Chapter 100
“Live with me in this era.”
Lou Mi’s words kept Chi Lin awake.
Normally, after drinking and a hot bath, she would have been asleep for hours.
But Chi Lin lay awake, staring at the uncurtained window.
The city lights dimmed the stars, even at this late hour.
Whether due to the lights or the change in location, the stars Chi Lin used to count were now invisible.
She went to the kitchen for some water, then tossed and turned, still unable to sleep.
This era was fast-paced and direct, superficial and entertainment-driven, yet it was also vibrant and fascinating. She had learned things she had never imagined, witnessed the boundless wonders of this world.
And this was Her Majesty’s era, the era that shaped and nurtured her, where she had her family and friends, her memories, her empire.
She hadn’t regained many of her past life memories, but Chi Lin knew that even if she did, Lou Mi accompanying her back to Dayuan to restore their nation would be a long shot.
Hunger, war, disease, a life without modern conveniences… Lou Mi wouldn’t be able to adapt.
She couldn’t stay in Dayuan.
Chi Lin tossed and turned, restless.
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked on her door.
Chi Lin recognized the rhythm; it was Lou Mi.
Lou Mi knew Chi Lin must be tired after the live stream and the dinner, so she had let her sleep alone, afraid of disturbing her.
“I saw you go to the kitchen. Are you too tired to sleep?”
Chi Lin got out of bed and opened the door. Lou Mi leaned against the doorframe, the warm hallway light illuminating her gentle, slightly worried face.
“You’re still awake? It’s so late, what’s wrong?” Lou Mi touched her face.
Her hand, usually cold, was warm now, not her usual body temperature, she must have just warmed them up.
Chi Lin noticed the detail.
“You’re not asleep either.”
“No.” Lou Mi readily admitted, “I miss you.”
Chi Lin smiled at her.
“Do you want me to stay with you?” Lou Mi noticed Chi Lin’s slight chill, probably from tossing and turning.
Chi Lin didn’t answer, but her eyes held a silent plea.
Lou Mi kissed her forehead and entered the room.
When they first met, Lou Mi hadn’t seemed like a particularly caring person, her words sharp, her temper short.
But the more they interacted, the more Chi Lin realized how deeply caring she was.
Lou Mi hugged her from behind, her warmth seeping through their pajamas, melting away Chi Lin’s restlessness.
“What are you thinking about?” Lou Mi’s arm wrapped around Chi Lin’s waist, her hand holding Chi Lin’s.
“Just some random things.”
“Sigh,” Lou Mi said, “Did what I said earlier put pressure on you?”
Chi Lin didn’t answer immediately. Lou Mi chuckled softly in her ear:
“I was just acting spoiled. Where you want to stay is your decision. Our situation is unique; there’s no precedent. Dayuan is your home. I’m being selfish, of course. Leave the memory recovery to me, you focus on your studies and the college entrance exams. When everything is ready, we’ll go back and restore Dayuan, resolve your worries, and then you can settle down here with me. We’ll get married, play games together, travel the world. You wanted to see Earth from space, right? Space travel is very popular now, we can go anytime. Not just Earth, we can tour the entire solar system. And when we’re too old to travel, we’ll find a beautiful place to grow old together.”
Lou Mi’s words were simple and sweet, filled with hope and sincerity.
“That’s my wishful thinking. Just imagining it makes me happy.” Lou Mi seemed to wake from a beautiful dream, facing reality. “That’s my wish, but I know you have your own considerations.”
Held in Lou Mi’s comforting embrace, Chi Lin could barely think.
Comfort and stability made one resistant to change.
Chi Lin had found some historical fragments about Dayuan. The dynasty had ended, lost to the currents of time.
Could history be rewritten? And if it were, would it affect this world?
Did her efforts even matter?
Her body was still in the abyss, severely injured. If she returned, she would have to use that body.
Would she even survive?
Even if she knew who killed Her Majesty, could she, with the help of a few loyal officials and General Chen’s remaining troops, turn the tide?
From her experience, it was highly unlikely, almost impossible.
Chi Lin asked herself—if she died in Dayuan, what would happen to Her Majesty in this life?
She had been reincarnated, started a new life, and Chi Lin had found her.
This life was bright and safe, everything was perfect, all she had to do was relax and enjoy it.
If she let go of her past life…
It was tempting.
But then, what about the Imperial Preceptor who sacrificed his life, the loyal officials who placed their hopes on her, Her Majesty’s people, the legacy of Dayuan… what about them?
The guilt would haunt her forever.
Even without Chi Lin speaking, Lou Mi sensed her emotional turmoil from her subtle changes in breathing and the tension in her body.
She tightened her embrace, their fingers interlaced.
“Although I want you to stay, I won’t force you, not now, not ever. I know how you were raised, studying the classics at the Imperial Academy, your unwavering loyalty to the Empress. You’re the hope of your nation, the backbone of Dayuan. If you abandon your duty, you’ll never be at peace. Little Lin, no matter what you choose, I…” Lou Mi held her close.
“I’ll always be by your side, protecting you, I won’t let you be alone again.”
Chi Lin turned and looked into her eyes.
“I should be the one protecting Your Majesty. I was born for you, my life is yours.”
A pang of emotion shot through Lou Mi’s heart.
Chi Lin, held tightly in her embrace, felt the warmth spreading through her body.
Lou Mi kissed her, but even this close, she felt a sense of distance.
She knew how deeply Chi Lin loved her, a love that transcended lifetimes, a devotion that endured through reincarnation. How many people could find such a love?
She was incredibly lucky to have Chi Lin’s love.
Chi Lin, gripping her arm, stirred restlessly.
Lou Mi followed her lead, gently guiding her, her touch soothing.
Chi Lin, under Her Majesty’s tutelage, was no stranger to intimacy, but in this new body, the sensations were heightened, more intense than she had ever imagined.
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty…”
Chi Lin’s head tilted back, her fingers tracing Lou Mi’s spine, her voice almost a whisper.
Lou Mi, like a young animal exploring new territory, was unrestrained.
She savored the taste of her lover, lost in the moment.
***
Young and full of energy, they didn’t stop until dawn, finally falling asleep in each other’s arms.
Lou Mi’s alarm rang three times before Chi Lin reached out and turned it off. Lou Mi, her eyes heavy, nuzzled Chi Lin’s chest and groaned, reluctant to wake up.
Chi Lin, still half-asleep, stroked her hair and nuzzled her chin against her head:
“It’s Saturday…”
“I know, I have to go to the club, to finalize the second team selection, you can go back to sleep.”
Chi Lin opened her eyes: “I’ll go with you.”
Lou Mi, still with her eyes closed, smiled:
“I don’t want to leave you either, baby, but you’re tired, I kept you up all night, just rest, I’ll be back this afternoon.”
She had wanted to tell Chi Lin to study, but changed her mind:
“Just do whatever you want, and we’ll have dinner together tonight.”
“Okay.” Chi Lin tucked Lou Mi’s hair behind her ear, her voice soft. “I’ll finish my homework and wait for you.”
They had breakfast together, sweet and affectionate. As Lou Mi left, she pinned Chi Lin against the door and kissed her repeatedly, reluctant to let go.
Chi Lin finally managed to persuade her to leave.
Despite her martial arts training, Chi Lin’s body ached.
Her Majesty’s prowess in this area was unmatched…
Alone at home on the weekend, Chi Lin sat at the low table and started writing.
The brush strokes on the paper and the scent of ink calmed her mind.
She had to return to Dayuan, to fulfill her promise, to resolve her past life’s unfinished business, so she could fully embrace this life and continue to protect Her Majesty.
If her body in the abyss was still usable, that was ideal. If not, could her soul, upon returning to Dayuan, find another connected body? It was highly likely.
No matter the obstacles, she would restore her nation.
And she would also take the college entrance exams. She knew that in this era, everyone went to university, it was an essential step before entering society.
It was completely different from high school. To live a good life in this era, she needed to get into a good university and find a fulfilling career.
Esports was just a temporary measure, to help Lou Mi and Nine Heavens. If she were to choose a long-term career, she would probably choose something else.
She had asked Mr. System about universities before and had a general idea, but she was still unsure about choosing a major and the exam itself.
She sent a message in her study group chat with Wei Zhuoning and Lin Xiaozhi:
“Are you free today? Let’s chat, drinks are on me.”
She waited until noon, finishing her lunch and homework, but there was no reply.
Neither Wei Zhuoning nor Lin Xiaozhi showed up.
Where were they? Chi Lin wondered. Had they both disappeared?
Lin Xiaozhi woke up alone in the soft hotel bed.
Wei Zhuoning was gone.
She rubbed her sleepy eyes and heard the water running in the bathroom.
Up so early.
Lin Xiaozhi glanced at her phone. 11:30 am. They had slept for less than two hours.
Had she not slept well?
Lin Xiaozhi, wearing only underwear, walked towards the bathroom. Passing by the mirror, she noticed the faint marks from Wei Zhuoning’s playful bites on her shoulder and couldn’t help but smile.
The water stopped running. Wei Zhuoning’s phone rang. She answered:
“Mom, yes, I was with my classmates… singing karaoke all night, yes, it was a classmate’s birthday. I’m coming home, I’ll be back soon, do you need me to bring anything? Okay, I’ll see you later.”
After hanging up and a moment of silence, Wei Zhuoning emerged from the bathroom, drying her hair with a towel, and was startled by Lin Xiaozhi standing by the door.
“What are you doing?!” Wei Zhuoning quickly averted her gaze. “Why aren’t you wearing any clothes?!”
“It’s too much trouble to get dressed, I’ll just have to take them off again anyway.”
Wei Zhuoning muttered “crazy” under her breath and walked towards the sofa:
“I have to go home now.”
“Aren’t you tired? Leaving so soon?”
“My mom has mobility issues, I can’t stay out too long, or she’ll go hungry.” Wei Zhuoning’s naturally curly hair was even more voluminous after washing, and she hadn’t bothered to comb it, the messy curls mirroring her hurried movements.
“Leaving already?” Lin Xiaozhi hugged her from behind, her chin resting on Wei Zhuoning’s shoulder, her arms wrapping around her waist. “Did you learn anything from last night’s lesson?”
Wei Zhuoning didn’t dare to look at her. As she tried to zip up her jacket, Lin Xiaozhi’s hand stopped her, pulling the zipper down, undoing it.
“No…” Wei Zhuoning whispered, shaking her head. “We can’t.”
“Why not?”
“I can’t take it anymore…”
“What do you mean? Was it uncomfortable?” Lin Xiaozhi pushed her onto the sofa.
Wei Zhuoning shook her head in her embrace.
“Really? Then who was begging me to go faster this morning?”
Wei Zhuoning struggled: “Why are you saying this now?!”
Lin Xiaozhi wouldn’t let her go.
Why was she being so difficult?
Lin Xiaozhi took off her jacket, then pulled her shirt out of her skirt.
“No…” Wei Zhuoning, pinned beneath her, struggled weakly, tears welling up in her eyes.
“Why not?” Lin Xiaozhi didn’t understand. “Don’t you like me?”
“It’s not that…”
“You do like me, right?”
Wei Zhuoning’s back trembled. Lin Xiaozhi, despite the initial resistance, could feel Wei Zhuoning’s passion.
She was clearly enjoying it.
“Do you like it? Answer me.”
Lin Xiaozhi whispered in her ear.
Tears rolled down Wei Zhuoning’s cheeks as she nodded, biting her lip.
Lin Xiaozhi, unable to see her face because of their position, was driven to distraction by the sight of her flushed neck and trembling shoulders.
Wei Zhuoning’s vulnerability was beyond endearing.
The little rabbit was already adorable, but a tearful, trembling little rabbit, wanting to bite but holding back, was irresistible.
Lin Xiaozhi couldn’t stop, didn’t want to stop, lost in the moment…
Only when Wei Zhuoning cried out in pain did Lin Xiaozhi snap out of it.
Blood.
Lin Xiaozhi froze. How…?
Wei Zhuoning, still catching her breath, quickly got dressed and ran. Lin Xiaozhi, startled, tried to follow but realized she was still naked.
“Zhuoning!”
By the time Lin Xiaozhi, wrapped in a bathrobe, reached the hallway, Wei Zhuoning was already in the elevator.
Damn it.
Lin Xiaozhi rushed downstairs, but by the time she reached the lobby, Wei Zhuoning was gone.
Passersby stared at the beautiful girl in a bathrobe. Lin Xiaozhi, frustrated, returned to her room.
Why hadn’t she said anything earlier?
If she had, Lin Xiaozhi wouldn’t have pushed her.
Back in the room, she found Wei Zhuoning’s purse, filled with girly trinkets, but her phone was gone, she must have taken it with her.
Lin Xiaozhi called her, but she didn’t answer. She sent a message:
“Zhuoning, I was too hasty, I’m sorry. Forgive me, it was my first time too… I don’t want to say I lost control because I like you too much, but I hurt you. I’m worried, please reply, let me apologize in person.”
Lin Xiaozhi was frantic. She packed her things, checked out of the hotel, and went to Wei Zhuoning’s apartment.
Reaching her community, she finally received a reply:
“I’m not angry. Just give me some time, okay?”
Lin Xiaozhi’s heart ached, tears falling onto the screen.
She wiped her tears and replied: “Okay, I’ll see you at school tomorrow…”
Wei Zhuoning didn’t reply.
Lin Xiaozhi was listless all day. Her mother had a party that evening, a rooftop gathering with celebrities and entrepreneurs. They all came to greet her, but she barely responded, her mind elsewhere. She called Chi Lin.
“Lin, help me.”
Lin Xiaozhi hid in a quiet corner, smoking and rubbing her temples.
“What’s wrong?” Chi Lin said. “I’ve been looking for you all day, finally found one of you.”
“Can you contact Zhuoning for me? She’s not talking to me, but she might listen to you.”
“What happened?”
Lin Xiaozhi briefly explained. Chi Lin, having dinner with Lou Mi, noticed Lou Mi’s face turning redder and redder as she listened.
“So…” Chi Lin sighed. Young people were truly reckless.
She glanced at Lou Mi.
Lou Mi, innocently eating her dinner: “?”
“It’s probably nothing serious, maybe she was just, um, scared.”
Chi Lin couldn’t say much with Lou Mi watching.
Lin Xiaozhi, however, was blunt: “Scared? Too much, or the wrong method? Too rough?”
Chi Lin was at a loss for words, her fingers tapping nervously on the table.
As a mature woman in her thirties, although shy, Chi Lin knew about these things.
How could one be so careless with a girl’s first time? And even injure her…
Lin Xiaozhi, usually so mature and composed, was still young and inexperienced.
Many high schoolers in this era were like that, driven by passion and lacking experience.
It was common to get hurt.
Like Lou Mi, 25, no relationship experience, zero experience in bed, yet last night, she had been surprisingly energetic, her techniques seemingly learned from textbooks, mistaking Chi Lin’s protests for playful teasing. Her stamina was also impressive.
Just like Her Majesty in their past life.
Chi Lin had needed half the morning to recover.
Thinking of this, she glanced at Lou Mi again.
Lou Mi, still eating innocently: “??”
“Maybe it was the method,” Chi Lin said hesitantly, almost sweating, and Lin Xiaozhi finally realized:
“Is it inconvenient for you to talk?”
Chi Lin was relieved: “A little.”
She didn’t want Lou Mi to know she was discussing a girl’s first time.
Lou Mi mouthed silently, “Who is it?”
Chi Lin mouthed back, “Lin Xiaozhi.”
Lou Mi understood. That foxy deskmate.
She shouldn’t intrude on their conversation.
Lou Mi nodded and took their empty dishes to the kitchen.
Chi Lin stopped her. Lou Mi looked back at her, pouted slightly, and left.
Was Her Majesty angry? She had always been wary of Lin Xiaozhi.
But Chi Lin couldn’t just ignore Lin Xiaozhi…
Chi Lin sighed: “I’ll contact Zhuoning and let you know later.”
“Okay, thanks, Lin.”
“No problem, I’ll keep you updated.”
Chi Lin hung up and went to the kitchen.
Lou Mi was loading the dishwasher. Chi Lin followed her.
“Done already?” Lou Mi was surprised.
“Lin Xiaozhi and her girlfriend had a disagreement, she asked for my advice.”
“Oh, seeking guidance from big sister.” Lou Mi teased, then paused. “Wait, does she know your real age?”
“No.” Chi Lin noticed the change in Lou Mi’s tone, she was the jealous type, especially when it came to Lin Xiaozhi.
“I didn’t tell her. No one knows except you and me.” Chi Lin quickly explained.
Lou Mi, seeing her nervousness, smiled and closed the dishwasher:
“What, afraid I’ll be jealous?”
Chi Lin sighed: “I’m glad you’re not. I’m 32, my classmates are barely 20, they’re practically children in my eyes. I can offer some advice, but anything else is impossible.”
Lou Mi nodded: “I can tell.”
Chi Lin was puzzled: “Tell what?”
“That you’re afraid of me being jealous, that’s why you’re explaining so much.” Lou Mi hugged her waist. “What, do you think I’m that petty? The type to get jealous over a simple conversation?”
Chi Lin smiled: “Aren’t you?”
Lou Mi nibbled on her neck: “There are other, more effective ways to reassure me.”
The ache in Chi Lin’s back had just subsided, and now Lou Mi wanted to be intimate again. Chi Lin groaned inwardly.
But after a few kisses, Lou Mi lifted her onto the kitchen island, her hands on Chi Lin’s neck as she kissed her, and Chi Lin’s resolve quickly melted…
It was 9:30 pm when Peng Ziyuan’s return interrupted them. Otherwise, they might have continued for hours.
Lou Mi reluctantly let go of Chi Lin, showering her forehead with kisses, then went to take a shower.
Chi Lin, slightly dazed, suddenly remembered she hadn’t messaged Wei Zhuoning yet.
Lin Xiaozhi, having smoked half a pack of cigarettes on the balcony, was starting to feel cold, still waiting for Chi Lin’s reply…
Chi Lin quickly contacted Wei Zhuoning.