Target Chapter 3

Translator: Vivi from dummytranslations
Editor: Sammy

The Male lead's ex-boyfriend(3): Instant noodles are a real delicacy!

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The moment Xiang Han entered the grand station, he immediately felt better.
 
"This smell..." He took a deep breath and said excitedly, [So fragrant! Little Nine, you really didn't lie to me.] 

The system was flustered, [According to the collected data, the smell of the waiting area shouldn’t be that good.] 

[No, no.] Xiang Han shook his head and disagreed, [It smells really good.]

He sniffed a few more times and followed the scent until he reached its source.

Outside the supermarket, a couple of middle-aged men dressed in dark clothes leaned against the wall. They each held a styrofoam box in their hands and with lowered heads they blew on it. There was even a leather suitcase beside them.

The pleasant scent was wafting out of those cartons. Xiang Han swallowed his saliva and finally went forward to ask, "Big brother, what are you eating?"  

One of them looked up and glanced at his clothes, ridiculing, "A rich boy who doesn’t even know what instant noodles are? Tch."

Instant noodles? But it looks very different from the type in the Federation.  

Xiang Han held his stomach and swallowed the saliva in his mouth once more, "Then, where can I buy it?"  

"The supermarket over there." The middle-aged man’s voice was vague as he ate.  

Xiang Han was very grateful, "Thanks, brother."  

After he thanked the man, Xiang Han immediately walked towards the supermarket. The system was helpless, [It's just instant noodles, haven’t you eaten it before in the Federation?]  

[I’ve tasted it but it's not the same thing. The ones sold by the Federal Government don’t smell as good.] Once Xiang Han found the shelves full of instant noodles, he suddenly noticed something, [So many flavours?]   

After a long time, he finally chose the spicy beef flavor because the packaging was similar to the one the middle-aged man was eating, the taste couldn’t be that unappetizing.  

While queuing to pay, he was a little agitated and couldn’t help but ask the system, [Little Nine, do you think it’ll be expensive? I remember in the Federation, a pack costs more than two hundred dollars.]  

It must be known that his monthly budget was at most two thousand dollars, rent included.  

In the Federation, plants were extremely scarce and highly unsuitable for use in food production. Only on rare occasions would Xiang Han be willing to buy expensive things such as instant noodles. Normally, he’d only drink a nutrient solution.  

The helpless system informed, [Mr. Xiang, the main ingredients used in the instant noodles here are very different from those used in the Federation. They have no nutritional value thus are very cheap.]  

[Oh, that’s great news.] Xiang Han nodded.  

He was still in a daze while paying and each step felt like he was floating. Xiang Han couldn't stop chanting, [It's really quite cheap, Little Nine. We have to buy more.]
  
The system reminded him, [Mr. Xiang, the instant noodles here shouldn’t be consumed regularly as it’s not healthy for the body.]

Xiang Han didn’t listen at all and once he began cooking, his eyes were fixed on the noodles. [Indeed, it’s not the same, really not alike. The Federation’s instant noodles were flaky and the ultra-thin noodles would often get soggy.]  

System, [……]  

Once cooked, Xiang Han took a deep breath with a face full of satisfaction, [It's so fragrant even without any seasoning.]  

[009, analyze the raw materials and nutritional value of the ingredients in these instant noodles.] Big A suddenly appeared.

[Understood.] The system’s tone became mechanical.  

Xiang Han couldn’t hear their conversation and happily gripped his instant noodles as he walked towards the wall. Poking the older man from earlier, he asked, “Brother, could you move over a little?”  

The middle-aged man curiously peered at him, while moving to the side he asked, "Young man, are you running away from home or experiencing life?"  

Xiang Han wolfed down his food, the small fork in his hand waving excitedly about as his face filled with emotions, "Brother, I’m hiding from someone."  

"Oh," the middle-aged man responded, then asked, "Is that him?"  

Xiang Han immediately froze, a mouthful of noodles fell back into the cup as he raised his head to look at the man approaching.  

En, long legs, thin waist, broad shoulders and good looks. This man seemed a little familiar.  

"Does it taste good?" Lu Ze slowly opened his mouth and asked with an alluring voice. It wasn’t as low as it was in the bar.  

Well, he also sounds a bit familiar.

"Good," Xiang Han praised without hesitation. He then scooted over while asking politely, “Do you want some too?”  

His previous blind date partners were correct. Sometimes, he was really helpful and caring; a gentleman...without the word, 'card'.  

Looking at the cup of noodles floating in the red oil, Lu Ze momentarily remembered that his ex had just ‘spat' out a mouthful. His face drastically changed. He suspected that Xiang Han was deliberately trying to disgust him.  

Seeing his repulsed expression, Xiang Han immediately withdrew his cup. He thought, if you don’t want it, forget it, okay? I’d rather not give you any either.  

After thinking this, he continued to move his small fork.  

Watching Xiang Han devour the instant noodle cup full of his own saliva, Lu Ze's face became even more complicated and his stomach felt a little queasy.   

Xiang Han’s forehead was already drenched in sweat as he lifted the cup and drank the soup - not a single drop left behind.  

Lu Ze’s gaze was attracted to his slender neck as his eyes began to follow the small movements of his throat; gradually his gaze darkened.  

After finishing the soup, Xiang Han displayed a face full of satisfaction as he squatted and licked the bit of soup left at the corner of his lips. The pink tongue slid past his lips but in Lu Ze’s eyes, it seemed to be provocative and suggestive. However, Xiang Han was completely unaware of this desire and wholly captivated by the instant noodles.  

Lu Ze's mouth felt dry. He suddenly realized that saliva was not as disgusting as he’d thought it to be.  

He was probably going crazy. After knowing that Xiang Han had beaten Zhao Handong up, he’d actually followed him here unknowingly. Now, he even mysteriously felt that Xiang Han was trying to seduce him. There was definitely something wrong, he'd clearly just kissed another man at the bar not too long ago.  

He stepped forward and put one hand on his knee, staring at Xiang Han with a dark gaze.  

Xiang Han was still relishing in the aftertaste of the noodles and was considering getting another cup. But then suddenly, he was being stared at by a pair of eyes that seemed to want to swallow him whole and instantly shuddered. Looking at the other person's expression, he anxiously shouted for the system, [Little Nine, who's this person? What does he want?]

Lu Ze noticed Xiang Han’s look of fear and subconsciously suppressed his anger. He slowly asked, "Why did you fight with Zhao Handong?" Why did you threaten him not to find trouble for me? Didn’t you...like him before?

A week ago, Lu Ze had heard the rumours regarding Xiang Han and Zhao Handong. It was just that he’d been too busy at the time to confront Xiang Han. He originally wanted to wait until this busy period was over before speaking to him. However, he didn't expect to see the scene at the bar.

Lu Ze wasn’t someone who could tolerate unfaithfulness so he chose to break up. However, the current situation appears not to be what it looked like. Xiang Han doesn’t seem to like Zhao Handong and only beat him up in order to avenge Lu Ze.  

When Sun Shuya warned him about Xiang Han and Zhao Handong, he’d also reminded Lu Ze that Xiang Han had been seduced by the rich upper class. The him of today was only infatuated with wealth and power. He was no longer the poor man who'd worked hard on his own in an attempt to enroll into a prestigious school.

A few hours ago, when he saw Xiang Han nonchalantly break up with him while nestling in Zhao Handong’s arms, Lu Ze believed in Sun Shuya's words. However, right now, he felt that there were too many inconsistencies.  

When he’d been dating Xiang Han, hadn’t he always brought him along to social events in order to familiarise him with his own circle? He’d often gifted him expensive presents as well. Although there’d been admiration in Xiang Han’s eyes at that time, it was more a look of joy. Later, when he was tossed out by his family, Xiang Han hadn’t thrown in the towel. Instead, he vowed to work hard alongside him. But what caused him to abruptly change?  

Zhao Handong!
  
Lu Ze suddenly thought of this person and his heart instantly understood.  

Yes, it must’ve been Zhao Handong who disclosed the fact that he was dating Xiang Han to his father, forcing him to leave the house. Could it be that Xiang Han knew of this matter and wanted to take revenge for him?  

Even so, there was no need to break up, right? Lu Ze fell into deep thought once again.

If Xiang Han knew what Lu Ze was thinking, he'd definitely laugh loudly three times and tell him, you’re thinking too much!

  
The original host had planned to weather through difficult times with Lu Ze in the beginning. However, when Zhao Handong seduced him, he changed paths. This had nothing to do with retaliation at all.  

Unfortunately, Xiang Han was currently ignorant about the man in front of him being Lu Ze. Realizing that someone had found out that he hit Zhao Handong, his expression suddenly warped into panic, “What are you talking about? I don’t understand.”  

In a flash, numerous questions dashed through Xiang Han’s mind. What does this person want to do? Could he be part of Zhao Handong's gang? He knew of this matter but didn’t inform the police, could it be he wants to blackmail him or force him to expose himself...  

Seeing him flustered yet refusing to admit, Lu Ze was convinced that Xiang Han had done it on purpose. He had deliberately hooked up with Zhao Handong, intentionally allowed himself to be misunderstood and then broke up with him...  

But why would he want to do this? Lu Ze suddenly recalled the time he’d just moved out from his villa and into a narrow rented room. Xiang Han had been ridden with guilt, “If only our relationship hadn’t been discovered, you’d still be the Lu Family’s young master, reside in a villa and drive around in a sports car.”

At that time, he merely thought Xiang Han couldn’t accept the change and was feeling miserable. Looking back to that day now, Lu Ze had a completely different idea. Did Xiang Han believe that as long as they broke up, he could return to the Lu Family?

Really silly, Lu Ze's eyes were complicated. That family of his had long been unable to tolerate his presence. His homosexuality had just been a convenient excuse to get rid of him. Even if they split, that woman wouldn’t let him return. Moreover, he didn’t want to go back anymore.  

It has to be noted that Lu Ze’s train of thoughts have already shot through the sky. Xiang Han still had a look of apprehension, but at this moment, the system was disconnected.  

Afterwards, Xiang Han didn’t know why, but he suddenly felt a wave of pain in his stomach. Perhaps it was due to his anxiety, his face abruptly paled as he broke into a cold sweat.  

"What's wrong?" Lu Ze's face changed. He leaned forward and grabbed his shoulders.  

Xiang Han just kept shaking his head, desperately shouting for the system. Presently, his face was contorted in agony as the feeling of pain increased overtime.  

Lu Ze was even more anxious than him and kept asking, "What happened? Where does it hurt? Let’s get to the hospital first..."

Xiang Han’s head shook even more fiercely. He’d just forced the word 'no' out, before spitting out a mouthful of blood mixed with instant noodles' residue and chili skin.  

“Ah, he’s even vomiting blood?” the middle-aged man next to him exclaimed in shock. Passersby gathered about, some giving advice and asking if they needed help.

Lu Ze's eyes narrowed as he directly carried Xiang Han in his arms. Xiang Han was still confused, thinking that he’d come to catch him and struggled desperately to break free. 

"Stop moving," Lu Ze was having difficulty holding him.  

The system finally came back online, [Mr. Xiang, what’s happening?]  

[Quickly, this person wants to kidnap me. He might be one of Zhao Handong’s men.] He hurriedly called for help.  

System, [...Mr. Xiang, he’s Lu Ze.]  

[Ah?] Xiang Han instantly froze in shock and no longer thrashed about.  

Seeing him finally calm down, Lu Ze let out a sigh of relief and said to the person next to him, "I’ll have to trouble you to help me call for an ambulance."  

After that, he carried Xiang Han and hurriedly left. Xiang Han weakly cried, "But I already bought the ticket and it's going to leave soon. This ticket was really expensive..."  

Lu Ze was furious, "Is money more important than your life?"


***


27 comments

  1. What did he buy a ticket for exactly???

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    1. He bought a ticket to escape somewhere else since system kindly suggested to get away from Zhao Handong

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  2. LMAO it's like one of those moments where you guys think you're both on the same page but y'all were talking about two different things all along XDDD Xiang is adorable and Lu Ze !!! overthinking things

    hopefully Xiang is okay, im expecting some comedic outcome, but I can also see a cliche tragic storyline like he's got some incurable disease that wasn't mentioned in the original plot bc the original host commit suicide thus died early, which LZ will probably be like "OH this is why he wanted to break up sob"

    then again the latter guess was just me having fun thinking about a cliche possibility haha

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    1. hahaha I laughed at your great imagination and the way you put it but it's not too far from the truth. That's really melodramatic but I guess that's why I like it in the first place

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    2. ...vaguely makes me think of one of the arcs in Heroic Death System...

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  3. I've really been looking forward to this being updated so so much. LZ's thoughts made me laugh out loud. Reading his thoughts made me think that this story is really aptly named. XD

    Both of the stories that you're translating are so much fun to read. Seriously thank you for all the hard work you're putting in.

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  4. Why this book is so adorable?! "criying" Good bye real life, welcome you yummies. I really really wish we can have more chapters sooner. So i wish a lot of free time for you to waste!

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  5. I need a system too, one that will remind me the characters' identities XD
    *having trouble commenting on mobile*

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    1. If you're going to get a system, you should go for one where you can increase your stats... Raising intelligence, learning magic, improving physique...

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  6. This is hilariously fun, I expect many entanglements with loving results 😍😍😍
    Thanks for the chapter! 💕💕💕

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  7. KYAAAAAAA!!! thank you so much for the update! Xiang Han is sooo cute with his different common sense and his love for food. I can see Xiang Han asking the system to go to culinary world ����

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  8. Little Theater:

    MC: I bought a ticket and it's expensive as to get awa-

    ML: Trying to escape hubby? (*`へ´*)

    MC: Σ(゜ロ゜;)

    ML: *clings to wifey* M I N E.

    MC: (Urgent! How to escape a crazy possessive person! Hurry! Hurry!)

    ML: Wifey~ You can't escape me~
    ლζ*♡ε♡*ζლ

    MC: AHHHHHHHH-!

    ML: ufufufu~ (*´ω`)o

    And thus that was the start of the love story between the cute innocent wifey and the beastily possessive hubby.


    Thank you for the chapter! Ah-! What's wrong with XH!? Is it going to be ML takes care of sick MC!? Oh I hope bby is alright!

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  9. I love it way too much. ML is making up this whole sordid tale of love in his head, and the whole time MC is like. Noodles ARE SO GOOD!! I want mooooore. Oh, you're still here?

    I look forward to more misunderstandings. Thanks for the chapter!

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  10. Thanks for the update! These misunderstandings are adding 9001 years to my life.

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  11. Thanks for the chapter! The wonders of miscommunication! 😓😂😅

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  12. I've been waiting for a long time. But glad that this story already got an update

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  13. Thanks for the chapter! ♥♥♥♥ I love this

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  14. No running away while eating the instant noodles?

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  15. I'm loving this new novel! Thanks for all the hard work you're putting!

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  16. Thank you for this new novel.. 😆

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  17. Thank you for the new chapter!

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  18. thank you for translating this! i'm curious are all the worlds going to originally be gay orientated or is the hurricane known as Xiang Han going to turn their sexuality upside down

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  19. Love this chapter!! Thank you for updating it. Kudos :)

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  20. so many misunderstandings 😃

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  21. Scarfing down instant noodles and coughing up blood. Such high level seduction technique....

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