Land of Starsoul.
Yanwu Empire.
Central Plains, Phoenix city.
Qingshui District.
Fengwu Homeland Community.
……
……
……
……
“Doggo!”, a crisp sound cried.
Zuo Xiaoduo‘s eyes slowly focused and snapped from his daydream. He then dejectedly covered his head with the blanket.
“Little Doggo…”, the sound called once again, with a long voice yet it was a little cheerful. It was evident that the person who was speaking was very joyful at that very moment.
But Zuo Xiaoduo was not feeling particularly happy.
Because the name “Little Doggo” was his given nickname. You have to understand that anyone who is called “little doggo” would probably feel displeased.
However, Zuo Xiaoduo had to restrain his anger.
And he didn’t dare to be angry.
He had lost count of how many names he already has thus far.
Well, that’s right, it was his own mother who was calling him. Does he have the audacity to be angry?
He only felt helplessness.
His parents told him that ever since young, Zuo Xiaoduo had many names like the sand of the vast Yangtze River and the countless stars in the galaxy.
And the name would depend on the mood of his parents.
Whenever they were in a good mood, “Doggo”, “Doggy”, “Kitty”, “Little Dandy”, “Cutie”... just calling whatever came to mind.
When they were in a normal mood, they would call him Xiaoduo, which was basically quite serious already.
When they were in a bad mood, it was especially aggravated when he was the one who provoked them, “Little Jerk”, “Little scum”, “Little Bastards”， “Little wuss”, “Little rascal”, “Little debt collector”, “Little unscrupulous”... it was never ending.
Also, the names were called in dialects from various provinces.
Zuo Xiaoduo thought it was very strange how knowledgeable his parents were, from time to time. They knew everything from the south to the north, from the east to the west, and they were specially used to scold him...
The name he was given that day was the barometer he used to speculate his parent’s mood.
For example, now he was being called “Little Doggo”, “Doggo” proves that his dear mother was in a good mood. Since she was in a good mood, she would not get angry easily which meant that it wouldn’t matter if he chooses to turn down her requests.
……
I have to guess from what name I am called if I was going to get beaten… It was too demanding for me.
Zuo Xiaoduo continued to lie in bed and sighed silently.
Being randomly called “doggo little doggo”... it’s nothing. The problem is his own name “Zuo Xiaoduo”, it is also extremely displeasing!
Xiaoduo?
Listen to it, do you think it's a legendary name?
It is not at all domineering!
For example, I had a friend whose name is Zhao JiangHu! Doesn’t it sound extravagant? There is also one that was called Li Zhangtian; it sounds so awesome!
But my name is...
Moreover, that day...
My dad was very drunk and looked like he was in a very good mood. So Zuo Xiaoduo picked up his courage and asked: Why is my name Xiaoduo? Can I maybe change to a better name?
“不行 At that time, his dad fixated his eyes onto him, with a disgusted look in his eyes, and said stubbornly, “No!”.
“Why?”“There is no reason! You are not allowed to change your name!”
“Then you could at least tell me why my name is Xiaoduo?”
At that time, Dad snorted, rolled his eyes, and said lightly: “Because your existence is a little extra to me and your mother.”
……
A little extra meant Xiaoduo?! (‘Extra’ is pronounced as Duo Yu in chinese)
At that time, Zuo Xiaoduo felt inside his heart was like a long ellipsis.
How dare you guys think that my birth had ruined your two-person world and abolished your freedom?
Am I that extra?
Which household isn’t overjoyed when they manage to conceive new blood and inheritance? Furthermore, I am a male. How am I extra when it comes to you two?
Zuo Xiaoduo asked with teary eyes: “Do you hate me that much?”
Dad took a sip of wine and leisurely...
Well, here it is important to note that: Xiaoduo’s Dad’s temperament is very gentle and civilised. Refined and chic, handsome and tall, he had an appearance of a turbid and handsome man, other than being a little lazy, he was pretty much flawless. Dad slowly said: “Initially we were disgusted, but later your mother realised that ever since she had you,she actually had a new play thing… Surprisingly, having a child was actually quite fun, so after some time… slowly, we started to be more accepting of your existence…”
Play thing!
After hearing those two words, Zuo Xiaoduo felt attacked and collapsed.
You two gave birth to a toy!
By his side, Mom chimed in with conviction: Wasn’t the point of having a baby to have fun? It is just like your Aunt Li’s cat and your Aunt Wang’s dog; irregardless, we had to try to keep one for fun, right?
What you said actually made sense.
I was speechless.
That night’s conversation ended there.
Zuo Xiaoduo felt that he no longer had any interest to ask about anything else, so he returned to his own room with a fully traumatized heart.
Zuo Xiaoduo credited this to his tolerance and his big heart.
He felt that perhaps he might have been too open minded, somehow such a devastating blow was not as impactful to him, and was able to heartlessly survive. The most amazing thing was that after that night, he had let go. No, in fact he had already let go of all of this before the night had passed.
Haiz, I am just a toy… So be it...
In this world, who isn’t someone else’s toy?
But… Can’t I change my name?
……
“Doggo!”
A violent bellow at the door sounded, and Mom pushed open the door fiercely: “Didn’t you hear me calling you?! Are you deaf?”
Zuo Xiaoduo immediately bounced off the bed, with a flat face, he said: “I heard you calling, I am just getting ready to go to work with you… coming, coming...”
At the door, stood a stunningly beautiful woman with a tall and slender figure. She looked like she was only in her late twenties, yet this was indeed Zuo Xiao Duo’s mother.
His own biological mother!
At first sight, most people will inevitably admire his mom and uncontrollably start imagining. The beauty in front of them looked gentle and virtuous, so naturally she must be the legendary good-temper, talented, virtuous “mother like” beauty.
But only Zuo Xiaoduo himself knew how terrifying and horrifying this seemingly gentle and virtuous wife and mother was.
Zuo Xiaoduo lived under the shadow of his dear mother for 17 years and counting. Now it has come to the point where he has developed immediate reflexes to stand at attention as soon as he hears his mother’s roar.
As soon as that virtuous and beautiful face stiffens, Zuo Xiaoduo would start to feel his butt throbbing with pain, because it is definitely accompanied with a spanking as he would call it: a delicious meal of “bamboo shoots on fresh meat”.
There would be no mercy.
Most households have strict fathers and loving mothers; and Zuo Xiaoduo’s household was the exact opposite: A strict mother and a loving father.
Loving father… In fact, it is not too loving either, or it may be more appropriate to say indifferent and heartless; but when it comes to his mother, she was really, really strict.
Zuo Xiaoduo actually couldn’t understand. After so many years had passed, his mom’s face had no trace of it.
She still looked young and beautiful.
Of course, the same is true for his own father, who looks like a man in his late twenties; anyways, definitely not older than 30 years old. Tall and handsome, gentle and elegant, which makes him likeable at first sight to others, thinking that he is some kind of literaturist or writer who is very knowledgeable.
In Actuality...
Haha. ……
“Help me with my work?” Mother’s face was written with suspicion: “Doggo, since when are you this filial?”
Zuo Xiaoduo jumped up dogishly and diligently massaged her shoulders: "Oh mom, you are so tired every day, I can't deny it… Here, let me rub your shoulders..."
Wu Yuting squinted her eyes, while enjoying her son’s massage, she comfortably asked: “If you want money, I have nothing! Let me tell you something, Zuo Xiaoduo, your pocket money this month has already been spent in advance, so if you are thinking about getting it from me, you should give up now.”
Zuo Xiaoduo’s hands froze instantaneously and started crying: “You really are my mother… Amazing, I haven’t even open my mouth…”
Wu Yuting rolled her eyes, somehow she felt like a young teenage girl. She curled her lips and said: “You came out of my womb, did you think I wouldn’t know what you are thinking?”
Zuo Xiaoduo was dejected.
“Don’t even think about asking your Dad!”
Zuo Xiaoduo felt pathetic.
“Especially don’t think about asking your sister Xiaonian! I will remind them and I dare them to try to give you money”
Zuo Xiaoduo’s thoughts were completely lost and felt unlovable in an instant. He begged:
“Mom! I have legitimate business! It’s really legitimate business!!”Wu Yuting sneered: “As a seventeen year old, you are still barely treading as a martial arts student, and at the most basic level of martial arts; It's been five years since you have been treading at the basic level… not to mention someone who always sleeps for fourteen hours daily… Can there be any legitimately good business?”
Zuo Xiaoduo held his heart with tears in his eyes: “Mom, I feel a heart piercing pain hurting…”
“You have a heart?”Wu Yuting snorted coldly and turned around: "Come help me pick some vegetables, your dad and your sister Xiaonian are coming back soon… Your dad has to take a nap after eating, and your sister Xiaonian would meditate after eating, preparing to break through the Yin and Yang realm... It's not good without a good rest at this threshold... Just hurry up, and if you keep procrastinating, I will break your dog legs!"
Mother snorted heavily: “Both!”
Zuo Xiaoduo was silent… he hurriedly and followed behind accordingly.
“Mom, Just leave everything. I’ll do it, I'll do it all!”
……
While picking vegetables, Zuo Xiaoduo heaved a long sigh and his eyes flickered.
Is there any way that I can swindle something out of my mother’s hands… Uh no, I meant coax her for some money? It doesn’t have to be much, I only need three thousand, no, two thousand is also fine. If not a thousand and five hundred… is also acceptable!
That way, I would be able to experiment whether this weird dream of mine… whether it was real and that universe, does it really exist?
Was it really a dream?
I really have been a lying con artist in that world for so many years… Uh, face reader?
“Money… You are the eternal resentment in my heart...”
……
Noon.
The air in the living room was filled with food fragrance.
There was a creak at the door, and a voice said: "Smells good! Seems like I would need to drink something today." Then, a middle-aged man in his thirties walked in.
He had a long body, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, handsome and chic, with ink-black hair; a well-fitting suit complemented his amazing figure; the black and shiny leather shoes, a calm and gentle face.
It was Zuo Xiaoduo’s father, Zuo Changlu.
The self proclaimed, he who leaves long roads under his feet, Zuo Changlu.
“Where is Xiaonian?”Zuo Changlu asked in an almost routine manner. In fact, he knew that his daughter would return about a quarter of an hour later than himself every day. Everyone's time management was exceptionally accurate and there was basically no error. If you missed the timing, basically it meant you won't be coming back to eat.
After speaking, he sat down at the dining table and said with a smile: “Ting’er, I have found that thing for Xiaonian”
Wu Yuting wiped her hands, walked out, and said in surprise: "You found it? How much did it cost?"
"Very little money." Zuo Changlu smiled: "Don’t think about it."
Zuo Xiaoduo's eyes suddenly lit up like a lightbulb: Money?!
"Oh." Wu Yuting smiled softly: "Alright, when Xiaonian returns, wonder how happy she will be."
Zuo Xiaoduo was scooping soup in the kitchen, listening with his ears upright, and the corners of his mouth pouted: They bought yet another gift for my sister again, and I got nothing... If it was mine, then it would be wasting money...
"What happened, is it a happy occasion?" A quiet voice came quietly, there was a soft noise at the door. Then, a girl in a blue dress walked in.
The girl had a delicate body figure and was approximately one meter and seven meters tall, slightly thin but slender. She had smooth long hair, a serene face, and a pair of beautiful eyes that were like two small clear water pools... She flowered like a water lily, refined and elegant.
Anyone who sees this girl at first glance will feel like this: This girl looked very pure! However, her surprising beauty didn’t just end here, there was more than meets the eye!
This girl seemed to have a natural aura that calmed down the hearts of people around her involuntarily. When faced with such a natural beauty, there are no profane thoughts, only purely appreciation!
It was Zuo Xiaoduo’s elder sister, Zuo Xiaonian.
"Daddy, you came back early." Zuo Xiaonian's calm face warmed, and she started to look around and asked, "Is Doggo at home?"
Zuo Xiaoduo roared angrily in the kitchen: “Stop calling me a dog”
Zuo Xiaonian smiled. This smile instead added a dash of girlishness to her, and she suddenly became livelier. She rolled her eyes and said: "What can you do about it? Doggo! Doggy! Haha..."
Zuo Xiaoduo rushed out holding a rice spoon, however, his attempt was in vain. Wu Yuting twisted his ears: "Do you wish to rebel?!"
“It hurts... Pain pain pain” Zuo Xiaoduo turned his head to the side with a distorted expression: “Mom! Your biasness is too obvious! I am your son too! Biological Son!”
Zuo Xiaoduo never comprehended his mother’s Legendary Ear Twisting Skill.
How did his mother develop that skill? No matter how fast he is, whenever he passes by her, as long as she wants to twist his ears, she has never failed!
Everytime she stretched out her hand, she was able to twist and turn it a whole round!
“Biased? Hmph, I think you seem to have misconceptions about biasness.”
Wu Yuting snorted coldly.
How was this not biasness? Zuo Xiaoduo tilted his head back and watched Zuo Xiaonian making an ear twisting motion at him, then she made a contorted face...
This kind of teenage girl behaviour would only appear in her own home, and outsiders will never see it.
……
During the meal, Zuo Xiaoduo finally understood the truest definition of biasness.
“Xiaonian,” Zuo Changlu said lightly while eating, "Are you able to cope with breaking through the Yin and Yang realm?"
Zuo Xiaonian straightened up subconsciously, and said respectfully: "It shouldn’t be a problem. I will break through in the Martial Academy Star Power Room, which is fully charged with star power. I have also prepared a lot of elixir, and a few Star Beast Inner Elixir Pill as standby. Additionally, the place is heavily guarded, the Martial Academy’s teachers are very responsible and dutiful. Most importantly, with my master and a few other people’s help in guarding me during the spell channeling, nothing could go wrong."
Zuo Changlu grunted and said, “It's good if you are aware.” As he was speaking, he took out a small exquisite box from his pocket, placed it on the table, pushed it forward and said: "Take it, Don’t begrudge it if you can use it. If you don’t use it, just keep it yourself."
Zuo Xiaonian hummed, took the box, and opened it. She suddenly exclaimed, covering her small mouth, her eyes were filled with incredible shock: "A Life Elixir Pill?! Father, this...this..."
She was so shocked that he was unable to utter a single word.
Zuo Xiaoduo was also appalled and his eyes glistened. The single elixir pill in the box. It was pure black on one side which emitted a faint light, and the other side was pure white which emitted a bright white light; the elixir pill sat quietly in the box, but the black and white colors seemed to be in a natural circulation, as though it was constantly rotating.
It is the martial artist's holy medicine, the life elixir pill!
During the Danyuan stage, the martial artist only needs to consume one pill in order to instantly replenish one’s vitality! Thus, there has always been a saying: “One elixir pill, one life”.
It is very useful for Zuo Xiaonian’s breakthrough into the Yin and Yang realm, which is the threshold of life and death. Whenever a martial artist attempts a breakthrough, it would normally drain the person’s entire lifeforce. However, with this elixir pill, meant that she had a “second life” to spare.
Zuo Changlu Smiled faintly: “Take it!”
“This…” Zuo Xiaonian's face gradually calmed down, holding the box tightly in her hand, and asked softly: “This Life Elixir Pill would cost at least about one million... Daddy, where did you get so much money? Also this... even if you have the money, you may not even be able to buy one. The black market has already inflated the price to five million, but still a lot of people are waiting. How did you manage to get it? If the price is too high, I don’t want it."
One million.
Zuo Xiaoduo was taken aback.
One Million Star Dollars!
It was enough for the whole family to comfortably spend the rest of their lifetime… That old man… Just spent it?
Zuo Xiaonian’s beautiful face revealed a trace of anxiety: “I have confidence in myself and I would not require this.”
Zuo Changlu flatly said: “Just take it! Stop nagging! Should you be the one who is concerned over the household’s money and financial management?”
His voice was harsh.
Zuo Xiaonian's eyes were red, and her slender fingers grabbed the life elixir pill, after faintly trembling for a long time, she whispered: "Yes. I was wrong."
Zuo Changlu's voice relaxed: "That's right! Xiaonian, you have a great future ahead of you. After the Yin-Yang realm, you would ascend into the Danyuan stage, and eventually all other conceivable realms... Your mother and I can't help you that much. But it’s my daughter after all. We will help you to the best of our ability. When there is nothing more that we can do, you will go on by yourself. Before that, don’t worry too much. Understand?"
Zuo Xiaonian was silent for a moment and said: "Dad, if I can break through the Danyuan stage smoothly this time, I would already be satisfied. I don't wish to continue going on… this road is really tiring! I feel that I can't take it anymore. After the breakthrough, after Xiaoduo turns twenty, I think I will marry Xiaoduo..."
Zuo Xiaoduo’s eyes widened with disbelief.
Almost immediately, both mother and father shouted coldly: “Nonsense!”
“Shut up!”
Zuo Xiaonian started sobbing with tears trickling down her face, she cried: “Dad!”
Zuo Changlu's indifferent expression completely retracted.
He put down his chopsticks, sat upright, and solemnly said: "You, Zuo Xiaonian, are my daughter, although not my own; but since you were a baby, your mother and I raised you, treating you like our own."
“You are our daughter! Not a child bride we adopted for Xiaoduo!”
"When you were eight or nine years old, your mother was talking nonsense, saying how it would be perfect if you were to marry Xiaoduo in the future and the family would never be separated... That was just a joke, but I didn't expect that you have always remembered it, even till now."
"But..." Zuo Changlu slowly but surely, in an unquestionable tone: "If you dare to say this kind of thing again, I'll break your leg!"
Land of Starsoul.
Yanwu Empire.
Central Plains, Phoenix city.
Qingshui District.
Fengwu Homeland Community.
……
……
……
……
“Doggo!”, a crisp sound cried.
Zuo Xiaoduo‘s eyes slowly focused and snapped from his daydream. He then dejectedly covered his head with the blanket.
“Little Doggo…”, the sound called once again, with a long voice yet it was a little cheerful. It was evident that the person who was speaking was very joyful at that very moment.
But Zuo Xiaoduo was not feeling particularly happy.
Because the name “Little Doggo” was his given nickname. You have to understand that anyone who is called “little doggo” would probably feel displeased.
However, Zuo Xiaoduo had to restrain his anger.
And he didn’t dare to be angry.
He had lost count of how many names he already has thus far.
Well, that’s right, it was his own mother who was calling him. Does he have the audacity to be angry?
He only felt helplessness.
His parents told him that ever since young, Zuo Xiaoduo had many names like the sand of the vast Yangtze River and the countless stars in the galaxy.
And the name would depend on the mood of his parents.
Whenever they were in a good mood, “Doggo”, “Doggy”, “Kitty”, “Little Dandy”, “Cutie”... just calling whatever came to mind.
When they were in a normal mood, they would call him Xiaoduo, which was basically quite serious already.
When they were in a bad mood, it was especially aggravated when he was the one who provoked them, “Little Jerk”, “Little scum”, “Little Bastards”， “Little wuss”, “Little rascal”, “Little debt collector”, “Little unscrupulous”... it was never ending.
Also, the names were called in dialects from various provinces.
Zuo Xiaoduo thought it was very strange how knowledgeable his parents were, from time to time. They knew everything from the south to the north, from the east to the west, and they were specially used to scold him...
The name he was given that day was the barometer he used to speculate his parent’s mood.
For example, now he was being called “Little Doggo”, “Doggo” proves that his dear mother was in a good mood. Since she was in a good mood, she would not get angry easily which meant that it wouldn’t matter if he chooses to turn down her requests.
……
I have to guess from what name I am called if I was going to get beaten… It was too demanding for me.
Zuo Xiaoduo continued to lie in bed and sighed silently.
Being randomly called “doggo little doggo”... it’s nothing. The problem is his own name “Zuo Xiaoduo”, it is also extremely displeasing!
Xiaoduo?
Listen to it, do you think it's a legendary name?
It is not at all domineering!
For example, I had a friend whose name is Zhao JiangHu! Doesn’t it sound extravagant? There is also one that was called Li Zhangtian; it sounds so awesome!
But my name is...
Moreover, that day...
My dad was very drunk and looked like he was in a very good mood. So Zuo Xiaoduo picked up his courage and asked: Why is my name Xiaoduo? Can I maybe change to a better name?
“不行 At that time, his dad fixated his eyes onto him, with a disgusted look in his eyes, and said stubbornly, “No!”.
“Why?”“There is no reason! You are not allowed to change your name!”
“Then you could at least tell me why my name is Xiaoduo?”
At that time, Dad snorted, rolled his eyes, and said lightly: “Because your existence is a little extra to me and your mother.”
……
A little extra meant Xiaoduo?! (‘Extra’ is pronounced as Duo Yu in chinese)
At that time, Zuo Xiaoduo felt inside his heart was like a long ellipsis.
How dare you guys think that my birth had ruined your two-person world and abolished your freedom?
Am I that extra?
Which household isn’t overjoyed when they manage to conceive new blood and inheritance? Furthermore, I am a male. How am I extra when it comes to you two?
Zuo Xiaoduo asked with teary eyes: “Do you hate me that much?”
Dad took a sip of wine and leisurely...
Well, here it is important to note that: Xiaoduo’s Dad’s temperament is very gentle and civilised. Refined and chic, handsome and tall, he had an appearance of a turbid and handsome man, other than being a little lazy, he was pretty much flawless. Dad slowly said: “Initially we were disgusted, but later your mother realised that ever since she had you,she actually had a new play thing… Surprisingly, having a child was actually quite fun, so after some time… slowly, we started to be more accepting of your existence…”
Play thing!
After hearing those two words, Zuo Xiaoduo felt attacked and collapsed.
You two gave birth to a toy!
By his side, Mom chimed in with conviction: Wasn’t the point of having a baby to have fun? It is just like your Aunt Li’s cat and your Aunt Wang’s dog; irregardless, we had to try to keep one for fun, right?
What you said actually made sense.
I was speechless.
That night’s conversation ended there.
Zuo Xiaoduo felt that he no longer had any interest to ask about anything else, so he returned to his own room with a fully traumatized heart.
Zuo Xiaoduo credited this to his tolerance and his big heart.
He felt that perhaps he might have been too open minded, somehow such a devastating blow was not as impactful to him, and was able to heartlessly survive. The most amazing thing was that after that night, he had let go. No, in fact he had already let go of all of this before the night had passed.
Haiz, I am just a toy… So be it...
In this world, who isn’t someone else’s toy?
But… Can’t I change my name?
……
“Doggo!”
A violent bellow at the door sounded, and Mom pushed open the door fiercely: “Didn’t you hear me calling you?! Are you deaf?”
Zuo Xiaoduo immediately bounced off the bed, with a flat face, he said: “I heard you calling, I am just getting ready to go to work with you… coming, coming...”
At the door, stood a stunningly beautiful woman with a tall and slender figure. She looked like she was only in her late twenties, yet this was indeed Zuo Xiao Duo’s mother.
His own biological mother!
At first sight, most people will inevitably admire his mom and uncontrollably start imagining. The beauty in front of them looked gentle and virtuous, so naturally she must be the legendary good-temper, talented, virtuous “mother like” beauty.
But only Zuo Xiaoduo himself knew how terrifying and horrifying this seemingly gentle and virtuous wife and mother was.
Zuo Xiaoduo lived under the shadow of his dear mother for 17 years and counting. Now it has come to the point where he has developed immediate reflexes to stand at attention as soon as he hears his mother’s roar.
As soon as that virtuous and beautiful face stiffens, Zuo Xiaoduo would start to feel his butt throbbing with pain, because it is definitely accompanied with a spanking as he would call it: a delicious meal of “bamboo shoots on fresh meat”.
There would be no mercy.
Most households have strict fathers and loving mothers; and Zuo Xiaoduo’s household was the exact opposite: A strict mother and a loving father.
Loving father… In fact, it is not too loving either, or it may be more appropriate to say indifferent and heartless; but when it comes to his mother, she was really, really strict.
Zuo Xiaoduo actually couldn’t understand. After so many years had passed, his mom’s face had no trace of it.
She still looked young and beautiful.
Of course, the same is true for his own father, who looks like a man in his late twenties; anyways, definitely not older than 30 years old. Tall and handsome, gentle and elegant, which makes him likeable at first sight to others, thinking that he is some kind of literaturist or writer who is very knowledgeable.
In Actuality...
Haha. ……
“Help me with my work?” Mother’s face was written with suspicion: “Doggo, since when are you this filial?”
Zuo Xiaoduo jumped up dogishly and diligently massaged her shoulders: "Oh mom, you are so tired every day, I can't deny it… Here, let me rub your shoulders..."
Wu Yuting squinted her eyes, while enjoying her son’s massage, she comfortably asked: “If you want money, I have nothing! Let me tell you something, Zuo Xiaoduo, your pocket money this month has already been spent in advance, so if you are thinking about getting it from me, you should give up now.”
Zuo Xiaoduo’s hands froze instantaneously and started crying: “You really are my mother… Amazing, I haven’t even open my mouth…”
Wu Yuting rolled her eyes, somehow she felt like a young teenage girl. She curled her lips and said: “You came out of my womb, did you think I wouldn’t know what you are thinking?”
Zuo Xiaoduo was dejected.
“Don’t even think about asking your Dad!”
Zuo Xiaoduo felt pathetic.
“Especially don’t think about asking your sister Xiaonian! I will remind them and I dare them to try to give you money”
Zuo Xiaoduo’s thoughts were completely lost and felt unlovable in an instant. He begged:
“Mom! I have legitimate business! It’s really legitimate business!!”Wu Yuting sneered: “As a seventeen year old, you are still barely treading as a martial arts student, and at the most basic level of martial arts; It's been five years since you have been treading at the basic level… not to mention someone who always sleeps for fourteen hours daily… Can there be any legitimately good business?”
Zuo Xiaoduo held his heart with tears in his eyes: “Mom, I feel a heart piercing pain hurting…”
“You have a heart?”Wu Yuting snorted coldly and turned around: "Come help me pick some vegetables, your dad and your sister Xiaonian are coming back soon… Your dad has to take a nap after eating, and your sister Xiaonian would meditate after eating, preparing to break through the Yin and Yang realm... It's not good without a good rest at this threshold... Just hurry up, and if you keep procrastinating, I will break your dog legs!"
Mother snorted heavily: “Both!”
Zuo Xiaoduo was silent… he hurriedly and followed behind accordingly.
“Mom, Just leave everything. I’ll do it, I'll do it all!”
……
While picking vegetables, Zuo Xiaoduo heaved a long sigh and his eyes flickered.
Is there any way that I can swindle something out of my mother’s hands… Uh no, I meant coax her for some money? It doesn’t have to be much, I only need three thousand, no, two thousand is also fine. If not a thousand and five hundred… is also acceptable!
That way, I would be able to experiment whether this weird dream of mine… whether it was real and that universe, does it really exist?
Was it really a dream?
I really have been a lying con artist in that world for so many years… Uh, face reader?
“Money… You are the eternal resentment in my heart...”
……
Noon.
The air in the living room was filled with food fragrance.
There was a creak at the door, and a voice said: "Smells good! Seems like I would need to drink something today." Then, a middle-aged man in his thirties walked in.
He had a long body, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, handsome and chic, with ink-black hair; a well-fitting suit complemented his amazing figure; the black and shiny leather shoes, a calm and gentle face.
It was Zuo Xiaoduo’s father, Zuo Changlu.
The self proclaimed, he who leaves long roads under his feet, Zuo Changlu.
“Where is Xiaonian?”Zuo Changlu asked in an almost routine manner. In fact, he knew that his daughter would return about a quarter of an hour later than himself every day. Everyone's time management was exceptionally accurate and there was basically no error. If you missed the timing, basically it meant you won't be coming back to eat.
After speaking, he sat down at the dining table and said with a smile: “Ting’er, I have found that thing for Xiaonian”
Wu Yuting wiped her hands, walked out, and said in surprise: "You found it? How much did it cost?"
"Very little money." Zuo Changlu smiled: "Don’t think about it."
Zuo Xiaoduo's eyes suddenly lit up like a lightbulb: Money?!
"Oh." Wu Yuting smiled softly: "Alright, when Xiaonian returns, wonder how happy she will be."
Zuo Xiaoduo was scooping soup in the kitchen, listening with his ears upright, and the corners of his mouth pouted: They bought yet another gift for my sister again, and I got nothing... If it was mine, then it would be wasting money...
"What happened, is it a happy occasion?" A quiet voice came quietly, there was a soft noise at the door. Then, a girl in a blue dress walked in.
The girl had a delicate body figure and was approximately one meter and seven meters tall, slightly thin but slender. She had smooth long hair, a serene face, and a pair of beautiful eyes that were like two small clear water pools... She flowered like a water lily, refined and elegant.
Anyone who sees this girl at first glance will feel like this: This girl looked very pure! However, her surprising beauty didn’t just end here, there was more than meets the eye!
This girl seemed to have a natural aura that calmed down the hearts of people around her involuntarily. When faced with such a natural beauty, there are no profane thoughts, only purely appreciation!
It was Zuo Xiaoduo’s elder sister, Zuo Xiaonian.
"Daddy, you came back early." Zuo Xiaonian's calm face warmed, and she started to look around and asked, "Is Doggo at home?"
Zuo Xiaoduo roared angrily in the kitchen: “Stop calling me a dog”
Zuo Xiaonian smiled. This smile instead added a dash of girlishness to her, and she suddenly became livelier. She rolled her eyes and said: "What can you do about it? Doggo! Doggy! Haha..."
Zuo Xiaoduo rushed out holding a rice spoon, however, his attempt was in vain. Wu Yuting twisted his ears: "Do you wish to rebel?!"
“It hurts... Pain pain pain” Zuo Xiaoduo turned his head to the side with a distorted expression: “Mom! Your biasness is too obvious! I am your son too! Biological Son!”
Zuo Xiaoduo never comprehended his mother’s Legendary Ear Twisting Skill.
How did his mother develop that skill? No matter how fast he is, whenever he passes by her, as long as she wants to twist his ears, she has never failed!
Everytime she stretched out her hand, she was able to twist and turn it a whole round!
“Biased? Hmph, I think you seem to have misconceptions about biasness.”
Wu Yuting snorted coldly.
How was this not biasness? Zuo Xiaoduo tilted his head back and watched Zuo Xiaonian making an ear twisting motion at him, then she made a contorted face...
This kind of teenage girl behaviour would only appear in her own home, and outsiders will never see it.
……
During the meal, Zuo Xiaoduo finally understood the truest definition of biasness.
“Xiaonian,” Zuo Changlu said lightly while eating, "Are you able to cope with breaking through the Yin and Yang realm?"
Zuo Xiaonian straightened up subconsciously, and said respectfully: "It shouldn’t be a problem. I will break through in the Martial Academy Star Power Room, which is fully charged with star power. I have also prepared a lot of elixir, and a few Star Beast Inner Elixir Pill as standby. Additionally, the place is heavily guarded, the Martial Academy’s teachers are very responsible and dutiful. Most importantly, with my master and a few other people’s help in guarding me during the spell channeling, nothing could go wrong."
Zuo Changlu grunted and said, “It's good if you are aware.” As he was speaking, he took out a small exquisite box from his pocket, placed it on the table, pushed it forward and said: "Take it, Don’t begrudge it if you can use it. If you don’t use it, just keep it yourself."
Zuo Xiaonian hummed, took the box, and opened it. She suddenly exclaimed, covering her small mouth, her eyes were filled with incredible shock: "A Life Elixir Pill?! Father, this...this..."
She was so shocked that he was unable to utter a single word.
Zuo Xiaoduo was also appalled and his eyes glistened. The single elixir pill in the box. It was pure black on one side which emitted a faint light, and the other side was pure white which emitted a bright white light; the elixir pill sat quietly in the box, but the black and white colors seemed to be in a natural circulation, as though it was constantly rotating.
It is the martial artist's holy medicine, the life elixir pill!
During the Danyuan stage, the martial artist only needs to consume one pill in order to instantly replenish one’s vitality! Thus, there has always been a saying: “One elixir pill, one life”.
It is very useful for Zuo Xiaonian’s breakthrough into the Yin and Yang realm, which is the threshold of life and death. Whenever a martial artist attempts a breakthrough, it would normally drain the person’s entire lifeforce. However, with this elixir pill, meant that she had a “second life” to spare.
Zuo Changlu Smiled faintly: “Take it!”
“This…” Zuo Xiaonian's face gradually calmed down, holding the box tightly in her hand, and asked softly: “This Life Elixir Pill would cost at least about one million... Daddy, where did you get so much money? Also this... even if you have the money, you may not even be able to buy one. The black market has already inflated the price to five million, but still a lot of people are waiting. How did you manage to get it? If the price is too high, I don’t want it."
One million.
Zuo Xiaoduo was taken aback.
One Million Star Dollars!
It was enough for the whole family to comfortably spend the rest of their lifetime… That old man… Just spent it?
Zuo Xiaonian’s beautiful face revealed a trace of anxiety: “I have confidence in myself and I would not require this.”
Zuo Changlu flatly said: “Just take it! Stop nagging! Should you be the one who is concerned over the household’s money and financial management?”
His voice was harsh.
Zuo Xiaonian's eyes were red, and her slender fingers grabbed the life elixir pill, after faintly trembling for a long time, she whispered: "Yes. I was wrong."
Zuo Changlu's voice relaxed: "That's right! Xiaonian, you have a great future ahead of you. After the Yin-Yang realm, you would ascend into the Danyuan stage, and eventually all other conceivable realms... Your mother and I can't help you that much. But it’s my daughter after all. We will help you to the best of our ability. When there is nothing more that we can do, you will go on by yourself. Before that, don’t worry too much. Understand?"
Zuo Xiaonian was silent for a moment and said: "Dad, if I can break through the Danyuan stage smoothly this time, I would already be satisfied. I don't wish to continue going on… this road is really tiring! I feel that I can't take it anymore. After the breakthrough, after Xiaoduo turns twenty, I think I will marry Xiaoduo..."
Zuo Xiaoduo’s eyes widened with disbelief.
Almost immediately, both mother and father shouted coldly: “Nonsense!”
“Shut up!”
Zuo Xiaonian started sobbing with tears trickling down her face, she cried: “Dad!”
Zuo Changlu's indifferent expression completely retracted.
He put down his chopsticks, sat upright, and solemnly said: "You, Zuo Xiaonian, are my daughter, although not my own; but since you were a baby, your mother and I raised you, treating you like our own."
“You are our daughter! Not a child bride we adopted for Xiaoduo!”
"When you were eight or nine years old, your mother was talking nonsense, saying how it would be perfect if you were to marry Xiaoduo in the future and the family would never be separated... That was just a joke, but I didn't expect that you have always remembered it, even till now."
"But..." Zuo Changlu slowly but surely, in an unquestionable tone: "If you dare to say this kind of thing again, I'll break your leg!"
