Chapter 74: Late Night Chicken Soup

Chapter 74: Late Night Chicken Soup

Central Base University was originally quite remote. Trash was simply thrown outside the city walls, and trumpet vines naturally gathered to dispose of it.

Once the area was cleared, the car drove through the gates of Central Base University without any issues. Zhou Yun headed straight for the conference hotel, intending to pick up the Qin brothers and take them to live at Xia Garden.

Qin Mu packed his belongings and brought Qin Sheng out to get in the car. Zhou Yun asked, "Have you said goodbye to City Lord Gong and Dean Yuan?"

Qin Mu replied, "City Lord Gong is busy. I informed Dean Yuan, and he said it's fine, just focus on the new drug launch. Should I drive?"

Zhou Yun waved him off, "You don’t know the way, no need to stand on ceremony."

Qin Sheng burst into laughter, "Hahaha, Doctor Zhou, there's a big gossip at the hotel today."

Zhou Yun had been through a lot today and wasn't feeling particularly calm. Seeing Qin Sheng full of energy and lively, with his peach blossom eyes sparkling, he couldn't help but smile, "What gossip?"

Qin Sheng eagerly recounted, "Miss Gong was caught having an affair with her ex-boyfriend at the hotel. She was bold enough to book a room at the same hotel, and Wu Zhou caught them red-handed."

"He set the door ablaze, burned their clothes, and blocked the entrance, preventing anyone from leaving. He threatened to throw fireballs at anyone who tried to leave, causing a scene that attracted many hotel guests."

"Hotel security, staff, and the manager all came. The hotel is filled with people from various bases attending the conference... It was really... mainly because Miss Gong was so fierce, shouting and cursing in the room, disturbing many people."

He added, "Who would’ve thought the quiet ones could be so fierce! Who would have thought Wu Zhou, usually so gentle and honest, could be so ruthless."

Zhou Yun asked, "Ex-boyfriend?"

Qin Sheng nodded, "I heard it's her ex from when she was studying abroad, from the Bai family. They were said to have broken up, but who knows when they rekindled their old flame. This time, he came as part of the business delegation representing his family, and who would have thought it would turn into such a farce."

"In the end, City Lord Gong came and dispersed the crowd, persuading Wu Zhou to go inside. So, City Lord Gong couldn't possibly attend to us, his face was completely lost. What a mess, and he's still sick, dealing with such a troublesome daughter, it's really too much."

Zhou Yun thought to himself, in the previous life, it was you who had to deal with this troublesome one.

He suddenly felt as if something was guiding him, flapping its wings, changing the fates of many people. Guan Yuanfeng, Qin Sheng, Qin Mu, Ren Yuefei, Duoduo, and his teacher.

It was as if he was accumulating merits step by step. The merits from his previous life were exchanged for Guan Yuanfeng, and the merits from this life were generously returned to him by fate, bringing back his teacher.

Just a little more, and he would have lost his teacher again.

His eyes slightly warmed, but he felt very relaxed inside. He drove back to Xia Garden.

The Qin brothers were both talented and handsome. Qin Mu was very observant, while Qin Sheng had a sweet tongue, immediately cheering up the somewhat sulky Yao Huan. Especially since it was rare to have two psychic ability users who didn't look down on others, they were precious research subjects.

Yao Huan repeatedly asked about their psychic abilities and generously offered his effective acupuncture method, which could enhance meridian flow and slightly improve psychic abilities. That night, he personally demonstrated the acupuncture on Qin Mu for Zhou Yun.

Yao Huan had been lonely for a long time, and today, with his favorite student visiting, he couldn't help but talk endlessly about the progress of his ability research. Zhou Yun also practiced the technique on Qin Sheng, finally satisfying the old man's desire to teach, and then coaxed him to rest.

Seeing that Dou Zhijun hadn't returned yet, Yao Huan grumbled, "I know he's ambitious and loves the limelight, but he must have been involved in this for a long time. He hasn't even returned to the lab. Is he really going to let everything go to waste? People only give him the time of day because he's my disciple. With no research progress and mediocre talent, how can he possibly succeed? If he just swallowed his pride and apologized, after all these years, what could we possibly do to him?"

Zhou Yun had no choice but to comfort him with words like "Everyone has their own path, let him be," and after seeing him lie down to sleep, he checked his pulse.

Yao Huan, knowing Zhou Yun genuinely cared for him, openly discussed his health: "After the apocalypse, I practiced Tai Chi diligently and consciously took some mutated herbal supplements. In fact, my physical and mental health indicators are better than before."

Zhou Yun's heart stirred, "I harvested a large mutated lingzhi mushroom from Jiuyi Mountain. I'll bring it over tomorrow and make some mutated lingzhi spore powder for you to take."

Yao Huan naturally protested, "Such a rare mutated herb should be cultivated, not wasted on me."

Zhou Yun replied, "I've already saved some seeds, and the mutated lingzhi spore powder will be the next flagship product for Qingniao. Why don't you try some first? I'll prepare a couple more bottles for you to give as gifts and help promote it. I'll also send a bottle to Dean Mi, as we owe him a lot this time."

Yao Huan: "..." What on earth has this kid been through at that county-level hospital in the past few years? Has society really beaten him down so hard? But, he's quite thoughtful, much more endearing than before.

Zhou Yun came out and instructed Qin Mu a few more words: "Let the cat out to keep an eye on things. If you can, eliminate them; otherwise, just drive them away. I'll come early tomorrow morning to check on the Professor."

"Dean Mi also lives nearby. Tomorrow I'll give you some mutated Lingzhi spore powder. Take it to visit him and tell him that we have successfully invited Professor Yao, so he can rest assured."

Qin Mu smiled: "I really didn't expect Professor Yao to be your teacher. This time, the Psychic Research Institute is really in a tough spot. But, are you still not going to show yourself? I see Duoduo really misses you and Comet, and Professor Mi also wants to personally come to thank you."

Zhou Yun shook his head: "It's not yet the right time for me to step into the spotlight, so I'll trouble you with this."

Qin Mu added: "If Professor Yao asks about things in Beiming, what can I say and what can't I say?"

Zhou Yun thought for a moment: "You can share everything you know about me."

Qin Mu nodded: "I understand." He nodded and smiled: "It's truly like having a teacher and a father."

Qin Sheng chimed in: "Don't worry, I'll protect Professor Yao. I think that acupuncture is really effective. I was sore all over from training a few days ago, but after the acupuncture just now, I feel great everywhere, so energetic that I feel like going out for a run."

Zhou Yun felt reassured and then drove back to Guan Yuanfeng's courtyard.

By the time he returned to the small courtyard, it was almost midnight. Zhou Yun parked the car and, before pushing the door, he sensed something and looked up to see Guan Yuanfeng looking down at him from the rooftop.

He waved his hand in acknowledgment, feeling slightly guilty inside, as he had just done something wrong and couldn't help but feel a bit guilty seeing Guan Yuanfeng.

Entering the courtyard, he also went up to the rooftop and saw Guan Yuanfeng already sitting in the rattan chair, his long legs crossed. On the table, an electric kettle was boiling with longan and goji berries rolling inside. A small solar balcony lamp cast a warm light, illuminating his handsome profile.

Feeling a bit flustered, he walked over and sat down opposite: "Why aren't you asleep yet? You've been busy all day, right? Little Tang said you were very busy."

Guan Yuanfeng said: "Waiting for you." He poured a cup of hot longan and goji berry tea from the small teapot on the table for Zhou Yun.

Zhou Yun: "..." This health-conscious style was so unlike Guan Yuanfeng, but the obvious gesture of care made him feel warm inside.

Guan Yuanfeng said: "Xiao Jiang said your teacher's place has been installed with many cameras? There's no network now, so the server's mainframe must be nearby or even in the house. Do you need me to arrange for someone to check it out for you?"

Zhou Yun shook his head: "No need, my teacher knows what's going on. It's another senior brother, and he's already been driven away."

Guan Yuanfeng said: "You and your teacher are researchers, so you might not know the darkness of human hearts. It's difficult to guard against petty individuals, and your teacher is still an ordinary person, and he's getting old. It might be better if I arrange for someone to check on him and intimidate them a bit."

Zhou Yun was touched: "Really, there's no need to worry. It's just some small matters, and they've been handled. Besides, I've already brought Qin Mu and Qin Sheng to live with my teacher. Both are psychics, and they are quite alert. Qin Sheng is really quite capable now, thanks to your training during this period." The person is already dead, and as for the mastermind behind it, it's not yet time for Guan Yuanfeng to confront the Psychic Research Institute directly. There's plenty of time, and we'll settle this account slowly.

Guan Yuanfeng nodded: "Alright, Qin Mu's shadow cat skill is quite good, but it's still at a low level. If he can quickly raise the level of his shadow psychic ability, it would indeed be a very unexpected help."

Zhou Yun said: "Yes, my teacher gave him acupuncture today. I learned this acupuncture technique to enhance psychic abilities from my teacher today. Are you tired? Let me give you some acupuncture?"

Guan Yuanfeng smiled: "Another day. You must be very tired today. Little Tang said you drove out at noon and only just returned, busy with this and that. You must be very excited to see your teacher, right?"

Zhou Yun nodded: "Yes, I was misled and thought he had passed away from the virus due to his age. Today, when Qin Mu told me he was in Central Base, and if he could sign the new drug report, it would be best. Only then did I know he was still alive."

His eyes were slightly moist. Guan Yuanfeng patted his shoulder: "Fortunately, you met—you're lucky."

Zhou Yun, teased by him, felt the sadness of having lost and regained something dissipate a bit, and he smiled: "You really have a way with comforting words."

Guan Yuanfeng looked down at him: "I was also wondering, with such a famous mentor, why would you go back to such a small place like your hometown and stay there, and you never mentioned it before. Xiao Su even asked who your mentor was."

Zhou Yun pursed his lips: "With his snobbish attitude, is he even worthy of hearing my mentor's name? I couldn't care less about him."

Guan Yuanfeng, seeing the vivid expression on his face, smiled.

Zhou Yun then sighed: "It's been too long. Looking back now, it seems so trivial... but back then, I was too young, and even the smallest things felt overwhelming. So I failed my mentor's cultivation, and I resigned and fled back to Danlin City like a deserter."

Guan Yuanfeng, seeing the fleeting loneliness and sadness on his face, usually so optimistic and composed, as if nothing could trouble him, couldn't help but ask: "What happened?"

"A female student confessed her feelings to me, and it was spread to the campus forum, causing quite a stir and becoming a hot topic. It wasn’t a good influence, actually a very small matter, but at that time it felt huge and very troubling," Zhou Yun downplayed the situation, unwilling to mention the reason for the uproar to Guan Yuanfeng.

He had just graduated with a master’s degree and was working as a teaching assistant at the university while pursuing his doctorate. He also helped his teacher with some research projects.

Frequently, girls would boldly confess their feelings to him, and most would stop pursuing after he clearly rejected them.

But at that time, there was a female student who was about to graduate—super cheerful and outgoing, really popular, and quite good-looking. After being rejected, she didn’t lose heart, firmly believing that as long as he didn’t have a girlfriend, she still had a chance.

She persistently sought him out in the lab every day, and since they were on the same project, it was hard to avoid her. She even claimed she would apply to stay at the university for him, giving up the opportunity to study abroad that her family had arranged.

He was still young at the time and didn’t think it was a big deal. Not wanting to ruin her future, he privately told her the real reason—he was homosexual and didn’t want a teacher-student relationship, urging her to carefully consider her future choices.

Although the girl was surprised at the time, she eventually gracefully wished him well and quickly arranged to go abroad.

However, after the girl went abroad, for some reason, the matter spread everywhere, even being discussed on the campus forum.

Then, a boy boldly declared his love on the campus confession wall.

Amid the uproar, the school quickly talked to him and persuaded his teacher, subtly indicating that the influence was not good and suggesting that he resign voluntarily.

His mentor naturally refused, with a fiery temper, even scolding the sister from the political education office who came to persuade him.

He had always had it easy since he was a kid, with good grades, liked by teachers, and doted on by parents, who always respected his hobbies. Drones were expensive, but when he wanted to play, his father immediately spent a month’s salary to buy one for him. When choosing a university, he wanted to study traditional Chinese medicine, and they let him choose, even though others advised against it due to poor job prospects, they only said they respected his own choice.

He grew up in a relaxed and free family environment, attended a good university, chose a good teacher, completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees consecutively, and was highly regarded by his mentor, who had been cultivating him since undergraduate, indeed never having suffered any major setbacks.

He never thought that a small matter of sexual orientation, which he himself felt he was not wrong about, would end up causing such a stir. He had never seen so many insulting, cursing, and mocking words filling the campus forum and his email and text messages.

There were also indecent explicit solicitations and teasing, dating requests, his photos and contact information were posted on dating websites.

After the incident, the girl who had gone abroad heard about it and contacted him from afar, repeatedly stating that she definitely did not reveal the matter, she had not told her parents, sisters, or close friends.

At that time, he was physically and mentally drained, and felt deeply guilty towards his mentor. His mother had also broken her leg, so he simply submitted his resignation and returned home, which of course made his mentor furious.

Now thinking back, there were surveillance cameras in the lab, which was the teacher’s lab. The cameras were installed by the students themselves for management convenience, with the main server in the teacher’s office.

Dou Zhijun most likely saw and heard his conversation with the girl on the surveillance. He was scheming, deliberately waiting until the girl went abroad before spreading the word.

Probably the campus forum and those foul words, even posting his email, photos, and phone number on dating forums, were his doing. Without someone fanning the flames, such a small matter could not have escalated to that extent.

But he was too young at the time, couldn’t figure it out, and just gave up.

He couldn’t help but beat himself up again: "Things that I thought could never be turned over before, now seem really, really small." Giving in only made those petty people feel triumphant, and deeply hurt those who loved him.

Guan Yuanfeng turned to him and said seriously, "Don’t blame yourself for not being strong enough, you were not wrong. No matter how small the matter, if you felt at the time that you couldn’t bear it and had to escape, then what you did must have been right."

"And I don’t think it was a small matter, if it were, you should be talking about it lightly now, not unwilling to even confide. It must have deeply hurt you. So you did the right thing, if I were there at the time, I would definitely support you."

"Believe that your mentor would not blame you either."

Zhou Yun actually felt that he had long since moved on, and the reason he didn’t want to discuss it in detail with Guan Yuanfeng was just that he didn’t want to reveal his sexual orientation.

But when Guan Yuanfeng suddenly said these words, he suddenly felt a lump in his throat, and tears welled up in his eyes.

After so many years, it seemed like someone was finally comforting the young man who had fled in disgrace: "You were not wrong, I support you."

Those fragmented, sharp, and torturous insults that haunted him night after night, recalling them across a lifetime still felt extremely humiliating, as if he was once again put under the spotlight, scrutinized, criticized, and judged, with arrows shooting from all directions in the dark, leaving him covered in wounds.

And after so many years, he still wanted to defend himself, even though those people might have long forgotten, might have already died in the apocalypse, those little barbs were still deeply embedded in his heart.

Guan Yuanfeng was startled to see Zhou Yun crying and didn’t dare say anything more. He wanted to go over and hug him to comfort him, but knowing Zhou Yun was an adult, not a child, he realized such hugs weren’t needed.

...If only he had brought Comet upstairs earlier. Without Zhou Yun around, Dong Kexin and Tang Anchen were worried that Comet might wander off at night, so they had tied him downstairs to sleep.

Feeling somewhat at a loss, he could only pull out a clean handkerchief from his pocket and hand it to him.

Zhou Yun took it and wiped his tears, murmuring, "Sorry, today... I’ve been thinking a lot about the past."

Hearing the heavy nasal tone in Zhou Yun’s voice, Guan Yuanfeng felt a deep ache in his heart, unsure of how to comfort him: "It’s okay, don’t dwell on sad things. Think more about the happy ones."

"Danlin is so beautiful. I’d love to go back. Everything is green there, and the food is delicious. I really miss our rooftop. It must be getting warm now—having some chilled wine at night, setting up a barbecue, picking some scallions to grill meat. What a lovely life." Guan Yuanfeng had intended to comfort Zhou Yun, but ended up making himself nostalgic.

Zhou Yun sighed deeply, "I really want to go home too." He missed his little sky-bound sanctuary, where there were no gains or losses to calculate, no people to deal with. But he had people he wanted to protect, forcing him to leave his haven, abandon his crown, and come here to exhaust himself.

Although he was happy to see his teacher again and had dealt with the trash, he indeed felt a bit tired these days.

He looked up at Guan Yuanfeng, who was strikingly handsome under the light. His gaze made Zhou Yun feel that everything was worth it.

And his teacher... and so many people whose fates he had changed.

Suddenly, he felt his spirits lifted, ready to don his armor and fight another three thousand rounds.

He took a sip of longan tea, noticing it had longan, red dates, goji berries, and, surprisingly, ginger slices. The slightly sweet yet spicy flavor warmed his stomach, making him feel completely at ease. He suddenly remembered he hadn’t had dinner; there was just too much going on, he had forgotten.

He smiled, "When can you take a break? Maybe we can head to the mountains, gather some crystal cores—I’m sure I’ll feel better."

Guan Yuanfeng perked up, "The main conference wrapped up today, so now it’s just forum sessions. The governors and commanders from various bases might have a small meeting, which I need to attend. Once they return to their bases, I can take a vacation."

"But, aren’t you also preparing for the new drug launch?"

Zhou Yun replied, "Yes, but I’m just behind the scenes. I won’t be appearing, so Qin Mu and the others are the ones really busy. They’ve been working hard this time."

He added thoughtfully, not wanting to trouble Guan Yuanfeng, "You focus on your work. I’ll just spend some time with the teacher these days and see what he needs. When we go to Yanling, we can call him."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "Alright, what does your teacher need? I can accompany you for a visit when I have time."

Zhou Yun remembered his teacher mentioning bringing a male partner home, his ears slightly warming, "I’ll find out more tomorrow."

Seeing Zhou Yun’s mood had improved somewhat, Guan Yuanfeng asked, "The rooftop is a bit chilly. Shall we go down?"

Zhou Yun said, "I’m a bit hungry." His stomach, awakened by the red date and goji berry tea, was now very honestly making its presence known.

Guan Yuanfeng said, "There should be something in the fridge. I’ll make you some noodles."

Zhou Yun said, "Let’s go down and see."

There was still a pheasant in the fridge, decent enough for psychics. They decided to make chicken noodle soup. Comet got up and began circling them. Zhou Yun laughed and untied his leash, "You’ve had enough for the night, haven’t you? Not eating anymore?"

Comet rubbed against him playfully, and Guan Yuanfeng said, "He’s blaming you for not taking him out today."

Zhou Yun smiled. When he went out today, he had gone out with a murderous intent, instinctively not wanting anyone to know.

This hidden side of him—absolutely no one should see, not even Comet.

Of course, he would bear all the sins himself, but he firmly believed in killing one to save ten thousand. He didn’t believe taking out the trash would bring any karma. In his past life, these villains all lived in wealth and glory—where was the retribution? If there was divine retribution, then he was their retribution.

Zhou Yun watched as Guan Yuanfeng effortlessly chopped the chicken with a knife. He must’ve been in meetings all day, still in his army-green shirt, giving off that disciplined, no-nonsense vibe. But now, with his shirt sleeves rolled up, his muscular arms bulged as he swiftly chopped the chicken, a sight both pleasing and formidable—truly a master at killing and arson.

Zhou Yun watched intently as Guan Yuanfeng finished chopping the chicken. He looked up and asked, "Starving? It’ll be ready soon."

Zhou Yun said, "A bit," and handed the pressure cooker to Guan Yuanfeng.

Guan Yuanfeng tossed the chicken pieces into the pot, and Zhou Yun skillfully used his water abilities to add water, then covered it and set it to simmer.

While Guan Yuanfeng was cooking the noodles, Zhou Yun stepped out into the small yard to pick some green onions, washed them in the yard, and brought them back, along with a handful of small chili peppers.

Fifteen minutes later, the chicken soup was ready. They set aside half of it for Comet, and then seasoned the rest with salt and pepper, tossed in the noodles, and sprinkled in some monkey head mushrooms, green onions, small chili peppers, and minced garlic. A steaming pot of chicken noodle soup was done.

Guan Yuanfeng served it up first to Zhou Yun, who grabbed a spoon to taste the soup. Guan Yuanfeng noticed that Zhou Yun's eyelids were still slightly swollen, the corners of his eyes still a bit red, and his eyelashes damp, but the gloom on his face had lifted. With a smile on his lips, he seemed as relaxed and carefree as ever.

He should be fine now, Guan Yuanfeng thought with relief.

The two of them finished the entire pot of noodles and then cleaned up before heading upstairs to their respective rooms to sleep.

Perhaps it was the first time Guan Yuanfeng had seen Zhou Yun so vulnerable. That night, he dreamed of stepping up to hug Zhou Yun, comforting him and telling him not to cry.