TL: Moonlit
When Lin Su and William arrived at the restaurant, Will and Mu Yin had just arrived as well.
Upon seeing the two of them, Will smiled and said, “Are you resting well?”
“Very well.” William went over and hugged Will, whispering, “The hot spring in the palace is fantastic.”
Will almost instantly understood the meaning behind his brother’s words. “If you like it, I’ll have someone build one in your mansion.”
William nodded with a smile. “Sure.”
Mu Yin pulled Lin Su to sit beside him. “How do you feel? Are you adjusting well?”
“I’m doing fine. Your Majesty, you don’t need to worry.”
“I’ve told you before, you can call me by my name in private. I’m slightly older than you, so you can also call me ‘brother.'”
“Then I’ll call you Brother Mu Yin.”
“Okay. In that case, I’ll call you Xiao Su.”
“Alright.”
They exchanged a smile, both having a good impression of each other.
“For tonight’s dinner, we have invited the former master chef of the Bai Manor. Xiao Su, I know you can cook, and Will complained to me for a long time after he came back last time. But I believe you haven’t tasted the cuisine of the Bai Manor in the capital yet, so we specially invited the retired master chef. You’ll have a taste later.”
As soon as Mu Yin finished speaking, the waiters started to serve the cooked dishes one by one.
Lin Su was mentally prepared for the culinary level in this world. When the waiters uncovered the lids on the plates, revealing simple stir-fried vegetables, although the preparation was simple, the taste was good.
After taking a bite, the flavor was decent. It’s no wonder people say that a lifetime is not complete without visiting the Bai Manor.
There were a total of seven dishes and a soup, with one meat dish, stewed chicken with potatoes.
The recipe for this dish was previously published on the Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant’s official website.
It was Lin Su’s first time tasting this dish made by someone other than himself.
The chicken was slightly overcooked and a bit tough to chew, and the flavor was somewhat bland. However, the potatoes were good, soft, and delicious.
After tasting each dish, Lin Su smiled and said, “This chef’s culinary skills are indeed impressive.”
Having never received guidance and relying solely on his own understanding and practice, being able to create such delicacies, Lin Su believed that this former chef from the Bai Manor must have had great talent in the culinary arts.
“Compared to your cooking, Xiao Su, I think this chef still has a long way to go.” Will, who had the privilege of experiencing Lin Su’s cooking firsthand, disagreed. “I used to think that Chef Bai’s culinary skills were excellent, but ever since I tasted your cooking, I’ve been looking forward to Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant opening in the capital.”
“Your Majesty’s wish can be fulfilled. Once things are stable on my side, my female father will open an Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant branch in the capital. By then, I will definitely invite you and Brother Mu Yin to come and taste it.”
Mu Yin smiled and said, “Just hearing that makes me start looking forward to it. Lin Su, have you ever thought about opening a culinary training school specializing in this kind of cuisine?”
“In fact, my female father has already started taking on apprentices. If he has the intention, he can consider it in the future. As for me, I don’t have any inclination in that direction.” Lin Su was not particularly passionate about culinary arts and had no intention of promoting it. It would be better to leave that to Su Jin, who was more enthusiastic about it.
“If Uncle is willing, I wonder if he could teach me too,” Mu Yin expressed his interest in cooking firsthand.
“My female father would certainly be willing.” Lin Su felt that Mu Yin cooking personally was more of a special occasion rather than a regular thing.
After the meal, Lin Su personally brewed a pot of floral tea. Because Will returned to the capital, he hadn’t sent the tea in advance. So this was the first time Will saw it.
Looking at the glass cup with a floating white camellia, it was beautiful and incredible. “Is this flower tea?”
“Yes, the camellia inside is my female father’s contract plant. After I repaired his beast pattern, the contract plant contains 60% natural elements. It’s used to brew water and can soothe the spiritual domain.”
After Lin Su finished speaking, he served the brewed flower tea to the three of them.
William had already tasted it before, so he calmly took it, lightly blowing on the warm water’s surface and taking a small sip. The fragrance lingered between his teeth.
Will looked at the white camellia submerged in the water. “Why didn’t I see this last time?”
“It was made recently, so you didn’t have the chance to taste it last time.”
“I see.” Will nodded and took another sip. The refreshing and elegant floral aroma bloomed between his teeth, leaving a lasting impression. “It’s delicious.”
Mu Yin nodded. “Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also very refined. Xiao Su, can we ask your female father to provide a batch to the palace? It would be great to serve this to guests in the future.”
“Of course, but the quantity may be limited.” Lin Su said that and then looked at Mu Yin. “What is Brother Mu Yin’s contract plant?”
Realizing the intention behind Lin Su’s question, Mu Yin’s heart tightened. “My contract plant is a peony. I am an S-class contract beastman. Lin Su, are you suggesting repairing my beast pattern?”
“Are you not willing?”
“Why wouldn’t I be willing? There are so many people looking forward to this, but I’m not in a hurry. Can you first repair William’s…” Mu Yin hesitated.
“Naturally, I will repair Your Majesty’s beast pattern. However, before coming here, I asked William about it. Your Majesty’s beast pattern is at the SS level, and based on my current abilities, I’m still unable to repair such a high-level beast pattern. Otherwise, William wouldn’t have remained in this state. So for now, Brother Mu Yin, I can only temporarily repair yours.”
“You’ve also said it’s temporary, which means there’s hope. Lin Su, you don’t need to be too anxious. Take things slowly, we can all wait.”
After discussing with Mu Yin and Will and agreeing on a time to repair Mu Yin’s beast pattern, Lin Su and William finally left.
On the way back, they didn’t have palace attendants guiding them. William held Lin Su’s hand as they strolled through the garden. The cool evening breeze brought a sense of comfort and tranquility.
“Thank you.”
Facing William’s sudden gratitude, Lin Su looked up and replied, “It’s fine, why thank me?”
William smiled and squeezed his hand. “Thank you for being willing to help my brother and his partner repair their beast patterns.”
William wasn’t foolish. He knew that Lin Su’s initiative tonight was solely because Will and Mu Yin were his family.
He didn’t expect the big fox to be so sensitive. Lin Su’s lips curled up into two adorable dimples. “They’re important to you, so I want them to be well. I don’t want you to be sad, so I’ll also be good to your family.”
The little female was direct and gentle. Since the moment he met Lin Su, William always felt fortunate.
After staying in the palace for three days, on the fourth day, Lin Su accompanied William back to the prince’s mansion.
Originally, Will wanted them to stay a few more days. He was glad that William was willing to stay here. Fortunately, Mu Yin stopped him. Even though the palace was comfortable, it couldn’t compare to William’s own prince’s mansion.
It was better to let them go back and have their own time together.
Recently, whenever Mu Yin had free time, he would often go to see Lin Su. The two of them had become close friends.
Mu Yin had already made up his mind that even if Lin Su returned to the prince’s mansion, he would often visit.
It was rare to have such a female who was considerate in every way.
While William and Lin Su stayed in the palace, the prince’s mansion underwent a renovation. They even built a large hot spring pool in the backyard.
When Lin Su saw the hot spring pool nestled between the two mountains, with the gurgling stream flowing beneath, he exclaimed, “If I had known there was such a hot spring in our home, we should have returned earlier.”
“Do you like it here?”
“Of course, I’m satisfied. This is our own home now. Can I remodel it according to my own preferences?”
“Of course, do whatever you want. You’re the master here.”
Upon receiving a definite answer from William, Lin Su smiled happily. “Great.”
After having so many idle days, it was time to contact Xie Bai and go around the capital.
When Xie Bai received Lin Su’s voice call, he almost answered instantly, “Lin Su, you finally contacted me! I thought you forgot about me!”
Hearing Xie Bai’s excited voice, Lin Su chuckled and said, “So, do you have time? Let’s go out and have some fun.”
“Yes, yes, of course, where are you now? I’ll drive over to pick you up.” Xie Bai couldn’t wait to meet Lin Su. After speaking, he even disregarded Su Ge beside him and hurriedly ran back to his room to change clothes. Seeing this, Su Ge followed behind him with a resentful expression. “Xiao Bai, did you forget? Didn’t we agree to go to the Sea Star today?”
Suddenly remembering this, Xie Bai turned back and looked at Su Ge. “Let’s postpone it for a day. Today, I’ll ask Lin Su and see if he and the prince want to go to the Sea Star to soak up the sun.”
Hearing that their private time was about to become a group outing, Su Ge felt a bit disappointed. “They may not go, so it’s better if we go alone.”
“It’s not fun if it’s just the two of us. It’s more lively with more people. I’ll ask and see, it won’t hurt to try. Sorry for today. I’ll make it up to you when I come back tonight, okay?” Xie Bai blushed as he leaned over and kissed Su Ge on the cheek, then turned and ran out.
Su Ge could only helplessly touch the spot where the little female had kissed him and couldn’t help but smile.
Surprisingly, he was easy to appease.
When William heard that Lin Su made plans with Xie Bai, he asked, “Don’t you need me to accompany you?”
“You just returned to the capital, and you probably have a lot of things to do. Xiao Bai and I will just wander around. You don’t have to especially accompany me, especially considering that you need to take care of your health.” Lin Su said as he changed his clothes, “I’ve cooked and put it in the insulated box. If you’re hungry, eat it without waiting for me. I want to enjoy myself today, and I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
William stood up, walked over to Lin Su, and gently wrapped his big tail around Lin Su’s wrist. He looked at him intently and said in a low, hoarse voice, “Are you really sure you don’t want me to accompany you?”
Feeling the teasing from the big fox, Lin Su’s heart skipped a beat. He even felt like not going out anymore and just wanted to stay at home and be affectionate with the big fox.
But since he had already made plans with Xie Bai, it wouldn’t be good to cancel on him. Besides, if he wanted to be with William and bring Xie Bai along, it would be uncomfortable for Xie Bai if he was left out.
He reached out and hooked his hand around William’s neck, giving him a kiss on the lips. “Next time, Xiao Bai is here this time.”
Originally, William just wanted to tease Lin Su, but upon hearing his words, his heart melted. He gently hugged Lin Su and said, “Take care and contact me if you need anything.”
“Don’t worry, I’m now the Princess Consort. Unless someone really doesn’t want to live anymore, ordinary people won’t dare to provoke me.”
Xie Bai arrived right on time. Just as Lin Su was calming down his big fox, he heard Xie Bai honking outside.
Lin Su came out of the house, and Xie Bai waved at him by the car, saying, “Lin Su, over here.”
Xie Bai’s smile was bright and beautiful, as if he was afraid that Lin Su wouldn’t see him. He waved his hands vigorously, bouncing up and down.
It was just a few steps away, yet he acted so enthusiastically.
Lin Su was charmed by Xie Bai’s cuteness and walked over with a smile. “Alright, is it just the two of us?”
“Yes, Lin Su, where exactly are you going?” Xie Bai looked at Lin Su expectantly, clearly curious about his plans.
Lin Su opened the car door and got in. “I want to start by selecting a storefront.”
He wanted to open the first milk tea shop in the capital, as well as find suitable locations for the Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant and the breeding farm. Considering all this, he might not be able to find suitable options in just one day.
Upon hearing Lin Su’s words, Xie Bai’s eyes instantly lit up. “Are you choosing a location for the Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant?”
“Not only for the restaurant but also for the breeding farm. Additionally, I want to open a milk tea shop in the capital, and I was wondering if you would be willing to be the store manager?”
Since Xie Bai asked, Lin Su decided to share his thoughts. While Xie Bai wasn’t particularly skilled in cooking, he had great ideas when it came to dessert making.
“Are you inviting me, Lin Su?”
“Of course, your current abilities are what I need.”
“Ah, does this mean you finally acknowledge me?” Xie Bai eagerly wanted to hug Lin Su but was stopped as Lin Su grabbed his wrist. “Calm down.”
Xie Bai, unable to carry out his action, smiled and let go of Lin Su’s hand. “What’s wrong with giving you a hug? Are you still afraid that Prince William will get jealous? Hehe. But since you acknowledge my abilities, I’m more than willing!”
Watching Xie Bai lift his chin slightly, like a proud little peacock, Lin Su playfully ruffled his head. “That settles it then. Let’s go.”
“Alright!” Xie Bai drove directly to the bustling city center of the capital, where skyscrapers stood tall, and various flying tracks connected them. Hovercars and airships were shuttling back and forth in the sky.
Through the car window, Lin Su looked at the scenery outside and finally understood why everyone longed for the capital star. As the central star system of a country, it was indeed much more prosperous than the surrounding star systems.
The capital star had a dedicated office hall for buying and leasing-related matters. Inside, one could choose the streets, property listings, and other information they were interested in. If they couldn’t understand something, there were professional robots available for explanations.
Xie Bai parked the car and led Lin Su straight to the office hall. “Let’s first use the holographic imaging to filter and then go to the shops for inspections. If we find something suitable, we can make online payments and start using it immediately.”
Inside the spacious office hall, there were only a few people present, and service robots were shuttling back and forth.
A small robot, just over one meter tall, noticed Lin Su and Xie Bai and walked over with a pair of big sparkling eyes. It spoke in a cute and sweet voice, “May I help you with something?”
“I would like to see some storefronts. Do you have any good places to recommend?” Lin Su found the small robot’s design surprisingly cute. It was neither too big nor too small, dressed in a small suit with a red bowtie, and its big eyes blinked cutely while it spoke in a sweet voice.
“Yes, please follow me.” The small robot led Lin Su and Xie Bai to a nearby screen. It quickly operated the panel and several holographic projections appeared in mid-air.
These projections allowed them to observe the interior decoration, layout, and surrounding conditions of the various storefronts from all angles.
The first one that caught Lin Su’s eye was a large and spacious hall. Although the entire base color was white, giving it a somewhat cold and rigid appearance, Lin Su couldn’t help envisioning how he could transform it into the Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant.
“This one looks good. Is there a hotel above it?” Lin Su glanced at the surrounding environment, and if it was a hotel, it would be suitable.
Noticing his interest, Xie Bai pulled Lin Su’s sleeve and said, “Let’s look at others too. This one is not quite suitable.”
Unexpectedly, Xie Bai would suddenly say that, and Lin Su was a bit surprised. “Why do you say that?”
“This was the previous location of the Bai Mansion. Since Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant rose to prominence and the Bai Mansion declined, most of the Bai family members are irresponsible, spending money like water every day. In the end, they had to move the Bai Mansion elsewhere to reduce losses and sell the previous location to sustain their future expenses.”
After hearing Xie Bai’s explanation, Lin Su didn’t have much of a reaction. In his view, such updates and changes were part of the survival rule.
However, buying this place to open an Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant wouldn’t be quite appropriate. It seemed like a deliberate mockery of someone else.
“Then let’s keep looking.” Lin Su shifted his gaze to the holographic projection behind, and when he saw the third one, his eyes couldn’t help but brighten. It was an independent small mansion with a somewhat Gothic architectural style. The yard appeared neglected and somewhat dilapidated, but the style itself was very appealing to Lin Su. “What about this one?”
It seems like a great idea to use it for opening a themed milk tea and dessert shop.
Xie Bai nodded skeptically. “Wouldn’t this be more suitable for living?”
“With this kind of property, we can transform it into a themed restaurant and dessert shop. We can place the desserts on the third floor, run the Ai Su Restaurant on the second floor, and use the first floor for service and reception. We can also renovate the outside yard. What do you think? Isn’t it good?”
Just by listening to Lin Su’s words, Xie Bai already had a visualization in his mind.
“I’m not sure if I’m right, but I feel that with this arrangement, it gives me a warm and homey feeling.”
Lin Su snapped his fingers. “You’re right. That’s the feeling I want. Think about it, do you prefer a cooler color scheme or a warmer one when dining outside?”
“Definitely warmer. Cooler colors make me feel stressed and unable to fully relax and enjoy the food.” Xie Bai had thoroughly understood Lin Su’s intentions. “So, are you planning to buy this place?”
Lin Su nodded. He was someone who, once he made a decision, wouldn’t waver. He looked at the small robot. “How much does it cost?”
The small robot blinked its big eyes. “Are you really going to buy this mansion? Aren’t you going to look at other options?”
“Yes, let’s buy this one first. We can look at others later.”
Upon hearing his words, the small robot took a human-like breath. “You’re planning to buy others as well? You’re amazing! This mansion is located in the central commercial district and has a long history. It used to be the residence of the first duke. The selling price is 320 million, and it doesn’t support loans. It must be paid in full upfront. Can you do that?”
“Yes, no problem.” Since repairing the beast pattern and selling natural produce, Lin Su hadn’t spent much money. Most of the earned money remained in his account, increasing the numbers.
The small robot blinked its eyes. “In that case, the customer can directly scan the QR code here for payment. Once the payment is completed, we will renovate and decorate the house according to your preferences. This is a special offer for customers who pay the full amount upfront.”
Lin Su directly scanned the QR code and teased the small robot in passing. “How much money can you make by selling one property while working here every day?”
The small robot suddenly blushed and replied shyly, “The money I earn is used for maintenance. Maintenance is valuable.”
Xie Bai burst into laughter and nodded. “Yes, maintenance is valuable.”
Lin Su chuckled and rubbed the small robot’s head. “Continue searching. I want to select a larger one, preferably suitable for breeding and cultivation, and it would be even better if it has a warehouse.”
“Please wait a moment. I’m searching for you.” The small robot operated the panel with lightning speed, and soon three holographic images appeared for Lin Su to choose from.
The first image was near a forest, and from the facilities inside, it seemed to have previously been involved in the hovercar business.
The area is large enough, and the surrounding environment is also nice. Lin Su didn’t make an immediate decision and looked at the second and third holographic images.
When his gaze fell on the third image, it caught his attention. The size was similar to the building in the first holographic image, but what stood out was that the building in the third image had a separate cellar, which could be used for storing and brewing wine.
This way, they could raise livestock and cultivate orchards on the upper level, while using the lower level for wine production.
“I want this one. How is it priced?”
The small robot blinked its eyes. “Are you sure? This one is priced at 180 million and supports installment payments with a loan. If you pay in full, we can offer a 20% discount without additional renovation and remodeling services.”
“How much extra would it cost if we hire you for renovation and remodeling?”
“It depends on the complexity of your design. I don’t have an estimation here.”
“Understood. Let’s scan the code.”
Lin Su’s straightforwardness impressed Xie Bai.
After scanning the code, Lin Su directly contacted a construction company here and confirmed the renovation plans for the ranch.
He thought it would be quite troublesome, but he didn’t expect the efficiency to be so fast.
Leaving the lobby, Xie Bai looked at Lin Su and smiled. “Now that the site selection is settled, Uncle and the others can come over.”
“After both sides are done, I’ll have my female father and male father come over.” In fact, Lin Su also wanted to buy a house for Su Jin and Kane to live in. But he figured it would be better to let them come and choose together. “What are your plans next?”
He had finished his tasks and didn’t know if Xie Bai had anything else to do.
Before Xie Bai could respond, he suddenly heard someone calling his name.
“Well, isn’t this Xie Bai? How come you’re back from studying in the North Star? Couldn’t bear it anymore?” Yan Qi’s mocking voice came from behind, drawing Lin Su and Xie Bai’s attention.
Seeing the person, Xie Bai frowned. “Yan Qi, after all this time, you still haven’t made any progress. You’re still as annoying as ever.”
Lin Su glanced at the irritated Xie Bai and calmly looked at Yan Qi. “Xiao Bai, who is he?”
