Stupidly staring at the side profile of Nangong Su'e, who was focused on her work, the comfort and ease brought by the infusion of the nutrient liquid into his veins spread throughout his body. Both mentally and physically relaxed, Zhu Haomiao unknowingly fell into a slumber. When he opened his eyes again, the only light left outside the window was the remnants of the sunset glow.
"......"
It seems like all I've done today is eat and sleep...
I'm too lazy!
No, I need to pull myself together!
Sitting up from the bed, Zhu Haomiao found that only a band-aid was left on the back of his hand, while not far away, Teacher Su'e was holding a small test tube filled with blood, looking thoughtful.
Instinctively, Zhu Haomiao realized that the blood in that tube was his own!
"You're awake."
Noticing the movement nearby, Nangong Su'e slightly turned around. The warm light of the sunset cast a dreamy golden veil over her, making her smile seem like an autumn dream—beautiful yet unreal.
His heart skipped a beat, and feeling his inner turmoil, Zhu Haomiao quickly averted his gaze and awkwardly changed the subject.
"Uh, teacher, is that my blood?"
"Yes, I drew a bit while you were asleep. I need it for what's next."
"Need it?"
"Mm."
Putting away the test tube, Nangong Su'e gave no further explanation and warmly waved him off.
"Go have dinner quickly, the cafeteria is about to close."
"No need, I'll just grab some snacks when I get back."
Upon hearing the word "cafeteria," Zhu Haomiao involuntarily shivered. He's almost developed PTSD towards the cafeteria now; each visit felt less like eating and more like facing a tribulation...
Hearing this, Nangong Su'e slightly frowned.
"How can that be? I've told you to eat properly. You're eating too little; you're not getting enough nutrition..."
No!
I'm eating too much...
Listening to Nangong Su'e's nagging, Zhu Haomiao gave a bitter smile, though his heart felt warm.
"I understand. I'll take care of it."
"Mm."
Seeing the young man obediently admit his fault, Nangong Su'e nodded in satisfaction.
"Make sure to eat well, or I'll withdraw your competition application."
"Huh?? You can even withdraw it?!"
"Hehe."
...............
For some time afterward, Zhu Haomiao went about his classes, research, and infusions in an orderly fashion. Life was calm yet fulfilling.
During this period, his body expanded like a balloon, even gaining a centimeter in height. Now, without clothes, he looked at most slender and delicate, rather than the terrifyingly ugly skeletal appearance from before.
Feeling his body and mind gradually becoming healthier and even stronger, Zhu Haomiao was extremely satisfied, and the data in the [Book of Black] allowed him to directly and truly perceive his comprehensive transformation.
[God]: 0.6→0.7↑
[Dexterity]: 0.5→0.6↑
[Strength]: 0.4→0.5↑
[Essence]: 0.3→0.4↑
[Qi]: 0.3→0.4↑
[Body]: 0.4→0.5↑
The six-dimensional attributes all increased by 0.1, and the upward arrows showed that there was still significant room for improvement.
The only thing that disappointed Zhu Haomiao was that there were no responses to the applications from either Ye Wan Ning or Teacher Su'e. As the application deadline loomed, he slowly abandoned hope.
"Shui, come, eat something."
As per usual, upon entering the familiar meditation room 302, he saw Ye Wan Ning waving at him, with a table filled with all sorts of delicious food.
"Senior sister, my name isn't Shui, it's Miao."
With a weary retort, Zhu Haomiao helplessly sat next to her.
"You have so much 'water,' why can't I call you Shui?"
"......"
Facing Ye Wan Ning's unreasonable antics, Zhu Haomiao could only helplessly let her call him whatever she wished.
"Here's your [Mega Taro Ball Red Bean Pudding Coconut Jelly Pearl Milk Tea]."
A large, thick milk tea was handed to him. Zhu Haomiao skillfully inserted the straw and took a sip, then, seeing Ye Wan Ning happily sipping the same milk tea, said.
"Senior sister, you don't need to buy two cups. You always drink just a little; I can just finish the rest."
"No way!"
Ye Wan Ning's eyes widened, shaking her head adamantly.
Though their relationship had grown less distant over time, considering the boy's pride, Ye Wan Ning wouldn't let him feel like he was receiving charity.
Even if the leftover milk tea ended up in his stomach, it was different in nature!
On the other hand, Zhu Haomiao hesitated, remained silent for a few seconds, and shook his head in resignation.
"Eat! Eat! I've been waiting for you and I'm starving."
Ye Wan Ning, eager and rubbing her hands together, picked up her chopsticks and launched an attack on the buffet of delicious food.
Yet after a flurry of moves, her actual eating power was embarrassingly weak.
She only took a few bites of each dish to taste, then sipped the milk tea twice more, appearing utterly satisfied as she set down her chopsticks.
"I'm full, so stuffed~"
"......"
Chewing slowly, Zhu Haomiao glanced at her, inwardly rolling his eyes.
With that little bird stomach of yours, you buy so much every time. Classic case of having eyes bigger than your stomach!
On the other side, taking another sip of the [Mega Taro Ball Red Bean Pudding Coconut Jelly Pearl Milk Tea], Ye Wan Ning scrunched her face, smacked her lips, and handed the milk tea to Zhu Haomiao.
"The first sip is the best; it gets a bit cloying afterward."
You always eat just for the first bite, with your greedy mouth and small stomach. The name Diao Chan should really be yours!
Quietly grumbling inwardly, Zhu Haomiao skillfully took her milk tea, finishing the rest in two gulps.
Beside him, Ye Wan Ning propped her chin with one hand, quietly watching Zhu Haomiao eat, chatting with him on and off.
"Shui, it's more fun to eat with you. Every time, I get to taste so many different dishes and can order whatever I like!"
And then you take a bite of each, leaving the rest for me to handle?
Am I a trash can?
Are you just dumping everything into my mouth?
Zhu Haomiao wanted to reprimand her loudly, but she gave so much that he could only eat quietly, swallowing his grievances.
Another reason was that the spread of delicious dishes in front of him was truly enticing.
Each dish was a signature of nearby old restaurants, not necessarily expensive but definitely with appealing color, aroma, and taste!
In comparison, the school cafeteria fare could only be described as plentiful and filling, cheap and affordable.
Paid sleep, good food—being picky at this point would truly seem ungrateful...
Oblivious to the boy's inner thoughts, Ye Wan Ning, tilting her head, watched him eat with a hint of an elusive smile at the corner of her lips.
That smile reminded Zhu Haomiao of the expression he had when watching Diao Chan showcase her culinary prowess.
Wait, is she raising me like a pet?