Free Web NovelChapter 138: Chapter 138: Graduation Work
The terms of their arrangement were simple: Xie Ningyuan was responsible for cooking every day, and Lu Sangjiu... was responsible for eating it all.
At first, she felt a little guilty. But a few days later, after dispelling the Blood Evil Curse for Xie Ningyuan one more time, her spiritual power was once again drained, and she felt perfectly justified in waiting to be fed.
Though this life was simple, it was comfortable and allowed her to temporarily forget the chaos of the outside world.
Luo Linlang had contacted her a few times over the past few days. She never said anything specific, only asking vague questions about how Lu Sangjiu was doing or if she was happy.
Though Lu Sangjiu found it baffling, she was afraid of making Luo Linlang suspicious, so she answered earnestly each time.
"I’m getting along great with my friend. I’m very happy every day, so you don’t need to worry about me, Senior Sister."
"Yes, I had shredded pork with garlic sauce today. It was delicious... My friend made it. He’s a very good cook."
"Don’t worry, I’m not tired at all. I’m being fed all sorts of delicious food every day. I think I’ve even gained some weight."
"My friend is a really nice person. I’m just helping him with a little something. I’ll be back in a few more days."
Whenever she heard such replies, Luo Linlang’s voice would be filled with satisfaction.
"That’s great! I’m rooting for you, Little Junior Sister. Keep at it!"
Lu Sangjiu: ???
’Keep at it? At eating more? My senior sister is being so weird.’
Of course, Luo Linlang wasn’t the only one being strange. Even her Eldest Senior Brother and Third Senior Brother sent messages one after another...
Li Qiancheng: "Little Junior Sister, I heard from Lin Lang you’re out with a friend? This friend... do you know him well? The world is full of bad people; you can’t be too trusting!" freewebnσvel.cѳm
Lu Sangjiu was speechless. "Are you treating me like a child, Eldest Senior Brother? Don’t worry. I’m a great judge of character. I won’t be deceived!"
Shen Yuzhao: "Little Junior Sister... *sigh*. Well, no matter what, your happiness is what matters most!"
"Don’t worry. No matter what you do, I’ll always support you!"
Lu Sangjiu: "...Third Senior Brother, why are you saying all this out of the blue? It’s so weird."
Shen Yuzhao: "It’s nothing. Anyway, don’t worry, I’m about to break through to the Golden Core Stage! When that happens, no one will be able to bully you!"
Lu Sangjiu was touched, but... it was still very strange.
But since she was lying herself, she felt a little guilty and didn’t dare to press them for more details.
Ten days passed in a flash. Lu Sangjiu had dispelled the Blood Evil Curse for Xie Ningyuan a total of three times. The bleeding from his wound had stopped completely, but it was still scabbed over and couldn’t heal any further.
She figured one more treatment would make the scab fall off and the wound close, and another after that would remove any scar, leaving his skin good as new.
Xie Ningyuan himself felt that a scar would be no big deal, but Lu Sangjiu insisted on removing it. ’It’s just... for someone so handsome, a scar on his arm would be a real eyesore.’
However, the Sword Seizing Conference was about to begin, and Lu Sangjiu needed to be in peak condition. Thus, she could only postpone the final two treatments until after the conference.
At the same time, Feng Lin and Chi Yan had also arrived in Muxian Town.
Although they arrived a bit late, both of their sects had senior disciples who had come ahead to make arrangements, so they had no trouble with lodging or registration.
After they got settled and contacted each other, Feng Lin arranged to meet up with Lu Sangjiu.
The Sword Seizing Conference was set to officially begin in three days. Since injuries were inevitable during the matches, they figured no one would be in the mood for a happy get-together and chat once it started.
Coincidentally, two days had passed since Lu Sangjiu’s last treatment for Xie Ningyuan. Her Demonic Qi was fully replenished, and her spiritual power had recovered significantly, so she agreed to meet them tomorrow night.
She also told Luo Linlang that she would be back tomorrow night, but that she had plans to meet with friends and might return to the inn rather late, so she shouldn’t wait up.
And just like that, her brief time of living with Xie Ningyuan while he recovered was coming to a close.
She’d gotten to know him over the past few days and thought Xie Ningyuan was a great person. He had taken good care of her.
’Even though they’d be spending a lot of time together in the future, since they’d agreed to team up against the Qilin Sect, I doubt we’d ever have quiet moments like this again.’
So, at noon the next day, Lu Sangjiu insisted on personally cooking a meal, seeing it as a way to bring her brief culinary career to a perfect close.
This time, Xie Ningyuan didn’t refuse or offer to help. For a rare change, he settled into the lounge chair in the courtyard with a clear conscience, basking in the sun and waiting for his meal.
Lu Sangjiu bustled about in the kitchen for an hour and finally managed to make four dishes and a soup, which she brought to the table.
"Xie Ningyuan, come and try my masterpiece!"
She waved excitedly at Xie Ningyuan, looking genuinely pleased with herself.
Xie Ningyuan ambled over for a look. ’Hmm... it doesn’t look half bad.’
But given his past experience, he wasn’t about to be fooled by appearances alone.
He cautiously refrained from picking up his chopsticks. Instead, he looked at Lu Sangjiu. "Er... have you tried it?"
Lu Sangjiu: "..."
Her smile instantly vanished. Glaring at him, she snapped, "Fine, don’t eat it then!"
With that, she indignantly picked up her chopsticks, grabbed a piece of eggplant, and moved to put it in her mouth.
But just as she lifted it, Xie Ningyuan caught her wrist.
Then, he guided her hand toward him and, leaning down, ate the piece of eggplant right off her chopsticks.
His actions and expression were completely natural, with no trace of romantic intent.
After eating the eggplant, he nodded. "It’s actually pretty good. You haven’t embarrassed me."
He spoke as he gently pulled the chopsticks from her hand and replaced them with a clean pair.
"Sit down and eat."
The scene felt familiar, and the anger that had just flared up in Lu Sangjiu’s heart inexplicably dissipated.
Watching Xie Ningyuan eat, one elegant and deliberate bite after another, a smile unconsciously bloomed on Lu Sangjiu’s face.
Her voice was full of pride. "See? I told you it wasn’t a matter of talent. I’m so clever. Is there anything I can’t do?"
With that, she sat down, pleased as punch, picked up a piece of eggplant for her own bowl, mixed it with rice, and shoved a big mouthful in.
And then... the smile on her face froze. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
Xie Ningyuan calmly swallowed his mouthful, his eyes glinting with amusement as he stared at her. "Why are your eyes watering? Is it so delicious you’re moved to tears?"
Lu Sangjiu: "..."
’No, I’m practically gagging on the salt... How could it be *this* salty???’
At the same time, she was completely baffled. ’How on earth did Xie Ningyuan manage to eat that without even flinching?!’
Tears welled in her eyes. It took all her effort not to spit out the food. She quickly stuffed a large mouthful of plain rice in her mouth before she could finally, with great difficulty, swallow.
Her reaction made Xie Ningyuan laugh. "You must have mixed up the salt and sugar. That dish calls for soy sauce and sugar, but you used soy sauce and salt. Naturally, it’s going to be a little salty."
"But it’s no big deal. Compared to the... highly creative flavor you achieved last time, I’d say this is at least swallowable."
He paused, then placed a helping of shredded potatoes in her bowl. "Now, try this. The sweet and sour shredded potatoes. I’m sure it’s another unforgettable flavor."
Lu Sangjiu: "..."
’I was wrong. I should never have set foot in this kitchen!’
