Chapter 52: Lucky Meal
After Tan Xiao's call, the crowd who were originally stunned by the melons finally reacted. They rushed to support Mu Fei and pulled Fang Zhu away.
When Xiong Gui saw that Tan Xiao adopted his strategy, he couldn't help but laugh out loud, and was stepped on by Kong Xuan again.
A Jin felt deeply regretful that he could not find out the truth, but he also felt a little relieved because he knew that men could have children.
"Let's take notes first." Liu Qingquan said. This time, Tan Xiao and Kong Xuan also joined as witnesses, and A Jin came to record the words. He nodded repeatedly while listening, deeply understanding the plot.
"Let's separate them and talk about Mu Fei's case first." Liu Qingquan first took a record of the kidnapping case, confiscated Fang Zhu's mobile phone, and imported all the data into A Jin's server as evidence, and then moved on to the case within the case.
Fang Zhu had already blocked both parties from the person who had cheated him with the Demon Killing Plate, but he had left some chat records. When everyone looked, they found that the other party’s WeChat name was “Jun Xing Shi” and he had indeed set it so that no one could add him as a friend, and his address could not be traced.
"Since you have fought with the other party, have you found out his background?" Liu Qingquan asked. For example, race, appearance, martial arts, even accent, can all be considered clues.
"At that time, we agreed to meet at the entrance of Yunmeng Lake. The other party tried to kill me from a distance with a long-range attack magic weapon. I hid in my shell and saved my life. I felt something was wrong, so I handed over my grandmother's bones. Unexpectedly, it would not give up. I took the opportunity to run back and took a look. It was a dog demon, with its mouth wide open, trying to swallow me. In the end, it was just a hair's breadth away and it almost bit me..."
Fang Zhu lived in Yunmengze all year round. After he transformed, he also did some aquatic business locally. Especially after the development of the Internet, he was also a homebody and rarely traveled far, so he didn't really know many kinds of monsters.
But when he said that, Tan Xiao couldn't help but frown, feeling... a little familiar.
"A powerful dog demon with a devouring nature?" Tan Xiao murmured.
Mu Fei seemed to be reminded when she heard him repeat the key words like this: "Have you thought about fighting? Speaking of it, we did find several cases of missing monsters in Nanchu during our investigations. We suspected it was the culprit, but it was just like squeezing toothpaste. It refused to reveal what it hadn't found, and it would only admit to the hard evidence in front of it, which made the case drag on."
"Yes, Elder Baoping is helping to handle this case now." Liu Qingquan also had this impression.
"Although it is somewhat similar, it is unlikely. It is still locked up in our 404 Office, so the timeline does not match. There are so many dog monsters in the world, and it is not necessarily a fight. Fang Zhu, can the dog you see breathe fire?"
"What is a duel?" Fang Zhu blinked. "What I saw was a black-brown Yorkshire Terrier. I don't know if it can breathe fire, but it can dive and chase me underwater."
"Oh, Yorkshire is definitely not it." Tan Xiao nodded, thinking that he was overthinking. Three seconds later, he and everyone present realized something.
Everyone: "…………Yorkshire?"
Even Kong Xuan measured the size and asked uncertainly, "Is it this big?"
Fang Zhu: “Hmm!”
"Hiss, a standard Yorkshire terrier weighs only about five or six kilograms." Liu Qingquan imagined the scene of Fang Zhu being chased and bitten by a Yorkshire terrier. It was a bit horrible.
Fang Zhu could see everyone's contempt for him, and said aggrievedly: "It's super fierce!!"
Yes, although it is small in size, it can chase Fang Zhu, so it must be not easy to deal with.
Tan Xiao pondered, and this Yorkshire Terrier's online name is "Jun Xing Shi", "Jun Xing Shi" means to persuade you to eat more, eat well. It was originally a good blessing, but thinking back on its behavior, it is always a bit hairy. Do you think it is a food lover or a food demon lover?
"What do you mean? Is it a disguised appearance, or is it really a sightseeing dog that has also achieved success in cultivation?" Mu Fei raised an eyebrow and said, "A Jin, check the information to see if there is any record of Yorkshire terrier committing a crime."
Ah Jin responded and quickly searched around. "There is no record of Yorkshire terriers harming others in the existing data. There are only some cases of Yorkshire terriers developing intelligence. For example, in Beijing, a veterinarian always dreamed of being bitten on the genitals at night. Later, he found out that it was a Yorkshire terrier that he had sterilized and was holding a grudge against him. It developed intelligence and took revenge. There was also a Yorkshire terrier in the provincial capital of this province. The owner found that there were more and more ornaments in the house. It turned out that the Yorkshire terrier had developed intelligence and stole them home..."
It can be said that it is not a big deal, and it is not on the same level as chasing Fang Zhu and wanting to swallow him.
"Although there is no record, just like before it was caught in a fight, it would be difficult to detect that it had actually committed a crime." Tan Xiao still remembered this. Most of the monsters disappeared, and it was difficult for everyone to tell whether they were practicing in seclusion or were caught by their enemies. They might even be hibernating.
"That's right. It even managed to deceive Fang Zhu, and its methods are so sophisticated that it even knows how to create a smurf account. It must be a veteran." Unlike the duel, this one is still on the run. Mu Fei said, "Publish a message to warn the demon tribe to be careful and inform them of the latest fraud methods."
On the one hand, we are reminding the general public of the demon tribe, and on the other hand, we are filing a case and continuing the investigation. Please ask the responsible units in all places to pay more attention.
After the second recording was over, Liu Qingquan asked Mu Fei how to arrange for Fang Zhu.
Fang Zhu's body is different from other monsters. It is said that he will be very weak during childbirth. Out of humanitarianism, he cannot be thrown into the detention center.
"Let him live with A Jin. They must have similar interests." Mu Fei said coldly.
A Jin: “…” Oh, how did Director Mu know? He even thought of the copywriting.
"Then...will that be far away from you?" Fang Zhu held his waist and frowned, " My baby and I will miss you very much."
"Don't support it. It's only 20 millimeters. Can it be so fragile?" Mu Fei said speechlessly, "I will ask Elder Baoping to identify it for you to see if the bead is as you said." If so, she will also ask Fang Zhu not to stay too far away to ensure safe delivery.
Fang Zhu's eyes turned red as he said, "It hurts..." His flesh was all soft, and the rejection reaction from the Mirage Pearl was very strong.
Mu Fei choked for a moment, turned around and said, "Okay, that's enough, brother Tan Xiao, I won't delay your homework."
"In fact, 20 millimeters is not small," Tan Xiao also said. Mu Fei thought Tan Xiao was going to help Fang Zhu, but Tan Xiao continued, "I searched before and found that 20 millimeters is a big size in pearls. A 15 millimeter abalone pearl sold for 100,000 yuan, and an 18 millimeter black pearl was even more exaggerated, selling for hundreds of thousands."
Fang Zhu: “…”
Fang Zhu's eyes went dark, "You are not allowed to sell our baby!"
Tan Xiao was just using the price of pearls to describe to Mu Fei. In fact, Fang Zhu was already very pregnant, but the pregnant husband might be too insecure.
"It all depends on your performance," Mu Fei complained, "If you go crazy again, I'll hang you in the ass."
Before Fang Zhu was done, A Jin took a deep breath.
Fang Zhu: "..." What's wrong with this guy? He's more dramatic than him.
Others: “…”
...How did Ah Jin manage to make people feel creepy without saying a word?
…
After Tan Xiao returned, he continued to work hard on his winter vacation homework. The Chinese New Year was almost here, so he must finish it in advance so that he could enjoy the Spring Festival with peace of mind.
Moreover, at this time, Yunmeng City actually gave Tan Xiao a sum of "publicity fees" - with such high popularity online and high-definition photos and video materials from the scene, they would be fools not to use them, make a plan, and design advertisements with them.
Since they had used it, they had to pay Tan Xiao. Compared to the profits that Yunmeng City had made from this heated debate, this copyright fee was a bargain, and they were quite happy to give it.
Tan Xiao already had some subsidies from the 404 Office, so he was also happy to receive this unexpected money. He even approached Kong Xuan in a righteous manner and said, "Master, you also appeared on the show. I'll give you half of the money. You can buy some phones, computers, etc."
Hearing this, Kong Xuan's face darkened again.
Tan Xiao: “?”
No way, you’re not happy even when I give you money?
"What do I need the money for? Don't transfer it to me. I don't have an account." Kong Xuan said disdainfully. It seemed that he was trying to express that as a great god, he had no idea about this worldly money.
Yes, all the jade artifacts Kong Xuan gave away were ancient jade artifacts.
Eh, so he is a cheap wizard? Seeing his determined look, Tan Xiao said, "Okay then."
Kong Xuan was still browsing on his phone. He had been learning how to use the Internet since he got the phone back. After a short silence, Tan Xiao noticed that he came over and showed him a phone case from the online store.
Tan Xiao didn't understand what it meant for a moment.
Kong Xuan looked at him straight in the eyes: "I want this, give it to me."
Tan Xiao: “…………”
Kong Xuan's hand slipped and he found another item in his collection, this time it was stationery.
Tan Xiao was amused. It would be more convenient to just ask for money directly... Oh, no, Tan Xiao felt that he had guessed Kong Xuan's thoughts. He might just want the face of receiving gifts.
"Sure!" Tan Xiao said cheerfully, "Place the order, then choose to pay on your behalf, and I'll pay."
Kong Xuan looked pleased: "Yeah."
Seeing that Kong Xuan liked receiving gifts so much, Tan Xiao couldn't help but tease him again: "Is it okay for me to give you New Year's money during the Chinese New Year?"
Kong Xuan became anxious, "But I will be away during the New Year, I will go back to report." Although the task has not been completed, there must be a year-end report, and choosing the New Year is the same as the Kitchen God having to report to the heaven every New Year.
Tan Xiao was stunned for a moment, and forgot that he was trying to joke. He thought Kong Xuan would stay at home all the time, "How long will you be home for? ... It doesn't matter, I'll wait for you to come back."
"I have to go on the first day of the new year. I don't know how long Yuan Feng will keep me." Kong Xuan said in a muffled voice, "Besides, my birthday is on the first day of the new year. After that, I will become an adult."
Peacocks are different from humans. They do not celebrate their birthdays every year. There is a saying that goes, "In ancient times, there was no record of years." There was no such thing as years in ancient times. They might be in seclusion for thousands of years. Therefore, the time they come of age is very different from that of humans.
But no matter how old he is, this coming of age is a big birthday. Tan Xiao didn't even expect Kong Xuan to be an adult earlier than him. He thought that maybe Kong Que would take 500 years to celebrate his birthday. "It's actually a birthday... Then before you go back, I'll celebrate it for you in advance."
Kong Xuan didn't expect to be able to celebrate in advance, and his eyes lighted up again: "Hmm?"
"Of course it's in advance. I've never made up for my birthday before." Tan Xiao had already planned what to give Kong Xuan. It just so happened that he got a reward. "Hey, how do you calculate your birthday? Is it the day when the great god Yuan Feng laid an egg, or the day you broke out of the egg?"
"Of course it's the day of breaking the egg." Kong Xuan was silent suddenly.
Tan Xiao stared at him: "What's wrong? Is there some hidden story?" He couldn't help but take out his notebook. After all, he hadn't finished compiling the entry for Peacock yet.
Kong Xuan said with some embarrassment: "…At that time, I already had consciousness in the egg. When I heard the sound of firecrackers in the human world, I was caught off guard and broke out of the shell."
Um?
Tan Xiao responded: "Were you scared out of your shell by the sound of firecrackers?"
"Absolutely not, I just came out to watch the fun!" Kong Xuan argued.
"Okay, okay, I got it." Tan Xiao said with a smile.
Kong Xuan's return to heaven was also the day of the Little New Year, just like the Kitchen God. Many families would prepare a table full of sumptuous food on that day. Tan Xiao simply celebrated Kong Xuan's birthday in advance on that day.
only……
By this day, Kong Xuan still had some homework left to do during his winter vacation.
“Write quickly, write quickly. You don’t want to do your homework until you reach heaven.” Tan Xiao urged Kong Xuan to finish and went to cook.
People in Southern Chu call children's birthdays "long tails". Tan Xiao prepared a table of dishes based on Kong Xuan's taste preferences as he had figured out and added Chinese New Year characteristics, including pan-fried seafood platter, steamed cured meat, braised pork, peacock purple sweet potato buns and so on.
The cured meat was brought back from Qiyunling, and the peacock purple sweet potato and taro paste buns were developed by Tan Xiao himself, after several experiments. Because Kong Xuan didn't like Western cakes and was not interested in foreign customs such as blowing candles, Tan Xiao didn't make cakes, but only made buns and pastries.
Natural pigments are added to knead out colored dough, made into a peacock shape, and then filled with purple sweet potato and taro paste. It is round and plump, and looks like a □□. In order to distinguish it from ordinary peacocks, Tan Xiao puts five pieces of vegetable leaves of different colors on the tail screen after steaming it, as a five-colored divine light.
Kong Xuan really liked this and took several photos with his mobile phone before putting it in the steamer.
The seafood platter uses yellow croaker, hairtail, shrimp, etc. After marinating, the surface moisture should be wiped dry and the fish should be cut into equal sizes. Heat the empty pan and add oil. After the oil is hot, fry it over low heat until golden brown. Tan Xiao flips the fish gently so that the skin is not broken and the fish pieces are not sticking to the pan. Finally, the skin is crispy and the inside is thick and tender, and it is served on a plate with a fresh and fragrant smell.
The boy who was guarding the meal came out at this time. He was almost thrown back into the stove by the fragrance. He used his new spoon to stand steady. When he saw the table full of dishes, he said in great surprise: "Is this for the chef in the east to enjoy?"
Giving the Kitchen God a share is equivalent to having him as a share. Today is Little New Year, the day when the Kitchen God goes to heaven to report on the situation of the world in the past year. Therefore, many families want to please the Kitchen God, hoping that he will "speak good things to heaven".
The boy guarding the meal also had to go and report, so he came to Tan Xiao's house in advance to wish him a happy new year.
"You wish." Kong Xuan came over and sneered, "This is for my birthday!"
"I didn't expect that today is His Majesty the Peacock's birthday. Congratulations..." The boy who was guarding the meal said this involuntarily while staring at the table full of dishes. Especially when he saw Tan Xiao bring out a plate of peacock-shaped buns, he even exclaimed in a very supportive manner: "Wow——"
Kong Xuan's vanity was greatly satisfied. He didn't even want to chase the boy guarding the food away, nor did he deliberately kick him away. He even allowed him to stay and smell the food.
When Tan Xiao was cooking, he deliberately kept some of the dishes for Tan Chunying. He then gave some to the boy who was guarding the meal and opened a can of Coke for him.
"You are so generous!" praised the boy who was guarding the food.
Downstairs, Tan Chunying raised her voice and said, "Tan Xiao, you are too stingy! We have to eat the dishes separately. Do you think I can eat all your dishes?"
Tan Xiao: "..."
He leaned on the window and said, "If it's not enough, there's more on the stove. I'll bring it up so I can eat it and do my homework."
"Tsk." Tan Chunying muttered to herself, "Are you afraid that I will see you eating and make a fool of yourself?" At the speed at which Tan Xiao was eating, she thought he must be eating like a wild boar.
Tan Xiao pretended not to hear and went to get Kong Xuan's winter vacation homework. "I'll check it for you before you leave. Remember to bring it with you when you leave. It only takes a little time to revise it."
Kong Xuan was no longer paying attention to his homework. He picked up a purple sweet potato bun and stuffed it into his mouth. He bit into the soft bun and found the purple sweet potato and taro filling inside was delicate, soft, sticky and sweet. It was different from the salty meat-filled buns that Tan Xiao usually made, but it suited Kong Xuan's mood.
There is also the braised pork cooked by Tan Xiao over low heat, which is soft, tender and glutinous. There is some pickled plums under the meat, which absorbs the gravy and is very flavorful and fragrant.
The boy who was guarding the meal had his face almost buried in the meat. The bright red gravy rubbed his cheeks greasy. He nodded repeatedly while eating, "Hmm! Hmm!"
Kong Xuan had a full meal, and Tan Xiao took out a velvet box. After opening it, there was a pair of gold hairpins with hollow flower and bird patterns. He smiled and said, "I wish the great god a happy egg-breaking in advance, and a happy New Year."
Tan Xiao also thought about what to give for a few days. He had decided to give jewelry, which was more in line with Kong Xuan's vain personality, but he also looked at many candidates for specific jewelry. Tan Xiao also considered jade at one point, after all, jade can communicate with the gods.
But Kong Xuan should not be short of jade articles, and after Tan Xiao saw the gold products, he suddenly felt that this kind of golden things were more suitable for Kong Xuan. On Kong Xuan, gold would not look vulgar at all, but rather noble and classy.
Kong Xuan stared at the pair of hairpins intently, holding his breath for a long while, and then he said reservedly: "Human technology has improved a lot." He raised his hand and put the hairpins in his hair, combed it again, and caught a glimpse of his reflection in the dressing mirror beside him, and he was even more satisfied.
Even without Kong Xuan saying it, Tan Xiao knew that he must be satisfied, so he continued to correct Kong Xuan's winter vacation homework. By the evening, he had finished correcting it, and the boy guarding the meal had to go back. He bowed and said, "Spiritual Master, I wish you a happy new year in advance. I hope your family is safe and happy, and everything goes well."
"Thank you, and I wish you good luck in your work next year." Tan Xiao watched the boy guarding the meal jump away, then looked at Kong Xuan. It was already ten o'clock, "Aren't you going up yet?"
Kong Xuan's eyes flickered: "...I'll correct the homework for a while, and ask you if I don't understand."
It was amazing. It was the first time that Tan Xiao discovered that Kong Xuan was so studious.
But since Kong Xuan said so, Tan Xiao would not stop him. He and Kong Xuan both sat at the desk. Since it was a single desk, they were inevitably close to each other. The air conditioner was set to a suitable temperature, and the air blew warmly. There was no need to chat. They read books and corrected homework, just like returning to school.
Tan Xiao was so focused that he didn't know how much time had passed. The warm wind made him yawn unconsciously, and he nodded his head twice like a dragonfly skimming the water. Then he dozed off sleepily at his desk.
Kong Xuan glanced sideways and continued to correct the questions, his fingers unconsciously fiddling with his hairpin.
It was almost dawn and the New Year's Eve was about to end. It would be too late if we didn't go up now.
Kong Xuan took out Tan Xiao's pen, carried him to the bed, and squatted beside the bed, staring at him blankly. Compared with the time Kong Xuan had experienced, the days in the underworld were like a moment, but at this moment he recalled it clearly and richly, and every richness had its cause in Tan Xiao.
Tan Xiao was half asleep and half awake, feeling as if he was being moved to the bed, but he was too sleepy to move, and he only heard Kong Xuan seem to say, "I'm leaving..."
Dear God, wish you a safe journey and see you after the New Year. Tan Xiao wanted to open his eyes to wish you a happy journey, but his eyelids were heavy.
Just when Tan Xiao thought Kong Xuan had left, he felt something cool sliding across his forehead, and a voice whispered in his ear: "The spirit witch under the altar will be blessed forever."
