Chapter 17: 17

Chapter 17: The Kitty-to-Human Transformation

[System, why do I feel as if I’ve seen the name Zhang Yiming before?] Lin Ning couldn’t help but ask the System. [It sounds so… familiar. Maybe I overheard it somewhere.] 

The System was still swimming drunkenly in its sea of Faith. It replied giddily, [You definitely know him. You’ve even met him! Remember the guy with the dog ears you ran into the other day? That was the Film King Zhang Yiming!] 

Lin Ning was enlightened. [So that’s who he is! As expected of an entertainment top gun… That guy’s hot! In that case, doesn’t that technically make him my senior in the entertainment industry?]

[Yup,] the System answered.

[!!!] When Lin Ning was still in his old world, he’d met many famous figures thanks to his dad’s job as a national banquet chef. But Zhang Yiming, the king of actors, was the first and only famous person he’d ever met unknowingly — accidentally, without even batting an eye! In his bones, Lin Ning was still just a nameless, ordinary civilian, and in his excitement of having met a celebrity, he couldn’t help but sigh. [I should’ve asked for an autograph! I’m such an idiot!]

[Please. Aren’t you an entertainment industry person yourself?]

[This body’s initial owner was,] Lin Ning countered.

The System scoffed. [Silly Host, the Film King may have been your senior, but right now, he’s your fan! His autograph’s a chance that’s lying right in front of you. Just send a private message to him: “A hot pot for an autograph, deal?“]

Did the System just mock him?

[So you’re saying I didn’t recognise him the day I gave him my name, but he did? And he realized I was Lemon Kitchen through the chicken and milk pudding? I mean, it’s not weird for him to know the name “Lin Ning” since I have a bad rep, but shouldn’t he be disgusted by me? Why is he still Rewarding me and… supporting me?] Lin Ning asked.

[We don’t know for sure that he knows who you are. He might’ve just…] the System stopped itself. With Lin Ning’s roasted chicken and milk pudding publicly out on virtual tasting, there was no way the Film King didn’t already know who he was. [I mean, maybe he’s simply here for the food. Don’t worry about it.] 

[…Agh, I should’ve stayed lowkey! I hope he doesn’t expose me.]

He forced a smile, telling himself that the man seemed like a decent person. At least, he didnt’ seem like someone who’d spill the beans right now. Lin Ning hadn’t even picked himself out of the heap of trash surrounding him. If that person was keeping his mouth sealed, it must’ve meant that the meal he gave him was completely worth it. If that was so, Lin Ning didn’t have to feel bothered, then. He didn’t need to ask any more questions. 

He looked at the camera and said slowly,

“Thank you, everyone, for joining today’s livestream, and thank you for all the support you’ve given me. Congratulations to mister Zhang Yiming for winning this trivia game! Do drop me a private message so I can send you the hot pot.”

“Now, to the 61 people, including Mister Zhang, send me a private message on the soup bases and meal sets you want as well as the delivery address and contact method. Remember, Rewarders and Mister Zhang may pick from the meat and vegetables mixed sets, while commenters may only choose a vegetable set.”

“Each delivery will have two soup bases, two full sets of seasonings, two sets of bowls and chopsticks, and a mandarin duck pot.”

Zhang Zhining listened, then asked, “Ning Ning, are you ending the stream already?”

“Yup.” Lin Ning nodded.

“Huh…” He stopped jamming his mouth with food, cheeks round like a chipmunk’s. He continued carefully, “Then, once the stream’s over, am I still allowed to eat?” The boy’s eyes were wide with hope, shining like a puppy’s.

“Of course! Help yourself. You can even take them home.” Lin Ning couldn’t help but laugh at Zhang Zhining’s face. “Take a few sets back to share with your friends and family.”

“Really…? No, I can’t take all this for nothing. I’ll buy them…” Zhang Zhining scratched his head. Suddenly, he turned his head awkwardly. “Uh, is it alright if I earn money through… delivering the hot pots?”

Lin Ning was stunned. Seeing the kid blushing seriously, his heart couldn’t help but melt. “You don’t have to. You’ve already helped me! Besides, we’re friends. I’m really happy that you enjoyed the food.”

Listening viewers huddled in front of their photon tablets were shocked.

That new guy’s a delivery man??? The new guy wearing those branded collab sneakers is a delivery man? He’s not a trust fund baby?! But his outfit wasn’t cheap at all!

[They’re really strict on brand protection nowadays so there’s no way those are fake!]

[My broke self just looked up the new guy’s watch. It’s a new limited-edition model! I think my peasant eyes went blind looking at the sheer number of 0s on its price tag.]

[Trendiest girl in Lemon Kitchen’s chat speaking. I’m reaaallly into studying fashion trends, and I have a super sensitive nose when it comes to sniffing out big fashion brands! I swear on all my professional accomplishments that the new guy’s pants are from Hypeli! Although that brand’s designs are usually simple and hard to recognise, if you magnify the video you’ll see stitches on the drawstring area at the opening of the leg that are unique to Hypeli. They’re super expensive!]

[Am I the only one here that thinks rich people are weird?]

[Hold on, Lemon Kitchen’s way too generous if he’s giving the new guy so many hot pots! And he gets to bring some home? I’m so jealous. Lemon Kitchen, wanna consider adopting a human-shaped pet? The kind with cute long bunny ears that’ll suck up to you?]

[Lemon Kitchen are you lacking a maid at home? The ones that take care of meals?]

[This woman is too stunned to speak. I don’t even know where to start getting stunned from! Fat_bunny, the film king, this new guy… There are so many things happening right now! Today’s events will be trending for a really long time!]

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[Nonono ladies and gentlemen. The point is that the King. Of. Actors. Is giving Lemon Kitchen his address and contact number!!! I’m so mad at myself for being so useless! If only I could get my idol to give me his contact!!]

[!!! Do you think if I get to know Lemon Kitchen I’ll be one step closer to my idol since we both love eating? Just wondering…]

Lin Ning only noticed Zhang Zhining’s clothes, shoes, and watch after reading the bullet screen. He looked a little on edge, though, so he didn’t ask.

“We’re ending the stream now, everyone. See you all next time.”

Once the stream cut off, Lin Ning smiled widely at Zhang Zhining. “Now that it’s quiet, let’s have a proper meal!”

Zhang Zhining wanted to explain, but Lin Ning didn’t ask. His heart surged with warmth knowing that Lin Ning was giving him space.

The two finally began to eat properly in silence. Lin Ning even prepared a seat for the kitty, not forgetting to peel off the prawns’ shells and pick out fish bones. For a pooper scooper, he did a great job.

After the meal the two worked together to type out the delivery list and pack the 61 meals according to the private messages they received. The moment the final package was loaded and sent, the corners of Lin Ning’s lips rose from the satisfying feeling of accomplishment.

“Thank you so much for today, Zhining. I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own.” Lin Ning wiped the sweat off his forehead and pulled out a bottle of orange juice from the refrigerator. Then, he prepared a plate of sliced watermelons. “Want some?”

“Yes, please!” Zhang Zhining was blown away by the mountain of food Lin Ning had at home. This orange drink was cold and quenching, and the red watermelons were unbelievably sweet. Downing them after the hot pots and work was refreshing. The only things Zhining had in his refrigerator at home were Nutrient Doses. Compared to that, he’d much rather live here. “You’re amazing. There’s so much food here!”

“Have some more if you like. Here, I’ve packed some hot pots for you, so take them with you on your way home.” Lin Ning placed a small plate of watermelons in front of the kitty, his heart tickling as he watched the kitty nibble on the fruit. The kitty’s teeth were sharp. From time to time, a fang would poke out, tearing the food apart. The strength in its bite was no joke.

“I’ll help myself, then. If you ever need help next time, find me! We’re friends now.” Zhang Zhining fist bumped Lin Ning. 

*

At night, after seeing Zhang Zhining off, Lin Ning used his powers to nurture the plants he’d planted. Little sprouts were already poking their heads out of the soil, showing off their adorable green stems.

If anyone saw these green sprouts, they’d be shocked to find that the first ancient Earth plant ever grown in the entire galaxy — the first in thousands of years despite research’s greatest efforts — sat here in this dusty little room.

The cat poked the sprouts gently. They swayed, then tottered upright again. A thoughtful look slipped onto the cat’s face, its gaze deepening.

“Don’t be naughty, Xizai.” Lin Ning rubbed the back of the kitty’s head, signaling it to go to bed. “Babies who sleep late are bad babies.”

The cat’s tail flicked instinctively as his hands touched it and sat politely, waiting for Lin Ning to use his powers on it after working on the sprouts. This was Lin Ning’s daily routine which worked well at easing its headache, so it came to be a routine it anticipated every day.

It looked sternly at Lin Ning, waiting for its turn. But by the time it realized Lin Ning had picked it up, checked that its external wounds were healed, and plopped it in its cat bed, it was too late.

Lin Ning peeled off his shirt and crawled into bed without even turning back to look at it!

He fell asleep!

HE! FELL! ASLEEP!

The cat’s ears twitched alone in its bed, shocked. Now that it’d thrown its dignity out the window to allow Lin Ning to pet it, Lin Ning’s suddenly deciding that he didn’t like petting it?! All he cared about were those sprouts?

It let loose an anxious growl from its throat, wriggling under its little blanket with mixed feelings. Now, all it could do was curl up in a ball and prepare itself to welcome the difficult time that was about to come.

Not long later, its head began to throb like it was splitting apart. Without Lin Ning’s powers, the energy in its brain shot back and forth wildly, as if piercing holes through its skull.

“Mrrowww…” A wince escaped its mouth. Something bad was about to happen. The cat arched backwards, then scampered to hide in the bathroom like a bolt of lightning.

A few seconds later, a tall man sprawled on the floor, his black hair drenched in sweat. His eyes shut tight as he held in the excruciating pain. The man had a tall nose, penetrating eyes, a sharp jawline, and a defined facial structure. He looked mature, handsome, sturdy, and forbidden. 

A low, rough voice slithered out his mouth. “Lin… Ning…”

 

The author has something to say:

Kitty, in deep thought: …… (Why isn’t he petting me yet?)

Lin Ning: My baby’s wounds are all healed, and now he’s so soft and white. Good job!

Kitty, nudging Lin Ning with its paws: Pet me! (It says that fiercely, but it’s actually really shy)

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