Chapter 38
Chapter 38
Early the next morning.
Jiang Li's biological clock nudged him awake while he was still half-dreaming. He glanced at his phone: 6:30 a.m.
Normally at this hour he could roll over and steal another thirty minutes of sleep, but today he had promised to take Kakayan to the museum, so after a moment's hesitation he got up.
Kakayan loved anything that sparkled, and the city museum was packed with exactly that—gold, silver, pearls, jade, and every other treasure once hoarded by the ancients.
No telling how that silly woman would react to the aesthetic of long-dead emperors.
After a quick wash-up, Jiang Li pushed open the storage-room door and called toward the lump on the camp bed.
"Time to get up."
The lump didn't stir. He stepped closer and gave it a shake. He'd warned her last night about the early start—why was she still out cold?
"Hey, up and at 'em. Wash your face."
"..."
The bundle of blankets squirmed, then half of a pink head poked out. Kakayan was sleeping like a piglet—her delicate nose casting a tiny shadow under the light, soft lips pressed together as if she were tasting the sweetest dream.
Jiang Li stared at that small nose, marveling at its perfect curve and whip-like flexibility. A nose this adorable deserved to be pinched at least once.
Looking at her defenseless face, he hesitated only a moment before reaching out.
Thumb and forefinger framed her nostrils.
A gentle squeeze.
"Up."
"Get up."
Still lost in sleep, Kakayan's eyebrows drew together as the air thinned. Seconds ticked by and her pink cheeks shaded toward green, like an apple just past ripeness.
"Ngh—"
Long lashes fluttered, and she finally clawed her way back to consciousness.
Jiang Li released her and assumed an innocent expression.
Kakayan sat up blearily, one stubborn lock of pink hair sticking straight up, swaying with every movement—adorably ridiculous.
Noticing the playful gaze across from her, she blinked her misty eyes. Amethyst irises fixed on Jiang Li.
"I dreamed someone was trying to kill me."
She sounded shaky, as if still half in the dream.
"Not a chance," Jiang Li said, tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You're perfectly safe here."
"But I couldn't breathe just now."
Kakayan frowned, trying to remember.
"You were sleeping so hard the blanket covered your face," he explained.
He hadn't expected her to conk out so completely on a camp bed—calling her had been useless. Desperate times, desperate measures.
And it definitely wasn't because he'd wanted to pinch her nose.
"Mmm..."
She turned her face away and gave a soft, sleepy yawn. After five or six seconds she asked, "What are we doing today?"
"Heading to the pier for some fries."
"...?"
Seeing her tilt her head in confusion, Jiang Li smiled. "Wash up first. Then we ride into the city, look at some pretty stones, take a walk, do a little shopping, and finish with a good meal before coming home."
"Sounds like a busy day."
"So why are you still in bed?"
"You— you go out first."
Jiang Li gave an easy "Sure," stepped outside, and pulled the door shut behind him.
...
They dithered around the apartment a bit longer and didn't leave until seven.
"Do you remember the rules I told you?"
"Eyes and ears only. If I'm confused, I whisper the question to you. Try to stay where you can see me."
Satisfied with Kakayan's flawless recitation, Jiang Li relaxed. Better safe than sorry—museums were bristling with cameras. He didn't want any weird antics causing trouble.
Today's outing had two goals.
First, Jiang Li needed footage for his next video.
Second, Kakayan had just arrived on Earth—getting out more would help her adjust faster.
...
They caught the bus at the apartment-complex gate. Fifteen minutes later they reached the big transit station. The city-bound coach wasn't due yet, so they grabbed breakfast nearby and spotted a vendor selling jianbing.
A southern staple: the vendor spread a thin sheet of batter, cracked an egg over it, sprinkled scallions, tucked in crisp crackers and ham, painted on sweet bean sauce, then folded the whole thing into a tidy roll.
Kakayan watched, practically drooling, so Jiang Li bought one and split it with her.
"Eat a little something now. It's a long ride once we're on the bus."
When she'd licked her lips after finishing her half, Jiang Li knew she wanted more.
"Why not just eat until we're full?" she asked.
"Because the bus punishes anyone who boards with a stuffed stomach."
"Oh..."
She didn't understand, but gave a sage-sounding hum.
Jiang Li stepped into the convenience store to break some bills.
"Once we're on the bus, someone in a blue uniform will come by. You hand them one of these."
He placed two ten-yuan notes in her hand.
"This is your money?" Kakayan stretched the paper between her fingers, studying the design.
She hadn't expected humans to use pictures as currency. How did they spot counterfeits? Special marks?
She lifted the bill to her nose—and immediately jerked it away. Paper steeped in sweat and the metallic bite of ink—unpleasant.
"This one smells bad."
She held it delicately, unwilling to close her fist around the odor.
"Can I have a nicer-smelling one?"
"..."
Jiang Li rubbed his chin, then pulled a red note from his pocket. Kakayan compared sizes—this one looked larger.
"Try this."
He waved the red bill under her nose. Same paper, yet she caught a faint whiff of precious metal.
"This one's pretty. Give me this one."
Her eyes sparkled; for some reason she adored the crimson bill. And red suited her.
"Can't give you that one."
Jiang Li smiled and tucked it away.
"Why not?"
"It's too big—you wouldn't be able to hold onto it."
"I could grab lots of them at once." Kakayan spread her palm toward him.
Realizing she'd missed the point, Jiang Li flicked her unguarded forehead with a finger.
"I meant you couldn't hold onto it here."
"Oww!"
Kakayan yelped, hopping half a step back and clamping both hands over her forehead. She stared at Jiang Li with wide, disbelieving eyes. Only after two long seconds did she realize exactly what he was pointing at.