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Chapter 34: This Is the Taste of HomeNewJune 3

"Alright then."

Ye Qiu raised his brows slightly and, helplessly, extended his tentacle to gather some branches from the roadside. Then, he formed them into a frame and covered it with black fluid, which quickly turned into the shape of an umbrella, casting a patch of shade.

And truth be told—it really was cooler.

"Haha! This is awesome!"

Xiao Wu couldn't help but cling to Ye Qiu's arm, bouncing up and down again with excitement.

"Xiao San, want to come a bit closer? It's cooler over here."

Even though he didn't really want Tang San to come over, Ye Qiu still showed the necessary courtesy. Besides, he believed Tang San didn't particularly like him deep down.

"No need. I'm used to being by the stove—I don't mind the heat."

Tang San shook his head and straightforwardly declined Ye Qiu's offer. The two of them being all lovey-dovey, what was he supposed to do—insert himself in between?

"Then let's keep going like this!"

Ye Qiu shook his arms a bit—this little bunny was sticking awfully close.

"Heehee…"

The shameless little rogue bunny leaned against Ye Qiu, clinging to his arm tightly, trying to conserve as much energy as she could.

This felt totally different from when Ye Qiu had merged with her before. Now that she was the one sticking close, Ye Qiu's aura felt even hotter, even more intense.

"Hmm."

Tang San blinked in a daze. Seeing Xiao Wu so shamelessly glued to Ye Qiu, he seemed to realize something. He recalled how uncomfortable he'd felt every time the two of them led tours around the campus together. His head grew heavier with the thought.

---

Time flew by.

As they got closer to Holy Soul Village, Xiao Wu started to grow listless again. She leaned in close to Ye Qiu and whispered, "Ye Qiu… Big Sis Xiao Wu is kinda hungry~"

"I swear… Don't push your luck!"

Several black lines formed on Ye Qiu's forehead. His hand, holding the black umbrella, had gone stiff.

"What are you yelling for? I didn't even ask you to give me anything…"

Seeing the impatient expression on Ye Qiu's face, Xiao Wu didn't dare act too bold. She knew if she crossed the line, Ye Qiu might actually get mad.

She pouted quietly, then fell silent.

She obediently followed beside Ye Qiu, her rosy lips sticking out in a silent sulk.

After a while, Ye Qiu's voice floated over:

"Get it yourself."

"Huh? Yay, okay!"

Xiao Wu blinked in surprise, a little delighted. Her eyes sparkled as she reached her small hand into Ye Qiu's pants pocket.

After just a couple of pokes, her face started burning. Ye Qiu's eye twitched—it was a bit ticklish. It took her a moment before she finally pulled out a carrot-flavored lollipop. It was wrapped in a special edible wax that kept it from melting in his pocket.

Blushing, Xiao Wu smiled sweetly as she popped the lollipop into her mouth.

"Ye Qiu, want one too?"

"No thanks."

Ye Qiu gently shook his head.

"Xiao San, how much farther?"

Xiao Wu raised her hand to wipe Ye Qiu's sweat thoughtfully. Looking toward a nearby mountain peak, she turned to ask Tang San.

"Almost there. See that mountain? Our Holy Soul Village is right at the base."

As the village came into view, Tang San's mood grew excited. The closeness between Xiao Wu and Ye Qiu no longer bothered him as much.

He was eager—couldn't wait to see his father again.

Ye Qiu glanced at Tang San, then sneered to himself.

Tang San was in for disappointment. Ye Qiu knew all too well—by this time, Tang Hao, that drunkard, had already left Holy Soul Village. Even back at Notting Academy, Ye Qiu had always stayed alert—especially when Xiao Wu was nearby.

---

Soon, the three arrived at Holy Soul Village.

Tang San's family blacksmith shop was right at the village entrance. He pointed toward the shabby, broken sign on the roof and excitedly told Xiao Wu, "Look—that's my home!"

At the same time, he rushed forward in a few quick strides and called out toward the open door.

"Dad! It's me—Xiao San! I'm home!"

The door was wide open. Carrying Xiao Wu on his back, Ye Qiu could clearly see the messy clutter inside—battered jars and bottles everywhere, giving off a strange odor.

To Tang San, though, it all felt warm and familiar. Nothing had changed—it still had the same scent as always!

This… this was the taste of home!

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the doorway.

Tang San instinctively prepared to call out to his father, but froze before the words could leave his mouth.

"Grandpa Jack?!"

"Oh! Xiao San! Didn't expect you back so soon! I was just about to grab that drunkard Tang Hao and come pick you guys up." Old Jack held a crumpled, foul-smelling piece of paper that looked like it had been soaked in liquor.

"Grandpa Jack, why are you here? Where's my dad?" A bad feeling rose in Tang San's chest, and his mood instantly sank.

"Sigh… better take a look yourself. That Tang Hao is so irresponsible! He actually left you behind like this." Old Jack passed the paper to Tang San, shaking his head with a sigh.

"Grandpa Jack, long time no see."

While Tang San stood there lost in disappointment and helplessness, staring at the letter, Ye Qiu simply smiled and greeted Old Jack.

"Haha… So Xiao Qiu's back too." Old Jack finally noticed Ye Qiu—and the adorable, doll-like Xiao Wu beside him brought a touch of surprise to his face. "Oh? Is this your little girlfriend, Xiao Qiu? What a cute girl."

Ye Qiu didn't answer—just smiled slightly and waited for Xiao Wu to correct him. But to his surprise… she didn't say a word.

When he turned to look at her, all he saw was the back of her head. Does this rabbit not even know what "girlfriend" means? That can't be, right?!

Unseen by Ye Qiu, Xiao Wu's face was already burning red. Of course she knew what "girlfriend" meant—she'd lived as a human long enough now.

"Haha…" Old Jack found the scene amusing and suddenly felt years younger. He turned to comfort Tang San. "Xiao San, don't feel too bad. Maybe Tang Hao will come back in a while."

Tang San silently shook his head. He carefully folded the paper and tucked it into his chest, then said to Old Jack, "Thank you, Grandpa Jack. The house is a mess—I won't ask you to stay. I need to clean up a bit."

Old Jack was stunned. He'd originally planned to invite Tang San over to his house. He hadn't expected the boy—so young—to basically ask him to leave. He sighed and replied helplessly:

"Alright. But if you need anything, come find me anytime."

He turned and walked away, pausing briefly to smile kindly at Ye Qiu.

"Xiao Qiu, how about you bring your little girlfriend to Grandpa Jack's place for a visit?"

"Sure!"

Ye Qiu didn't refuse, nor did he neglect Tang San.

"Xiao San, carrying this rabbit is exhausting. I need to find a place to rest. Take care of yourself."

Take care of myself…?!

Tang San's heart clenched. He said nothing, quietly entering the house to start cleaning the messy room.

Old Jack looked back at Ye Qiu and nodded to himself.

Compared to the aloof, reclusive Tang San and his father, Ye Qiu was much more likable. No wonder he already had a girlfriend.

"Well then, let's be off. Xiao San, come to Grandpa Jack's for lunch later if you want."

Receiving no response, Old Jack didn't take it to heart. He simply led Ye Qiu away toward his home.

Trailing behind, Xiao Wu glanced back curiously at Tang San. She didn't quite understand—Tang San was just as talented as her. So why was Ye Qiu so guarded against him?

Ye Qiu went to Old Jack's house, stayed for only a short while, had some snacks, and took two carrots with him.

He left behind more than ten gold soul coins before heading home.

Ever since Xiao Wu became the top dog of Nuoding Academy, their work-study students' meal expenses had been covered by Xiao Chenyu. As a result, Ye Qiu had actually saved up a decent amount of gold soul coins, which included the money he earned from Xiao Wu and the extra meals provided by Master Matthew Nuo.

By now, Ye Qiu was considered quite well-off in Saint Soul Village—he might even be the richest person in town.

Even giving away most of his savings didn't make Ye Qiu feel bad. After all, he didn't need to forge hidden weapons, and it was easy for him to earn more money if needed. Besides, he had grown up eating other people's food—it was only right to return the favor and provide some support.

Ye Qiu had a rough burlap sack slung around his neck, filled with a few carrots, and was walking with Xiao Wu toward his home.

"Ye Qiu, where do you live?" Xiao Wu asked softly, nibbling on a carrot and tugging at the corner of his shirt.

"Are you just trying to make conversation?" Ye Qiu rolled his eyes. She had clearly seen his memories—how could she not know where he lived?

"If you've got something to say, just say it."

Based on Ye Qiu's understanding of Xiao Wu, no matter how naive she was, she wouldn't ask such a basic question without a reason.

Xiao Wu pouted, then clung to Ye Qiu's arm and leaned in close to whisper in his ear, "I just want to know... why did you ask me to stay away from Tang San?"

"I'll find time to explain it to you in the future. But if you want to get close to him… I won't stop you either," Ye Qiu frowned slightly. If he weren't worried about scaring Xiao Wu, he would've already told her about Tang Hao being a titled Douluo.

Sensing Ye Qiu's displeasure, Xiao Wu quickly explained, "No, I-I didn't mean that! I wasn't planning to get close to him. I always listen to you…"

"Let go a little—you're too close, it's hot!"

Ye Qiu's voice carried a hint of irritation, and Xiao Wu finally realized she was clinging to him too tightly. But she was being honest—she had turned down plenty of chances to spar with Tang San.

Before long—

Ye Qiu arrived at his little wooden house.

It was divided by wooden planks and a curtain—one bedroom, one living room, and one bathroom. Though small, it had everything necessary.

"Alright, we're here."

Ye Qiu pulled out a key from his chest pocket with a sense of ceremony and opened the worn-out door.

Xiao Wu followed closely behind.

"Ahh~ I'm so tired!"

Ye Qiu didn't care about the dust on the bed and flopped down on it directly.

Seeing Ye Qiu's flushed, exhausted face, Xiao Wu rolled her eyes. Other than training and bullying her, Ye Qiu was always this lazy.

She stood still, looking around the small room. It was cleaner than Tang San's home but clearly much smaller—just one room sectioned into different spaces. When she looked back at Ye Qiu, something changed in her eyes.

Ye Qiu got up and started looking for a rag and water basin to clean the dirty little house. "You dumb bunny, why are you still standing there? You planning to just watch me clean?"

"…"

Xiao Wu was silent for a moment, lips twitching like she wanted to argue about the nickname, but she didn't. Her face flushed red as she said, "D-Do you have an extra rag and water basin?"

"No need to be so formal. It's all old junk anyway. Just look around and use whatever you find," Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow and waved her off. Everything in the cabin was old and unused. He never really bought anything new, and he probably wouldn't in the future either.

"Mm." Xiao Wu nodded slightly. As she turned away, she pouted and looked back at Ye Qiu with a bit of grievance. "Don't call me 'bunny' anymore."

Her voice wasn't as forceful as before—it now sounded more like a request.

After speaking, Xiao Wu tiptoed into the bedroom.

Ye Qiu scratched his head in confusion as he watched her back. Did I even bully her just now? Why is she acting all obedient suddenly?

Although Ye Qiu was single, their long-term bond had made him quite aware of Xiao Wu's feelings toward him.

Sometimes, when Ye Qiu went out and stared too long at mature, attractive women, Xiao Wu would get so jealous and angry that she'd pick fights with him on purpose just to get a reaction.

Everything was moving faster than Ye Qiu expected. Could this be the power of Love Continent?! Or is it that sincere feelings really do bring quick results?

He shook his head, pushing aside these thoughts. The future was long—no need to rush these things now.

—

One incense stick's time later—

When Ye Qiu finished tidying up the small bathroom and the table in the main room, he walked toward the bedroom—only to see Xiao Wu kneeling on the wooden bed, using a soaking wet rag to scrub the wooden planks like she was giving them a bath.

Ye Qiu froze for a second, pressing his hand to his forehead in exasperation. "Seriously… are you actually dumb? You soaked the bed that much—when do you think it's gonna dry?"

"Ah?! I-I didn't know…"

Xiao Wu blinked blankly, still kneeling there, a confused expression on her face.

She had never done this kind of thing before.

Looking at her gray-streaked hair, dust-covered face, and damp clothes, Ye Qiu opened his mouth, but in the end didn't say anything harsh.

"You better go take a bath first. I'll handle the rest," Ye Qiu waved his hand, motioning for her to get off the bed quickly.

"Okay…"

Xiao Wu nodded lightly.

As Ye Qiu took the rag from her, he reminded her, "If you can't handle cold water… I boiled some hot water under the eaves earlier. It should be just right now. If I boil it any longer, I could skin a rabbit with it."

Xiao Wu's touched expression immediately darkened.

"Ye Qiu! I told you—stop calling me a rabbit!"

—

Noon. The sun blazed overhead.

Outside Tang San's blacksmith shop, Ye Qiu was carrying several lunch boxes.

"Xiao San, Xiao San!"

Before even reaching the door, Ye Qiu was already shouting inside.

Tang San, who was busy inside cleaning up empty wine bottles and using hidden weapons to kill rats and cockroaches, frowned when he heard Ye Qiu's voice. Remembering what his father wrote in the letter, he immediately stepped outside.

"Ye Qiu, what's up?"

Ye Qiu lifted the containers in his hands and shook them. "What else? Bringing you food, of course. Grandpa Jack knew we just got back and probably didn't have food at home, so he made meals for us. His legs aren't great, so I brought them over."

Ye Qiu curled his lips slightly. He knew Tang San had plenty of food hidden in his Twenty-Four Bridge Moonlit Night belt, but this was an old man's good intentions, after all.

"Then thank you."

Tang San smiled. Even though he had food, he preferred a warm, freshly cooked meal.

"You're welcome. Here, this one's yours—a nice hot lunch bento box."

Ye Qiu smiled and handed the container over.

Tang San twitched a little at the corner of his mouth. The way Ye Qiu phrased it made him cringe.

He clearly meant to say "bento" as one word.

"By the way, where's Xiao Wu?"

"Don't worry, she's still at my place, waiting for me to bring her food. She's perfectly fine. If there's nothing else, I'll head back first." Ye Qiu waved his hand, clearly not planning to stay long.

"Mm."

Tang San nodded. There was still plenty of time ahead. To win Ye Qiu over and make him loyal, he didn't need to rush.