Chapter 111
Lin Ran was also a little surprised, seeing this, he didn’t expect Yuanbao to come back so soon.
“Did you come back early? Has Grandma finished her physiotherapy?”
“The physiotherapy takes a bit longer, we’ll go pick up Grandma in the afternoon.”
Secretary Ser explained in response to A-Ran’s question.
Lin Ran felt that this was also good, at least Grandma wouldn’t find out that a bunch of “strange guests” had come to their house.
“Then we’ll go pick up Grandma together in the afternoon. Why aren’t you guys moving? Aren’t you hungry?”
However, looking at the demons around him, he found that they were all as still as statues.
Turning around and seeing Yuanbao’s extremely unpleasant expression, Lin Ran realized the reason and couldn’t help but laugh.
“Let’s not go to anyone’s house for dinner today, how about we cook and eat together?”
Holding Yuanbao’s hand, Lin Ran called out to everyone behind him.
Shao Mian’s expression softened the moment he was held, although he tried to maintain his stern facade.
But the next second, Lin Ran looked up at Shao Mian, who was silent, a questioning look in his eyes.
It inexplicably reminded Shao Mian of that childhood photo, incredibly cute.
“…Then let’s cook together.”
So his words came out before his actions!
“Very well, then let’s divide the work. There’s no one to help with cooking today, so we have to wash vegetables and cook together, let’s be frugal and hardworking.”
Having successfully dealt with the angry Yuanbao, Lin Ran cheerfully called out to the still slightly guilty demons behind him, and the atmosphere instantly became lively again.
Although Shao Mian stood aside with a sinister look, he only had one thought in mind.
He must increase their training when they got back!
Was it because they had been too relaxed for too long that they had become so careless?
Although the fluffy creatures felt a chill down their spines being stared at, they couldn’t resist the fact that A-Ran had gone to find aprons.
“I only found five aprons, those who wear aprons can stay in the kitchen as the main force, and the others who didn’t get aprons can go pick vegetables? Does anyone want an apron?”
Lin Ran looked at the plain cotton aprons in his hand, worried that they might not want to wear them, finding them a bit rustic, after all, the style didn’t seem to match their aura.
“Anyway, I’ll put one on Yuanbao first, he definitely can’t avoid working.”
So Lin Ran directly grabbed Shao Mian, a little mischievously curious about what Yuanbao would look like wearing an apron.
Shao Mian didn’t dodge and, under the gazes of many demons, was the first to put on Grandma’s jujube red apron.
All the fluffy creatures wanted to laugh but didn’t dare to, their lips twitching slightly.
“You still have to tie it at the back, don’t move yet.”
Lin Ran subconsciously reached out and gently tied the apron strings around Shao Mian’s waist, and Shao Mian unnaturally straightened his back and looked around.
Now, all the fluffy creatures were truly envious.
Wait, A-Ran would even personally help them put on an apron! This was too blissful, wasn’t it?
“Me, me!!”
After Anvers raised his hand first, a bunch of fluffy creatures immediately started scrambling for it.
Coming here today to ask A-Ran to go home for dinner was truly a great deal~
“Don’t you have hands? I’ve already demonstrated it, and you still don’t know how to tie it?”
But just as Lin Ran was about to help them tie it one by one, he was blocked by Shao Mian, who looked at Anvers. His gaze fell on Anvers’ feather hair clip, finding it an eyesore.
Anvers was a little annoyed.
“Should I tie it for you?”
Shao Mian sneered and raised an eyebrow, the threat in his tone obvious.
Hearing this, Anvers immediately tied it skillfully, not daring to say anything.
Lin Ran’s eyes smiled seeing this scene, feeling that Yuanbao was becoming more and more childish.
However, it felt quite good to try cooking with so many people for the first time.
Even though the demons present were also trying to cook for the first time, just looking at the busy A-Ran beside them made them happy.
If the fire in the stove wasn’t strong enough, Anvers could fan it with his wings.
Atylanthos was even more practical, washing vegetables like an automatic vegetable washing machine. His water control ability was indeed much better than his brother Ossi’s, who wasn’t here today, washing the vegetables until they were sparkling clean.
Besides the great demons, the little demons were also helping very obediently.
“Thank you, Little Feather.”
Lin Ran, seeing the sliced carrots handed to him by Little Feather, thanked him with a smile and threw them into the pot.
“Ee!”
Little Feather happily spun around, wishing he could cut a few more thousand carrots for A-Ran!
Fortunately, he was stopped by Anvers just as he was about to do it.
Although there were constant small problems, with the cooperation of these great demons who usually didn’t see eye to eye, everything was progressing in an orderly manner amidst the chaos!
Even Lin Ran was very surprised when a table full of dishes was actually made.
He couldn’t help but take out his phone and take a photo.
[Ran: So happy! First time cooking with so many good friends. ^-^ [Photo]]
He wondered what that little demon who was wandering around was doing.
This small thought appeared in Lin Ran’s mind.
And seeing A-Ran’s happy expression, even Wen Erman and Anvers, who almost fought over who could cut vegetables faster while cooking, instantly felt more agreeable towards each other.
They felt that it was all worth it for A-Ran!
And the moment Lin Ran posted the photo on his WeChat Moments, all the demons found that they had received an unexpected system notification!
[@All Demons]
[A-Ran’s mood increased by 30%! Today’s A-Ran is feeling a bit happy~]
[Affection Level of all demon partners present increased by 30 points! Congratulations on triggering and successfully completing the hidden Affection quest: Let’s Cook Together~]
It turned out that “Demon World,” with its scheming heart, had directly posted this photo in the system notification and announced the reward to the entire server!
[Ahhh, no way, what!? Is this event still available——]
[Holy crap, I thought I wouldn’t be able to compete today, so I didn’t go, but there was a hidden quest!!]
[I jumped out of bed, why!?]
And the demons on the “Demon World” forum who missed it for various reasons almost screamed.
A-Ran cooking looked so cute!
[Really, really super cute, there’s even Apron A-Ran. [Photo] Heehee, so gentle and handsome! A-Ran even asked me if I wanted to eat carrots!]
Some lucky demons who participated in the event couldn’t help but show off their happiness, and the photos they posted made the entire forum boil.
[Although, I actually saw our Patriarch Anvers wearing an apron too!? Patriarch, where’s your image!]
Some demons who unexpectedly found their patriarch in the photo felt that their worldview had been shattered.
So, Patriarch, you weren’t staying in the clan properly, but ran off to wear an apron and cook for A-Ran?
[Lol, if you look closely, Wen Erman, the patriarch of the Arctic Fox Clan, the Feather Clan’s nemesis, is also wearing one.]
But just as the Feather Clan’s rivals were about to mock them, some demons found that the patriarch of their rival clan was also present?
[No, no, no, zooming in on the blond figure wearing an apron in the corner, isn’t it even more terrifying… (Shocked paw covering mouth)]
After carefully counting, everyone realized that this was truly a gathering of great demons.
Even the Demon King was wearing an apron under A-Ran’s command!
[Big Lion, I understand now, so if you’re not powerful enough, you can’t even snatch A-Ran’s apron? TwT]
[I understand too, I’m going to train harder, otherwise I won’t even be qualified to squeeze beside A-Ran and help him cook]
[Our Demon World is indeed a place where strength speaks!]
Although this super strong apron squad in the photo also strangely motivated a lot of demons to train harder overnight.
If they weren’t strong enough, they wouldn’t even have the chance to wear an apron for A-Ran.
“Demon World” was a little surprised by this result, but also quite happy to see it.
After all, with the recovery of magic power and no longer needing to fight over resources, many lazy demons had started to slack off in their training, hmph, this was absolutely unacceptable.
Everyone had to work hard and become super powerful demons that A-Ran could be proud of!
However, just after Lin Ran posted on his WeChat Moments, Counselor Da Ding’s comment appeared below.
[Da Ding: Yo, went back to your hometown for the weekend? The food looks good. Want to know some good news? [Sunglasses]]
Seeing Counselor Da Ding’s message, Lin Ran instantly had a guess.
As expected, Da Ding had already privately messaged Lin Ran a series of notices and procedures and even pulled him into the group chat for the winter study abroad program.
[The results of the project interview are out, you got the A-level funding! Go and experience it before the New Year! You can also apply for a visa right away~]
Da Ding had always known about Lin Ran’s family situation, so he tried his best to help him get it.
Coupled with Lin Ran’s excellent resume, he finally successfully obtained the A-level funding, which was equivalent to a government-funded trip abroad.
The teaching location was Talma Island overseas. Although the basic conditions there, such as education, were relatively underdeveloped, the natural scenery was very beautiful.
They would set off immediately after the final exams, returning about two weeks later, just in time for the New Year.
[Da Ding: And there will be teachers from the school accompanying you, and there will be partner schools there, so your grandma can rest assured.]
Da Ding gave him a few more instructions.
[Ran: Mm-hmm, I understand, thank you, teacher!]
[Da Ding: [Patting shoulder.jpg] And Talma Island is also known as Mermaid Island, maybe you can even see mermaids. It is said that seeing them will bring you good luck for a whole year!]
Mermaids?
Lin Ran smiled, not really caring, he had already seen very beautiful mermen.
Especially little Ossi, he would definitely be very beautiful when he grew up.
And Grandma, after learning the news, was naturally very supportive.
“Go wherever you want, don’t worry about us, we’re doing well at home. If you don’t have enough money, just tell us.”
Grandma’s spirits had been quite good since she was brought back today.
Lin Ran squatted down and looked at Grandma’s leg for a while, finding that it had really recovered quite a bit, and her joints weren’t as stiff as before.
“I know, Grandma.”
Sensing Grandma’s worry, Lin Ran explained with a smile.
Grandma also smiled, finding it novel that her grandson was going abroad for the first time at such an age.
However, Shao Mian wagged his tail and couldn’t help but want to follow.
“That won’t do, even if you transform into a cat, you can’t follow, the teachers and classmates are all watching.”
Lin Ran, packing his luggage, saw through Yuanbao’s thoughts at a glance.
“And I have to see if there’s anything wrong with Xiao Mingfei this time.”
Lin Ran glanced at the group chat and confirmed that Xiao Mingfei had also signed up for this program and was even the team leader.
Actually, the demons had seriously discussed the message conveyed by Lin Ran.
“How could this be done by demons? Maybe those humans secretly obtained demonic aura from somewhere.”
The demons who had gathered in the S City villa for a regular meeting had a strangely gentler atmosphere than before.
The biggest reason was probably that they, who rarely interacted with each other before, had now met many times in “Demon World’s” various limited-time events.
Even the usually hostile patriarchs of the Feather Clan and Fox Clan could stand together and cook in aprons, so it would be strange to continue maintaining their previous tense and aloof state.
Although Elder Gu Li, stroking his long beard, still stubbornly expressed his opinion, feeling that this couldn’t have been caused by their demons.
If it weren’t for the message conveyed by Lin Ran, such nonsense wouldn’t even be discussed at the meeting!
“However, the issue of stray demons is indeed something we overlooked before. It’s necessary to establish a long-term system to regulate this.”
Ms. Oni brought up the issue of stray demons.
They hadn’t had the extra energy to pay attention to it before, but after A-Ran noticed it, everyone realized that this wasn’t so simple.
Or perhaps it was precisely because of A-Ran’s existence that many demons started to rethink the relationship between humans and demons.
“Indeed, let’s try to find those who can be found.”
“I agree.”
“We can also cooperate.”
Ms. Oni’s proposal naturally received the approval of many demons present.
Of course, the main reason was that “Demon World” would give extra Affection points and contribution points to any clan that found a stray demon!
However, just as the serious matters were discussed and the meeting was about to end, when all the demons looked at Shao Mian in the main seat, they found that he was tapping his fingers on the table.
“Do you know what the upcoming human New Year means?”
This question really stunned many demons. Many of the patriarchs and elders present hadn’t carefully studied these human cultural festivals.
“I know, it symbolizes reunion! And celebrating the arrival of a beautiful new year~”
Liliya, as an important member of the Fox Clan, raised her hand and said.
Mainly because she had drawn a human New Year’s blind box after work and found it very cute.
“Then what about birthdays?”
“Uh, demons don’t really celebrate birthdays.”
“But after A-Ran held one for Nemo, this custom has become popular, it will be an unexpected surprise.”
Ms. Oni thoughtfully continued the topic.
A guess appeared in her mind, was it some demon’s birthday?
The next second, Shao Mian solemnly and somewhat smugly took out that photo.
It was the photo of A-Ran’s New Year’s birthday when he was young, which he had copied from Grandma!
“So, the following matters must be kept strictly confidential.”
Shao Mian, with a serious expression, didn’t want this secret surprise to be accidentally leaked.
All the demons: !!!
If they didn’t think it was too rude, they would have already wanted to lean over and take a closer look.
Although demons usually had very good eyesight, they could still see clearly even from across the meeting table.
But how could A-Ran, a human cub, be so cute!?
Was this really something a human could achieve?
Many demons even wanted to directly change A-Ran’s household registration to the Demon World.
The scene of little A-Ran in the photo, innocently holding Grandma’s hand and looking at the camera, could melt the hearts of all demons.
Even the chibi version wasn’t as attractive anymore, they wanted this!
Wait, so they were going to prepare a birthday for A-Ran?
When this thought appeared in their minds, the eyes of all the great demon clans lit up.
“Indeed.”
Seeing that all the demons had finally reacted, Shao Mian nodded slightly.
In fact, even Sootball, Little Feather, Snowball, and other little demons had been privately instructed by Shao Mian.
The little guys also nodded repeatedly, bowing obediently and saying that they would definitely complete the mission!
Lin Ran, on the other hand, was a little unaccustomed to the group of fluffy creatures at home being so quiet and not clinging to him as he prepared to leave.
“Why do I feel like you guys are secretly preparing something behind my back recently?”
Lin Ran was a little suspicious, not knowing what these fluffy creatures were up to.
“Are we?”
Shao Mian coughed and said no.
“Sootball, what do you think?”
Even when Sootball was held up to A-Ran’s face and coaxed into answering, he struggled for a long time and firmly shook his head, saying that he couldn’t tell.
“…”
This was truly unexpected for Lin Ran.
Sootball actually had little secrets from him.
Sigh, could it be that even fluffy creatures grew up? Were they becoming independent?
Lin Ran sighed as he devoted himself to packing. After the final exams, he officially set off from school with the team to the airport.
It was his first time going abroad, it would be a lie to say that he wasn’t curious and nervous.
But to Lin Ran’s surprise, Luo Xiao and the others were also on this trip!
“Although we didn’t get the A-level funding, there were still enough self-funded spots for a few more people. How about it, surprised?”
Luo Xiao and the others smiled, looking at the wide-eyed Lin-zai, and couldn’t help but want to hug their buddy.
“You guys actually managed to keep it from me until now, that’s a bit too much.”
Lin Ran smiled and let his good friends hug him, his nervousness easing quite a bit.
Having familiar friends with him would naturally make him feel more relaxed.
However, Xiao Mingfei, the team leader, who was in charge of checking in, was forced to stop as he was about to approach, seeing this scene.
With Luo Xiao and the others following Lin Ran, he had fewer opportunities to privately contact him.
His body’s rejection of demonic aura had become increasingly severe recently, even Xiao Mingfei was a little panicked.
He subconsciously felt that Lin Ran must have some way to avoid it, otherwise, how could he explain that he could also control demonic aura, but never had any adverse reactions?
“Ee…”
Little Feather, hiding in the backpack, opened the zipper a little and warily observed Xiao Mingfei.
Little Feather was very happy to be able to accompany A-Ran on this trip.
After all, Snowball and Sootball couldn’t come this time, so only he was by A-Ran’s side!
Maybe he could even sleep with A-Ran alone at night, if A-Ran didn’t go to “Demon World” to sleep.
But Little Feather’s beautiful dream didn’t last long and was shattered shortly after the plane landed.
“Hello, Mr. Atylanthos? I didn’t expect you to value this so much and even personally come to attend the opening ceremony, thank you so much for your support.”
The teacher leading the S University team smiled and looked at the man and the other leaders in front of him.
It was the first day of their teaching program, and the local school had organized a simple opening ceremony in the auditorium, but the guests present were unexpectedly important.
This head of Ross Marine looked even younger and more promising than in the news.
Although An Wenjing, the leading teacher, subconsciously glanced at Lin Ran in the team, suspecting that the reason for the sudden sponsorship was probably related to him.
“A- A-Ran——!”
And Ossi couldn’t help but run to A-Ran, pulling his clothes and softly calling out.
The students who had just arrived all looked at Lin Ran in surprise.
Especially Luo Xiao and the others, who subconsciously wanted to protect Lin Ran, but after seeing that it was a beautiful little boy who was stealthily approaching, they paused.
Lin Ran’s face felt a little hot, but he still squatted down and hugged Ossi.
“Why are you here, Ossi?”
The little cub didn’t know that his actions would make him the center of attention, and Lin Ran was very tolerant.
“A-Ran, guest!” Of course, he had to come!
In Ossi’s eyes, as long as it was the sea, it was his clan’s home, so if A-Ran came to the sea, he was naturally a guest.
And coincidentally, this famous Talma Island was actually near the Scythe Clan’s settlement in the human world.
In a sense, this was also why Shao Mian felt that there shouldn’t be any problems on Lin Ran’s trip.
If there were any accidents at sea, then Atylanthos, the clan leader, wouldn’t be fit for his position.
“Wait, so those mermaid legends…”
Lin Ran was silent for a moment, then suddenly felt like he had discovered a blind spot.
Could it be the Scythe Clan demons!?
Atylanthos, noticing Lin Ran’s gaze, smiled slightly.
It wasn’t too strange for him to occasionally not want to maintain his human form and be seen by human fishing boats while swimming in the sea with his tail, right?
And this wasn’t as serious as being discovered by humans on land.
Humans always gave romantic explanations to these strange phenomena encountered at sea.
Just like the legend of being lucky for a whole year after encountering a mermaid at sea.
Luo Xiao and the others looked at Atylanthos, who was smiling at them from afar, with a wary expression. This guy couldn’t be trying to get close to Lin-zai, could he?
However, Atylanthos also knew his official duties on this trip. After arranging for someone to bring back Ossi, who was reluctant to leave, they continued with their itinerary.
“Lin-zai, look at this schedule, they actually arranged time for us to go out to sea every day! Do you think we can encounter mermaids?”
“If we do, does it mean that the upcoming New Year will be very lucky?”
So after the opening ceremony and mobilization meeting ended smoothly, Luo Xiao, Zhu Yao, and the others naturally shared the same dormitory with Lin Ran again, and although Xiao Mingfei was a little unwilling, he could only stay in the dormitory opposite theirs.
Although the dormitory conditions were a bit simple, the scenery outside the window was as beautiful as a painting, an endless ocean view.
Occasionally, there were even fishing boats going out to sea.
“Do you really want to see mermaids?”
Lin Ran asked with a smile.
He felt that if they really wanted to see one, Ossi, this little fish, would probably be happy to swim around a few times.
Although he wasn’t quite the same as the mermaids Zhu Yao imagined.
