Tomb raiding live stream: Starting as the mute Zhang

The kitchen light is on at six o'clock in the morning.

Ah Ning, wearing an apron, stood in front of the stove. The water in the pot had just boiled, and she was putting noodles into it.

She moved quickly, using chopsticks in one hand to stir the pot to prevent it from sticking to the bottom, and with the other hand, she took out a few eggs from the basket next to her, cracked them on the edge of the bowl, and the egg liquid slid into the bowl, which she then quickly stirred with the chopsticks.

The sky outside the window was still grayish-blue, with the distant mountain shadows hazy.

A levitating live-streaming sphere floated at the kitchen doorway, its camera quietly pointed inside.

There weren't many people in the live stream, but several comments had already scrolled by.

"So early?"

"Is Sister Ning making breakfast?"

"I want to see the two guys get up."

"Probably still asleep."

Cook the noodles until they are 80% done, then remove them and rinse them with cold water, and drain them. In a separate pan, heat oil, pour in the beaten eggs, and quickly scramble them. Once the eggs have solidified, add the drained noodles, soy sauce, salt, and a little sugar, and stir-fry.

A fragrant aroma wafted out.

Just then, footsteps came from the stairs.

Jiang Xun Gu came downstairs, wearing a simple T-shirt and trousers, his hair still a little messy. He walked to the kitchen doorway and leaned against the door frame.

"Do you need any help?"

"No need, it'll be ready soon." A-Ning didn't even look up, her hand still holding the spatula. "Go wake them up, dinner will be served in fifteen minutes."

Jiang Xun Gu nodded, turned around and went upstairs.

He knocked on Wu Xie and Fatty Wang's door first.

From inside came Fatty Wang's muffled voice: "Get up... five minutes..."

Then they knocked on the doors of Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu, and received a response.

Finally, I walked to the end of the corridor and stopped in front of the two adjacent doors.

Jiang Xun Gu hesitated for a moment.

He had never experienced their morning grumpiness firsthand, but he had heard of it.

Previously in the southwestern rainforest, one morning Hei Xiazi went to call "Zhang Qiling" and almost got kicked against the wall.

He cleared his throat.

"Young man, it's time to get up."

A very soft "hmm" came from the door on the left.

The door on the right was silent for a few seconds, then the words "Understood" came from behind.

Their voices were all flat, and you couldn't tell their emotions.

Jiang Xun Gu breathed a sigh of relief and went downstairs.

At seven o'clock sharp, everyone was seated at the dining table.

The noodles were served in several large bowls, with a few side dishes in the middle—smashed cucumber, cold seaweed salad, and fermented bean curd. Simple, but it looked appetizing.

Zhang Qiling sat down, picked up his chopsticks, first took a noodle, blew on it, and put it in his mouth. He chewed and swallowed, his movements slow but steady.

Zhang Qiling sat opposite him, picked up his chopsticks, but didn't eat immediately. He first looked at the noodles in his bowl, picked them apart with his chopsticks, and confirmed that there were no scallions—everyone in the team knew that he didn't eat scallions.

Then they started eating.

Neither of them spoke, and they ate their noodles in silence.

The atmosphere was much more lively on the other side of the table.

"Fatty, hand me that plate of fermented bean curd," Wu Xie said.

"Take it yourself, don't you have hands?" Fatty Wang mumbled, his mouth stuffed with noodles.

"You're nearby!"

"What's wrong? I'm tired."

"What are you tired about? Who was playing games until 2 AM last night?"

"Hey, were you spying on me?"

"Why would I need to spy? You didn't even close your door, and I could hear your wailing from the hallway."

"I was practicing my singing!"

"Practicing singing? That's like slaughtering a pig."

The two of them talked back and forth, their chopsticks flying across the table as they fought for the last piece of egg.

Black Bear slowly took a sip of noodle soup and said, "If you ask me, you two should just fight it out, and whoever wins eats."

"Fine, let's fight!" Fatty Wang slammed his hand on the table.

"Come on!" Wu Xie stood up as well.

Then the two looked at each other for three seconds before sitting down at the same time.

"Never mind, here you go." Fatty Wang put the egg into Wu Xie's bowl.

"No, you eat it." Wu Xie took it back.

"You eat."

"You eat."

The egg was moved back and forth between the two bowls three times.

Zhang Qiling looked up, said nothing, and continued eating his noodles.

Zhang Qiling glanced at it, then stretched out his chopsticks and, as the egg flew to the middle again, firmly caught it and put it into his mouth.

The movements were fluid and graceful.

Wu Xie and Fatty Wang were both stunned.

The live stream chat was instantly flooded with comments.

"Hahaha, I spent so much time trying to grab it, only to have someone else snatch it away!"

"That guy's skills are amazing!"

Both parties involved were stunned.

"Black Bear is hilarious!"

Black Bear was indeed laughing, his shoulders shaking, and I almost choked.

Xie Yuchen shook his head helplessly and handed Hei Xiazi a tissue.

Huo Xiuxiu lowered her head and ate her noodles, pretending not to see.

Aning brought out another plate of fried dumplings from the kitchen and placed it in the middle of the table.

"And stop fighting."

Wu Xie and Fatty Wang exchanged a glance and simultaneously pounced on the fried dumplings.

Breakfast ended in chaos.

After clearing away the dishes, Xie Yuchen took out a small notebook and began reading out today's schedule.

"This morning, Xiuxiu and I went to the dock to look at boats. We need one that can sail long distances, is fully equipped, and preferably has an experienced captain."

"A-Ning and Jiang Xungu went to purchase medicines and emergency supplies, for use at sea and on the island. I made the list last night."

"Hei Xiazi, you're in charge of the equipment, especially the diving gear; it needs to be the best."

"Fatty, Wu Xie, you two go and buy food and water. Prepare enough for twenty days, plus a three-day allowance."

Everyone nodded.

"What about us?" Wu Xie asked.

"You two?" Xie Yuchen looked at "Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling". "You two... do as you please. You can rest if you want, or go out for a walk if you want. If you have any special needs regarding equipment, you can tell Hei Xiazi."

Zhang Qiling nodded.

Zhang Qiling nodded as well.

With clear division of labor, everyone set off on their own.

The villa suddenly became empty.

Zhang Qiling stood in the middle of the living room, looked around, and then went upstairs to his room.

Zhang Qiling sat in the living room for a while, then got up and went to the backyard.

There's a small vegetable garden in the backyard, tended by Aning, where she grows scallions, cilantro, and chili peppers. Next to the garden is a small pond with several koi carp, their red bodies swimming slowly in the water.

Zhang Qiling sat down on a stone bench by the pond and looked at the water.

The live broadcast ball floated over and stopped beside him.

The camera is pointed at the pond, and also at him.

The number of viewers in the live stream gradually increased.

"Is this guy spacing out?"

"Reflecting on Life"

"It feels so quiet."

"And the other one?"

In the room, Zhang Qiling sat cross-legged on the bed, closing his eyes and regulating his breathing.

【Ding. 】

The system's voice sounded.

[Host, everyone's gone out, leaving just the two of you to guard the house?]

"Um."

Why not go out for a walk?

"There's no need."

[That's true, neither of you are big fans of shopping.]

The system paused for a moment.

However, host, there's something I need to remind you of.

"explain."

[I checked the information about that eye-shaped island—not information from this world, but records in the system's database.]

Zhang Qiling opened his eyes.

"What record?"

[A record about the "eye".]

The system's voice became more serious.

The symbol of the "eye" has appeared in ancient civilizations across multiple worlds. Some civilizations used it as a symbol of deities, some as a marker of passageways, and others... as part of a seal.

"seal?"

Yes. To seal away things that shouldn't exist in this world.

Zhang Qiling remained silent.

He recalled the "vortex of eyes" in the Jingjue Ghost City, the eye pattern carved on the jade tablet in the tomb of King Xian, and the records about "gap in the door" in the southwestern Gu-feeding tomb.

"So that island..."

This could be yet another sealing point.

The system said.

[Furthermore, considering the location, at sea, the tidal influence is significant—in such places, the energy field is unstable, making the seal prone to weakening.]

"What will happen?"

[I don't know. It could be some kind of ancient creature, some kind of energy entity, or it could be... a gate.]

"Door?"

[Bronze door.]

The system's voice was very low.

[Host, do you remember what's written on the stone tablet in the Zhang Family Ancient Building?]

"Remember."

"The door must not be opened, for if it is, all things will be reduced to nothingness."

Yes. But if the seal on that island has loosened, the door might have already opened a crack—even a tiny crack, and what leaks out would be troublesome enough.

Zhang Qiling got out of bed and walked to the window.

Downstairs in the backyard, "Zhang Qiling" was still sitting by the pond, his back to us.

"Does he know?" he asked.

[Your brother?]

"Um."

He probably didn't know the specifics, but he had a gut feeling.

The system's tone was affirmative.

People like you have a natural sense of danger. He wasn't just saying he felt something was wrong this morning.

Zhang Qiling stared at that figure for a long time.

Then he turned around and went downstairs.

backyard.

Zhang Qiling heard footsteps but did not turn around.

Zhang Qiling sat down on the stone bench next to him.

Neither of them spoke.

The koi carp in the pond swam over and gathered on the bank in front of the two people, opening and closing their mouths, waiting to be fed.

Zhang Qiling took a small bag out of his pocket, poured out some fish food, and sprinkled it into the water.

The koi carp scrambled for the water, splashing everywhere.

"The system said so," Zhang Qiling said.

"Um."

"That island might be a seal."

I guessed it.

"Zhang Qiling" sprinkled some fish food again.

"It feels different."

"where?"

"I can't say."

Zhang Qiling shook his head.

"But if we go to the island, something bad will happen."

"What is it?"

"have no idea."

He paused, then added.

"But I have to go."

Zhang Qiling nodded.

He knew the meaning of "Zhang Qiling"—

Some things, even knowing the danger, must be done. It's not about showing off, it's about responsibility.

The gatekeeper's responsibility.

Even if this world isn't their world, even if the door here isn't their door.

But what's behind the door is the same.

If those things leak out, many people will die.

So they have to go.

We need to seal the gap.

The door needs to be closed properly.

Even if it might lead to death.

The two sat for a while longer, until the fish food was finished and the koi carp dispersed.

"Want to go for a walk?" Zhang Qiling asked.

"Where to?"

"Buying groceries."

Zhang Qiling glanced at him sideways, his eyes questioning.

"Let's have hot pot tonight."

"Zhang Qiling" said.

"it is good."

The two got up and went back inside to change into casual clothes—still black, but in a more ordinary style, so they wouldn't stand out too much on the street.

Then I went out.

There was a small supermarket right at the entrance of the villa area, but the two of them didn't go in and walked straight ahead.

There's a vegetable market after crossing two streets.

Around eight or nine in the morning, it's bustling with activity. The shouts of vendors, the haggling of customers, and the aromas of various ingredients mingle together, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Zhang Qiling walked in without stopping and went straight to a meat stall.

The stall owner was a chubby middle-aged man, wearing a greasy apron, holding a cleaver, and chopping ribs.

"What do you want?"

"Beef," said Zhang Qiling.

Which part?

"Pork tenderloin, three catties."

"Okay!"

The chubby uncle deftly cut the meat, weighed it, wrapped it up, and handed it over.

Zhang Qiling took it and paid.

Zhang Qiling stood to the side, his gaze sweeping over the other meats on the stall.

"Lamb," he said.

How much do you want?

"Two jin (1 kg)."

"good!"

After buying the lamb, the two went to the vegetable section.

Zhang Qiling picked out some lettuce, spinach, enoki mushrooms, and tofu skin.

Zhang Qiling took potatoes, lotus root, winter melon, and corn.

Then I went to the condiment section and bought hot pot base, sesame paste, chive blossoms, and fermented bean curd.

Finally, I carried two large bags of things and left the market.

On the way back, we passed a fruit shop.

"Zhang Qiling" stopped.

"Buy some fruit," he said.

"Um."

The two went inside and picked out some apples, oranges, and bananas.

When they paid, the proprietress glanced at them a couple more times and asked with a smile, "Young man, buying so much, are you treating us?"

Zhang Qiling nodded.

"A get-together with friends."

"That's nice." The proprietress handed over the bag. "Take care."

I got home at a little past ten in the morning.

The others haven't returned yet.

Zhang Qiling carried the ingredients into the kitchen and began to prepare them.

Slice the beef, slice the lamb, dice the potatoes, slice the lotus root...

His knife skills are excellent, not the flashy kind of skill a chef possesses, but a practical and precise skill. Every cut is of uniform thickness and size.

Zhang Qiling was also helping, washing and sorting the vegetables, and soaking the ones that needed to be soaked.

The two worked together seamlessly, needing no words; a glance or a gesture was enough for them to know what the other wanted.

The number of comments in the live stream increased again.

"This knife skill... is amazing!"

"These two guys can actually cook!"

"And they cooperated very well."

"Unexpectedly heartwarming"

"I want to see them eat hot pot."

It was only 11 o'clock when the ingredients were all prepared.

Zhang Qiling washed and dried his hands before walking out of the kitchen.

"Zhang Qiling" followed.

The two sat down in the living room, each poured themselves a glass of water, and drank it slowly.

"How many people are there tonight?" Zhang Qiling asked.

"Eight."

Zhang Qiling did some calculations.

He, Zhang Qiling, Wu Xie, Fatty, Hei Xiazi, Xie Yuchen, Huo Xiuxiu, A Ning, Jiang Xun Gu.

Nine people.

"Nine," he corrected.

Zhang Qiling nodded.

The two fell silent again.

There was the sound of a car outside the window; it was Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu returning.

Then came Hei Xiazi, carrying large and small bags of equipment.

Next came A Ning and Jiang Xun Gu, carrying several boxes of medicine.

Finally, Wu Xie and Fatty Wang pushed two shopping carts filled with food and water.

The villa became lively again.

"Wow, so much stuff!" Fatty Wang exclaimed as soon as he entered the door.

"Let's have hot pot tonight," said Zhang Qiling.

"Hot pot? Great!" Fatty Wang's eyes lit up. "I love hot pot the most!"

Wu Xie laughed: "Sure, it's been a long time since I've had this."

Black Bear put down his equipment and walked over: "Do you have any wine?"

"I bought it," said Zhang Qiling.

"That's fine then."

Dinner will begin at 6 p.m.

On the large round table in the restaurant, an induction cooker sat, its pot bubbling with red oil, filling the air with a fragrant aroma. Around it were arranged various ingredients—sliced ​​meat, vegetables, tofu, meatballs…

Nine people sit around a table, their glasses filled with drinks or wine.

"Come on, let's have a drink!" Fatty Wang raised his glass.

Everyone raised their glasses.

Clink glasses and take a sip.

Then add the ingredients.

The sliced ​​meat is tossed in the pot for several seconds until it changes color, then it's taken out, dipped in sauce, and put into the mouth.

Steaming hot.

"Delicious!" Wu Xie squinted his eyes in satisfaction.

"This beef is tender," Jiang Xun Gu commented.

"Lamb is also good," Xie Yuchen said.

"Zhang Qiling" ate quietly, occasionally putting a piece of meat on the plate for "Zhang Qiling" next to him.

Zhang Qiling also served him food.

Neither of them spoke; they just kept their heads down and ate.

But the atmosphere was very harmonious.

In the live stream, the chat was full of envy.

"The atmosphere is fantastic."

I want to join too.

"These two guys are sharing food, it's hilarious!"

"The team has a really good relationship."

Halfway through the meal, Hei Xiazi put down his chopsticks and spoke.

"I've found a boat. It's a converted fishing boat, fully equipped, and the captain, surnamed Chen, has been at sea for thirty years and is very experienced."

"The medicines are all prepared: common medicines, emergency medicines, antivenom, anti-inflammatory drugs..." Aning continued.

"The equipment will arrive tomorrow: diving suits, oxygen tanks, underwater lighting, communication equipment..." Hei Xiazi continued.

"We have prepared enough food and water for 23 days, but we have an extra five days' worth," Wu Xie added.

"The route has been planned. Starting from Ningbo, we'll go south with the ocean currents and it should take about three days to reach that area," Xie Yuchen concluded.

After listening, Zhang Qiling nodded.

"Hard."

Zhang Qiling nodded as well.

Thanks.

The hot pot meal lasted for more than two hours.

By the end, everyone had made it through.

After clearing the table, some people washed the dishes, some wiped the table, and some took out the trash.

By the time I finished, it was already past nine o'clock.

They all went back to their rooms to rest.

Zhang Qiling took a shower, lay on the bed, and stared at the ceiling.

【Ding. 】

The system's voice sounded.

[Host, you had a fulfilling day today.]

"Um."

Grocery shopping, cooking, eating, chatting—this is what life should be like.

The system paused for a moment.

But such days are numbered.

"Know."

Once we're on the island, it'll be a fight to the death again.

"I'm used to it."

Yeah, you two are used to it.

The system smiled.

Then enjoy these few days to the fullest.

Goodnight, host.

"Good night."

The room fell silent.

Outside the window, the moon is round and bright.

Looking at this quiet little courtyard.

It also shines on that unknown sea in the distance.