章 38: Chapter 13: The Making of the Golden Fragrant Ring (Upper Part) _1
Today, I went to the hospital for a body check-up. It was at the thoracic surgery department. The chief doctor said I have costochondritis. No wonder it hurts so much, even breathing is excruciating now. It's a bit less painful when I'm sitting, so it doesn't affect my writing too much. The doctor said there's no cure for this condition. I can only endure it until it naturally recovers. As for how long the pain will last, he wasn't sure. Oh God, I feel so pitiful!
The Sunday Grand Conference's time remains unchanged. Everyone is welcome to attend.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nian Bing was startled out of his recollection, chastising himself for his lowered guard. Clearly, the power of a beautiful woman is unsurprisingly potent! "Miss, why do you use 'also'?"
Xue Jing glared at him, saying, "Haven't you been saying 'you' for half of the time just now? Why are you calling me Miss again?"
Helplessly, Nian Bing said: "I lost my manners earlier. I should call you Miss."
Xue Jing waved her hand impatiently, "Nevermind, I'm very annoyed today. I just want someone to chat with. You don't need to call me Miss. Just call me Xue Jing. Originally, I wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with Ling'er, but she does not understand these things. That just confused me even more. Oh, what's your name?"
"I'm Nian Bing."
"Then, could you tell me what kind of woman men prefer the most?" Upon asking this, Xue Jing's pretty face turned beet red.
Nian Bing thought to himself that the young lady from Qingfeng Vegetarian Restaurant might be love-struck, "Miss, oh, no, Xue Jing, I'm not too sure about that. But, girls as beautiful as you, I am certain all men would like."
Upon hearing this, Xue Jing's beautiful eyes filled with tears once more, "Nonsense, why doesn't he like me then? He always has a cool facade and ignores me whenever I try to talk to him."
How would he know the situation when he's not involved? Nian Bing forced a smile, "For that, you would need to ask him, Miss. Perhaps he likes you, but he just won't admit it?"
Bracing herself, Xue Jing wiped her tears, sounding somewhat hopeful, "Really?"
Nian Bing paused for a moment, "Likely. If you're fond of him, just get closer. Where there's a will, there's a way."
Xue Jing playfully hit Nian Bing, "But I'm a girl. It's not appropriate for me to initiate! Nian Bing, you said that all men would like a beautiful girl like me. Do you like me?"
"Ahem." Nian Bing almost choked on his own spit, "Miss, you must be joking. We have different statuses!"
Xue Jing insisted, "No, look beyond the status. If we were friends, would you like me?"
Deep down, Nian Bing preferred gentle girls like Long Ling'er or Feng Nu, and was not very fond of bold beauties like Xue Jing. However, seeing the tears in Xue Jing's eyes, he couldn't bring himself to dissent. He just nodded slightly and awkwardly said: "Yes."
"Hmph, seems quite reluctant. However, remember what you said today. From now on, if I ask you to do something, you must not refuse. Did you hear me?"
Nian Bing gave a bitter smile in agreement. At this point, what other choice did he have? Xue Jing turned back around to face Ming Yue once more, whispering, "He doesn't look bad at all. However, he is not as good-looking as you. He's nearly reached the rank of a Martial Artist and Great Swordsmaster. The way he wields his sword is strikingly appealing, you don't stand a chance. I've always liked people like him, with a heroic spirit. I have to find an opportunity to test his intentions. Otherwise, I won't be content."
That night, Nian Bing stayed with Xue Jing in the pavilion until dawn. Only then did Xue Jing show him out of the garden. Staying up all night was not an issue, but this was the first time in very long Nian Bing hadn't engaged in meditation at night. When he got back to his room, he didn't sleep either. He repeatedly used his Healing Art on himself hoping to get rid of the slap mark on his face before visiting the Mage Guild to read magic spells. However, his beginner Healing Art had limited effects. Although the slap mark had gotten a little fainter, it was still very clear. Having no other choice, Nian Bing stealthily left his room before dawn, finding a drug store open 24/7 to purchase some white gauze. He folded it into a thick pile and used adhesive tape to stick it on the left side of his face. It might not look pretty, but it was definitely better than a red slap mark.
yawning, Uncle Li walked out of his room and took in the fresh air as he stretched. He glanced at the door of the other room, mumbling to himself, "I wonder if that kid Nian Bing came back last night. Young ones, always out having fun."
"Uncle Li, I did actually come back quite late last night, I apologize." Nian Bing stepped outside of the room. He had just returned from a trip outside and had barely stored his Black Robe and mask before getting settled.
Uncle Li looked at his face with shock, "What happened? Did you get injured?"
Nian Bing chuckled lightly, "Yesterday, I was walking on the street and tripped over something and fell on my face. I had to get it treated. The doctor says it'll take at least three or four days to recover."
Li Uncle laughed, "You truly are as clumsy as they come. A handsome young man like you, an injury to the face wouldn't be appealing. Be careful next time. How about we get breakfast?"
Nian Bing was indeed hungry. His last meal was lunch at Feng Nu's the previous day. Under Uncle Li's lead, both of them headed towards the kitchen where he could see two long wooden tables set up from afar. There were about thirty to forty people clad in white chef uniforms seated and eating. Nian Bing noted, "The kitchen staff sure do start their day early!"
Uncle Li replied, "Of course. Mornings are usually the busiest time of the day because they prepare all the ingredients needed for the day. We only use carefully chosen, top-quality ingredients at Qingfeng Vegetarian Restaurant. Just to select the ingredients, we have three or four people assigned. Let's go and see what we're having today."
Breakfast was buns and porridge. Although most of the chefs were acquainted with Uncle Li, Nian Bing made sure to introduce himself to each one under Li's guidance. When they reached the last table, Nian Bing noticed only one person was seated there eating alone. All the other cooks were at the other tables, minding their own business.
"Nian Bing, this is the head chef of Qingfeng Vegetarian Restaurant, the one known as the Wonderful Chef King, Master Ming Yuan. Please introduce yourself. Master Ming Yuan, this is Nian Bing, he's here to help me. He's diligent and I hope he can receive your guidance in the future." Uncle Li introduced Nian Bing with earnest.
Ming Yuan was of average height and build, neither fat nor skinny. Upon hearing Uncle Li's introduction, he looked up at Nian Bing. He appeared to be in his forties, with average features, but his glinting eyes reminded Nian Bing of someone familiar. It was the same look he had once seen in Cha Ji's eyes, except Ming Yuan's were slightly lesser. Cha Ji had once confided in Nian Bing that cooks with talent had a different gaze from ordinary ones, due to their focused dedication to their culinary skills. He also added that even though Nian Bing had learned all his cooking skills, there are still gaps in temperature control and sensation which could be filled with comprehension.
Ming Yuan seemed quite aloof as he gave Nian Bing a small nod before continuing with his breakfast.
Uncle Li guided Nian Bing to a table nearby and they began eating. The buns were filled with meat and tasted quite average. However, when hungry, anything to fill your stomach is enough.
As Nian Bing had eaten to his fill and was just about to get back to work with Uncle Li, the last person he wanted to encounter appeared in a fiery red silhouette.
"Uncle Ming, what's good this morning? Is there anything for me?" All the kitchen staff stopped what they were doing as Xue Jing walked in, and greeted her respectfully. Except Ming Yuan, who remained seated at his table. He glanced at Xue Jing with a fond smile, "You little girl, haven't your breakfast been delivered already? Why are you still here asking for more? What do you need from me?" This was when a slight smile graced his cold face.
Xue Jing didn't seem tired at all for staying up all night, "Do I need to have a reason to come to see you? Can't a niece miss her uncle?"
Ming Yuan laughed, "Miss me? I think you're more interested in the snacks I make. Alright, speak up. What would you like today? WoWo, TangGuoJuan, or the Golden Fragrant Ring? I've some free time this morning and I can make you some."
-- 贈り物
が届きました 
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット