Xin Yunmao's visit was scheduled for a weekend. Both parties needed some time to prepare, so they had dinner at home.

In Huaijiang Bureau, cicadas were chirping outside the big tree. If the window was not closed tightly, the hot wind would fill the office. Fortunately, there was enough air conditioning in the house. Due to the high temperature in summer, the Economic Development Department did not turn off the air conditioning even during lunch break, otherwise it would be too hot after returning from dinner.

Despite this, there were still monsters who were anxious, as if they were being roasted by the scorching sun.

Jin Yu and Chen Zhuhui ran to the cafeteria. They were going to find Niu Shi and fiddle with the newly bought ice cream machine. Since the bureau has sufficient funds, the cafeteria has added some strange equipment, from various ovens to drinks and coffee machines, making the daily dishes more and more abundant, and even baking cakes have appeared.

There are only Chu Zhishui and Xin Yunmao in the room, and she has heard the knocking sound behind for a long time.

Xin Yunmao put his fingers on the table and tapped, again and again, without rhythm, and no one knew what he was tapping. He has been restless these two days, and he would be silent for a long time from time to time. He didn't even go out to bask in the sun at noon. I don't know if he is afraid of the heat or he is not in the mood.

"Don't be so nervous, it's not a big deal, just a meal." Chu Zhishui listened to the voice, she finally couldn't sit still, she stood up and walked to his side, patted his head soothingly, "God, relax a little."

Xin Yunmao heard this, he stopped tapping the table, but leaned back, half closed his eyes, and said softly: "I'm relaxed."

Chu Zhishui saw that his jaw line was tense, and couldn't help but stretched out her hand to pinch his face, manually helping him to relax, and comforted: "It's okay even if you mess up, I listen to them, there is nothing I can't accept."

Chu Xiaohe has already elevated the friendship between humans and monsters to the point of everlasting friendship. It is estimated that as long as Xin Yunmao is not anti-human, he can accept anything he says.

"What are you talking about?" Xin Yunmao looked up at her and said condescendingly, "I'm different from those incompetent monsters. Even if I can't use my demonic energy, I won't mess it up. Don't treat me like a fool."

"It's over. It seems that your nervousness can't be relieved for a while." Chu Zhishui sighed, "This stubborn attitude is just like the first time I took a plane."

If Xin Yunmao was really not nervous, he would probably hum and start saying that he was very nervous and needed her to comfort him and hug him. But now he put on a strong and arrogant attitude, which meant that he was definitely panicking and started to pretend to be like this.

When he was nervous, he was arrogant, when he was not nervous, he was coquettish, and especially when he was familiar with her, he was silly.

At home, the same situation also happened to Chu Xiaohe. He has been studying recipes recently. After learning that Xin Yunmao has a light taste, he plans to show off his cooking skills and cook a meal to show the long-standing dietary civilization of mankind. After

Chu Zhishui learned about this, he said helplessly: "He is a plant monster, so he rarely eats. Just cook as usual at home."

Xie Yan: "Your father said that this is called cultural confidence. He is willing to eat even if he rarely eats. This is the real admiration."

"..."

The agreed day finally arrived.

The house was filled with the aroma of stewed soup all day long. Chu Xiaohe was busy in the kitchen. Sitting in the living room, he could hear the sound of chopping vegetables. The usual dining table was covered with a tablecloth, and even the tableware was fully laid out. It really had the grand feeling of a state banquet.

Time passed slowly, and when it got dark, the soft warm yellow lights came on, and the dining table was covered with fresh and delicious cold dishes. The hot dishes and soups were still in the kitchen and were not served immediately. They had to wait for a while.

"There are still more than forty minutes." Xie Yan glanced at the time, "Has he gone out? There won't be traffic jams on the road."

"It definitely won't be." Seeing that her parents were getting restless, Chu Zhishui simply took out her cell phone and pretended to contact them, "I'll ask him."

Chu Xiao congratulated: "Yes, yes, or you can go pick him up, in case you don't know the way."

He had been downstairs so many times, how could he not know the way?

Chu Zhishui knew that Xin Yunmao couldn't be late, and it would only take him a second to come over. However, she was afraid that if she sat in the house, her parents would become more anxious and nervous, so she pretended to go out to pick someone up and planned to take a walk in the community.

In the twilight of summer, it was a bit stuffy outdoors, but fortunately the evening breeze was cool, unlike the scorching sun in the daytime, which was like a fire umbrella that would burn people. There were light clouds in the sky, and only the horizon was bright, with a hazy beauty of dusk.

Chu Zhishui unexpectedly saw a familiar figure as soon as she went out.

Xin Yunmao was wearing a white shirt and black pants, sitting on a bench under the climbing frame, thinking quietly about something. The dense branches and leaves covered the frame, and several crooked vines fell down, dotted with some small flowers, and his tall figure was looming in the dense leaves.

"Why don't you come up when you get here?" Chu Zhishui hurried over to find him, "I know which house it is."

The summer heat was strong, and he must feel hot if he sits outside for a long time.

Xin Yunmao looked up at her and whispered, "It's not the agreed time yet."

Chu Zhishui: "You can come up before the time, how boring are you sitting here?"

"Not boring." Xin Yunmao's Adam's apple moved slightly, and he pursed his lips and said, "This is the time I left for myself to prepare."

She asked in doubt, "Prepare for what?"

"Prepare to go upstairs." He said seriously, "I need some time."

Chu Zhishui saw that his body was stiff, and she couldn't help but chuckled, and looked him up and down: "Why are you dressed so nicely today?"

Xin Yunmao actually wore a striped white shirt and black pants, and even had shiny leather shoes, just like an employee of a public institution. However, he has a handsome face and outstanding temperament. Wearing this outfit not only does not make him look rustic, but also gives him a sense of elegance and refinement, revealing the steadiness and stability that elders admire.

Chu Zhishui pinched the collar of his shirt and wanted to touch his Adam's apple, but in the end she didn't dare to reach out. It must be said that the white shirt is a classic element, and it would be even more classic if it is paired with gold-rimmed glasses. He is completely a well-dressed bamboo.

Xin Yunmao heard the compliment, but he could sense something else in her words. He raised his eyebrows unhappily: "So I don't look good normally?"

"Good-looking, all good-looking, the degree of fashion is mainly determined by the face." Chu Zhishui knew that he was being conceited, so he naturally praised her generously, "You are handsome to a new level every day."

He raised the corners of his mouth: "Flattering words."

"So do you dare to go up now?" Chu Zhishui took out his mobile phone, "If you are ready, I will tell my family and let them prepare as well."

Xin Yunmao said in a muffled voice: "What time is it now?"

"Half an hour left."

"Go up, be early." Xin Yunmao confirmed that there was no one around, he stood up naturally, picked up several bags with both hands, and the full gifts appeared out of thin air.

Chu Zhishui was stunned: "Where did this come from?"

"I asked the bird about some human customs. She knows this kind of thing very well. Then she helped me prepare it. She said that these were converted from my previous labor insurance supplies." Xin Yunmao said calmly, "I looked it over and it's well prepared. You can check it again."

"Sister Hong's preparations must be fine. She specializes in this and she distributes gifts during festivals." Chu Zhishui was stunned. "You also consulted Sister Hong specifically?"

No wonder he even changed his dressing style. He was not as casual as usual. It was obvious that he had listened to suggestions.

Xin Yunmao raised his eyebrows: "I said that even if there is no evil spirit, I can still do it. It all depends on whether you want to."

Chu Zhishui couldn't help laughing: "Well, I can see that you really want to come to my house."

"... Hum."

After receiving the news, the parents hurriedly asked them to go upstairs.

At home, Chu Xiaohe and Xie Yan stood at the door, waiting for Chu Zhishui to bring people up.

Chu Xiaohe suddenly remembered something, and he turned around and warned his wife: "Maybe monsters look different from humans. If they are average-looking, you shouldn't show it too obviously. You used to only look at the face."

Xie Yan: "?"

Xie Yan: "You are really old. Have you ever seen a bad-looking monster transformed into a human? There are no ugly ones in TV dramas."

"That's a TV drama, it's all made up!"

"Didn't she say she was above average? She is usually so cautious in what she says, but she would..."

At this moment, there was a light knock on the door, interrupting the conversation between Chu Xiaohe and Xie Yan.

"I'm here--" Chu Xiaohe pushed the door open quickly. He looked behind Chu Zhishui with great enthusiasm. He was afraid that the monsters looked different from humans, but he only saw a man with black hair who was elegant and refined, and dressed neatly.

"This is Xin Yunmao, and this is my father and mother." Chu Zhishui was the first to introduce them. Although Xin Yunmao's real name is Yunmao, there is a "Xin" on his ID card, so he is used to calling them by their ID card names.

"Ah, hello, hello, I'm Chu Xiaohe, her father." Chu Xiaohe shook hands with Xin Yunmao, "You..."

Xin Yunmao shook hands back, and he bowed and said, "Just call me Yunmao."

Xie Yan smiled and said, "Okay, Yunmao, come in."

Xin Yunmao greeted the two and took the things he brought in, and the courtesy process was inevitable. Chu Xiaohe and Xie Yan asked about Xin Yunmao's well-being, and Xin Yunmao responded softly and politely. Even though he didn't smile much, it was obvious that he was well-behaved

and well-mannered. If Chu Zhishui hadn't told him his identity in advance, Xin Yunmao would be no different from a human being, and even had outstanding looks and height.

Chu Zhishui is the most confused person now. She was originally afraid that her parents would not be able to adapt, or that Xin Yunmao would not be able to fit in. Now it seems that she doesn't need to adjust the atmosphere at all, and they naturally sit down at the dining table.

Chu Xiaohe served the prepared meals one by one, and asked Xin Yunmao if he wanted to open a bottle of wine. Xie Yan was not to be outdone, and frequently served Xin Yunmao food with a serving chopstick, watching him eat with a smile on her face.

Xin Yunmao ate slowly and really finished the food in front of him, and occasionally answered the two's questions.

Chu Xiaohe laughed: "She also said that you don't eat much, it seems that you are hungry."

Xie Yan: "I think Yunmao has a good appetite."

Xin Yunmao replied: "It's delicious."

Chu Zhishui couldn't listen any more, she touched him with her knee and whispered: "Don't force yourself to eat, there will be dishes later."

He didn't need to eat, and occasionally he would eat a few bites with her, but now it was obviously for his parents. The God was arrogant and domineering outside, but who would have thought that he would be so humble today, which was really shocking.

Chu Xiaohe also saw it and advised: "By the way, save some stomach, there is a dish specially prepared for you, which is particularly suitable for your status!"

Xin Yunmao showed confusion and turned to look at Chu Zhishui.

Chu Zhishui: "Is it bamboo tube rice?"

"What are you talking about? Yunmao is still sitting here!" Chu Xiaohe thought his daughter was too cruel to bring bamboo tube rice, and hurriedly said, "Wait a minute, I'll bring it up."

A moment later, a pistil carved from the heart of a cabbage was placed in a clean white bowl. It looked delicate and lifelike, and really looked like a lotus bud that had not yet bloomed.

Chu Xiaohe appeared with a pot of soup and introduced: "This is a famous dish of our human race, called boiled cabbage. I heard that you have a light taste. When this soup is poured on it, it will bloom like a lotus flower, and it looks very beautiful!"

Chu Xiaohe planned the dish very well. This dish tastes delicious and mellow, and even the appearance is better than other dishes. It can be said to be at the level of a state banquet. However, he forgot only one thing. Flowers do fit the identity of plant monsters, but they also have another meaning for plants.

Xin Yunmao blooms to seek a mate, and he was also confused when he saw the flower buds on the plate.

Chu Zhishui's face also changed slightly. She saw that he was sitting on pins and needles, and said awkwardly: "I'm sorry, I forgot to teach them about the physiology of the monster world."

Of course, she would not expose Chu Xiaohe now, which would cause a psychological burden to her father. It was not because she was afraid of affecting the relationship between the two, but because she was worried that he would know that he made a mistake at the monster diplomacy state banquet, which might shake the overall situation. After all, family harmony is small, and the long-lasting friendship between humans and monsters is big.

As soon as the hot chicken soup was poured, the flower buds slowly opened up, the petals were crystal clear, and the bright red wolfberries added a touch of color.

Chu Zhishui thought that if Xin Yunmao didn't accept it, he didn't have to try it at all, but he was one step faster, holding the spoon and blowing twice, and actually drank it calmly.

"How does it taste?" Chu Xiaohe said enthusiastically, "This dish has a special meaning to us humans."

Boiled cabbage is a famous diplomatic dish, often used to entertain distinguished guests, and is considered a regular guest at banquets.

"It tastes good." Seeing the other party's face full of expectation, Xin Yunmao showed a serious look and nodded his head to promise, "I understand."

Chu Zhishui saw his serious face and was surprised: "... What do you understand?"

Chu Xiaohe thought that Xin Yunmao felt that he was valued, and waved his hands with satisfaction: "It's good that you understand."

There were many kinds of dishes, so the speed of eating a meal was slow. They ate and talked, and occasionally watched TV, which happened to be a news broadcast.

On the TV screen, the reporter was introducing the new developments in the country's aviation, and various exciting pictures were edited and broadcasted, which looked magnificent and shocking.

Chu Xiaohe thought this was a good opportunity and said, "Yunmao, look at our inventions and creations. You don't know how amazing it is that our country has come this far after going through that period of hardship. You probably don't even know how hard those days were."

Xin Yunmao said sincerely, "I really don't know about that period. I accidentally fell asleep at that time."

Chu Xiaohe suddenly felt something was wrong: "...Falling asleep?"

Xin Yunmao replied, "Yes, I founded the country early after I woke up, and I didn't experience this period."

"???"

Chu Xiaohe's body froze. He looked at the young Xin Yunmao, then turned his head to look at Chu Zhishui: "This..."

Chu Zhishui avoided his father's sight and lowered his head and said, "Sorry, I forgot to tell you some details."

Chu Xiaohe and Xie Yan had an argument that day, so she didn't have a chance to interrupt, and she didn't have time to tell him her age.

Chu Xiaohe's cognition fell apart, and he wondered, "Then how long can you live?"

"It used to be a long time, but it's different now." Xin Yunmao glanced at Chu Zhishui, his eyes flashing, and he said calmly, "How long she can live, I will live as long as she can, and we will stay together for life."

His tone was neither fast nor slow.

The three members of the family were all shocked by his words.

Chu Zhishui pursed her lips slightly in embarrassment. Even though she had heard him say this once, she didn't expect him to tell his parents directly.

Chu Xiaohe originally had countless confusions lingering in his mind, but when he looked into the eyes of the calm Xin Yunmao, his chaotic thoughts suddenly disappeared, and he was a little dazed for a moment. He swallowed back the thousands of questions on his lips, as if after hearing this sentence, other things were not important.

Xin Yunmao is a monster, he may say a lot of polite words, but he doesn't have to guarantee his life, even humans don't do this.

After a long while, Chu Xiaohe calmly replied: "That's good. I'm afraid that I won't live as long as her mother. She will be heartbroken and can't live without me."

Xin Yunmao was calm, and he even boasted: "She can't live without me."

"Then she is more independent than her mother. Her mother breaks the dishes when she enters the kitchen. She can't have a hot meal."

"She often makes a mess, and I have to clean it up in the end."

They exchanged words, and it sounded like they had found a confidant.

Chu Zhishui and Xie Yan were slandered, and their faces were very subtle, not knowing what to say.

Xie Yan said disdainfully: "Your father is really confident. Do you really think you can't live without him?"

Chu Zhishui said comfortingly: "Maybe all men are like this, including men and male demons."

The table was too full of food. Chu Xiaohe was chatting happily. He pushed the edge of the table and knocked over a plate of crabs. The porcelain plate fell to the ground and broke into pieces, and the food on the plate also spilled all over the floor, making the scene a mess.

Xie Yan seemed to have caught him: "Look, who is the one who broke the bowl and plate!"

"Oh, what a pity, I haven't even eaten a few bites." Chu Xiaohe slapped his thigh and said, "I'll go sweep it up, don't hurt anyone."

"No, I'll do it." Xin Yunmao was used to tidying up the house. He snapped his fingers casually, and the mess on the ground suddenly disappeared. The debris and dishes were sorted and thrown into the trash can, and the ground became clean and bright again.

Chu Xiaohe and Xie Yan were stunned by this scene. They looked at Xin Yunmao in disbelief, and only now did they truly understand his identity. No matter how much he looked like a human, it was obviously not something a human could do to clean up the garbage with a snap of the finger.

Xie Yan swallowed and smiled: "... Thank you, Yunmao, you are so polite."

Chu Xiaohe stood up and walked to the kitchen: "There are still some ingredients left, I will go and fry another dish."

"Dad, don't fry it, it will turn over if you make too much." Chu Zhishui advised, "We can't finish all the food on the table."

"But you like crabs, it seems that you didn't eat much today!"

"... I like many dishes on this table."

Xin Yunmao heard this, he followed Chu Xiaohe and went to the kitchen.

"What are you..." Chu Zhishui wanted to call Xin Yunmao, but saw him go into the house without looking back.

Xie Yan smiled and said, "Let them chat alone."

In the kitchen, Chu Xiaohe tied on an apron, turned around and saw Xin Yunmao coming in, and hurriedly greeted him, "It's okay, Yunmao, go out and sit down, this dish is very fast, it will be ready in a while!"

Xin Yunmao looked at the eggs in the bowl, and there were fish slices placed next to it, and began to carefully remember the ingredients on the table. He looked around, pondered for a few seconds, and lowered his eyes and said, "I want to know how to cook."

Chu Xiaohe said that she liked to eat crabs, so Xin Yunmao was naturally curious.

"Stir-fry?" Chu Xiaohe was startled. He turned on the gas stove and smiled, "Sure, she likes this. I'll teach you how to make it."

"... Yeah."

"It's mainly eggs and fish. The fish needs to be marinated in advance. The seasonings are salt and Shaoxing wine..."

"Yeah."

"When frying, stir more and stir less, otherwise the fish will be broken into pieces..."

"Yeah."

The gas stove was burning with a faint blue fire.

It was completely dark outside the window, with only the light opposite.

In the bright kitchen, the gray-haired father and the black-haired young man stood by the gas stove, one in front and one behind. They taught each other and soon fried the crabs out of the oven. They didn't talk about any trivial matters, just focused on a dish she liked.

Because they both love the same person, they establish a connection at this moment, and there is no need for any extra words, they

just understand each other. Perhaps, as a long-standing civilization of mankind, eating does convey a deeper warmth at certain times, which even monsters can understand.

A moment later, Chu Xiaohe came back with the crabs, and Xin Yunmao followed behind him. He waved and said, "You must try this dish. Yunmao also helped to fry it."

"Really?" Chu Zhishui glanced at Xin Yunmao and said suspiciously, "It's impossible."

This plate of crabs is cooked with skill. Could he really be a culinary god?

Chu Xiaohe: "Of course it's true, try it, it's the same as mine!"

Chu Zhishui picked up a chopstick, she tasted it with fear, and then praised: "It's really good."

This dish is tender and delicious, and it is indeed cooked at the right time, which is quite Chu Xiaohe's style.

Xin Yunmao said decisively: "I'll cook it next time."

He has memorized the process and will do it independently next time.

Unknowingly, the night was getting darker, and Xin Yunmao also welcomed the time to say goodbye. He said goodbye to Chu Xiaohe and Xie Yan one by one, and it was a successful end to their first meeting.

"You can come again in the future, I will teach you other dishes." Chu Xiaohe saw that he was interested in cooking, so he took the opportunity to invite him to the family dinner next time.

This hit the mark, Xin Yunmao nodded immediately: "Okay."

Chu Zhishui: "I'll take him there."

"Go ahead, be careful on the road!" Xie Yan said concernedly.

After the door was closed, the man and the demon took the elevator downstairs.

In the elevator, Xin Yunmao finally breathed a sigh of relief, and it was obvious that he had relaxed completely. He crossed his arms around his chest and looked at her with his bright eyes. Now all he had to do was hum a little tune.

"Finally you can't pretend anymore?" Chu Zhishui said with a smile, "That's good, I think my dad is going to stop pretending too."

This meal was really great, Chu Xiaohe and Xin Yunmao were both polite, and the human and the demon showed their lifelong performance skills.

"I'm right, right? Nothing can stump me." Xin Yunmao raised his chin slightly with satisfaction.

Chu Zhishui clapped in agreement: "Indeed, today's performance was outstanding, the God is really amazing."

Xin Yunmao could move her to tears by being a low-key demon for a meal. She had never seen him so normal before.

"It's not that great, it's mainly because they cooperated." Xin Yunmao's eyelashes trembled slightly, and he whispered, "I just love my family."

He could see that Chu Xiaohe and Xie Yan were very generous. Just like Chu Zhishui said before, because they loved their daughter deeply, they also treated him well when he came to visit.

Of course, they were polite at first, and then they eliminated the barriers and really accepted him gradually.

Chu Zhishui flattered softly: "That was also because I was moved by the attitude of the God!"

Xin Yunmao was flattered by her and his tense nerves relaxed. He suddenly remembered something and looked at her with a subtle look, whispering: "But I didn't expect them to be so anxious that they even brought out a special dish."

To be honest, he was shocked to see the boiled cabbage, but fortunately he understood the two's painstaking efforts later.

The beautiful blooming lotus, the red wolfberry pollen, and the special introduction of this dish as having special meaning for humans. He was sure that he had not understood it wrong, but he secretly sighed at Chu Xiaohe and Xie Yan's urgent parental heart.

"Anxious?" Chu Zhishui was confused, "Which dish are you talking about? Crab?"

They fried the crab in the kitchen very quickly, and it was indeed very hurried.

Xin Yunmao's eyes dodged. He hesitated for a moment, as if he couldn't speak: "They brought out a plate of flowers and used wolfberries as pollen. Isn't that a hint and a sign of anxiety?"

"Ah?"

He took a breath and said stiffly: "... anxious for us to pollinate and produce bamboo rice."

"..."