The Black Book: Seven Deadly Sins

"Young Master!"

The old servant who was sweeping the courtyard saw Li Lin and quickly greeted him respectfully.

Seeing the old servant's face full of joy, Zhu Haomiao nodded gently.

"Uncle Liu, you look good today."

Upon hearing this, Uncle Liu's face lit up: "Thanks to the Immortal Soup you granted last night, my waist doesn't ache, my legs aren't sore, and I feel warm all over, even working feels easier!"

"Yes, the medicinal effect of the Qilin Soup is gentle and long-lasting. You should move around more these days to better absorb its power."

Hearing this, Uncle Liu felt even more grateful.

After a bit of small talk, Zhu Haomiao continued walking outside, and along the way, all the servants he encountered looked radiant and healthy, gratefully greeting him.

He responded with a smile to each, and only after leaving the Pingyang Marquis Mansion did Zhu Haomiao sigh deeply.

People in ancient times were indeed simple. Such small favors would make them so thankful…

That spoonful of Qilin Soup wasn't even enough for Diao Chan to have in two bites…

Remembering those eyes full of sincere gratitude, an inexplicable sense of guilt surged in Zhu Haomiao's heart.

Those who stay in the mansion through hardships are all old servants with deep affections…

In the future, I'll set aside a pot of Qilin Soup to dole out to them regularly as benefits!

Just as he made this decision, Zhu Haomiao's mind shifted, raising his eyebrows in surprise.

[Book of Black]: Dao Heart +1

Is this even possible?!

Touching his chest, Zhu Haomiao frowned slightly, taking a long time to relax.

The Dao Heart is truly mysterious. Trying intentionally might not work, but unintended actions have results.

With a light sigh, Zhu Haomiao strode purposefully toward the Royal Martial Academy.

...

"Mr. Li, what delicious food do we have today?"

In the Scripture Pavilion, Zhao Nuo sat swinging her short little legs, which couldn't reach the ground, looking at the young man with eager anticipation.

Nowadays, the most relaxing and joyful time for her was eating meals with Li Lin.

No annoying etiquette officer nagging, no need to maintain the princess's facade, she could enjoy the food freely, play with Diao Chan, and vent some palace secrets without care, releasing inner pressure.

The only thing that irked her was that most of Li Lin's attention was on the secret manuals, responding perfunctorily to her words, only occasionally patting her head and encouraging her like a child.

It was as if she wasn't a princess but a little puppy seeking affection!

Thinking of this, Zhao Nuo felt both indignant and relieved.

She disliked Li Lin's arrogance, not placing her in his heart at all, yet feared him approaching her with ulterior motives.

On the other hand, not noticing the little girl's complex and conflicted emotions, Zhu Haomiao shifted his eyes from his secret manual and smiled.

"Today, there's something good on the menu."

Saying this, the young man took out the tableware and served her a bowl of meat broth that emitted a glowing spirit light.

"Eek!"

Diao Chan, following along, seemed overjoyed, jumping and prancing around excitedly like he had endless energy.

Zhu Haomiao: "..."

Not having a nosebleed, but seeming thrilled instead, huh?!

Ignoring the big rodent furiously running around on him, the young man handed Zhao Nuo a spoon, eyes full of anticipation watching her.

"Try it."

Gulp~

Already tempted by the delicious meat aroma, Zhao Nuo swallowed her saliva, hastily scooping a spoonful of the steaming meat broth into her mouth, instantly blowing on it as it was too hot.

Even though her face turned red from the heat, Zhao Nuo refused to spit it out, savoring it as she eventually swallowed slowly after a moment of bliss.

"Mmm~"

Holding her little face, Zhao Nuo let out a cute kitten-like murmur, wriggling with happiness like a little caterpillar.

On the other side, watching his second pet enjoying the food so much her feet lifted off the ground, Zhu Haomiao felt deeply satisfied feeding a small animal, his mouth curving upwards.

"Is it good?"

"Delicious!"

Eagerly scooping spoonfuls of the meat broth into her mouth, only when she finished the entire bowl did Zhao Nuo lick her lips and curiously ask.

"Mr. Li, is this Qilin Soup?"

"Yes."

"Why does it glow!"

"Why does it taste completely different from what I had in the palace!"

"The effect is several times stronger too, I feel hot all over…"

Hearing the curious questions, Zhu Haomiao shifted his focus back to the secret manual, casually sneering.

"Of course, because I made it."

Zhao Nuo: "..."

Here it is again!

That casual yet evident arrogance of 'I'm different from the ordinary,' that natural disdain with no explanations…

Zhao Nuo involuntarily pouted, glaring angrily at the young man.

With an innate sense, Zhao Nuo knew that the young man before her wasn't pretending.

He didn't just look down on her; he equally disregarded everyone else, even the entire world!

Many times, he would be sitting right in front of her.

Yet, he gave off the feeling as if he were on a higher plane, amusedly overlooking the masses below.

Just like…observing a group of ants!

Noting Zhao Nuo's complicated little gaze, Zhu Haomiao couldn't help but smile, pursing his lips.

"What's wrong?"

"Hmph! Mr. Li, you're too arrogant!"

"Ah?"

Touching his cheek, Zhu Haomiao asked himself if he had already suppressed his Pride into the depths of his consciousness, why it was still apparent.

Seemingly understanding Li Lin's confusion, Zhao Nuo pouted and snorted coldly.

"Others might not see it, but I know clearly, you couldn't care less, dismissing everyone!"

"Including me! You don't even consider me worth noticing!"

Listening to the little girl's complaints, Zhu Haomiao blinked and after a long while, helplessly patted her head.

"I'm sorry. I'll try to restrain myself more in the future, so you won't notice."

"..."

Choked by this statement, Zhao Nuo's face turned bright red, opening her mouth to speak but not knowing what to say. After a long pause, she finally let out a whiny, fierce little growl.

"Again with this! You're always so high and mighty!!"

With a swift jump off the chair, Zhao Nuo stomped angrily toward the door, but halted in her tracks upon hearing a sentence.

"There's still Qilin Soup, aren't you going to drink it?"

Her steps suddenly stiffened, as if in an inner battle, before she turned back with gritted teeth.

"I want it!"

"Then call me brother."

"Brother!"

...

After feeding the second pet, Zhu Haomiao leisurely made his way to Lechang Square. Before he even reached the Anti-theft Bureau's entrance, two constables on duty excitedly clasped their fists in salute.

"Sir!"

Zhu Haomiao curiously glanced at them. If previously their attitude toward him was reverence mixed with a hint of affection,

now it was almost fervent worship!

With a shift in his gaze, Zhu Haomiao suddenly understood something, smiling and nodding in response.

"Hmm."