Chapter 61: The Transformation of an Otaku
Chapter 61: The Transformation of an Otaku
Though he slept late, Li Zian still woke up at exactly five o’clock.
It was still a tough wake-up.
The sandalwood incense stuck into the radish-shaped holder had long since burned out, but the scent lingered in the air. His body was covered in sweat, giving off a sour odor, with tiny crystallized salt grains sticking to him in some places. This suggested that while sleeping, he hadn’t just cultivated Zhenqi, but had also undergone physical exercise.
Heavenly Dao rewards the hardworking. The Great Slumber Qi Refining Art meant sleep was cultivation. Being so diligent, he was naturally rewarded.
He showered, got dressed, and made breakfast.
Even though Yu Meilin’s place in his heart had faded to almost nothing, Li Xiaomei remained his precious darling. Additionally, after living with Lin Shengnan for four years, he had long come to regard her as his own grandma. Taking care of them was his responsibility and had nothing to do with his feelings for Yu Meilin.
If it weren’t for Li Xiaomei, he never would have stayed with Yu Meilin, especially in separate rooms.
After preparing breakfast, Li Zian entered Li Xiaomei’s room to help his “Little Cotton-padded Jacket” get dressed and wash up. During this process, he secretly plucked a hair from her head and carefully trimmed her fingernails.
He truly didn’t want to do this, but with Yu Meilin’s current behavior, he couldn’t afford not to be cautious.
Yu Meilin said Li Xiaomei was his biological child, yet she held someone else in her heart. Could her words be trusted?
Even though Li Xiaomei looked very much like him, what if she wasn’t his?
Despite being a fairly impressive Fangshi, it was still important to trust science when necessary.
Not long after breakfast, Tang Qing arrived. She exchanged a few words with Li Zian before taking Li Xiaomei upstairs for lessons.
Lin Shengnan had returned to the Panoramic Balcony, holding a string of prayer beads and murmuring scriptures.
Li Zian watched her, tempted several times to inquire about Yu Meilin and that mixed-race boy. But each time, he swallowed his questions. The moment he asked, Lin Shengnan might immediately call Yu Meilin and report back, blowing his cover about sneaking a look at the photo album.
‘Forget it. The Old Matriarch probably doesn’t know. And even if she did, what good would asking do? Yu Meilin lives in a separate room because she holds someone else in her heart. Why should I care what she does? She likes keeping secrets? Let her. I don’t care anymore. I have my own life to live,’ Li Zian thought.
Lin Shengnan looked up and caught Li Zian gazing at her. “Zian, you seem troubled by something?”
Li Zian paused slightly. “Do I look like I have something on my mind?”
Lin Shengnan nodded decisively. “I’ve lived with you for four years. Surely I can tell when you’re preoccupied.”
Li Zian smiled. “Grandma, it’s not just your hair that’s turning black again; your eyesight seems sharper too.”
Lin Shengnan instinctively touched the corner of her eye, surprised. “Really?”
“Definitely sharper,” Li Zian assured her, though he himself didn’t know. Saying so would make the Old Matriarch happy.
“It must be because I drank your Great Benefit Phoenix Claw Soup. Make me some more today. I want some,” she requested.
Li Zian replied, “Grandma, the Great Benefit Phoenix Claw Soup is great, but you shouldn’t drink it every day. Too much nourishment isn’t good either. Let’s skip it today. I’ll make soup for you tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
Lin Shengnan was quite reasonable as long as one followed her lead.
“Grandma, I need to go out today. I might not be back for lunch,” Li Zian said.
“What business is it?”
Li Zian smiled. “Didn’t you always say I needed to make something of myself? I’m chasing my career path. Going to discuss a business deal.”
A smile appeared on Lin Shengnan’s face. “A man needs his own career. Go on, go. Don’t worry about lunch. I’ll have Xiao Tang make something simple.”
Li Zian left the house and immediately went over to Mu Chuntao’s front door.
He reached out to press the doorbell but discovered the door was slightly ajar.
He pushed it open, stepped inside, and closed it behind him.
A small Devialet WiFi speaker sat in the Living Room, playing soft, soothing music at a low volume.
Mu Chuntao was doing yoga in the living room again, wearing a set of white yoga suit that clung like a second skin.
Mu Chuntao didn’t seem to notice Li Zian had entered. She continued without pause, her movements elegant and fluid.
Li Zian gave a light cough.
Still not turning around, Mu Chuntao, with her back to him, slowly parted her legs and lowered her upper body towards the floor. Her hands reached back through her legs to clasp her calves. Then, her head followed, emerging between her legs, her dark, sparkling eyes locking directly onto Li Zian.
Li Zian met her gaze, but the corner of his eye drifted downwards towards what was directly facing him.
It was as if seeds were taking root and sprouting in fertile soil soon to burst through the earth with the force of life, reaching for the sun.
Instinctively, he felt a reverence for that life force.
It was all the fault of the tight yoga suit.
So early in the morning, forcing a man already nursing cracks in his heart to endure the threat of another kind of splitting.
Mu Chuntao deliberately held the pose, a faint smile curling her lips. “I used a bit of Divination and knew you’d come over first thing today. So I left the door unlocked for you while you were making breakfast next door.”
After all, they were just next door. Any noise early in the morning could be heard.
Li Zian chuckled. “Since when did you learn to Divine?”
“Learned it from you,” Mu Chuntao quipped, still holding the position.
Li Zian stared straight at her. “Aren’t you tired like that?”
Last time he saw her doing similar yoga poses, he had quickly looked away and fled. This time, he didn’t hide.
Why hide?
What was there to hide?
He had wasted four years on Yu Meilin. He didn’t want to waste any more time.
Last night, he had already closed the book on those past four years.
Li Zian stared directly at her, his vantage point obvious, almost brazen. Unexpectedly, it was Mu Chuntao who couldn’t hold out. She gave up within seconds, released her hold, stood up, and grabbed a towel from the Yoga Mat to wrap around her waist.
Li Zian laughed. “That’s not like your usual style.”
Mu Chuntao paused slightly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “You…”
“What about me?”
“You weren’t like this before. It feels like you’re a different person today.”
“Why do you feel that way?”
Mu Chuntao pressed on cautiously. “Did something happen?”
A woman’s intuition really was uncanny.
Li Zian shook his head. “Nothing happened. It’s just…”
“Just what?” Mu Chuntao’s curiosity was overwhelming.
“I just figured some things out. You were right, I need to live for myself,” Li Zian said.
Mu Chuntao looked at him intently. “Something definitely happened that you’re not telling me.”
Li Zan smiled. “Go get changed. I need to ask you for a favor. If you want to hear about it, I can tell you on the way.”
“Fine, I’ll go change then.” Mu Chuntao started towards the stairs, but turned back after a few steps to tease him. “Don’t you dare follow me!”
Li Zian grinned. “If you wanted me to follow, I would.”
“Well now! Seems like you’ve gotten bolder!” Mu Chuntao put her hands on her hips, pretending to be annoyed.
A hint of challenge entered Li Zian’s voice. “So, do you want me to follow or not?”
Mu Chuntao blushed and quickly changed the subject. “Um… I haven’t eaten breakfast yet. Could you make me something? I’ll come down to eat after I change.”
“Fried rice okay?”
“That’ll do.”
Li Zian headed towards the Kitchen.
Mu Chuntao watched his retreating figure, feeling a bit dazed.
Li Zian entered the kitchen. Using eggs, olive oil, vegetables, and leftover rice, he whipped up a portion of fried rice for Mu Chuntao. By the time he brought it to the dining table, she still hadn’t come down.
He thought about calling out, then remembered the Old Matriarch was right next door on the Panoramic Balcony. If he raised his voice, she could hear him, and he’d be at a loss to explain. Running a ‘business’ to his wife’s best friend’s house? What kind of ‘business’ was that?
Li Zian pulled out his Mobile Phone and sent a message to King Kong Lolita: Come down and eat. It’ll get cold.
King Kong Lolita: Finishing my makeup. Coming now.
Li Zian couldn’t help a wry smile. What was the need to put on makeup when they were already so familiar?
Though she said ‘right now’, several more minutes passed before Mu Chuntao descended the stairs.
She wore a green, printed Bodycon Skirt that hugged her slim waist and accentuated her curves. Her figure was perfectly shaped, with twin high peaks standing confidently. Her makeup was exceptionally delicate – defined brows, red lips, long lashes, and skin glowing pinkish-white, exuding healthy vitality.
She had said he seemed different, but Li Zan felt she had changed too. She was radiating more womanly allure than ever.
“Well? Is my makeup too heavy?” Mu Chuntao asked, feeling self-conscious under Li Zian’s direct gaze.
Li Zian smiled. “Not heavy at all. Just right.”
“And… am I pretty?”
Li Zian nodded. “Very pretty. You’re beautiful even without makeup.”
“So… do I look better with makeup or without?”
“Both are lovely. Each has its own distinct charm.”
Mu Chuntao giggled. “Each has its own distinct charm? Sounds like you’ve known many women! Don’t forget, you haven’t even had a girlfriend yet!”
Li Zian: “…”
She had a knack for stepping exactly where it hurt.
Mu Chuntao walked past him, leaving a trail of a faint yet incredibly enticing fragrance.
She had also sprayed on perfume.
He couldn’t figure it out. What special occasion was today? Why was she dressed so formally, wearing such perfect makeup, and using perfume? Why go to all that trouble?
Mu Chuntao sat at the table and started eating. She took a bite and smiled approvingly. “This fried rice is delicious. Any woman marrying you would surely end up plump.”
Li Zian froze immediately.
What did that mean? Yu Meilin had already married him. What was she implying?
Mu Chuntao scooped up another spoonful and asked, “So, what was the favor you wanted me for?”
Li Zian hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I’m not familiar with Shanghai. Do you know where I can get a Paternity Test? I need you to take me to get one.”
Puh!
Mu Chuntao sprayed the entire mouthful of fried rice back out.