Chapter 34: The Taste of Home

"Alright."

Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow and, with a resigned sigh, extended his tentacle to gather some branches from the roadside. He then shaped them into a frame and covered it with a black fluid, quickly forming an umbrella that cast a welcome shade.

Surprisingly, it really did feel much cooler.

"Haha, this is great!"

Xiao Wu couldn't help but hug Ye Qiu's arm, bouncing around excitedly once more.

"Xiao San, do you want to come closer? It's nice and cool here."

Although Ye Qiu wasn't too keen on having Tang San join them, basic courtesy was still necessary. Besides, he was pretty sure Tang San didn't like him very much either.

"No need. I'm used to standing near a furnace—I don't mind the heat."

Tang San shook his head, refusing Ye Qiu's offer without hesitation. Watching Xiao Wu and Ye Qiu being so close already made him uncomfortable—why would he willingly step into that situation?

"Alright then, let's keep going!"

Ye Qiu swung his arm a couple of times. Xiao Wu was clinging to him a bit too tightly.

"Hehe~"

The shameless bunny pressed herself against Ye Qiu, wrapping her arms around his and sticking as close as possible. Might as well conserve energy where she could.

It felt completely different from when Ye Qiu latched onto her before. Now that she was the one getting close, Ye Qiu's presence felt even hotter, even more intense.

"Mm."

Tang San nodded absentmindedly, watching Xiao Wu's behavior. Something finally clicked in his mind, and as he recalled their campus strolls together, a heavy feeling settled in his chest.

…

Time passed quickly.

As they neared Holy Soul Village, Xiao Wu started looking weak and sluggish again. She leaned in close to Ye Qiu's ear and whispered, "Ye Qiu, Xiao Wu-jie is a little hungry~"

"Hey! Don't push your luck!"

Black lines appeared on Ye Qiu's forehead, and the hand holding the black umbrella stiffened.

"What are you getting mad about? It's not like I'm asking for your food."

Seeing Ye Qiu's slightly irritated expression, Xiao Wu knew better than to push too far. If she overdid it, she was afraid he'd actually get angry.

She mumbled a complaint under her breath but didn't say anything more.

She followed him obediently, her pink bunny lips pouting in silent protest.

After a long pause, Ye Qiu finally sighed.

"You can grab it yourself."

"Huh? Really? Yay!"

Xiao Wu froze for a moment, pleasantly surprised. Her eyes sparkled as she reached into Ye Qiu's pocket.

After fumbling around for a bit, her face suddenly felt burning hot. Meanwhile, Ye Qiu twitched slightly—her touch was a little ticklish.

Finally, she pulled out a carrot-flavored lollipop. It was wrapped in an edible fruit wax coating, so there was no risk of it melting inside the pocket.

Blushing, Xiao Wu grinned and popped the lollipop into her mouth.

"Ye Qiu, do you want one too?"

"No thanks."

Ye Qiu shook his head lightly.

"Xiao San, how much farther do we have to go?"

Xiao Wu raised a hand and gently wiped the sweat from Ye Qiu's forehead. She gazed at the distant mountain ahead and turned to ask Tang San.

"We're almost there. See that mountain? Holy Soul Village is right at its base."

Seeing his village so close, Tang San's mood lifted. He was so excited to see his father again that, for once, he wasn't bothered by Xiao Wu and Ye Qiu's intimacy.

Ye Qiu glanced at Tang San and smirked.

The guy was getting excited over nothing. Ye Qiu knew full well that Tang Hao, that drunkard, had already left the village by now.

At Notting Academy, Ye Qiu had always maintained a cautious awareness—especially when Xiao Wu was around.

Soon, the three of them entered Holy Soul Village.

Tang San's home, a blacksmith shop, stood near the village entrance. He raised his hand and pointed at the broken, weathered sign hanging above it.

"Look! That's my home!"

Excitedly, he rushed to the entrance and called out.

"Dad! I'm home!"

The front door was wide open. With Xiao Wu still on his back, Ye Qiu could clearly see the messy interior—scattered junk, broken bottles, and a strange musty smell.

To Tang San, however, it all felt familiar and comforting. Nothing had changed—it was still the same scent, the same home.

This… was the taste of home.

A figure suddenly emerged from the doorway.

Tang San instinctively prepared to call out for his father, but before he could, he froze.

"Grandpa Jack?!"

"Ah, Xiao San! Didn't expect you back so soon. I was just about to go get Tang Hao to pick you up," Old Jack said, holding a crumpled, foul-smelling piece of paper that seemed to have been soaked in alcohol.

"Grandpa Jack, why are you here? Where's my dad?" Tang San's excitement dimmed as a sense of unease crept in.

"Sigh… You better see for yourself. That Tang Hao, he's completely irresponsible! Leaving a child like you behind and just up and leaving!"

Jack handed the paper to Tang San with a sigh of regret.

"Grandpa Jack, long time no see!"

People's joys and sorrows rarely align. As Tang San stood there feeling abandoned, Ye Qiu greeted Jack with a smile.

"Haha! Ye Qiu, you're back too?"

Jack finally noticed Ye Qiu, then his eyes landed on the delicate girl beside him. He looked surprised.

"Oh? Ye Qiu, is this your little girlfriend? Such a cute young lady!"

Ye Qiu didn't respond, simply smiling and waiting 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.

Wait… does this bunny not understand what 'girlfriend' means? No way, right?!

Unbeknownst to him, Xiao Wu's face was already burning red. Of course, she knew what 'girlfriend' meant—she had been living as a human for quite some time now.

"Haha," Old Jack chuckled, enjoying the amusing scene. He then turned back to Tang San and said kindly, "Xiao San, don't be too upset. Maybe Tang Hao will return after a while."

Tang San silently shook his head. He carefully folded the paper and tucked it away before bowing slightly.

"Thank you, Grandpa Jack. The house is a mess—I won't keep you here. I need to clean up."

Old Jack hesitated for a moment. He had planned to invite Tang San to his place, but he hadn't expected the boy to politely send him away.

Sighing, he relented.

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

He turned to Ye Qiu, his expression kind.

"Ye Qiu, how about bringing your little girlfriend to my house for a visit?"

"Sure!"

Ye Qiu agreed readily, though he didn't forget to acknowledge Tang San.

"Xiao San, carrying this bunny around is exhausting. I need to find a place to rest. Take care."

…Take care?!

Tang San's expression stiffened. Without a word, he stepped into the house and began tidying up.

Jack glanced at Ye Qiu and nodded approvingly.

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

"Alright, let's go. Xiao San, come over for lunch at my place later!"

Hearing no response, Old Jack wasn't discouraged. With a chuckle, he led Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu toward his home.

Xiao Wu, trailing beside Ye Qiu, turned back to glance at Tang San, her brows furrowed in confusion.

She didn't understand—Tang San was just as much of a genius as she was.

So why did Ye Qiu always seem so wary of him?