Side Story 1: Lou Mi x Chi Lin
“Have you heard? HighTowerMiyuki has a new lover!”
“No way! Isn’t she all about her little sister? Everyone knows she’s a total siscon!”
“But this time, it’s an older woman…”
“Older?”
“And drop-dead gorgeous!”
“Seriously? I don’t believe it!”
“There are photos!”
“Where?! Let me see! Holy shit… is that even human? She’s stunning…”
“Tired of young girls, or does she think older women are more caring?”
“But our Chi Lin is also great!”
The whispering college students, gossiping amongst themselves, suddenly fell silent as Chi Lin entered the classroom.
“Break it up, break it up.”
Chi Lin sat in the back row, opened her tablet, and class began.
Classical Chinese was her favorite subject, a core course for history majors.
The professor was old and a bit pedantic, his lectures considered boring by her classmates, but Chi Lin enjoyed them.
As someone from ancient times, she found the lectures both familiar and occasionally inaccurate.
She noted down her questions to discuss with her tutor later.
Even after starting her work, Chi Lin could still hear the whispers from the front, their occasional glances in her direction.
She had heard their gossip when she entered.
Her Majesty having a “new lover” was something Chi Lin already knew.
***
“We don’t need you to study something just to earn money, just do what you enjoy, being happy is more important than anything else.”
After deciding to stay in this era with Lou Mi and preparing for the college entrance exams again, Lou Mi still said this to her.
Having experienced the hardships of her past life and the long search for Lou Mi, all she wanted was for Chi Lin to be happy and carefree in this life.
Lou Mi had bought an apartment near L University, close to Chi Lin’s school, and insisted on driving her every day, no matter how busy she was.
On nice days, they would walk through the small park connecting to the back entrance of L University.
Managing her own club initially took a lot of time and effort, but Lou Mi was quick to learn and adapted well. Soon, the company was running smoothly, and she had more time to take care of Chi Lin’s daily needs.
Although Chi Lin wanted to be the one taking care of her.
“It’s my duty as your subject and your wife,” Chi Lin had said seriously.
Even in the modern era, certain principles couldn’t be disregarded.
Raised in Dayuan, she was still a person of Dayuan at heart.
Lou Mi was the Emperor, she was a subject, how could she let the Emperor serve her?
Last time, at home, when Lou Mi bent down to tie her shoelaces, Chi Lin had been startled.
“Your Majesty, you mustn’t!” She had knelt immediately, trying to stop her.
Lou Mi had found her reaction amusing: “What’s wrong? We’re married, I can pamper my wife, can’t I?”
Chi Lin couldn’t explain…
She knew Lou Mi had memories of both lifetimes, but the customs of Dayuan were just memories, they influenced Lou Mi’s personality, but she was still a modern person, still Lou Mi.
So, to Lou Mi, tying her wife’s shoelaces was a small gesture of affection.
But Chi Lin couldn’t accept being served by Lou Mi.
Even though she had adapted to modern fashion, this was where she drew the line.
No matter how much Lou Mi insisted, how much she acted spoiled, Chi Lin wouldn’t allow it.
Lou Mi found it both amusing and endearing.
She wanted to pamper her wife, but her wife wouldn’t let her, insisting on returning the favor.
Chi Lin’s obedience in bed was already captivating enough, and now she insisted on taking care of everything outside of it.
Cooking, cleaning, dressing her… Lou Mi wasn’t allowed to lift a finger.
And not only that, but there was always a plate of fruit waiting for her, along with a sweet kiss.
“Be good, Your Majesty, I’ll get your clothes. Wait for me.”
After a quick peck on the lips, Chi Lin would fetch her clothes from the closet.
Lou Mi, enjoying the perfectly washed and prepared cherries, would sigh contentedly.
She had only saved Dayuan, but it felt like she had saved the entire universe, to be rewarded with such a capable, caring, and devoted wife.
But still…
Now that life was peaceful, she wasn’t even allowed to pamper her wife?
Chi Lin tried an ancient method of scenting clothes and was pleased with the results. The fragrance was subtle, only noticeable up close, and long-lasting—a scent exclusively for Chi Lin.
“Your Majesty, come here. Aren’t you meeting with the team and the trainees today? This outfit is both professional and stylish. I’ve also chosen a few options for cufflinks, brooches, and other accessories, take your pick.”
Chi Lin presented her with the clothes and the jewelry box. Lou Mi, impressed by her impeccable taste, couldn’t decide.
Just a few years in this era, and her fashion sense was already so refined.
“These are all beautiful,” Lou Mi said. “Which ones do you like?”
“I picked them out for you on Saturday, while you were busy with the company, I went shopping with Wei Zhuoning and Lin Xiaozhi.”
“These accessories must have been expensive.”
“I used my tournament winnings,” Chi Lin quickly explained, assuring her she hadn’t spent their household money.
Lou Mi smiled and lifted her chin with a finger: “I know, you’re so thoughtful. And it’s all our money anyway, why are you being so formal?”
Chi Lin blushed slightly at her touch.
They had both been busy lately, with little time for intimacy, even a casual touch made her heart race.
Her first year of university courses wasn’t heavy, but it felt like a whole new world.
She enrolled in as many elective courses as possible, joined various clubs, and often consulted Wei Zhuoning, who was also studying Chinese literature at L University.
“Lin, ask me anything, I’m always here to help.”
Having spent a year retaking the exams due to her trip back to Dayuan, Chi Lin was now Wei Zhuoning’s junior.
Lin Xiaozhi had pushed Wei Zhuoning relentlessly, finally getting her into L University. Lin Xiaozhi herself was studying law at J University, two blocks away, her goal to enter politics.
She visited L University whenever she had time, and the three of them, although not seeing each other every day like in high school, remained close.
Lou Mi, although retired, was still missed by her fans.
She occasionally posted on Weibo and streamed, but spent most of her time managing her company and training new players.
Meetings took up most of her time. Even as a professional player, she had many meetings, but as the CEO, it was even worse.
After a few months, she had lost weight, even her bust size decreased, making her worry.
This couldn’t continue!
She called Zhuo Jinglan, offering her a high-paying job at her company.
“Do you know how much I celebrated when you retired from Nine Heavens? Finally free from your tyranny, and now you want me to jump back into the fire? Am I crazy?”
“Annual salary of 1.5 million,” Lou Mi said, “plus year-end bonuses.”
Zhuo Jinglan: “…When do I start?”
“Anytime.”
Zhuo Jinglan, without hesitation, agreed.
Using the same tactic, she poached Fu Tu and Xie Buyu, offering them coaching positions, no more grueling competitions.
Xie Buyu, who had been wanting to retire and enjoy a comfortable life, immediately accepted, dragging Fu Tu along with her.
Their former club contacted Lou Mi:
“Lou Zong, you can’t just leave and take the entire Nine Heavens team with you! We don’t mind Chi Lin following you, but poaching Zhuo Jinglan and the others is a bit much, isn’t it?”
Lou Mi negotiated a deal, offering them generous compensation.
Fu Tu was touched: “See, Sister Mi truly loves us! Spending money and pulling strings just to keep us by her side!”
Xie Buyu: “Is this love? Or is this the beginning of us being worked like mules? How can you be so naive after all this time?”
Fu Tu: “…”
Having her old friends around was convenient. They freed up Lou Mi’s time, allowing her to spend more time with Chi Lin.
She still had to go to the company today, but not too early, she could relax at home in the morning.
Chi Lin also had a late class at 10:15. She woke up early, prepared breakfast, and laid out Lou Mi’s outfit, carefully chosen with love.
Lou Mi picked up a pair of airplane-shaped cufflinks with blue gemstones. Chi Lin smiled inwardly; she also thought they were perfect for Lou Mi.
Lou Mi: “These are beautiful.”
Chi Lin held out her hands, expecting Lou Mi to give her the cufflinks so she could put them on her, then place the other chosen accessories on a tray.
Lou Mi, instead of giving them to her, kissed her fingers, then placed the cufflinks on the tray herself.
Lou Mi said earnestly: “Honey, stop acting like you’re waiting to be served, okay? I’m your Empress, but I’m also your wife. We’re living in this era, let’s follow its customs. We’re equals, there’s no serving, only love. If anything, we serve each other.”
“But…”
“No buts, you’re my ‘little sister’ now, I’m the one who pampers you.”
Lou Mi picked up a pair of champagne-colored sunglasses. As Chi Lin instinctively reached for them, Lou Mi playfully put her finger in her mouth.
Chi Lin quickly pulled her hand back, blushing.
Lou Mi tapped her forehead: “Still being naughty? Do you want a lesson from Big Sister right now?”
Chi Lin didn’t argue with Lou Mi calling herself “Big Sister.” She helped her gather her things and saw her off.
That evening, as Lou Mi was about to leave the office, she received a message from Chi Lin.
The usually voice-message-loving ancient person had sent a text message:
“Your Majesty, if you’re done, come downstairs, I’m in the parking lot.”
Lou Mi, sensing a surprise, went downstairs and found Chi Lin’s car.
The window rolled down, revealing a mature and beautiful face that made Lou Mi’s heart race.
It was Chi Lin, in her original body, Lin Jie herself!
Before leaving Dayuan, Chi Lin had given the Blood Essence Pearl to the new Empress, asking her to continue repairing it.
A year ago, re-entering the abyss, she had noticed its increased stability, the Pearl must have been fixed.
For convenience, she had been using her younger sister’s body, but Lou Mi’s playful comment this morning had prompted her to switch back?
Lin Jie was wearing Lou Mi’s black dress, the collar slightly unbuttoned, revealing a delicate pendant.
Her long, dark hair, styled loosely, gave her an elegant yet modern look.
Her makeup was light, her eyes like a clear lake, gazing at Lou Mi.
Lou Mi was momentarily speechless.
The car door opened, and Lou Mi got in. Lin Jie leaned closer and kissed her.
“Your Majesty,” Chi Lin’s voice was mature and smooth, sending shivers down Lou Mi’s spine.
“May I pamper Your Majesty now?”
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