New Times, New Hell

Chapter 99 - New Year

“……The promotions of《Dream Tour of Fengdu》have been very successful. Users have great anticipation for this game co-produced by Double Horn Technology and Luofeng. If nothing unexpected happens, we’ll continue as planned and officially release the game before the Lunar New Year,” Wei Xiao said.

As the big boss of Double Horn Technology, Wei Xiao had personally visited Luofeng in the past and bought the right to use the Luofeng Ghost Festival Garden Party’s IP. Then, he had adapted and developed it into a game. Currently, the game had finally been completely developed and was named《Dream Tour of Fengdu》.

Because it was close to the Lunar New Year, Wei Xiao had specially made the time to visit prior to the holidays in order to buy some luck changing jade stones for his daughter. Additionally, he was buying some Underworld energy detectors as holiday gifts for his friends and relatives. Since he was already here, he once again confirmed the state of affairs regarding the《Dream Tour of Fengdu》project with Shang Que.

After hearing this, a strange, uncontrollable smile appeared on Shang Que’s face. “It’s finally going to be released……”

Though Luofeng had only authorized the use of the IP without getting involved with the game development, as the IP owner, Shang Que had given the game developer quite a lot of suggestions. As soon as Wei Xiao saw this familiar smile, he instantly felt a chill run down his spine. He hurriedly reminded, “Boss Shang, regarding your game designs, please absolutely keep them confidential. Otherwise, if they get exposed, we will have a really hard time explaining to other users……”

Shang Que waved his hands nonchalantly. “Got it.”

After discussing official business, Wei Xiao was just about to leave when Shang Que suddenly changed the topic. “Oh right. I have something to ask you about.”

Wei Xiao sat up straighter upon noticing his solemn expression. “Please ask, Boss Shang.”

Shang Que slightly leaned forward. He seriously asked, “Has your daughter signed up for any online lessons before? Are there any exceptionally good ones you want to recommend?”

Wei Xiao cocked an eyebrow. “Boss Shang, are you signing your own kid up? Or asking for a friend?”

Shang Que looked pleased. “For my own kid, of course.”

Wei Xiao felt slightly surprised. “I couldn’t tell. Boss Shang is so young, but already has a child?”

Shang Que coughed softly. He said in a rare bout of modesty, “I’m actually not that young anymore.”

“But Boss Shang is quite young to have a child who’s already capable of taking lessons, right?” Wei Xiao asked with a smile. “However, you’ve asked the right person. In the past, because of her health conditions, Momo couldn’t attend preschool or other extracurricular classes. My wife and I specially looked into several different online classes……”

As expected, as Wei Xiao spoke, he recommended a lot of online tutoring classes for young children to Shang Que. He also listed detailed pros and cons for these different classes. At the end, he added, “Online classes require parents to have enough time to accompany their child, though. Boss Shang is so busy; unless there are some really particular reasons, it’s still better to have your child attend preschool and in-person extracurriculars.”

Shang Que: “There is a particular reason.”

“Oh? What reason?” Wei Xiao asked. “If Boss Shang doesn’t mind, you can tell me. I’m technically somewhat experienced in raising a kid. Perhaps I can give Boss Shang some suggestions?”

Shang Que crossed his arms across his chest. “In-person classes won’t accept her.”

Wei Xiao felt even more confused. “……Why? Is there something wrong with the child?”

Shang Que: “You wouldn’t understand.”

Wei Xiao was bewildered. But since Shang Que didn’t want to say, he couldn’t keep badgering the other.

After discussions, Wei Xiao stood up to officially bid farewell. As soon as he pushed open the door to the office, though, he got frightened by a loud and proud string of “ga ga ga ga——” sounds. Immediately after, he saw a programmer being chased around by a big white goose.

The goose looked to be about half a meter tall. It was very round and was even wearing a little pink dress. It looked exceptionally cute.

However, it was obvious that this goose’s temper wasn’t as cute as her appearance. She was in the middle of viciously chasing a programmer. Her big wings flapped like wind fire wheels. The roar of the wind could practically be heard. Her long goose neck accurately darted forward as she pecked and latched onto the back of that programmer’s ankle.

That programmer was tall and big, but somehow managed to start tearing up because of a goose’s bite. He sobbed while begging, “Peppa jie, I was wrong. You’re not fat at all, really. You’re the goose with the best figure in the world——”

Geese grew up very quickly. In only a short period of time, Peppa had already grown into a big goose. As her body gradually got bigger and stronger, Shang Que no longer limited her from going to certain places. As of now, she often travelled between the headquarters and subsidiary company.

These past two days, Yu Zhengdu had been on the Luofeng side. Thus, she always stayed behind at headquarters too. Unexpectedly, she encountered a programmer from the subsidiary company heading over to headquarters to report on work. As soon as he saw her, the first thing he said was, “Peppa, it’s been two days since I’ve seen you. How come you got fatter again?”

And then this programmer learned what the “fury of a goose” was.

This scene also just so happened to get witnessed by Wei Xiao.

Wei Xiao: “……??”

He had also heard about the fact that Luofeng had a goose named Peppa who liked wearing little dresses, but……was it really okay for a programmer to be bullied like this by a goose?

The legends about programmers having lower combat effectiveness than geese were true?

Wei Xiao, who had started off as a product manager, couldn’t help pulling out his phone and taking a picture of Peppa bullying the programmer. He also posted this to his Moments:

【Wei Xiao: Let’s have a rational discussion. Do programmers truly only have a combat effectiveness of 0.5 geese or no? [Picture]】

In the picture, a programmer was pitifully squatting on the ground. His hands were glued together in a begging position. And across from him, a goose wearing a dress had already retracted her wings. She proudly lifted her long goose neck and puffed out her white, round goose chest. Her wings were slightly spread out. It was unsure if this was an illusion, but it actually kind of looked like she was resting them on her hips.

Wei Xiao had a lot of friends on WeChat. Additionally, many of them were big bosses in the industry. As soon as he posted this, he instantly received numerous likes. This post even got screenshotted by someone and uploaded online. It garnered a bunch of comments from netizens saying:【2333333】

【Though Wei Xiao hasn’t been a product manager for many years, it seems that he still hasn’t changed his instinct to harm programmers】

【Shocked. Previously, I heard people say that Amazing Future’s programmers often get bullied by Peppa. And here I thought that those stories were made up. But actually?!!!】

【Programmers’ reputations have been ruined……】

Because of Wei Xiao’s one post on Moments, a happy argument regarding the combat effectiveness of programmers vs geese broke out online. Someone even specially made a diagram examining reasons why programmers couldn’t defeat geese from various perspectives.

However, very soon after this diagram was created, it got disproved by a powerful truth.

From Today On I Will Be A European God: Peppa wasn’t obedient today. Dad is angry [Picture]

In the picture, Peppa had her wings pressed close to her body and was lowering her head. Even her little goose feet were turned inwards. She looked both obedient and pitiful. Meanwhile, across from her stood Yu Zhengdu with his arms crossed over his chest. His expression was serious; it looked like he was in the middle of scolding her.

Netizens:&#k3010;&#k2026;&#k2026;Senior seems to be a programmer too? He’s defeated the goose!&#k3011;

&#k3010;Thank you Senior for rectifying the reputation of all programmers!!!&#k3011;

&#k3010;Wow, Senior is winning at life. As a programmer, not only does he have a thick head of hair, but he can also perfectly control a goose. I’m so, so jealous!&#k3011;

【Seems like CEO has yet to post a picture of the goose without Senior included in it?】

Because of Yu Zhengdu’s existence, programmers finally turned the tides of the fight between programmers and geese, successfully saving their reputations.

Right now, Wei Xiao – who had just finished posting to his Moments – was just about to leave Luofeng. Only to see Yu Zhengdu walk out from a different conference room while carrying a laptop. Coincidentally, he noticed Peppa with her wings out and bullying a programmer. He instantly furrowed his brows and yelled, “Peppa?”

Peppa hurriedly glued her wings back to her sides and then took big steps forward with her webbed feet. She quickly ran towards Yu Zhengdu. “Ga ga——”

Wei Xiao: “……” This goose was actually so obedient?

Just as he was feeling shocked, Shang Que walked out from behind him too. He glanced at the goose and revealed the expression of a strict father. “Peppa, I just reached an agreement with your dad. After the new year, we’re going to sign you up for an online class. Study well. Don’t go around bullying those pitiful programmers everyday anymore.”

Peppa flapped her wings: “Ga ga——”

Wei Xiao: “……??” Just now, Shang Que had asked him about online classes with the intention of signing a goose up for them?

Was he kidding?

The corners of Wei Xiao’s mouth twitched. He couldn’t go ask Shang Que in a straightforward manner, though. He felt like this would seem like he was questioning the other’s intelligence (?). He shook his head and ultimately didn’t inquire further. Instead, he headed out of Luofeng alone.

After exiting the office, Wei Xiao turned to go to the bathroom. Surprisingly, when he came out of the bathroom, he encountered Peppa again.

Peppa was heading out of the women’s bathroom across the hallway. Wei Xiao remembered the online rumors about how Luofeng’s duck and goose knew how to use the bathroom themselves. Thus, he chuckled and said, “Yo, Peppa. Going to the bathroom?”

He had originally been offhandedly joking. Unexpectedly, the goose’s bright little eyes looked around. Then, she nodded and quacked.

Wei Xiao was shocked. He looked at her in disbelief. “You can understand?”

The goose’s beady eyes turned to look elsewhere. This time, she didn’t reply to him, though.

Wei Xiao was shocked in his heart. He also couldn’t determine if this goose had understood or not. He thought about it, then pulled out his phone and typed “Peppa Goose” into the Weibo search bar. Instantly, several lovely pictures of Peppa at varying ages popped up. There were also legends about how cute and obedient she was.

However, people online only said that Peppa was a bit smarter than normal avians and that she was a good pet to keep. There wasn’t anything overly exaggerated.

Wei Xiao calmed down a bit. It was true that geese were smarter than normal birds. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been kept by certain families to guard the house. If Luofeng’s goose was smarter than a normal goose, it would be normal for it to understand simple words and commands.

Probably because the fact that Shang Que was signing a goose up for online classes had traumatized him, he had actually misbelieved that this goose could understand human language.

……But no matter what, even if this goose was smarter than a normal goose, he still had to say that Shang Que signing a goose up for classes was too crazy!

Wei Xiao felt like he was really going insane. He burst into laughter and shook his head, then squatted down to stroke Peppa’s little head. With a grin, he said, “You’re so cute.”

Peppa spread her wings. “Ga——”

Wei Xiao was just about to stand up when he suddenly scrolled onto a post on Weibo: Peppa jie once again successfully predicted the results of the game! [Picture]

The attached photo was a screenshot of a group chat. It seemed to be saying that Peppa was akin to Octopus ge from many years ago. She had successfully predicted the results of several competitions.

This Weibo was from a while back. There also weren’t any other posts on the Internet alluding to the fact that Peppa could predict the outcomes of matches. She had probably just coincidentally chosen the right answer out of two choices, just like Octopus ge had in the past.

Wei Xiao naturally didn’t believe this Weibo post. However, he coincidentally happened to be stuck between two choices right now. Upon seeing this post, he jokingly asked, “Peppa, say, do you think I should take my family to Si Mountain Ridge over break, or should we go back to my ancestral home and worship the ancestors?”

Wei Xiao was normally very busy with work; he didn’t have much free time to spend with his family. The few days of vacation during the new year were very precious. In the past, because of his daughter Wei Mo’s health conditions, they had usually stayed at home. With the help of Luofeng’s products this year, though, Wei Mo could finally be like a normal child and leave the house at will. Thus, Wei Xiao wanted to bring his family to Si Mountain Ridge for vacation. However, the kid’s paternal grandmother felt like since the child had finally managed to become more normal, they needed to return to their ancestral home and worship the ancestors.

In his heart, Wei Xiao actually wanted to bring his kid out to have fun, but he also found it hard to reject his mom. He had been quite troubled these past two days.

He had only offhandedly asked this question. He hadn’t been expecting for a goose to actually respond to him at all. However, he saw Peppa’s bright little eyes blink at him. She suddenly flapped her wings and went “ga——”.

Wei Xiao’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t know if this was an illusion, but he felt like he could see understanding in Peppa’s eyes. He was extremely confused, so hesitantly inquired, “Peppa, are you replying to me?”

Peppa only stared at him with her round eyes. She didn’t say anything.

Wei Xiao thought about it and reworded his question. “What do you think about me taking my family to Si Mountain Ridge?”

The round, white goose head shook from side to side.

Wei Xiao jumped in fright. He asked again, “Then what about my ancestral home?”

Peppa nodded.

This time, Wei Xiao was truly astounded. His gaze was disbelieving as he looked at Peppa. “You can really understand?”

However, Peppa didn’t respond this time. She flapped her wings and waddled away.

Wei Xiao felt anxious. He momentarily didn’t know whether or not he should trust this goose. However, he wasn’t not superstitious. After also remembering all the strange products Luofeng had, he hesitated a bit before sending a message to his family members:【Let’s go back to our ancestral home this New Year. Given the opportunity, we can go on vacation later.】

In the blink of an eye, it had already reached the Lunar New Year. Luofeng’s headquarters and subsidiary company, Amazing Future, had the same work and holiday schedule as all other mortal realm companies. They naturally gave vacation time during the Lunar New Year as well. However, babies were still being born during the new year too. The reincarnation points couldn’t be closed. Workers could only take turns going on breaks.

This year, Luofeng had been on a steady incline in terms of work performance. It couldn’t be compared in the slightest to the previous years, when the office had been almost broke. The company gave everyone end-of-the-year bonuses. The employees working over the new year all got paid three times their normal salary, except when they were on break. Luofeng had also arranged for some celebratory activities and an employee meal at each reincarnation point. Given such thoughtful arrangements, all the employees were extremely happy.

On Lunar New Year’s Eve, Yu Zhengdu brought along his boyfriend, a goose, and a duck as he started his journey back to his hometown of Jintan Village.

Shang Que had already celebrated Qingming at Yu Zhengdu’s hometown before. He had even gifted Yu Zhengdu’s family an antique teacup set. Yu Zhengdu’s parents had also learned that Shang Que didn’t have any family. As such, the two elders didn’t even say anything when they learned that Shang Que would be coming again. They were very welcoming. Over the phone, Mother Yu had specially expressed her extreme excitement to Yu Zhengdu over the fact that Shang Que would be coming.

Yu Zhengdu: ……His mom had purely been mesmerized by Shang Que’s devastating beauty.

This year, Father Yu had prepared the New Year’s dinner. Mother Yu was fiddling with the New Year’s decorations – fresh flowers and bonsai – on the patio.

When they heard Yu Zhengdu yelling at the door, Father Yu walked out from the kitchen to open the door. He was still wearing an apron. While opening the door, he yelled out to his wife, “Zhengdu and your greatly anticipated Xiao Shang are back.”

Yu Zhengdu, who was outside the door: “……” His mom had already started anticipating her son-in-law!

Yu Zhengdu and Shang Que were wearing matching scarves. Shang Que was also carrying many bags of different sizes. When they saw Father Yu walking out, Yu Zhengdu called out to him first.

And then Shang Que nodded at Father Yu somewhat awkwardly. “Hello.”

Yu Zhengdu secretly chuckled to himself from off to the side. The thousand year old ghost ultimately couldn’t call someone else “uncle”.

Father Yu wasn’t paying attention either. When he noticed that their hands were full, he immediately reached out to help them. “You just need to come back. Why did you bring so much stuff?”

However, before he could make physical contact, a sudden loud “ga——” sounded out. A duck and a goose scurried out from behind Shang Que and Yu Zhengdu, scaring Father Yu greatly.

Father Yu widened his eyes. “How come you also brought a duck and a goose?”

Immediately after, he rolled up his sleeves. “Just as well. Then I’ll show you one of my best dishes——the two-in-one braised dish.”

The wet nurse duck couldn’t really understand human speech, but Peppa could. Upon hearing this, she spread her wings, turned her little butt around, and frantically ran away.

“Aiya, the goose is running away!” Father Yu was very agitated. He started chasing.

Yu Zhengdu hurriedly stopped him. “Dad, this is Xiao Shang’s pet. She’s basically his biological daughter! You absolutely cannot kill her and eat her!”

Father Yu: “……Huh?”

He did know that the wealthy did lots of strange things and also liked keeping strange pets. But raising a goose……and as a daughter? This was his first time encountering such a situation.

He was muttering to himself in his heart, but still needed to act like everything was normal. Father Yu smiled in embarrassment, “I was joking. Just joking.”

Only now did Yu Zhengdu gesture at Peppa. “Peppa, come back. He won’t eat you.”

Peppa’s round little eyes flashed. She carefully walked back. Upon seeing this, Father Yu exclaimed, “Yo, she can even understand human speech?”

Shang Que nodded. “She’s very smart.”

Yu Zhengdu also said to Father Yu, “So it’d be best for there to be no poultry on our table this year. Not even chicken.”

“Got it.” Father Yu lowered his voice, “I’ll go put the scallion oil chicken back into the fridge later. We’ll eat it when you guys leave.”

Yu Zhengdu: “……If you’ve already prepared it, then nevermind.”

There weren’t that many people in the Yu family, but this New Year’s meal was very heartwarming.

The Yu family of three and Shang Que sat around the table. There were two intricate food bowls next to the table for Peppa and the wet nurse duck to eat out of.

While eating, Mother Yu also put food in Shang Que’s bowl. The more she looked at him, the more she liked him. She couldn’t help saying, “Xiao Shang, how about coming to our home to spend every New Year from here on out?”

Father Yu glared at her. “What are you saying? Doesn’t Xiao Shang need to get married?”

Only to see Shang Que nod very casually. “Okay.”

“Hear that?” Mother Yu glared back at Father Yu, pleased. Then, she lamented slightly regretfully, “Aiyo, how wonderful it would be if our Zhengdu were a girl. Then, he and Xiao Shang could……”

Father Yu: “Are you saying random things again?”

Yu Zhengdu smiled mysteriously. “Who knows.”

Father Yu didn’t understand, but this didn’t prevent Mother Yu from being extremely cheery. She gave Shang Que a piece of scallion oil chicken. “Xiao Shang, here. Have some of that ‘scallion.’”

The scallion oil chicken ultimately got brought out to the table. However, out of respect for the goose and duck, they didn’t call it “chicken.” Instead, they used a code name to replace it.

Yu Zhengdu checked on how well Peppa and the wet nurse duck were eating and stood up to add some fresh grains and sliced fruit into their bowls.

Mother Yu glanced over as well. She was instantly shocked. “Aiya, this goose and duck have been eating for all this time but haven’t even spilled anything at all?”

Normally, when avians ate, it was inevitable for some food to get spilled all over the place. The Yu parents had already been prepared for these two pets to make a mess of their house. Unexpectedly, this duck and goose were very elegant. They were eating more cleanly than young children.

Yu Zhengdu vaguely explained, “Xiao Shang trained them well.”

As soon as he finished saying this, he saw the duck wiggle its butt and waddle in the direction of the living room.

Mother Yu instantly stood up. “Is the duck about to run away?”

“No.” Yu Zhengdu waved his hands. “It’s only going to the bathroom.”

Father Yu was surprised. “Xiao Shang’s duck is potty trained?”

Yu Zhengdu offhandedly replied, “That’s nothing. Peppa even knows how to flush the toilet.”

Mother and Father Yu together: “……?”

People in the city really know how to have their fun!

After dinner, Yu Zhengdu and Shang Que were forced into the living room to watch TV by Yu Zhengdu’s parents. The Spring Festival Gala hadn’t started yet; right now, the channel was broadcasting the news. The news was mainly reporting on the different situations all over the world where people were preparing to welcome the new year. The atmosphere was cheery everywhere.

While clearing the table, Mother Yu made small talk with the two of them. Suddenly, the peaceful and cheery news broadcast became interrupted by an unfortunate piece of breaking news: “……Mountain Range Si suddenly experienced great rainfall, which caused a landslide. Many tourists have been trapped. Local first responders are in the middle of planning an emergency rescue……As of now, we are reminding all tourists to be careful while travelling during the new year……”

After hearing this, Mother Yu sighed. “How terrible. It’s the new year, but such a catastrophe has occurred……”

Father Yu popped half of his body out from the kitchen and nodded too. “Hopefully the people stuck there are okay and safe.”

Yu Zhengdu hurriedly ran over to open his suitcase. He pulled out his laptop, turned it on, and started checking the data fluctuations on the Life and Death Accounts.

Upon seeing this, Mother Yu furrowed her brows. “How come you still have to work over the new year?”

Shang Que waved his hands. “There’s an urgent issue.”

Mother and Father Yu were still a bit suspicious, but since the boss was saying this, they didn’t ask any other questions. Fortunately, Yu Zhengdu set his laptop down after a brief period of time. He whispered to Shang Que, “The numbers are normal. There probably won’t be too many dead or wounded.”

However, it was unavoidable that the people trapped and their family members would be worried for a while.

Shang Que caressed Yu Zhengdu’s neck while smiling. “Life and death are fated. You don’t need to worry.”

Yu Zhengdu didn’t respond, but did relax quite a bit. He wanted to switch to a more lighthearted topic of conversation. At this time, though, Shang Que’s phone suddenly beeped.

Shang Que picked it up and looked at it. He was slightly surprised.

Yu Zhengdu asked, “What?”

Shang Que handed his phone over after glancing at it. It was a message from Wei Xiao:【Boss Shang, Happy New Year. This is lucky money for Peppa.】

Wei Xiao:【[Fee transfer]】

Wei Xiao:【[Fee transfer]】

Wei Xiao:【[Fee transfer]】

Wei Xiao transferred over three red envelopes filled with sixty thousand each. In total, this was one hundred eighty thousand.

Shang Que:【?】

Wei Xiao:【How fortunate I asked Peppa. Otherwise, my entire family would’ve gone to Si Mountain Ridge over the holidays.】

Yu Zhengdu: “Uh……”

He squatted down next to Peppa and seriously asked her, “Peppa, did you predict Wei Xiao’s future?”

Peppa guiltily stuffed her goose head into her wings.

Upon seeing this, Shang Que squatted down too. “Peppa, don’t be nervous. It doesn’t matter if it’s once in a while.”

Only now did Peppa peek her head out.

Yu Zhengdu looked at Shang Que in exasperation. “You can’t keep spoiling her like this.”

“I trust that Peppa wouldn’t act out of line,” Shang Que said. “See? Wei Xiao immediately spread some of his wealth. He’s a smart man.”

Yu Zhengdu thought about it and realized this was true. Thus, he stroked Peppa’s wings. “Then nevermind this time.”

His eyes curved into crescents. “I’ll save your lucky money for you. You’ll be able to pay for your own classes in the future.”

Peppa proudly flapped her wings. “Ga ga——”

After saying this, Yu Zhengdu felt a bit thirsty. Consequently, he stood up to get some water – he also poured out a cup of water for Shang Que. Unexpectedly, when he came back, he saw Shang Que leaning down next to Peppa’s head. He sneakily bargained, “Peppa, give me one of your red envelopes, please? My allowance is even less than yours!”

Peppa pitifully quacked, “Ga——” Fine!

Thus, Shang Que happily sat up straight again, just in time to make eye contact with Yu Zhengdu.

Shang Que: “……Peppa herself said she wanted to give it to me!”

Yu Zhengdu said, pained, “……I’ll raise your allowance.”

The author has something to say:

Regarding the noises geese make, I did download some videos and audio files to examine them. However, I couldn’t find the perfect onomatopoeia. It sounds a bit like “ge ge” “ga ga” “ah ah” mixed together, so I chose “ga ga”……

Shang Que: Happy!