Chapter 245

Li Hua Dàolao going to work?

After hearing Ling Yue's translation, most of the accompanying guests were very curious, strongly expressing they wanted to go see how Li Hua Dàolao goes to work.

Li Hua Dàolao stepped lightly, leading them to another road; along the way they passed an acrobatic troupe performing flower spears, fire-breathing, and stilt-walking, which drew rounds of cheers.

Not to mention the on-site visitors shouting praise, the response was enthusiastic; even those watching on screen had their eyes glued, unable to look away.

In the lively atmosphere, Li Hua Dàolao didn't look back as Ling Yue followed to a small stall; in an instant, a fine light sparkled in her eyes.

So pretty.

Li Hua Dàolao lay on the ground; more precisely, on a soft mat spread on the ground, wrapped in light-colored coarse cloth around soft cotton, with excellent elasticity; the mat, which should have been square, was plump like overbaked toast.

Ling Yue's eyesight was excellent; she instantly saw the fur clinging to the mat, and the tiger-like Li Hua Dàolao meowed, its chubby body rolling back and forth.

"Be good, you're back?" said the stall owner beside them, an old man with white-speckled hair, thin build, his eyes showing no signs of age, bright and spirited.

He looked affectionately at Li Hua Dàolao, chuckling, "The little kitty turned over," and Ling Yue heard it sound so... coy and sweet for the first time.

【Wow, my heart's about to melt, the kitty's cute voice, so adorable!】

【This is literally my dream cat! Both salty and sweet!】

Li Hua Dàolao scratched the mat; the coarse cloth is not like the soft cotton fabrics sold today, its feel is stiff, only a few rural areas still preserve the weaving method, using old spinning wheels and wooden looms, shuttle by shuttle, with a thousand-year tradition, essentially a long history.

The biggest advantage of this material is its durability and resistance to wear; the drawback is obvious: the fabric is rough and very hard, but for cats it's perfect for sharpening their claws, high-quality coarse cloth equals any market cat scratching post.

Li Hua Dàolao has four white mittens; its spread paw pads resemble plump, snow-white mangosteen flesh, and the sharp claws hooking and grinding on them make it purr with pleasure.

Turning its head toward Ling Yue, it said, "So comfortable~ really comfortable~ feel free to look around, I'm going to work now!"

The cat called out coquettishly, no trace of its former fierceness left.

Ling Yue then realized the old man's stall was actually a dough figurine stand, displaying various models: the Heavenly Palace-raiding Great Sage Equal to Heaven Sun Wukong in armor, even the two long feather plumes on his head bearing exquisite patterns, very beautiful.

There were also other dough figurines, such as Daiyu burying flowers, the intoxicated imperial concubine, and various figures, as well as exquisite objects and animals: a lovable giant panda, lively colorful koi, vivid and lifelike.

"Great Sage Equal to Heaven! Dad, I want the Great Sage Equal to Heaven!"

Ling Yue's gaze shifted; a chubby little kid ran over excitedly, squatting before the stall, his big dark eyes darting from one to another, his chubby hands pinching his mouth, it was clear he wanted to take all of them home.

The old man chuckled as he continued his work; the soft, colorful dough in his hands could be shaped into anything.

Not only the children, but even the grown-ups watching the screen stared without blinking.

In the blink of an eye, Lord Guan appeared on the stall, strikingly lifelike, his phoenix eyes bright and spirited, and his great blade engraved with various patterns.

【Wuwuwu so awesome so awesome!】

【Mom, I've found a treasure! Grandpa, can you make one for me?】

【It must be expensive! I don't even dare to touch it, it's really great!】

【Dough figurines?! This is our country's intangible cultural heritage, passed down for over a thousand years, made from wheat flour, glutinous rice flour, starch, and honey oil into ripe dough. Commonly called pinning dough people.】

【The Southern Song's Dreams of Splendor of the Eastern Capital records dough figurines: "Made with oiled flour, sugar, and honey to resemble smiling cheeks." Back then, dough figurines were edible, called 'fruit food'.】

【Something this beautiful, can it be eaten? Even if it could be, I couldn't bear to eat it; I'd rather vacuum-seal it and keep it, it's just too beautiful! 【beautiful cry】【beautiful cry】】

"Tianti? Why are you running so fast?" Just then, the adult finally caught up; the child lunged at his father: "Dad, the best dad in the world! My superhero dad!"

Sweet nothings that made everyone feel squeamish.

Puffed up with praise, the father instinctively pushed up his glasses, pressed his lips, and warily asked, "What are you up to? What nasty scheme do you have, you little rascal?"

The little chubby Tianti giggled foolishly: "Good dad~~ can you buy me a Great Sage Equal to Heaven? I want QWQ"

Looking at the exquisite dough figurine, the father also froze, his heart giving a soft hiss: "This is so beautiful and delicate, it must cost a lot, right?"

Suddenly his thigh sank; it was his silly son clinging to his leg, mouth puckered, uh-oh!

He glanced around, caught sight of his wife's silhouette, and his heart leapt; if his wife saw him making the son cry, she'd surely scold him again, and after the scolding she'd probably still have to pay.

Between being scolded and paying, he unhesitatingly chose to pay.

"Old sir, how much for the dough figurine?"

【Surely expensive! Can't afford it QAQ】

The old man who had been silently observing smiled: "Ten dollars each, and custom orders are possible."

"Ten dollars?!" the man shouted at the top of his lungs, like a screaming chicken.

The old man jumped: "How about eight dollars? Can't go any cheaper."

The chubby dad immediately reacted, shaking his head: "No no no, I think this price is very cheap."

"Tianti, you just wanted Sun Wukong, didn't you? Dad's buying it for you!" He thought, not just one, but ten or eight would be affordable.

Others reacted the same way, including the netizens watching the screen; upon hearing ten dollars, they fell silent for a moment, then burst into a chorus of wails.

【Help! Help! Help! This is too cheap! Our neighborhood soy milk is six dollars a cup!】

【... Ten dollars really isn't expensive; recently for Valentine's Day, a single flower was nine ninety-nine!】

【I want it! What should I do? I'm dying to have it—can I fly over overnight?】

【Sisters, I looked it up on Baidu; this temple fair lasts half a month, and it's just started—you can go! 【universal celebration】】

The dad who bought Sun Wukong heard about custom orders and asked casually; he never expected it to be like this——

He watched wide-eyed as the old man rolled and pressed; his eyes almost glazed over, then with another pinch, before his brain could react, a vivid likeness of his wife appeared before him.

Her expression and demeanor—could only be described as exactly the same!

The old man handed it over; beside him, his wife laughed until her eyes curved, she punched his shoulder with a small fist: "We're an old married couple, why are you doing this again..."

The man: "……"

Suddenly forced to swallow a big mouthful of dog food, the netizens——

【No personal attacks!】

【Valentine's Day is over, why are you still making me eat dog food!】

【What's wrong with me, a single dog? I was just watching the show nicely, then suddenly got yeeted out!】

The old man didn't take much time to pinch out a family of three; they treasured it like a precious find, specially buying a transparent box to hold it, simply unable to put it down.

Not to mention them, even netizens are about to die of envy.

After the couple left, the guests accompanying Ling Yue immediately gathered around, having already been tempted earlier; now each person pre‑ordered a little dough figurine.

Only Ling Yue was somewhat hesitant.

She didn't have enough money on hand.

She greedily wanted to make a Mystic Cat Queen, a Xunbao Shu Duo Duo, the guard dog Da Hei, Ya Ya, the Feng Shui Turtle Master… all the little animals at home she wanted one of, but she didn't have enough money!

Who understands this kind of agony!

While she was thinking, Song Youli's dough figurine was already finished—it showed her holding a little rabbit. Seeing it, she covered her mouth in surprise, and an uncontrollable voice escaped: "It looks just like me!"

Almost exactly the same!

When it was Qin Yingdi's turn, he paid fifteen yuan. Because the Siberian Husky following him was really too big, the old man grabbed a large lump of dough.

Old man: "You'll just pay fifteen, right?"

He didn't understand and asked doubtfully: "Why?"

Everyone else pays ten, why does he have to pay fifteen?

Old man: "Your dog is too fat; the figurine should be about your size, so I'm giving you a discount."

Qin Mingwei: "……"

He glanced at the mischievous offspring beside him; the chubby Siberian Husky seemed to sense something, immediately lifted its head, and with its wise blue‑gray eyes looked at its owner: "Wooh~"

"Owner, what are you looking at me for?"

Qin Yingdi: "Huihui, shouldn't you lose some weight?"

The Siberian Husky Huihui argued vehemently: "Woof woof woof!"

"Where is the pet association? Someone's abusing dogs!"

It was furious, its thick fur puffing up layer after layer—since it had a double coat. In its anger, it placed a paw on its owner's shoulder; the moment the heavy weight landed in his hand, Qin Yingdi froze.

"So heavy!"

The dog fiercely retorted: "Ow ow ow I'm not heavy, I'm not fat! Owner, you're lying to the dog!"

It howled and scrabbled a few times, and Qin Yingdi's neatly pressed clothes became a messy mess of fur, dark and light strands sticking all over.

The scene fell into chaos for a moment.

Even the gentle and tranquil Ru Tan couldn't help laughing; feeling the weight on her head, she lifted her eyes gently, and the Persian cat Guo Guo's light call came from above: "Mom~ Mom smells so good~"

The kitten obediently lowered its head, its pink nose rubbing against the owner's hair.

Ru Tan didn't understand the words, but she could feel it—this wasn't a heavy burden; it was clearly her obedient daughter's weighty love!

She stroked the kitten, soothingly saying: "Guo Guo, wait a moment; Mom and Guo Guo's dough figurine will be ready soon."

The cat perched on her head like an adorable hat; the cream‑colored kitten was gilded by sunlight, and Ru Tan smiled warmly and charmingly, her amiable aura making one feel as if drunk in the warm spring sunshine.

In that instant, the people behind her turned into a blurred background.

That photo was instantly screenshotted and shared by netizens, rocketing to the top of Weibo's hot search.

Finally, when it was Ling Yue's turn and she hadn't made a dough figurine, even the orange‑tabby big shot curiously asked her: "Are you out of money?"

It said while glancing at Ling Yue's Feng Shui Turtle behind her: "Meow meow, what a huge turtle!"

"Want me to talk to the owner and get you a waiver?"

Ling Yue shook her head; she still had thirty yuan, and even if the turtle were twice as big, she could totally afford it!

But she still wanted dough figurines of her other little cuties at home, so that amount wasn't enough.

Ling Yue sighed wistfully, raising her eyes to speak, when steady footsteps came from behind: "Yueyue, I've found you."

Not to mention the production crew; even netizens were shocked, and immediately others came over—since they were filming a show, they thought it was a passerby who had wandered in by mistake and wanted to drive them out of the frame.

But they didn't know that after hearing the sound, Ling Yue blinked slowly, and sparks of joy shattered in her pupils, rippling outward.

She licked her lips, trying to appear calm and composed before turning around.

Their gazes met in the air; the person opposite smiled lowly, voice like a clear spring: "Yueyue."

Ling Yue curled her fingers, pressed her fist to her lips, and introduced to everyone: "This is my friend."

Song Youli chimed in: "Oh oh oh, I get it, I get it~~"

The trailing tildes rose and fell, especially undulating.

Ling Yue turned her gaze to him; beneath the half‑covered tiger mask, the man's thin lips and superior jawline were revealed.

In the end, Ling Yue still ordered dough figurines of all the little animals.

She took the phone the other person produced, which showed photos of all the little animals at home, and told the old man: "Give me one of each."

The old man chuckled and nodded: "Little miss, you want all of these, can you carry them?"

Ling Yue startled, the transparent gift box beside her was already handed over; the person lowered their head, lowered their voice, and told her: "I'll help you take them home."

As he spoke, he suddenly blurted out: "Also make one of her and one of me—I have photos."

Ling Yue pressed her lips, suddenly glad she was wearing a mask; a flush rose from her neck to behind her ears, her cheeks burning hot.

She answered loudly, as if covering up: "If what you said gets broken, watch out—I won't let you off easy!"

【Yo yo yo, friends, hear me say—the louder the voice, the guiltier the heart! 【dog】【dog】】

【What friend? I think it's Yueyue's boyfriend!】

【Wuwuwu, I want to cry, I've been dumped, but that little guy with a slim waist, broad shoulders, and long legs is a perfect match for Yueyue!】

【Sisters, take it easy—shipping CP is also great!】

【Sis, bro can, sis can too! 【hysterical】】

【I don't know why, but that guy seems familiar—his jawline and lips look so familiar, like I've seen them somewhere.】

While netizens were discussing, Ling Yue had already received all the animal dough figurines one after another; she finally packed them into a box, which actually filled an entire box. Looking at them, she couldn't help but turn up the corners of her mouth, her eyes and brows radiating sheer joy.

She instinctively glanced at the man.

The barrage exploded!

【Ahhh I remember, it's the previous Yueyue's assistant, that handsome guy!】

【As it turns out, the affair happened long ago, Yueyue, you've hidden it from me painfully!】

At this moment, Jun Jun finally took off the tiger mask, revealing an extremely outstanding handsome appearance, and the heat in the live-stream room surged up another level.

This episode of "Small Life" concluded perfectly amidst netizens' reluctance to part!

Director Liu also witnessed it firsthand—from over a hundred million views at launch to tens of billions now, thanks to the joint efforts of domestic and overseas fans.

It's said that many overseas fans even scaled the wall to follow several guests; Ling Yue accounted for the majority, while others could also get some broth—except Xu He, who after the broadcast lost many more fans than before, with many feeling he was just dead weight for the show.

That day, Xu He's family replaced their coffee table with a new one.

The production team didn't rest, immediately launching into nonstop editing, working overtime, hoping to quickly edit and upload the filmed footage of "Small Life" to the platform within this week while the heat is high.

In contrast, Ling Yue lounged at home; the top shelf of the living room bookcase held transparent glass covers that had been vacuum-sealed, nearly filling the entire shelf.

The Mysterious Cat Queen stepped on her belly with a gurgling sound, using all four paws, and asked her: "Comfortable or not? Want me to press harder?"

Xunbao Shu Duo Duo flatteringly pushed the fruit plate: "Fresh cherries, big and sweet, Yueyue, come eat!"

Ling Yue: "Wuu~ What a heavenly day!"

Her gift reached the heart of the little cutie at home; even the aloof Mysterious Cat Queen was captured.

Ling Yue's brows slightly curved as she opened her phone; seeing the notification of her "exposed relationship," her brain crashed on the spot, and she instinctively lifted her gaze, locking eyes with the man not far away.

He was reading; above the dark brown book, a pair of narrow eyes was outlined, a flash of green light flickering in their depths before vanishing.

Overnight, he became a version unfamiliar to Ling Yue.

Ling Yue was still thinking when Jun Jun suddenly stood up, walked over to her, and sat down at the edge of the sofa, causing the spacious sofa to suddenly feel narrow.

His body exuded a chilling, fresh-snow aura that spread out.

Ling Yue involuntarily leaned back and said, "What are you doing?"

She wanted to speak nicely, but blurted out a question instead.

Jun Jun was utterly unaffected, naturally explaining: "I'm looking at you, wanting to see you."

Ling Yue: "……"

The man suddenly threw a straight ball; his lowered eyes were deep and inscrutable, his speech suddenly rapid, yet the emotion within could melt all ice: "Yueyue, you know, I love you."

"I like you the most in the whole world, I love you the most, I want to date you."

Ling Yue's breath hitched: "What are you saying? I don't understand!"

She practically stumbled up from the sofa, running upstairs before stopping, touching her face—her fingertips burning; this was also her first time being confessed to.

How should she react?

Won't he misunderstand what I just said? Will he be disappointed?

Ling Yue blinked, then flung her body onto the bed, her exposed ears glowing red.

The pillow covered her face, but her mind raced like a lantern, recalling every bit of their time together.

Her ears grew hotter, her mind also in a jumble.

I don't know how long passed before the phone suddenly rang.

Ling Yue sprang up, her hair disheveled, cheeks flushed, like endless spring peach-blossom rain.

The call was from the Special Safety Bureau, Captain Jiang Ye.

Ling Yue: "Hello?"

Her rounded elbow half-supported her body; on her raised wrist, nine lustrous, verdant beads were strung into a bracelet, shining in the sun like semi-translucent glazed porcelain, with light flowing across it, spiritual energy swirling—its green hue something even the finest painter could not extract.

At a glance it's clearly not ordinary.

In fact, this is the previous Moon Lotus Soul Lotus Seed; a seed she planted in a spiritual energy formation, which took root and sprouted the moment it touched the ground, the high concentration of spiritual energy letting it bypass time limits outright.

Once it survived, Ling Yue used other beads to make a bracelet, having unintentionally discovered that the Moon Lotus Soul Lotus Seed is an excellent aid in cultivation; carrying it is tantamount to carrying a cave-heaven blessed land.

In this modern age of depleted spiritual energy, it's practically a cultivation essential!

Getting back to the point, hearing the other's words, Ling Yue furrowed her brow slightly: "You want me to go to the United States?"

Jiang Ye explained: "Do you remember the previous livestream about the seagull? At that time, the daughter of the renowned American maritime conglomerate Meisi family was present on-site; through Daoism they wished to invite you to assess feng shui—of course, this is just one reason. In five days, on the high seas, an unprecedented auction will be held, among which……"

His voice dropped low and barely audible: "The vast majority are actually Chinese antiques from our side; moreover, according to our planted informant and the Meisi family's disclosure, while it's billed as an antique auction, it's actually a Dharma artifact auction, drawing special-ability users from around the world."

"We originally wanted to invite Daoist Master Zhi Yi of Dragon Tiger Mountain, but he strongly recommended you instead!"

Ling Yue: "……"

She fell silent for a moment, not knowing how to respond, but Captain Jiang Ye, understanding her feelings, changed the subject.

Ling Yue understood: her two tasks upon reaching the U. S. are to help the Meisi family lift their curse, and to participate in the high-seas Dharma artifact auction—no, wait, the antique auction.

She stayed silent too long; this side, Jiang Ye wasn't sure whether to urge her further, when suddenly Ling Yue's voice came: "I'll take this mission."

She hung up, having already calculated the time she needed; thinking of "Small Life," she figured the second episode shouldn't involve participation, and was about to make a call.

The phone rang again; seeing the caller ID, she couldn't help but raise her eyebrows—speak of the devil, it was the production team's call.

Director Liu personally placed the call, warmly saying: "Ling Yue, our production team just received a temporary notice from above—the originally scheduled second episode is to be delayed by one week; I'm letting you know."

Ling Yue: "……"

Saying there's no involvement from the Special Safety Bureau here, she absolutely wouldn't believe it!

Director Liu's attitude was unusually good; even over the phone he laughed several times.

After hanging up, he still had a lingering smile, but upon seeing the listless deputy director, he frowned displeased: "What are you sighing about?"

The deputy director only then realized he was surprised—he was actually laughing?

The deputy director gritted his teeth: "Director Liu, our show is being delayed by a week! Do you know what could happen in a week? How can you still be happy?"

Liu Hengdu calmly lifted his teacup, took a light sip: "Really good tea."

Only then did he look toward the deputy director: "You understand what?"

This isn't bad news; it's actually an opportunity for our show team! Do you know what notice I just received?

The assistant director, listless, lowered his head: "It's just a delay in filming time, right?"

Liu Hengdu: "Hahaha, the higher-ups promised me something—our variety show has already gotten the license to broadcast on satellite TV!"

The assistant director blinked: "It's going to air on satellite TV?"

In the entertainment industry, he knows best—with policies tightening, who knows how many people film a drama each year, hoping to get on satellite TV, to broadcast live on satellite TV; now, with a bang, this good fortune smashed into his head!

It made his breath quicken and his heart surge.

That day, in the room, a loud, hearty laugh rang out.

Sunday, the Capital Airport, the largest in Jing Shi.

Above the blue dome, planes streaked across the sky, leaving trails of pure white contrails.

Countless panes of transparent glass reflected the clean, bright concourse, as travelers' chatter and occasional announcements mingled together.

There was still some time before Ling Yue's boarding deadline; she looked around, when suddenly a cup of willow branch sweet dew was handed to her lips. She raised her head, and the boy smiled gently: "Would you like me to buy you something else?"

Ling Yue naturally took the milk tea; the rich mango aroma burst on her taste buds, and she suddenly recalled how he had always been like this—countless times silently giving his all, as a background figure, preparing everything after the matter ended.

A warm current surged through her heart.

Ling Yue twitched her fingertips, crooking her finger at him: "Come here."

Jun Jun blinked, then willingly lowered his head; the next moment, soft, sweet lips like jelly pressed against his mouth, making his heart thump heavily, a faint fragrance lingering around his nostrils.

Ling Yue pulled away instantly, already shrinking back into her seat, her eyes darting everywhere—everywhere were inseparable little couples immersed in the pain of parting, and no one noticed them.

She let out a light sigh, glanced over, and saw him standing there dazed, like a handsome sculpture.

She couldn't help tugging at the man's sleeve, a blush rising on her face: "You don't like it?"

The weak voice was like a breeze, dissipating in the air.

Jun Jun snapped back to reality, not daring to glance at the girl beside him; under his superior height and slender figure, the standard seat looked like a child's desk and chair.

His long legs had nowhere to go, and his overly handsome face made it impossible to look away.

At that moment, a flash of green flickered across his eyes.

Ling Yue heard a low, urgent, hesitant male voice beside her: "No, no, I like it, I like it, Yueyue."

On those last words, he bit down deeper and harder.

A warm palm suddenly touched her fingertips; Ling Yue's breath caught, her heart raced, her face began to flush—before she knew it, their hands were already clasped together.

Seamlessly tight, with not a gap in sight.

A sudden sound caught Ling Yue's attention; she looked over and saw it was an airport staff member in uniform, respectfully gazing at her: "Excuse me, are you Master Ling Yue?"

Ling Yue nodded, and the other's face lit up with uncontainable excitement: "It really is you!"

"Do you have time now? We have something we'd like to ask you to help with—don't worry, we'll absolutely not take up your time!"

Ling Yue pondered for a moment—it wasn't a big deal—so she nodded; afterward, the other side specially sent two pretty female security inspectors to lead them to the Third Floor Security Checkpoint Headquarters.

People came and went.

She heard the announcement: a plane landed, passengers of all shapes disembarked, dragging their suitcases and lining up for security.

"Don't call me—I can't hear anything!"

Ling Yue glanced at the source of the sound—a quarantine dog sprawled on the ground, listless, a German Shepherd.

At that moment, it lifted its two front paws to cover its ears, lying motionless on the ground.

Beside it were helpless staff members, their faces full of worry.

Upon seeing Ling Yue, his eyes lit up instantly; he hurried over and introduced himself: "Miss Ling Yue, hello—I'm Li Song, the security station chief of the Capital Airport."

Ling Yue replied with a smiling face.

Li Song then explained with a hint of worry: "Sorry for bothering you; I have an urgent matter here and would like your help—regardless of the outcome, the compensation will definitely not be less."

Ling Yue's expression remained calm as she said: "Is it that German Shepherd quarantine dog?"

Li Song stared, astonishment nearly spilling from his eyes, his gaze toward Ling Yue growing even more reverent: "You're right—it's Black Tiger. These past few days its mood has suddenly plummeted; I'd like you to take a look and see what's going on, and maybe give it some guidance."

Ling Yue slowly turned her gaze toward the utterly listless dog, then said: "I'll give it a try."

Saying that, she lifted her leg and walked over.