It’s normal to have skills in Wangwang, right?

Chapter 402 Heading to Germany, Tezuka Picks Him Up at the Airport

The "aftereffects" of Liu Lingyin's amazing Chinese meal were far stronger and longer-lasting than she had imagined. It not only conquered her taste buds but also planted a deep "craving" in the hearts of the Tristan family and Allen. So much so that in the two days before her planned departure for Germany, these five "victims" began to work together to use all sorts of "soft and hard" methods to persuade her.

"Lingyin, my darling~ Look, now that you're gone, I don't know when we'll be able to eat such delicious food again." Emily linked arms with Liu Lingyin, blinking her beautiful blue eyes, her voice sweet enough to drip honey, "While you're still here, could you... make us that sweet and sour squirrel fish one more time? Just once! We'll help you out, we definitely won't let you get tired!"

Mrs. Barthes also adopted an elegant yet slightly regretful expression: "Yes, my dear. The Chinese food you make... you really can't find it anywhere else."

Even the usually composed Mr. Barthes coughed lightly and said tactfully, "Miss Liu's culinary skills are truly unforgettable. It would be wonderful if we could experience the art of Eastern cuisine one more time before leaving."

Although Tristan and Allen didn't speak, their expectant eyes and the shopping list Allen quietly pushed towards them, which included "squirrel fish," "boiled beef," and "Kung Pao chicken," clearly expressed their "betrayal."

Faced with the five-person group's "cute and charming" offensive that appealed to all ages, Liu Lingyin was unable to resist, feeling both amused and helpless.

"Fine! Fine!" She finally surrendered, raising her hands. "I'm really defeated by you guys. I'll try to cook a few more meals for you these next couple of days! But don't even think about slacking off, you're the ones handling the ingredients!"

"Yay!!" Cheers echoed throughout the Bart family's living room.

Seeing the five people dancing and gesturing wildly, Liu Lingyin couldn't help but laugh.

Although Liu Lingyin wasn't very enthusiastic about cooking (mainly because she didn't like cleaning up), she had been eating the same few dishes over the past few days in Europe and was getting tired of them. Just thinking about Chinese food made her crave it.

Anyway, whether she's cooking for one person or for several, she'll still be cooking. There's someone to help with the ingredients and someone to clean up after the meal, so why not?

So, in the two days before Liu Lingyin left Paris, the Barthes family's kitchen and dining table witnessed several blissful culinary feasts. To enjoy Chinese food, she even practiced how to use chopsticks, and although there were many mishaps, her speed in devouring the food only increased. The dining table was constantly filled with laughter and joy.

However, after the joyful dinner, the reality of parting arrived. The originally planned trip to Germany for four, due to various unexpected events and the "unique charm" of France, was completely ruined, turning into a "sad" miniature version.

Tristan: His shoulder has almost recovered, but his father is a hindrance (as Tristan himself joked), and there are things that need his help with. He could only apologize and say he couldn't go with him.

Ryoga Echizen: This easygoing old man sent the latest "battle report"—not only did he fail to "buy his way out," but his tennis talent caught the eye of that "interesting old man" (club owner and former professional player), who semi-forced and semi-tempted him to stay for "special training" and help mentor (unilaterally crush) the club's promising young players. The text message conveyed a bittersweet, carefree feeling, clearly indicating he won't be returning anytime soon.

Allen: The most "miserable" one. He went out to buy soy sauce alone, without Liu Lingyin, the "anti-pickpocket expert," by his side. In a moment of inattention, his wallet was stolen. Not only was the money gone, but his identification documents also disappeared! Replacing the documents will take time, and he will be unable to leave France in the short term.

It's not France if you don't steal! The theft is rampant.

Liu Lingyin was speechless. Of the three companions who had originally vowed to accompany her to Germany, one was wearing an apologetic smile but was tied up with family matters, another was playing ball in the countryside and had no desire to leave, and the last one looked dejected and just wanted to punch the air (because the thief had long since disappeared). It was both funny and frustrating.

She sighed and concluded, "So... the four of us came to France together, and now I'm the only one who can go to Germany?" France's "romance" (or perhaps "frivolity" and "slowness") is really good at "keeping people here," resulting in a situation where "four stay, three go, and one goes!"

Despite this, on the way to Charles de Gaulle Airport, sitting in Tristan's van, Allen was still making a last-ditch effort.

"Xiaoyin, maybe... you shouldn't go? Or we can go together once my documents are replaced?"

As Allen drove, he offered his suggestion for the nth time, his brow furrowed and his mouth constantly muttering:

“I’m really worried about you going to Germany alone, to a place you don’t know anywhere. Even if a friend picks you up at the airport, that’s still…”

“Yes, Lingyin, Germany isn’t far, but you are, after all, a girl, and…”

Tristan, in the co-pilot's seat, also turned around, his tone worried. He paused, too embarrassed to say "looks young and short," but the meaning was clear.

In the back seat, the Barts and Emily, who had taken time off work to see him off, also joined in the persuasion, expressing their concern and reluctance to part.

Of course, the thought that "staying means I can continue to mooch meals" flickered in their eyes as they prayed for a change in circumstances.

Looking at the passing traffic outside the car window, Liu Lingyin felt a warm glow in her heart, but her resolve remained firm. She turned around and earnestly addressed the five worried "guardians" inside the car:

"Brother Allen, Tristan, Mr. and Mrs. Barth, Sister Emily, thank you so much for your concern. But I've been planning this trip to Germany for a long time, and I've already arranged my flight with my friends. So, I'm not alone. There will be people to meet and take care of me when I get there, so you can rest assured. I'm not a child anymore; I can take care of myself."

Her tone was calm yet carried an undeniable certainty. Her face, which appeared unusually young, even somewhat childlike, to Europeans, now revealed a composure and independence beyond her years.

Allen and the others looked at her, speechless for a moment. They knew Liu Lingyin was right; in Europe and America, it was very common for young people to travel alone, or even to other countries by themselves.

However, Liu Lingyin's slender figure and delicate oriental face, standing among this group of people whose average height is over 1.8 meters, made her look like a little sister who needed to be carefully protected and was afraid of melting in their hands. This made them feel an overwhelming urge to protect her and couldn't help but want to take care of everything for her and shield her from the wind and rain.

But she has indeed proven her abilities time and again through her actions—from remaining calm in the emergency room to skillfully adjusting feng shui, and showcasing her culinary skills in the kitchen. She is not as weak as they imagined.

Seeing Liu Lingyin's insistence, Allen and the others, despite their deep concerns and reluctance (especially regarding the future food), had no choice but to respect her decision. After all, overprotection can sometimes be a form of constraint.

Allen finally sighed and conceded, "Alright, then you must stay in touch at all times and let me know you're safe at least twice a day! If you encounter any problems, call me immediately, or call Tristan, or call the police! Understand?"

She nodded obediently: "Okay! I understand."

"Yes, please send us the hotel address and itinerary as a backup!"

Nodding: "Okay!"

"Don't easily trust strangers!"

"Keep your money and important documents separate!"

"Eat more, don't starve yourself!"

Liu Lingyin patiently agreed to each of his words, feeling both touched and amused. Seeing him obediently nod, she felt even more reluctant to leave him alone.

The exhortations reached their peak upon arrival at the airport departure level.

On the way to security with their plane tickets, five handsome men and beautiful women, each with their own distinct style but equally pleasing to the eye, surrounded a petite Asian girl, chatting away. The scene attracted the attention of many passersby.

Until the very last second before Liu Lingyin turned around and headed towards the security checkpoint with her suitcase, Allen, Tristan, and the five members of the Bart family—a handsome man and a beautiful woman—were still making their final "efforts."

"Lingyin, are you really not going to reconsider? Look, what's so fun about Germany? It's just beer and castles. Paris has those too!" Allen tried to persuade her with a twisted argument, but his eyes showed genuine unease.

“Yes, Lingyin, you stay. We can go to different markets every day. I’ll be your translator and porter! I can also protect you!” Tristan shook his mostly recovered shoulder, his blue eyes full of sincerity (and a longing for delicious food).

Emily even hugged Liu Lingyin's arm tightly, like a big, affectionate cat:

"Honey, without your braised pork and boiled fish, I feel like the future is bleak! How can you bear to do that?"

The siblings' striking good looks, combined with their deliberately alluring demeanor, nearly captivated passersby, making them unable to move. If Liu Lingyin were a lovesick fool, she would probably have surrendered completely, but unfortunately, she wasn't. She just felt utterly bewildered and exasperated.

Although the Barths were somewhat reserved, their faces clearly showed their approval and desire to stay.

Liu Lingyin felt a warm glow in her heart, and couldn't help but sigh. Who would have thought that just one Chinese family dinner would have captivated these French friends so much? Even after learning she was going to Germany as planned, they staged a days-long "group battle of coaxing and charm," trying every trick in the book to get her to stay a few more days so they could enjoy more Chinese cuisine. This enthusiasm touched her, yet she was also somewhat overwhelmed.

However, a plan is a plan. Looking at her new friends who genuinely cared for her, she explained again earnestly and firmly:

"Thank you so much. But I've already contacted my friend in Germany, and he'll come to pick me up, so I won't be facing an unfamiliar environment alone."

Seeing Liu Lingyin's resolute attitude, Allen and the others understood that for someone as independent and opinionated as her, excessive protection might become a burden.

In Western culture, it is common for young people to travel alone, but Liu Lingyin's youthful Asian face and petite figure compared to them always evoke a protective instinct in people.

"Okay... then you must keep in touch at all times and let me know you're safe every day!"

Allen eventually relented, offering words of advice like a concerned old father.

“If you encounter any trouble, call us immediately, no matter how far away you are!” Tristan added.

"Remember to think of us when you get to Germany..." and our stomachs! Emily added in her mind.

Under the watchful eyes of the five-person group, filled with reluctance, worry, and a hint of regret for the loss of the "source of deliciousness," Liu Lingyin waved and turned to blend into the flow of people at the security checkpoint.

She hugged the Barts and Emily one by one, patted Tristan's uninjured shoulder, and finally gave her cousin Alan a big hug, whose face was full of "fatherly worry".

"Alright! Don't worry. Be careful in France, especially you, Allen, keep an eye on your new wallet!" she teased with a smile.

Then, without further hesitation, she picked up her suitcase, waved to them, turned around, and walked briskly and firmly toward the security checkpoint.

Alan, Tristan, the Barts, and Emily stood still, their five pairs of eyes following the receding, somewhat lonely yet upright figure until she passed through security and disappeared at the end of the corridor. Only then did a complex mix of emotions—worry, reluctance, and a faint sadness about the uncertainty of her future culinary aspirations—slowly spread through them.

“She’ll have a lot of fun, won’t she?” Emily asked softly.

“Yes, that’s right.” Tristan looked at the security checkpoint, his tone confident and tinged with a pride he himself was unaware of.

"And then, our happiness went with us, right? After all, we'll never be able to eat her cooking again."

"Yes...." Tristan also enjoys cooking, but he only knows how to make French cuisine. After tasting Liu Lingyin's top-notch Chinese cuisine, he naturally yearns for it.

Unfortunately, despite openly learning for so long, he still can't figure out what "appropriate amount" means. So far, he can only stir-fry some vegetables and meat, but the taste is a matter of luck, since he doesn't even know if he's using "appropriate amount".

Allen took a deep breath and rubbed his face: "Let's go back first, and while we're at it... let's think about what to eat tonight."

As Liu Lingyin embarked on her journey alone, after passing through security, she glanced back at the direction where the people who had come to see her were no longer visible, and a slight smile appeared on her lips. Although it was somewhat unexpected that she was now traveling alone, her trip to Germany was not for tourism; her main purpose was to check on Tezuka Kunimitsu's hand recovery.

As for tourism, that's just a side trip; going to Germany alone is perfect for me right now.

She adjusted her backpack and walked towards the boarding gate.

Munich Airport, Germany.

After a relatively short flight, the plane landed smoothly. Liu Lingyin collected her luggage and followed the flow of people towards the Arrival Hall. As she walked, she took out her phone, preparing to send a message to Tezuka Kunimitsu.

However, before she could type, a calm and upright figure came into view.

At the slightly noisy arrival gate, where all sorts of people gathered, Tezuka Kunimitsu stood there, like a calm reef in the midst of a turbulent sea.

Wearing a simple and well-fitting dark casual jacket, with an upright posture, his brown hair was neatly styled, his handsome face was expressionless, and his eyes behind the gold-rimmed glasses were calm and deep. Just by standing there, the Tezuka Zone that was insulated from his icy demeanor was very eye-catching.

In any case, among a crowd of people with brightly colored hair and eyes, Liu Lingyin spotted him immediately; his solid vacuum made him easy to recognize.

Unlike many others who held up signs or looked around, he simply stood quietly in a spot with a clear view, his gaze steadily sweeping towards the exit, exuding a composure and reliability beyond his years.

Almost at the same time Liu Lingyin saw him, his gaze also precisely caught her. From a distance, he gave a barely perceptible nod as a greeting, then strode steadily toward her.

"Tezuka-kun, it's been a long time. Thank you for coming all this way to pick me up."

Liu Lingyin quickened her pace, walked up to him, and greeted him with a smile in Japanese. Facing Tezuka, she unconsciously toned down some of the carefree attitude she had shown in France, her tone becoming polite and lighthearted.

"Yes! Don't be careless."

Tezuka Kunimitsu's voice was as clear and magnetic as he remembered, like fine jade striking each other. As he spoke, his gaze quickly and carefully swept over Liu Lingyin's entire body, confirming that she was in good condition and showed no signs of fatigue or discomfort from the journey.

His gaze then naturally fell on the suitcase in her hand, which wasn't too small.

"This has nothing to do with carelessness!"

"..."

Feeling the cool sensation beside her, Liu Lingyin chuckled softly:

"Hahaha... Just kidding! You're so young, smile more, don't be so serious, it's such a waste of your handsome face."

Tezuka succinctly replied, "...Let's go."

He didn't exchange many pleasantries, but rather very naturally reached out to take the luggage and slowed his pace to walk side by side with Liu Lingyin toward the exit.