It had to be said that Lu Wuming was truly a character who dared to challenge himself. Liu Buli had initially thought his words were merely a display of confidence, but the following days proved him wrong. Lu Wuming’s actions told Liu Buli that he would indeed do what he said he would.
Although Lu Wuming himself often claimed to be a bit slow-witted, and that even after Liu Buli taught him many things, he struggled to grasp them.
However, after two or three days of cake-making lessons, Liu Buli found himself wondering if it was due to Lu Wuming’s intense focus leading to success, or simply his innate talent in culinary arts. Regardless, after Liu Buli explained the principles of the oven and showed him several videos on cake-making, Lu Wuming, just as he had promised, used his spiritual energy to bake a beautiful cake for Liu Buli.
From an external perspective, the cake was flawless. The piping work was exceptionally well done. While it lacked complex animated designs, even the simple floral and avian motifs were far more exquisite than those found in outside bakeries.
Looking at the cake, Liu Buli couldn’t help but ask, “Wuming, you seem quite accustomed to doing things like this. Painting, carving, and the like. Is this one of your hobbies?”
Lu Wuming paused at the question.
After a moment of thought, he shook his head and replied, “My only hobby, from beginning to end, has been Master. As for painting and carving… I have indeed painted for Master often, and I make all of Master’s clothes. But carving… yes, why haven’t I carved a statue of Master?”
Lu Wuming mumbled to himself, his eyes growing increasingly focused. Liu Buli could tell he was genuinely contemplating the idea of sculpting.
This caused Liu Buli’s smile to stiffen slightly. He was unsure whether to marvel at his husband’s versatility or worry about the proposed sculpture.
After a moment of silence, Liu Buli ultimately decided to address the more pressing issue first. He placed a hand on Lu Wuming’s shoulder and earnestly advised, “There’s really no need for a sculpture. I’m not some great figure; having a statue made would be too embarrassing.”
“How could that be embarrassing?” Lu Wuming asked, puzzled. “In my heart, Master is the greatest being. Even Master Linkong, that old bald donkey, allowed his disciples to build him a statue. You are so much more remarkable than him, so what’s wrong with building a statue for you? I don’t see anything wrong with it.”
Seeing the conversation heading in an increasingly peculiar direction, and to prevent Lu Wuming from acting on his idea, Liu Buli took a deep breath and decisively chose to change the subject. “Right, Wuming, since the cake is ready, it would be remiss of me not to taste it. We can discuss the sculpture matter when we return to that world. For now, let’s see how your cake tastes.”
As Liu Buli spoke, he reached for a small fork from the table.
As for the sculpture issue, he decided to leave it for his fully remembered self to consider. For now, he simply wanted to enjoy modern life and had no intention of finding other things to occupy himself with.
It had to be said that Lu Wuming’s talent for cooking was truly exceptional. Even though this was his first attempt at making a cake, its taste perfectly suited Liu Buli’s preferences.
While Liu Buli was enjoying the cake, Lu Wuming meticulously calculated whether he could recreate the desired cakes using materials from their original world. Once satisfied, he smiled contentedly and asked Liu Buli, “Master, what else do you like to eat? Things that exist here but not in our world. Tell me, and I will learn them all. I guarantee I can make you have no lingering attachment to this world.”
He spoke with utmost sincerity.
Having experienced his previous actions, Liu Buli could be certain that Lu Wuming would indeed achieve whatever he said.
However, the phrasing of his words was somewhat problematic.
What did he mean by learning the recipes of these foods would make Liu Buli have no lingering attachment to this world? In his boyfriend’s eyes, had his life’s pursuit been reduced to mere eating?
Liu Buli’s emotions were complex.
Yet, he had to admit, he was rather fond of this approach.
He even began to enthusiastically consider the culinary differences between the two worlds. If they were to permanently reside in their original world, having his beloved make more delicious food for him didn’t seem like a bad prospect.
While Liu Buli diligently researched and sought out new tastes, Lu Wuming diligently learned. Their cooperation was remarkably seamless, further enhanced by Lu Wuming’s talent. Within a week, he had mastered nearly everything Liu Buli enjoyed that was unavailable in their original world.
Liu Buli felt incredibly fortunate to have such a devoted partner. During this week, he had watched all the movies he wanted to see and visited most of the places he intended to.
He had no particular desire to visit tourist attractions. The ancient world was filled with mountains and rivers; if he lived there forever, he would have ample time to explore. Therefore, he saw no need to waste his brief time in modern life on such pursuits. Liu Buli was pragmatic, so after visiting a few modern architectural sites, he found them uninteresting. Calculating the time, he realized it was almost time to return with Lu Wuming.
On the evening before their planned departure, after dinner, Liu Buli called Lu Wuming and led him to the living room window.
Gazing at the vast expanse of stars outside, Liu Buli said to Lu Wuming, “Wuming, do you remember when we went to the amusement park last time? Don’t tell me those roller coasters were too boring. You said you could show me more thrilling rides. Now that we have the time, why don’t you show me?”
Lu Wuming blinked.
He tilted his head, processing his master’s words, and then hesitantly asked, “Master means… you want me to take you flying?”
Liu Buli nodded.
Lu Wuming then asked with some hesitation, “But didn’t you say we couldn’t use those cultivation techniques in this world? You said it would scare ordinary people.”
“That was what I told you when you first arrived,” Liu Buli said with a smile. “Now that I’m certain this world is fake, what’s the harm in scaring a few fake people? It won’t affect the true reality.”
Lu Wuming considered this and found it quite reasonable.
Liu Buli opened the window, stepped onto the sill, looked down into the distance, and without hesitation, leaped forward.
The sensation of falling lasted less than three seconds before he was embraced in a warm embrace. Looking back, Lu Wuming had leaped down after him. Holding him close, he lightly tapped his foot in mid-air, and they soared upwards once more.
The wind whipped against his skin, and Liu Buli squinted his eyes.
He was right; this was indeed much more exciting than a roller coaster.