 

By noon, they passed by a hotpot restaurant. Su Muluo stopped immediately, enticed by the aroma wafting out.

 

Long Ling asked, “Does the phoenix want to eat hotpot?”

 

Su Muluo: “Yes.”

 

Although he had made it at home before, it was different from the restaurant, and he was looking forward to the taste.

 

Long Ling had no objections and entered the hotpot restaurant with his phoenix. Su Muluo ordered a mandarin duck pot, remembering that Long Ling, when he was still a little black dragon, couldn’t handle spicy food, so he turned the clear soup pot towards him.

 

Unexpectedly, Long Ling pouted, “I don’t want to eat clear soup.”

 

He then moved from across the table to sit beside Su Muluo.

 

Su Muluo: “? Sit back.”

 

Long Ling didn’t move, “I want to eat spicy food too.”

 

“I can turn the spicy pot to your side,” Su Muluo pushed him, “Don’t sit next to me.” And so close!

 

“No,” Long Ling said, looking like he was doing it for Su Muluo’s sake, “Phoenix also wants to eat spicy food, if I turn it to my side, it won’t be convenient for you to reach.”

 

Su Muluo: “…”

 

The table isn’t that big, you can easily reach it!

 

He felt this dragon just wanted to take advantage of him. But he was sitting against the wall, and the only way out was for Long Ling to move, which he wouldn’t… for now, he couldn’t change seats.

 

Long Ling happily held Su Muluo’s hand, Su Muluo glanced at him and stayed silent.

 

The dishes were quickly served, the table filled with beef, tripe, duck intestine, enoki mushrooms, and various meats and vegetables. Long Ling dipped a piece of beef in the spicy pot and placed it in Su Muluo’s bowl.

 

“For the phoenix.”

 

Su Muluo took a bite.

 

The next second, he exclaimed, “So spicy!”

 

This hotpot restaurant was a Chongqing hotpot place, and Su Muluo had chosen medium spicy for the broth, thinking he could handle it. But he was instantly overwhelmed by the spiciness.

 

Long Ling immediately handed him the iced lemon water from the table. Su Muluo took a big gulp, finally feeling a bit relieved.

 

Though extremely spicy, the hotpot was delicious, making people want to keep eating. Su Muluo sipped the lemon water in small gulps, watching Long Ling eat a piece of tripe he had just cooked in the spicy broth.

 

He stopped, wanting to see Long Ling’s reaction to the spiciness.

 

But Long Ling’s expression didn’t change at all. He didn’t seem to feel the spiciness and even started cooking some beef for Su Muluo.

 

Su Muluo: “?”

 

Shocked, he asked, “Aren’t you feeling the heat?”

 

Long Ling looked at him, “Not at all. Is this really spicy?”

 

Su Muluo: “Didn’t you used to not be able to eat spicy food?”

 

Long Ling dipped the cooked beef in the clear broth and placed it in Su Muluo’s bowl, “But I can now.”

 

Su Muluo: “…”

 

His plan to see the dragon cry from spiciness fell through. Silently, he ate the piece of beef.

 

By the end of the meal, Su Muluo’s lips were red and slightly swollen from the spiciness. Long Ling frequently turned to look at him.

 

Su Muluo, puzzled, asked, “Why are you staring at me?”

 

A hint of amusement flickered in Long Ling’s eyes, “The phoenix’s lips are red, like they’ve been kissed.”

 

Su Muluo: “?”

 

Long Ling: “I want to kiss.”

 

Su Muluo: “???”

 

Su Muluo snatched the beef from Long Ling’s bowl.

 

After a moment of silence.

 

This was only the second day he’d been with Long Ling. Although he found Long Ling awkward the first day, by the second day, everything felt natural.

 

It must be because this dragon was shameless and always took advantage of him!

 

Thinking this, he poked Long Ling.

 

Long Ling obediently let him poke, watching his phoenix, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.

 

After lunch, they returned to their rented apartment.

 

“Maybe we need to rent a new place,” Su Muluo said as they entered, “There’s only one bedroom here, which isn’t very convenient.”

 

Long Ling didn’t like the sound of that, “Isn’t one bedroom enough?”

 

Su Muluo glanced at him, “Oh, so you like sleeping on the sofa.”

 

Long Ling: “…”

 

That’s not what he meant!

 

He wanted to sleep with the phoenix!

 

Long Ling felt a bit glum. Su Muluo laughed, “Come work with me this afternoon.”

 

He had closed the coffee shop yesterday, and if he didn’t open it this afternoon, they wouldn’t have any income for two days.

 

Long Ling agreed, “Then the phoenix must stay with me all the time. I need to guard the phoenix.”

 

Su Muluo: “I don’t need you to guard me; nothing will happen to me.”

 

Long Ling insisted, “No, what if the phoenix suddenly gets sleepy?”

 

Su Muluo fell silent.

 

Indeed, he had forgotten about that.

 

However, he had been less sleepy the past few days, only feeling sleepy at night now. Maybe in a few more days, this problem would go away.

 

In the afternoon, Su Muluo and Long Ling went to the coffee shop. When they arrived, they saw a few cats sitting obediently at the employee lounge door, neither meowing nor wandering.

 

A boy came out of the lounge, holding a bag of trash filled with the cat food cans from the day before. He intended to take out the trash, but upon seeing Su Muluo, he greeted, “Good afternoon.”

 

Then his gaze shifted to the man in black beside Su Muluo.

 

Qiansui: “…”

 

In the next instant, Qiansui transformed into an orange cat and dashed into the lounge corner with a “whoosh.”

 

Su Muluo looked at Long Ling, “Did you scare him?”

 

Long Ling, looking innocent, “How could I?”

 

Su Muluo knew that while Long Ling had never liked Qiansui, he wouldn’t deliberately make things difficult for him. After examining Long Ling for a few seconds, he realized it was Long Ling’s strong demon aura that had frightened Qiansui.

 

“Conceal your aura; it’s too conspicuous.”

 

He remembered that when he first became human, he also had trouble controlling his aura, often scaring the little demons around him and attracting big demons with ill intentions. Only after learning to fully conceal his aura did he avoid unnecessary trouble.

 

Long Ling tilted his head, and a few seconds later, Su Muluo felt his aura completely retract, no longer detectable.

 

Qiansui slowly emerged from the lounge, “meowing” softly, and led the other cats back inside.

 

After a while, the coffee shop opened. The customers who came in were very surprised to find that the shop had a new employee. He was cold and handsome, but his gaze was extremely gentle when he looked at the young shop owner.

 

At two in the afternoon, a young man with earrings walked into the coffee shop. As soon as he entered, he said, “Boss! I took my cat, Doumi, to get vaccinated today. It was so well-behaved. Let me show you some photos!”

 

He had adopted the black cat from the shop last time, named it Doumi, and couldn’t wait to share pictures of it with Su Muluo. However, before he could take out his phone, he felt a cold, sharp gaze fall on him. He looked up and saw a handsome man in black standing beside Su Muluo, looking at him indifferently.

 

“…”

 

The young man silently put his phone away and said, “A special coffee, please.”

 

Su Muluo replied gently, “Sure.”

 

After the young man found a seat, Su Muluo turned to Long Ling and said, “Why are you being so harsh to the customers?”

 

Long Ling lazily rested his chin on Su Muluo’s shoulder and said, “He’s too close with Phoenix.”

 

Su Muluo asked, “How do you see that?”

 

“I don’t care. He’s too close,” Long Ling said. “Phoenix can only be close to me, not to others.”

 

Su Muluo met his gaze and didn’t notice the content of his words because he suddenly realized how close the dragon was to him. He immediately tried to push him away.

 

—But Long Ling grabbed his wrist, his arm naturally wrapping around Su Muluo’s waist, half-embracing him.

 

Su Muluo: “?!”

 

His reaction was swift. He quickly cast a spell to create an illusion so that other customers would still see them as they were before, without anything unusual.

 

Then he said, “Let go!”

 

“No,” Long Ling’s eyes narrowed with satisfaction as he nuzzled Phoenix’s soft black hair. “Phoenix is soft. I like holding Phoenix.”

 

Su Muluo: “???”

 

How did it escalate to this level so quickly?

 

This was too much!

 

So he said very coldly, “If you don’t let go, I’ll tie you up.”

 

Long Ling paused slightly.

 

Su Muluo continued, “I’ll also take away the feathers you hide under the pillow.”

 

Long Ling: “!”

 

Long Ling immediately and obediently let go, saying, “Phoenix is the best.”

 

Su Muluo sneered and ignored him.

 

After a while, the young man finished his coffee and left. Shortly after he left, a man came in.

 

Su Muluo’s gaze fell on him, and he raised his eyebrows slightly.

 

He had seen this person before at the Bureau of the Extraordinary. It was Feng Xuan, an elder of the bird clan.

 

A few days ago, he had been attacked by the bird clan. Although the attack wasn’t hostile, more like a test, now it might not just be a test.

 

Long Ling also recognized Feng Xuan and said, “Phoenix, you don’t have to deal with him. I’ll handle it.”

 

Su Muluo felt that Long Ling’s “handling” might mean throwing the other person out without a word. But instead of directly driving Feng Xuan away, he wanted to know why the other person had come, so he said, “No rush, let me ask him first.”

 

As soon as Feng Xuan stepped into the coffee shop, he sensed something was wrong.

 

As an elder of the bird clan for many years, with profound strength and many experiences, he had a keen intuition for danger.

 

Seeing the young shop owner and the man beside him, alarm bells rang in his heart, and he immediately wanted to leave.

 

Although these two had no demonic aura, they made him feel a sense of fear, especially the man in black, who seemed like a beast emerging from the depths of hell, ready to devour people in an instant.

 

“…”

 

Cold sweat appeared on Feng Xuan’s forehead, but he didn’t leave. Instead, he slowly walked to the counter.

 

Su Muluo said, “Is there something you need, Elder Feng?”

 

He got straight to the point, his tone calm, but it startled Feng Xuan again.

 

At least there was no hostility in his words. This made Feng Xuan secretly relieved, feeling that this beautiful young man was approachable. So he directly said, “I’m here to find someone.”

 

After seeing this young man at the Bureau of the Extraordinary, he had remembered his appearance and released the bird clan’s scouts in Lincheng. Within a few days, he found this coffee shop and immediately came over.

 

Su Muluo said, “There shouldn’t be anyone you know here.”

 

“There is,” Feng Xuan stared at him and said, “I’m looking for you.”

 

Su Muluo raised his eyebrows slightly. For a moment, he even thought Feng Xuan had recognized his identity as Phoenix, but he quickly denied it.

 

In the past eighteen hundred years, only his dragon and the old rabbit demon knew his identity. The old rabbit demon would never betray him, and with Feng Xuan’s strength, he couldn’t possibly see through his true form.

 

So Feng Xuan couldn’t be looking for him because he’s Phoenix. There must be another reason.

 

Long Ling, hearing this, also coldly stared at Feng Xuan. For a moment, Feng Xuan felt like the Grim Reaper’s scythe was hanging over his neck, cold sweat soaking his clothes, but he still stood straight, maintaining his composure.

 

“Fifty years ago, Feng Hen, the bird clan leader, ascended to stabilize his position. He married the daughter of the great elder,” Feng Xuan said. “Later, Feng Hen fell in love with a human woman and ran away, abandoning the bird clan… The great elder was furious and brought Feng Hen back, imprisoning him in the ice prison.”

 

Su Muluo said, “Wait, what does this have to do with you looking for me?”

 

Feng Xuan said, “You’ll know soon.”

 

Then he paused and continued, “A few days later, Feng Hen was found dead in the ice prison, causing a shock in the bird clan. Some believed the great elder killed Feng Hen, while others thought Feng Hen committed suicide out of guilt. Since that day, the bird clan split into two factions, constantly fighting.”

 

Long Ling lazily held Su Muluo’s hand, lightly pinching his fingers. Su Muluo tried to pull his hand back but was held tightly, and he slapped Long Ling in anger.

 

However, he remained calm and said, “I’m not from the bird clan. Telling me this is useless.”

 

Feng Xuan shook his head and continued, “Because of years of conflict, the bird clan has no leader and our status in the demon world has declined, unlike before. The wolf clan has coveted us for many years. If this continues, the bird clan might soon be conquered… So, at this time, someone must step up, take over the position of clan leader, and end this chaos.”

 

Su Muluo thought he was going to continue talking about the bird clan’s future development. He was ready to patiently listen, but then he saw Feng Xuan looking at him expectantly, slapping the table excitedly, and saying:

 

“And you are the one I’ve been searching for years—

 

“You are Feng Hen’s illegitimate child from twenty years ago, the only bloodline of the former clan leader, the most suitable heir for the bird clan, and our only hope!”

 

Su Muluo: “…”

 

What?


T/N: Hello hello! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

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Chapter 180 – Jian Sheng’s Major (Extra 5.1)

Chapter 180 –  Jian Sheng’s Major (Extra 5.1)

 

Jian Sheng’s initial impression of Fei Yuhan was not good.

 

To be precise, it was very bad. He found Fei Yuhan to be arrogant and condescending, and he simply didn’t like him at all.

 

“This semester’s top student is Fei Yuhan again.”

 

“This year’s most popular person in the school is also Fei Yuhan.”

 

“Wow, did you hear? Brother Han…”

 

Almost half of the school’s students were fans of Fei Yuhan, while the other half were his die-hard followers. As a non-fan, or rather, an anti-fan, Jian Sheng felt absolutely nothing about him.

 

Until one day—

 

“Jian Sheng, come over here.”

 

The homeroom teacher’s voice called from outside.

 

Jian Sheng hesitated for a moment before standing up and walking outside. He saw the teacher looking at him with a worried expression. Startled, he walked up to the teacher and respectfully said, “Teacher.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

The homeroom teacher sighed and said, “Jian Sheng, your grades for this class assessment aren’t very good.”

 

Jian Sheng was well aware of this. He understood what the teacher meant. His academic performance was average, and to be honest, his physical fitness was lacking. Among the beastmen, who generally had good physical qualities, he, as a human, was indeed dragging the class down.

 

“I don’t want to pressure you,” the teacher said, pushing his glasses up. “This time, you just need to pass. I know your foundation is weak, so you need to spend more time practicing.”

 

Jian Sheng nodded obediently. “Thank you, teacher. I understand.”

 

He knew that he shouldn’t complain about his difficulties; overcoming them was the right thing to do.

 

Because he had a perfect score in cultural subjects, he skipped some classes to train in the gym when there were fewer people. The gym had a running track, and to quickly improve his endurance, he ran lap after lap until he reached his limit.

 

Sweat dripped down his face and fell to the ground. His fair face flushed red as he lay exhausted on the floor, unsure of the time or place.

 

“Click.”

 

The sound of the electric door opening caught his attention.

 

Jian Sheng was surprised. He had checked, and no one was supposed to be here this early. Could it be the teacher checking the equipment, or the administrator?

 

The footsteps were unhurried, like a graceful hunter walking in its territory. Finally, the footsteps stopped in front of him. Exhausted, Jian Sheng looked up with difficulty and met a pair of teasing eyes.

 

Fei Yuhan raised an eyebrow. “What a coincidence.”

 

“What are you…”

 

Fei Yuhan glanced at him. “Taking a nap here?”

 

Jian Sheng blushed with anger. “No, I’m just resting for a while.”

 

How could this guy be so sharp-eyed? It was infuriating.

 

“Is that so?” Fei Yuhan’s gaze turned indifferent. “Keep it up.”

 

Jian Sheng didn’t want to respond. He slowly got up, but his legs gave out, and he fell back down. He heard a faint chuckle, not mocking but definitely directed at him.

 

Jian Sheng was annoyed. “What’s so funny? You people with strong physiques wouldn’t understand.”

 

Fei Yuhan’s smile faded. “What does this have to do with physique? You’re using the wrong method. No matter how hard you try, it’s futile.”

 

Jian Sheng was confused. “?”

 

“Your physical condition is poor. You shouldn’t waste time on long-term endurance training. Instead, you should choose more skill-based events,” Fei Yuhan said. “For example, simulated combat machines, shooting, dodgeball—these are all events that can help you score in the physical test. Otherwise, with your running speed, you won’t pass even if you train for ten years.”

 

Jian Sheng, who had been furious, suddenly felt his anger dissipate and even found some sense in Fei Yuhan’s words.

 

Jian Sheng humbly asked, “So, what should I do?”

 

Fei Yuhan sneered. “How would I know?”

 

“…”

 

“Go ask your teacher.” Fei Yuhan wasn’t in a charitable mood. “Even if you’re not smart, you shouldn’t be dumb enough to not ask questions, right?”

 

Jian Sheng choked, his gratitude quickly extinguished. Just when he thought Fei Yuhan was being nice, it turned out to be wishful thinking.

 

However, with the suggestion in mind, Jian Sheng promptly discussed his idea with the teacher, asking if he could change his physical test events or adjust his training strategy. Surprisingly, the teacher agreed quickly and offered substantial help.

 

After half a month of training, Jian Sheng’s results improved to a passing level. Even the homeroom teacher remarked, “I didn’t expect it. You have real talent for these events. I see you in a new light now!”

 

Jian Sheng smiled slightly. “Thank you, teacher.”

 

Looking at his passing grades, Jian Sheng felt a bit dazed. His dream had always been to become a policeman or a soldier to protect his family. But after starting school, he realized how difficult it was. His physical abilities couldn’t keep up, and he had to work a hundred times harder than others in academics just to stay on par.

 

So—

 

He had actually considered giving up.

 

It was Fei Yuhan who pointed out another path. If one road doesn’t work, change your approach.

 

Do what you’re good at.

 

Staring at his report card, Jian Sheng fell into deep thought. Suddenly, he realized that the person he wasn’t very familiar with, and whom he didn’t have a good impression of, had resolved his long-standing dilemma.

 

Next time they met, he’d properly thank him. At least, he thought, he should sincerely say thank you.

 

“What? You’re changing your major?”

 

“Really? Why not continue with the physical test?”

 

“Class monitor, don’t be discouraged. I heard you passed the physical test this time. If you keep trying, you’ll make it.”

 

Jian Sheng shook his head. “I’m planning to apply for the research department at Phoenix Station. My academics are strong, and they’re recruiting interns next year. I want to give it a try.”

 

His friend was shocked. “But didn’t you want to join the Dragon Clan?”

 

“I want to try what I’m good at. Knowing when to give up is also important,” Jian Sheng said. “In every field and position, if you work hard, you can shine. I want to see if I can do it.”

 

“Even getting into Phoenix Station is tough,” his friend said. “You can apply to other research places too. If you only apply to Phoenix Station, you might miss other opportunities and regret it.”

 

Jian Sheng didn’t seem to mind. “If I don’t try, that’s when I’ll regret it.”

 

 

Ten months later

 

Phoenix Station’s research department welcomed its only intern. The department head said, “Your first task is to observe and record health data indicators and design health wristbands for the new recruits of the Dragon Clan.”

 

Jian Sheng was full of enthusiasm: “Senior, I will definitely complete the task.”

 

“Good.”

 

The senior handed over the documents and a car pass: “These are the mission files for this batch of new recruits, and you will be responsible for following up and collecting their information. Go on, do your best.”

 

The eager newcomer took the files and eagerly opened the first page. The face that appeared was handsome, and next to it were three large characters: Fei Yuhan.


T/N: Hope you enjoyed the side stories as much as I did!!! Just 2 more chapters before this series is really over~

Hope you’re having a good day! Drink water and make sure to sleep early! (>w<)/

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

and many, many more!

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

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