PSW - Chapter 103
Chapter 103
Yu Yinan and Zheng Yi spent a quiet week at Humanity's Light Shelter.
Zheng Yi really did report to the school and briefly worked as a teacher for a week. She could teach any subject—Chinese, math, foreign languages, physics, chemistry, biology, politics, history, geography—there wasn't a single one she didn't know. She could discuss astronomy and geography, teach practical life skills, and even hold her own in a conversation about theology. Coupled with the fact that she always carried candy with her, she effortlessly won over the children of all ages on her very first day.
Even Xu Lanjun couldn't help but marvel at how incredible the young people of this generation were. It also led to a situation where Yu Yinan, after studying diligently at home, went to pick Zheng Yi up from "work" only to find a crowd of children surrounding her, vying for her affection with cute antics. There was even a group of "shameless" and "audacious" little rascals shouting that they would marry Zheng Yi when they grew up.
How should one put it… Yu Yinan was quite pleased that they could still maintain a degree of childlike innocence in this apocalypse. But when the object of their affection was Zheng Yi… even though she knew it was just childish banter that meant nothing, Yu Yinan still felt a subtle, tiny bit… annoyed.
Yu Yinan had to rub her face hard to calm herself down. How could she be jealous of children!
This past week had been very fulfilling for both Zheng Yi and Yu Yinan. Zheng Yi had a great time at the school, and when her week of teaching ended, almost all the younger children cried and threw tantrums, begging her to stay. Not that the woman was moved in the slightest. As for Yu Yinan… she secretly studied and practiced diligently at home. If not for the fear that taking notes would expose her, Yu Yinan would have wanted to do a frame-by-frame analysis of every video, carefully studying the two protagonists' actions and reactions, and further refining her technique by comparing them to other videos.
Chu Yi's study materials… were simply too numerous. Of course, there were some videos that made Yu Yinan frown, like those with actresses who had long, manicured nails. Her expression was one of sheer horror as they engaged in their "activities," but in the spirit of learning, she still watched the entire thing with a furrowed brow.
As for the more "heavy" advanced study materials, Yu Yinan also went through them seriously, but it was clear that this knowledge was far too advanced for her. She could only watch, unable to learn anything from them. And as for props… in the current apocalypse, there was really no way to get her hands on such things.
For a whole week, Yu Yinan would start studying the moment Zheng Yi left for school. Right before Zheng Yi was about to get off "work," Yu Yinan would go to the shower half an hour early to take a cold bath, allowing herself to cool down completely before nonchalantly going to the school to pick Zheng Yi up.
It wasn't that Zheng Yi needed or asked her to come, but there were many other young people among the temporary teachers at the school, both men and women. Zheng Yi was popular with the children and also stood out among the "faculty." Even though Yu Yinan knew Zheng Yi wouldn't respond to anyone else's advances, she couldn't help but want to assert her presence.
In a way, just being able to pick Zheng Yi up and walk home with her, shoulder to shoulder, fingers intertwined for that short distance, was enough to make Yu Yinan feel deeply content.
"The rental period for the materials is up. I'm going to return them." As soon as they got home, Yu Yinan took out the black bag. She told Zheng Yi she was heading out to return them to Chu Yi.
"So, you won't be renewing the electricity payment after this?"
"Ah, um… that's-that's right," Yu Yinan answered, a little nervous. She was afraid Zheng Yi would suddenly ask what she had been studying, but thankfully, Zheng Yi didn't. She let out a small sigh of relief, and seeing that Zheng Yi had nothing more to say, she opened the door and slipped out. "I'll be right back!"
[You're really not going to ask her what she's been studying all week?] Zero One was a bit frustrated; it had been curious for a long time. Unfortunately, Zheng Yi didn't ask, Yu Yinan didn't say, and Zheng Yi didn't even try to peek inside the black bag.
'If she doesn't want to talk about it, why force her?' Zheng Yi replied, turning to take out a series of pots, pans, and other cooking utensils. She opened the system store and glanced over the various ingredients. After a moment of thought, she bought a piece of winter melon and a small bag of sliced Jinhua ham, along with some winter bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms, planning to make a large pot of soup. The bamboo shoots and mushrooms would enhance the flavor and aroma, pairing perfectly with the ham.
As for the staple food, it would naturally be steamed rice. Zheng Yi soaked some extra ham in warm water, then placed a few slices on top of the rice to steam together. She thought for a moment, then bought a block of tofu, carefully dicing it and blanching it in salt water to help it hold its shape, before making a spicy and fragrant Mapo Tofu.
Since Yu Yinan wasn't back yet, Zheng Yi used a lighter to start the fire and got straight to work.
When Yu Yinan arrived at Chu Yi's door, she carefully glanced back to make sure no one had seen her before knocking.
Soon, the door opened a crack, and Chu Yi's voice, also lowered, asked cautiously, "Your girlfriend doesn't know, right?"
"She doesn't. She didn't press me about it," Yu Yinan said in a low voice. "She only knows I'm studying something. I told her it was some study materials I bought from a stall outside."
"…That's good." Only then did Chu Yi open the door wider to let Yu Yinan in. The moment she was inside, Chu Yi quickly shut the door, took the black bag from her, and opened it to check the "materials and props." Seeing that everything was there, she breathed a sigh of relief. "Let me put this away. Make yourself at home."
"I-I said I'd be right back…"
"It's close by. It would be more suspicious if you went back too soon," Chu Yi said, quickly and carefully putting away her treasures and hiding them. After crumpling the black plastic bag into a ball and casually tossing it into a box under the table, she turned to Yu Yinan, looking a little hesitant and curious, with a hint of embarrassment. "You've watched them all? What did you think?"
"…It was… it was okay. There were some… a lot of materials I couldn't really accept. The first folder… was quite good. It's a shame I didn't dare to take notes, but I tried my best to memorize the steps." Yu Yinan's answer was very serious, like a good student being quizzed unexpectedly by a teacher. "I should… I think I've got it?" But when it came to practical application… Yu Yinan wasn't so sure and lacked any confidence.
"Ahem, I'm glad I could help…" Chu Yi hadn't expected such a formal reply. She gave an equally awkward dry cough, rubbing the tip of her nose as she responded.
"So, how are… how are your cousin and her childhood friend doing?" Yu Yinan felt a bit awkward. She met Chu Yi's gaze for a second before quickly looking away, returning the concern.
"…My cousin, I haven't found an opportunity. Maybe… we'll see around New Year's." At the mention of this, Chu Yi fell silent for a moment before giving a wry smile. "My… my cousin hasn't been feeling well recently, and her childhood friend… has been very considerate, trying to make all sorts of nourishing soups for her every day… Mm, she spent a lot of contribution points and put in a lot of effort. Maybe… there's some hope?"
"Is that so? That's great. By New Year's, there might be good news," Yu Yinan said with a smile, genuinely happy for Chu Yi's cousin.
Chu Yi chuckled dryly. "Let's hope so, although I feel like she'd do the same if any other close friend were seriously ill… Mm, but one has to look on the bright side. We'll try again at New Year's. My-my cousin already has a rough plan and has started preparing some… some props for a romantic atmosphere."
Yu Yinan nodded. She was just about to ask what kind of props Chu Yi was preparing, hoping to get some inspiration, when a sudden knock echoed from the door. Yu Yinan jumped in fright, her panic visible. Even so, she didn't dare to speak loudly, hissing in a frantic whisper, "Chu Yi, Chu Yi! Who is it?"
Chu Yi was startled too. Her eyes widened slightly, her mind racing. Could it be Zheng Yi, here to settle accounts? She was just a weak, helpless, and pitiful mental-type ability user! She tiptoed quickly to the door. "Who is it?"
"…It's me." The voice outside was silent for a moment before replying.
Only then did Chu Yi relax. She was about to open the door when a thought struck her, and her expression stiffened. She glanced back at Yu Yinan, but before she could say anything, the voice from outside spoke again. "Zhao Haiyue, you're right at the door. Why aren't you opening it?"
"…" Chu Yi closed her eyes in resignation, then rapidly adjusted her emotions and expression before opening the door.
Outside stood Yun Lingjian, draped in a light black coat and carrying a thermal bag. She walked right in. "Oh, you have a guest?" Yun Lingjian quickly recognized Yu Yinan and smiled as she placed the thermal bag on the table. "Here's today's nourishing soup. I managed to buy some rock sugar. You should try it."
"My mental energy has pretty much recovered…"
"I simmered it for a full four hours."
"…But my body is weak, so I really should drink more nourishing soup." Chu Yi's tone immediately softened. She didn't even dare to meet Yu Yinan's eyes as she walked to the table, guilt-ridden and trembling, and took out the soup. She silently prayed that Yun Lingjian hadn't gotten creative today and added any strange supplements or herbs.
"Ahem, I've returned your things, so if there's nothing else, I'll be going." Yu Yinan didn't dare to stay any longer. She gave a light cough and, as if afraid of being misunderstood, quickly added, "My girlfriend is still waiting for me." Then, in one smooth motion, she hurried to the door, opened it, said goodbye, and closed it behind her.
"Why didn't you invite her to stay for a bowl?" Yu Yinan had moved so fast that Yun Lingjian hadn't even had a chance to ask her to stay. Her eyes flickered when she heard Yu Yinan's parting words, but she didn't say anything, only turning to Chu Yi. "I made a lot this time, so drink up. I'll bring you another portion tonight."
"Mm, her girlfriend made dinner and is waiting for her. It wouldn't be right to make her stay," Chu Yi said, gently opening the lid of the thermos. The moment she saw the yellowish-brown broth inside, her expression froze. However, she quickly plastered on a surprised smile that was flawless except for being a little stiff. She swiftly picked up the bowl and blew on it, a subtle bitter aroma wafting into her nostrils. "Your skills are simply impeccable! Look at this color—it's obviously a top-quality tonic. You really don't have to do this. You're so busy; it's not worth spending your time making these things for me."
"It's no trouble. I set a timer, so I don't have to watch it the whole time it's simmering," Yun Lingjian said with a gentle smile. "Hurry and drink it. The medicinal effects won't be as good if it gets cold."
And so, Chu Yi forced a smile, held her breath, and, as if marching to her death, resolutely downed the entire bowl of nourishing soup.
Sweet, bitter, salty, astringent… In that instant, her life flashed before her eyes. But she looked at Yun Lingjian with a firm and sincere gaze, swallowed down the urge to vomit, and gave her a thumbs-up. "Your cooking is getting better and better."
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