TL: Moonlit
The three Lin brothers had to hold the water for two hours before Qin Yi finally calmed down. He waved them off, telling them to get lost, and Lin En cautiously approached him. Qin Yi gave him a disdainful look and then went upstairs.
The three Lin brothers massaged their sore arms, hoping that Lin En’s abilities could pacify Qin Yi and mend the situation.
Lin Yue shook his arm and said, “I’m telling you, big brother, next time if there’s such a thing, can you let me know in advance so I can be prepared?”
Lin Feng glanced at him, “Only in such moments can we truly experience brotherhood. Why are you thinking of something special?”
Lin Yue complained, “The key is that I had to share the punishment with you guys without knowing what was going on. I feel so unjust!”
Lin Te put his arm around Lin Yue’s shoulder and said, “Don’t worry, if there’s a next time, we’ll take you along, and you won’t feel unjust anymore.”
Lin Feng nodded, “Yes, that’s a good idea.”
Lin Yue exclaimed, “You guys are really my true brothers!”
After saying that, he pushed them away and went upstairs in an indignant manner to fetch some things.
Lin Feng looked at Lin Te and apologized, “I’m sorry for involving you both in this.”
Lin Te rubbed his wrist and replied, “Don’t mention this to Leng Tang.”
He couldn’t afford to ruin his tall and imposing image in front of Leng Tang.
Lin Feng smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word.”
When Lin Yue went upstairs, he saw Lin Su poking his head out from the neighboring room and waving at him. “Third brother, is the punishment over?”
Lin Yue approached him, “Xiao Su, you’re at home. You know how miserable I am. I didn’t know that second brother didn’t tell female father about this, and I ended up facing the consequences. If I had known, I would have waited a little longer before coming back.”
Lin Yue looked utterly aggrieved, and Lin Su couldn’t help but laugh. “Then go rest in your room for a while.”
“No, I still have to go out. Are you and the Crown Prince staying at home tonight?”
“Yes, I came to help female father repair his beast pattern.”
“I see. Rest well then. I have something to take care of, so I won’t bother you with it.”
After saying that, Lin Yue hurriedly returned to his room. He had already delayed for a long time. He originally promised Xia Jue that he would be back in an hour, but it was almost three hours now. Xia Jue might think he ran away or something.
The more he interacted with Xia Jue, the more he realized how sensitive the man’s mind was. Surprisingly, he found out that Xia Jue was the same age as him. He had thought Xia Jue was older than him, but he seemed quite mature.
Lin Yue found some clothes to wear and came out of the house.
Just as Lin Te was about to leave, he saw Lin Yue and couldn’t help asking, “You’re going out so late?”
“I was originally coming back home to get something. Big brother, you better hurry back. Leng Tang is probably getting anxious.”
“I know. Where are you headed? Shall I give you a ride?”
“No need, I drove here.”
Lin Yue finished speaking and got into his car directly.
Watching Lin Yue leave, Lin Te didn’t linger either and drove away from the Lin residence.
After sleeping for the whole afternoon, Lin Su couldn’t stay in the room any longer. He came out with William and went to the kitchen to get some food.
Lin Feng happened to come downstairs and saw him, asking, “Feeling better, Xiao Su?”
“I’m fine now, don’t worry. Second brother, do you want some snacks?” Lin Su handed over a small cake he had prepared, “When are you planning to return to the North Star?”
“After the gathering. Big Brother said that General Leng will arrive at the capital star tomorrow. After some rest, the two families can officially meet.”
Lin Feng ate the small cake in his hand. The soft and slightly sweet cake was delicious and reminded him of the cookies that Yan Qi had sent before. He still owed Yan Qi a visit to the Contract Beast Hall. Maybe he should fulfill his promise before leaving, but he didn’t know if Yan Qi would have any psychological shadows if he asked him out now. He was torn.
—
Meanwhile, Lin Yue entered the hospital room from outside and felt that he was truly unlucky today. Who could have thought that it would rain heavily on a day that had been sunny all along?
Xia Jue saw him coming in, and his dim eyes brightened up. “Is it raining outside?”
Noticing the script on Xia Jue’s legs, Lin Yue put down his things and said, “Yes, it’s raining. It was fine when I left home. Have you eaten?”
“Already eaten, how about you?” Xia Jue asked.
Lin Yue shook his head, “Not yet. You won’t believe how unlucky I’ve been today.”
Pulling a chair close to Xia Jue’s hospital bed, Lin Yue explained Lin Feng’s situation, looking very aggrieved. “So, I shouldn’t have come home today. I suffered a punishment for nothing, and now my arms are still sore.”
Xia Jue held back a smile, “Shall I give you a massage?”
“No need, it’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep,” Lin Yue replied with a smile. “Do you have some food left for me? I happen to be hungry.”
Noticing the untouched meal on the table, Lin Yue thought that Xia Jue was quite considerate as a friend.
Lin Yue held the lunchbox and ate heartily, occasionally chatting with Xia Jue, “By the way, are you really planning to visit the filming location tomorrow?”
“I made arrangements with the crew earlier. I need to visit the site before shooting starts.”
“I’ll accompany you. I don’t have anything to do tomorrow anyway, but if it inconveniences you, I can understand.”
“If you want to come with me, the inconvenience will be yours, not mine.”
“No problem. But let’s see if it rains tomorrow. If it does, we can postpone it for a day, okay?”
“Sure,” Xia Jue nodded, “Thank you, Lin Yue.”
“Don’t mention it. You should know that if this film is successful, I can earn a lot of money. So, I’m not being kind to you for nothing. Hmm, these spicy chicken feet are so hot.”
Lin Yue’s nose was sweating from the spiciness, and Xia Jue quickly get a tissue to wipe it.
Instinctively, Lin Yue moved away and smiled as he took the tissue from Xia Jue, “I can do it myself, no need for you, the patient, to serve me. It’s awkward.”
After packing up the lunchbox and throwing away the trash, Lin Yue came back and asked, “Do you want to take a shower? The doctor said you can wash your legs if they are wrapped properly.”
Xia Jue looked up, and his purple eyes showed surprise, “Are you going to help me take a shower?”
“Why not? Are you feeling embarrassed?”
Xia Jue nodded, “Actually, a little.”
“Haha, then I’ll just close my eyes,” Lin Yue said and then added, “I can wrap your leg, push you into the bathroom, and you can wash yourself. When you’re done, I’ll push you back out. That way, you should feel more comfortable. Besides, truth be told, I’ve never helped anyone take a bath before.”
“That’s fine, thank you.”
“I said don’t be polite; otherwise, you’ll have to say thank you to me all day!” Lin Yue retorted.
Lin Yue asked the doctor for a waterproof film to wrap Xia Jue’s leg. After pushing him into the bathroom, he was worried that Xia Jue might have difficulty undressing, so Lin Feng rented a temporary nursing robot.
As Xia Jue was in the process of undressing, he heard a knock on the door. He stopped and opened it, only to find a tall robot entering.
Lin Yue said, “Let it help you undress. Although it looks quite simple, it should be able to do this.”
Xia Jue chuckled and shook his head, “No need. I’ve already managed.”
“Really? Well then, I’ll have it leave. By the way, why do hospital nursing robots look so ugly? No wonder no one wants to hire them.”
As he listened to Lin Yue’s murmuring outside, Xia Jue gently touched a prominent scar on his abdomen.
…
After the incident, Yan Qi thought Lin Feng wouldn’t contact him again. But unexpectedly, Lin Feng sent a message, asking if he would like to visit the Contract Beast Hall.
Looking at the blinking screen, Yan Qi’s heart pounded faster than usual. He lightly bit his lip and replied, “Sure, what time?”
Lin Feng felt inexplicably relieved upon seeing the reply. For some reason, he was nervous a moment ago. “Tomorrow, I’ll come to your place to pick you up.”
Yan Qi wanted to suggest meeting somewhere else, but he understood that Lin Feng might have some psychological concerns due to the previous incident. So, he agreed, “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”
Once the time was set, Yan Qi quickly got off the bed and rushed to the kitchen. He wanted to make some nougat candy as a gesture of gratitude for Lin Feng.
It was late at night when Yan Shan, feeling thirsty, went to the kitchen for water and was startled to see Yan Qi there, “What are you doing up so late?”
With a pair of shining black eyes filled with excitement, Yan Qi grinned, “I’m making something, I’ll sleep in a bit.”
Yan Shan blinked and leaned over the tray to look, “What is this? It looks soft and fluffy.”
He reached out and pinched a piece, putting it in his mouth. The rich milky fragrance and soft texture delighted him, “Is this the new nougat candy that recently came out?”
“Yes, don’t eat it. I made this, and it’s not perfectly done yet. There are only a few pieces.” Yan Qi immediately stopped Yan Shan from taking more, “I’ll make it just for you next time, okay?”
Clear-headed now, Yan Shan leaned on the table and observed him, “Something’s not right, Yan Qi.”
Yan Qi coughed lightly, “What’s not right? Is it strange for me to make desserts at night?”
“No, it’s not that. Who are you making this for, Lin Feng?”
The mention of Lin Feng’s name made Yan Qi’s cheeks blush, “He just asked me to go to the Contract Beast Hall with him tomorrow. I can’t just act like it’s nothing.”
“He invited you again?” Yan Shan raised an eyebrow, “What does he mean?”
“What do you mean? It’s just that we were supposed to go last time, but then something happened. This time, he must be making it up to me. What else could it be?” Yan Qi understood Lin Feng’s personality to some extent after spending time together a few times. He was sure that Lin Feng didn’t have any romantic intentions.
Yan Shan seemed displeased, “And you’re willing to cooperate with him.”
“He saved me after all. After this time, I won’t have to think about this anymore.”
Yan Shan looked at Yan Qi, who appeared somewhat forlorn after saying that, and he reached over to ruffle his hair, “That’s the best way to handle it.”
“Of course, what else can I do?” Yan Qi pretended to be casual and smiled, “Brother, go back and rest. I’ll be done soon.”
“Alright then. Where are you meeting tomorrow? Should I drop you off?”
“No need, he’s coming to pick me up.”
“Oh, that’s nice then.”
After Yan Shan left, Yan Qi pursed his lips, sealed the cooled nougat candy in a bag, and stored it in the refrigerator.
No matter what, there’s one more chance to meet tomorrow.
You can do it, Yan Qi.
Early the next morning, Lin Feng came out of his house, and upon seeing him, Qin Yi asked, “You’re going out again?”
“Yeah, I made an appointment with Yan Qi to go to the Contract Beast Hall.”
“Another appointment with Yan Qi?” Qin Yi was somewhat surprised, “You two?”
“We’re just friends. We were supposed to go together last time, but then something happened. Now that I’m returning to North Star, I want to fulfill my promise from before and leave with a clear conscience.”
Seeing Lin Feng’s innocent look, Qin Yi nodded, “Alright, go ahead then.”
Watching Lin Feng leave, Qin Yi couldn’t help but think if he should arrange a blind date for Lin Feng.
Lin Su and William left the Lin residence and went directly to the palace. They had arranged a final session with Will to repair the beast pattern.
After the morning meeting, Will returned and smelled a pleasant aroma. He saw William sitting in the living room, sipping tea. “Where are Xiao Su and Mu Yin?”
“Lin Su and Brother Mu are making dumplings.”
“Dumplings?” Will’s eyes lit up, “Is it a new delicacy invented by Lin Su?”
William nodded, “Yes.”
As they were talking, Lin Su and Mu Yin came out, and Mu Yin said, “It’s ready. We can cook them for lunch later.”
“I can’t wait.” Will walked over and hugged Mu Yin, “Did you make anything else besides dumplings?”
He could smell the scent of meat.
“We also made bone soup.” Mu Yin smiled and urged, “Alright, after repairing the beast pattern, let’s have lunch!”
Having had the previous experiences, Mu Yin was no longer worried about Will’s health this time. Besides, based on their past experiences, Will wouldn’t suffer as much during this final session.
The group arrived at the repair room, and Lin Su began repairing Will’s beast pattern.
Without the previous pain, Will felt unusually comfortable this time, as if he was surrounded by a warm current.
Lin Su sensed that as he healed Will, he was getting closer to advancing to level 4.
As an SS-grade Contract Beastman, when the repair of Will’s beast pattern was completed, the black fox lying next to him seemed to have grown larger.
Outside the window, a seven-color rainbow descended, dazzling and magnificent.
Will opened his eyes, “I feel like my whole body has become much lighter.”
Lin Su smiled, “Congratulations, Your Majesty. You have officially become an SSS-grade Contract Beastman.”
William got up and asked Lin Su with concern, “Are you okay?”
“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Lin Su reassured.
Mu Yin secretly wiped his eyes and hugged Will, “This is wonderful. You don’t have to worry about mental disorder anymore. Thank you, Xiao Su.”
“Brother Mu, you’ve thanked me many times already. Let’s go cook and eat the dumplings. I’m hungry,” Lan Su said.
“Yes, it’s time for dinner.”
As the steaming dumplings were placed on the table, each one was white and clean, especially appetizing.
Will exclaimed, “Is there filling inside these dumplings?”
William, who had eaten them before, nodded, “They are delicious.”
Will looked at him, “It seems like you’ve already had some.”
William smiled without saying anything, but quietly poured some vinegar for himself.
Will imitated him, “Is this the dipping sauce?”
“Yes, you can also add some chili to enhance the flavor,” William replied.
Will saw him add some red chili oil into the bowl and followed suit, then curiously leaned in to smell it.
The aroma had a slightly sour and smoky note, indescribably unique.
Lin Su also served each of them a bowl of dumpling soup.
“These dumplings have pure meat filling. See if you like them,” he said with a smile.
Mu Yin chuckled, “Anything you make is delicious. But I do think these dumplings are quite convenient.”
“They are indeed convenient. You can prepare them in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and cook or steam them whenever you want to eat. The taste is still great,” Lin Su explained.
Listening to Lin Su’s explanation, Will, who had already gobbled down a dumpling, nodded, “Delicious! The dough is soft and chewy, and the meat filling is savory.”
Once they started eating the dumplings, they couldn’t stop, and soon, several plates of dumplings were wiped clean.
After finishing the dumplings, they drank some dumpling soup, which was hot and very comforting.
Will spoke up, “Xiao Su, you mentioned earlier that these dumplings can be frozen and stored?”
Lin Su nodded, “Yes, that’s correct.”
William and Will exchanged a glance and chuckled, “Big brother, are you thinking of promoting these in the military?”
“I do have that idea. Currently, the military is consuming nutrient supplements, which are convenient but not very nutritious. If we can promote these dumplings, not only can we prevent mental disorders, but they are also delicious. As Imperial soldiers, we should enjoy such treatment,” Will explained.
“Actually, besides dumplings, there are various other foods, such as wontons and buns. If we want to promote them, we can try different varieties,” Lin Su suggested.
Hearing Lin Su’s words, everyone became more intrigued, “I’ll mention this matter during the meeting. If it can be implemented, Xiao Su, I’ll trouble you.”
“Don’t worry, big brother. It’s my honor to serve the Empire.”
On their way back from the palace, William embraced Lin Su, “Have you figured out how to proceed?”
Lin Su smiled and looked at him, “I know I can’t handle this on my own, so I’ll need your help. I plan to establish a processing plant dedicated to producing fast food…”
As Lin Su explained his idea to William in detail, he asked, “What do you think?”
William has always known that Lin Su has many ideas, and each one is astonishing. Even though he has experienced this feeling before, he still can’t help but be enchanted by the shining little female.
“Very good.”
When these fast foods are released, even if they are not exclusively provided to the military, ordinary people will love them as well.
The task of selecting a location for the plant fell on Bruno’s shoulders again, and fortunately, he was there to help. Otherwise, with Lin Su’s capabilities, he would have been overwhelmed.
In the past few days, Lin Su has been busy with the fast food project.
William sees the little female locked up in the study, writing and drawing, and can’t help but feel a little regretful.
But he knows that this is what Lin Su wants to do, so even though he worries about his health, he will provide support.
Lin Te and Leng Tang’s wedding banquet is held as scheduled.
The venue is chosen at the Ai Su Restaurant, which is specially reserved for them on this day for their wedding banquet.
Sitting on a tall chair in a well-tailored suit, Lin Feng is eating the snacks in front of him. Lin Yue comes from behind and pats his shoulder, “Big brother and Leng Tang haven’t come yet?”
“They are the protagonists today, so they naturally take their time. What have you been busy with lately? Why don’t you come home?” Lin Feng asks.
“Ah, my friend broke his bones a few days ago. I’m just helping take care of him,” Lin Yue explains.
“What kind of friend needs you to take care of him personally? Your relationship must be good,” Lin Feng teases.
“It’s okay, don’t overthink it. Besides, that person is male.”
“What am I overthinking? I didn’t say anything! Stop it!”
Lin Feng looks at Lin Yue with a smirk, as if saying, “You don’t need to be so defensive.”
Lin Yue snorts and points not far away, “Hey, isn’t that Yan Qi? I heard you two went on a date to the Contract Beast Hall a couple of days ago?”
“What date? It was a return visit!”
“A return visit!” Lin Yue deliberately imitates Lin Feng’s tone, repeating, “Who would believe that!”
Lin Feng frowned slightly, “Are you asking for trouble?”
Just as Lin Feng was about to raise his fist, Qin Yi’s voice suddenly came, “These two are my sons, Lin Feng and Lin Yue.”
Upon hearing this, both of them stood up and looked at the two females who came with Qin Yi.
“This is Uncle Chen, and this is Uncle Chen’s little female, Chen Yi. It’s Chen Yi’s first time here, so you can show him around,” Qin Yi said.
Qin Yi’s intention was clear, and Lin Yue winked at Lin Feng sneakily.
Lin Feng never expected Qin Yi to arrange something like this. He hesitated for a moment before politely saying, “Alright.”
Watching the two of them leave, Lin Yue immediately found an excuse and slipped away.
Seeing Lin Su talking to William not far away, Lin Yue walked over directly. He had a lot to say to Lin Su.
Lin Su smiled and asked, “Third brother, weren’t you just going to find second brother? Where is he?”
Lin Yue approached, his eyes shining brightly as he said, “I came to talk to you about that. Female Father arranged a blind date for second brother.”
“Really? Who is it?” Lin Su couldn’t help but become curious.
William took note of the light in Lin Yue’s eyes and considerately refrained from disturbing their conversation.
“It’s a little female from the Chen family. He’s over there,” Lin Yue pointed and continued, “What do you think?”
“It seems fine to me. Why do you think it’s not good?” Lin Su wasn’t familiar with the prominent families of the capital star, and he had no impression of this little female named Chen Yi. But since Qin Yi had taken an interest in him, his character should be quite decent.
Lin Yue shook his head, “I feel like he looks a bit too young. He doesn’t seem to match well with second brother.”
Lin Su chuckled, “Does looking young makes him unsuitable? Do you prefer someone older?”
Lin Yue blinked, “I prefer someone more assertive, just not too fragile.”
Lin Su widened his eyes, “So, third brother, you like that type of person.”
Lin Yue smirked, “Don’t make things up; I just said it casually.”
“Hey, why are you still hesitating?” Lin Su found Lin Yue’s reaction quite amusing.
—
Yan Qi stood not far away, and the Lin brothers, Lin Su and Lin Yue, were talking. The Yan family was also fortunate to be included in the invitation list.
Since the day they strolled together at the Contract Beast Hall, the two of them hadn’t contacted each other.
Today, seeing Lin Feng sitting there, Yan Qi immediately noticed him. He thought about going over to say hello but held back.
As he observed Lin Feng walking around the venue with a little female, the harmonious atmosphere between them brought about an inexplicable hint of sourness in his heart.
Yan Shan approached and saw the empty glass in front of Yan Qi, “Is it okay for you to drink so much?”
“What’s the problem? There’s no limit to drinks tonight.”
“I mean, don’t get drunk,” Yan Shan glanced at Lin Feng, who was talking to a little female not far away. He couldn’t help but understand and cleared his throat, “Do you want to go sit over there?”
“I’m not tired. You can go if you want.” Yan Qi stood there, lacking enthusiasm, and occasionally, his gaze fell on Lin Feng.
Yan Shan felt that this situation couldn’t go on, “Did you greet Lin Feng when you arrived?”
“Why would I greet him? We’ve already settled our accounts.”
There was never much connection between them in the first place.
After saying this, Yan Qi downed the contents of his glass, “I’m going to the restroom.”
On his way to the restroom, he overheard some gossip, “I heard that Qin Yi has taken a liking to the little female from the Chen family and wants to introduce him to the second young master of the Lin family.”
“You mean Lin Feng? He’s the youngest and most promising researcher in the Empire. I heard he recently saved a little female from the Yan family. His conduct must be impeccable. Chen family is really fortunate.”
“That’s right.”
As those people left, Yan Qi silently entered the restroom, and as he looked at his forlorn reflection in the mirror, he told himself, “Pull yourself together, Yan Qi!”
