GRMFBS CH222

Not only did Zhan Yunkai brew the broth, but he also casually made cat food for Xingxing. Cat food was both quick and simple to prepare.

Zhan Yan ate the store-bought soy milk, fried dough sticks, and side dishes with his older brother and sister.

After finishing the cat food, Xingxing happily purred and rubbed around Zhan Yunkai’s feet.

Meow meow hasn’t eaten such awesome food in a very long time!

Zhan Yan, who had made cat food for Xingxing for half a month, let out two dry huffs; Zhan Jinli, who had made cat food for Xingxing for an entire semester, remained completely expressionless.

So why bother feeding the cat? In the time spent feeding a cat, one might as well bake bread to feed their younger brother.

After finishing breakfast, Zhan Yan discovered he was being frantically tagged in the group chat “Did You Eat Melons Today?”

Being too busy recently, he hadn’t checked into this group for a while. He logged into the small circle group chat of information-type bosses.

Happy Guessing: “@Approaching Science Keke!” “Do you know Deep Shadow?“

Pure White Jigsaw: “Ah?”

“Why the sudden jump to this?”

Happy Guessing: “[Link]” “Look at this thread, Keke is speaking up for Deep Shadow.“

Munching Giant Melon: “That doesn’t necessarily prove Keke knows Deep Shadow either.“

Happy Guessing: “Think about it, Keke tracked down news on Deep Shadow in the past! Although it wasn’t much, it’s very likely they have contact now!“

Waltz: “Isn’t that connection of yours a bit too stretched?” “Speaking of which, @Approaching Science hasn’t popped up in the group for a long time either.“

Pure White Jigsaw: “Yeah, yeah. Who knows what he’s been busy with lately, he hardly touches the forum quests anymore.”

“Before, he was the one grinding the quest area the hardest.”

Too Lazy to Pick a Screen Name: “He didn’t pop up during the last apocalypse border incident either.”

Pure White Jigsaw: “Still, that guess is way too outrageous.” “Approaching Science is close with I Just Saved the World!; the two of them were playing flash-tag on the points leaderboard earlier.” “I Just Saved the World! asks people to investigate Deep Shadow at every turn. How could Approaching Science possibly be familiar with Deep Shadow?” “Maybe Keke just personally admires Deep Shadow?“

Waltz: “Guessing, why are you paying so much attention to this matter?”

Of course it’s because I’m actually a Deep Shadow fan! Zong Xiaoping thought resentfully. He had taken several beatings from Brother Zhuo on Deep Shadow’s behalf!

That I Just Saved the World! sent a wanted poster of Deep Shadow to anyone he met and asked them to investigate—total creep behavior! Could it be that Approaching Science was fed up with that guy too?

Happy Guessing: “I’m curious! Aren’t you all curious?” “@Approaching Science Did I Just Saved the World! wail about how his wanted poster is gone and his delusion of earning points off Deep Shadow failed?“

Zhan Yan had just caught up on the group’s recent chat logs.

Heh, blissfully remaining a silent lurker.

Happy Guessing: “Do you guys think it’s awkward for I Just Saved the World! to sport that screen name right now?”

Pure White Jigsaw: “Hahahahaha”

Happy Guessing: “Honestly, that wanted poster should have been revoked long ago. Didn’t we already know Deep Shadow’s condition had stabilized earlier?“

Too Lazy to Pick a Screen Name: “They probably had to observe him for a while to determine whether his situation was temporarily stable or truly, completely cured.” “The Abnormal Affairs Management Bureau revoking the wanted poster now must mean they confirmed Deep Shadow’s stable condition isn’t temporary, but that he’s genuinely recovered?“

Book of Secrets: “Correct.” “Can you guys track down who the healing-type user that cured Deep Shadow is?“

Munching Giant Melon: “So there really is a mysterious healing-type boss?”

Happy Guessing: “Impossible! I don’t believe it!”

Waltz: “Single-dog Guessing doesn’t believe in love.”

Zong Xiaoping snorted. Believe my ass.

Fine, he really couldn’t imagine Boss Deep Shadow falling in love. But he disbelieved even more that Deep Shadow knew a healing-type boss capable of curing him. So many people in the Retirees’ Alliance relied on seals to deal with their aftereffects, and they were all more than willing to pay the price to resolve their conditions. If Boss Deep Shadow really knew such an incredible healing-type, how could he not introduce them?

Compared to that, he would rather believe in love!

Happy Guessing: “Every powerful healing-type in this world was turned inside out long ago. Such an incredible healing-type, whom nobody ever knew about, suddenly popping up and curing aftereffects to Deep Shadow’s degree—do you guys think that’s possible?” “Under the current circumstances, it’s impossible to live in seclusion like in the past. Even in the past, the Wan Yao Alliance didn’t lack old monsters who lived from ancient times to the present.” “A healing-type unknown even to them would have to drop straight from the heavens.”

That did make sense.

Book of Secrets: “I still suspect there is someone by Deep Shadow’s side. Even if they aren’t a healing-type themselves, they must possess an item with contamination-cleansing properties that promptly helps him recover whenever Deep Shadow’s condition fluctuates.” “@Approaching Science Do you have any clues?“

Tu Yue was intensely curious.

He knew it was Approaching Science who bridged the connection that allowed them to cooperate with Deep Shadow, and it was also he who facilitated the revocation of Deep Shadow’s wanted poster. Approaching Science’s connection to Deep Shadow ran deeper than any of them had previously assumed.

After the Abnormal Affairs Management Bureau suspected Deep Shadow’s condition had stabilized, they indeed hadn’t let their guard down immediately. Everything required an observation period. Under normal circumstances, this observation period would last at least a year; even three years wouldn’t be considered long. The will of Infinite was still lurking around, after all—who knew if Deep Shadow’s aftereffects were also lying dormant?

Yet Ning Xi had suddenly shifted her stance, deeming Deep Shadow harmless and open for cooperation.

This was extraordinarily un-Ning Xi.

So what on earth had suddenly persuaded a control freak to Ning Xi’s degree?

Tu Yue was scratching his heart out wanting to know.

Yet Ning Xi wouldn’t tell him!

Approaching Science arrived fashionably late.

Approaching Science: “Ah, I’m not sure either.” “I spoke up for Deep Shadow because he really is a good person.” “After clearing an anomaly, he even comforts frightened doggies, you know.“

Zhan Yan was having a blast.

Hehehe, go ahead and guess, keep guessing.

I know everything, but I’m just not telling you~

You guys only need to know he’s genuinely great, and that’s enough~

Loves Eating Pineapple Buns: “Ah?”

Pure White Jigsaw: “Ah?!”

Waltz: “Ahhh?!”

Loves Eating Pineapple Buns: “It’s over, my brain can’t reset. My impression of Deep Shadow was always that silent, composed man, but now he’s squatting on the ground petting a dog.“

Pure White Jigsaw: “I’m different. I always thought he was a cold, ruthless lunatic—the vicious type who clears anomalies, flips his trench coat, turns around, and walks away.”

Waltz: “I think it’s pretty nice though, isn’t gap-moe trendy nowadays?”

Book of Secrets: “…”

Munching Giant Melon: “Doesn’t it feel wrong pinning the word ‘moe’ onto him?”

Happy Guessing: “Get lost! This just proves all your headcanons were wrong. Why can’t Deep Shadow be a kind-hearted person who is cold on the outside but warm on the inside?”

Zong Xiaoping developed a sense of camaraderie toward Approaching Science, sharing a bond over stanning the same big boss.

Zhan Yan browsed the group chat with immense joy.

After Xingxing finished rubbing against his family’s top chef, he padded over to Zhan Yan again.

Food is food, but this meow still likes you best.

Zhan Yan petted the cat while continuing to skim the gossip strips.

Over these few days, his sister had to familiarize herself with Yang Ran’s soul map, while the Abnormal Affairs Management Bureau needed to inspect the secret chamber again and reinforce the isolation barriers. As for classmate Xiao Gu… well, he was waiting for the pastries Zhan Yan had mailed.

Everyone was quite efficient; they prepared to officially begin the day after tomorrow. It was just uncertain how much time the process of purging the curse of Infinite would take. If all went smoothly, classmate Xiao Gu should be able to eat the pastries he mailed just as he finished the job.

The broth in the kitchen had come to a boil. Zhan Yunkai washed his hands and went to turn down the heat.

A rich aroma drifted out from their giant clay pot, causing Xingxing to gulp down his saliva with a gulp.

Zhan Yan couldn’t stop laughing: “Didn’t you just finish eating?”

His dad intended to simmer this pot of broth straight until the afternoon; Xingxing would be drooling all day.

Zhan Suiru patted Xingxing’s head and said with a smile, “You two will have to drool all day too.”

Zhan Jinli sent them a message:

Zhan Jinli: [The two of you, not including me.]

Zhan Jinli: [I'm going to the bakery.]

Their father had commandeered the kitchen to simmer broth, complaining that his bread experiments were getting in the way.

Zhan Suiru: “Not including me either. I have to head to the studio. Oh dear, only Yan Yan and Xingxing are left to drool together all day.”

She needed to familiarize herself with Yang Ran’s soul map in advance.

Zhan Yan stared at her with wide eyes.

Is this how you coax your younger brother?!

Without even turning around in the kitchen, Zhan Yunkai called out, “Doesn’t matter, we’ll give the two smallest marrow soup bones to the two of them when the time comes.”

After adjusting the heat, Zhan Yunkai wiped his hands and came out of the kitchen: “Come, let me see how your workout results are coming along.”

Zhan Yan: Hasn’t this matter already passed?

[Chongming Demon King Zhan Yunkai believes that your sudden change in taste, falling in love with the sweet bread made by Zhan Jinli, is very likely due to a physical problem. He decided to give you a medical checkup under the guise of inspecting your workout results.]

Zhan Yan, dragged in front of the fitness equipment: … Actually, you could just check me directly, there’s no need to use working out as an excuse!

Never mind, if it was just a checkup, it wouldn’t be too tiring anyway.

He closed the Gossip System and began cooperating with his dad.

Beyond checking Zhan Yan’s physical condition, Zhan Yunkai also planned to judge whether he needed extra training based on the test results.

His Demon King Majesty had already looked up ordinary human standards. Zhan Yan was considered healthy right now. However, His Demon King Majesty, who had studied human health standards very meticulously, had also discovered another issue: human standards were continuously dropping!

Zhan Yunkai had also read many public account articles stating that people in modern society generally didn’t exercise enough—sitting at school desks during their student years, sitting in offices after entering the workforce, staring at phones and computers all day. Their physical constitution couldn’t compare to the past at all. Moreover, there was plenty of junk food nowadays, all of which was bad for the body. One only had to look at how much healthy fitness standards had dropped compared to a decade ago to know!

Zhan Yunkai believed these articles made a lot of sense. Just doing basic exercises wasn’t enough for Yan Yan. He didn’t have time during the school term, so he had to train properly during the holidays.

Wen Yinghui, a fitness fanatic he followed, had launched a series of fitness courses. Zhan Yunkai had purchased it and already watched it thoroughly. The course was extremely professional, beginning with a self-assessment protocol and tailoring a fitness plan based on the results.

Zhan Yunkai had Zhan Yan conduct the self-assessment according to the video course instructions.

The self-assessments were quite easy. Zhan Yan completed them effortlessly, looking at his dad with pride.

See, I told you I exercise every day!

Zhan Yunkai fell into deep thought. Mmm… judging from these results, Yan Yan’s current level of exercise is way too light; he needs extra training!

In the afternoon, Zhan Jinli returned holding sweet bread specially made for his brother.

He had checked his brother’s physical body and found no problems, nor could any issues be seen in his spiritual energy for the time being. Perhaps it was just excessive brain usage requiring some replenishment.

For this reason, Zhan Jinli had specifically looked up the coursework of veterinary students. The internet was filled with wails, saying human medical students only had to memorize human anatomical charts and various illnesses, whereas veterinary students had to memorize cows, sheep, horses, donkeys… chickens, ducks, geese, dogs, pigs, and even fish.

That really was quite exhausting. While he hadn’t figured out condensed sugar pellets yet, he could still bake a bit more sweet bread for his brother.

Opening the door, Zhan Jinli found Zhan Yan collapsed on the sofa with a face that had completely lost the will to live.

Zhan Yan stared resentfully at the sweet bread. Because of this thing, he had been forced into extra training again.

I really want to peel all your secret identities off!

Zhan Jinli: What happened to our brother?

Zhan Suiru returned carrying small cookies as well. This time there were three bags—besides the one for her brother, there were bags for Mom and Dad too. But regarding their eldest brother’s abnormal palate, Yang Ran was truly out of ideas. Zhan Suiru had told him not to worry about it. Hadn’t she already gifted him a fishing rod and bait? Once he ran out of bait, she’d make some more for him.

“What’s going on here?” Zhan Suiru asked.

“Dad dragged me into extra training again!” Zhan Yan whined resentfully.

He had already deployed his ultimate tactics of acting cute and clinging, but Zhan Yunkai had tempted him with the promise of ordering whatever dishes he wanted.

Lacking sufficient willpower, Zhan Yan fell before the temptation of gourmet food. Initially, he thought it was just an ordinary test, but who knew that after finishing, his dad pulled out Wen Yinghui’s fitness course and declared that his current workout intensity was too light and required extra training!

Zhan Suiru: “Pfft, hahahahaha.”

Zhan Yan: … Just you laugh. Let me tell you, don’t even think about coaxing your brother back for the rest of this holiday.

Standing on the sofa, Xingxing patted Zhan Yan with his two little front paws. The kitten’s massage didn’t pack much force, but it was exceedingly thoughtful.

Ah, only Xingxing is a soft, warm little angel who never brings him trouble!

Zhan Yunkai knew full well that raising children required abundant encouragement and prompt positive feedback.

“Yan Yan is amazing. Is there anything you’d like to eat?“

Zhan Yan: “Jar pork! Diced pickled vegetables!”

Zhan Yunkai: “Mmm… those will take a few days before they can be eaten.”

Even if pickled now, it would take a while for the flavors to seep in.

Zhan Yan: “Eating it in a few days is fine too.”

Jar pork and diced pickled vegetables had a long shelf life, so he could mail some to classmate Xiao Gu; a quick stir-fry in a small pot would bring out the flavor, so not knowing how to cook wouldn’t be an issue at all~

Zhan Yunkai: “Alright then, I’ll prep it for you today. Keep exercising tomorrow, and Dad will make whatever else you want to eat.”

Zhan Yan: … QAQ

Ji Yueming returned before dusk.

Zhan Yunkai was quick on his feet and went straight to open the door. In this household, the youngest son was the fastest; whenever his wife came home, the boy rushed to open the door, and whenever he himself returned eager to see his wife first, the boy also rushed to open it.

Zhan Yan didn’t contest it this time. Paralyzed on the sofa refusing to get up, he merely raised an arm to greet his mother.

Ji Yueming chuckled upon seeing his state: “What happened to Yan Yan?“

Zhan Yunkai was thoroughly satisfied with the outcome: “Just tired after a workout.”

Ji Yueming: “Oh, did you push Yan Yan into extra training again? Pushing too hard all at once will leave him sore and aching tomorrow.”

Zhan Yan nodded vigorously. Exactly, exactly!

Ji Yueming: “I heard that after such workouts, one needs to use a fascial knife to loosen up, so it won’t feel uncomfortable the next day.”

Zhan Yan stared at his mother in absolute horror.

“No need, Mom, just stretching is enough!”

[Tianshi Ji Yueming believes that your sudden change in taste, falling in love with the sweet bread made by Zhan Jinli, is very likely due to a physical problem. She decided to give you a medical checkup under the guise of post-workout relaxation.]

No fascial knife was used; their home possessed no such tool. Even so, Ji Yueming squeezed him a few times and conducted a checkup on him using some sort of instrument worn on her wrist.

Due to her special condition, his mother could only wield the power of lightning and couldn’t inspect him using her own power, relying on instruments instead. The device was a new gadget researched by the Abnormal Affairs Management Bureau, disguised as a bracelet. Had he not activated the Gossip System, he wouldn’t have recognized it at all.

“Your shoulders have broadened,” Ji Yueming said, squeezing his shoulders.

Young people grew fast; bones grew sturdy, gradually shedding the thin and frail silhouette. Ah, in the blink of an eye, the youngest son had grown this big too.

Seeing his dad was practically on the verge of searching up fascial knives, Zhan Yan hurriedly cut in.

“Mom, how long can you stay home this time?”

Ji Yueming: “I have something to attend to the day after tomorrow and need to head out. Not sure how many days it will take.”

Zhan Yunkai froze instantly, his handsome face clouding with unhappiness.

Ji Yueming comforted him: “It might not take very long; perhaps I can return the same day.”

Zhan Yan was puzzled. What does Mom have going on the day after tomorrow?

He pulled up the Gossip System for a quick look.

Ahhh, they had scheduled the purging of the curse of Infinite in Yang Ran’s soul for the day after tomorrow, and just to be safe, Mom was going to keep watch over it in person!

Wait a second—that means Gu Jiancheng’s secret identity and Mom’s secret identity are about to meet face-to-face!