Ark Simulator, Don't I Have No Physical Form?

On the way back, Nightingale was still holding a small bag of candy she had just bought, popping one into her mouth every now and then. Su Rui carried large and small bags and walked beside her, while Shining, as always, walked in front, her back straight and quiet.

The last rays of the setting sun fell on the three of them, casting long shadows.

Su Rui suddenly spoke up, "Next time, I'm definitely going to prove my cooking skills."

The Nightingale, with a candy in its mouth, chuckled indistinctly, "Okay, I'll be waiting."

Shining didn't even turn her head, adding casually, "Remember to buy fire insurance."

Su Rui: "..."

The Nightingale chuckled, its golden hair gleaming warmly in the setting sun.

Su Rui looked at her, then at Shining's retreating figure ahead.

Volume 12, Chapter 694: I Won't Be Kidnapped

The village market was more lively than expected, with vendors' shouts rising and falling, and the air filled with the sweet aroma of fresh bread, spices, and fruit. Nightingale, clapping enthusiastically with Su Rui's wrist, weaved through the crowd, her golden eyes sparkling, occasionally turning back to ask him:

"Su Rui, do you like this spice?"

"Su Rui, would you like to try this honey?"

Su Rui was pulled forward by her, responding with a helpless smile, her amber eyes shining brightly in the sunlight. Shining followed quietly behind the two, her grey-purple eyes scanning the surroundings warily to make sure no suspicious people approached.

However, even so--

"Hey buddy, wandering around the market all by yourself?"

A burly hunter blocked Su Rui's path, his rough fingers clutching a necklace of animal teeth. He grinned and said, "Want to take a look at this? It'll keep you safe."

Su Rui politely shook her head. "No need, thank you."

The hunter persisted, reaching out to put his hand on the man's shoulder. "Don't be so aloof, young man. You're so handsome, why don't you—"

"Smack!"

Nightingale's staff suddenly appeared between the two, her golden eyes narrowed slightly, and her tone was gentle but firm. "I'm sorry, he's with someone."

The hunter paused, his gaze sweeping between Nightingale and Su Rui, then chuckled, "Little girl, don't be so nervous, I just want to make a friend."

Shining had somehow appeared on the other side of Su Rui, her grey-purple eyes coldly fixed on the hunter, her hand on the hilt of her sword, saying nothing.

hunter. "..."

He chuckled dryly twice, then tactfully stepped back. "... Sorry to bother you."

Su Rui: "..."

(It seems he was already considered "prey" without doing anything?)

After walking a few steps, someone else approached—this time a young girl selling flowers, her cheeks slightly flushed, timidly offering a bunch of wildflowers. "This, this is for you..."

Just as Su Rui was about to reach out, Nightingale had already taken the bouquet, smiling and thanking her, "Thank you, we will cherish it."

Girl: "...?"

Shining calmly added, "He's allergic to pollen."

Girl: "..."

She gave Su Rui a wronged look, then turned and ran away.

Su Rui: "... When did I become allergic to pollen?"

The Nightingale tucked the flower into his arms and whispered, "He's starting to have an allergic reaction now."

Su Rui: "..."

(Alright.)

The third time, a drunken villager stumbled over and reached out to touch Su Rui's face. "Young man, your skin is even more delicate than a girl's..."

Shining's scabbard "just happened" to be placed across his chest, the force neither too light nor too heavy, just enough to make him stagger back a few steps.

Nightingale's staff "accidentally" tripped him.

Drunkard: "..."

He fell flat on his backside, sobered up considerably, and sheepishly got up and slipped away.

Su Rui finally couldn't help but sigh, "... Aren't you guys being too nervous?"

Nightingale and Shining turned to look at him at the same time, and said in unison:

"I'm not nervous."

Su Rui: "..."

(He admitted it.)

Nightingale stopped abruptly in front of a dessert stall. The stall owner was a smiling old woman, and on the wooden table in front of her were freshly baked apple pies, their golden, crisp crusts still steaming.

Nightingale's eyes lit up, but she didn't say anything, only stealing a glance at Su Rui.

Su Rui raised an eyebrow. "Want to eat?"

Nightingale nodded slightly, then looked at Shining, as if seeking his consent.

Shining glanced at the apple pie and gave a faint "hmm".

Su Rui chuckled and took out her wallet, buying three servings.

Nightingale took the warm apple pie, took a small bite, and squinted her eyes happily. "So sweet..."

Seeing her satisfied expression, Su Rui couldn't help but reach out and ruffle her hair. "Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you."

Nightingale puffed out her cheeks in protest. "Don't rub it, it'll mess up my hair..."

Shining stood to the side, quietly eating her own portion, but her gaze would occasionally sweep over Su Rui and Nightingale, a hint of tenderness flashing in her grey-purple eyes.

(... Youth is truly wonderful.)

On the way back, Nightingale was still holding a small bag of candy she had just bought, popping one into her mouth every now and then. Su Rui carried large and small bags and walked beside her, while Shining, as always, walked in front, her back straight and quiet.

The last rays of the setting sun fell on the three of them, casting long shadows.

Su Rui suddenly spoke up, "Next time, I'll kick people out myself."

The Nightingale, with a candy in her mouth, chuckled indistinctly, "No, you'll get kidnapped."

Shining didn't turn around, adding casually, "We'll keep a close eye on you."

Su Rui: "..."

The afterglow of the setting sun painted the village paths red. Su Rui, carrying a basket full of groceries, walked briskly at the front. Nightingale and Shining followed behind, exchanging a puzzled look as they watched his upright figure.

"Su Rui, are you really going to cook?" Nightingale jogged a few steps to catch up with him, her golden eyes full of doubt.

Su Rui turned around, her amber eyes narrowing slightly, a confident smile curving her lips, "What, you don't believe me?"

Shining glanced indifferently at the basket in his hand, her tone calm. "Should we prepare fire extinguishers in advance?"

Su Rui: "..."

He took a deep breath, resisting the urge to roll his eyes, and said through gritted teeth, "Just you wait and see."

Back at the farmhouse where they were temporarily staying, Su Rui went straight into the kitchen without saying a word. Nightingale wanted to follow to help, but he gently pushed her out.

"No one is allowed to come in and disturb me today." He held up one finger, his expression serious. "Especially the two of you."

Nightingale wanted to say something, but Shining grabbed her wrist and gently shook her head.

"Let him try."

Nightingale hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded and sat down in the living room with Shining to wait. Soon, the sound of chopping vegetables came from the kitchen, the rhythm quick and surprisingly skilled.

(Can he really cook?)

The Nightingale blinked, somewhat incredulous.

Half an hour later, the kitchen door was pushed open.

Su Rui came out carrying three plates, a smug smile on her face. On the plates were perfectly seared steaks, slightly charred at the edges and tender pink inside, drizzled with a rich sauce, and accompanied by golden-brown roasted potatoes and vibrant green vegetables.

The Nightingale's eyes lit up immediately.

"Try it." Su Rui placed the plate in front of them, pulled out a chair, sat down, and rested her chin on her hands, looking like she was waiting for their feedback.

Nightingale eagerly cut a small piece of steak and put it in her mouth, her eyes widening instantly.

"Tasty!"

The meat was tender and juicy, the savory sauce perfectly complementing the meat's aroma, and the potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, all seasoned just right. She couldn't resist cutting another piece, her cheeks puffed out like a satisfied little hamster.

Shining also took a bite, her grey-purple eyes flickered slightly, and she looked up at Su Rui: "It's really good."

Su Rui's lips curled up even higher, and she swung her fork triumphantly. "Now you believe me? I was just getting distracted by you guys before."

Volume 12, Chapter 695: How did I fall asleep?

The Nightingale swallowed the food in its mouth and asked curiously, "When did you learn that?"

Su Rui shrugged. "I practiced secretly in Rhodes Island's kitchen. Closure would occasionally teach me."

Shining raised an eyebrow. "So, what about burning through the filter and charring the eggs before..."

"That's all because you two were staring at me!" Su Rui interrupted her irritably. "You two have such a strong presence, it makes me nervous!"

Nightingale chuckled and poked his cheek. "So you can get nervous too?"

Su Rui grabbed her fingers and gently squeezed them. "If you question my cooking skills again, I won't cook for you anymore."

Shining calmly cut her steak, adding without looking up, "Then we'll just have to keep an eye on you to prevent you from blowing up the kitchen."

Su Rui: "..."

Nightingale laughed so hard her shoulders shook, her golden hair swaying gently with her movements. Su Rui looked at her, then at Shining, who was eating with her head down, and suddenly felt—

(Being "bullied" by them like this doesn't seem so bad, does it?)

After the meal, Nightingale took the initiative to clear the table, and Su Rui leaned back in her chair and sighed contentedly.

"So, are you convinced now?"

Shining picked up her teacup, took a sip, and glanced at him with her grey-purple eyes. "Barely passable."

Su Rui: "... Can't you just give me a honest compliment?"

Shining put down her teacup, a barely perceptible smile playing on her lips, "Maybe I'll consider making it again next time."

Nightingale came out of the kitchen wiping her hands, and her eyes lit up when she heard this. "Then let Su Rui cook tomorrow too!"

Su Rui: "... Wait, I haven't agreed yet--"

Shining: "Okay."

Nightingale: "Yay!"

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the village paths were covered with dew, shimmering in the morning sun.

Su Rui stood at the entrance of the farmhouse, stretched, and squinted his amber eyes slightly as he adjusted to the morning light. His black hair was gently ruffled by the breeze, and there was still some flour on his collar from cooking last night. He looked lazy and content.

Nightingale had already packed her bags, her long golden hair tied into a neat ponytail, and she carried a small cloth bag filled with dried fruit and honey given to her by the villagers. She trotted over to Su Rui, her eyes sparkling:

"Su Rui, look! They gave us so many things!"

Su Rui looked down and couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Did you pack half the market in here?"

Nightingale puffed out her cheeks. "No way! This is all thanks to everyone..."

Shining emerged from the farmhouse, carrying the three's medical kits. Her grey-purple eyes swept over them as she said calmly, "It's time to go."

Her long, silvery-white hair was still neatly tied back, and her white coat was spotless, as if even the morning mist couldn't bear to touch it.

Su Rui looked at her, then suddenly seemed to remember something and pulled a small cloth bag from her pocket. "Oh right, this is for you."

Shining took it, opened it, and saw a small packet of dried Absinthe, emitting a faint fragrance.

Su Rui scratched her cheek, her tone casual. "I saw it in a corner of the market last night, thinking you might like it."

Shining's fingers gently traced the blade of grass. After a moment of silence, she whispered, "... Thank you."

Nightingale leaned closer and asked curiously, "Does Doctor Shining like Absinthe?"