Chapter 14: Moonlit Barbecue with Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao
Wang Dong'er rolled her eyes at Xiao Xiao, her tone tinged with annoyance:"You greedy little cat!"
I smiled wryly. Honestly, I had been dreading that they might suggest drinking—especially now, after our victory, when even the smallest mistake could turn into a disaster.
I said calmly,
"Hmm… I think we shouldn't drink."
Both of them raised their eyebrows simultaneously, as if I'd said something strange. I quickly added:"Alcohol… is something better avoided. After drinking, it's easy for one to do… improper things."
Xiao Xiao frowned, staring at me:"Huh? Ji Lin, that's not true. Don't you like beer?"
I stammered slightly,
"Of course not! I mean… yes, I do enjoy it a lot! But…"
Before I could finish, I felt her hand gently tug my arm. She spoke in a teasing voice that made my heart race:"Ji Lin, let's drink! Just think of it as a way to relax."
Then she blinked at me with a mysterious look, as if to say: You know what I mean.
I sighed inwardly. I knew Xiao Xiao wasn't thinking about just drinking—she might also be testing my limits and Wang Dong'er's boundaries. As for Wang Dong'er, she was looking at us, seemingly trying to hide her embarrassment behind a mask of irritation.
At that moment, I felt immense pressure, but I had no other choice. I gave a light smile and said:"Alright… since you insist, let's go."
And so, the three of us walked together toward the back mountain near the school, where quiet and darkness shrouded the place.
At first, we had thought about heading to the barbecue street, but when they discovered that all my tools were still with the Spirit Guide, we decided to change plans. So, we went to the back mountain. The place was rarely visited, and the calm atmosphere, filled with the scent of herbs and the cool breeze, was perfect… perfect for an evening that could easily turn into something more than just a barbecue.
Xiao Xiao, with her childlike enthusiasm, volunteered to buy the beer herself. I couldn't help but smile as I watched her wave the bottles triumphantly, as if returning from a victorious conquest.
As for me, I began setting up the area: a simple grill, some charcoal, and a few ingredients. I picked up a chicken and started preparing it.
Xiao Xiao raised an eyebrow in surprise:"Ji Lin… are you sure you know how to grill chicken?"
I gave her a calm glance as I turned the chicken in my hands:"Of course. Soon, you'll get to taste my delicious chicken."
Ha ha ha!
Wang Dong'er burst out laughing at my words, nearly toppling off her chair. Her gaze clearly said: This fool never knows when to shut up.
I sighed and reached out to pat her shoulder gently, signaling her to stop causing a scene.
She surprised me by sticking out her tongue lightly and sitting quietly, like a child who had just received a gentle warning.
The two girls sat beside me, drinking their beer and watching as I flipped the food over the embers. From time to time, I couldn't resist stealing glances at them. Wang Dong'er's hair shimmered under the moonlight like strands of golden silk, while Xiao Xiao's sparkling eyes were sharper than any spirit attack I had ever faced.
In that moment, I realized the real challenge wasn't the barbecue… it was keeping my composure in front of these two beautiful little devils.
Even though Wang Dong'er was dressed in masculine clothes, the white gave her an unusual purity. Her skin was like snow—soft, delicate, pure, and enchanting—yet at the same time, she radiated an undeniable heroic aura.
As for Xiao Xiao… her white dress and gentle features made her look like the innocent girl next door, the kind you instinctively want to protect.
I swallowed hard. Damn… how did I end up between these two?!
Wang Dong'er noticed my wandering gaze. Her lips tightened slightly, but she quickly restored her usual calm expression.
Xiao Xiao, on the other hand, seemed shy; she lowered her head and didn't dare raise it. Her cheeks blushed like a flower in spring.
"Hah… finally, the chicken is ready."
After a few minutes, I let out a sigh of relief. It was finally done!
I served the grilled chicken to them.
"Here… try it!"
Wang Dong'er took the first bite, and her eyes immediately lit up like crescents of joy. A playful smile spread across her face.
"Wow! It's incredibly delicious!"
Xiao Xiao eagerly grabbed a piece and took a bite:"Mmm… the tenderness is unbelievable!"
A proud smile formed on my face as I heard her words. It felt as though I was the one tasting the praise, not the food.
I laughed softly, and they laughed with me. As we ate under the moonlight, I felt, for a moment, that this was the happiest evening I had experienced since entering the academy.
For a moment… I felt as if the entire forest was filled with laughter and joy, like a little paradise all to ourselves.
The cool night breeze brushed against my face, accompanied by the chirping of birds, refreshing and soothing.
Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao were in high spirits, chatting endlessly, while I quietly focused on grilling the rest of the food.
In the blink of an eye, everything was ready. I poured the food into a large bowl, placed the grill on the table, and smiled at them:
"Come on, eat while it's hot!"
Xiao Xiao didn't wait a second. She grabbed the sausages quickly, and her eyes immediately turned into two big hearts of joy as she exclaimed in delight:
"Mmm! So delicious!"
Wang Dong'er also looked pleased and praised,
"Truly wonderful!"
I smiled, feeling a strange sense of happiness watching their joy. It wasn't just the food that satisfied me—it was the entire moment: the laughter, the breeze, and the nature surrounding us.