VFGRC Chapter 21

TL: Moonlit

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This is the first time Ji Rongyu has been treated like a thief by someone.

And the “someone” in question is just a newly turned three-year-old toddler!

Ji Rongyu raised an eyebrow and said, “Which eye of yours saw me deceiving your dad?”

Xing Xing spoke with conviction, pointing to his round eyes with chubby little hands. “Both of my eyes saw it! When Dad left, you had a mischievous smile…”

Ji Rongyu blinked his slender eyes lightly and looked innocent. “How do you know that my smile was mischievous and not a happy one?”

“Well, um…”

Ji Rongyu successfully cornered Xing Xing, leaving him speechless.

The instinct of a young one told Xing Xing that something was off about the smile on Nanny Uncle’s face when he looked at Dad. But Xing Xing couldn’t pinpoint what exactly was wrong with that smile…

While Xing Xing was tangled in his thoughts, Ji Rongyu spoke again.

“In fact, I knew from the moment I came to your house that you didn’t like me.”

As Ji Rongyu uttered these words, there was a hint of sadness in his voice.

Xing Xing froze, wondering if Nanny Uncle could read minds. How did he know that Xing Xing didn’t like him?

Ji Rongyu sighed feigned helplessness and his expression showed a touch of sadness. “You have a prejudice against me. So, no matter what I do, it’s easy for you to misunderstand…”

Xing Xing bit his soft lip with his white teeth.

Xing Xing had always believed that it was just him and Dad at home, and they could live a good life together. Xing Xing was an independent little man. During the month when Dad was hospitalized, Xing Xing had learned many things from the neighborhood grandparents about taking care of himself. When Dad went out to set up his stall, Xing Xing could take care of himself perfectly well without needing anyone else’s help!

So, what the Nanny Uncle said was true—Xing Xing didn’t like Nanny Uncle. When Nanny Uncle approached Xing Xing, he would turn his back to him. When Nanny Uncle helped Xing Xing pick up the arch-shaped building blocks, Xing Xing thought he was deliberately getting close to him with ulterior motives.

Xing Xing recalled Ji Rongyu’s smile just now, and the plumpness on his face trembled.

Could it be… Did Xing Xing really misunderstand Nanny Uncle?

Was the smile Nanny Uncle showed really not a mischievous one?

Xing Xing lifted his little head and glanced at Ji Rongyu with his round eyes.

On Ji Rongyu’s face, there was an expression of “being misunderstood and feeling helpless” that seemed just right—it completely fooled the innocent and kind toddler.

Xing Xing’s little heart trembled.

Could it be… Did Xing Xing really misunderstand Nanny Uncle?

Feeling guilty, Xing Xing lowered his little head.

What should he do now?

At that moment, Yu Bai returned to the coffee table with a bowl of porridge.

“The porridge was a bit cold earlier, so I reheated it a little bit,” Yu Bai pushed the porridge in front of Ji Rongyu. “Now it’s slightly hot, take your time to eat.”

Ji Rongyu looked at Yu Bai and smiled. “Okay! Thank you!”

Seeing Ji Rongyu up close, Yu Bai noticed that Ji Rongyu had dimples on his cheeks just like Xing Xing.

When Ji Rongyu doesn’t smile, he emits an unapproachable aura.

But when Ji Rongyu smiles, the dimples on his cheeks soften the sharp lines of his face, revealing a touch of youthful innocence.

His black hair, without any styling gel, gently falls on his forehead, making Ji Rongyu look like a student who has just graduated from college a few years ago, not much older than Yu Bai.

Previously, when Yu Bai interacted with Ji Rongyu, he sensed a barrier between them that was hard to see through and touch.

But now, that barrier seemed to disappear for a moment.

Feeling Yu Bai’s gaze on him, Ji Rongyu’s smile faded slightly.

He knew that when he smiled, he would have dimples on his cheeks.

So, ever since he became a culinary investor, Ji Rongyu rarely smiled in front of strangers.

Regardless of the industry, almost everyone believed that experience counts.

A young and naive face is bound to make his competitors and potential partners underestimate and distrust him.

Ji Rongyu gradually learned to wear a mask, which allowed him to thrive as a culinary investor.

On the coffee table, there was steaming hot lean meat and preserved egg congee.

Ji Rongyu’s gaze suddenly deepened.

In this humble house, with simple utensils and plain food… somehow, it made him relax and momentarily let go of his “disguise.”

Why was that?

Ji Rongyu didn’t know, and he didn’t care.

Anyway… after he finished tasting Yu Bai’s culinary skills today, he would leave.

In a couple of days, he would wait for Yu Bai to come out and set up his stall, then find a suitable opportunity for Hang Yuanshu and Yu Bai to meet and discuss investment matters.

And from then on, he would never show up in front of Yu Bai again.

Ji Rongyu scooped a spoonful of congee and brought it to his lips.

“Be careful, it’s hot.”

Yu Bai expressed concern once again.

Ji Rongyu lightly pursed his lips, his narrow eyes slightly squinting.

Yu Bai’s concern felt like how one would care for a chubby little child.

This feeling was like eating a spoonful of sticky honey, with a faint aftertaste.

It felt strange, but Ji Rongyu didn’t dislike this care.

“I know.”

Ji Rongyu blew on the spoonful of congee, then placed it into his mouth.

Fresh, fragrant, soft, and sticky—these simple four words were perfectly demonstrated by this bowl of lean meat and preserved egg congee.

As the lean meat absorbed the sweetness and freshness from the congee and preserved egg, each strand of meat released its aroma when chewed, creating a burst of flavors between the teeth.

“Dad! Look, there’s a flower in the preserved egg!”

Xing Xing scooped up a piece of preserved egg from the congee and handed it to Yu Bai.

Yu Bai raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Dad sees it. Isn’t the flower beautiful?”

Xing Xing nodded vigorously, “Yeah! It’s super beautiful!”

“But… the flower in the preserved egg looks so pretty, I feel a little reluctant to eat it…” Xing Xing pouted, “The egg is delicious, but it has such beautiful flowers. It would be such a pity to eat it all in one bite!”

Yu Bai smiled and patted Xing Xing’s little head, “It’s okay, we still have preserved eggs at home. If you like eating preserved eggs… how about tomorrow I make you a preserved egg with tofu? What do you think?”

Xing Xing tilted his head, “Preserved egg with tofu? Is that a dish?”

Yu Bai explained, “It’s when we take chopped preserved eggs and mix them with soft tofu. The tender tofu is soaked in a flavorful broth, and the soft and smooth preserved egg adds a special taste. It’s really delicious!”

Hearing Yu Bai describe preserved egg with tofu, Xing Xing couldn’t help but swallow his saliva.

The preserved egg congee was so fresh and tasty! Preserved egg with tofu also sounded really delicious!

“Okay! Okay!” Xing Xing’s eyes sparkled, “What kind of congee are we having tomorrow?”

“How about a delicious pig stomach and shredded chicken congee? The chicken is freshly cooked and tender, paired with chewy pig stomach…”

Xing Xing nodded vigorously, “Mmm, mmm!”

Thinking about being able to eat delicious preserved eggs with tofu and the flavorful pig stomach and shredded chicken congee tomorrow, Xing Xing couldn’t help but stuff the preserved egg into his mouth without any hesitation.

With a happy expression, Xing Xing shook his little head.

Congee is so fragrant!

Ji Rongyu, who overheard the description of how delicious the preserved egg with tofu and pig stomach and shredded chicken congee were, suddenly had a thought flash through his mind.

It seemed like… he could stay here for another day, or even longer, in the role of a “part-time nanny.”

After all, Yu Bai and this little one didn’t know his true identity. Here, he felt a long-lost sense of relaxation and freedom.

Even if he left, as long as Ji Rongyu didn’t show up, they wouldn’t have any interactions beyond business matters.

Ji Rongyu pursed his lips.

Of course, his thought of staying another day was purely because he was curious about how the preserved egg with tofu and pig stomach and shredded chicken congee tasted.

Just simple curiosity!

“Dad! Xing Xing finished all the congee and dishes!”

With a full belly, Xing Xing proudly patted his round little tummy.

Not wasting food and eating all kinds of vegetables were things a well-behaved little child must do.

Today, Xing Xing accomplished it all!

With a satisfied stomach, Xing Xing walked unsteadily toward Yu Bai.

Dad said that when you’re full, you shouldn’t bounce around, or your tummy will feel uncomfortable!

Xing Xing always remembered Yu Bai’s words, so he deliberately slowed down his steps.

Yu Bai reached out and touched Xing Xing’s bulging little belly that resembled a small ball. His lips curled up.

Yu Bai praised, “Xing Xing, you’re such a good boy. Eating more vegetables will help you grow taller, right?”

Xing Xing earnestly replied, “Yes!”

Yu Bai said, “After cleaning your mouth, you can go over there and continue playing with the building blocks.”

“Okay!”

Just as Xing Xing was about to leave, his gaze fell on the plate of stir-fried water spinach on the coffee table.

On a plate, there were some stir-fried water spinach. Yu Bai gave some to Xing Xing and ate some himself. Now there was still some water spinach left on the plate.

Following Xing Xing’s gaze, Yu Bai raised his eyebrows and asked, “Xing Xing, do you still want to eat the vegetables?”

Xing Xing immediately shook his head like a tambourine. “No, no, no! Xing Xing is full! Xing Xing ate enough!”

Water spinach tasted awful, and even if Xing Xing hadn’t eaten enough, he wouldn’t willingly eat water spinach!

However… there was still so much leftover on the plate, and it would be a waste not to eat it!

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Xing Xing’s round eyes brightened.

That’s right! Xing Xing and Dad had both eaten the water spinach, but Nanny Uncle hadn’t eaten any yet!

Xing Xing shifted his gaze to Ji Rongyu.

Ji Rongyu was happily drinking the lean meat and preserved egg congee, completely oblivious to the approaching storm.

Xing Xing raised his chubby little hand and pointed at Ji Rongyu. “Dad, Nanny Uncle hasn’t eaten any vegetables!”

Ji Rongyu, whose name was suddenly mentioned: ?

He paused his action of drinking the congee and looked in Xing Xing’s direction with a bewildered expression.

Xing Xing’s small face became serious. “Dad said that meals should have a balance of meat and vegetables. Nanny Uncle didn’t have any vegetables in his noodles or congee.”

“Nanny Uncle doesn’t eat any vegetables at all, and that’s not good! Nanny Uncle will get sick and won’t grow tall!”

Being 1.9 meters tall and rarely falling ill, Ji Rongyu: …Little brat, thank you.

Ji Rongyu wasn’t an extremely picky eater.

But everyone has different tastes, and there are always certain dishes that some people like or dislike.

And water spinach happened to be one of the vegetables that Ji Rongyu disliked.

Water spinach had a characteristic aroma reminiscent of herbal medicine, and those who liked it enjoyed that fragrance. If water spinach didn’t have that fragrance, it meant the chef had prepared it poorly.

For Ji Rongyu, he particularly disliked the herbal aroma of water spinach.

To him, that herbal fragrance was no different from eating a plaster.

That’s why Ji Rongyu didn’t touch the water spinach tonight.

But…

Ji Rongyu, being confronted by a three-year-old toddler about his “picky” habit, didn’t feel his face was thick enough to calmly face it.

Ji Rongyu coughed, his fist against his lips.

Xing Xing rested his chubby hands on the coffee table, stood on tiptoes, and squinted his round eyes when looking at Ji Rongyu.

“It’s just vegetables,” Ji Rongyu said without changing his expression. “I love eating water spinach. I have a habit of saving my favorite things for the end…”

As Ji Rongyu spoke, he used his chopsticks to pick up a large portion of water spinach.

In the midst of Xing Xing’s astonished gaze, Ji Rongyu stuffed the entire portion of water spinach into his mouth.

Suddenly, the strong herbal aroma of the water spinach filled Ji Rongyu’s mouth.

Disgusting!

Ji Rongyu almost couldn’t hold it in.

He reluctantly swallowed the water spinach and then picked up another large piece, continuing to put it in his mouth.

After a few bites, the plate of water spinach was completely cleared by Ji Rongyu.

Xing Xing, who had to eat the water spinach piece by piece because it tasted so bad, looked at Ji Rongyu with eyes that resembled an alien with extraordinary abilities.

That entire plate of terrible-tasting vegetables, and Nanny Uncle ate them all!

It was truly terrifying!

After finishing the water spinach, Ji Rongyu weakly held the lean meat and preserved egg congee in his hands.

It wasn’t until Ji Rongyu finished drinking the entire bowl of congee that he finally managed to suppress the indescribable herbal taste of the water spinach.

Ji Rongyu, who was barely hanging on due to the water spinach: He would never pretend to be something he wasn’t again!

Unfortunately, at that moment, Yu Bai said to Xing Xing next to him, “Xing Xing, isn’t Uncle amazing? He managed to finish the entire plate of water spinach!”

Xing Xing nodded in astonishment, his small voice trembling. “Amazing!”

Yu Bai smiled and said, “So, in the future, Xing Xing should learn from Uncle and eat more vegetables, okay?”

Xing Xing’s body trembled, and he pursed his small mouth, furrowing his eyebrows.

He could eat more vegetables, but could he eat more water spinach?

Yu Bai asked, “Xing Xing?”

Xing Xing hesitated and replied, “Okay, okay…”

Ji Rongyu, who inexplicably became a role model for a toddler, eased the “bitterness” on his face upon hearing Xing Xing’s astonished and trembling voice praising him as “amazing.”

Ji Rongyu felt as if the taste of the water spinach in his mouth had completely dissipated.

He looked at the empty plate that once held the water spinach, and a disdainful expression appeared in his narrow eyes.

Hmph, it was just a plate of water spinach. He could have finished it in just two or three bites!

If this little brat saw that, he would surely be even more astonished!

“I thought you didn’t like eating water spinach. I didn’t expect you to like it so much!” Yu Bai, sitting next to Ji Rongyu, smiled and raised his eyebrows. “It seems like Xing Xing really likes you. He was just praising you a moment ago… Will you come again tomorrow?”

Ji Rongyu hesitated for a moment and said, “…Yes. I don’t have much to do recently, so I can come and help you take care of the child every day.”

Yu Bai replied, “That would be wonderful!”

Xing Xing seemed to be getting along fairly well with Ji Rongyu, and Ji Rongyu didn’t show any signs of impatience toward Xing Xing throughout their interaction.

Yu Bai usually goes out to set up his stall for only three to four hours, which is not too long. Plus, Xing Xing is an easygoing child, so there shouldn’t be any major issues when Ji Rongyu and Xing Xing are alone together.

If any unexpected situation arises, they can contact each other through WeChat and respond promptly. If Yu Bai receives a message, he will rush back immediately.

Yu Bai smiled and said, “You like eating water spinach, so I’ll make another dish for you tomorrow, how about that?”

The smile that was about to appear on Ji Rongyu’s face froze.

Tomorrow… make… another… dish… of water spinach?!

Ji Rongyu remembered the excruciating taste when he ate the water spinach earlier… Was he basically shooting himself in the foot?!

“No need… thanks,” Ji Rongyu replied mechanically, “For dishes that you like, occasionally having them as a surprise is good, but if you have them too often, you’ll get tired of them…”

Yu Bai suddenly realized, “You’re right.”

Yu Bai continued, “According to the contract, I will give you a fee of 40 yuan per hour and provide dinner. Since today is a trial period and I didn’t know your dietary preferences in advance, if it’s convenient, we can exchange WeChat IDs. You can send me the dishes you don’t eat directly!”

As Yu Bai spoke, he handed his phone to Ji Rongyu.

On the bright screen of the phone was Yu Bai’s WeChat QR code.

Ji Rongyu rarely added other people on WeChat. He always let strangers contact his assistant, Hang Yuanshu, directly.

But…

Ji Rongyu’s current identity was just a temporary “part-time nanny”.

Ji Rongyu took out his phone and added Yu Bai as a friend.

—

After dinner, Ji Rongyu sat for a while and then left.

At the entrance of the residential complex, there was a low-profile luxury black sedan parked.

Hang Yuanshu, who was dozing off in the driver’s seat, woke up when he heard the sound of the rear car door opening.

Hang Yuanshu turned his head and found his boss, Ji Rongyu.

Hang Yuanshu immediately switched into work mode, picking up the visiting file bag and a pen from the passenger seat.

“Boss, how did it go?”

“Very well.”

Very well.

It was a high praise from Ji Rongyu for the chef or the restaurant.

Hang Yuanshu’s gaze revealed a hint of surprise.

Hang Yuanshu only had simple information about Yu Bai, and the information didn’t even include a photo of him.

But based on this limited information, Hang Yuanshu had already formed an image in his mind of a young snack stall owner specializing in teppanyaki.

For such a snack stall owner with limited experience in stall operations and culinary skills, to receive such high praise from the boss was unexpected.

Hang Yuanshu said, “Then I’ll contact him tomorrow to discuss…”

“Not possible,” Ji Rongyu interrupted.

“Why?” Hang Yuanshu asked in confusion.

“Yu Bai’s son is sick, and it’s still the weekend. He probably won’t be open for business these two days,” Ji Rongyu said. “Wait until his son recovers, and when Yu Bai doesn’t have much to deal with, you can go to Sanjiaokou to find him on a weekday afternoon.”

Hang Yuanshu never expected that the reason Ji Rongyu didn’t want him to contact Yu Bai was simply because his son was sick.

“Alright,” Hang Yuanshu agreed.

Hang Yuanshu still remembered that when the boss invested in that shop last time, the shop owner got into an accident and ended up in the hospital. Even so, Hang Yuanshu, as an assistant, went to the hospital and signed a cooperation agreement with the shop owner.

The boss has always been decisive and efficient in his actions. When did he become so meticulous and concerned about such a small matter like the son of a snack stall owner falling ill?

However, Hang Yuanshu could only silently criticize in his heart and dare not say it out loud.

Hang Yuanshu continued, “About tomorrow’s schedule…”

“Cancel it,” Ji Rongyu added, “I’m canceling all my upcoming appointments. I’ll stay in J City. When I feel like leaving, I’ll inform you so you can arrange new appointments for me.”

Hang Yuanshu, who was diligently taking notes, was so shocked that he almost broke the pen in his hand.

Hang Yuanshu stammered, “Boss, can I… ask for the reason?”

Ji Rongyu dropped a bombshell.

“I’ll be working as a ‘part-time nanny’ at Yu Bai’s house every afternoon.”

As a gourmet investor and food lover, Ji Rongyu knew the importance of understanding his investment targets as much as possible. It played a crucial role in discovering their investment potential and setting the direction for their development.

Therefore, Ji Rongyu planned to taste all the signature dishes that Yu Bai could make before leaving J City.

In this world, there were no chefs who could do everything. Even experienced chefs had a limited number of specialties.

Ji Rongyu thought to himself.

Whether it would take a short time, like half a month, or a long time, like two to three months, that should be the time he would leave J City.

Hang Yuanshu’s voice changed as he heard this news, causing him to be utterly astonished.

“What?!”

 

Author’s Note:

One year later.

Assistant Xiao Hang: Oh, where is the boss? He’s still in J City and hasn’t left yet.

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PS: I’ll be busy tomorrow, so the update will be at 11:30 PM or 2 AM.

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Pre-collection: “The Sect Leader’s Debut at the C Position” seeking bookmarks~

Synopsis:

Xu Shuning, the number one sect leader in the world. He cultivated the ruthless path of unfeeling with immense difficulty for 100,000 years and was only one step away from becoming an immortal.

But suddenly, he was struck by a heavenly calamity and ended up in the body of an extra on a 36th-line TV drama set in the modern world, penniless overnight.

Xu Shuning: ?

On the second day after his arrival, Xu Shuning was temporarily assigned to participate in a large-scale international male idol group audition variety show.

During his debut, while others sang, danced, did splits, or showcased their linguistic talents, Xu Shuning, who hadn’t prepared anything, stood up and used his lightness skills to jump on stage, wielding a broomstick as he casually performed a swordplay routine.

An ordinary broomstick was made mighty and powerful in Xu Shuning’s hands, causing gusts of wind with every swing.

The mentors and contestants in the audience went wild.

Foreign contestant: OMG! The Chinese really know martial arts!

Domestic contestant: WTF?! I can’t do that, I don’t know how.

The day after the show aired, “Xu Shuning’s Broomstick Dance” went viral on the internet.

One week later, “Xu Shuning Breaking Doors Barehanded” reached the top of the hot search rankings.

One month later, Xu Shuning, who initially came just to have some fun, soared to the top of the rankings!

Countless netizens passionately voted: Master Xu, fly bravely, we’ll follow you forever in the C position!

—

Someone knocked on Xu Shuning’s dormitory door.

Outside the door, Xu Shuning’s disciples from his past life, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, stood in a neat line.

The honest and straightforward eldest disciple: The behind-the-scenes controlling shareholder of several well-known companies.

The monkey-turned-spirit second disciple: A world-renowned martial arts actor.

The music-obsessed third disciple: A contemporary music artist.

The master of alchemy and medicine fourth disciple: A famous Chinese medical expert.

…

The excited disciples 2, 3, 4, and 5 spoke in unison, “Master, we miss you…”

“We miss the iron pot stewed goose you made!”

“We miss your extraordinary eloquence!”

“We miss the ‘108 Techniques of Pill Refinement’ you haven’t finished teaching us…”

…

Xu Shuning, expressionless, looked at his eldest disciple.

The ancient gold-colored eyes of the eldest disciple were deep and seemed as if he wanted to devour Xu Shuning whole. The Adam’s apple on his bronze-colored neck rolled, and his eyes returned to their usual gentle look.

“Master, long time no see. The disciples… miss you.”

“For 10,000 years, I’ve only missed you, wanting to see you.”

The handsome and gentle master who was a hit with the fans X the cunning black dragon eldest disciple as the aggressor.