Chapter 4: First Encounter at the Hotel
After taking a shower, Mu Lantu took a Body Refining Pill and went straight to sleep. The original body had drunk way too much, and it couldn’t hold out any longer.
The Body Refining Pill wasn’t the kind used in the cultivation world, but one Mu Lantu had developed himself using high-quality medicinal herbs. Unlike the astonishing effects of cultivation-grade pills—which could instantly transform a person—his version required taking one pill morning and night for a month to gradually restore the body to its optimal state. Even so, in a modern society where ancient medicine had long declined, it was still considered a miracle.
He slept dreamlessly through the night, and when he woke up, it was already past nine. Feeling refreshed, Mu Lantu stayed in bed a little longer before casually picking up his phone.
There was one unread message—it was from the bank, informing him that he had spent 2,000 yuan the night before, which had been deducted from his prepaid hotel deposit.
Now he had just over 6,000 yuan left in his account. That made him feel… uneasy.
He definitely needed to figure out how to make some money—soon. Otherwise, he’d have no sense of security.
After another quick shower, Mu Lantu waited for the hotel staff to return his clothes. Once dressed neatly, he stepped out of his room. But as soon as he turned the corner, he bumped into someone.
He instinctively said, “Sorry,” while looking up—and in the next second, his eyes lit up.
Damn. What a gorgeous man. He was 100% his type.
Mu Lantu didn’t bother hiding his appreciation. The man before him was nearly 1.9 meters tall, with a model-like figure and strikingly handsome features—his face a perfect blend of rugged masculinity and subtle scholarly elegance. He wore a loose-fitting black Tang-style outfit made from premium fabric that draped elegantly. The garment was embroidered with intricate dark patterns, exuding a mysterious and refined aura. Even the cloth shoes on his feet looked anything but outdated—they radiated attention to detail and meticulous care.
Mu Lantu’s gaze dropped to the fuzzy black-and-white ball in the man’s arms, and he froze in shock.
A panda?!
Since when had it become legal to raise pandas in Jasmine? The original body’s memories didn’t include any such policy change.
While Mu Lantu was sizing the man up, he didn’t notice the man doing the same to him.
They had matched outfits, coincidentally. Mu Lantu was wearing a black utility-style jumpsuit today, belted tightly at the waist. It had a youthful, stylish vibe and fit his slender figure perfectly—his waist was even slimmer than many girls’.
Just as Mu Lantu was about to step forward, he noticed the two muscular men behind the stranger. Both wore sunglasses and exuded a fierce, intimidating aura—like bodyguards. Mu Lantu took two steps back—not out of fear, but as a signal that he meant no harm.
Then, the man suddenly shoved the black-and-white furball into Mu Lantu’s arms.
Mu Lantu instinctively caught it. The soft, fluffy texture lit up his eyes—he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: Truly worthy of being a national treasure.
The panda wriggled slightly, hugged his arm, tilted its head up to look at him, and let out a soft “woo” or “ying” sound. It seemed… quite interested in him.
“Bumped into you—here’s a gift of apology.”
The man’s voice was unhurried, casual, and very pleasant to hear. Unfortunately, he only said those eight words.
The two bodyguards turned their heads simultaneously to look at him, as if surprised by his words.
Neither Mu Lantu nor the man seemed to notice.
Mu Lantu was still recalling the laws—pandas were national treasures, strictly protected and absolutely illegal to own privately. He couldn’t help but suspect this man was trying to frame him. But somehow… the man didn’t seem like that type.
As if sensing his suspicion, the man gave what might’ve been a soft laugh—or maybe it was Mu Lantu’s imagination. Either way, Mu Lantu’s heartbeat quickened.
“It’s an electronic pet.”
Mu Lantu stared at the black-and-white fluffball in disbelief. No way. Not only did it feel real, but he could also sense its body warmth.
“It has a legal ‘ID.’ Check its necklace.”
Mu Lantu reached for the silver chain around the panda’s neck. A matching silver tag hung from it, engraved with a line of small text:
“Capital-certified. Manufacture Date: 2036-03-18-01.”
“This is way too valuable,” Mu Lantu said, trying to return the panda.
The man didn’t take it.
“It’s not. Take care.”
Then he turned and left.
Mu Lantu watched the trio walk away, then readjusted the panda in his arms and fell deep into thought. That man’s identity was definitely not simple. Even just from his two “bodyguards,” Mu Lantu could tell—they weren’t ordinary muscle. They carried the aura of men who’d seen real blood.
He carried the panda into the elevator, rubbing its fuzzy head the whole time, then headed to the lobby to check out of the hotel.
Inside the lobby, both the front desk staff and the passing guests stared at the young man and the panda in his arms. Someone hesitantly raised their phone—seemingly about to call the police.
Mu Lantu quickly said, “Don’t misunderstand. It’s an electronic pet.”
He motioned for the front desk to check the tag.
The receptionist examined it and let out a relieved breath.
“It’s an electronic pet.”
Only then did the atmosphere return to normal. People began whispering excitedly and snapping discreet photos.
“Oh my god, electronic pets are that realistic now?”
“That guy’s so handsome—must be a celebrity, right?”
“Can’t be. If he were a celeb, wouldn’t he have an assistant or bodyguards?”
“That gorgeous guy holding an adorable baby panda—it’s a perfect match! Like heaven made!”
Mu Lantu had no idea that photos of him and the panda had already been posted online—and in less than half an hour, they’d hit the trending topics on Weibo.
After checking out, he placed the panda on his shoulder and strolled down the street with one hand in his pocket, casually searching for a breakfast spot. This was the first time since transmigrating that he really took the time to observe this world. Everything felt fresh and fascinating after such a long absence.
Two steaming bowls of beef noodles later, Mu Lantu was full and feeling at his peak. After stepping out of the noodle shop, he didn’t hesitate to turn left and walk several dozen steps before stopping in front of a store. He entered like someone who had been there countless times before.
In truth, this was his very first visit.
Seems interesting so far. Thanks for the translation.