After they finished shopping for clothes and shoes, Gu Zuo was a little hesitant.
Speaking of which, the clothes worn on the outside were bought, so they needed to shop for clothes worn underneath…
Gu Zuo’s gaze stealthily fell onto the shop sign of a store that sold underwear.
This store’s brands were also very good — The quality was decent, and the prices… Oh, the prices were pretty good, too.
It was just that, while it was fine in the past, the present circumstances required him to buy underwear together with his dear big brother…
Ah, this was indeed the feeling of embarrassment!
Gu Zuo’s bashfulness was seen point-blank by Gongyi Tianheng. With his impeccable eyesight, even though it was separated by the store’s frosted glass door, he could easily see the things inside. In a split second, he couldn’t help but find it funny.
After that, Tianheng placed his hand on Gu Zuo’s shoulder, and pulled him into a half-embrace. As they walked towards that store front’s entrance, Tianheng said: “It would be rather inappropriate if we don’t have these things. I’ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to buy them for this elder brother.”
Gu Zuo composed himself. His heart was burning hot as he begrudgingly walked inside. He opened his mouth, and said: “I’ll buy more for big brother, enough to last a whole month without having to wear the same pair twice…”
After he finished speaking, he felt a little embarrassed, and added: “Actually, these are pretty good. It’s just not quite as comfortable as inner trousers.” Once this sentence was uttered, he felt even more wrong.
Hence, he simply shut his mouth. After going on, he was solely focused on buying a hundred-something pairs of what the service staff claimed to be the best types of underwear in different sizes. He asked the staff to deliver the goods to their doorstep, dragged Tianheng away, and hurriedly left that place.
Once they exited, Gu Zuo silently breathed a sigh of relief.
Ah, his face still wasn’t thick enough…
Following this, Gu Zuo decided to change the venue.
In terms of clothing, they had purchased everything they needed. It would be better to go stroll around this world’s old medicine stores — After all, this was his old line of work. After leaving for several years, what he had been brought into contact with the entire time were all kinds of otherworld medicinal ingredients with strange properties. He had somewhat forgotten the appearances of this world’s medicinal ingredients. Now was a great opportunity to go and take a look.
After that, he asked Tianheng.
Tianheng saw Gu Zuo’s slightly reddened earlobes. He smiled and said: “Then, let’s go.”
On this pedestrian-only boulevard, there was actually one old medicine store. Moreover, it was said that this store had been passed down for over a hundred years, and one could always obtain some pretty good old medicines here.
Before Gu Zuo went to the other world, he once worked a temporary job at a medicine shop. However, when comparing that medicine shop to the current Cedar Life Hall, the differences were truly like heaven and earth.
Once they went in, a whiff of strong medicinal fragrances assailed the senses. Gu Zuo took two deep breaths through his nose. He quickly differentiated the scents of many different medicinal ingredients.
However, while he knew some of this world’s ingredients, it wasn’t like how he memorized several books from the other world and could recognize an herb or animal part in a split second.
To put it simply, in addition to the more precious and well-known restoratives such as ginseng, fresh deer antlers, fleece flower roots, and caterpillar fungi, there were even more common herbs and animal parts among the medicinal ingredients in this place. Though he could sniff out the medicinal properties, he didn’t know their names.
…This was nevertheless due to his lack of knowledge.
Gu Zuo dragged Tianheng, and walked over to the medicine store’s grids. While he took slow, deep whiffs, and he talked to himself: “This can work. This can work, too… En, this seems a little like…”
After touring the place, he arrived at the front of the sales counter, and spoke to the store manager: “I’ll have to trouble this sir to help get me this, this, that, and that one, too…”
He picked the highest-quality ingredients, and the quantities weighed out to one kilogram each.
Once these words were uttered, the expression of that shop manager became a little subtle.
No prescriptions existed for these ingredients, and this wasn’t a regular client. As soon as this fellow opened his mouth, he asked for quite a few types of medicinal ingredients — Among them, there were ingredients that carried small amounts of poison, and he still wanted the same kilogram each? This wasn’t too appropriate…
Although some medicinal ingredients could be directly purchased, there were some that were restricted.
This kind of volume was large, and the prescription couldn’t be inferred, which made things somewhat difficult to handle.
Gu Zuo saw the store manager’s expression, and suddenly recalled the pharmacy that he previously worked at.
It was also an old medicine shop. That place’s rules weren’t too strict. Most of the customers carried prescriptions, and a small minority that didn’t have prescriptions simply bought medicine directly. However, he also vaguely heard that there were some ingredients that couldn’t be casually purchased.
After that, he stopped.
Whatever. It was better to save a bit of trouble.
When the pair went back, Gu Zuo could let the Zhang Family acquire those medicinal ingredients through their own channels.
As he thought of this, Gu Zuo prepared to leave.
Then, Tianheng lightly pinched his cheek: “Ah Zuo, what are you doing this for? This place’s medicinal ingredients completely lack any spirituality. I’m afraid that they won’t be very useful.”
Gu Zuo replied: “With our realms, we’ve long outgrown the Rejuvenation Pills and Qi Generating Pills. As a result, I didn’t save a lot of their ingredients. Once I’ve finished refining them, there won’t be any left. Right now, the Zhang Family needs large quantities of Rejuvenation Pills. The ones I refined before are enough to be used for a period of time, but in the end, that stockpile can’t be used for a lifetime. Thus, I want to try see whether I can use this world’s medicinal ingredients to create a substitute. Although the price might be somewhat expensive, it’s better than having nothing at all…”
As they spoke, the two had already walked out the door.
Tianheng quietly listened as Gu Zuo finished talking. After that, he smiled: “Ah Zuo’s words are reasonable.”
Gu Zuo showed a great, big smile.
However, Tianheng switched the topic of the conversation. He sighed and said: “It’s just that we can consider this matter after we go back. Today, we were supposed to go out and enjoy ourselves. Could it be that Ah Zuo can’t spare a few more thoughts for this elder brother?”
Gu Zuo: “…”
Ah! He was out on a date today! He wanted to deepen the feelings between them, but his occupational disease flared up. His thoughts had strayed in a different direction halfway through! It required his big brother to take the initiative to bring this to his attention!
What a tragedy…
Gu Zuo wiped his forehead. He felt that, if he didn’t overcome this ailment, there was a possibility that he would have to live the life of a bachelor in the future.
Following this, he forced a laugh, and changed the subject: “Right. Then, big brother, where should we go now to have fun? How about the amusement park?”
Tianheng didn’t expose him, and only said with a smile: “Sure. This elder brother has never gone to there before.”
Thus, the two great lords decided to go play at the amusement park.
Once they reached the amusement park’s gates, besides families with several children, there were couples who were giving off the pink bubbles of romance. It was truly bustling.
Gu Zuo stood at the entrance of the amusement park. Seeing the scenes inside, he couldn’t help becoming taciturn again.
Should he say that this atmosphere was suitable, or unsuitable…
On the contrary, when Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo acting this way, he knew what was tumbling around in the mind of his little pharmacist. Tianheng reached out a hand, pulled his wrist, and brought him inside: “Let’s go.”
Gu Zuo rubbed his ears, and cheerfully scampered along in small steps.
This amusement park was very large, and there were all kinds of facilities there. Although the majority were appropriate for children, there were many that were suitable for adults, too.
For example, roller coasters, shrieking haunted houses, bumper cars, carousels, and so on. These kinds of things were usually powerful tools for developing the feelings between couples. Dear readers, wasn’t it clear to see how many sweethearts were romantically riding the carousels, cheerfully colliding on the bumper cars, excitingly surging along the rollercoasters, and being frightened in the shrieking haunted houses? Sharing these cherished experiences, their affections promptly soared.
However, what Gu Zuo was currently conflicted about was that, with regards to him and his big brother, these relationship-improving events seemed… No matter. He would simply treat a dead horse as if it was still alive.
Shortly thereafter, he looked at Tianheng with shining eyes: “Big brother, why don’t we play bumper cars first?”
Tianheng naturally didn’t refuse. He ruffled Gu Zuo’s hair, messing it up again: “Okay.”
As an “ancient person” from another world, while it was true that Tianheng had ridden in cars before, and basically knew how to drive after a few glances, he had never seen such recreational things as bumper cars.
As a result, for the first round, it was Gu Zuo who brought Tianheng along. The two of them shared one car as they collided into others.
Nevertheless, Gu Zuo’s skill level wasn’t bad.
Sitting in the car, he quickly turned the steering wheel, and led the bumper car into beautiful, spinning arcs. Tianheng’s back remained straight and tall as he sat in the passenger seat like the Dragon King’s Ocean Pacifying Godly Pillar. He didn’t sway or budge amid the car’s movements… Compared to the shrieks and laughter of other people, this appearance was truly special.
With a helpless expression, Gu Zuo turned the steering wheel, and quickly knocked into the nearest bumper car. Due to the energetic impact, the other party spun several times. As for Gu Zuo, he had already driven away like a ghostly specter. Finally, he took a second chance, and charged into another bumper car.
However, there was completely no sense of achievement at all.
Thus, after playing around for one time, Gu Zuo dragged Tianheng, and swiftly left the bumper car playground.
Tianheng raised an eyebrow: “Didn’t have fun?”
Gu Zuo shook his head: “I feel like I’m bullying people…”
Indeed. With Gu Zuo’s current eyesight and agile movements, wasn’t playing bumper cars with a bunch of ordinary people the same as bullying them? There was no increase in the affection meter!
Following this, Gu Zuo brought Tianheng along to have fun on the roller coaster.
Tianheng’s back remained upright and straight. Despite the wind blowing against his ears, the countless screeches and screams, he was as immovable as a high and mighty mountain.
Gu Zuo was likewise…unmoved.
This rollercoaster’s speed was quite lacking compared to the flights of the other world’s wild birds. This wasn’t fast enough to excite them at all!
Afterwards, Gu Zuo helplessly left the rollercoaster’s playground, and came to the carousel… Actually, forget the carousel. Besides small kids, everyone else on those things were young ladies. How could he have the face to ride it? Moreover, he didn’t dare let his big brother ride on a wooden horse. Think about it — With big brother’s temperament, he would sit perfectly still on the wooden horse. No matter how high or low the wooden horse moved as it spun around… The picture this scene painted was just too “beautiful” for words.
As a result, Gu Zuo pulled Tianheng, and changed directions. The dating location essential for sweethearts that they arrived at was a shrieking haunted house.
He heard that there were many “ghosts” in this place.
This was already Gu Zuo’s final hope. Giving himself a little pep talk, he said: “Big brother, shall we go in?”
Tianheng gave a matching response: “Sure, let’s go.”
After they went into the haunted house, they were met with darkness.
However, in Gu Zuo’s eyes, everything was crystal clear… This aggrieved feeling of having eyesight that was too good was already welling up in Gu Zuo’s heart.
Bracing himself, he proceeded to lead his family’s big brother onwards.
Those “ghosts” ought to have been worth the wait, right?
Tianheng leisurely walked through the haunted house. His posture was natural and relaxed, and his bearing was graceful and poised. It was clear that he was waiting to be scared like the others, but as he walked, there was a dignified feeling of a lord touring his own estate.
Gu Zuo looked to the left and right.
Alright. There were breathing sounds coming from behind the rocks, above the corner of the ceiling, and inside a cluster of artificial corals… Under this spooky atmosphere, ordinary people probably weren’t capable of sensing these things. However, as far as he was concerned, this was no different from making noises right next to his ears.
Gu Zuo wiped his forehead of any nonexistent sweat, and continued to walk ahead.
At this time, he already heard screams from quite a few locations. The sounds coming from those being scared were genuine and unadulterated. It could be seen that this place’s ghosts were all very dedicated to their work — Right. The one currently rushing at them had disheveled hair and a filthy face!
The person this ghost lunged at was Gu Zuo. Her dagger-sharp fingernails were smeared with a blood-red nail polish. It was particularly scary. But what kind of person was Gu Zuo? He was with his dear big brother to cultivate feelings. How could he let this ghost girl lunge at him?
Hence, he moved out of the way…
Bang!
The ghost girl fell face-first onto the ground.
Gu Zuo: “…”
That definitely hurt.
However, at this moment, Tianheng took the initiative to grab Gu Zuo’s wrist, and pull him over. They walked around this fallen ghost girl, and continued onwards.
There was absolutely no intention of giving that ghost girl a second glance.
Gu Zuo silently sympathized with that girl, and walked ahead without saying anything.
But after this…
A zombie rushed out from the left!
Gu Zuo stepped to the right.
Bang! The zombie tripped and fell.
A ghost woman crawled out from the right. She reached out a hand to grab his calf!
Gu Zuo hopped up.
Whack! The ghost’s claw smacked into the ground.
A hanging corpse suddenly dropped down from the ceiling. He spat out a long tongue. It was very scary!
Gu Zuo quietly met his gaze, and extended a hand to flick the actor away.
The rope that suspended the hanging corpse swayed, and the actor was pushed to a corner.
From behind a false mountain…
From inside a pond…
From…
Gu Zuo’s wooden expression didn’t have any feelings of fear at all.
Around him, there were already quite a few girls jumping into the arms of their boyfriends. The guys had smiles that spread across their faces. It was incomparably enjoyable for them — Of course, this didn’t exclude the fact that there were some guys jumping into the warm embraces of their girlfriends. It was fine as long as they were happy.
But on Gu Zuo’s side, although he basically hadn’t done anything, those dauntless waves of evil spirits had all “dropped dead”.
Gu Zuo felt a little troubled.
His big brother had been accompanying him with a smile the entire time, but whenever he wanted to jump into Tianheng’s arms like those girls, he was always stopped by an invisible sense of shame!
Yes. In the other word, he was someone who had explored the depths of the Tomb of the Human King. How could these bogus phantoms possibly scare him? If he really jumped into Tianheng’s embrace, that would be too fake!
After Gu Zuo troublingly walked out of the shrieking haunted house’s exit with his big brother, his worry turned into annoyance. In addition to his timid conscience, he just felt that making these choices…couldn’t have been more stupid.
Ah, this was such a half-baked plan!
It didn’t fit him and his big brother at all!
At this time, Tianheng sent a tender smile to Gu Zuo: “Where does Ah Zuo want to go next?”
Gu Zuo paused. Still a little conflicted, he asked: “Big brother, do you feel bored…”
Tianheng’s gaze was warm and gentle. He said: “Today, I came out with Ah Zuo to relax. Although many of these activities were quite effortless, there were also some interesting things… Ah Zuo, I don’t feel bored.”
Gu Zuo knew that his family’s big brother wasn’t lying to him. His mood immediately improved: “In any case, the stuff in this amusement park isn’t too suitable for us. Well, look at the time. Let’s go grab a bite to eat at the street stalls, and try this world’s foods. After that, we’ll go watch the movie. How about that?”
Tianheng faintly smiled: “Ah Zuo’s decision sounds good to me.”
The two came to Appetizer Avenue.
This place’s Appetizer Avenue was well-deserving of its name. From one end of the street to the other, there was an abundance of all kinds of essential food items. From the complicated and distinguished roasted duck and ancient-style pastries to the simple and easy steamed buns, steamed rolls, barbecued skewers, and hot and spicy soup, everything converged together to form an incredibly rich aroma. These extremely tempting scents entered the noses of those passing through.
With regards to Tianheng, the things eaten here were a refreshing novelty. As for Gu Zuo, whose series of dating plans failed just a while ago, this was just the place to turn his grief and indignation into the amount of food he would eat. Before anything else, he would bury his woes by stuffing himself with food!
As a result, a total of two hours was spent here. Gu Zuo dragged Tianheng along to eat their way from the start of the street to the end. If anyone paid attention to him, they would find that his stomach was like a bottomless pit. He bought food items from every vendor’s stall, and every morsel was eaten by him!
Tianheng kept Gu Zuo company on their eating journey. Once the two were finished eating, their stomachs were still flat and smooth. There wasn’t the slightest hint of a bulge…
Finally, Gu Zuo felt a little better. With Tianheng by his side, they arrived in front of the largest movie theater in the city.
Because the color of the sky was gradually darkening, the holiday’s festive atmosphere was becoming even thicker. Many staff members wearing Santa Claus costumes were handing out all kinds of delicate and nifty presents. There were also many peddlers selling melon seeds, popcorn, glow sticks, and small firecrackers. They were all wearing red clothes as they jubilantly hawked their wares.
Gu Zuo couldn’t help saying: “Big brother, it’s becoming more and more lively.”
Tianheng smiled and said: “Although this world’s martial disciplines have declined, it has other fun and interesting things.”
Gu Zuo happily said: “Big brother thinks that this world is pretty good, right?”
Tianheng faintly nodded his head: “It’s naturally the best when all living things are in harmony.”
Gu Zuo’s mood improved. He pulled Tianheng, and walked towards the movie theater.
What about the tickets they booked today? Because he was too excited, he only roughly knew that the screening was at 9:00 PM. As for the specifics, he didn’t look at it carefully.
When Gu Zuo came to the ticket inspection in the reception hall, he saw the enormous electronic screen suspended above the reception hall.
[A Dream on Christmas Eve. We’ll show you only a beautiful and sincere romance!]
[Slightly sour and sweet. It’ll be a good dream tonight!]
[The best choice for couples to abuse single dogs. You — What are you still waiting for?]
From poetic literature to straightforward descriptions to crude advertisements, there was no need to doubt…
This was a romance film!
Gu Zuo’s heart thumped. He couldn’t help furtively glancing at Tianheng.
Meanwhile, Tianheng was smiling as he said: “It’s almost time. Ah Zuo, we should go in.”
Gu Zuo pursed his lips.
Yes. It was only when he thought about it that he felt that something wasn’t right!
Subsequently, Gu Zuo adjusted his frame of mind, and went to watch a romantic movie with his big brother.
This was indeed…a very sweet romance film.
It was just that Tianheng’s sitting posture was still upright and proper as he watched the movie. Gu Zuo watched the movie without his full attention. He was also quietly looking at his big brother.
Some would say that looking at a handsome man under the lamp light was especially beautiful. This place didn’t have any lights on. However, under this curtain of darkness, when he looked at Tianheng… Ah, the sight was just as stunning.
In the movie, the graceful and elegant music flowed unhurriedly. On the big screen, it described the extremely beautiful feelings between the male and female leads. Within the surrounding darkness, there were many lovers getting closer to one another. As the emotions on the screen were raised to the next level, the couples slowly made rustling noises and some ambiguous movements.
Gu Zuo listened to everything very clearly.
His face was feverishly hot. His heart was also burning fiercely.
All around him were sweethearts…
Taking advantage of this opportunity, should he take the initiative to do something, too?
But this impulse was quickly suppressed by Gu Zuo.
Everyone here were lovers, so they could act on their urges. However, him and his big brother weren’t the same! It was better that he didn’t act impulsively… B-but he really wanted to do it!
In Gu Zuo’s heart, heaven and man were waging war. His thoughts and desires were tangled up in countless ways.
Though, in the end, he still didn’t make a move.
All of a sudden, Tianheng softly sighed.
Gu Zuo heard this, and his heartstrings tightened: “Big brother, what’s wrong? Is the movie too boring?”
Tianheng slightly tilted his head, and looked into Gu Zuo’s eyes. The moving specks of light reflected from the big screen seemed like falling stars. The sight was mysterious and filled with an alluring power.
Gu Zuo became somewhat absent-minded, and was about to lean in… However, he used the greatest willpower to control himself, and seriously said: “If big brother feels bored, we can leave early.”
The corner of Tianheng’s lips curled up, and sighed again. It was done so lightly that he almost couldn’t tell if it really happened or not.
Gu Zuo: “? ? ?”
Tianheng said: “It’s not boring at all. I was just sighing because of the feelings in this movie.”
Gu Zuo loosened a sigh of his own: “So it’s like this.”
As it turned out, his big brother’s emotions fluctuated due to the plot of the movie. This was really unexpected.
Later on, nothing else happened. Once the movie ended, the two followed the flow of people, and exited the movie theater.
Their walking speed wasn’t fast, and the path was delayed for a while. After they came out, most of the crowd had basically dispersed. Other people were already entering the theater to watch the next showing.
Right now, it was getting close to midnight. Gu Zuo also intended to head back with his big brother. Thus, he quickly made a phone call, and called the driver to come over and pick them up.
During this waiting period, they needed to quietly stand on the side.
The atmosphere was peaceful and still.
Just when the two of them were about to walk to the side, a little girl about seven or eight years old caught sight of them, trotted over in small steps, and loudly said: “Big brother, buy one for this big sister…”
The big brother she called out to was Gu Zuo. However, as she approached, she realized that the long-haired person who was actually 1.9 meters tall wasn’t a big sister. Rather, it was another big brother.
As a result, the little girl straightforwardly changed her slogan: “Buy a flower for this big brother, okay?”
Gu Zuo stared blankly. B-buy a flower?
Throughout the whole day, he wondered whether today had been a successful date or not. Suddenly, he hardened his resolve. From the flower basket, he picked the most beautiful rose with the fullest petals, and bought it. After sending the little girl on her way, he said to Tianheng: “Big brother, since it’s Christmas, I bought one for the occasion. How about I give it to you as a present?”
Gu Zuo was very nervous.
His big brother was intelligent, but Tianheng shouldn’t think about it too much… Although this wasn’t considered a true confession, it could be considered an indirect expression of his intentions. It was good enough that he himself knew this.
Tianheng’s gaze warmed. A smile spread across his face as he accepted the rose. With the flower’s stem pointed downward, he inserted the rose into the lapel of his jacket. After that, he spoke in a soft voice: “Many thanks, Ah Zuo.”
Once he said this, Tianheng leaned closer. There was a fleeting touch, and then it was over.
Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.
Just now… What was that?
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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