What It's Like Being a Vampire

“I just spoke to Ah Meng, and I understand that you, Mr. Xiang, are in a bit of a financial squeeze. But that’s okay because I’m willing to invest in your project. I may not be a wealthy person, but I do know many successful entrepreneurs from Tong Shi who might be interested in joining us. I also have some connections in Jianzhou city. I can’t promise a lot, but …”

Upon hearing Liu Caifu’s words on the phone, Xiang Kun interrupted him hurriedly, trying to cool down his enthusiasm, “Hold on, Director Liu, what I mentioned yesterday were just some thoughts. You need to know that I’m on my own for now. One person can’t possibly do all this!”

“No, I wouldn’t believe it if it were anyone else, but I believe you will be successful, Mr. Xiang. I am certain that when you start this endeavor, you will naturally attract more talented people to join. Just like Ah Meng and I, we are willing to contribute after hearing your ideas. Of course, I’m not saying that Ah Meng and I are very knowledgeable… My goal is to keep this project in Tong Shi within our Chongyun Village.”

Given the tone of Liu Caifu, it’s clear that he has full conviction in what Xiang Kun proposed the day before.

Xiang Kun was starting to find this a bit overwhelming. Despite Liu Caifu’s enthusiasm to contribute money and effort, Xiang was not readily willing to agree.

If substantial funds are involved, even if Liu Caifu himself, being under the influence of “Emotional Assimilation”, is willing, his family and the people around him will inevitably find it strange and be suspicious. Whenever it comes to light, they will definitely think Xiang Kun is a fraud, leading to a great deal of trouble.

If Xiang Kun was actually sitting on a lucrative project, then saying yes would be no big deal. But the problem is, he doesn’t have any worthy project at the moment!

For now, he just wanted to find a secluded place to study and train his abilities undisturbed, and to prepare for the future, where his “appetite” might significantly increase.

So, he had to keep discouraging Director Liu, “I’m not prepared yet. Even if I wanted to attract investment, I’d need to have at least a business plan or a PPT ready. I don’t have anything right at this moment!”

“Mr. Xiang, if you don’t want to accept our investment and can’t spare much money for now, I have another idea. The Ministry of Science and Technology recently issued a guide encouraging the establishment of privately-owned technology research and development institutions. You can first register a tech company, preferably in Jianzhou City. Then you can make a contribution through this company to apply to the Ministry of Civil Affairs to set up a research institute focusing on the application of internet technology, Al, and automated farming. I already looked into the application process …”

“The starting investment can be as low as 50,000 yuan. After that, I will help to seek donations and sponsorships. Of course, the condition is that this institute must be located in Chongyun Village.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Xiang. The internet, Al, these are all hot topics. Automation of farming also aligns with local needs. The local and city officials will surely support it!”

“When it is time, if your company or others wish to use related research findings, they can acquire or get licenses. Although this way, you may potentially earn less in the future, it ensures more help is at your disposal enabling faster progression with research. I know, Mr. Xiang, with your big heart, you won’t mind!”

The more Xiang Kun heard, the more overwhelmed he felt. All he wanted to do was to find an isolated place in the mountains to raise a few hundred rabbits for self- sustainability!

A privately-owned tech research and development institution? The more official perks he gains, the more supervision he has to endure. This is far from the kind of “research institute” he was hoping for!

“Old Liu, we have to think this through in the long term. Let me think it over and get back to you later. I have something to do now, let’s talk later, bye…” Xiang Kun quickly hung up the phone and walked home with his groceries.

He needs to keep his emotions under control in the future. Anytime he gets too emotionally excited, he needs to pinch his thigh to snap out of it. The hype he creates while under “Emotional Assimilation” is simply too terrifying—it’s borderline brainwashing hypnosis!

However, Xiang Kun speculated that Liu Caifu’s frenzied state had a lot to do with him thinking over it for the entire night!

This guy couldn’t distinguish his memory of Xiang Kun’s words as just fluff and exaggeration. Instead, it led to continuous contemplation producing a preliminary execution plan. His own imagination filled up the gaps in Xiang Kun’s innuendoes.

Otherwise, why would You Meng, who was also affected by Xiang Kun’s “Emotional Assimilation”, not show any anomalies or bring up the matter again after last night and this morning?

Upon arriving home and discovering his parents hadn’t returned yet, Xiang Kun quickly rinsed the rice, started cooking, and prepared the ingredients.

Back in the city, the meals he cooked for Tang Baona and Yang Zhen’er mostly consisted of rabbit meat as he had quite a lot to deal with every week. But being home now, he decided to stick to more traditional home-style dishes.

He prepared four dishes and a soup—Braised Pork, Beef Soup, Minced Meat

Eggplant, Stir-fried Bean Sprouts, and Braised Crucian Carp. The Braised Crucian Carp was specially made for his mom, while the flavors of the other dishes were tailored to suit the tastes of both his parents as they both had very similar preferences.

Aside from the Beef Soup, he had never cooked the other dishes before. He found the recipes online and made slight adjustments based on his parents’ preferences.

These dishes weren’t overly complex, and he wasn’t exactly a beginner in the kitchen.

As soon as his parents got home, the rice was ready and Xiang Kun’s dishes were almost done—perfect timing to start the meal.

By the time the family sat for lunch, the surprise that Xiang Kun could cook and cook well — had worn off his parents. This meal brought nothing but delight to them.

Mr. Xiang, while eating the Minced Meat Eggplant Xiang Kun had prepared told his wife, “I’ve told you before, this is exactly how eggplant should be cooked. It’s perfect! You used to say it wasn’t possible, but look, our son has done it. Xiang Kun, tell your mom how you cooked this eggplant…

“You just eat, don’t talk so loudly or food might spurt out and ruin the meal for everyone,” Mrs. Xiang scolded half-heartedly. She then turned to Xiang Kun and said warmly, “Your cooking skills are indeed very good, especially the Braised Crucian Carp. It’s very tasteful. I can tell you inherited my talent. Remember, when you talk to girls, tell them you know how to cook and discuss with them about cooking. Girls will love it.”

Xiang Kun had thought his father would like the Braised Pork the most. He didn’t expect him to fall for the Minced Meat Eggplant so deeply. In fact, he had seldom seen his father excited about food to the point where he spoke so energetically at the dining table. Clearly, his father was thoroughly impressed by the dish.

While collecting feedback from his parents, Xiang Kun was also considering what to prepare for dinner. He was confident that he could impress them even more with his cooking and quickly adapt to their tastes. However, he worried that his rapid progress in the culinary field might alarm them.

As Xiang Kun was thinking about what to cook for dinner, his mother suddenly asked, “Do you have anything planned for this afternoon?”

“Not really, why?”

However, as soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted it, as he swiftly predicted the real intention behind his mother’s question from the acquired information..