Chapter 275: Chapter 272 [Mine is...very big, bear with it for a moment]
Chapter 272: Mine... is quite big, just bear with it for a bit
Morning.
Chen Nuo sat at the dining table for breakfast.
Since Ou Xiuhua had joined the family, she cooked breakfast every morning, sparing Chen Nuo his previous daily task of going out to buy breakfast.
Well-behaved Chen Xiaoye sat beside her brother, chopsticks in one hand and a spoon in the other, spooning up white rice porridge. The fried egg before her was already half-eaten.
You could tell she was a child who loved her sleep. Still a bit drowsy in the morning, she occasionally yawned.
Ou Xiuhua stood behind her daughter, tying Ye Zi’s hair.
Actually, in the first couple of days after her return, she felt rather clumsy braiding her daughter’s hair, but in the past few days, she’d become much more skilled.
After finishing the braid, Ou Xiuhua reminded her, "Ye Zi, eat up quickly, or you’ll be late for kindergarten."
Chen Xiaoye obediently nodded and sped up her eating.
Ou Xiuhua took the opportunity to go into Chen Nuo’s room to tidy up his laundry and straighten the bedsheets.
As soon as she entered, Ou Xiuhua froze.
The latex paint on the wall beside the computer desk was a mess; a large piece had peeled off. Many spots had already flaked away, with large white flecks scattered all over the floor, leaving the room in disarray.
Ou Xiuhua was initially stunned. She instinctively reached out to touch the wall.
No water leakage, huh...
After looking around, she also noticed several pages torn from a notepad on the computer desk, with shredded paper filling the waste bin on the floor.
Ou Xiuhua thought for a moment, then turned, left the room, and approached the dining table.
"Uhm, Chen Nuo... your room’s wall?"
Chen Nuo, who was nibbling on a piece of fried mantou, looked up at Ou Xiuhua and frowned slightly.
"Wall? What wall?"
"The paint on the wall is peeling... a big piece, it’s all damaged," Ou Xiuhua said with a frown. "It’s only been one night, with no leaks or anything, so how did such a large patch get ruined? It looks terrible; we need to find someone to repair it."
Chen Nuo’s expression was a bit odd. He pondered for a moment. "Then find someone to fix it. You have the money, right?"
"Yeah, I have the money."
"Alright, then get it fixed."
After Chen Nuo finished speaking, he seemed unwilling to discuss it further.
Ou Xiuhua heard it. For the first time, Chen Nuo’s tone carried an uncharacteristic hint of restlessness and impatience.
This surprised Ou Xiuhua. Since she had returned to this family, Chen Nuo had always been calm and unhurried, never showing any negative emotions about anything.
Having eaten only half his porridge, Chen Nuo put down his bowl and chopsticks.
"I’m full. Heading to school now."
With that, Chen Nuo reached back to pat Chen Xiaoye’s hair. He didn’t even bother with his wheelchair, simply stood up, changed his shoes, and left.
Ou Xiuhua watched Chen Nuo close the door behind him, surprised. She opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing.
After coming downstairs, Chen Nuo stumbled at the complex entrance. He looked down at his feet, took a deep breath, and regained control of his body with his spiritual power before finding a concrete bollard by the road to sit on.
A few minutes later, Brother Lei arrived by car.
Seeing Chen Nuo by the road without his wheelchair, Brother Lei got out of the car, somewhat puzzled.
"Did you bring the spare wheelchair in the car?"
"Brought it."
"Alright, I’ll use the spare today."
Having said that, Chen Nuo got into the car and settled himself.
Brother Lei wasn’t one to pry. If Chen Nuo didn’t mention something, he wouldn’t ask.
The car slowly made its way toward school.
On the road, Chen Nuo looked out the car window; the morning rush hour had started, and the traffic was getting congested.
There were breakfast carts on the roadside, office workers waiting for buses, and students with backpacks...
Chen Nuo suddenly frowned, extending his thumb to rub the space between his eyebrows.
Did I... forget something? Why do I feel like I’ve forgotten something important?
After thinking carefully, Chen Nuo’s eyes suddenly lit up.
Ah, I remembered it.
He patted the back of Brother Lei’s seat in front of him.
"Brother Lei, after you drop me off today, contact my mom. She has some things to take care of, and I need you to go with her and help."
"Sure, what is it?"
"It’s about Chen Xiaoye’s household registration transfer. We need to talk to the Gu Family. My mom might not be able to handle the Gu Family on her own. Help her sort it out."
"No problem, a piece of cake. Those folks from the Gu Family wouldn’t dare to refuse," Brother Lei replied confidently.
"Good, but be subtle, somewhat gentle. Our grievances with the Gu Family are settled. As long as they cooperate, don’t cause too much trouble."
Brother Lei chuckled. "Got it! Prioritize persuasion!"
"Exactly."
"Understood. I’ll let them choose: either embrace our persuasion, or, if they refuse persuasion, they can face cremation. Right? We’re reasonable people."
Chen Nuo smiled and said no more.
Yes, I must have forgotten about that. Since I’ve already given instructions, it should be fine.
Chen Nuo relaxed, leaned back comfortably in his seat, and rested, waiting to arrive at school.
Hmm... It should be this matter, right? After thinking carefully, there was nothing else.
「In South America, about ten kilometers west of downtown Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.」
Dusty yellow earth swirled as an old, sheet-metal-covered bus rumbled slowly down the roadside.
The bus was clearly ancient, rattling and clanking as it moved.
When the vehicle stopped on the outskirts of a small town, the rear door opened, and several passengers hopped off.
The last one to jump down from the bus was a dark-skinned, skinny boy about seven or eight years old.
He had thick, curly hair, and his eyes sparkled brightly.
He wore a slightly oversized coat that his thin frame couldn’t fill, making him look like clothes hanging on a laundry rack.
The boy got off the bus without any luggage.
Hands in his trouser pockets, he stood at the town entrance, looking around at the unfamiliar place.
He took out a rolled-up map from his pocket and examined it.
Putting the map away, the boy glanced at the roadside and walked towards the nearest bakery.
"Buenas tardes."
As he entered, the bell above the door jingled. Inside, a young woman with a dark complexion and a dirty apron stood behind the counter. She leaned forward for a glance.
The little boy approached the counter, his eyes quickly scanning the glass display case.
"A bag of oatmeal cookies, please."
As he spoke, the boy pulled out some Brazilian banknotes from his pocket.
"Sorry, we don’t accept Reals." The young woman frowned. "Don’t you have any Pesos?"
The boy was initially taken aback by the woman’s Spanish, but his eyes darted about for a moment before he smiled and replied in fluent Spanish, "I apologize. Can I only use local currency?"
The woman thought for a moment and offered him an exchange rate far worse than the official one.
Without hesitation, the boy nodded. "Okay, let’s exchange at the rate you mentioned."
After buying a bag of oatmeal cookies at the terrible exchange rate, the boy immediately plunged a grubby hand into the bag and stuffed one into his mouth.
He smiled contentedly. "Tastes good."
"Of course. Ours is the best bakery in town," the woman retorted with a snort.
"Can I ask you something else?"
"What would you like to inquire about?"
"I want to take a bus south. Where could I catch one?"
"The south? Argentina’s south is vast. Where do you want to go?"
"To the very south of the mainland. Is there a place called Ushuaia?"
The woman was taken aback for a second.
"Ushuaia? That’s the southernmost city on the South American continent, the end of the world. Wait, you want to go there for a trip? It’s a nice place. Standing at the port of Ushuaia, right across the strait is the Antarctic Peninsula! The scenery is truly breathtaking. ...I suggest you go to Buenos Aires; you’ll definitely find a train or a bus heading south there."
"Alright... But taking a train or a bus would cost quite a bit, right?" the boy sighed.
"Of course, travel expenses aren’t cheap," the woman replied impatiently.
The boy sighed again. "Then... Although I don’t really like doing this, I have no other choice."
As he spoke, the boy stared into the woman’s eyes and smiled. "Excuse me, could you please give me all the money in your cash register?"
"What? You little rascal, what are you talki—huh?"
The woman began to retort furiously, but before she could finish, she suddenly stood ramrod straight, her eyes vacant. She nodded slightly, opened the cash register with both hands, and pulled out all the banknotes—including the few Brazilian Reals she had just conned out of the boy.
A thick stack of notes, large and small, was handed to the boy.
The boy glanced down. "That should be about right. Hmm, I don’t need the coins. Can you give me a few more bags of these oatmeal cookies? They are indeed tasty."
Moments later, the boy left the bakery, carrying several bags of cookies, his coat’s inner pocket stuffed with cash.
Ushuaia, it’s quite far... Sigh... It’s a long way to Antarctica...
「At the entrance of an ancient monastery on Sicily.」
"I’m very sorry, the Wizard is in seclusion, so he cannot receive any visitors at the moment."
A Cultivator in a robe politely delivered this message to the hawk-nosed man, Vanel, and the man in the grey suit, then turned to leave.
The man in the grey suit seemed anxious. "Wait a minute! Didn’t you say it was Octopus—"
"Oh, of course, I did." The Cultivator turned with a smile. "But the Wizard said he will compensate your party for the losses incurred due to his inability to fulfill the consultant agreement this time. However, I am sorry, at present, the Wizard really cannot accept commissions. So, gentlemen, please leave."
Just as the Cultivator was about to leave again.
"Wait a second."
The hawk-nosed man sighed.
"Is there anything else, gentlemen?"
"Could you please report this to the Wizard, sir?" the hawk-nosed man said in a low voice.
The Cultivator’s expression changed slightly. He frowned. "The Wizard’s decisions won’t change, and he is currently in seclusion, so..."
"No, please make sure to convey one sentence to the Wizard," the hawk-nosed man said calmly. "I guarantee he will be interested after hearing it."
The Cultivator thought for a moment. "Alright, go ahead. I will relay the message—but I can’t promise the Wizard will change his mind."
"As long as you pass it on, that’s fine," the hawk-nosed man said with a smile.
Then, his smile vanished, and he said in a deep voice, "Please tell the Wizard... this commissioned mission may hold a clue to breaking through the Controller Realm and reaching Lord Level!"
The Cultivator was stunned, his face etched with shock.
The hawk-nosed man smiled. "Alright, just say that. And, we’ll be waiting right here!"
The Cultivator, his face paling, turned and sprinted towards the inner part of the monastery.
"If you say that... won’t it... And we’re not even sure what’s there!"
The man in the grey suit frowned. "The Wizard is someone who really hates being deceived!"
"Relax." The hawk-nosed man smiled. "Your job is to accompany us to visit these senior advisors... As for how to get these big shots on board, that’s my job."
Vanel looked at this hawk-nosed fellow...
No matter how I look at him, there’s something strangely familiar about that sly grin on his face...
「Lunchtime.」
In the cafeteria of the No. 8 Middle School’s Main Campus, students streamed in and out.
Sun Keke and Du Xiaoyan were sitting at a dining table eating, joined by Luo Qing and the class monitor.
Sun Keke was just picking up her soup spoon when Du Xiaoyan nudged her elbow.
Lifting her head, she saw Chen Nuo wheeling himself into the cafeteria entrance.
His destination was clear, and he wheeled himself directly towards their table.
The wheelchair stopped in front of the dining table, and the other three looked at Sun Keke with knowing smirks.
Sun Keke blushed and gritted her teeth. "Why are you here? The school has rules... students from the International Division are not allowed on the Main Campus..."
"Do you think those rules matter to me?" Chen Nuo shrugged.
Then, he sighed lightly. "Alright, alright... Actually, it’s nothing. I just missed you and wanted to see you."
These words made Sun Keke blush even harder. She glared at Chen Nuo but said sheepishly, "What... what are you talking about!"
Chen Nuo didn’t answer, instead eyeing the dishes on the table with a mischievous look. "What tasty food do we have here?"
"Beef stewed with Chinese cabbage... and..." the class monitor began to introduce with a smile.
Du Xiaoyan, however, nudged him and rolled her eyes, then stood up with a smile. "We’ve had enough to eat. You two talk. We’re heading back to the classroom."
The class monitor was stunned. "What? We’re full already?"
"Yes, full!"
Luo Qing laughed as she pulled the class monitor up. Then, arm in arm, they walked out of the cafeteria, turning back to wink at Chen Nuo.
Chen Nuo wheeled himself directly to the table and glanced at the utensils in front of Sun Keke.
He took Sun Keke’s chopsticks, lined them up, and first picked up a piece of Chinese cabbage, putting it into his mouth.
He chewed a few times with narrowed eyes. "Ah, I really miss this taste."
Sun Keke kept a straight face. "The beef stewed with Chinese cabbage in the school cafeteria isn’t tasty. What’s there to miss! It’s way worse than the meals in the International Division, right?"
"That’s why it’s memorable! Think about it... after we graduate, we probably won’t ever have this terrible beef stewed with Chinese cabbage again in our lives. The kind that’s all Chinese cabbage, where you can’t find a single scrap of beef... Seriously, how do they even manage that? No matter how hard you try, you can’t find any beef, and yet there’s still a hint of beef flavor in the dish?"
Sun Keke ignored this thick-skinned guy, whispering, "You can keep pondering that. I’m done eating."
Chen Nuo, however, pressed his hand on Sun Keke’s shoulder and said softly, "Come on, you haven’t even started eating. Sit down and finish this meal, okay?"
Sun Keke didn’t respond.
"We... haven’t sat down to eat together in a long time," Chen Nuo said softly. "Back then, this food was so bad I could barely eat it. I always had to look at you to get it down."
"Looking at me?" Sun Keke frowned.
"Yeah, beauty makes even bad food palatable. You’re the beauty that helps me get it down, right?"
Although Sun Keke hadn’t forgiven Chen Nuo in her heart, what girl doesn’t enjoy being complimented by the person she likes?
Hearing this, her expression softened slightly, but she quickly put her stern face back on.
"Just eat! What’s with all this nonsense!... Hmph... It’s all lies."
Chen Nuo sighed. "Keke, I know you’re angry and hurt... but can we at least... occasionally talk?"
Sun Keke fell silent.
"You don’t answer my calls, you don’t reply to my messages. Oh, and when I tried to talk to you on QQ, I found out you blocked me."
Sun Keke’s heart softened, but she murmured, "I... I blocked you. You... you... couldn’t you just register a new account to find me?"
"I did! I’ve registered five or six new accounts, but every time I say anything, you block me again..."
Sun Keke’s face turned red. "Who... who told you to start talking like a hooligan as soon as you messaged me on QQ!"
Chen Nuo feigned innocence. "Asking if you’ve eaten well, if you’ve lost weight... Is that considered hooligan talk?"
Sun Keke bit her lip hard. "From someone else, no... but when you say it, it’s with bad intentions."
"Fine, I’ll register another QQ account. This time I’ll speak properly. Don’t block me again, okay?"
"No way!" Sun Keke turned her head away.
"Sigh... registering QQ accounts like this... I finally get it. If Pony Ma becomes the richest man in the future, I’ll have played my part."
"What did you say?"
"Oh, nothing. I was saying the QQ mascot is cute... a penguin..."
At this point, Chen Nuo’s body suddenly shuddered!!!
Penguin?!
All at once, something he had seemingly ignored, intentionally or not, for the entire day, surged into his mind!
In an instant, thoughts flashed through my mind like lightning!
Almost immediately, intense feelings of resistance, discomfort, and irritability washed over him!!
QQ! Penguin!! Antarctica!!!
WHOOSH!
Chen Nuo abruptly stood up from the wheelchair! He used so much force that he even knocked over the tray in front of him!
"Chen Nuo! You..." Sun Keke cried out, startled, but quickly realized something was terribly wrong with Chen Nuo!
Chen Nuo stood before her, fists clenched, teeth gritted. His body trembled, and his face was flushed red, as if he were desperately battling some invisible force.
"What... what’s wrong with you?" Sun Keke stammered, alarmed.
"Keke..." Chen Nuo, through gritted teeth, managed to force out, "You... You have to help me with something!"
"I..."
"It’s a matter of life and death!!!" Chen Nuo hissed. "Keke! Only you can help me!"
"...You, what is it?"
Chen Nuo took a deep breath. "First! You take me home now! Call Brother Lei to pick me up! Immediately, right now!"
"...Okay." Sun Keke fumbled for her phone.
"Second! Remember, the second thing is the most important... The second thing is..."
At this, Chen Nuo’s eyes suddenly clouded with confusion, but then, just as quickly, a sharp glint flashed through them!
Chen Nuo bit hard on the tip of his tongue!
Blood even trickled from the corner of his mouth!
Sun Keke was petrified!
"Second, you must remember! Remember this well!!"
Chen Nuo breathed heavily!
"Starting now! Every minute, you shout one word at me... Antarctica! Remember, every minute, yell it at me loudly! Antarctica! Just that one word!! During this time, no matter how I react! Whether I get agitated, I rage, I resist, I try to avoid it, I might even become furious! If I tell you to shut up, tell you to stop... you must not listen to me!! Just keep yelling at me every minute!! Antarctica!! Just that one word!! Understand?"
"Ant-Antarctica?" Sun Keke stammered, terrified. "You..."
"Remember! No matter how strange I become! You keep yelling it at me!! Even if I tell you to stop, don’t listen to me! Just keep shouting!! You absolutely must do this!! Promise me!!"
"...Okay, okay, okay!" Sun Keke’s face was white with fright. "I promise you... but Chen Nuo, what on earth is happening to you again?"
"No time to explain! I’ll tell you later! Remember! Shout ’Antarctica’ at me every minute!! Maybe... I’ll roar at you, I’ll scold you... My voice... It’s going to be very loud. You’ll have to bear with it!"
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