Reborn as the Darling of the Delta

Page 135

When Rometheus, Ella, and Zero got close to Zhang Hao and saw their previous chat history, Rometheus and Ella immediately burst out laughing, clutching their stomachs.

[Zero]: (Innocent face) What's so funny? This is a super social skill I learned. You know, neither of you are qualified for me to use such sophisticated language. This is Xiao Hao's exclusive skill.

So the two of them sat down on the sofa and watched the two people in front of them laugh without any manners for almost two minutes, until Rometheus laughed until his stomach cramped up, at which point he stopped.

"Hahaha, oh Xiao Hao, this also shows that you are quite popular. You know, Zero's aesthetic taste is quite high. Usually when I show him my artwork, he tells me to take it away without a second thought. You... hahahaha."

Rometheus chuckled as he glanced at Zero. Good heavens, he thought his eldest son was really going to be a human-machine for life, but little did he know.

Although it does seem a bit bizarre, at least it proves that his eldest son isn't a human-machine, okay? You know, Rometheus always thought that only he could say such things without batting an eye.

But now that he saw that even Zero could perform this feat without batting an eye, Rometheus could only feel extremely gratified. As for what Xiao Hao said to him afterward, Rometheus said that it didn't matter anymore.

It seems my next step is to teach Zero to say those things to girls instead.

Rometheus: My dear son, your father is still a pitiful single dog. You must never be like your father! You should learn from Xiao Hao, okay?

Zhang Hao and Zero stared speechlessly at the two people in front of them, each lost in their own world. After calling out to them several times to no avail, they helplessly lay down on the sofa behind them.

"Xiao Hao, is there something wrong with what I said? Why are they laughing like that, especially Ella, her... her smile is so weird."

[Zero] was almost driven to madness by the actions of these two. Were these two uneducated? Or is their emotional intelligence even lower than his?

Zhang Hao didn't know how to explain this to Zero, who knew absolutely nothing about it. After organizing his thoughts for a moment, he said:

"Um... there's nothing wrong with saying this, but the problem is that this kind of thing is usually said by boys to girls, or to someone they like. It does seem a bit strange that you're saying this to me, [Zero]."

After reading Zhang Hao's words, [Zero] pondered for a moment, then said in a serious tone:

"That's right, I do like Xiao Hao, so there shouldn't be any problem with me saying this to you, right? I like Xiao Hao, that's why I need to protect him."

After hearing Zero's words, Rometheus realized the seriousness of the situation. He patted Ella, who still had a motherly smile on her face, and asked:

"Wait a minute, didn't I teach Zero how to distinguish these kinds of feelings before? Isn't that book you gave me for kids? I feel like Zero can't even tell what liking someone is?"

Ella, the "fangirl" standing to the side, patted her own face, forcibly suppressing her smile, and asked with some confusion:

"Distinguish what? Where did you teach [Zero]? If you ask me, you should just install an emotion module on [Zero]. Relying on us to stimulate his emotions every day, how long will that take? Besides, isn't it normal that he doesn't even know what liking is? Don't children like all the beautiful things in the world?"

"No?! Uncle Rometheus, you haven't installed the emotion module on [Zero] yet? Why don't you install it on [Zero] along with the Relink brain-computer interface?"

Zhang Hao stared dumbfounded at the two extremely unreliable people in front of him. He finally understood that Rometheus had no intention of adding an emotion module to [Zero] at all. The problem was, how was he supposed to distinguish emotions?

Rometheus: Hey, haven't I been too busy lately? Ella, that lazy bum, always leaves all those things to me. I can only rest for a bit now that you're here.

"And [Zero], what about that book you mentioned reading about improving emotional intelligence? Show it to me right now. I want to see what kind of book is so misleading. Isn't it just teaching people how to date?"

Zhang Hao also told Zero to bring out that "evil book" that supposedly improves emotional intelligence. He wanted to see what kind of book could teach people to speak like that, saying such shameful things... It felt like no one but Rometheus and Roy could actually say such things.

"No way, I'm the one who found that book. It says it's about improving emotional intelligence, so it should be fine, right?"

Ella also spoke up, saying that the problem shouldn't be with that book, even though she had only glanced at the title, it did indeed say something about improving emotional intelligence.

"That's hard to say. The problem might be with your book. You know, Zero is as pure as a blank sheet of paper. Do you really think he could say something like that?"

Rometheus suppressed a laugh and said that he finally had an heir. He was afraid that his Dao of Abstraction would end with his generation. Fortunately, his eldest son stepped forward at this time, which made Rometheus very gratified!

A moment later, Zero ran out of the room carrying an enormous book, placed it in front of Zhang Hao, and said:

"Here's the book for Xiaohao. I was thinking of showing you some of the new knowledge I've learned here last night, but you fell asleep as soon as you got into bed."

Zhang Hao wiped away imaginary sweat, took the book from Zero, and thought to himself, "Luckily I went to bed early last night, otherwise, if Zero had messed with me like this..."

"Let me see how to improve emotional intelligence... in the realm of romance???"

Chapter 337 Big Oolong

After receiving the book, Zhang Hao glanced at the title and saw that, as Ella had said, the book was for improving emotional intelligence. However, just as Zhang Hao was about to open it and start reading, his eyes caught sight of a few small words following the large ones.

"Love... Romance Chapter?"

Having confirmed that he hadn't misread it, Zhang Hao stammered out the three small characters following the title.

Upon hearing this, Rometheus immediately unleashed the skill [Ruthless Laughter] at Ella.

"Hahaha, my god Ella, what's wrong with you? Did you go crazy from chatting with Demulan's little secretary all the time? You, you actually let Zero, who doesn't understand emotions, read this kind of book, hahaha, Niu Boyi."

The perpetrator, Ella, quickly took the book from Zhang Hao and examined it carefully.

Ella: This isn't right. How could I make such a basic mistake? Oh dear, so I'm the source of all evil?

After numerous checks, Ella could only accept the fact that she had caused this series of blunders.

Ella: Damn it, being a gossip has ruined me! How could I have made such a stupid mistake back then? (Glancing at Rometheus, who was still laughing) It was him! I must have been corrupted by him.

The angrier Ella became, so she unleashed her "little fist punches on your chest" move at Rometheus.

"Teacher, you're still laughing here. This is all your fault. If you hadn't been so indecent in front of us every day, how could I have been led astray by you? This time, it's all your fault."

Rometheus could only endure Ella's attacks while chuckling and trying to comfort her:

"Oh right, right, it's the teacher's fault, okay? The teacher isn't putting on a stern face in front of you anymore. How about I start putting on a stern face in front of you every day like before, starting tomorrow?"

Hearing Rometheus say this, Ella stopped punching him, thought for a moment about what Rometheus used to be like, and finally shook her head:

"Forget it, if you go back to what you were before, I'll start worrying about your mental health again. Now... sigh, let you be a little silly, I can bear to watch it."

Watching Rometheus and Ella interact, Zhang Hao began to explain things to Zero, who was sitting next to him recording the video:

"See [Zero]? Your current situation, like that of Uncle Rometheus and Sister Ella, is perfect for saying what you sent me before. Sister Ella gave you a book specifically for improving your emotional intelligence in relationships. I'll find you a suitable one later."

[Zero] nodded while recording, and looking at the lively scene around him, he unconsciously said:

"I... I seem to be very happy."

Upon hearing Zero's words, Zhang Hao and the two who were still making a ruckus looked over in unison, and asked Zero with some surprise:

"[Zero]! You just said you seemed really happy? My God, you're amazing!"

Seeing the surprised looks on their faces, [Zero] nodded and said:

"Well, although I don't know why, looking at all this now, I think my current feeling is what you guys were talking about before: happiness."

Rometheus was so excited that he picked up Ella and spun her around, saying happily:

"Wow, Ella, see? I told you, Zero absolutely doesn't need us to install some kind of emotional device on him. These emotions that he comes to understand on his own are the best gift for him!"

Zhang Hao happily rubbed Zero's head. He was so pleased with himself. This head of white hair felt really nice to touch. No wonder everyone liked to rub his head when they were in the Special Operations Department.

Zhang Hao: While I'm still higher than [Zero], I'm going to rub my head a little more. If my charm continues to increase, I'm afraid I'll be getting [Zero] rubbing my head like this.

In high spirits, Zhang Hao was determined to cook lunch himself to celebrate. Upon hearing this, Rometheus immediately tossed Ella aside, raised his hand, and said:

"Xiao Hao! I want to eat the mala tang from your China! I saw a description of mala tang on my phone the other day, and I was so hungry I almost cried. How about we have it for lunch today!"

Looking at Rometheus's shiny face, Zhang Hao scratched his head. Mala Tang? Seriously, how did Rometheus even find those Mala Tang videos? Besides... is Rometheus really not afraid of spicy food?

"Uncle Rometheus, where did you see this from? By the way, aren't you from Russia like Sister Zoya? Are you sure you can eat it?"

"Hey Xiaohao, you don't need to worry about that. With all the torture your sister Ella puts me through, my taste buds are almost evolving in a bizarre direction. Going for hot pot is a piece of cake for your Uncle Rometheus."

Seeing Rometheus's confidence, Zhang Hao silently decided that he would definitely add more Sichuan peppercorns to Rometheus's portion later, so that he would understand what true despair was.

But when it came to Sichuan peppercorns, Zhang Hao also asked Rometheus:

"Uncle Rometheus, you'd better not tell me you were waiting here for me to make this mala tang for you, you know, in Asara, the soul of mala tang is Sichuan peppercorns..."

Before Zhang Hao could finish speaking, Rometheus raised his hand to interrupt him:

"Hehehe, hahaha, that's right, Xiao Hao, you really understand me better! The day after I saw Mala Tang, I had someone go to China to buy the most authentic ingredients!"

Seeing Rometheus's determined attitude, Zhang Hao shook his head. He suggested taking some Sichuan peppercorns home after he finished cooking, believing that when Xiaowen assigned him homework again, Brother Weilong would be very willing to help him.

Zhang Hao: I'm such a clever little devil! ヾ(≧▽≦*)o

Zhang Hao also realized that he hadn't had mala tang (a type of spicy hot pot) since he came into this world, and the mala tang he had eaten near the school before couldn't help but flash through his mind.

Zhang Hao: Damn it, Uncle Rometheus, please stop talking to me like that, you're making me hungry.

"Let's go get the ingredients. We'll have mala tang for lunch. Don't worry, I'll adjust the spiciness to your liking, except for Uncle Rometheus."

Chapter 338 Malatang

Zhang Hao went to the kitchen and, following Rometheus's directions, found the ingredients needed to make mala tang in a refrigerator.

"Xiao Hao, I have high hopes for you! [Zero] Go and learn how to cook, so you can make it for me even when I'm not around."

Rometheus looked at Zero beside him, gesturing for his eldest son to go learn some cooking skills from Zhang Hao. As it turned out, he and Ella were indeed somewhat lacking in culinary skills...

"Get lost. If I want to eat, I'll go find Xiao Hao myself. You just stay here and eat the 'love meal' that Ella made for you."

Zero said calmly, knowing that every time Rometheus saw Ella carrying the food she had made, his smile was rather stiff, but in Zero's opinion, Rometheus should have been very happy.

Rometheus: I'm so happy, I'm ready to jump right out the window.

Deep Blue, far away in the Special Operations Department: Sigh, I never thought that even in Asara, I, an old man, would have to step up in terms of cooking skills. It's true that each generation is worse than the last, especially you, Zoya. Only you have successfully blown up the kitchen.

When Zhang Hao opened a bag, he was surprised to find that one side contained a bag of spices and seasonings, while the other side contained... a ready-made soup base?

Zhang Hao took it out and looked at Rometheus curiously. What did this mean? This was a sign of distrust! Damn it, I'll use this soup base to cook for Rometheus later.

Seeing that it was almost time, Zhang Hao immediately began his culinary demonstration.

First, heat the oil and add the classic three-piece set of scallions, ginger, and garlic. After they are fragrant, remove them from the oil. Then, add the hot pot base you bought, followed by water and half a bag of milk.

After completing this series of operations, Rometheus followed the aroma and moved into the kitchen. Seeing the fragrance emanating from the pot in front of Zhang Hao, Rometheus couldn't help but swallow his saliva.

Seeing this, Ella and Zero came to Rometheus's side. They watched as Zhang Hao took out another pot and poured in the frozen soup base. Then, without changing his expression, he added a lot of glutinous rice chili and Sichuan peppercorns.

"Sister Ella and [Zero], go to the refrigerator and see if there's any food you want to eat, wash it and you can put it in."

Upon hearing this, Ella and Zero turned around and began selecting ingredients from the refrigerator. Unlike Ella, who was still somewhat confused about mala tang, Zero, who had previously learned about it from Zhang Hao, readily began selecting vegetables and some meat from the refrigerator.

Seeing Ella looking somewhat helpless, Zero, unusually kind, explained the basic process of making mala tang to her.

"Hey, Xiao Hao, why did you bring out this bag of seasoning to cook? I had someone pack this seasoning specially so you wouldn't know how to cook it. Why did you bring another pot to cook this?"

When Rometheus saw that Zhang Hao hadn't asked him to pick out the ingredients, he quickly came to Zhang Hao's side, staring at Zhang Hao with wide, curious eyes. Why did Xiao Hao have to cook this pot separately?

"This is authentic Mala Tang that I specially prepared for you, Uncle Rometheus. You know, that wasn't really 'authentic' Mala Tang. I didn't put any chili peppers in that pot at all. In a little while, Uncle Rometheus, you can go and choose your ingredients. This pot with chili paste, peppercorns, and Sichuan peppercorns is yours."

Zhang Hao stirred the mixture expressionlessly, then gave Rometheus a seemingly harmless smile before adding a little more Sichuan peppercorns, as if still not satisfied.

Rometheus: Hmm~~~ That's a bit strange. I haven't even started eating yet, and my head is already starting to feel numb.

But seeing that Xiao Hao had said so, Rometheus put his worries aside. It seemed that his pot was indeed more "lethal" and must be authentic mala tang. He would definitely eat it all.

"I'm here too! Please save some lamb rolls for me, and [zero] too. The luncheon meat needs to be taken out and sliced."

After securing Rometheus's "special" broth, Zhang Hao also joined the team selecting ingredients.

“Uncle Rometheus, I’m just trying to be helpful, that pot was prepared just for you. You definitely can’t finish three flatbreads and so much food. You shouldn’t waste food. You know there are still many people in Asara who don’t even have enough to eat.”

Zhang Hao stared at Rometheus, who was about to put three pieces of bread in, with a dark expression on his face. How greedy could he be? Come to think of it, he seemed to have put two pieces of bread in when he first ate it. Of course, he didn't finish it and packed it up to share with his good sons.

"Hiss~~~ Don't you all want to try the soup base that Xiao Hao specially made for me? It looks... really quite good."

Rometheus glanced at Ella and his eldest son, then pointed to his own pot of broth, the aroma of chili peppers emanating from a great distance.

"No, the three of us can eat this. And Xiao Hao is right, don't waste food here. Let me see... You can put half of it back. If you can finish the rest, I'll be really impressed."

Ella looked at the pot of unidentified red substance in front of Rometheus and politely declined his "kindness," suggesting that Rometheus put some of the ingredients back into the bowl.

Rometheus: Damn it, they can't even pull one person away? And this broth looks really spicy! Is this really authentic mala tang? I have a feeling... I might not be able to handle it?

Finally, after cooking and taking out the ingredients, the group sat down at the table with their respective bowls.

After taking a bite of the spicy hot pot, Ella's eyes immediately lit up, and she exclaimed to Zhang Hao in admiration:

"Wow, Xiao Hao, this mala tang is so delicious! The flavor is... super delicious!"

Meanwhile, Zero remained silent, but judging from his current eating speed, he was quite satisfied with the spicy hot pot that Zhang Hao had made.

As for our Rometheus, he was quietly looking at the food in his bowl, and finally looked at Zhang Hao with some suspicion:

"Xiao Hao, is this really authentic mala tang? I feel like yours tastes better."

Chapter 339 Mala Tang (2)

Looking at Ella, who was practically drooling from the aroma, and Zero, who was busy eating with his head down, Rometheus was also getting hungry. However, when he looked at the bowl of red stuff in front of him, Rometheus hesitated and didn't take a bite.

"Don't worry, Uncle Rometheus. It's made with authentic base ingredients and local Sichuan peppercorns. There won't be any problems. You know, Sister Ella and [Zero] didn't add any Sichuan peppercorns at all. The taste is nowhere near as good as your authentic version. Just eat it without worry."