Chapter 25 Familiar Strangers
In the evening, you happen to pass by the think tank and, through the crack in the door frame, you can vaguely hear the sound of typing coming from inside.
March 7th said the think tank is Danheng's territory.
As if by some strange twist of fate, you stepped forward and knocked on the door of the think tank.
The moment the door was pushed open, a hint of surprise flashed in Dan Heng's eyes.
"Excuse me for disturbing you. I've heard that this place records observations and experiences from the starry seas. I'd like to look up some information. May I come in?"
"Think tanks are public spaces, please make yourself at home." Dan Heng stepped aside and invited you in.
The large room was filled with books, and in the center was a huge electronic screen. Further inside, there was a mattress on the floor, with a blue quilt haphazardly draped over it.
This is clearly Danheng's bed.
The once most revered dragon now lives in a cramped space on a small floor.
A flood of emotions welled up in your heart, and a bittersweet feeling rose from your nose.
"You can look up information here. Just enter the name to browse." Dan Heng said to himself, pretending not to see the heartache in your eyes.
"Thank you... Mr. Dan... Heng." You paused, then called out his name.
Dan Heng nodded slightly, then walked to the other side and said nothing more.
You quickly turn around, forcing yourself to focus on the documents in front of you, trying hard not to recall the past.
After some time, another knock sounded on the door.
It is March 7th.
"I knew you'd be here." The pink-haired girl looked smug, as if to say, "I knew it." "The train conductor prepared a late-night snack for us and called us over to eat. Let's go together."
"You guys go ahead, I have other things to do," Dan Heng replied.
"That's settled then, your share is mine." March 7th is used to this, and then she warmly invites you.
Unable to refuse their kind invitation, you left the think tank on March 7th, led by them. Instantly, the think tank returned to its tranquil state.
...
Inside the observation car, several unnamed guests gather with you to enjoy snacks together.
"Little March has a lively personality, so I hope she hasn't caused you any trouble?" the elegant navigator said with a smile.
"Ms. March is very cute, and I really like her personality." You have a good impression of this Ms. Himeko and respond calmly, "I'll be bothering you for a while these next few days, and I hope you won't mind."
"How could that be? The train welcomes all friendly guests."
You and Himeko hit it off immediately and quickly struck up a conversation, talking about your experiences in interstellar space.
March 7th and the Trail Blazers were playing a game and eating egg tarts, while □□ was chatting with Pam, a scene of great joy, except that Denheng was not there.
Because there were no extra seats on the train, you were forced to share a bed with March 7th.
The pink-haired girl excitedly showed you around her room, and you showered her with compliments.
Your chattering manner is exactly like yours in your teenage years.
"By the way, let's exchange contact information. You can contact me directly if you need anything in the future." March 7th, being very friendly, pulled you into the train crew's group chat and warmly welcomed you first.
The other members responded quickly, and Danheng also quietly sent a welcome emoji.
For some reason, your mood suddenly improved.
That evening, March 7th shared his interstellar experiences with you, recounting the daily life of the train crew.
It sounds like Danheng is adapting well here.
I sincerely hope he can have a fresh start.
In the following days, you recuperated on the train and gradually became friends with everyone.
The Trail Blazers were an eccentric kid who always came up with all sorts of whimsical ideas.
Her companions would always sigh in exasperation at her thought process, but you especially liked this child.
Perhaps it's because I'm getting older, but I see everyone as a child, especially the newborn Pioneer. When I'm with her, I can't help but feel a maternal glow and embrace everything about her.
"You're spoiling her rotten," March 7th said with a disgruntled pout.
"She's just a child, don't be so strict with her," you replied with a smile, promising to make her dessert as an apology.
"That's a deal!" March 7's eyes lit up instantly.
A few days ago, you had some free time and made some small cakes using the ingredients you had on hand, which were very popular. It was from that moment that March 7th discovered your amazing talent for cooking.
After a while, the food on the train got boring, and the occasional change of pace made March 7th very happy.
In addition, your humor and wit quickly made March 7th your number one fangirl.
You smiled lovingly, treating her as if she were your own child.
A moment later, you bid farewell to March 7 and borrowed the kitchen from Pam.
Your appearance relieved Pam of the pressure of cooking, which made Pam like you even more.
The young train conductor confidently entrusts the kitchen to you, telling you to use it as you please.
You thanked Pam and then started tinkering with the flour and eggs.
You used to live a life of ease, never lifting a finger. A few years after your release from prison, to pass the time and to stop yourself from overthinking, you started learning to cook.
Watching the ingredients transform into delicious and fragrant dishes through your own efforts is a very therapeutic process.
During your interstellar travels, you'll have the opportunity to encounter other worlds, taste many different flavors, and learn many culinary secrets.
In the quiet kitchen, warm light shines down, adding to the tranquility.
You knead the dough, humming a lullaby softly, lost in your own world.
On the other side, Danheng returned to the observation car to get some water. After glancing at the happy crowd, he didn't see you.
“The kitchen was requisitioned by that guest, Pam…” Pam explained patiently.
Upon hearing this, Danheng thanked Pam and then, as if possessed, headed towards the kitchen.
Before he even got close, he heard soft singing coming from inside the house. The gentle voice and soothing melody instantly calmed him down.
He recalled the unanimous praise the train crew had given him these past few days, and how the Trail Blazers had even told him things like, "That lady looks like my mom."
You always have a smile when you're with others, but when you're with him, you maintain a just-right distance, if you ignore the longing in your eyes.
On March 7th, you secretly told him that you had a deceased husband and asked him not to mention it so as not to hurt you again.
He knew that the people of the Immortal Ship had a long lifespan, and it was normal for one of their spouses to pass away first.
You look so young, yet you've become a widow.
Why do you look at him with such longing in your eyes? Is it because he looks a lot like your deceased husband?
Having no experience in relationships, Danheng convinced himself with this reason.
Fine, go ahead and do as you please. Maybe this will make you feel better.
Although he doesn't want to be used as a substitute by anyone, his bottom line always drops lower and lower when it comes to you.
You're busy preparing ingredients in the kitchen when you suddenly remember that you forgot your newly bought spice packet in the cabinet outside the door.
You washed your hands and then pushed open the kitchen door.
"Mr. Danheng?" You never expected Danheng to be outside the kitchen. He looked a little embarrassed.
"...In March, he asked me to come and pick up some things..." Dan Heng made up an excuse for himself.
"Please go ahead." You stepped forward and made room for him.
Danheng fled to the refrigerator and pretended to rummage through it.
His peripheral vision swept over the cut fruit on the counter, the oven was running at high speed, and he could already smell the milky aroma of the bread.
The platform was covered with molds, making it look like a huge project.
Did you make all of these?
"What are you looking for? Do you need my help?" You smile at him, no longer keeping your distance from him as before.
“She wants an ice cream.” Danheng used March 7th as a shield.
"She's already eaten one today; eating too much isn't good for her health," you replied as you placed the freshly baked bread pieces onto a plate.
"Give her this, it's freshly baked, it tastes best." You handed the bread you had laid out to Danheng, and then asked him if he wanted to try one.
Just as Dan Heng was about to refuse, his stomach rumbled.
"..." Dan Heng was somewhat embarrassed.
“You didn’t have lunch today, so this is perfect for filling your stomach.” You quickly gave him an out, “Just consider it as him trying it for me.”
“…Okay.” Dan Heng finally compromised.
He picked up a piece of bread while you were watching and took a small bite.
The rich aroma of milk, combined with the sweet and sour taste of strawberries, hits his taste buds directly, creating a wonderful chemical reaction.
"how?"
"Very good," Danheng gave a fair assessment.
Upon hearing this, your smile became even brighter.
"I have many new products here, Mr. Danheng, why don't you let me try them all?" you cautiously made this request.
“…Hmm.” Dan Heng nodded slightly, which was taken as an agreement.
Then you served him the other desserts one by one and invited him to taste them, which received high praise from Danheng.
It's not out of politeness, but because your cooking skills are really good.
As Danheng sampled the food, he watched you fiddling with it on the side and suddenly felt that this scene was somewhat familiar.
Has he seen this scene somewhere before?
But when he tried to recall carefully, he found nothing.
He shook his head, trying to shake off those thoughts.
Soon, he became your personal deliveryman, helping you push the food cart and place a dazzling array of delicious food on the table, inviting everyone to enjoy it.
"It's so delicious, Mom, I love you." The Trail Blazers held a bread in their left hand and an egg tart in their right, so happy that they called her "Mom."
"It tastes great." □□ and Himeko gave it high praise after tasting it, and even Pam held onto the milkshake tightly.
You share delicious food with everyone, and Danheng also gets to enjoy a wonderful afternoon tea time with everyone.
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