Chapter 18: The Head of the Family Hadn't Smiled Like This in a Long Time

Bal tilted his head to look at Jiang Liwu. It was the first time in his life that Bal had shared his food, yet he had no idea that Jiang Liwu needed cooked meat to eat.

In truth, Jiang Liwu had eaten raw meat before, but that was back when the apocalypse hadn’t ended.

Now that conditions had improved, cooked meat was definitely more delicious.

Thinking of the many ways to enjoy cooked meat, Jiang Liwu’s mouth began to water.

Meanwhile, Bal’s saliva drowned the meat in his mouth, two long drool strands hanging from one corner. It was clear how hard he was restraining himself against his instincts.

Jiang Liwu couldn’t help but chuckle, “Bal, don’t hold back. You eat it yourself.”

The next instant, Bal snapped fiercely and swallowed the meat whole.

After finishing, he froze, his mouth shut tight. He had eaten too fast; he still wanted to save the meat for Jiang Liwu.

“I’m hungry. Let’s have a barbecue,” Jiang Liwu licked his lips.

Wei Xifeng said, “I’ll have them start preparing right away.”

Bal lunged forward with his forelegs, eyes shining brightly with excitement. “Roar!” That bag of meat was just a snack for him; he was still far from full.

...

The barbecue spot was chosen on the green lawn, a place previously used for golf. All the necessary tools were at hand. The meat slices, marinated with a unique blend of spices, sizzled with a soulful pop the moment they touched the grill coated with fragrant oil. The aroma of grilled meat quickly spread, stirring eager anticipation.

Eating only grilled meat could easily become greasy, so a variety of vegetables, fruits, and drinks were also prepared.

Bal’s eyes were fixed solely on the meat, restless and drooling profusely. He didn’t care if it was cooked or not, constantly letting out impatient roars.

If it weren’t for Jiang Liwu and Wei Xifeng, Bal’s destructive power would have turned the place upside down long ago—recklessly stomping on the tables and devouring the food like a fierce beast.

To calm him, Jiang Liwu and Wei Xifeng first fed him some raw meat.

As they fed him, no one knew who started it first, but soon the meat was being thrown forcefully like frisbees, some high, some far.

Bal dashed out at incredible speed like a thick black lightning bolt, his muscular limbs wild and fierce as he ran.

...

“Bal, try catching two pieces,” Jiang Liwu called out excitedly, tossing two large chunks of meat at once.

Bal leapt, opening his jaws and successfully catching both pieces before devouring them. Amid Jiang Liwu’s praise and the guards’ cheers, he raised his head proudly, looking quite proud, his tail held high.

Two pieces of meat were nothing to him; he could easily swallow a wild boar in one bite.

Wei Xifeng tilted his head to look at Jiang Liwu, a smile naturally spreading across his lips.

Uncle Wang, quick and sharp-eyed, clicked away with his camera, capturing the moment. His eyes moistened as he sighed, “The master hasn’t smiled like this in a long time.”

The flash from the camera caught Wei Xifeng’s attention, and he looked over to see Uncle Wang filming.

Jiang Liwu patted Wei Xifeng’s shoulder. “I asked Uncle Wang to take pictures. I promised to take photos with you, but we didn’t get any while we were out. The home scenery is quite nice, so it would be a shame not to take some here.”

Wei Xifeng pressed his lips, his heart stirred repeatedly, his emotions evident.

Jiang Liwu relaxed completely and flashed a peace sign at Uncle Wang’s camera. Uncle Wang expertly snapped a few more shots.

In truth, Jiang Liwu wasn’t very photogenic. In photos, she appeared pale, but in reality, she was exquisitely beautiful with rich features. Without any makeup, she already possessed a captivating charm. Her eyebrows, naturally shaped like ink paintings, carried a wild elegance with a hint of resilience. Her nose was delicate and sharp, and a small mole adorned her face, lending an unintentional allure mixed with divinity—as if a tear from a goddess had fallen, growing more enchanting upon closer inspection.

Even if the photos couldn’t capture a tenth of her beauty, she still looked stunning. Uncle Wang couldn’t help but praise, “Miss Jiang, you look beautiful no matter how you’re photographed.”

Jiang Liwu raised an eyebrow humorously, “Thanks to my mother.”

Wei Xifeng moved in closer. Jiang Liwu raised her arm above her head, forming an arc.

Wei Xifeng was a moment slow to react but recognized that if he added his half, it would form a big heart.

The pose was exactly like the photos Jiang Liwu had with her parents that he had seen in a frame.

Uncle Wang said, “Master, my photography skills aren’t great, but I’ll do my best.”

Wei Xifeng remained silent, imitating Jiang Liwu’s pose with his hand, ears flushed red. A tingling warmth spread through his cheeks as his head tilted toward Jiang Liwu. His obvious affection made him look like a well-behaved child, his bright, earnest eyes revealing his good mood.

Uncle Wang found a good angle to capture just Wei Xifeng and Jiang Liwu, snapping several shots. Just as he was about to suggest a new pose, Bal suddenly barged in, roaring a few times, clearly upset about being left out.

Bal pushed himself between the two, growled at Uncle Wang, who quickly took a group photo of the three.

Wei Xifeng’s smile froze, veins bulging on his forehead. His voice lowered with a hint of gritted teeth, “Bal, who gave you permission to come over? If you’re coming, why steal my spot?”

Bal wouldn’t budge; not only did he try to steal Wei Xifeng’s place, but he also wanted Jiang Liwu.

Bal’s head and limbs couldn’t compete with Jiang Liwu in forming a heart shape, but his tail could.

Wei Xifeng scowled, his expression darkening.

He hadn’t expected that the first competitor for Jiang Liwu’s affection wouldn’t be the other five men but a chubby tiger.

Wei Xifeng reached out to break the heart Bal was making with his tail, but Bal blocked Wei Xifeng’s camera with his head. Jiang Liwu was amused by their identical childish antics.

It was no wonder that masters and pets were often so alike.

So alike?

Suddenly, a flash of insight struck Jiang Liwu’s mind, recalling the wild beast-like behavior Wei Xifeng exhibited during his episodes.

Before she could fully connect the dots, Wei Xifeng announced the meat was ready.

Jiang Liwu’s appetite surged decisively to the forefront of his thoughts.

Qiao Yiran hid behind a stone pillar, watching this warm scene that resembled a family of three. Her fingers dug into her palms, anxiety and jealousy flooding her heart.

It shouldn’t be like this.

...

Wei Xifeng wanted to eat the meat Jiang Liwu had grilled with his own hands, and Bal, unwilling to be ignored, roared for his share.

Wei Xifeng: “...”

In fact, Bal wasn’t very accustomed to the taste of cooked meat. Even though humans found it delicious, it wasn’t particularly enjoyable for him.