Part 2
Zhu Ran smiled. “Just lie there. I’ll use lavender aromatherapy in the room and use essential oils to massage your temples and the top of your head for an aromatherapy session.”
Zefaer asked, “Aromatherapy?” This term didn’t seem to have appeared in the Interstellar before.
Zhu Ran explained, “It’s a method of treating illness using aromatic drugs to aid in psychological and physiological healing. This therapy returns to nature, using aromatic drugs mostly extracted from plants. It’s likely quite rare now.”
So it’s a therapy centered on natural plants; no wonder I haven’t heard of it. Natural plants were so rare in the Interstellar that likely only Zhu Ran could use such a treatment method.
Zhu Ran: “I’ve only tried lavender aromatherapy on myself. Other than feeling a bit sleepy, there were no adverse reactions. You’re the first person besides me to experience it. If you feel unwell at any point, you must tell me.”
“During the process, the condition of your spiritual sea will be recorded. Afterward, I’ll send a detailed wave analysis to you and Huinai.”
Zefaer nodded. “I understand.”
Zhu Ran drew the curtains in Z’s room and controlled the indoor lighting to become a dim, warm glow. Before starting, he first checked Z’s spiritual sea condition with the device.
A cold electronic voice reported:
[Spiritual Sea Damage Value: 94.3%] [Spiritual Sea Fluctuation Value: 19]
The damage value hadn’t changed since last time, still a precarious 94.3%. The fluctuation value had only risen by one point in the last two days; Z’s state had been very calm lately.
Zhu Ran placed the humidifier on the floor at the foot of the bed and turned it on. Mist mixed with lavender fragrance released from the outlet, slowly staining the room with a peaceful scent. A soft towel had been placed at the foot of the bed, and Z rested his head on it as requested, covered by a pure white blanket.
“Is the scent acceptable? Do you find it too strong?” Zhu Ran moved a chair to sit at the foot of the bed and leaned over to ask. His tone was calm and soft as usual, but perhaps because the room was dim or because he was a bit close to Zefaer, Zefaer’s attention was momentarily lost when he saw Zhu Ran’s fair neck.
Zefaer closed his blue and gold eyes, driving the beautiful curve of that neck from his mind. “It’s not too strong. It’s a very comfortable smell; I feel very relaxed after smelling it.”
“As long as you can accept it.” Zhu Ran was relieved.
Listing essential oils seemed like it could be put on the agenda. People who liked the fragrance of natural plants but didn’t want to care for them could choose to buy oils—worry-free and effortless, though the price would be a bit more expensive.
“Next, I’ll use the diluted lavender oil to massage your temples. Using a massage in combination with the aromatherapy makes the effect better. If my pressure is uncomfortable, tell me.”
Zefaer: “Alright.”
Zhu Ran poured the diluted massage oil into his palm and rubbed his hands together. Using the warmth of his palms to heat the oil until the fragrance became distinct, he used the pads of his index and middle fingers to take some oil and touch Zefaer’s temples.
The moment those soft, warm fingers touched his temples, Zefaer’s entire body tensed. His hands inside the blanket clenched into fists, with grey-blue veins bulging.
Zhu Ran smiled lightly. His voice, accompanied by the sound of the humidifier’s mist, was softened slightly. It sounded even more gentle.
“Relax, don’t be nervous.”
Zefaer pursed his lips and his Adam’s apple bobbed. He tried to let himself be less tense. Zhu Ran didn’t start the massage immediately but waited for Z to get used to his touch.
“Is it uncomfortable?”
“I’m not used to being touched by others. Otherwise, no discomfort.”
Hmm… suggested that the massage oil be used by the individual or someone close to them. Zhu Ran silently recorded the user feedback and thought about optimizing the instructions.
“How is the scent of the massage oil? Any stinging or other odd sensations on the skin?”
“It’s suitable.”
“Good, then I’ll begin the massage.”
The fingers originally resting on Zefaer’s temples began to press—sometimes rotating, sometimes pressing lightly. The glossy oil stained Zefaer’s temples with a sheen of moisture, which was absorbed through the constant massage and vanished without a trace. Compared to the areas where the oil wasn’t used, the skin near the temples became more hydrated.
“Is the pressure okay? Do you need it heavier? I’m going to start massaging your head.”
Accompanied by the moderate massage and the sweet scent of vanilla sugar mixed into the lavender fragrance, Zefaer’s state went from tense to relaxed, and eventually, even his brow smoothed out. His heart was at peace.
Zefaer didn’t even know when he fell asleep. Perhaps it was amidst the waves of pleasant fragrance, or under Zhu Ran’s gentle and comfortable massage, or within the series of gentle questions. He was like a beast walking alone in the dark, led by a gentle aura into a beautiful field of flowers in full bloom. Under the warm light and the cozy, fragrant atmosphere, the beast closed its eyes and gained a moment of peace.
Then, Zefaer naturally fell into a peaceful dream.
From Zhu Ran’s perspective, Z looked very submissive with his eyes closed and his overall peaceful expression. Sensing Z’s breathing grow deep, Zhu Ran stopped asking questions. His hand in Z’s golden hair pressed a few acupoints lightly before slowly leaving the thick gold. He smoothed the man’s hair, tidying the mess he had made that looked like a large lion’s mane.
He looks even more like a lion cat when he’s sleeping quietly… Zhu Ran thought to himself, his expression gentle.
After silencing the spiritual sea monitor, he tested Z’s data again:
[Spiritual Sea Damage Value: 94.1%] [Spiritual Sea Fluctuation Value: 12]
After one aromatherapy treatment, Z’s damage value had dropped by 0.2%, and the fluctuation value had dropped by 7 points.
He sent this data and the specific waveforms to Huinai. Originally, he wanted to send a copy to Z, but he realized that until now, he didn’t have Z as a Star-Net friend.
“I’ll add him after he wakes up!”
Zhu Ran then dimmed the room lights. He tiptoed out of the room without making much noise. As he left, he mouthed the words “sweet dreams” toward Z.
The aromatherapy machine continued to work, the milky-white fragrant mist filling the entire room with the scent of lavender. Calm and peaceful. Zefaer, who hadn’t slept well in a long time, slept very deeply and for a very long time this time.
In his dream, he held the vanilla sugar he longed for and rolled on a grassy field covered in lavender. There was no calamity of thunder and lightning, no unbearable pain; there was only warmth and a light fragrance. The beast was no longer wandering.
The daily revenue of “Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance” had exceeded one million for several consecutive days. From the novice event period with a total weekly revenue of 444,000 to a daily revenue of over a million now, it had only taken “Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance” a little over a week. Its growth was truly staggering!
With such impressive results, “Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance” had clearly become one of the key objects of observation within the Starbuy App. However, evaluations within Starbuy were mixed.
Operations Director Xiao Zhang was about to coordinate a one-day promotion for “Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance,” and he strongly supported the shop during the meeting.
“According to the data, the daily revenue of ‘Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance’ has already exceeded 99% of its peer shops. Based on our calculated revenue model, its daily revenue is expected to reach the ten-million level, with monthly revenue potentially exceeding 100 million.”
“For such a high-potential shop, I suggest giving it at least an A-rank promotion budget and signing an exclusive shop contract.”
During the meeting, Xiao Zhang listed sets of data, letting the numbers speak for themselves. Every data point showed the extraordinary potential of the shop. Xiao Zhang had a premonition that such a fast-growing shop could bring new vitality to the Starbuy App.
However, even with so much data supporting it, Marketing Director Lao Zou still kept a stoic face.
Lao Zou: “The data is indeed good, but ‘Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance’ sells natural plants. Who knows how long it can last? And who can guarantee a stable supply?”
“I’m afraid it’s just a flash in the pan; it might just take our promotion and exclusive contract and then walk away.”
Xiao Zhang argued: “Then what if ‘Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance’ jumps to a competitor because of our neglect? Can you bear that loss?”
Lao Zou: “It’s just one small shop. Starbuy isn’t unable to operate without it.”
“I suggest giving ‘Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance’ another month as an observation period. During this month, as long as it can guarantee a daily revenue of over a million every day, we’ll then give it an A-rank promotion and an exclusive contract.”
“For this promotion, let’s just give it a B-rank budget for now.”
Xiao Zhang: “Does Director Zou not know that opportunity knocks but once? Who knows what will happen if we delay for a month?”
Lao Zou: “As the saying goes, a watched pot never boils. Young man, don’t be impetuous. Be steady.”
Both sides refused to yield, each holding their own view and believing they were right. After various expressions of opinion, Lao Zou, who had worked at Starbuy longer, gained more votes of approval.
“Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance,” which came first in the novice event, only received a B-rank promotion, while the fourth-place clothing shop, “Designer R,” received an A-rank promotion. The reason given for this decision was that “Designer R” had stable updates, was unlikely to fail, and had a certain influence among young people.
Xiao Zhang was furious. Certain people were being biased and lining their own pockets!
“Old man, just you wait. Even with only a B-rank promotion, ‘Zhu’s Shadow and Fragrance’ will definitely win against that piece-of-sh*t shop you favor!”
Translator’s Note
Key Terms Recap:
- Lamiaceae (唇形科 – chún xíng kē): The mint family of flowering plants, which includes lavender.
- Veterans’ Group (戰友群 – zhànyǒu qún): A group chat for former soldiers or comrades-in-arms.
- Carrier Oil (基礎油 – jīchǔ yóu): Also known as base oil, used to dilute essential oils for topical application.
- Designer R (設計師R): A rival shop mentioned in the Starbuy corporate meeting.
- Male Model (男模): Zhu Ran’s cheeky suggestion for Z’s new career path.
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