Chapter 76: The Master's Range of Expertise Is Truly Vast

If Sheriff Hope had been shrewd enough to say, “I can give you this kind of romance, too,” then there would have been no doubt about what would happen in bed that night. Unfortunately, Sheriff Hope merely sniffed and said, “Damn, the steak’s burning!”

Both of them rushed into the kitchen in a panic. Lin Xiao scooped Zoe into his arms and set her down on the sofa. Eleven and Will hurried over. Eleven reached out her hand, placing it gently on Zoe’s forehead, her eyes closing halfway in concentration.

Lin Xiao keenly sensed a gentle current of energy flowing from Eleven’s palm, seeping into Zoe’s forehead, slowly bringing color back to her cheeks, though she still looked weak.

“I’m much better now, Eleven. Don’t waste your strength,” Zoe said, reaching out to grasp Eleven’s wrist, preventing her from channeling more energy.

But Eleven stubbornly kept her hand in place, continuing to pour her power into her teacher, aiding her recovery.

If only she hadn’t tried to show off or use her abilities to control Jonathan, none of this would have happened. Zoe wouldn’t have been seriously hurt. It was all her fault, and she had to make up for it.

“That’s enough, Eleven. Let me handle the rest now.” Lin Xiao gently pulled Eleven’s hand away. Her recovery was slower than his, and excessive exertion would only hinder her future growth.

Moving Eleven’s hand aside, Lin Xiao placed his own hand on Zoe’s forehead and used his purification skill once more.

With his purification now at level two mastery, it was effective not only against abnormal conditions, but also offered some relief for mental injuries—even if not as swiftly as with physical ailments.

Zoe gazed quietly at his face, seeing the genuine concern and remorse etched there. His regret for his actions was real; he wasn’t just putting on a show.

In that moment, a strange emotion welled up inside her. Because of her identity as a witch, she’d always been lonely—her classmates called her a freak, even her parents kept their distance. That was why she chose to live alone. If no one liked her, she wouldn’t bother with anyone either, preferring the tranquility of solitude.

But just now, seeing Eleven and Will beside her, Joy and Sheriff Hope standing in the background, and Lin Xiao tending to her so devotedly, she suddenly realized how much she cherished this kind of atmosphere.

A family, gathered together, caring for one another, laughter and warmth—so much livelier and cozier than living alone.

After all, human beings are social creatures, whether ordinary or extraordinary.

“If only I could be part of this family—how happy I would be.”

That thought flashed through her mind, and she found her spirit much improved. Sitting up from the sofa, she gently pushed Lin Xiao’s hand away and said,

“I’m fine now. Thank you all for helping me heal.”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Lin Xiao stood up, suddenly aware of his exhaustion—partly from the drain on his magic, partly from his turbulent emotions. It was odd; he’d hurt Zoe, but the anxiety he felt was disproportionate, as if he were afraid she might suddenly leave.

This was a new feeling for him, one he’d never experienced before. It had a faint whiff—almost—of infatuation.

Could it be that he liked this witch?

No, impossible. They’d only known each other for two days, barely understood one another. Where would love come from?

He’d forgotten the classic line from “A Chinese Odyssey”:

“Does one need a reason to love someone?
Does one?
Perhaps one doesn’t.”

At last, things settled down. Joy bustled over to invite everyone to dinner in the dining room. Eleven supported Zoe as they walked in, everyone taking their seats at the long table. Sheriff Hope handed out wine glasses, uncorked a bottle of Bordeaux, and poured the first glass for Zoe.

Perhaps a bit too enthusiastic, Joy piled Zoe’s plate with crab legs and set a whole tomahawk steak before her, while the rest shared the other two steaks.

Zoe could only smile wryly, yet she felt a deep warmth. She picked up her knife and fork and began to eat in small bites.

During the meal, Sheriff Hope stood to propose a toast to Zoe, apologizing for Lin Xiao’s earlier rudeness and thanking her for becoming Eleven’s teacher.

Joy, Lin Xiao, Eleven, and Will each raised their glasses to her as well.

Although the drinking customs here differed from those in China, the tradition of toasting was still present.

Dinner stretched on into the evening. By the end, even Joy, who’d once believed witches were bad people, had completely changed her mind about Zoe. She found her no different from any other girl—except perhaps, like Eleven, she possessed special powers.

In fact, privately, Joy was already treating Zoe as her son’s girlfriend, eager not to offend. After all, it wasn’t easy to find a daughter-in-law these days.

Given Zoe’s ordeal and fearing for her safety, Lin Xiao again invited her to stay the night. Eleven insisted on sleeping with her, and the two ended up sharing her room.

The next morning, Lin Xiao awoke to the aroma wafting from the kitchen. After washing and dressing, he went downstairs to find Joy busy as ever, the table spread with a lavish breakfast.

“Mom, what are you doing? We’re having breakfast, not a banquet.”

Joy hurried over, gesturing toward Zoe’s room. She whispered, “It’s not for you, it’s for Miss Zoe.”

Lin Xiao was speechless. So, her own son didn’t get as much attention as the home tutor. He just wanted some peace.

After a hearty breakfast, everyone went off to work or school. With Zoe around and her ability to teleport anywhere in town, Eleven no longer needed to guard Joy constantly—she simply checked on her with her powers from time to time.

It was Friday, and school let out at midday. After class, Lin Xiao and Will went home, picked up Eleven, and headed to the hospital to visit their friends Michael and Lucas.

The boys had nearly recovered and would be discharged tomorrow. Will and Dustin had already planned a welcome party for them— the livelier, the better.

After chatting for half an hour, and seeing it was nearly closing time, Lin Xiao took the others to the supermarket to pick up Joy.

In his opinion, Joy didn’t need to work anymore. Staying home, looking after Eleven, and cooking for them was enough—given his current earning ability, he could live for years off one big score.

But Joy firmly refused. Her job was her career—she wasn’t going to become a full-time housekeeper.

Lin Xiao could only respect her wishes. Their sense of independence had long since awakened. While full equality between men and women was still a distant goal, women here were far more independent than in many other countries.

When they drove up to the supermarket, they saw a crowd gathered in the square outside. On the steps by the flowerbeds stood a man who looked vaguely familiar, speaking loudly:

“The gods! We need the gods’ salvation, to lead us into paradise, where there is no pain, no sickness, no cruel competition. Everyone loves one another, like family, living together in happiness and joy.

Oh, ignorant mortals! Open your eyes, offer your devotion, come and believe in the gods! Eternal redemption and happiness will be yours…”

“Wait—isn’t that the exorcist from the other day? Is he preaching now?”

Lin Xiao found it odd. Wasn’t this so-called exorcist making a living by driving out evil spirits? When did he start dabbling as a street preacher too? Was he exorcising and evangelizing at the same time—juggling multiple professions?

He really did have a broad skill set. Perhaps he could also lay bricks, dig tunnels, break out of prison, treat sprains, and give massages.

A true jack-of-all-trades—a real role model for any wandering master.