Chapter 76: Gathering Treasures and Playing in the Adorable Pet Space

In the spacious cellar, hundreds of enormous wooden chests stood tightly packed together, like a gathering of silent giants, standing watch in utter stillness. Each chest lay open, brimming with dazzling gold and silver treasures, along with precious and rare antiques and calligraphy scrolls. The wealth collected there was so overwhelming that much of it had already spilled from the chests, piling haphazardly upon the ground. Glittering gold, radiant jewels, antique paintings, and exquisite jade artifacts were interwoven, creating a scene of unparalleled opulence.

A little golden-furred monkey hopped over, scooping up a handful of gold and silver gems, and proudly presented them to Lin Xiaodou.

“All of these… are for me?” Lin Xiaodou could hardly believe it. The treasures before her surpassed everything she had ever gathered in this era. Who would have thought that a wealthy landowner’s private trove would hold such wonders?

“Oh!” The little golden monkey nodded its furry head.

A broad smile broke across Lin Xiaodou’s face. She hadn’t expected Zhou Qinglang to be so generous. She’d almost wrongly accused him. What a sin, what a sin. Zhou Qinglang, I won’t blame you anymore! I forgive you for leaving without a word, I forgive you for deceiving me before! Farewell, and take care! O(∩_∩)O haha~~

Near the steps stood hundreds of chests filled with gold and jewels, but further in were even more marvels. As Lin Xiaodou looked deeper, she discovered dozens of chests filled with luminous night pearls. The translucent orbs rested quietly in their boxes, emanating a soft, gentle light. The glow of these night pearls illuminated the dark cellar as if it were broad daylight, stirring Lin Xiaodou’s heart with excitement.

Her night pearls had returned at last!

Yet that wasn’t all. Lin Xiaodou spotted something even more astonishing. The walls on either side of the cellar were inlaid with solid gold bars, forming a wall of gold so brilliant it nearly blinded her. Ecstatic, she threw herself against the golden wall, her voice trembling with disbelief, “One more time—did Zhou Qinglang really say… all of this is for me?!”

“Oh, oh, oh!” The little golden monkey hopped twice, baring its big white teeth in a fawning grin at Lin Xiaodou. With its master gone, it had no choice but to cling to Xiaodou now, so it had to be on its best behavior.

Receiving affirmation once more, Lin Xiaodou was overwhelmed with excitement. “Oh my! I’ve struck it rich! I’m so happy!”

Overjoyed, she hugged the little golden monkey and spun in circles, shouting with delight. The little monkey, caught up in her enthusiasm, waved its arms and shrieked along. Hearing the commotion, the little jumping spider and the small brown bear hurried out from the magical space. Seeing their mistress and the monkey playing, they wanted to join in as well.

Lin Xiaodou told them to wait a moment. With so many treasures, she had to quickly store everything away in her magical space. With a grand gesture, all the treasures in the cellar vanished without a trace. The little golden monkey stared, wide-eyed with astonishment. Until now, it had only ever seen Lin Xiaodou take out or store small items. Never before had it witnessed so much disappear all at once.

Just as the little monkey was wondering where everything had gone, Lin Xiaodou said, “Little Mischief, come on, I’ll take you to play in my space!” The next instant, the scene before the golden monkey changed completely. It found itself in front of a quaint wooden cottage and more than a dozen stone houses, with grasslands and a lake visible in the distance.

“Wow, wow, wow!” The little golden monkey’s eyes went round with wonder as it looked curiously around. This was its first time in such a magical place!

Lin Xiaodou smiled warmly. “Welcome to the family, Little Mischief. Welcome to our sanctuary!” Zhou Qinglang had left the little golden monkey behind for her, as he’d mentioned in his letter, entrusting its care to her. Lin Xiaodou was quite fond of the little monkey and was happy to accept it.

“Since today is such a happy day, why not dance to ‘Subject Three’?” Lin Xiaodou snapped her fingers, and the music began to play. The little jumping spider immediately scurried to the front, the lively golden monkey took the left, and the adorable brown bear stood on the right. The three little creatures swayed to the rhythm together.

Such a lively scene naturally called for a video. Lin Xiaodou recorded the joyful moment on her phone. She wasn’t even particularly fond of the ‘Subject Three’ dance, but found its quirkiness amusing—especially when performed by her little companions.

Lin Xiaodou decided she would find some other popular dances for her little friends to learn when she had time. When they were done, she placed the jumping spider on her shoulder, cradled the golden monkey in her left arm, and wrapped her right arm around the brown bear. Stomping her foot hard on the ground, her body soared into the air.

“Wuhu!” The trio of adorable pets soared through the sky with her, shouting gleefully. After a few laps in the air, Lin Xiaodou prepared to make dinner. On such a joyous occasion, she had to prepare a grand feast.

After surveying her ingredients, she decided on the legendary “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall,” the king of all soups.

She had first seen this dish on a gourmet television program in her previous life. It was a celebrated dish from Fujian cuisine and a crown jewel of the imperial Manchu-Han banquet. The show had introduced the dish while a chef demonstrated the entire cooking process. Being a food lover, Lin Xiaodou had watched the whole thing. When the final dish was unveiled, she could almost smell the irresistible aroma through the screen. The mere memory made her mouth water.

She hadn’t had the chance to make it before, but now she did. If she wanted to eat it, she’d make it!

Without delay, Lin Xiaodou set to work. First, she found the perfect pot—a high-quality purple clay jar. Next came the ingredients, the most crucial part: abalone, shark fin, sea cucumber, fish maw, scallops, pork tendons, shiitake mushrooms, cuttlefish, dried conpoy, quail eggs, pig’s feet, and more. She chose only the finest and freshest specimens.

She sorted, cleaned, and soaked the ingredients, preparing slices of ginger as well. The ginger went at the bottom of the pot, and she layered the other ingredients carefully, placing the abalone on top. She poured in a generous helping of fine Shaoxing wine, added her special broth, seasoned it, covered the pot, and let it simmer over medium heat for two hours.

When the time was up, Lin Xiaodou eagerly lifted the lid. A rich, enticing aroma immediately filled the air. Plump abalone, silky shark fin, tender sea cucumber, sweet fish maw, springy pork tendons—every ingredient had reached its perfect state through slow simmering. Each one nestled in the golden, thick broth, looking utterly delectable.

Unable to resist, Lin Xiaodou tasted a piece of abalone. The tender morsel burst with juice at each bite—smooth and resilient, truly a treasure of the sea. It was exquisite beyond words!

Drawn by the aroma, the jumping spider, golden monkey, and brown bear all crowded over. Lin Xiaodou served each of them a portion. The three little creatures sat solemnly at the table, devouring their meal with gusto. Watching their ravenous eating, Lin Xiaodou couldn’t help but laugh.

She finally had the leisurely life she’d always dreamed of. A home, delicious food, and companions—everything tidy and complete. What more could one ask for?