HLnovel Chapter 18 First Encounter with the Beastmen
Chapter 18 First Encounter with the Beastmen
After helping Chu Yichen settle into her dormitory, Chu Siyuan led her to Chu Qiuchi's suite. Upon entering, they found that Qiu Jingya and Chu Qiuchi had already tidied up the suite, making it look brand new.
Chu Siyuan looked around and nodded in satisfaction: "It seems you've decorated this place very warmly."
"That's right, I want Koike to feel as comfortable here as she does at home."
Chu Qiuchi crossed her arms and proudly showed off their hard work: "We cleaned every corner and put up some decorations we brought from home to make this place feel more like home."
Looking at the cozy and comfortable room, Chu Yichen couldn't help but exclaim, "It looks really nice, sister! Your room is much prettier than my dorm room!"
Chu Siyuan patted Chu Yichen on the shoulder and encouraged him, "Now you both have your own space and are about to start living independently. Remember, if you need anything, just ask your parents. We will always be your strongest support."
Then, he turned to the family and suggested with a smile, "Now that everyone is settled in, let's go to the most famous restaurant in the capital, 'The Best Restaurant Under Heaven,' for dinner tonight. I've heard that the dishes there are very unique, so let's celebrate your campus life. After dinner, your mother and I will take you back to the academy and then go back to the hotel to rest. Tomorrow morning, we will return to Xiyue City."
Qiu Jingya chimed in, "Yes, darlings, let's go out for a nice meal to celebrate."
Chu Qiuchi and Chu Yichen felt both excited and somewhat saddened upon hearing the news.
"I've heard that the dishes at 'The Best Restaurant Under Heaven' are the best in the capital. Let's see what it's like today!"
Soon after, they arrived at their destination in a flying car. Upon disembarking, the family was immediately stunned by the sight before them.
This is a nine-story building in a classical style. The entire building is magnificent, with upturned eaves and glazed tile roof, exuding a strong aristocratic atmosphere.
Each mahogany pillar is carved with intricate and exquisite patterns, and the huge plaque hanging above the main gate is inscribed with the five characters "The Number One Restaurant Under Heaven" in gold paint, the powerful strokes highlighting the restaurant's prestigious status.
A pair of stone lions solemnly guard the entrance, their imposing presence inspiring awe and respect.
However, Chu Qiuchi's gaze was drawn to the trash cans near the gate. She seemed to see a strange light flash across the trash can, like the light reflected from some kind of metal.
"Dad, Mom, you take Yichen inside first. I'm going to throw out the trash, I'll be right back."
Chu Qiuchi said casually, pointing to the trash can with a hint of inquiry in his eyes.
"Alright, hurry up." Chu Siyuan, without suspecting anything, led Qiu Jingya and Chu Yichen into the restaurant.
As Chu Qiuchi approached the trash can, he was immediately drawn to a snake-like creature coiled on its lid. Under the moonlight, its scales seemed to possess some mysterious power, shimmering faintly and captivating the eye.
She approached cautiously, observing carefully. She saw two tiny protrusions on the top of the serpentine creature's head, seemingly undeveloped horns. Four small claws on its abdomen gleamed faintly with a cold light. Chu Qiuchi's pupils contracted slightly; this wasn't a snake, but a young dragon!
She held her breath, her heart surging with indescribable excitement and wonder. The dragon, a symbol of authority and power in Chinese culture, was something she had never imagined she would one day see a real dragon in another world.
Chu Qiuchi quickly regained his composure, took out a clean handkerchief from his pocket, and carefully wrapped the small dragon. His movements were extremely gentle, as if he were afraid of disturbing it.
After putting the little dragon into her pocket, she looked up in the direction of the "Number One Restaurant Under Heaven" and walked quickly over. Although she was full of questions about the little dragon, now was not the right time to study it carefully.
When Chu Qiuchi pushed open the door and entered, his family was already waiting at the dining table.
Chu Siyuan noticed her arrival and greeted her with a smile, "Xiao Chi, you're back. Come and sit down."
He pointed to the empty seat next to the table and said, "We ordered quite a lot of dishes, but the menu is still here. See if there's anything you particularly want to eat, and we can order more."
Chu Qiuchi walked to the dining table, her eyes lightly scanning the menu. She noticed that her family had thoughtfully ordered her favorite dishes, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
"No need, Dad," she said softly, a smile playing on her lips. "What you've ordered is already quite a lot; it's all my favorites."
Soon, one exquisite dish after another was served to the table by the waiters. Each dish was carefully prepared, with excellent color, aroma, and taste, and the presentation was also unique, making it mouthwatering.
Chu Siyuan raised his glass, his tone gentle yet full of anticipation: "Come on, let's toast to the new life that's about to begin!"
Chu Qiuchi and Chu Yichen raised their drinks and gently clinked glasses with their parents. Amidst the crisp sound of the glasses, the family's faces beamed with happiness, filled with anticipation for the future.
Qiu Jingya took a bite of the signature dish and exclaimed, "It's so delicious! Every dish is made just right. No wonder this place is known as the number one restaurant in the capital."
"Yes!" Chu Yichen nodded in agreement, "The food here is indeed exceptional; I'd love to come again next time!"
"You'll have to pay for it yourself next time," Chu Qiuchi couldn't help but tease.
Laughter filled the dining table, and the air was filled with warmth and joy, like a frozen moment of happiness.
After a satisfying meal, Chu Siyuan and Qiu Jingya, with contented smiles, escorted the two back to the academy.
"Good night, children," Qiu Jingya whispered, her eyes full of tenderness. "Remember to get some rest. Tomorrow you'll begin a new chapter of your school life."
Chu Siyuan continued, his tone firm yet warm: "If you have any questions, feel free to tell us via Magic Fetion. We'll always be there for you."
Chu Qiuchi and Chu Yichen nodded silently, a hint of reluctance in their eyes. The siblings stepped forward and hugged their parents, whispering goodbye, "Goodnight, Mom and Dad."
As night fell and the stars twinkled, Chu Siyuan and Qiu Jingya's figures gradually disappeared into the moonlight. Chu Qiuchi and Chu Yichen stood side by side outside the door, silently watching their parents' backs vanish into the night.
"Brother, let me take you back to your dormitory."
The two walked side by side on the path leading to the dormitory area. It was quiet all around, with only the moonlight shining on the ground, casting a silvery glow on their figures.
After escorting Chu Yichen back to his dormitory, Chu Qiuchi returned to her own room alone. As soon as she entered, she quickly closed the door and carefully took out the small dragon wrapped in a handkerchief from her pocket.
She gently placed Xiaolong on the bed, then knelt down and began to examine him closely. She tentatively poked Xiaolong with her finger, hoping for a reaction. However, Xiaolong remained lying there quietly, without making a sound.
"Is it dead or alive? It's so hard, could it be dead? But it still feels a little warm to the touch, could it have just died recently?" Chu Qiuchi scratched his head and asked in confusion.
After repeated observation and attempts, she gently placed Xiaolong on the other side of the bed, silently thinking: It's too late today. Tomorrow I'll prepare a lavish funeral for you. That will be the last thing I, as a Chinese person, will do for you.
She quickly climbed into bed, adjusted her pillows to make herself more comfortable. Moonlight streamed into the room through the window, bringing a peaceful and soft glow. Accompanied by the gentle night breeze and the faint chirping of insects outside, Chu Qiuchi gradually relaxed, slowly closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep.