CH 65

【Hahaha, I’m in the Spirit Clan trial area, and guess what? Today, when I went out, I actually bumped into that Soul Clan member who used to beat me up. The one who used to hit me every time he saw me. But this time, he, the esteemed Soul Clan member, acted like he didn’t see me at all. Hahaha!】

【Count me in too! I’m in the Orc Clan trial area. Today, while I was in line at the market to buy something, I realized that the one standing behind me was actually a member of the Dragon Clan. Hahaha, it’s so cool!】

【Me too! Hahaha! I was in line with a high-ranking bloodline member. You know, in the past, whenever a high-ranking bloodline member appeared, us low-ranking bloodline members had to step aside.】

【Yesterday, my son got into a fight with a Soul Clan kid at school. Similar incidents have happened before. Usually, I go to the school to apologize and make amends. But this time, the Temporal Management Bureau got involved. After investigating, they determined it was the Soul Clan kid’s fault. So, the Soul Clan actually apologized to me instead. Hahaha, what a delight!】

【It’s truly amazing. My father says he can’t even dare to dream of the life we have now. He’s lived most of his life and never imagined a day like this. Equality between low-ranking and high-ranking races, it’s something he never even dreamt of. But suddenly, it’s like a ‘duang’ moment hitting him on the head. So sudden, so rapid, almost like a thunderbolt. Now, my father’s favorite thing to do is stroll around in places where low-ranking races were never allowed before, experiencing the life of high-ranking races!】

【Hahaha, my mother does the same. She and a group of old ladies have been changing their daily hangout spots. Hahaha!】

【Ahh, I’m not in a trial area, wuwuwu. When will this law be fully implemented?】

【I wonder too. In the past, we were all like this, and we were mostly okay with it. But now that the trial areas are going so well, we’re still under the dominance of high-ranking races in our regions. It’s so uncomfortable. I also want equality for everyone!】

【+1, esteemed members of the Temporal Management Bureau, please take a look at our regions too. We need you!】

【I’m from the Soul Clan. I deliberately went to the trial area for a few days to experience it. Honestly, it’s not bad. Although many privileges for Soul Clan members are gone, the atmosphere in the trial area is peaceful and harmonious. Everyone’s smiling. It feels good, so I support the work of the Temporal Management Bureau.】

【Wow! Revealing a high-ranking race member who supports equality. Your perspective is so refreshing! A thumbs up for you!】

【Hahaha, even high-ranking race members are agreeing to this law now. Temporal Management Bureau, hurry up! We can’t wait in our regions!】

【I really like this kind of Soul Clan member. Love them! Even in the past, they must have rarely oppressed low-ranking races with their status!】

【Wow, it’s amazing to see a high-ranking race member agreeing to equality. This Soul Clan member is really great!】

….

Seeing the replies under their own comments, a certain member of the Soul Clan smirked contemptuously. He turned to his wife beside him and said, “Look, this is the low-ranking race that the divine race wants to protect. Even if their status has changed, we high-ranking races can still manipulate them just the same.”

The differences in social status can be changed with a single law. Written in black and white, the principle of equality for all seemed to erase the disparities in status. At least, after just half a month of the new law being implemented, the momentum of equality for all in the trial area was unstoppable. However, the high-ranking races had held resources, status, and even received exceptional education for thousands of years. These things couldn’t be changed by a single law. Equality for all could only be achieved in inconsequential aspects and would remain at that level. Therefore, the elites of the major high-ranking races didn’t really concern themselves with the idea of equality for all; superficial matters like this didn’t demand too much attention.

His wife was a bit puzzled, “If that’s the case, then why did the divine race create such a superficial thing?”

The Soul Clan member waved his hand nonchalantly, “It’s just the youthful arrogance of young people. I’ve been saying that the current head of the Divine Clan, who’s not even thirty yet, is too young. Even if he’s exceptional compared to others his age, what does that matter? He can’t grasp the real issues; he’s too inexperienced. Even if he can get the major divine races to cooperate with him, it’s limited. He can’t do much more. This is our gift to the current head of the Divine Clan, a coming-of-age gift from us high-ranking race members.”

The major events in the trial area didn’t have an extremely significant impact on Bai Xianzhi, but they still had an effect. For example, there were fewer people dining in his restaurant. After all, this unprecedented event had captured the attention of many, and people were more focused on discussing it than on eating. Many stayed at home, happily discussing the situation. Also, disputes had decreased. The Three Thousand Food House was a lawless area and was prone to conflicts. Though due to its unique nature, there were very few who would dare to engage in violence within the Three Thousand Food House. However, there would still be arguments and disputes, with most of them being caused by resentment among the high-ranking races due to their position in the queue. With the new equality law, these conflicts based on racial status had significantly reduced.

As a result, life in the Three Thousand Food House became much more relaxed for everyone. Although fewer customers meant less income for a businessperson, Bai Xianzhi truly felt like he was living a more carefree life.

Especially recently, as the school started again, the summer vacation was over, and there were fewer visitors from the Chinese branch of the Three Thousand Food House. Bai Xianzhi was truly enjoying the life of a relaxed restaurant owner. However, there was a problem. With more free time on his hands, his two little companions couldn’t stay inside the Three Thousand Food House anymore. They were clamoring to go out and play.

Bai Xianzhi: “…” If he could take the two little ones out to play, could he still stay in?

Finally, on the day when the Three Thousand Food House had a day off, Tu linlin and Zhuo long took the two little ones out to play. Bai Xianzhi was left alone in the shop, enjoying the single life without kids.

Lying on a lounge chair, sipping a happy drink, and watching a movie, Bai Xianzhi thought, “This is the life!” But he didn’t finish the movie when suddenly, Feng Ye appeared at the door. Bai Xianzhi looked surprised, “Why are you here?”

Seeing the empty shop, Feng Ye immediately realized he had picked the wrong time. He apologized, “I was too preoccupied, I forgot that the Three Thousand Food House is closed today. You should rest well. I’ll go back.”

Bai Xianzhi leapt up from the lounge chair, blocking Feng Ye’s way, and said with a smile, “Don’t leave! Since you’re here, you can’t leave empty-handed. Come and have something to eat.”

The two sat down at a small vine table. Bai Xianzhi brought out some homemade snacks from the kitchen and poured a drink for Feng Ye. As they ate and chatted, Bai Xianzhi said, “The trial area thing is all over the internet now. Everyone is happy. Congratulations to you, you’ve taken the first step of a thousand-mile journey.”

Feng Ye asked, “A thousand-mile journey?”

Bai Xianzhi realized and chuckled, “It means there’s still a long way to go.”

Feng Ye had a smile on his face too, “Indeed, it’s a long journey. We need to take it step by step.”

Next, Bai Xianzhi wasn’t sure what to talk about. He wasn’t well-versed in state affairs, and he used to chat with Feng Ye about his own embarrassing experiences and interesting stories from the shop. But now he felt that Feng Ye’s mind was precious and meant for considering major matters. His trivial matters didn’t deserve a place in Feng Ye’s thoughts. The idea of his small matters occupying a corner of Feng Ye’s mind, which was busy with the important affairs of the Three Thousand Worlds, made Bai Xianzhi feel guilty. Perhaps sensing his unease, Feng Ye took the initiative to ask Bai Xianzhi about things in the shop, his childhood memories, and even shared some of his own childhood stories to ease the atmosphere. After Bai Xianzhi laughed, he expressed his concerns in a roundabout way. Feng Ye looked at him seriously and said, “I like hearing you talk about these things. The affairs of the Three Thousand Worlds are just a part of my life. Another part is here with you. I’m not complete without either part, and I’m not happy. So, we’re still good, just like before.”

Bai Xianzhi scratched his cheek, feeling a bit embarrassed. Hearing Feng Ye saying this so suddenly was somewhat unfamiliar, and he felt a hint of a queer vibe in it. Is it really okay for life to be a part of him? Would saying such things to a friend sound a bit odd?

Then he realized that it might be because Feng Ye had very few friends that he was saying this. Yes, that’s probably it! With so few friends, Feng Ye probably felt the importance of Bai Xianzhi’s role in his life. Plus, Bai Xianzhi was Feng Ye’s teacher, so it was even more significant! Feng Ye was simply being practical!

Once Bai Xianzhi figured this out, the awkwardness on his face lessened, and he laughed a couple of times to return to normal. He started talking about some amusing incidents. However, deep down, he still felt a bit strange about the situation. Could it be that the two little ones were acting up because they were not used to their absence?

Meanwhile, Tu linlin and Zhuo long, along with the two little ones, were at an amusement park in the Orc Clan. Tu linlin’s grandmother had been receiving treatment at the hospital every week and was now mostly recovered. She was watching the two little ones play with a big smile on her face, assisted by Tu linlin. Zhuo long appeared relaxed, but his vigilant eyes were scanning the surroundings. He was the only formidable beast among the three adults, so he bore the responsibility of protecting everyone. Additionally, due to being in the trial area of the Orc Clan, there were many people visiting these days, and the amusement park was packed. Accidentally, a child could easily get separated from their guardians.

The two little ones were experiencing this kind of place for the first time. Although it was regrettable that their dad wasn’t with them, that feeling of regret was quickly overwhelmed by excitement. Holding each other’s hands and then holding the adults’ hands, they looked around in wonder.

“Xiao Long, Xiao Lu, have you decided which activity you want to do first?”

The two little ones smiled and nodded, their voices harmonizing, “That one!”

Following the direction indicated by their fingers, Tu linlin saw various shapes of small cars. He and Zhuo long each took a child and joined the queue to buy tickets. Tu linlin’s grandmother waited in the resting area, watching them kindly.

The line was quite long since there were no privileges in the trial area, and all groups, regardless of their ethnicity, obediently queued up. Xiao Long needed to use the restroom, so Tu linlin took him to find it, while Zhuo long queued up with Xiao Lu and kept an eye on Tu linlin’s grandmother. The attractions were crowded, even the restrooms were busy. Despite being a male restroom, there was still a line. Tu linlin patiently stood in line with Xiao Long. Soon, it was their turn. Tu linlin followed Xiao Long into the restroom. After Xiao Long finished, Tu linlin was about to leave when he heard sobbing coming from the innermost stall. The crying sound startled everyone in the restroom. Xiao Long, being the bravest, shook off Tu linlin’s hand, approached the stall, and gently knocked on the door, asking, “Is anyone there? Do you need help?”

The person inside continued crying. By now, others in the restroom, along with Tu linlin, realized that it was a child in the stall. Someone quickly called the staff, and soon a young woman with tear-streaked cheeks arrived. With her calling from the outside, the stall door was opened, revealing a sorrowful young boy.

As it turned out, the young woman was the boy’s mother. She had brought her son to the amusement park to play, but in the blink of an eye, her son went missing. She had frantically searched the entire park for him and never expected to find him in the restroom.

Now that the boy was found, the young mother clutched him as if he were a precious treasure. Tu linlin left with Xiao Long, and after reuniting with Zhuo long, they played several attractions with the two little ones. By lunchtime, they found a restaurant in the amusement park and ordered kids’ meals. While eating, Tu linlin and Xiao Long noticed the crying boy and his mother from the restroom. The mother and son were sitting at the adjacent table. Tu linlin greeted the mother, and her wary expression softened upon seeing Tu linlin with the two children.

As the adults chatted, Xiao Long and Xiao Lu looked at the boy, whose eyes were still red from crying. Xiao Long whispered, “This place is so much fun. Why were you crying?”

The little boy didn’t respond. Xiao Lu guessed, “Did your mom scold you?”

The little boy shook his head. After a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke in a small voice, “My dad’s gone.”

Although his voice was faint, the adults heard it. The young mother’s eyes welled up with tears. Tu linlin and Zhuo long were at a loss for words but tried to comfort them. The young mother began to pour out her heart.

It turned out that the young boy’s father was a soldier in the Temporal Battlefield, and he had been fighting there for several years. He was just a year away from retiring when, unexpectedly, he died in battle during this final year. The news from the Temporal Battlefield indicated that he had been killed by the Stonemen due to lack of rest and the fierceness of the enemy. The boy and his mother were devastated. The person they had been hoping for had died on the battlefield. The mother and son had cried for a long time at home. Today, the young mother had brought her son to the amusement park in an attempt to lift his spirits, but it seemed to have the opposite effect, leading the boy to cry alone in the restroom.

As the young mother and her son spoke, they couldn’t hold back their tears. The little boy choked out, “Dad, he didn’t eat enough, didn’t sleep well, that’s why he died, wuwuwu~”

To the little boy, not resting well meant not eating enough and not sleeping well. Thinking that his dad had died because he hadn’t eaten enough or slept well made him even more heartbroken.

Because of this mother and son, Xiao Long and Xiao Lu thought of their own dad. They didn’t want to continue playing and insisted on going back home. So, Zhuo long took the two children back to the Three Thousand Food House. Not long after that, Feng Ye had left, and Bai Xianzhi was washing dishes. The two little ones rushed over to him, each hugging one of his legs, and said with sadness, “Dad, we miss you!”

Bai Xianzhi: “…”

He looked at Zhuo long, silently asking him what was going on.

Zhuo long helplessly explained what had happened at the amusement park. Bai Xianzhi understood and dried his hands before hugging the two little ones, saying, “Dad isn’t on the battlefield. You don’t need to worry about Dad. Dad will always be here, with you.”

The two little ones hummed and clung to his neck, rubbing against his shoulder. Bai Xianzhi understood their intentions; perhaps the death of the young boy’s father had scared them, but it wasn’t that serious. Right now, the two of them just wanted an excuse to be spoiled and affectionate with him.

After seeing off Zhuo long, Bai Xianzhi closed the door of the Three Thousand Food House. He held the two little ones and sat on the sofa on the second floor, watching a program. The two little ones leaned against him, and after whispering to each other, Xiao Long and Xiao Lu said to him, “Dad, can we sell our things to the soldier uncles on the battlefield?”

Bai Xianzhi looked at them, “Why do you have this idea?”

The two little ones replied, “Because they protect us, but they still don’t get enough to eat. Our family’s food is so delicious. If we give it to them, they will definitely get full! If they’re full, there won’t be any kids losing their dads!”

A smile appeared in Bai Xianzhi’s eyes as he said to the two little ones, “Dad will think about it.”

—–

Author’s Note: Muah~

Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided nutrient solutions between 2020-08-21 15:14:13 and 2020-08-22 15:06:47.

Thank you to the little angels who triggered landmines: 2 beginners; 1 White Peach Oolong Duck.

Thank you to the little angels who provided nutrient solutions: 20 swings in autumn; 10 pools of tranquil water; 9 clear moonlit mirrors; 4 tower of parted hatred; 2 cyan; 1 number of grudges.

Thank you very much for everyone’s support. I will continue to work hard!

1 TL: YSIAD “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you ”