Human Hypocrisy

January 11th, Sunday.

On the way to school, Xue Yuantong looked over the little stalls on the dam top and said, "Did you smell fried rice today?"

Of course Jiang Ning had smelled it. Within the range of his Spiritual Sense, Zhuang Jianhui had stopped obsessing over fishing at Yang Fei's Agritainment restaurant. Today, he had been learning from Old Master all along.

He was learning only one skill: egg fried rice.

"I want egg fried rice," Xue Yuantong said.

Jiang Ning asked, "What about Roasted Cold Noodles?"

"I want that too."

Jiang Ning added, "And a Pickled Mustard Greens with Shredded Pork wrap?"

"That too."

Jiang Ning concluded, "All right, you just want to eat."

Xue Yuantong grinned. "As expected of my mighty subordinate."

Beneath the dazzling sunset on the horizon, the electric bike rolled forward at an unhurried pace as the two of them chatted leisurely.

It had turned cold, with temperatures nearing zero degrees. The wind blowing toward them was icy, so Xue Yuantong raised her hand and tucked Jiang Ning's scarf closer around him.

Jiang Ning gazed at the cityscape along Nanhong Road. The roadside shops had already lit up, giving the place a faintly desolate air.

"My ears are freezing," he suddenly said.

Xue Yuantong immediately straightened her slender waist. She gently lifted both hands, like petals closing together, and lightly covered Jiang Ning's ears. The motion came so naturally, as though she had done it countless times before.

"Hehe, warmer now, right?" Xue Yuantong said foolishly.

Jiang Ning felt the warmth at his ears and smiled as well.

Though Spiritual Energy protected his body from the cold, a trace of warmth still rose within his heart.

This is nice, he thought.

Xue Yuantong looked around the sides of the Asphalt Road again. Her eyes