Chapter 330: The Struggle with VV

This novel is translated and hosted only on BCaTranslation

Lin Xian gently closed the door of his apartment behind him, having just returned from a whirlwind trip to Copenhagen. He tossed his suitcase into a corner of the living room and headed straight to the shower, eager to wash off the remnants of his journey. The clothes he had been wearing were the same ones he’d had on for the last two days, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to meet someone while still dressed in them.

Freshly showered and changed, Lin Xian stood before the mirror, toweling his hair dry while his thoughts wandered. The strange occurrence he experienced with the mirror at precisely 00:42 had left him puzzled and intrigued. He had attempted to replicate the moment twice since then, but each time, the mirror simply reflected his movements with mundane accuracy. Whatever had happened that night seemed to be a singular event, possibly orchestrated by someone—perhaps Yellow Finch, or maybe even his future self—as part of what he had come to think of as the “Genius Club Invitation Ceremony.” Despite the lack of further incidents, Lin Xian couldn’t shake off the hope that it might occur again, revealing more secrets.

With a contemplative frown, Lin Xian mused aloud to his reflection, “So, if I answer the Genius Club’s three questions correctly and gain membership, what else might I discover? Could the mirror give me more than just an invitation?”

His reflection mimicked his every move as he shook his head, dismissing the flurry of thoughts. Certain of nothing but his resolve, Lin Xian knew he had to pursue this path to unravel the mysteries of the world, hoping that membership in the Genius Club would provide him with a broader perspective on time and space.

“Alright, time to go,” he declared, smoothing down his collar and switching off the bathroom light. He then made his way downstairs to where a driver awaited him in an Alfa business van.

Upon seeing Lin Xian, the driver promptly opened the rear door. “To Ms. Ying Jun’s place,” Lin instructed as he fastened his seatbelt. The van then glided away from the apartment complex.

Upon reaching Zhao Ying Jun’s residence, Lin Xian knocked on the door.

“Coming~” Zhao Ying Jun’s voice floated through the door, accompanied by a feeble, mournful bark that was more of a whimper.

The door swung open, and Zhao Ying Jun greeted him with a warm smile. “Come in, Lin Xian. We’ve been waiting for you.”

She glanced down at a Pomeranian lying despondently on the floor. “VV, look who’s here! Lin Xian is here to see you.”

The dog barely lifted its head, its eyes swollen and sad. At the sight of Lin Xian, it whimpered weakly.

“V... woof...” It attempted to speak, shaking slightly.

Zhao Ying Jun looked concerned. “VV...” she began, but Lin Xian interrupted, stepping forward and kneeling beside the dog.

“It’s okay, let me handle it,” he said softly, reaching out to gently stroke VV’s head. “VV, what’s wrong?”

The Pomeranian continued to whimper, struggling to express its distress.

Lin Xian looked deeply into the dog’s eyes. “Are you sad?” he asked, understanding that sometimes, words were unnecessary to convey feelings.

VV seemed to grasp Lin’s words, halting its whimpering and gazing back at him. A silent understanding passed between them.

Watching this exchange, Zhao Ying Jun couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps Lin Xian had a special connection with VV. “I’ll make some tea,” she offered, moving toward the kitchen. “I’ll brew some of the Pu’er tea I recently got. You two have a chat.”

Settling onto a low stool, Lin Xian lifted VV onto his lap. “Honestly, VV, I wish I could understand what’s making you so sad. They say dogs are more sensitive to emotions than humans. Maybe you can understand me better than I can understand you.”

VV twitched its ears, responding with a soft, drawn-out noise as Lin Xian continued. “You really are a clever dog,” he chuckled. “I don’t know what nightmare you had, but I’ve had some bad ones lately too. They’re awful, and I feel so helpless.”

He sighed, a sad look crossing his face. “I used to have a friend named VV too. I thought it wasn’t strong and even called it lazy. We don’t realize what we’ve got until it’s gone, right?”

Holding VV closer, Lin Xian’s voice softened. “It’s not the loss of money or power that breaks us—it’s the loss of someone dear. Did you dream of losing a friend like that?”

Feeling VV tremble in his arms, Lin Xian nodded slowly. “If so, I understand. I’m here with you, VV.”

Zhao Ying Jun laughed lightly. “How can Beijing cuisine feel like home to you? I would think Hangzhou dishes would have that effect.”

Lin Xian shook his head playfully. “No way. Hangzhou is practically a culinary desert compared to what I’ve discovered since moving to Donghai City. Even the food at the university cafeteria outshines anything back in Hangzhou.”

Zhao Ying Jun appeared amused. “Really? People usually see their hometown food through a nostalgic lens.”

“That might be true, but the culinary scene in Hangzhou has its reasons,” Lin Xian explained, diving into a brief history.

Curious, Zhao Ying Jun inquired, “Isn’t there a famous dish there, something like West Lake Vinegar Fish?”

Lin Xian laughed, “There’s a running joke that the recipe for West Lake Vinegar Fish is so complex, if you mess up even one step, it’ll accidentally taste good.”

“Some even joke that a fish used for West Lake Vinegar Fish has died in vain, never resting in peace.”

Zhao Ying Jun couldn’t help but laugh. “Is it really that bad?”

“It’s an exaggeration,” Lin admitted, “but there’s some truth to it. You should visit Hangzhou yourself to try it.”

“I’d like that,” Zhao Ying Jun said, a hint of longing in her voice. “I’ve missed out on visiting many domestic tourist spots. I went abroad for studies as a teenager and jumped straight into business after graduation. Hangzhou has always been on my list.”

Their conversation drifted to personal stories and memories, connecting them over the shared experiences and the meal. As they talked, Lin Xian reflected on how different this felt compared to his usual guarded interactions, influenced by Yellow Finch’s deceits.

...

This novel is translated and hosted only on BCaTranslation

As the evening wound down, they prepared to leave. VV, however, seemed reluctant to part with Lin Xian, clinging to him as Zhao Ying Jun stepped out of the van.

“VV, it’s time to say goodbye,” Zhao Ying Jun reasoned. “Lin Xian needs to head home too.”

VV whimpered, its eyes pleading.

Lin Xian knelt to comfort the dog. “It seems he doesn’t want you to leave,” Zhao Ying Jun noted, concerned. “Could you come up just one more time? Help me put him to bed?”

Lin agreed, though internally he felt a mix of reluctance and affection. Upstairs, in Zhao Ying Jun’s apartment, he experienced an awkward yet touching moment as he tried to coax VV to sleep in its designated spot.

After a while, as VV finally settled down, Zhao Ying Jun whispered her thanks. “I didn’t mean to keep you so late. Thank you.”

“It’s fine. VV needed it,” Lin Xian responded, heading for the door. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Lin Xian,” Zhao Ying Jun called out softly as he left.

Back in the underground parking lot, Lin Xian settled into the van, weary but content. As the driver started the engine, a sudden interruption came—a young girl with short black hair and intense, glowing eyes reached into the car, stopping the closing door. Lin Xian looked up, startled by her unwavering stare.

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation