Chapter 12

Chapter 12

This ecological park truly lived up to its title as the largest on Emperor Star. Not only did it house creatures native to this planet, but also those from other worlds, each with their bizarre appearances.

Lu Wei noticed that Emperor Star's ecology was quite similar to Earth's, which meant some of its creatures resembled those found on Earth. For instance, there were wolf-eagle hybrids and pet beasts that looked and behaved exactly like rabbits.

The extraterrestrial creatures, however, conformed more to the human imagination of alien life, with grotesque and distorted forms.

Up close, Lu Wei could only describe them as abstract.

He inquired, "Why are there also specimens here?"

His Majesty the Dog glanced at them. "Creatures with overly fierce dispositions cannot be displayed alive, so turning them into specimens is more efficient, saving us the trouble of training them."

The royal dog added with a hint of pride, "Most of these specimens were killed by me and left here."

Lu Wei gave a cursory look around.

This ecological park seemed rather carefree, as blood still stained the specimens. It was hard to fathom their definition of "specimen." As for that... didn't they need to clean them up? Was it acceptable to simply flatten these creatures and exhibit them as such?

"..." Lu Wei felt a slight discomfort in his stomach. Did His Royal Doggy want him to flatter him with that expression?

He managed to squeeze out a word, "Oh."

The dissatisfaction on the dog's face was evident.

But Lu Wei ignored it.

He declared, "I'll be going to work at the Empire Television tomorrow."

A genuine look of confusion appeared on the dog's face.

"Why not? You're not allowed?"

Lu Wei rejected it firmly. "If I have a job but don't go, what's the difference between that and buying a gemstone only to hide it away in a drawer without showing it off?"

The dog expressed a capitalist's peculiar confusion. "What's there to show off about a gemstone? Isn't it just for throwing around to play with?"

Forget it.

Lu Wei almost lost his composure. "Anyway, I have to make an appearance."

Damn rich people, it was their fault for choosing the wrong analogy.

The Canine Emperor clearly wasn't in a good mood. "Do you really have to go?"

Lu Wei replied, "I need to show my face and record my ID badge."

The Canine Emperor raised an eyebrow. "I can take care of everything for you and just send it to them."

In fact, Lu Wei had the most important reason for wanting to go out – he wanted to use this opportunity to go for a stroll.

— More importantly, the Canine Emperor's mating season was approaching, and he wanted to avoid it as much as possible.

With a reluctant answer, Lu Wei said, "But I still need to meet my colleagues and get acknowledged. Even though we're connected, we should at least maintain appearances."

The Canine Emperor asked quite naturally and arrogantly, "If you mention my name, do they dare to give you a hard time?"

There was a beauty in being a well-connected insider with a powerful backer.

Lu Wei couldn't help but admit that he was indeed a mundane person; this treatment felt rather delightful.

"Do you really enjoy work that much?"

The canine monarch gazed at him intently.

Nonsense.

"Mind your own business, just let me go."

Eventually, the ordeal ended with Lu Wei taking on the responsibility of cooking for the week in exchange for the reluctant consent of the royal dog.

Though humiliated, the park manager accepted the pre-cooked meal package with grace, considering the grand gesture.

After wandering around the park for most of the day, he was warmly invited to stay by the park management.

The manager, who had been informed early in the morning about the monarch's visit, was both honored and astonished. It was an unexpected joy that the monarch hadn't lost his mind. Now, he seized this invaluable opportunity to promote their park as "the only ecological park visited by His Majesty."

Without a doubt, this would be the best advertisement they could ask for.

Mr. Wang, the administrator: "Mr. Lu, we have a grand biotic stage performance here tonight. It seems you've arrived at just the right time!"

Exhibition staff: I'm not sure about tonight's event schedule, but whatever the boss says goes.

It had to be said that Mr. Wang, the administrator, was perceptive. He could tell at a glance that it was Lu Wei who had proposed the idea of His Majesty visiting their ecological park today.

Therefore, it's pointless to ask His Majesty; one must inquire of him.

Actually, Lu Wei wasn't keen on the idea. "Forget it, we can still make it back for dinner."

His Majesty the Dog looked at Lu Wei and said, "You haven't seen it before, right? Don't you want to take a look?"

Manager Wang: ! So it seems that Lord Lu can say anything to His Majesty, and he'll listen!

Lu Wei sensed something amiss. He had come here to help the Royal Dog relax, yet now it seemed the Royal Dog was the one trying to soothe him...?

Lu Wei scoffed softly, his smile counterfeit. "And what about you, Your Majesty?"

His Majesty the Dog had clearly misunderstood, for when he inquired of the other, the question was turned back on him—what did it signify?

His Majesty the Pup: "You really want to be with me like this."

"..." Nothing to say, His Majesty's comprehension skills were truly lethal.

The restrainedly smiling His Majesty the Pup said, "Alright, we'll be together then."

Lu Wei: "Hehe, that's great."

In any case, Wang Manager was ecstatic about the outcome. Now, they hurriedly started gathering resources, preparing for the stage performance at night!

Since there was no need to return, they decided to have their meal in the park.

His Majesty the Pup wasn't fond of eating, so only Lu Wei partook.

The food in the Biological Park was similar to that in Royal City—essentially various flavored nutrient solutions, which had an unpleasant taste.

It was hard for Lu Wei to call it "food."

Huo Jin: "Your cooking is still the best."

Lu Wei showed no self-awareness about feeding him frozen food, preening with pride. "Indeed."

Despite being merely everyday home-cooked dishes, they far exceeded nutritional liquids in terms of appeal.

Manager Wang, overhearing the conversation: So it turns out that this seemingly ordinary commoner has won His Majesty's favor with his culinary skills alone.

If Lu Wei were to know what he was thinking, he would probably laugh out loud and wake up giggling in the middle of the night.

Manager Wang: "Does Mr. Lu not enjoy the food here? We do have premium options available."

Lu Wei: "There's such a thing! Great, great!"

Subsequently, the premium meal was served.

Manager Wang presented their supreme delicacy – the luxurious nutrient solution.

A super deluxe edition –

Nutrient Solution...

Lu Wei: "Eh."

The young man's brows furrowed, making him appear exceptionally lively.

His Majesty the Dog said, "You still have to eat something to fill your stomach."

Lu Wei: "Eh." Honestly, even dogs on Earth wouldn't touch this stuff.

Disgusted, Lu Wei said, "This won't fill my stomach."

His Majesty the Dog turned his head and asked, "Is there anything else?"

Manager Wang rubbed his hands together. "This... I've never heard of anything else besides nutrient solution."

His Majesty the Dog was quite insensitive. "Find a way to get it."

Manager Wang: "..." Huh?

Emperor Pup: "If you can't find what he likes, I'll tear this place apart tomorrow."

Manager Wang: !!

Even Lu Wei, upon hearing this, felt sympathetic for the working man.

Lu Wei: "Bro, it's just dinner. There's no need to make it so complicated."

Emperor Pup: "Who allowed you to settle for less?"

Lu Wei: I, myself, am the source of trouble, as they say.

The domineering line indeed had that characteristic flavor.

Lu Wei was long accustomed to Emperor Pup's disregard for others' well-being: "I like it, and I'm willing. Is that okay?"

Feeling his goodwill met with resistance, Emperor Pup instantly became displeased.

Lu Wei thought to himself, typical dog temper. He forced a smile and softened his tone, saying, "Will that do, Your Majesty?"

A single coax would do the trick, and there was even a chance it would tickle His Majesty's funny bone.

The king laughed again, "You really know how to be coquettish."

—See?

Manager Wang: ...

In any case, the crisis had been averted, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Having appeased the royal dog, Lu Wei could now start on his premium nutrient solution.

It was strange, but while he normally didn't enjoy nutrient solutions, finding them unappetizing, he had never felt nauseous before. Today, however, the mere smell of it made him want to vomit.

There was an odd, previously undetected scent that made his stomach churn.

Lu Wei pinched his nose just to manage a sip.

But as soon as the taste hit his taste buds, he regretted it.

"Ugh..."

He vomited.

The Canine Emperor immediately turned to Manager Wang, who protested his innocence.

Manager Wang broke out in a cold sweat from the shock. "Your Majesty, this truly is nutrient solution, only with a bit more stomach-soothing additive in the formula!"

Lu Wei wiped himself clean, weakly saying, "It's not that I wanted to vomit; my stomach just couldn't hold it."

Manager Wang felt deeply apologetic!

The Canine Emperor sneered. "He doesn't vomit when drinking nutrient solution normally."

Manager Wang hurriedly waved his hands to defend himself. "Our Supreme Nutrient Solution should be even more palatable and healthier. Even children wouldn't vomit from it!"

Lu Wei also tried to explain, "It's just that I'm not accustomed to this taste. It's not an issue with the nutrient solution itself."

His act of speaking up for someone else was clearly not appreciated by the Canine Emperor.

His Majesty the Dog looked at Lu Wei with an unreadable expression and said, "Then drink more to get used to it. Try spitting it out again if you dare."

Lu Wei averted his gaze. "Maybe they've changed the manufacturer of this nutrient solution!"

The Dog Emperor stared at him. "If they haven't, would you finish it all now?"

Lu Wei: "..."

Lu Wei didn't dare to speak up for others anymore after that.

Seeing his teammate fall, Manager Wang chose to 'go with the dog.'

This time, nothing could appease His Majesty the Dog. He didn't bother watching the evening performance and instead dragged Lu Wei back to the Royal City.

Manager Wang was left with resentment.

His Majesty the Dog, in his usual inhuman manner, grumbled, "You vomit from just drinking nutrient solution. How fragile is your stomach?"

Again with the fragility, bro.

Lu Wei no longer bothered to correct him.

There were too many complaints to voice.

Manager Wang was in dire straits, fearing that the King might not only rescind his job but also demolish the park on a whim. If that happened, he would bear full responsibility and be burdened with massive debts.

Sigh, he had thought he stumbled upon a golden opportunity, but now he might lose his job.

It was no exaggeration to say that Manager Wang looked like he was about to burst into tears.

Lu Wei genuinely felt sympathy for Manager Wang, who was being given a hard time by the Canine Monarch, as if he saw his own past self during an internship at a terrible company.

Now, it was Earth Bro's turn to step in!

Lu Wei said casually, "Actually, it was just an act."

The Canine Monarch's eyes were dark, "Oh."

Earth Bro promptly diffused the tension, "How could anyone vomit from drinking stomach-soothing nutrient fluid? I was just joking with you all."

With a slight pinch to his nose, Lu Wei reluctantly tilted his head back for another sip.

Bear with it, bear with it.

For the sake of his hardworking teammate.

Then, a delightful floral aroma intertwined with the wholesome flavors of the health-boosting ingredients surged forth.

It was exceptionally sweet.

Exceptionally fragrant.

Extremely, extremely delicious.

Not the slightest bit nauseating at all.

Really.

I'm not lying to you.

"Ugh..."

His Majesty the Dog: Hmph.

King Administrator: ...Farewell, this vibrant and magnificent world!