Tomb raiding live stream: Starting as the mute Zhang

At six o'clock in the morning, "Zhang Qiling" opened his eyes on time.

Even without the awakening of the stone pillar's pulse, the body's biological clock, unchanged for ten years, remains precise.

He lay still in the darkness for a few seconds.

Feeling the softness of the mattress beneath me and the lightness of the blanket.

And the grey-blue light seeping in through the gaps in the curtains, the light of the quietest moment before dawn.

A very faint aroma of last night's food lingered in the air.

There's also the complex smell of "home"—a mixture of cleaning agents, wood floors, and paper from books.

There was no earthy smell of mushrooms, no coldness of stones.

There was none of that oppressive, corrosive feeling that comes from behind a door.

He sat up very quietly.

I stepped barefoot onto the cool floor.

I walked to the window and pulled back a corner of the curtain.

As dawn broke outside, the courtyard was covered with a thin layer of frost that had fallen the night before.

The bare branches of the old osmanthus tree were clearly outlined against the gray sky.

In the distance, wisps of smoke rose from the chimney of a neighbor's house, blown askew by the morning breeze.

It was very quiet, with only the occasional clear bird call.

After looking for a moment, he turned and walked towards the bathroom.

Warm water flows over the body, washing away the slight weariness after a good night's sleep.

He dried his hair and changed into another set of dark gray loungewear that Ah Ning had prepared; the material was soft and comfortable against his skin.

Then he opened the door and went out.

The corridor was silent, and all the other doors were closed.

He went downstairs, his footsteps silent.

The living room still retained a bit of warmth, and the cups and plates from last night on the coffee table had long been cleaned up.

He went to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

The room was stuffed full of various colorful ingredients, the result of Wang Pangzi's shopping and replenishment as soon as he returned yesterday.

Zhang Qiling watched for a while.

They took out a few eggs, a carton of milk, and a bag of toast.

He wasn't very familiar with how to operate these modern kitchen appliances, but he could understand the basic functions.

He tried to turn on the gas stove, and blue flames shot up.

I found a frying pan, poured in some oil, and waited for the oil to heat up before cracking the eggs.

The egg mixture sizzled as it was poured into the hot oil, and the edges quickly turned golden brown.

He picked up the spatula and began to stir the pot somewhat clumsily.

The second one, the third one.

The aroma of fried eggs filled the air.

He then found the kettle, filled it with water, and turned it on.

While waiting for the water to boil, he leaned against the counter, watching the egg yolks tremble slightly in the pot.

The sky outside the window is gradually changing from gray-blue to a pale white.

Soft footsteps came from the stairs.

Zhang Qiling stepped down.

He had changed into clean pajamas, his hair slightly damp, as if he had just washed his face.

He paused when he saw "Zhang Qiling" in the kitchen and the sizzling fried eggs on the stove.

Then he walked over and stood beside him.

Zhang Qiling didn't speak, but gestured with the spatula to the plate that had been prepared next to him.

Zhang Qiling understood and picked up the plate.

Three sunny-side-up eggs, which were fried fairly intact with crispy edges, were scooped into a plate.

The water has boiled.

Zhang Qiling turned off the heat and poured boiling water into the glass teapot containing tea leaves.

The tea leaves unfurl and float in the boiling water, releasing their aroma.

He then took the milk out of the refrigerator and poured it into two glasses.

Neither of them spoke, but they worked together seamlessly.

One person carried fried eggs and toast, while the other carried tea and milk. They walked to the long table in the restaurant and sat down.

Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm golden glow on the oak table and gilding the food.

Zhang Qiling picked up his chopsticks, took a fried egg, and took a bite.

The edges were caramelized, while the inside was soft and fluffy; the salt was sprinkled a little unevenly.

But eating it hot and comforting feels very reassuring.

He took a sip of milk; it was warm and had a slightly sweet, fishy taste.

Zhang Qiling ate quietly, his movements unhurried.

The floating live-streaming ball, which had somehow awakened from its charging dock, drifted over silently.

Parked not far from the dining table, the camera quietly recorded this extremely peaceful first home-cooked breakfast in ten years.

There were already some early risers in the live stream room.

Good morning!

"These two guys are up really early."

"He can even fry an egg!"

"The scene is so peaceful and heartwarming."

"Like the daily life of an old married couple."

"I was moved to tears; this is life."

Halfway through the meal, we heard a commotion upstairs.

Fatty Wang appeared at the stairwell, yawning widely, slipping on his slippers, and rubbing his eyes.

He saw the two people sitting in the restaurant, paused for a moment, then his eyes widened, and he yelled:

"Holy crap! Dude! Why are you guys up so early? And making your own breakfast?! Let me do it!"

He ran downstairs and rushed to the dining table.

Looking at the remaining fried eggs and toast on the plate, and then at the milk and tea beside them, he looked heartbroken.

"No way! Breakfast has to be good! Just wait, I'll show you the real deal! Scallion oil noodles with two soft-boiled eggs, it'll be way better than this!"

Zhang Qiling looked up at him, still chewing the last bite of toast.

After swallowing, he calmly said, "That's enough."

Zhang Qiling nodded in agreement.

Fatty Wang choked for a moment.

Looking at their calm faces, then at the half-empty plate, I scratched my head:

"Alright then...noon! I'll make you all a nourishing soup for lunch! Give it your all!"

At this moment, Wu Xie also came down with messy hair and his glasses askew on his face.

Seeing the scene in the restaurant, he was stunned for a moment, then laughed:

"Fatty, stop yelling and let the guys do what they want."

He walked over and naturally sat down in the empty seat next to "Zhang Qiling".

Looking at the plate, I said, "Wow, it's fried pretty well. Any more? Can I have one too?"

Zhang Qiling glanced at him, then at the empty plate, and said nothing.

Fatty Wang immediately replied, "Yes, yes, yes! Wait a minute! I'll fry two for each of you three! Guaranteed to be molten!"

He turned and rushed into the kitchen, bustling about with activity.

Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu also came downstairs one after another. When they saw this scene, they smiled at each other.

When Ah Ning returned from the backyard check, she was carrying a small notebook.

Jiang Xun Gu entered from outside, carrying the chill of the early morning. He nodded to everyone and silently sat down to one side.

Black Bear was the last one to sway down.

Still dressed in black, with his sunglasses on, he leaned lazily against the kitchen door frame.

Looking at Fatty Wang inside, frantically trying to show off his wok-flipping skills, I scoffed:

"You fatso, the oil's splattered out!"

"Mind your own business! Black Glasses, if you're so capable, you do it yourself!"

"I'm not going up, I'll just watch." Black Bear grinned in a way that made him want to punch someone.

After a chaotic yet steaming breakfast, the living room was filled with the aroma of coffee and black tea.

The sunlight completely illuminated the room, making it warm and cozy.

Wu Xie sat on the single sofa next to Zhang Qiling, holding his laptop.

She chattered on and on about the changes in the outside world over the past ten years—

Smartphones, mobile payments, short videos.

Which old shops have closed down, and which new landmarks have sprung up?

Zhang Qiling listened quietly.

Occasionally, his gaze would sweep over the rapidly flashing, colorful images and videos on Wu Xie's computer screen.

His eyes were calm, revealing little emotion, but he listened intently.

Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu were in the study organizing the last batch of documents they had brought back the night before, preparing to file and seal them away.

Ah Ning was checking the villa's security system and whispering something to Jiang Xun Gu.

Fatty Wang was humming a song as he washed the dishes in the kitchen.

Black Bear took the longest spot on the sofa.

Holding a game controller, I play a visually stunning fighting game on a big-screen TV.

The fingers clicked and smacked as they pressed.

The levitating live-streaming ball moved slowly in the living room.

The camera occasionally focuses on Wu Xie and "Zhang Qiling" talking quietly.

It occasionally flashes past the doorway of the study.

Occasionally, his gaze would sweep over the fat man busy in the kitchen and the bear lying sprawled on the sofa.

This fully presents this mundane, ordinary scene full of life.

In the live stream, the chat became more relaxed.

It seems like Wu Xie is giving the remedial lessons to the old master who is in seclusion.

"The guy actually listened to that!"

"The fat guy is such a good family man."

"Blackie is really good at video games."

"Xiaohua and Xiuxiu are still busy with important matters."

"Sister Ning and Brother Jiang are always on guard."

"I could watch this kind of everyday life for a hundred years."

After listening to Wu Xie for a while, Zhang Qiling's gaze fell on the direction of his room door.

He remembered the wooden carving he had placed on his bedside table yesterday.

He stood up and said to Wu Xie, "Wait a minute."

Then he turned around and went upstairs.

A moment later, he came down with the wooden carving in his hand.

He sat back down next to Wu Xie and placed the wooden carving on the armrest of the sofa between them.

Wu Xie's eyes lit up when he saw the wood carving.

He pushed up his glasses a little sheepishly: "Is the engraving... alright?"

Zhang Qiling looked at the wood carving, then glanced at Wu Xie.

He nodded: "Very good."

He paused, then added, "Like."

Wu Xie's face immediately broke into a big smile.

As if receiving the highest praise, the tips of her ears turned slightly red.

He reached out and gently touched the shoulder of the "Zhang Qiling" figure on the wooden carving.

He whispered, "I just kept thinking... I can't forget. I dare not forget for even a moment."

Zhang Qiling didn't say anything more.

He simply reached out and gently touched the spot on the wooden carving where "Wu Xie" was located—

Against the backdrop of the wood carving, there was a blurry, small figure standing a little distance away, looking up at "them".

The carving is very simple, but the expression is still vaguely discernible.

Wu Xie was stunned.

Watching Zhang Qiling's subtle movement, my eyes suddenly felt a little hot again.

He quickly lowered his head and pretended to fiddle with the computer.

Zhang Qiling withdrew his hand and leaned back against the sofa.

His gaze was fixed on the bright sunlight outside the window, as if he were lost in thought.

Wu Xie glanced at him discreetly, then looked at the wooden carving on the armrest.

The place in my heart that had been empty for ten years is now filled with warmth and bittersweetness, making me feel swollen.

He took a deep breath and opened a new webpage.

In a lighthearted tone, he said, "By the way, buddy, look at this, now you don't need to carry a wallet when you go out, just scan it with your phone..."

The sun was shining brightly in the afternoon.

Fatty Wang suggested going to the courtyard to drink tea and bask in the sun.

The group moved tables and chairs to the porch and sat down.

Ah Ning brewed some fruit and flower tea, and Huo Xiuxiu brought out some homemade snacks.

Black Bear pulled out a deck of cards from somewhere and started yelling that he wanted to play cards.

He was gently refused by Xie Yuchen on the grounds that it would be "mentally taxing".

In the end, he had no choice but to play chess with Jiang Xun Gu.

Jiang Xun Gu remained expressionless, his moves swift and powerful, causing Hei Xiazi to scream repeatedly.

"Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" sat in rattan chairs slightly away from the card table, with tea in front of them.

They didn't participate in any games.

Just sitting quietly.

I watched the stray cats dozing in the sun in the yard.

Watching the clouds slowly drift across the distant sky.

Looking at the group of noisy, lively people under the corridor.

The wind whistled through the bare branches.

The aroma of tea wafts through the air.

Zhang Qiling picked up his teacup and took a sip.

The warm, slightly astringent liquid slid down my throat.

He closed his eyes.

Feeling the warmth of the sunlight on my face.

Feel the crisp, clean air in the wind.

Feel the vibrant and peaceful sounds around you.

Ten years of solitude, like a long and distant dream.

The dream is over, but I'm still here, the tea is still warm, and the sun is shining brightly.

In his heart, he whispered a name:

【system.】

Almost immediately, that familiar voice, with a touch of lazy laughter, echoed deep within my mind.

So clear it was like a whisper in my ear:

[Ding~ Host, good morning. Although it's already afternoon. How was your first lazy sleep since returning to the human world? Did you enjoy it? Are you getting used to the mushroom-scented mattress?]

Zhang Qiling was silent for a moment in his mind.

This system seems even poorer than before it went into slumber.

"There are no mushrooms," he replied casually.

[Oh right, I forgot, you're sleeping on a Simmons mattress now.] The system's tone was exaggerated. [How's it going? Has your egg-frying skill improved? I saw in the live stream that everyone said you fried them pretty well, even though the salt wasn't evenly distributed.]

Zhang Qiling ignored its teasing and asked directly, "You've been watching the whole time?"

"Of course! The host's return is a cause for celebration! Shouldn't I take a break and watch the spectacle?" the system chuckled. "To be honest, life's pretty comfortable. Fatty cooks, Wu Xie chatters, Hei Xiazi clowns around, Xiao Hua Xiu Xiu showers us with love, Aning and Jiang Ge act as door gods, and you two are responsible for being handsome and spacing out... Tsk, perfect."

"..."

"But seriously, host," the system's tone became slightly more serious, "how does it feel? This noisy, bustling, and vibrant human world."

Zhang Qiling looked down from the corridor.

Fatty Wang and Black Bear argued heatedly over a single move.

Wu Xie is refilling Huo Xiuxiu's tea.

Xie Yuchen looked at the chessboard with a smile.

Ah Ning came out carrying freshly baked cookies.

While Hei Xiazi and Fatty were arguing, Jiang Xun Gu quietly moved a chess piece...

The sunlight elongated their shadows, gilding them with gold.

Laughter, shouting, and the crisp sound of chess pieces hitting the board.

The sound of tea being poured into the cup, the rustling of leaves falling in the wind...

Intertwined, noisy, and chaotic.

Yet it is full of vibrant, reassuring vitality.

"Very good," he thought to himself.

The system seemed to chuckle softly, with a satisfied sigh.

[That's good. Host, enjoy it. You've traded ten years of solitude for this peaceful life.]

It paused, then its voice became lighter and more cheerful.

Alright, I won't disturb your sunbathing, daydreaming, and contemplating life any longer. I'm going back to observing. Let me know if you need anything, though I doubt you need anything from me right now. See you later!

The system's voice faded away, and my mind returned to tranquility.

Zhang Qiling opened his eyes again.

I picked up the tea, which had already cooled slightly, and took a sip.

As the tea entered my stomach, a warm feeling gradually spread from the bottom of my heart.

He turned his head slightly and looked at "Zhang Qiling" next to him.

Zhang Qiling was also looking at him.

Their eyes met in mid-air.

There were no words, but a sense of calm and tranquility flowed in the silence.

As the sun sets, it paints the sky a warm orange-red.

The noise under the corridor gradually subsided, and everyone began to discuss what to have for dinner.

There's still a long way to go.