Super Zoo

"Having a good impression is very important!"

Suming, with hands clasped behind his back like some old party cadre, sauntered down the zoo's path while he sermonized with the tone of someone who'd been there, done that, "Dating isn't like acting in a Korean drama where two people start off disliking each other, only to go through a series of fights and arguments before discovering they are meant to be together, happily ever after as bickering lovers. That only happens in TV and movies. In general, it begins with both parties having a good impression of each other, then slowly developing from there. At the very least, not finding each other disagreeable is a prerequisite."

"You make it sound like you've got a ton of experience," Nangong Yan said, sporting activewear that made her look like one of those square dancing aunties despite being only in her early twenties. She swung her arms vigorously back and forth as she walked.

"Of course, we are a prime example! Look at us—you liked me from the first glance, didn't you? And I, I had a good impression of you too. Then after what seemed like a series of uneventful interactions, our relationship deepened gradually, and here we are today, taking a natural course to officially start dating," he explained.

Nangong Yan gave a big eye-roll at Suming, "Considering I'm as pretty as a flower with a line of suitors that could stretch out for blocks, how did I end up falling for someone as shameless and cheeky as you?"

The relationship between Nangong Yan and Suming had undergone a fundamental change—their metaphorical sheet of paper suddenly torn.

Of course, it was just the sheet of paper that was torn... nothing else.

We must move forward in time, back to the day after Suming took Nangong Yan home, when he seriously considered the nature of their relationship.

Suming wondered why he had not accepted Nangong Yan's feelings before. It wasn't that he didn't care about her; on the contrary, he was very aware that he held Nangong in high regard in his heart. The reason he had skirted around the subject from college until they began working was due to his own circumstances.

It was probably a habit he had developed. Even after he had earned some money after graduation, Suming still avoided the issue. It was not until the day the zoo formally restructured that he looked around at the people who came to congratulate him—from government leaders to a large group of fans, socialites, and the dozens of employees from the zoo—and Suming suddenly realized that he was no longer the poor boy with nothing to his name.

Even though he had lost his spiritual power, with his current wealth and experience, he was certainly a match for Nangong Yan and could provide her with a good living environment.

What then could prevent two people from being together?

It was after seeing that trident emblem at Amber Garden that one night that Suming seemed to have an epiphany.

It wasn't because he was afraid of someone else pursuing Nangong Yan, but he realized she had been waiting for him quietly all along, never making any demands that would put him in a difficult position. How long does a woman's youth last? Should she just keep waiting like this?

So, the sheet of paper was punctured just like that.

They officially moved beyond the flattering phase and entered the 'dating' stage.

Having been in an ambiguous relationship for so long and suddenly starting to date, a rather troublesome issue arose: both were too familiar and too comfortable with each other, giving off a 'marriage of long-standing' vibe. Neither of them had dated before, so after deciding to officially date, Nangong Yan thought hard and finally blurted out: "Couples usually go to parks or watch movies, why don't we do that too..."

And so they began hanging out at the zoo.

"The thing is, after what you've said, I suddenly feel like our time together isn't romantic at all," Nangong complained, swinging her arms as she pouted.

"Not romantic, huh?" Suming walked forward with his hands behind his back and said, "Songs say the most romantic thing is to grow old together. Look at us—we've skipped ahead a few decades and are already at the stage of growing old together."

Indeed, they were just like an old couple out for a stroll—one with hands behind his back, the other swinging her arms. Not only did Nangong have to interview, but she was also responsible for planning programs and often worked on copy in front of the computer. Suming told her that walking with her arms swinging can help with blood circulation and prevent issues like varicose veins in the future. Nangong Yan, spending most of her time without having to think too hard when she's with Suming, believed whatever he said, which is how their park visits ended up looking the way they did.

Glancing sideways at Suming with a hum, Nangong said, "Growing old together? Seems like you left out the first half of that phrase, didn't you?"

"Alright, alright, let's complete the first half of that," Suming chuckled and reached out to grab Nangong Yan's hand, which had been swinging back and forth.

Nangong Yan talked tough, but when Suming truly reached out, she suddenly felt a little unsure and instinctively pulled her hand back slightly.

She tugged once, but her hand didn't budge; Suming's grip was firm, holding her small hand tightly.

"Hey, do you even know how to date? Have you ever held a girl's hand before? Who holds hands as strongly as you do?"

"Clearly, I've never dated before!"

When Suming finally relaxed his grip a bit, Nangong Yan noticed his palm was somewhat clammy and wondered, "It's not even hot, why are your palms sweaty? You're so young, why is your body so weak?"

"Body weak..." Suming's mouth twitched, "Sister, I'm just nervous, alright?"

"Are you really not weak?" Nangong eyed Suming with a playful look, intermittently emitting an ambiguous and mysterious chuckle.

"All talk and no proof, just half a mile ahead to the waterside pavilion where I live. Why don't we go to my room and check?" Suming raised his eyebrows and approached with a cheeky grin.

Nangong Yan lifted her face slightly, "Dream on! Keep walking! First, you have to make up for all the park strolls, movies, and concerts you owe me!"

"I knew it, whoever confesses first, dies first. Now I'm completely passive," Suming said.

"Hahaha, I've said it long ago, you can't escape the palm of my hand!" Nangong Yan laughed heartily...

Walking hand in hand through the zoo practically made their relationship public. Quite a few zoo employees who came upon the scene were initially stunned, then smiled in blessing.

Of course, there were also bitter smiles.

For instance, Mr. Peng felt a bit gloomy; he'd originally intended to introduce his daughter Peng Xue to Suming. But upon witnessing Suming holding hands with Nangong Yan, Mr. Peng could only give up. That night, after returning to Mingqing Residence, he pulled Liang Shi over to have a few shots of liquor and finally came to terms with it.

"Forget it, children have their own blessings. Wang Hao isn't too bad either, just a bit overweight..."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Mrs. Tong finally let go of a nagging worry. Women of her age, when playing matchmaker, possess a 'never rest until the goal is achieved' mentality. As long as Suming was single, Mrs. Tong always felt as if she had unfinished business, a typical case of OCD.

"You two! Ah, what should I say about you both!"

In the medical room, Nurse Hu finished calculating this week's sales for fish feed, stood up from in front of the computer, hands on hips, and said loudly to the Liao sisters, "Since you both are interested in him, why didn't you say something sooner? Ah? Why not? If you don't speak up, how is he supposed to know?"

The Liao sisters stood there with their heads hanging down like scolded schoolchildren, their faces flushed red, their hands clasped tightly in front of them, feeling incredibly tangled up inside.

Seeing them like this, Hu's heart softened, and with a sigh that held a bit of frustration, said, "Oh, you two introverts. Being shy is one thing, but you could at least have shown a bit more warmth. Instead, every time you see him, you act as if you've run into a thug, as if you can't wait to tie your belts into a dead knot. Why? Inside, you guys clearly wish he'd tug at your belts, yet you push him thousands of miles away with your expressions..."

Already thin-skinned, the sisters were both embarrassed and anxious upon hearing the last part about 'wishing someone would tug at their belts.' They nearly broke down and suddenly started crying.

True to being identical twins, they were not just sisters connected by heart, but even cried in unison without prior arrangement.

"Hu, are you trying to comfort them or provoke them?" The vet came in, carrying a large bag.

Hu's voice was loud, so he heard her from outside. As he entered, he instantly understood the situation seeing the two nurses crying their eyes out.

"I'm just so annoyed! Tell me, vet, people usually say 'first come, first served,' they had such a good opportunity, and now they're crying. What's the use?" Hu said. Continue your saga on empire

Her words were too hurtful. Just a moment ago they made the nurses feel ashamed and anxious, and now, they sank the Liao sisters into deep regret.

"Ah, such bitterness... all from past lives' karma..."

The vet shook his head, sat behind the desk, and looking at the nurses who couldn't stop crying, said, "Actually, this is a good thing. You two listen to me for a second, cry afterward if you feel like it."

The vet was a well-educated man, with high qualifications, and good skills, leading the medical station with significant authority. The two nurses held back their tears and lifted their swollen red eyes to look at him. Hu was also curious to hear how he'd console them, wondering how this could possibly be good.

"It's simple, let's assume he didn't have a girlfriend, and also assume he liked both of you. Then I ask you, he can't marry you both, right?" The vet spread his hands, stating the obvious.

The Liao sisters were stunned, looking at each other with their teary and somewhat swollen eyes. Well, isn't that the truth!

So that meant, their unrequited love for Mr. Su had no hope from the start! Regardless of whether Suming had a girlfriend or not, it was never their turn!

"Exactly... that's the logic. You sisters are so close, neither willing to hurt the other, and since the country doesn't allow marrying two, this whole thing was nonsense from the beginning," the vet said lightly, waving his hand.

Even Hu was bewildered, staring with her mouth half open at the two nurses.

"Wow..." The nurses' tears flowed uncontrollably once more. According to the vet, they were just plain fools, mistaken from the start to finish.

"Ah, young people just don't see the bigger picture. What is affection, what is love, but a play acted out by men and women..."

The vet hummed a few song lyrics, pulled out two packets of Isatis root from his bag, and threw them on the table, "Stop crying, have some Isatis root to calm your nerves..."