The Merman I Picked Up Is Too Delicious - Chapter 50

“Sis, are you two already living together?”

Hearing Tao Xingyou’s question, Luo Qingyan froze for a moment, her mind racing through countless thoughts in the following seconds until it became a jumbled mess. Finally, she decided to brush aside all the chaos and casually replied, “Yeah, we’re even thinking about getting married!”

“What?” Tao Xingyou’s exclamation was so sharp her accent slipped, completely unable to suppress her shock. “You… I… You two started dating later than Zhuang Zhenglang and me, right? How are you moving so fast? What’s going on, riding a rocket or something?”

“Well, when you’ve got a handsome guy like him, you have to hold on tight, don’t you?” Luo Qingyan glanced toward the sink. “You noticed there are two sets of toiletries, huh? We get along well, so we moved in together. Oh, and he also lives in Hefeng Pavilion, so it made sense to just move in together.”

“What are you thinking?” Luo Qingyan reached out and flicked Tao Xingyou’s forehead.

“I…” Rubbing her forehead, Tao Xingyou wore a pitiful expression. “You said you’re thinking about marriage? I… anyone would jump to that conclusion. Nowadays, lots of people get married because of pregnancy.”

“Nothing like that, don’t overthink it.”

“Right? Sis, you’ve always been a planner, not one to allow such surprises. But love can make anyone lose their head, so I have to remind you, if you’re not planning on having a baby, you’ve got to take safety measures.”

“It’s not love making people lose their heads; it’s hormones messing with you.” Luo Qingyan covered Tao Xingyou’s mouth with her hand. “Enough nonsense. Wash your hands and let’s have some cake. We should head over to Grandma’s early.”

Tao Xingyou pried Luo Qingyan’s hand away. “We’re in the bathroom, and I’m talking quietly. No one in the living room can hear us.”

“I don’t have time for this. I’m going to have some cake.”

“Hey, wait for me!”

As they stepped out of the bathroom, Luo Qingyan spotted the little merman smiling from a distance. With one sharp look from her, his smile instantly vanished, leaving no trace of amusement.

After that, the three of them ate their cake in silence.

Then, they headed to Grandma’s house together.

…

“Grandma! We’re here!” Tao Xingyou’s voice carried from the entrance through the small courtyard and into the house.

“Glad you made it.” The rain had stopped, and Grandma happened to be in the courtyard, immediately welcoming the three of them.

“Go on and hug him already, the little one’s so eager he’s practically talking.” Luo Qingyan glanced at the little merman first, then pouted toward Chestnut. “Chestnut, you’re not even welcoming me properly.”

“Exactly,” Tao Xingyou chimed in. “Chestnut, you’re not favoring the handsome guy just because you’re a girl, are you?”

“Chestnut really likes Xiao Yun,” Grandma said cheerfully. “Last time when Xiao Yun visited for the first time, Chestnut loved playing with him like they were old friends. Maybe it’s because Xiao Yun has such a gentle nature, even little animals adore him. It must be fate.”

“Yeah, he’s pretty popular with animals.” Luo Qingyan forced a slight smile. The little merman had played with Chestnut countless times, heck, Chestnut was the one who found him and brought him home. How could they not be familiar? Of course, she couldn’t say too much, or she might risk revealing something.

“Come inside, everyone. Sit for a bit, and we’ll have dinner soon.” Grandma patted Luo Qingyan’s back.

“Okay.” Luo Qingyan gently nudged her cousin forward first, then tugged at the little merman, who was holding Chestnut, and they all went inside together.

Inside the house, Aunt and Uncle were busy in the kitchen. Luo Qingyan led Little Merman to greet the elders and see if there was any way they could help.

In the past, when it was just Luo Qingyan and Tao Xingyou, the elders would complain that the two of them took up too much space in the kitchen and never let them help. Now, with Little Merman added to the mix, they were even less likely to be allowed to assist. Instead, they were told to keep Grandma company.

So, the two of them returned to the living room, accompanying Grandma as they watched TV and chatted.

Later, everyone had dinner together.

Little Merman didn’t speak much, but when it was time to talk, he spoke earnestly, carrying himself with grace and confidence in every gesture.

Luo Qingyan even wondered if he had received special training in this regard at the terrestrial merman institution. Of course, it could also be because everyone in the family was kind and easy to get along with, so the atmosphere remained harmonious from start to finish.

…

After dinner, Grandma, Aunt, and Uncle decided not to go out and instead sat in the yard to rest and chat. Luo Qingyan, Little Merman, and Tao Xingyou took Chestnut out for a walk.

Unexpectedly, shortly after they left, they ran into Zhuang Zhenglang and Situ Lu. Situ Lu was out walking Pudding, which seemed perfectly normal, but it was the first time they had seen Zhuang Zhenglang accompanying him. No matter how you looked at it, it felt a bit strange.

“Why are you walking with Pudding?” Tao Xingyou asked bluntly, her expression far from pleasant.

“We… we ran into each other on the way and decided to walk together,” Zhuang Zhenglang replied softly, stepping closer to Tao Xingyou.

“Well, you two go on your way then,” Tao Xingyou said with clear disdain, taking a step back. “Don’t stand so close to me.”

“Are you still angry?”

“What do you mean, ‘still angry’? As if all the fault lies with me!”

“That’s not what I meant!”

“Then what did you mean?”

“I…” Zhuang Zhenglang didn’t know how to respond.

“Xingyou,” Luo Qingyan reached out and gently patted Tao Xingyou’s back. “If there’s an issue, bring it up directly. Let’s resolve it properly, it’s something you’ll have to face eventually.”

“He doesn’t even think there’s a problem between us. How am I supposed to talk to him?” Tao Xingyou turned her head away.

“I know there’s an issue between us now. Let’s work it out properly, okay?” Zhuang Zhenglang, sensing Luo Qingyan’s assistance, quickly seized the opportunity. He moved to the side where Tao Xingyou had turned her head. “Let’s say it’s my fault, I wasn’t attentive enough. Let’s talk things through honestly, okay?”

“Your attitude is still off. You don’t even realize what the real problem is. But fine, let’s talk it out today! Come on, let’s go to the car and talk.” After speaking to Zhuang Zhenglang, Tao Xingyou turned to Luo Qingyan. “Sis, you guys go ahead with your walk. I want to settle this matter.”

“Alright,” Luo Qingyan replied with a slightly stiff smile. “Take your time talking, no rush. Don’t worry about us.”

“Mm.” Tao Xingyou shot a glance at Zhuang Zhenglang and then walked back on her own.

After Tao Xingyou and Zhuang Zhenglang left, the remaining three people and two dogs were left.

The atmosphere between the two little dogs was very harmonious, they had been playing since they first met and were still going strong. As for the three people, the atmosphere was a bit awkward.

“Long time no see,” Luo Qingyan spoke first, calmly introducing them. “This is my boyfriend, Yun Jian. This is Situ Lu, Pudding’s owner and Chestnut’s good friend.”

“Hello,” Little Merman spoke first, nodding in greeting.

“Hello,” Situ Lu responded with a slight smile and a nod.

“Has Pudding gained some weight recently?” It would be impolite to leave right after introductions, so Luo Qingyan continued making conversation. Focusing on the puppies would keep the atmosphere lighthearted.

“Yes, he’s been particularly lazy lately,” Situ Lu replied promptly. “I’m not sure if it’s because the weather’s getting colder, but he just loves lounging in the sun. Sometimes, when we go outside, he doesn’t even want to walk—he just wants to sit or lie down wherever there’s sunlight.”

“Puppies tend to enjoy sunbathing when it’s cold. Chestnut is the same, like a little sunflower. Even when he’s not allowed in the yard, he’ll stay by the window.” Luo Qingyan’s gaze rested on the two puppies playing together.

The air grew still for a moment once their conversation lulled.

“Pudding’s been quite temperamental lately too. He respects the old and is gentle with the young, but he bullies those in between,” Situ Lu added. “Often, when I take him out, he’s not very enthusiastic. But when my mother brings him out, he’s much more lively. I can’t control him anymore, sigh…”

“Every puppy has its own personality. What can you do? Just spoil them, I suppose.” Luo Qingyan smiled. Just then, her phone rang. Glancing at it, she handed the leash to Xiao Nanyu.

It was her aunt calling. She excused herself to the other two, then stepped aside to answer the phone. “Hello, Auntie.”

“Qingyan, did Youzi have a fight with Zhuang Zhenglang?” Her aunt’s anxious voice came through the phone.

Luo Qingyan: “Not exactly! It’s more like they have something to work out.”

Auntie: “Earlier, I thought I heard her voice and wondered why she was back so soon after you all left. When I looked outside, it was her and Zhuang Zhenglang, and neither of them looked happy. I didn’t want to interrupt, but… sigh…”

Luo Qingyan: “Don’t worry, Auntie. How about this, Yun Jian and I will come back right away.”

Auntie: “Oh, but you just took Chestnut out… and now you have to rush back…”

Luo Qingyan: “It’s fine. We’ll be back soon.”

Auntie: “Alright! If you come back, it might be easier for you, young people to talk things out.”

Luo Qingyan: “Okay, then. We’ll head back now.”

Having an excuse to leave couldn’t have come at a better time, and Luo Qingyan wasn’t about to let it slip. After hanging up, she immediately bid farewell to Situ Lu. “Sorry, something’s come up at home. I need to head back right away.”

“Oh, sure.” Situ Lu had been watching the puppies the whole time and only shifted his gaze to the humans after Luo Qingyan finished her call.

“Chestnut, Pudding, let’s play again next time.” Luo Qingyan took the leash from Xiao Nanyu and gave it a gentle tug. “Chestnut, let’s go home.”

The two puppies, having played for only a short while, were reluctant to part and stubbornly insisted on continuing their fun.

“Chestnut, time to go home.” Xiao Nanyu called out, but when his words had no effect, he simply crouched down, picked Chestnut up, and looked at Luo Qingyan. “Let’s go.”

Luo Qingyan hadn’t expected Xiao Nanyu to act this way and widened her eyes slightly in surprise. “Mm, okay, let’s go.”

After parting ways with Pudding and Situ Lu, Luo Qingyan spoke first. “Auntie saw Xingyou and Zhuang Zhenglang returning home looking upset, so she’s worried. That’s why I said we’d go back right away.”

“Oh.” Xiao Nanyu was still holding Chestnut, gently stroking the puppy’s neck.

“What’s wrong? You seem a bit down.” A slight smile tugged at the corner of Luo Qingyan’s lips.

“Were that time Chestnut and Pudding were playing at the pet park in the park with him?”

“Yes.”

“I’m jealous.”

“Ah?” Luo Qingyan didn’t expect the little merman to be so direct. She was somewhat surprised and momentarily at a loss for words.

The little merman continued, “I know it’s normal for you to interact with others socially, but, he has feelings for you, so, I feel a bit, anyway, I’m jealous. But you can continue your normal social interactions. I just wanted to express my feelings to you.”

“Everything is normal, of course it should be like this.” The little merman slightly raised his head. “I’m just directly telling you how I feel.”

“There won’t be much contact in the future. He’s a smart person.”

“I understand. I’m a smart person too.”

“Alright, alright, you’re the smartest.”

As they spoke, the two arrived at their doorstep.

However, after they first returned to the small courtyard to communicate with the aunt and others, and then went out again, Tao Xingyou and Zhuang Zhenglang had already made up.

So changeable, and so fast.

But Tao Xingyou felt the current atmosphere wasn’t suitable for introducing Zhuang Zhenglang to her family, so she asked him to leave first. Afterwards, she discovered that her family already knew she had a conflict with her boyfriend and felt somewhat embarrassed, so she suggested going home.

Coincidentally, Luo Qingyan also wanted to return home early because she had something important to discuss with the little merman.

Afterwards, everyone went their separate ways.