Chapter 35
“Ow! Be careful!”
Lou Mi winced as Chi Lin helped her to the sofa, her neck still stiff and tilted to the side.
Her cries of pain, directed at Chi Lin, made Chi Lin smile, momentarily forgetting her own anxieties about the abyss.
Lou Mi: “…You almost broke my neck, and you’re laughing?”
“I’m sorry,” Chi Lin said, still amused. “But why did you barge into my room?”
“I didn’t ‘barge in.’ I heard you coughing and choking. I came to help! I’m a hero!”
Then she noticed Chi Lin’s hands, one supporting her head, the other on her neck.
Her most vulnerable body parts were in Chi Lin’s hands. Her bravado vanished.
“Wait,” she said, “are you going to… twist my neck back?”
Chi Lin nodded.
“Are you sure that’s… safe?”
“It’s effective,” Chi Lin said firmly. “I twisted it, so I can untwist it.”
“Is my head a rubber ball? ‘Untwist it?’”
Chi Lin laughed openly now, no longer hiding her amusement.
Lou Mi’s mind filled with a stream of curses: You’re laughing at my pain?
But Chi Lin’s bright smile and dimples were disarmingly cute.
Is she using her cuteness as a weapon now?
“Don’t worry, it won’t hurt,” Chi Lin said. “It’ll be quick.”
Lou Mi: “…’I’ll be back in eighteen years,’ right?”
“Don’t make me laugh. If I laugh, I might actually break your neck.”
“I’m not joking! I’m concerned about my safety!”
“Shh, be quiet. You’re distracting me.”
Lou Mi, wanting to unleash a torrent of insults, swallowed them back, concerned about the long-term consequences of a permanently tilted neck.
She sat on the sofa, while Chi Lin, needing leverage to adjust her neck, stood close, her body almost touching Lou Mi’s.
“I need to stand closer,” she said, anticipating Lou Mi’s reaction.
“Okay,” Lou Mi replied.
“I’ll stand on your left.”
“Okay.”
“You’re twenty-five, right?” Chi Lin asked, seemingly out of the blue.
“So?”
“Never been in a relationship?”
Lou Mi’s heart skipped a beat. Is she asking for a friend? Does she want to set me up with someone?
Before she could respond, Chi Lin’s hands moved swiftly, a loud crack echoing through the room, and Lou Mi’s neck snapped back into place.
A sharp pain shot through her neck.
She gasped, tears welling in her eyes.
The pain was intense, then quickly subsided, leaving a dull ache.
“Move your neck,” Chi Lin said. “See if it’s okay.”
Lou Mi, her vision blurry with tears, tentatively moved her neck.
It was better, but it still hurt.
“How is it?” Chi Lin, seeing her tears, gently massaged her neck and shoulders.
“Were you asking me about my love life to distract me?”
“Of course,” Chi Lin replied honestly.
Lou Mi sighed internally.
She had come to help, and now her neck hurt, and she had been played.
Chi Lin, seeing her dejected expression, thought, Even a celebrity is still just a young person. People in this era are so… emotionally fragile.
Lou Mi, in Dayuan, would be considered a crybaby, her emotions always on display.
Chi Lin softened her touch. “You spend too much time hunched over your computer. Your muscles are stiff. Does this hurt?” she asked, pressing a point on Lou Mi’s shoulder.
Despite the warning, Lou Mi winced.
“Ow! That hurts!”
“Healthy circulation is essential. You keep the room too cold, drink too much ice water, and sit in the same position for hours while gaming. It’s disrupting your qi and causing stagnation. I’ll clear your meridians, then prescribe some herbal remedies to restore balance.”
The pain gradually subsided, replaced by a pleasant warmth.
“Your martial arts manual also covers massage and herbal remedies?” Lou Mi asked, now enjoying the massage.
Chi Lin, realizing denial was pointless, smiled and said, “It covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of practicing Five Elements Fist with me for optimal esports performance.”
Lou Mi gave her a “you’re kidding, right?” look.
“Five Elements Fist is beneficial for everyone. If you don’t like taking medicine, you can at least try the exercises. Join me for my morning routine. It’ll help with your headaches and neck pain. And you need to change your lifestyle. Stop drinking so much ice water.”
“So you want me to join your morning martial arts sessions in the courtyard? What do you think my parents will say?”
“They should join us too,” Chi Lin said seriously. “Five Elements Fist is good for everyone.”
Lou Mi imagined the scene: a family of four practicing martial arts in the courtyard every morning.
And after mastering the fist forms, would they join Chi Lin in hanging upside down from trees?
The neighbors would definitely call the police.
To avoid becoming a viral sensation, Lou Mi politely declined.
“I’ll join you for the evening sessions. My neck and shoulders are stiff. But I can’t wake up that early. And no hanging upside down from trees. And forget about my parents. They’re never home anyway.”
“Then we’ll practice in the evenings,” Chi Lin said.
Evening sessions are better, Lou Mi thought. Less chance of being seen. I’m sacrificing myself for my parents’ reputation.
As the massage continued, Chi Lin stood behind the sofa, Lou Mi’s head resting against the backrest.
Chi Lin had learned massage techniques from books, practicing on the Empress to relieve her fatigue.
Her knowledge of anatomy and pressure points, combined with her strong hands, often lulled the Empress to sleep.
Lou Mi also felt drowsy, her body relaxing.
“Are you tired…?” she mumbled. “Take a break if you are.”
“I’m fine. Go to sleep,” Chi Lin replied.
Lou Mi drifted off.
Chi Lin returned to the bathroom. The guiding star had moved, the abyss had vanished, and the bathtub was back to normal.
She touched the bottom of the tub, feeling the solid surface.
The alignment had lasted for about an hour. So the abyss was only open for an hour.
But how did that translate to time in Dayuan?
Would a modern timer be accurate?
She had so many questions.
…
When Lou Mi woke up, a blue blanket was draped over her, and a small nightlight illuminated the room, casting a soft, starry glow.
Chi Lin was curled up in bed, fast asleep.
Lou Mi got up for a drink of water and stretched her neck.
It felt… different. Light and flexible.
She looked in the mirror. Her shoulders seemed less tense.
“I look good,” she murmured, admiring her reflection.
She returned to Chi Lin’s room and lay down on the sofa, intending to go back to sleep.
When had Chi Lin’s room become so clean and fragrant?
She hadn’t even realized there was a sofa in here before. It had been buried under a pile of clutter.
The posters and fairy lights had been removed, replaced by a pleasant-smelling aroma.
What is that scent…? She drifted off to sleep, the familiar fragrance comforting and soothing.
The next morning, Chi Lin woke up at 6 am. The sound of her slippers startled Lou Mi awake.
Lou Mi, her eyes still heavy with sleep, asked, “What time is it?”
“Six am,” Chi Lin replied.
Lou Mi tried to speak, but her throat was dry and scratchy.
The medication made her thirsty.
Chi Lin poured her a glass of warm water.
Lou Mi had also noticed her increased thirst since starting the neural stimulants.
Chi Lin, remembering her comment about ice water yesterday, had thoughtfully prepared warm water instead.
Lou Mi took a sip, her throat feeling less constricted.
“Thanks,” she said. “That massage was amazing. I fell asleep.”
“How do you feel today?” Chi Lin asked.
“I want another massage.”
Chi Lin frowned. “That’s not what I meant.”
Lou Mi closed her eyes, smiling. “I feel great. Totally relaxed.”
“Good. I’m going to practice my exercises.”
Lou Mi pulled the blanket tighter and waved her hand dismissively.
“Come on, join me. You’re already awake.”
“It’s only 6 am…”
“The early bird catches the worm. Massage isn’t enough. You need exercise.”
“I exercise in the evenings. I’m too tired now.”
“You went to bed before I did last night. You’ve slept for almost four… hours. Sleeping any longer will only make you feel more sluggish and worsen your headaches and memory problems.”
Chi Lin had almost said “four shichen,” then corrected herself.
After three months in this era, some habits were hard to break.
Lou Mi, however, seemed unfazed by her archaic language, attributing it to her “martial arts training.”
She should be grateful Lou Mi was a gamer, accustomed to fantastical concepts.
The words “memory problems,” however, jolted Lou Mi awake.
She sat up. “Can Five Elements Fist really improve my memory?”
“I can’t guarantee it, but it’s definitely beneficial,” Chi Lin replied.
Intrigued, Lou Mi got out of bed.
As she put on her workout clothes and joined Chi Lin in the courtyard, starting with a horse stance, she wondered if Esports Syndrome was making her… gullible.
Practicing martial arts at 6 am was not normal behavior.
But maybe it would actually work.
Chi Lin could cure a stiff neck with a flick of her wrist. And she was always energetic, despite her late nights and early mornings. Perhaps it was the martial arts.
She would try it. If it didn’t work, she could always stop.
“Okay, follow my lead. Left punch,” Chi Lin said, demonstrating the movement slowly.
As they practiced, Lou Lixing and Peng Ziyuan, their arms intertwined, entered the courtyard, their faces glowing with post-coital bliss.
Peng Ziyuan, startled by the sight of two figures in workout clothes, almost dropped her bag.
Embarrassed by their public display of affection, she quickly released Lou Lixing’s arm.
Lou Lixing, who had been leaning on her for support, almost stumbled.
“What are you two doing?” he asked, intrigued.
“Exercising,” Peng Ziyuan replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
She had seen Chi Lin practicing martial arts before and, after Lou Mi’s explanation, hadn’t thought much of it.
But why was Lou Mi participating now?
“You should join us, Mother, Uncle Lou,” Chi Lin said sincerely. “It’s good for your health.”
Lou Lixing, touched by her polite address, said, “Thank you, Xiao Lin, but my back isn’t what it used to be. I might injure myself.”
“Chi Lin gives excellent massages,” Lou Mi said. “She can fix your back in no time.”
“Really?” Peng Ziyuan asked, surprised. “Baby, when did you learn massage therapy?”
Chi Lin, caught off guard by Lou Mi’s words, glared at her.
She had only massaged Lou Mi because she had accidentally injured her neck.
Massage was an intimate act. She couldn’t just offer it to an older man.
Thankfully, Lou Lixing also felt it was inappropriate. “No, no, Xiao Lin is busy with her studies. And Mimi, don’t distract her. She has the college entrance exam next year. It’s a crucial time for her.”
Lou Mi, being told not to bother Chi Lin, was a novel experience.
“I wish I had time to bother her,” she muttered.
“No, no, Sister has been very helpful,” Chi Lin said. “She’s been tutoring me.”
“See?” Lou Mi said.
Peng Ziyuan, witnessing their newfound camaraderie, was deeply moved.
Xiao Lin was finally normal. She had feared her daughter’s difficult personality would lead to a life of loneliness and isolation, perhaps even a life of crime.
But now, everything was changing.
Her joy, however, was short-lived. A message arrived from Ms. Qi, asking her to come to the school.
“Fighting? Is… is my baby hurt?” Peng Ziyuan asked, her voice trembling as she replied.
“It happened two days ago,” Ms. Qi said. “I tried to contact you yesterday, but I couldn’t reach you.”
Peng Ziyuan, overwhelmed with work, had silenced all non-essential notifications during her day off with Lou Lixing, inadvertently including Ms. Qi.
She apologized. Ms. Qi sighed.
“Ms. Peng, I need to speak to you in person, not her sister. It’s always best to discuss these matters with the mother. You need to be more involved in your daughter’s life.”
Peng Ziyuan felt a pang of guilt. She had arranged the business trip with Lou Lixing partly to give Lou Mi and Chi Lin a chance to bond, hoping they would set aside their differences and become a family.
Their peaceful coexistence was a prerequisite for her and Lou Lixing’s marriage.
She had initially been worried, but Lou Lixing had reassured her.
It had worked. Lou Mi and Chi Lin were getting along now. But she had indeed neglected her daughter lately.
She dropped everything and rushed to the school.
In Ms. Qi’s office, she watched the video of the cafeteria fight.
“Chi Lin used to be… eccentric, but she never resorted to violence. I thought she had improved, but this… public brawl is unacceptable,” Ms. Qi said.
Peng Ziyuan’s heart ached.
“She never told me about this…”
“You need to be more involved in her life,” Ms. Qi said. “I know parents are busy, especially single parents. But your child’s well-being should be your top priority. And with the college entrance exam approaching, you need to be there for her.”
Peng Ziyuan felt even more guilty and self-reproachful.
Her daughter had been bullied at school and hadn’t even complained, pretending to be happy and well-adjusted at home.
When had Xiao Lin become so considerate?
“You need to communicate with her more,” Ms. Qi continued, discussing Chi Lin’s recent improvements and the rumors circulating on the forum. “Do you know who she’s been spending time with?”
“Wait,” Peng Ziyuan interrupted, seemingly not hearing the last part. “Rewind the video and turn up the volume.”
Ms. Qi: “…”
Despite the background noise, Xu Yifang and Jiao Minxuan’s taunts were clearly audible.
…
Without Liu Huixin’s charity, she can’t even afford meat.
My leftover breakfast… I’m being so generous.
With your patched-up uniform, you’re probably used to…
…
Peng Ziyuan saw and heard everything, including the dropped pork cutlet landing on Chi Lin’s plate.
The other teachers in the office also heard the insults, their faces grim.
“That’s awful,” one of them murmured.
Peng Ziyuan’s expression turned cold. “Ms. Qi, did you hear that? My daughter was bullied. Who could tolerate such insults? She showed remarkable restraint. If it were me, I would have attacked them sooner!”
Ms. Qi, who had expected a discussion on disciplinary measures, was taken aback by Peng Ziyuan’s reaction.
“Ms. Peng, please calm down…”
“I am calm. Is it wrong to defend your child against bullies? You’re a mother too. If your child were treated like this, you would be ten times more furious.” Peng Ziyuan pointed at the screen. “This is a school, an educational institution, and these girls are your students. Who are they? Have you contacted their parents?”
Ms. Qi’s forehead beaded with sweat. “Let’s focus on Chi Lin’s behavior…”
Peng Ziyuan interrupted. “My daughter did nothing wrong! Is the victim being blamed now? If anything, she was too lenient! She should have thrown the food back at them!”
Peng Ziyuan, a veteran of online fan wars, was more than a match for Ms. Qi.
Ms. Hu, the English teacher, having listened quietly, finally spoke, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“She did nothing wrong? If every student acted like her, this school would be a war zone.”
Peng Ziyuan turned to her, her gaze icy. Ms. Hu took a sip of water, trying to maintain her composure.
“So according to you, students should just tolerate bullying and humiliation? My daughter should have just eaten that dirty pork cutlet?” Peng Ziyuan leaned forward, her hands on Ms. Hu’s desk. “How about I slap you right now, and you just… take it? Set a good example for the students?”
Ms. Hu’s face paled. She stood up abruptly, backing away.
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“Try me!”
Xu Yifang and Jiao Minxuan’s mothers, arriving at the office, witnessed the scene and froze, taking a step back, as if wanting to disappear.
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