Chapter 42: 042 New Product Announcement part 1
The next day, to keep his appointment with Mu Qingzhou, Zhu Ran woke up a bit earlier than usual.
Changing into slightly more formal clothes, Zhu Ran walked out of his room.
Z looked up at the sound. Seeing that Zhu Ran had woken up so early and was clearly dressed up, an expression of surprise appeared on his face.
Zhu Ran always dressed very casually at home, usually in loose hoodies with casual sweatpants or jeans, or just walking around in fluffy, soft pajamas.
But today, Zhu Ran had changed into a dark brown knit sweater and khaki casual pants. The collar of the knit sweater was quite open, revealing half of his exquisite collarbones.
Zhu Ranās hair had also been groomed, his irregular bangs styled into airy, messy strands.
His aura was fresh and clean, with an unconscious touch of allure.
Zās gaze lingered on Zhu Ranās collarbones for a long time. After a moment, he spoke: “Going out today?”
“Yes. A customer has come to find me; Iām going to meet him.”
Zhu Ran nodded and then shook the vine on his wrist by lifting his sleeve. “Itās the customer who sold me this vine. Heās a very outstanding student.”
Hearing Zhu Ran describe the other as “outstanding,” Z frowned slightly: “Is he reliable? Be careful of your safety when meeting netizens.”
Zhu Ran smiled. He felt Zās atmosphere suddenly become heavy and knew Z was concerned about him.
“Don’t worry about me. If thereās danger, the vine will act. Besides, Iāve seen his ID card; heās not a bad person.”
“Itās getting late; Iām heading out. Don’t leave lunch for me.”
With that, Zhu Ran closed the door and left, leaving Z alone in the house.
The room was silent.
Zephyr canceled the lunch set for two that had been pre-ordered, then continued to sit on the sofa browsing his optical computer.
However, the usually efficient Zephyr didn’t read a single word this time.
The room was brightly lit with ample sunlight.
The natural plants filling the balcony radiated life and a light fragrance, mixed with the scent unique to Zhu Ran, which Zephyr could easily distinguish.
Only compared to before, that same scent today made Zephyr feel irritable.
His vanilla sugar had run off.
Zhu Ran didn’t know that after he left, Zās entire state was not quite right.
With the small anticipation of meeting a netizen, he got into a hovercar.
Not long after the hovercar started, another car also started and followed at a distance.
the other was very cautious and didn’t appear within the range of the rearview mirror, but Zhu Ran still noticed.
He pondered for a moment and then let the car behind him go.
The location Mu Qingzhou gave Zhu Ran was the Citulanya Restaurant, the highest-rated restaurant on Aipus Planet. The environment was elegant, the service top-notch, and the food quality was said to be good for this remote planet.
Zhu Ran arrived as agreed. After being led to a private room by a waiter, he found Mu Qingzhou already sitting there.
He was slightly leaning his head to look out the window. Sunlight fell on his face, as if coating him in a thin layer of frost, exuding a cold sense of “do not approach.”
But seeing Zhu Ran arrive, Mu Qingzhou returned to his senses, his gaze falling on Zhu Ran.
Instantly, the layer of frost and snow enveloping him melted into spring water, making a faint tinkling sound.
“Hello, I am Mu Qingzhou.”
Mu Qingzhou stood up and extended his hand toward Zhu Ran.
“Zhu Ran.”
Zhu Ran naturally shook the otherās hand but shivered slightly upon touching the skin of his palm.
Such a cold body temperature.
Noticing Zhu Ranās surprised expression, Mu Qingzhou understood.
He explained: “Because of my ability, my body temperature is quite cold. I didn’t freeze you, did I?”
Ability?
Right, Mu Qingzhou seemed to have an ice ability. The person who froze the mutated vine last time was him using his ability, right?
Zhu Ran shook his head: “I wasn’t frozen. I was just a bit surprised.”
Mu Qingzhou poured tea for Zhu Ran and called for the food to be served.
“The academy is on break. I happened to have time, so I came to Aipus Planet to do some missions and see you along the way.”
Mu Qingzhou didn’t speak fast. His tone was steady, and his voice wasn’t as deep as Zās.
Though his temperament was cold, it didn’t give off any sense of oppression.
Hearing Mu Qingzhou say he came to see him “along the way,” Zhu Ranās heart relaxed a bit.
If Mu Qingzhou had come here specifically to find him, Zhu Ran would feel a bit of a burden.
“How long do you plan to stay?”
“Not sure, probably a week or two. It depends on the mission completion.”
Mu Qingzhou touched the edge of the teacup with his finger pad.
He came to Aipus Planet just to see Zhu Ran; the missions were all an excuse.
As for when he would return… Mu Qingzhou himself wasn’t sure.
This lack of detailed planning broke Mu Qingzhouās AI-like schedule of many years.
However… Mu Qingzhou didn’t reject it.
Zhu Ran was curious: “What kind of missions? Can you share with me?”
“Some mercenary missions. They can quickly accumulate experience and earn rewards.”
As Mu Qingzhou spoke, he sat next to Zhu Ran and shared his optical computer screen with him.
Several missions on his optical computer showed an “accepted” status.
The mission names were [Joint Purge of A-grade Mutated Beasts], [Clear A-grade Mutated Plants], and [Energy Collection].
Seeing mutated plants in the titles, Zhu Ranās eyes lit up: “Are there mutated plants near this planet?”
Mu Qingzhou observed the change in Zhu Ranās expression, a flash of understanding crossing his dark eyes.
Zhu Ran was indeed very interested in mutated plants.
“Yes. Mutated plants mostly grow on the outskirts of D-grade and C-grade planets. There are many mutated plants growing in the suburbs of Aipus Planet.”
“Although the suburbs are sparsely populated, letting mutated plants grow wild could pose risks. So the planet periodically issues clearing missions to ensure safety.”
Mu Qingzhou paused, then suggested: “If you’re interested, the next time I go on a mission, shall I take you with me?”
Zhu Ran was indeed very interested in mutated plants. He looked up, staring straight at Mu Qingzhou: “Won’t it be a hassle for you?”
“No. I have to do the missions anyway.” Mu Qingzhou asked: “When are you free?”
Zhu Ran pondered for a moment: “In three days then! Iām a bit busy these past two days preparing the shop expansion and new products.”
“Alright, then let’s make an appointment for Saturday first.”
Mu Qingzhou added to his schedule: ‘Saturday, clear A-grade mutated plants with Zhu Ran.’
“By the way, I haven’t congratulated you on your promotion activity achieving such good results. I even heard people discussing your shop on the shuttle ship.”
“What did they say?”
The two chatted while eating exquisite dishes.
The food quality was average, not as good as the meals Z ordered, but probably because the conversation was quite interesting, Zhu Ran didn’t show any dislike.
Zhu Ran also heard from Mu Qingzhou about other people’s evaluations of Zhuās Lingering Fragrance and natural plants.
This kind of evaluation coming from others felt different from reading Starnet comments.
Mu Qingzhouās tone was cold and steady, sounding like a person stating facts objectively. His voice was also very pleasant, like the crisp sound of jade pendants clashing.
Zhu Ran quite liked listening to Mu Qingzhou speak.
The meal lasted about two hours, the atmosphere harmonious, and the conversation pleasant.
Before saying goodbye, Zhu Ran handed the packaged lavender essential oil and aromatherapy machine to Mu Qingzhou: “A small gift for you. Itās a new product soon to be launched in the shop. It helps with sleep and has a certain effect on soothing the spiritual sea.”
Mu Qingzhou was a bit surprised to receive a gift. His expression was slightly startled, but a gentle ripple of light crossed his eyes.
“Thank you.” He accepted the gift. “However, I didn’t prepare a gift for you, but…”
As he spoke, his mental power condensed, and a cold frost aura gathered in his hand.
Ice crystals formed and shaped, ultimately turning into an ice-sculpted rose. It was crystal clear, shimmering with light under the lamp.
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