Chapter 249 - 248: Something’s Going On Here

The stack of stamped Contract Books grew, gradually reaching half a person’s height.

Seeing this, Chu Liangyu had no choice but to gather the pile of Contract Books and walk toward the pale golden pillar of light.

The instant she placed them into the pillar, the Contract Books were drawn to the top. After a flash of white light, they hung there, suspended and motionless.

She went back and forth like this for who knows how long, until her vision started to blur.

She closed her eyes to rest for a moment before getting back to work.

A considerable number of Contract Books were generated each day, but it was still within a range Chu Liangyu could manage.

By the time she was nearly numb from all the stamping, the day’s batch of Contract Books was finally finished.

Chu Liangyu let out a deep breath, feeling much more relaxed. She tapped her fingers lightly on the tabletop.

The items on her desk floated into the air, and a map of the Beast World materialized before her eyes in the next instant.

The situation was much the same as the last time she’d checked, with no significant changes.

’Its operating state was already poor; how much worse could it get?’

Even so, Chu Liangyu observed it closely for half an hour. Once she was satisfied, she tapped the desk again, and everything returned to normal.

With that, her work inside the Land of No Worries was finally done.

She would have to find time to inspect the Barrier’s safety as well.

"Sister Liangyu, are you in there?"

Chu Liangyu had just returned from the Land of No Worries when she heard Xiong Jiaojiao’s voice outside her door.

Chu Liangyu walked over and opened the door. Before she could even ask, she saw the mountain of food in Jiaojiao’s arms, and behind her, other Wood Spirit Clan People, also laden with supplies.

"What’s all this?"

"Sister Liangyu, it’s been a while since we all got together! We wanted to thank you for the things you gave us, so we thought we’d come and have a barbecue with you."

It wasn’t just the young ones; even the Elder had joined in.

The Elder’s aged face was ruddy and full of life. After setting down his things, he added, "I heard from young Jiaojiao that this barbecue is quite good, so this old man came to join the fun. I hope our Chief doesn’t mind."

"You jest, Elder. We’d be lucky if you don’t find us too noisy. How could we possibly mind you being here?"

They exchanged a few more words before deciding to start preparing the ingredients.

Chu Liangyu cut in, "Wait here, I’ll go get the grills."

The Beast World had ironware, though it was rather crude. Still, having someone forge a simple grill rack was an easy task.

For the six of them, they would need at least two grills.

"Cheng Miao, go help Sister Liangyu. I don’t need your help."

"Why don’t you take a look at what you’re cutting before you say that?"

Xiong Jiaojiao fell silent and followed his gaze to the venison on the table.

It wasn’t just that the pieces were all different sizes; the shapes were a disaster, enough to kill anyone’s appetite.

"Ahem... It really doesn’t look great, does it? You do the cutting, then. I’ll go help Sister Liangyu."

But Cheng Miao didn’t take the knife from her. "Just wash the vegetables," he said. "I’ll come back and cut the meat after I help the Chief."

"It’s not like I can’t carry them. You stay here and cut the meat. It’ll take you a while anyway. I’ll be back to help you after I get them."

Xiong Jiaojiao didn’t pay him any mind. She said her piece and was about to leave.

But Cheng Miao grabbed her arm. "I said, wait for me here."

"Hey, why are you being so weird?"

Xiong Jiaojiao gave him a baffled look, glancing down at the arm he was holding. Just as she was about to say something, he snatched his hand back as if he’d been burned.

"Tsk. In the time it took you two to argue, I’ve already brought the stuff out."

The two iron grills were nothing for Chu Liangyu. She carried one in each hand and set them down in the courtyard.

She’d been back for a little while, watching the two of them chatter away, wondering what they were bickering about.

Curiosity got the better of her, so she moved a little closer and was finally able to make out what they were saying.

Xiong Jiaojiao was oblivious and probably didn’t notice anything, but Chu Liangyu saw it clearly.

’After Cheng Miao pulled his hand back, his ears had turned quite red. He was clearly embarrassed.’

’The iron grills were nothing to her, but for a normal female, they would take some effort to carry.’

’Cheng Miao must have realized that, which was why he’d offered to go get them.’

"This is all your fault. Otherwise, I would’ve already helped Sister Liangyu bring the stuff out."

Xiong Jiaojiao shot Cheng Miao a glare before turning to Chu Liangyu. "Sister Liangyu, let me help you light the charcoal."

"No need. I see there are plenty of ingredients. Why don’t you help Cheng Miao wash the vegetables."

When Cheng Miao saw her, he gave a subconscious nod. But when he heard her words, he quickly shot her a grateful glance.

"Okay, then. I’ll go back to washing vegetables. Sister Liangyu, if you need any help, just let me know."

"I know, I know. Now, go on."

Chu Liangyu gave a dismissive wave, feeling a bit helpless.

’This girl...’ she thought. ’She clearly hasn’t caught on yet.’

’Cheng Miao isn’t one for sweet talk, either. It won’t be easy for these two to get together.’

Cheng Miao had used Xiong Jiaojiao in the past, deliberately tricking her into a rescue attempt so that Chu Liangyu would have to intervene.

Because of that incident, Chu Liangyu had never looked upon him favorably.

But putting herself in his shoes, considering his circumstances at the time, there really hadn’t been a more effective option.

Everyone has their own views on matters of the heart, and Chu Liangyu didn’t want her personal opinions to interfere with a potential romance for Xiong Jiaojiao.

"Do you like pork, Sister Liangyu?"

As Chu Liangyu was lighting the charcoal, Xiong Jiaojiao’s voice called out.

"I like it a lot."

"Alrighty! I’ll have Cheng Miao cut some more."

Xiong Jiaojiao cheerfully placed the washed meat on the cutting board in front of Cheng Miao. "You hear that? The Chief wants some, so cut a lot."

"I heard you."

The sound of chopping paused. Without looking at her, Cheng Miao asked in a casual tone, "Isn’t there anything you want to eat?"

"I’m the same as Sister Liangyu. I like pork too."

The moment the words left her mouth, Cheng Miao chuckled. "I have a feeling you’re doing this on purpose. You’re the one who wants the pork, aren’t you?"

"None of your business."

Xiong Jiaojiao shot him a look, said no more, and went back to washing the vegetables.

"Alright, you two. You haven’t stopped since you got here."

The Elder walked over with a large handful of skewers. He set them aside and began to leisurely thread pieces of meat onto them one by one.

"It’s Cheng Miao’s fault for having such low EQ. He doesn’t even know the basics of tact."

The Elder finished one skewer and was about to start the next. Hearing her, he said, "I’ve watched him grow up, and he’s always been very considerate of others. Perhaps you misunderstood. He was probably just trying to ask what you wanted to eat so he could cut some for you."