Chapter 117: A New Member of the Family

It was nearly afternoon by the time we returned to Chongqing. We took a taxi home, and throughout the ride, Li Muyang remained silent. It mirrored the exact feeling I had when I first left home; I believe most people feel the same way. We dropped our luggage in our rooms and helped Li Muyang settle into the room right next to mine. It was quite spacious. As soon as the kid dropped his backpack, he walked over to the balcony, threw the door open, and finally revealed a look of genuine excitement. "Wow, Senior, this place is incredible! The view is so spectacular."

Master smiled slightly and said, "I'm glad you like it. This is your room from now on. Don't forget to come down for dinner later."

Li Muyang replied with a "sure" without turning his head. Master then tapped me on the shoulder, and I nodded in acknowledgment. I went to my room to freshen up, and we spent the rest of the afternoon busy in the kitchen. Since it was a rare occasion to have a new member join our home, and as the saying goes, takeout can never compare to home-cooked meals, we took this dinner very seriously. We divided the labor: I went out to buy ingredients, Master took charge of the cooking, and Li Muyang stayed behind to assist. Why? Because he wasn't familiar with the Chongqing area. Even friends from other provinces get lost here, and sometimes even locals do, so if Li Muyang had gotten lost, it would have been a real hassle to find him.

I grabbed my phone and hailed a taxi to the new market. Upon arrival, I headed straight for the butcher section to pick up a chicken and a few boxes of beef, then made my way to the seafood section for some fresh catch. I wasn't sure if Li Muyang would be used to the food, but I carried my bags through the crowded, bustling market. Even though it was late afternoon, the place was packed. After checking the items in my hand, I felt satisfied and headed out to catch a taxi back home.

Chongqing’s traffic is notoriously complex; you might see your destination right in front of you, yet you have to navigate through endless detours to reach it. As I sat in the backseat watching the flow of cars and pedestrians, the driver turned on the radio to pass the time. The volume was low, but I could just make out the broadcaster's voice: "In this city of fleeting lights and shadows, everyone moves in such a rush, leaving the whole place lost in a haze of uncertainty. Is there a moment when we can all stop, look down at the path beneath our own feet, and realize this is the harbor for your soul, this is your home? You’re listening to Chongqing Urban Radio FM 93.8. I am Nuonuo, and next, we have..."

The broadcaster kept talking, but I wasn't really listening, leaning my head back against the seat with my eyes closed. It wasn't until the next segment that I opened my eyes. The broadcaster said, "Local socialites and business tycoons have been invited to the Haoting Hotel for the Mid-Autumn Festival gala, hosted by local business magnate Zhou Jiguo..."

While listening to the radio and watching the scenery outside, my phone suddenly rang. I picked it up and was surprised to see it was Zhong Ming, someone I hadn't been in touch with for a long time. I answered with a puzzled, "Hello, Uncle Zhong? What’s up?"

Zhong Ming chuckled on the other end. "Xiao Xuan, it’s been so long. I didn't think you’d remember me."

I paused, then nodded. "How could you say that? Of course I’d remember you."

He laughed again, and I asked, "Uncle Zhong, what made you call me today? Is there something you need help with?"

"Oh, not really," Zhong Ming sighed. "I wouldn't want to keep troubling you, would I? I just wanted to see if you were free lately."

"Free? What do you mean, Uncle Zhong?" I asked, half-confused.

Zhong Ming smiled. "Well, the Mid-Autumn Festival is coming up, and President Zhou is holding a gala at the Haoting Hotel. He invited us, so I was wondering if you and Brother Tan were free to go along, maybe catch up a bit?"

Hearing this, I understood. "Oh, you mean the Mid-Autumn gala? I just heard about it on the radio. I’ll have to ask Master first—I can’t just go off and leave him at home, right?"

"That goes without saying, of course. Go ahead and ask Brother Tan, and I’ll come pick you both up."

"No need, Uncle Zhong, we have a car. I’ll ask Master first," I replied.

Zhong Ming hesitated for a moment, then gave an awkward laugh. "Alright, then I’ll wait for your call."

"Sure, you go ahead and get back to your business."

"Right."

After we hung up, the driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror, looking curious. I caught his gaze and gave an awkward smile. The driver just shrugged it off, made a turn, and after a few more minutes, pulled up in front of my house. I got out, retrieved the groceries from the trunk, paid the fare via my phone, and headed inside with my bags.

As soon as I entered, I called out, "Is anyone home? Come give me a hand!"

A few seconds later, Li Muyang came running out wearing an apron, grinning at me and the bags in my hands. "You bought so much food, Lin Xuan!"

I nodded. "It’s all for you, kid. Hurry up and help."

Li Muyang nodded and took some of the bags. Master then emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. "Put the stuff for tonight on the table, and put the rest in the fridge."

Li Muyang and I agreed. After stowing the groceries, I grabbed an apron and put it on. Master looked at us, dressed like housekeepers, and laughed. "Look at you two, just like a pair of housewives. Not bad—you'll have an easier time finding wives in the future."

I rolled my eyes at him, and Li Muyang just chuckled. Master continued, "Alright, come help out. Wash the vegetables, wash the dishes, let’s get moving."

I agreed with a smile and headed to the sink. I washed the vegetables and rinsed the seafood, placing them into the plates Li Muyang had cleaned. I checked the time; it was already nearly five o'clock. Master took the pan, started the burner, and within an hour, all the dishes were ready. Li Muyang and I set the table, grabbed a bottle of cola from the fridge, and once Master finished, the three of us sat down. Looking at the spread, Master remarked, "I really put my heart into this dinner to celebrate our new member."

I smiled, and Li Muyang looked at us with a beaming face. I opened the cola and poured everyone a glass. Master raised his glass first. "Though wine is common at the table, a refreshing drink is an essential part of the atmosphere. Come, let’s toast to our new family member."

Li Muyang and I stood up and clinked our glasses against Master’s. We drank it all in one go; the sensation of the cold cola rushing down my throat was incredibly satisfying. Master sat back down and picked up his chopsticks. "Let’s eat, and we can chat while we do."

We nodded and began to eat. Li Muyang was clearly enjoying himself, praising Master’s cooking with every bite, claiming it was far better than anything from outside. Master felt a bit bashful from the compliments and laughed heartily. "If it's good, then eat more!"

Li Muyang nodded, his mouth full of food. I took a sip of cola, and Master immediately said, "Kid, drink less cola and eat more vegetables."

I nodded and took a bite of food. "Oh, by the way, Master, Zhong Ming called me this afternoon."

"He called you? That’s normal enough. What did he say?" Master asked while eating.

I set down my chopsticks and swallowed. "Zhong Ming invited me to some Mid-Autumn gala and asked if you were free to go along, too."