Time for some gossip, gossip!!!
For the second trip of “Grandma’s Journey,” the first breakfast at the Spain stop was truly high-class.
The new head director of “Grandma’s Journey,” after seeing this breakfast, specifically had the post-production team add filters, edited it, and posted it on all the major short video platforms.
The camera smoothly glided across the table—
Even without filters, it was already tempting enough. Various creatively shaped fruits with vibrant colors that could rival a five-star hotel’s plating, bacon that looked crispy and was drizzled with maple syrup, little sausages that looked like tiny octopuses “baring their fangs and claws,” fried eggs with cute smiley faces drawn in ketchup, a colorful and pleasing vegetable salad, yogurt bowls with various mixed berries…
Paired with all kinds of bread, cakes, and churros that Chu Xingxing and Jiang Luoze bought from the PANEM bakery.
Freshly squeezed juice poured into glass bottles, placed in an ice bucket to chill.
Everyone’s napkin at the table was folded into different little animals.
There was an elegant little swan, a mischievous little elephant, a lively little rabbit, a playful little mouse…
In the very center of the table, there was also a bouquet of fresh, dewy flowers arranged in a comfortable color scheme.
This large table of breakfast for six people, whether in terms of plating or arrangement, was as beautiful as a work of art.
Anyway, Chu Xingxing couldn’t bear to unfold the little swan napkin by her side.
[Jiang Luoze really, I’m crying, he can also do origami? Such beautiful hands can make clothes, and also do origami!!!]
[The word “shocking” is no longer enough to describe my current mood. The male fox spirit can even arrange flowers!!!]
[So virtuous, so virtuous. If I married Jiang Luoze, I’d enshrine him and just look at him, as a beautiful vase!]
[Sorry to the sister above, if I married the male fox spirit, I’d use him hard. Otherwise, why marry him (blushing face)?]
[Hahahahahaha! I just hope Xingbao takes in this fox spirit. Don’t let others (me) keep yearning and thinking about him…]
The old babies had already finished their makeup and hair and came to the dining table.
One by one, the grandmas who had seen many grand occasions were also shocked by this exquisite breakfast.
“This is…” Grandma Sheng directly put on her reading glasses and carefully observed the table of food. “Is it a continental breakfast ordered from outside, with someone delivering it? The production team is quite thoughtful this time, not making us prepare breakfast ourselves.”
Grandma Sheng Shuwen was very familiar with this style of catering company. Sometimes when her family hosted many guests and their own kitchen couldn’t handle it, they often invited a reliable catering company to deliver.
“Grandma Sheng, you guessed wrong.” Chu Xingxing shook her head, spread her arms in a presenting gesture. “These are all made by Aze!”
“What?! These are all made by Aze alone?” Even the well-traveled Grandma Sheng looked shocked.
Old Mrs. Sheng had only heard from her little sister Jiang Yao that Jiang Luoze had strong self-care abilities during his studies abroad, doing everything himself, never making his family worry, and was especially sensible.
But having self-care abilities to this extent, to outsiders, it would seem like Jiang Luoze came to Europe to study at “New Oriental”!
[Hahahahahaha! Actually, I understand Grandma Sheng’s shock, but a international student who can’t cook is not a good chef!]
[Yes, every international student has excellent self-care abilities. Although they might not be as refined as the “male fox spirit,” they do know a little bit of everything.]
[As an international student in a rural area, I’ve even made the crispy part of jianbing guozi (sigh jpg.)]
[Fellow international student here, wuwuwu, I envy my classmates back home every day. The Chinese food here is super bad and super expensive! I can only cook myself (:з」∠)]
“Aze is so amazing. Did you make this little snowman strawberry?” Grandma Ai Minli held her phone, circling the table taking non-stop photos.
“Our Aze has been skillful since he was little. When he was five or six, he could make dresses for his sister’s dolls. Any handicraft seemed to come naturally to him. But I also didn’t expect…” Grandma Xiao Jiang said proudly with a smile. “Our Aze is actually so good at cooking!”
Ms. Wen Xuelan gave a thumbs up. “This is not just being good at cooking. This looks absolutely Michelin-level! Aze, be honest, when you were studying in Europe, did you secretly go to train at Le Cordon Bleu or something?”
Jiang Luoze glanced softly at Chu Xingxing, then turned to the grandmas and said, “It wasn’t just me. Xingxing and I made it together.”
Chu Xingxing shook her head like a rattle drum, her hands also waving frantically. “No no no, don’t believe him. I’m rough and careless. I can chop meat and split firewood, but carving flowers on a cantaloupe is not my thing…”
“We made it together.” Jiang Luoze firmly repeated.
Chu Xingxing couldn’t argue with him. “Everyone sit down, eat while it’s hot…”
At first, Chu Xingxing wanted to help the grandmas arrange their seats.
Later she realized that her idea was completely unnecessary.
Each old baby accurately found their own seat.
Because Jiang Luoze had arranged the plates according to each person’s taste.
For example, Grandma Xiao Jiang loved sunny-side-up eggs with cold milk, so she directly sat in front of the plate with her favorite food.
After breakfast, the grandmas were completely satisfied.
Whether it was the continental breakfast made by Jiang Luoze or the PANEM bread and churros bought by Chu Xingxing, all received extremely high praise.
Normally, these four little old ladies would all be “praising their own children like a peddler praising his melons.”
Of course, they would also praise other people’s children, just not as intensely.
And at this moment, Jiang Luoze, because of this breakfast, received the highest treatment from the old babies’ rainbow fart army—
Grandma Sheng Shuwen said earnestly, “Among the four brats who grew up with Aze, our Aze is the most careful and considerate. I could tell since he was little!”
Ms. Wen Xuelan nodded. “Exactly. I don’t even want to mention Wen Han anymore. His cooking is just boiled chicken breast, blanched broccoli, at most a oil-free steak on a griddle. Terrible, no taste at all!”
[Long time no see, little warm Emperor. I wonder if Xingbao still remembers the double-door brother by Daming Lake?]
[Wen Han really, I’m crying, tricked by his own mother again and again!]
Grandma Ai Minli also couldn’t bear to unfold the little rabbit napkin in front of her because it was too cute!
She gently stroked the little rabbit’s ears and said emotionally to Grandma Jiang Yao, “Yaoyao, you taught Aze really well. Actually, the children from all our families have unquestionable work abilities, all top-notch!
But the other three brats are not as good as Aze at living. Here I especially call out Ai Puxin. His life and work are completely inseparable. He needs to learn from Aze.”
[Wow! Grandma Ai hit the nail on the head! Same as what I thought.]
[Me too, me too. Grandma Ai Minli’s evaluation is spot-on. Actually, people who are excellent at work are not necessarily suited for life.]
[That’s why Jiang Luoze is really rare. He’s so excellent at work and also understands the joys of life. This kind of man is truly top-tier.]
Grandma Xiao Jiang was incredibly proud at this moment. Hearing others praise her nephew made her happier than being praised herself.
After all, to her, Jiang Luoze was like her own son.
Jiang Luoze faced the other grandmas’ praise and just smiled and nodded.
Chu Xingxing truly admired him, feeling that the grandmas’ praise wasn’t even fierce enough.
Someone like Jiang Luoze, whether man or woman, being able to balance work and life so well, was truly rare.
“Our Aze is just that excellent, excellent in both life and work. Because a person lives a lifetime, they can’t just be busy with work. The purpose of work is for a better life…”
Grandma Xiao Jiang paused, patted the thigh of Chu Xingxing who was sitting beside her madly devouring cantaloupe, and with a bright smile on her face said, “Good girl, do you like this kind of Aze?”
The other three old babies glanced at Grandma Xiao Jiang with somewhat alert eyes.
Then, the three of them shifted their gazes to Chu Xingxing.
Chu Xingxing was swept by several sharp gazes like gamma rays. The juicy, sweet, and crisp Spanish cantaloupe in her mouth hadn’t been swallowed yet, and she got distracted and choked.
“Cough, cough cough cough…” She covered her mouth and coughed for a long time.
[Hahahahahaha! Look at how scared our Xingbao is!]
[Grandma Xiao Jiang is too direct, oh my!]
[But Grandma Xiao Jiang has such high emotional intelligence. The “like” she asked about should mean liking as friends.]
[Right, none of the old babies are the type to “matchmake.” They all respect the younger ones.]
Jiang Luoze brought a glass of pure water and a stack of napkins.
With a napkin in his hand, he gently patted Chu Xingxing’s back.
“Emma, good girl, slow down…” Grandma Xiao Jiang held Chu Xingxing’s shoulder.
“I, I’m fine!” Chu Xingxing looked up. That mouthful of melon finally went down.
She took a deep breath and said seriously to Grandma Jiang Yao, “Like, of course I like him. Who doesn’t like being friends with Aze!”
Jiang Luoze smiled, his eyes bright.
The other three grandmas also smiled, with a hint of… relief in their laughter?
“Heehee, that’s good,” Grandma Xiao Jiang held Chu Xingxing with one hand and Jiang Luoze with the other. “Our good girl and Aze should get along well and be good friends!”
[Hahahahaha! Grandma Xiao Jiang is so cute. When talking to our Xingbao and the “little fox,” she’s like talking to kindergarten kids.]
[I actually heard a “sigh of relief” in the laughter of the other old babies, hahahaha, don’t know if I heard wrong!]
[I vaguely felt that too. But our Xingxing is so likable, and everyone is getting to know each other during this long-term trip living together, so they’ll understand each other better. No wonder the other old babies have a little “selfishness.”]
[Not just the old babies! I want both my wife Xingxing and my wife “little fox”!!! Let them both be my good friends (just kidding).]
—
After the sumptuous breakfast, the old babies habitually wanted to drink tea for a while before going out.
Chu Xingxing quietly stood up and started clearing the dishes without a word.
Jiang Luoze cooks, she washes dishes. Everyone dividing the work is quite good.
“I’ll do it…” Jiang Luoze was tying the apron strings behind his back. A pair of gloves was on the counter in front of him.
Chu Xingxing quickly shouted, “You rest. You made all the food. I’ll wash the dishes. It’s just rinsing them under water and putting them in the dishwasher. I can do it!”
At that moment, the landline phone next to the open kitchen rang.
Jiang Luoze was closest and picked up the phone.
Soon, he nodded, said “gracias (thank you in Spanish),” and hung up.
“We don’t need to clean up.” Jiang Luoze said.
“Huh?” Chu Xingxing looked confused, still holding a used milk glass. “Why…”
Jiang Luoze smiled and shook his head. “The housekeeper called. After we go out, someone will come to clean up.”
Chu Xingxing said “oh” and put down the milk glass in her hand.
She looked at the exquisite plates on the dining table and suddenly felt a bit scared. Good thing she didn’t put them in the dishwasher.
Last night when researching, Chu Xingxing casually clicked on some information about European porcelain brands and learned that some expensive porcelain cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher.
It’s also possible that these porcelain plates are antiques…
“Xingxing…” Jiang Luoze suddenly called her.
“What’s wrong?” Chu Xingxing was about to boil a new pot of water to refill the hot water for the old babies’ “morning tea.”
Jiang Luoze smiled a bit embarrassedly and pointed behind him. “Can you help me?”
He was in a hurry to answer the phone earlier and accidentally tied his apron into a dead knot.
Even the most dexterous hands can’t easily untie a knot they can’t see.
“I’ll do it, I’ll do it!” Chu Xingxing rushed over in a stride. Finally, there was a time she could help the virtuous “little fox.”
Chu Xingxing bent down, her face almost touching Jiang Luoze’s soft, fluffy cream-white cashmere sweater, carefully studying the dead knot.
No wonder Jiang Luoze is dexterous. Even tying a dead knot is so skillful. It’s quite hard to untie.
If it were Chu Xingxing’s simple and rough personality, she might have just found a pair of scissors and cut it open on the spot.
But thinking that the plates in this “guesthouse” are all high-end items that can’t be washed in a dishwasher, this apron might be a luxury item. If she cuts it and damages it, she’d have to pay a lot…
A dead knot took Chu Xingxing four or five minutes to untie.
Chu Xingxing: “Phew, done!”
Success!
Chu Xingxing finally straightened up. Usually, after completing a difficult task, she habitually pats her partner on the shoulder.
But Jiang Luoze just happened to turn around, and Chu Xingxing’s hand directly landed on his chest…
Under the soft sweater was the virtuous “little fox’s”… chest.
Chu Xingxing: OVO
At a time like this, she could only pretend nothing happened…
Chu Xingxing quickly withdrew her hand. “Um, I wanted to pat your shoulder…”
“It’s okay, I don’t mind.” Jiang Luoze lowered his head, revealing his fair, smooth, tender milk pudding-like nape, and took off the apron.
His movements were still elegant, neither fast nor slow…
The follow-camera guy, to avoid Chu Xingxing’s hand, stepped back and just gave a close-up of Jiang Luoze’s nape.
[Help! The male fox spirit’s nape!!! Nosebleed…]
[My friend Jiajia says her XP now has one more item, milk pudding-colored nape!!!]
[I, Wang Ruihan, am watching the “little fox’s” nape with my real name, slurp (￣ ii ￣;)]
[Just asking Jiang Luoze, are you really a fox? Do you have to be so seductive with every move, wuwuwuwu]
Chu Xingxing was still a bit dazed at this moment.
Her hand was withdrawn in time, but…
She discovered for the first time that Jiang Luoze’s chest felt completely different from her suicide squad teammates’ chests in the apocalypse!
When practicing close combat with teammates, Chu Xingxing often punched them in the chest.
The men who appeared in Chu Xingxing’s life before were all rough men, hard all over.
And although Jiang Luoze was also a man, that chest…
I don’t know if he usually doesn’t do heavy training, or was completely relaxed, but it was actually…
Soft.
—
After drinking the refreshing tea after breakfast, at 10:30 AM, the guests of “Grandma’s Journey” finally walked out of the “guesthouse.”
Today’s travel plan was simple: visit the cultural attractions and museums of Madrid’s old town.
First, visit the famous Prado National Museum, which houses the most comprehensive and authoritative collection of Spanish paintings.
It holds masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, Raphael, Titian, Ribera, and other European painting masters.
After that, everyone planned to go to Puerta del Sol, see Madrid’s iconic sculpture, also the source of the city’s name, “the Bear and the Strawberry Tree,” Spain’s “Kilometer Zero” origin, and various nearby squares.
Finally, go to the Royal Palace of Madrid and visit the newly opened observation deck to see the Royal Gardens and the largest forest landscape closest to downtown Madrid.
Jiang Luoze prepared to hail a taxi to the Prado Museum. Madrid’s city attractions are concentrated and not far apart.
But when they got downstairs, they saw two Mercedes MPVs with hazard lights on, parked on the side of the road.
Two drivers wearing white gloves and formal suits stood waiting nearby.
Seeing them come down, the drivers performed a very standard European gentleman’s salute.
[Let’s just say, I love watching the old babies’ luxurious travels!]
[Following the old babies to see the world every day, happy!]
[This is my only channel to understand high society. More, more!!!]
“You arranged this?” Chu Xingxing tugged Jiang Luoze’s sleeve, silently giving a thumbs up in her heart. “This scene makes me feel that the ‘Mary Sue CEO novels’ I read before were real.”
“This really wasn’t arranged by me.” Jiang Luoze shook his head.
But he guessed who arranged it.
Including the sudden housekeeper service after breakfast, allowing him and Chu Xingxing not to clean up after the meal, so everyone could leave earlier to go sightseeing.
Pre-arranging drivers and MPVs so they didn’t have to worry about whether it would be easy to get a taxi during rush hour, and could go wherever they wanted, traveling with peace of mind.
So thoughtful yet without a trace of “deliberateness,” making everyone think it was the production team’s arrangement. Besides that person who likes to “do good deeds without leaving a name,” Sheng Luzhi, there was no one else.
“The production team arranged it, not bad…”
Chu Xingxing sighed. Ever since Shengshi Group invested in CBM Entertainment, the treatment of their variety shows had been getting better and better.
Jiang Luoze told the truth. “Maybe it wasn’t the production team’s arrangement either.”
“Ah, then who arranged it…” Chu Xingxing blinked.
Jiang Luoze smiled with a complicated expression. “Very much like Azhi’s style.”
Chu Xingxing subconsciously said, “President Sheng?”
“Mm.” Jiang Luoze casually took Grandma Sheng’s thermos. Drivers were helping the old babies into the cars. He just needed to check if everyone had left anything behind.
As if suddenly thinking of something, Jiang Luoze turned back to Chu Xingxing and said in a joking tone, “Xingxing, you can also try calling him Azhi. Don’t always think about his ‘CEO’ identity.”
Chu Xingxing was stunned for a moment.
Her first reaction was, does Jiang Luoze know “mind reading”?
Or does this “fox spirit” really have some mysticism about him???
How did he guess that she would deliberately keep a distance because of Sheng Luzhi’s identity…
“He just has a somewhat fierce face. Actually, when he was little, Azhi still loved to smile. And…”
Jiang Luoze nodded, a trace of imperceptible hesitation in his smile. As if making a determined decision, he still said it. “I hope Xingxing can be friends with us equally.”
The word “us” was deliberately emphasized by Jiang Luoze.
Jiang Luoze and Sheng Luzhi had known each other for over twenty years, growing up together like brothers.
With his delicate mind, how could he not see that Sheng Luzhi’s fondness for Chu Xingxing had surpassed ordinary friendship.
Coincidentally, so did Jiang Luoze.
If at first, he only appreciated Chu Xingxing as a muse of inspiration.
Then now, his fondness for Chu Xingxing was solid and his feelings were certain.
Precisely because his feelings were certain, Jiang Luoze hoped everyone could have an equal and fair start.
Sheng Luzhi’s “heaven-reaching” contributions, he wouldn’t take credit for a single bit.
Since the “porter” role could only be taken once, Jiang Luoze wouldn’t waste any opportunity.
Moreover, Europe was his home turf.
[Ahhh! Is this what I think it means!!! So the “male fox spirit” really has a crush on our Xingbao!!!]
[Wuwuwuwu, I really like Jiang Luoze. He wants an equal opportunity to date, right?]
[Jiang Luoze’s character is impeccable. He could have completely taken Sheng’s “contributions” and said he arranged them, but he didn’t!]
[The “little fox” is so brave! Is this officially declaring war on President Sheng?!]
[The “little fox’s” family background is indeed very different from President Sheng’s, but the “little fox’s” neither servile nor overbearing, confident, and open attitude, I love it so much!!!]
[Damn, my IQ really isn’t enough. After reading the sisters’ comments, I instantly understood. Otherwise, I’d still be pondering what Jiang Luoze meant by that sentence!]
Chu Xingxing tilted her head slightly and subconsciously said “okay” to Jiang Luoze.
But in reality, she didn’t fully understand the deeper meaning of Jiang Luoze’s words about “being friends equally.”
—
The “Grandma’s Journey” production team only stayed in Madrid for one day, so it naturally wasn’t an in-depth tour.
If you really wanted to carefully browse the Prado Museum, half a day would be gone.
To let the old babies have a richer understanding of Madrid, Jiang Luoze planned the route in advance and took everyone through the museum in two hours.
Then, they went from the Prado Museum to Madrid’s “heart,” Puerta del Sol.
Unable to avoid convention, the old babies of course had to take photos with Madrid’s iconic symbol—the sculpture of the big bear madly shaking the strawberry tree.
This bronze sculpture was created by the Spanish government in 1967.
Postcards, promotional videos, and travel magazines about Madrid all feature this bear sculpture.
In reality, the bear and strawberry tree weren’t as big as imagined, only four meters tall.
“Come on, babies, look here~”
Chu Xingxing took out her phone with a metal chain and, as usual, took photos for the grandmas. “Grandma Wen, a tiny bit to the right. Good! Grandma Xiao Jiang, extend your foot a little, it makes your legs look longer. Perfect! Let’s take another…”
Before taking photos, Chu Xingxing strictly followed Cookie’s advice and had Jiang Luoze stand nearby as a “security guard,” mainly to avoid being targeted by pickpockets.
The old babies took various “silk scarf” photos with Madrid’s bear and all expressed satisfaction.
[Hahahahaha! The old babies still have the familiar photo style!]
[Silk scarf element essential, T-step also!]
[Xingxing designed new bestie photo poses for the old babies this time and even took short videos. Pretty awesome!]
“Aze, why is Madrid’s symbol a bear?” Grandma Sheng looked at the sculpture and asked curiously.
Jiang Luoze said, “There are many legends. Let me tell you one of the more mainstream ones. The earliest record linking the bear to Madrid comes from 1212. In ancient Roman times, Madrid was called Ursalia, which translates to ‘Land of Bears.’ Also because a large number of strawberry trees were found in the nearby forests, the bear and strawberry tree became representatives of the city.”
Grandma Xiao Jiang secretly gave Jiang Luoze a thumbs up, secretly delighted.
Heehee, Aze is mine, awesome!
[I’m charmed by Grandma Xiao Jiang’s cuteness, that proud little look!]
[So cute. Grandma Xiao Jiang finally held her head high this trip. The old babies are like children, each with their own little pride and temper, hahahaha!]
The usually rigorous Grandma Ai Minli took off her sunglasses and stared at the sculpture, raising a question. “Is this really a strawberry tree? I remember strawberries are shrubs. Can they grow this tall?”
Ms. Wen Xuelan agreed. “Right, I’ve never seen a strawberry tree grow this tall. It doesn’t look like strawberries no matter how I look. Maybe it’s some other tree?”
[Hahahahaha! I had the same question!]
[Me too, me too. When Jiang Luoze said strawberry tree, I was confused. I’ve really never seen such a tall strawberry tree!]
[Waiting for an answer!]
[My mom just asked me if “World Is So Wonderful” from “Zhengda Variety Show” is back. Does anyone know what that show is?]
[Hahahahaha! Exposing age! “Zhengda Variety Show” is really a memory for kids born in the 90s. Back then, we watched “World Is So Wonderful” to “travel the world”!]
[90-year-old auntie reporting in. A big reason I follow “Grandma’s Journey” is that I rarely see this kind of serious travel variety show. It reminds me of “Zhengda Variety Show” I watched as a kid!]
“I know this one!” Chu Xingxing raised her hand high. Yesterday when doing homework, she had the same question and specifically looked up the answer.
However, she still glanced at Jiang Luoze.
If the “little fox” knew, then she wouldn’t say it.
After all, Jiang Luoze was the leader of this trip. She couldn’t steal his thunder.
“This question…” Jiang Luoze looked at her, curved his eyebrows, and smiled, shaking his head. “I don’t know.”
Actually, he knew.
Chu Xingxing’s inquiring eyes seemed to ask, can I say it?
Jiang Luoze almost laughed out loud and said to Chu Xingxing, who had slightly moist puppy eyes, “Xingxing, tell us quickly.”
“Okay!” Chu Xingxing finally found the “sense of control” she had during the first trip. She said seriously, “This kind of strawberry tree is a different plant from what we commonly understand as strawberry trees. It’s an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow five to ten meters tall. The fruit is a red berry similar in appearance to bayberry. It’s not tasty eaten raw and is mainly used to make jam or liqueur.”
“Our Xingbao is awesome!” Compared to praising Jiang Luoze always secretly, Grandma Xiao Jiang was generous in praising Chu Xingxing, giving two thumbs up at once. “Like, like, like!”
Grandma Ai Minli praised repeatedly. “Our Xingxing is so knowledgeable, even knowing such obscure knowledge!”
Ms. Wen Xuelan looked proud. “Of course, our Xingbao is just that excellent, good at both academics and physical activities. Last time on Pearl Island, she even helped Cookie and the others set up animal-proof nets. Such a steep slope, Xingxing rushed up like flying and helped me chase back my camera!”
Grandma Sheng nodded like a boss. “I agree with all.”
The four old babies’ fierce rainbow farts instantly left Chu Xingxing not knowing what to do…
It felt like you know how to breathe, drink water, eat—the most basic skills—and in the grandmas’ eyes, knowing these already made you the most amazing treasure in the world!
Chu Xingxing gently scratched the back of her neck and smiled guiltily. “Am I… that good?”
“Yes!”
“Of course!”
“Absolutely!”
“Our Xingxing is just that good!”
The four old babies said almost in unison.
“Trust me,” Jiang Luoze’s gaze rested on Chu Xingxing’s sparkling eyes, and he said firmly, “You are that good.”
[Ahhh! I’m really crying. Suddenly I feel the old babies are so warm, and the little fox is so good too. Everyone loves Xingxing so much!]
[Xingxing deserves everyone’s love. I love Xingxing daughter too.]
[“Grandma’s Journey” can officially be renamed “Xingbao’s Daily Group Petting,” doge/]
[Actually, sometimes I can see Xingxing is a bit insecure. Including in that vlog where she admitted being bullied at school. Maybe there are other things, of course I’m just guessing, maybe original family or other reasons? But when Xingxing is with the grandmas, her eyes always have light! I believe with the grandmas’ life experience, they wouldn’t fail to notice Xingxing’s faint insecurity. The old babies are encouraging Xingxing!]
[Wuwuwuwu, I miss my grandma so much. The old babies’ expressions when praising Xingxing are exactly the same as my grandma’s when she praised me. In my grandma’s eyes, eating two bowls of rice in one meal was worth praising, and whatever I did was the best. But I can never hear my grandma’s praise again…]
[Sister above, don’t use the grandma knife on me, wuwuwuwu, I’m crying.]
[Seeing this, I suddenly miss my grandma. I just bought a train ticket to go back to my hometown this weekend!]
For a moment, Chu Xingxing’s eyes suddenly felt a bit sour, but she held it in and laughed.
Whether in the apocalypse or in modern times, Chu Xingxing had never felt the family love from elders.
Sold to the black market by her biological parents at age nine, she never said the words “dad” and “mom” again.
That feeling of being surrounded by the full love of elders, being affirmed and recognized, made her feel strange and fearful.
—
Next, everyone continued walking through the old town to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Along the way, the scenery was beautiful, the architecture magnificent, and the old babies kept taking photos.
Chu Xingxing told the old babies everything she knew about Spain.
Especially various gossip and “inside info” about the Spanish royal family.
One of the big reasons Chu Xingxing liked Spain was that this country is very much not son-preferring.
From royal nobles to ordinary citizens, there’s no obsession with having boys.
Everyone chatted and laughed along the way, strolling through this slow-paced country to the Royal Palace of Spain.
Currently, over fifty rooms inside the palace are open to tourists. The architectural style adopts Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
Inside the palace, portraits of the current King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia hang.
When Grandma Sheng learned that the Spanish king currently only has two daughters, she couldn’t help shaking her head and sighing, “The royal family has two princesses? So lucky. Such good daughter luck. This really, can’t be envied…”
Grandma Sheng Shuwen had three sons, and none of them were willing to inherit the family business.
The more she wanted a daughter back then, the more sons came. Later she simply stopped having children.
Ms. Wen Xuelan was following the group admiring the palace’s luxurious halls when she heard Grandma Sheng’s words and suddenly thought of a question.
Ms. Wen Xuelan asked curiously, “Then who is the heir to the Spanish throne? Will it be like that small country with the bad custom, where a bunch of garbage experts suggest keeping the male primogeniture system, preferring to prop up that mentally problematic fool as heir rather than letting the princess inherit the throne?”
[Hahahahaha! Grandma Wen knows her yygq!]
[That small country’s royal family is really indescribable. Thinking of that fool male heir makes me laugh.]
[“A bunch of garbage experts suggest keeping the male primogeniture system”]
[Microphone to Grandma Wen, if you can talk, talk more!]
“The Spanish royal family doesn’t have this rule. The seventeen-year-old eldest princess Leonor recently entered military training and will become the Commander-in-Chief of the Spanish Armed Forces in the future.”
Chu Xingxing paused, then continued, “And the king publicly stated that even if a younger brother is born in the future, it won’t affect the eldest princess’s succession to the throne. Not just the Spanish royal family, several European royal families’ future heirs are princesses. A queen era is coming soon.”
Grandma Ai Minli nodded thoughtfully. “This makes me like Spain even more.”
Grandma Xiao Jiang said very seriously, “Setting aside social systems, regarding son preference, it’s really worth many old men and women in our country learning from. Look at that little princess. Her family really does have a throne to inherit. Those old people who force their daughters and daughters-in-law to have grandsons, do they have an acre of land to inherit?”
[The old babies said it well! Applause for the old babies!!!]
[Their family really does have a throne to inherit, and they still don’t insist on having a son!]
[Hot knowledge: the princess’s father said that even if a son is born in the future, the princess remains the only heir!]
[Honestly, this is what inheritance means. Those other son-preferring ones are inheriting pots and pans, right?]
[One more point: currently women’s political participation in Europe is 57%. I sincerely hope our country gets better. Girls, let’s work hard together!]
—
Coming down from the palace’s observation deck, it was already lunchtime for Spaniards.
The grandmas ate breakfast early today. It was already 2:30 PM, and no one was very hungry.
Chu Xingxing’s phone had a reminder set for Grandma Sheng to take her medicine on time, and one of the medicines Grandma Sheng took couldn’t be taken on an empty stomach.
While the old babies were taking photos in the large open space of the palace gardens, Chu Xingxing came to discuss lunch with Jiang Luoze.
“I originally booked a local restaurant for lunch, but…” Jiang Luoze smiled and took out his phone.
He dialed a number starting with 91 and canceled the reservation in English.
“Just canceled it like that?!” Chu Xingxing looked surprised. She didn’t expect Jiang Luoze to be so decisive.
Jiang Luoze: “That restaurant serves Madrid’s local specialty stew, which is a bit greasy. And it’s so warm today. Stew is more suitable for harsh winter. We can eat something else today.”
“Hmm, stew is actually not bad…”
“Come on, tell me, what good suggestions does Xingxing have for lunch today?”
Chu Xingxing: “How about we visit a Spanish market? There are many local specialty snacks in the market. Although everyone isn’t very hungry now, maybe we’ll have an appetite after walking there?”
This was her Plan B. She had already looked up several markets that locals frequent.
Local markets have a wide variety of snacks, a clean environment, and enthusiastic vendors. Very suitable for tourists like them who find everything fresh and are curious.
“That’s a very good choice, more reasonable than what I arranged.” Jiang Luoze nodded.
Chu Xingxing told the old babies this suggestion.
“I love visiting markets!” Ms. Wen Xuelan’s eyes lit up and she immediately raised both hands in agreement.
Anywhere she could shop, Ms. Wen Xuelan liked.
Chu Xingxing increased her “bargaining chip” and said to Grandma Jiang Yao, “The market is nearby. I heard there’s delicious Basque lava cake inside, both original flavor and pistachio flavor.”
Grandma Xiao Jiang was immediately convinced. She loved sweets the most. “Pistachio flavor Basque lava cake? I haven’t tried it yet?”
Chu Xingxing finally played her “trump card.” “The market also has various fresh seafood that can be cooked on the spot, or you can order prepared cold dishes.”
“Seafood!” Grandma Sheng and Grandma Ai said together.
These two were ultimate seafood lovers!
[Hahahahaha! The old babies are like children. Xingxing is very good at coaxing people!]
[Xingbao is really a thoughtful little angel. She took care of what every grandma likes.]
[The market arrangement is really great. I’m tempted too!]
[Me too. When traveling to a place, my favorite thing is visiting the local market. You can find lots of good stuff, and the food is the most authentic!]
Chu Xingxing’s suggestion was adopted by everyone. Her current mood was like taking off, happy and satisfied.
Little did she know, there was an unexpected “little surprise” waiting for her at the market.
—
Madrid’s Anton Martin Market.
As soon as Chu Xingxing and the old babies entered the market, they decided to go upstairs first and walk around to see what food interested them.
As a result, just as they went upstairs, the old babies couldn’t move their legs in front of a small stall…
Even Grandma Sheng and Grandma Ai, who didn’t like sweets, had “I want to eat” written all over their eyes.
Not to mention the steadfast dessert lovers Ms. Wen Xuelan and Grandma Jiang Yao.
“Xingbao! The Basque cake looks so delicious. What’s next to it, sweet or savory? It looks very fragrant too!”
Ms. Wen Xuelan stared at the various flavors of Basque cake in the transparent glass cabinet and something that looked like a lava-centered… egg pancake?
In short, everything looked tempting.
Chu Xingxing’s “homework” from yesterday was all in her head. She said confidently, “The one next to it should be Spanish local specialty tortilla, a Spanish potato omelette. Let’s buy a little of everything and try.”
“Okay!” Grandma Xiao Jiang nodded and started choosing. “Wow, that one covered in green nut crumbs, is that pistachio flavor? That coffee-colored powdered one, is that mocha flavor? The original one looks delicious too!”
Grandma Ai Minli put on her reading glasses and carefully looked at the golden large round cake in the counter. “Tortilla is savory, right? Trufa means truffle? I want to try this truffle flavor tortilla.”
Chu Xingxing was grateful they had many people, so there was no choice paralysis.
Anyway, if they ordered too much, everyone could take a bite and finish it.
Besides the pistachio crumb Basque cheesecake, they also ordered original, yuzu, Baileys, Lotus biscuit, and Oreo flavor Basque lava cheesecakes.
They also ordered six truffle flavor Spanish potato omelettes, one per person, no fighting.
And six different flavors of coffee to go with it.
After trying the pistachio-filled croissant in the morning, Chu Xingxing was interested in everything pistachio.
She was the first to decide to try the pistachio flavor Basque lava cheesecake.
The lava Basque cheesecake looked especially tempting just by looking at it.
With one bite, the first thing the tongue felt was the cool, smooth touch. Then, the slightly savory, rich milky cheese gradually revealed itself as the mouth warmed.
Spanish local Basque cake has a high cheese content. You can faintly taste a slight sourness, neutralizing the sweetness.
And the large amount of unsweetened, roasted-to-fragrant pistachio crumbs added layers to this lava cheesecake.
For dairy-loving Chu Xingxing, this lava Basque cheesecake was a perfect score!
[Ahhh! Cheese brain is craving crazy!!!]
[I can smell the Basque cheesecake through the screen. Put it in my mouth quickly!]
[Can’t stop drooling. This damn time difference! Why is Spain’s afternoon China’s night!!!]
[Sigh, already used to the old babies’ late-night food torture. The grilled cold noodles in my hand suddenly don’t smell good.]
[Look at my IP (Spain). Sisters who love cheese can rush without thinking. Found the shop name for everyone: Caracola Madrid. Highly recommend pistachio, yuzu, and Baileys flavors. Just go!]
When eating delicious food, Chu Xingxing would slightly squint her eyes, looking cute like a satisfied, lazy cat.
Jiang Luoze saw she liked it so much and silently moved his untouched cheesecake in front of her.
At that moment, Chu Xingxing’s phone vibrated continuously.
She opened it and saw it was a video call from Cookie.
Chu Xingxing quickly answered.
“Xingxing, where are you? Are you downtown?” Cookie’s voice sounded a bit noisy.
“Yeah, we’re at Anton Martin Market. What about you?”
“Ahhh!” Cookie screamed.
Chu Xingxing held the phone away from her ear. Little Cookie was really her sweet burden.
“We’re at this market too!”
Cookie excitedly explained everything from yesterday, saying the little fan who helped them was right beside her, and asked if it was convenient to take a photo with the little fan.
Chu Xingxing: “Of course! Please eat cheesecake. We’re on the second floor. Come quickly!”
“Coming!!!”
[Ahhh! My “Xingxing Cookie” is going to reunite!!!]
[Love “Xingxing Cookie” so much. Our Xingbao and little Cookie baby are both mama’s good daughters!]
[Love watching “Xingxing Cookie” interact. Girls’ friendship yyds!]
—
Outside Madrid’s Anton Martin Market.
The entire cast of “Let’s Travel Together” was also having lunch.
However, due to limited funds, everyone’s lunch was a Spanish bread sandwich with cheap Serrano ham and fresh tomato.
Serrano ham is also a Spanish specialty, also called white pig ham. Compared to the Iberian (black pig) ham the old babies ate, it’s much lower grade and naturally cheaper.
Serrano ham has a lighter taste, lacking the oily aroma and acorn aroma, and is saltier. Locals don’t eat it plain but use it in sandwiches.
This sandwich, called bocadillo, doesn’t use sliced bread but a baguette the length of a forearm. It’s quite fragrant when chewed, with a rich wheat flavor, but tests your teeth.
The salty Serrano ham sandwiched in the wheat-fragrant baguette, paired with fresh juicy tomato, is a poor man’s food that’s still delicious.
When Cookie called Chu Xingxing, she didn’t avoid the other guests.
Everyone also knew that yesterday, thanks to Chu Xingxing’s little fan, they were able to get from the airport to the city smoothly.
So when Cookie took the little fan’s hand and the two prepared to go to the market to find Chu Xingxing, no guest objected, and no one asked another question.
Anyway, everyone was sitting at the market entrance eating lunch. Their legs were tired after walking all morning. Taking a break was good. Waiting for Cookie to come back wouldn’t delay anything.
“Cookie,” Jiang Chang’an suddenly called her, using the tone of an elder educating a junior. “Leaving the team without permission, at least you should explain the reason to everyone, right?”
Last night’s successful “street performance” restored Jiang Chang’an’s confidence.
Today, the guests of “Let’s Travel Together” completely followed Cookie’s command, “hitting wherever she pointed.” Little Cookie told everyone to go west, no one went east.
Jiang Chang’an had also researched Madrid. Having to unconditionally obey a girl who just became an adult for the whole trip was unacceptable to his self-esteem.
Or perhaps, Jiang Chang’an suddenly couldn’t accept that the “protagonist halo” that had surrounded him since childhood had vanished overnight. That huge sense of disparity made him uncomfortable.
Jiang Chang’an tried to seize back the team’s “leadership.”
“Excuse me,” Cookie stopped, turned her head with a confused look, the smile on her face freezing. “What do you mean by leaving the team without permission? You’d better explain that clearly to me…”
Jiang Chang’an put down the sandwich in his hand, ready to use his identity as a big brother and company senior to educate Cookie to respect elders and be polite in everything…
“But Cookie didn’t leave the team without permission, did she?” Tian Mengtong, who had been silent in the corner, spoke up, still with a sweet, soft loli voice.
“We all know what Cookie is going to do. If Brother Chang’an doesn’t know, you can ask someone else. Why do you need Cookie to explain to you alone?”
But what Tian Mengtong said was quite explosive.
It was almost like directly telling Jiang Chang’an, who the hell do you think you are, minding everyone’s business!
Jiang Chang’an was stunned: ???
Cookie was also stunned: ???
Wait, when did Tian Mengtong become an ally?
The fan girl with round glasses looked excited, wishing she could rub her hands together like a fly.
Ahhh!!! Gossip, gossip!!!
[Damn! What’s going on!]
[There’s drama? Are they going to tear into each other!!!]
[The fun person is the first to arrive, selling sunflower seeds, peanuts, and sausages in the front row!]
[Wow! Aren’t Tian Mengtong and Jiang Chang’an a CP?]
[Don’t understand. Is “Let’s Travel Together” doing a new kind of love-hate CP mode???]
