Chapter 88
Completely unaware that Chi Lin was already in the elevator, approaching her, Lou Mi was in a private group chat, posing a deep question to Xie Buyu and Fu Tu.
“A friend of mine, I don’t know what’s gotten into her, played some past life game with her girlfriend, and it turns out they were emperor and subject in a previous life! But they’re missing some proof.”
“Huh?” Fu Tu scowled. “You’re keeping us up this late just because your crazy friend played some stupid game? Grow up, who believes in that stuff?”
Lou Mi was at a loss for words.
She couldn’t directly discuss Chi Lin’s situation, so she heavily censored it, attributing it to a friend, seeking advice from relationship experts Xie and Fu.
The Winter World Cup was in full swing, and Fu Tu, a key player in every match, was exhausted after a full day of meetings. Before heading home, Xie Buyu had dragged her into the car for a quickie, leaving Fu Tu with a sore back. Having just showered, she desperately wanted to sleep.
But Sister Mi’s video call pulled her back, rambling about metaphysics, making Fu Tu’s head spin.
“Some things are quite mysterious,” Lou Mi said. “The more absurd they seem, the more likely they are to be true.”
Fu Tu, who had drifted off, was jolted awake by an overly excited Xie Buyu suddenly appearing on screen:
“Emperor and subject? Like, the feudal emperor and subject?”
“The one you’re thinking of.”
“Isn’t that awesome? She’ll have to obey your every command! You can have your way with her in bed, any position you want!”
Lou Mi: “Th-that wild?”
Leave it to the insatiable Xie Buyu to turn any conversation NSFW.
But this time, Xie Buyu had indeed opened Lou Mi’s eyes to a new world of possibilities. It sounded thrilling.
“So,” Xie Buyu asked, “which one of you is the emperor and which one is the subject?”
Lou Mi responded instinctively, “Of course I’m the…”
She trailed off mid-sentence, almost dropping her phone.
“I told you it’s my friend’s story!”
“Sure, sure, everyone has a friend like that.”
Xie Buyu, now wide awake, continued chatting with Lou Mi. Fu Tu, using the last of her energy, poked at Xie Buyu’s image on the screen and collapsed onto her bed, asleep.
Seeing Fu Tu asleep, Xie Buyu decided to pry:
“Did you two play any S&M before? Whose idea was it? So kinky, I’m surprised. Tsk, tsk, tsk, my guess is Little Sister. She seems so innocent on the outside, but secretly…”
Lou Mi waved her hand at Xie Buyu’s image: “No guessing! No judging! Who’s secretly kinky?! I’m talking about my friend, don’t drag Little Lin into this.”
“Fine, fine, not Little Sister, not Little Sister. Anyway, the key to these games is realism, no matter what you play, you have to believe it yourself, that’s fundamental.”
Lou Mi knew this perfectly well.
Believe it? It was the truth; she was the Empress!
At this thought, Lou Mi’s expression froze.
Something clicked.
“Lou Mi is your wife? Oh, still missing some evidence.”
The original Chi Lin’s words echoed in her mind.
Missing some evidence?
So, it wasn’t certain that she was Chi Lin’s Empress after all?!
“…So, I can find you a reliable seller for costumes and props. Um, Sister Mi, are you even listening?”
Lou Mi, after a long pause, said, “Ah, I have something to do, you should get some rest.”
Xie Buyu, who had been kept awake and was now thoroughly engaged in the conversation: “??”
Lou Mi ended the video call and sat on the bed, lost in thought.
Thinking about everything Chi Lin had done since arriving in this era, it all boiled down to one thing: searching.
Lou Mi reasoned that if Chi Lin had found concrete evidence, she would have told her immediately, not waited until now.
But, if it wasn’t her, who else could it be?
An Empress in a past life… who else besides Lou Mi could possibly fit that description?
Besides, Chi Lin wasn’t searching for a stranger; she was searching for her wife.
That connection was something only they could understand.
What other evidence was needed? Wasn’t Chi Lin falling in love with her again in this vast sea of people the most compelling evidence?
This thought reassured Lou Mi.
Chi Lin was indeed adaptable. Aside from her unusual behavior initially and her occasional archaic expressions, she was no different from a modern person.
But now it seemed that the inherent seriousness of an ancient person was hard to change.
Even having been a general and an empress, Chi Lin was a scholar at heart, a doctor, no less, always demanding evidence, a tad pedantic, but understandable.
Lou Mi had a brilliant idea, a way to solve Chi Lin’s dilemma and lead them straight down the aisle.
She would put it into action the next time she saw Chi Lin!
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone was knocking on the door.
Lou Mi’s heart leaped. Was she here already?
Lou Lixing, her grandparents, and Peng Ziyuan had just visited. The only person who would come at this hour was Chi Lin.
Hadn’t they agreed she shouldn’t make the trip to the hospital after such a busy day?
Why didn’t this child listen?
Lou Mi’s heart swelled with affection. She heard Chi Lin ask:
“Sister, are you asleep?”
Lou Mi wanted to answer instinctively, but she stopped herself.
Don’t answer, stay in character, it’s showtime! She was the Empress!
Chi Lin knocked again, but there was still no response.
Maybe she was asleep?
Chi Lin gently turned the doorknob, and the door opened.
The lights were on; Lou Mi was clearly awake.
Not only was she awake, but she was sitting upright on the bed, looking dignified and benevolent, staring intently at Chi Lin.
Chi Lin: “?”
“Come here.” Lou Mi gestured slowly, calm and composed, like a great leader.
Chi Lin, full of questions, was taken aback by Lou Mi’s unusual behavior. She hesitated, stopping in her tracks:
“Sister, what’s wrong with you?”
Xie Buyu’s advice echoed in Lou Mi’s mind: For a scene to be convincing, you have to believe it yourself.
Lou Mi had never been a real empress, but she had watched countless movies and TV shows.
She knew how an emperor should act.
She could imagine Chi Lin’s inner turmoil.
She would put Chi Lin out of her misery.
“What’s wrong with Zhen?” Lou Mi asked, maintaining a gentle smile.
Hearing Lou Mi’s imperial self-address, Chi Lin’s eyes widened.
Lou Mi beckoned her with a finger, and Chi Lin, entranced, walked to the bedside.
“You must have endured much hardship searching for Zhen these past days. You’ve worked hard.” Lou Mi took her hand, gently caressing the back of her hand with her thumb.
“From this day forward, let Zhen repay you.”
Lou Mi’s meaning was clear.
She had remembered her past life and acknowledged their relationship. Chi Lin didn’t need to worry anymore; she could just relax and be with her.
Chi Lin didn’t let go of her hand. She sat on the small sofa by the bed, her other hand covering Lou Mi’s, her eyes shining.
“Sister,” Chi Lin said earnestly, “in our Dayuan, the emperor refers to themselves as Guaren.”
Lou Mi: “…Is that so? Really?”
Chi Lin nodded firmly.
Lou Mi flopped back onto the pillows, staring at the ceiling like a downed helicopter:
“Let me process this…”
“What are you thinking? Why are you pretending to remember your past life?”
Lou Mi turned her head back: “It’s just for now. I’ll remember everything for real, eventually.”
Remembering Lou Mi’s attempt at playing empress, Chi Lin’s shoulders shook with laughter.
“Don’t laugh!” Lou Mi was slightly embarrassed. “I’m doing this for our future, to ease your burden, so we can start our wonderful married life sooner!”
“Married life?”
“Yes. Little Lin, don’t you want to marry me?” Lou Mi was a bit anxious. “Or do you want to search for traces of the Empress in other people? To see if someone else could be your wife?”
Chi Lin shook her head: “I won’t look for anyone else. I was searching for proof that you and Her Majesty are the same person, and I believe you are. The Imperial Preceptor told me before I traveled here that there would be a connection between Her Majesty’s past and present lives, something to prove her identity. I was looking for concrete evidence, but now I think, falling in love with Her Majesty again in this vast sea of people, why can’t that be the proof? I am the proof.”
Seeing the tears glistening in Chi Lin’s determined eyes, yet stubbornly refusing to fall, Lou Mi’s heart ached.
“But I’m not ready for a relationship with Her Majesty of this era. I didn’t come here for enjoyment. The Imperial Preceptor sacrificed his life to send me here, to awaken Her Majesty’s memories, to revive the hope of restoring our nation. Countless lives depend on me, I can’t just focus on my personal matters.”
Lou Mi hadn’t realized the weight Chi Lin carried, the fate of an entire nation. It was far heavier than she had imagined.
The joy on Lou Mi’s face was replaced by a deep frown.
Seeing her expression, Chi Lin’s brow furrowed:
“Sister, does this make you anxious?”
Lou Mi gently smoothed the wrinkles on Chi Lin’s forehead with her fingertip:
“I think you’re the one who’s anxious.”
Chi Lin chuckled: “I’m getting used to it. And we’re so close, I’m not worried anymore.”
“Just one step away, me remembering my past life, right?”
Chi Lin nodded.
Now, Lou Mi also felt the weight of countless lives on her shoulders.
“What was our dynasty called?”
“Yuan, like the ‘yuan’ in wilderness.”
“Yuan… I don’t think I’ve ever seen that in any history books.”
Chi Lin put her bag aside and poured Lou Mi some hot water: “When I first arrived, I checked all the history books, both official and unofficial, but there was no mention of Dayuan. Later, when I went to your grandparents’ house to sing Danzhou opera, I unexpectedly found an important clue.”
As Lou Mi drank, Chi Lin explained the connection between Danzhou opera and Yuqiang opera, and the insight she gained from Grandpa Yan.
Lou Mi: “I just found Old Yan annoying and wondered why you kept letting him in. I didn’t expect you to find a clue from him. So Dayuan was an ancient nomadic tribe?”
“That’s the most likely scenario.”
Lou Mi’s interest in her past life was a blessing. Chi Lin told her everything about Dayuan, Shangjing, and the imperial court.
Their meeting at the Imperial Academy, the development of their relationship, Chi Lin leading the troops north and their near-death encounter on the battlefield, the assassination attempt at the Danzhou Palace and Her Majesty saving her life…
Then their marriage, Chi Lin’s exile, the rebellion in the capital, Chi Lin risking her life to return, only to find Her Majesty’s corpse. Driven by grief and duty, Chi Lin sought the Imperial Preceptor’s help to travel hundreds of years into the future. She explained everything clearly and methodically.
Lou Mi’s emotions rollercoastered with Chi Lin’s story.
She hadn’t expected her past life to end so tragically, that Chi Lin hadn’t even seen her beloved one last time.
How scared and lonely must Chi Lin have been, losing both her lover and her home, arriving alone in a completely unfamiliar era?
Just imagining it made Lou Mi feel suffocated.
But Chi Lin had persevered, adapting quickly to this technologically advanced world, one step at a time, even when completely alone.
Lou Mi put her cup down, stood up, and hugged Chi Lin.
“Don’t move…” Chi Lin, surprised by her sudden movement, tried to gently push her back.
But Lou Mi held on tight.
Chi Lin didn’t dare to struggle, afraid of hurting her.
“I wasn’t there when you went through all that.”
Chi Lin had endured so much pain, so many injuries, without a single complaint.
Like that day on the highway, risking her life to save Lou Mi. Even though she was shielded, Lou Mi was still covered in injuries, how badly must Chi Lin have been hurt?
Chi Lin had silently borne the agonizing pain, always prioritizing Lou Mi’s well-being…
Feeling her shoulder getting wet, Chi Lin gently stroked Lou Mi’s back, trying to soothe her.
Her own emotions were also stirred, her throat tight, her heart overflowing:
“But from now on, I’m not alone anymore.”
***
The accompanying bed in the ward was empty. Lou Mi insisted that Chi Lin sleep with her.
She needed to hold Chi Lin, to feel her close, to hold her hand, to fall asleep.
Chi Lin, anticipating her clinginess and feeling exhausted herself, agreed. They slept together.
She had a dreamless night. The next morning, Chi Lin was awakened by the alarm. Lou Mi was still holding her waist, her face buried in Chi Lin’s chest, their positions reversed from when they fell asleep. Chi Lin was now the one holding Lou Mi.
Lou Mi also seemed to hear the alarm. She groaned and snuggled closer, tightening her embrace.
Not wanting to disturb her, Chi Lin carefully reached for her phone and turned off the alarm, minimizing her movements.
Lou Mi’s breathing evened out. Chi Lin quietly watched her sleeping face.
She wanted to stay here with her, to be the first person she saw when she woke up, but she had a responsibility.
Today, she was playing for Nine Heavens in Lou Mi’s place. She couldn’t afford to be late.
As much as it pained her, Chi Lin had to get up.
She gently removed Lou Mi’s arm and quietly got out of bed.
After washing up and as she was about to get dressed, she heard Lou Mi say:
“Kiss me before you go.”
Chi Lin turned around: “Did I wake you?”
Lou Mi opened one eye, still sleepy, but a smile bloomed on her face when she saw Chi Lin:
“No, I’ve been awake for a while.”
Chi Lin didn’t comment on her little lie. She put on her uniform and zipped it up.
“I might not be able to reply during the match. I’ll contact you as soon as it’s over.”
Lou Mi smiled: “I know the rules. Are you that afraid I’ll miss you?”
Lou Mi lay on her side, propped up on one elbow, her figure evident even in the loose hospital gown.
Whether intentional or from tossing and turning, the top two buttons of her gown were undone.
Chi Lin quickly averted her gaze, grabbed her down jacket, and turned her back to Lou Mi as she got dressed:
“I’m just worried you’ll be bored here alone. Are Uncle Lou and Mother coming today? Or do you want to watch a movie or read something? I can set it up for you before I leave…”
Before she could finish, Lou Mi hugged her from behind.
Her long arms wrapped around Chi Lin, enveloping her small frame in her thick down jacket.
Lou Mi was half a head taller, the perfect height for nibbling on her ear.
“I said, kiss me before you go.” Lou Mi whispered as she nuzzled Chi Lin’s ear.
Chi Lin, leaning against the table for support, almost lost her balance.
Lou Mi lifted her up and sat her on the table, her left hand beside her. They faced each other, Lou Mi closing her eyes with a smile, waiting.
Chi Lin, holding Lou Mi’s shirt, leaned forward and pecked her lips lightly.
Unlike Chi Lin’s quick peck, Lou Mi cupped her chin and deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth thoroughly.
“Sister…” Chi Lin couldn’t let this continue, or she wouldn’t be able to focus all day. She gently nudged Lou Mi, who was now kissing her neck:
“I have to go.”
Lou Mi lingered for a moment, then reluctantly pulled away, her eyes still hazy:
“Kiss me again.”
Chi Lin complied.
Lou Mi’s lips were addictive.
This time, Chi Lin’s kiss was deeper, a gentle exploration that reignited Lou Mi’s passion.
***
It was already 7:20. If she didn’t leave now, she would really be late. Lou Mi finally released Chi Lin.
“This is madness.” Chi Lin quickly fixed her disheveled hair, the neat bun reforming instantly.
“I think you enjoy this madness.” Lou Mi tried to snuggle up again, and Chi Lin had no choice but to stop her:
“No more, really. I’ll be late, and don’t you want to be discharged?”
“I don’t feel any pain.” Lou Mi insisted.
“Even if you don’t, I have to go.” Chi Lin grabbed her bag and headed for the door.
“Be careful.” Lou Mi leaned against the doorframe, her voice full of reluctance. “Let me know when you get to the club.”
“Okay.” Chi Lin shouldered her bag and touched her flushed cheeks with her cool fingers.
Lou Mi leaned against the door, smiling silently, watching as Chi Lin walked away and disappeared into the elevator.
As the doors closed, Chi Lin waved, urging her to go back to bed, and Lou Mi blew her a kiss.
Only when Chi Lin was completely out of sight did Lou Mi drop the act, letting the pain wash over her as she winced and limped back to bed.
Chi Lin got in the car and sped towards the club.
On the way, she took out her tablet, logged in, submitted her homework, and checked the day’s schedule and assignments.
After that, the arduous task of finding a way to unlock Lou Mi’s past life memories remained.
As she neared the club, a message from Lou Mi arrived:
“Were you studying just now? Take a break. Listen, when you arrive, go to the cafeteria for breakfast. I’ll send you my ID; you can use my card. There are snacks and drinks in my office. You’ll probably head to the live stream building after lunch, so eat well, either in my office or the cafeteria. Don’t overeat, though; it’ll affect your performance. Do you know where the cafeteria is? 7th floor.”
Such a long message. Chi Lin replied: “I know, you forget I’ve eaten in the cafeteria.”
“Oh right, you were there telling fortunes. You clever girl. Almost there?”
Chi Lin had already parked and was in the elevator: “Heading up now.”
After breakfast, Chi Lin returned to the club. Almost everyone had arrived, and the pre-match preparations began.
After participating in the meeting remotely for a while, Lou Mi and the others dispersed for lunch.
Lou Lixing arrived and pushed Lou Mi in her wheelchair to visit Slay downstairs.
Slay’s parents had arrived overnight. He had regained consciousness, and his headache had subsided.
Lou Mi and Lou Lixing chatted with him and his parents. As match time approached, Lou Lixing pushed Lou Mi back to her room.
They ran into Peng Ziyuan in the hallway.
“How are you today, Mi Mi? Feeling any better?”
“Much better, just a bit lazy to walk.”
Knowing Chi Lin was playing, Peng Ziyuan had brought lunch for three. Back in the room, Lou Lixing set up the folding table, and they ate while waiting for the match.
Lou Mi had a hearty appetite, finishing a large bowl of rice with vegetables and meat. Feeling incredibly full, she stood up and walked to the window.
Remembering she was an empress, she clasped her hands behind her back, imagining herself standing before her court in a grand palace.
What a magnificent scene.
But all she saw outside were patches of dead grass.
In a regal tone, Lou Mi declared, “This hospital’s landscaping is truly appalling.”
Lou Lixing and Peng Ziyuan, mid-bite, looked at Lou Mi’s back, then at each other.
Lou Lixing whispered, “Little Lin was acting strange before, now Mi Mi’s acting weird too. Is it contagious?”
Peng Ziyuan’s heart skipped a beat. Had Mi Mi also been soul-swapped?
Was soul transmigration this common?
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