Category: Can We Get Married First? 

Chapter 86 p1

“How much did you hear?”

“From beginning to end.”

“How did you know we were here?”

“The smart home system sent a notification. I don’t know why, I had locked her access permissions, but they were enabled again. It’s a good thing, though, because it notified me when she entered the house, so I knew you were here. Auntie Peng also rushed home after seeing the notification, right?”

“Then when she came in earlier to plant the black box, she must have already enabled the access permissions. Didn’t you notice?”

“Yes, I should have noticed, but at that time, I didn’t expect her to come back, so I didn’t pay attention to the notification.”

Chi Lin was puzzled: “Too careless, that’s not like you.”

“It’s not like me, indeed. After all, I had already suspected your identity, and my mind was completely occupied with you, I didn’t have the capacity to check my phone. Speaking of which, I need to talk to property management about how she managed to get back in. Now, ask any other questions you have quickly, you won’t have much free time later.”

Lou Mi and Chi Lin were sitting face to face on the sofa in Chi Lin’s bedroom. Lou Mi was drying Chi Lin’s hair with a towel.

Chi Lin had been keeping her head down, and her hair was already dry, but Lou Mi couldn’t bring herself to let go.

Chi Lin indulged her, letting Lou Mi fuss over her hair, completely docile, soft, and fragrant.

After everything Lou Mi had been through these past few days, Chi Lin couldn’t bear to do anything against her wishes.

But hearing Lou Mi’s last comment, she felt the little head in her hands stiffen.

Lou Mi saw through her and continued to gently massage her scalp:

“You’re so good at tricking others, why are you acting like a fool with me? Don’t worry, I’m just teasing you… Ow, that hurts.”

Lou Mi’s smile was too wide, pulling at the cut on her lip, causing a sharp pain.

The pain seemed to awaken all her other injuries, each one vying for attention. Lou Mi’s vision darkened.

“Don’t move, lie down.” Chi Lin carefully helped her lie down. “Auntie Peng said you didn’t rest at the hospital and snuck out while the doctors and your family weren’t looking? How could you be so reckless? Your body isn’t made of iron, what if you have lasting complications?”

Lou Mi loved seeing Chi Lin worry about her, the more worried she was, the more smug Lou Mi felt.

“I really have to praise myself. This wasn’t reckless, it was decisive. Otherwise, when would I have learned the truth? That we were already married in a past life. How could you keep it from me for so long?”

“I had to. If I had just told you that I’m from another time, looking for my wife, no one would believe me. I learned a lot about this era from Mr. System. You have many scientists who are obsessed with the unknown. If they knew about my existence, I wouldn’t have a moment’s peace.”

Lou Mi nodded: “That’s true. Even if you didn’t tell me directly, you were subtly guiding me, right? I remember everything now. That ‘finding enlightenment’ game you had me play, you were trying to trigger my past life memories, weren’t you? You were always searching for clues on me. You even suspected Tan Luo was your Empress for a while and went out with her a few times, right? Well, too bad, the destined one is the destined one, no NPC can replace her.”

Chi Lin, seeing Lou Mi’s confident demeanor, didn’t have the heart to correct her.

Actually, they were still missing a piece of evidence to confirm their connection to their past lives.

But clearly, Lou Mi, having learned all the secrets, had skipped the evidence part and already crowned herself Empress.

Chi Lin wiped a bead of sweat from her brow.

She had originally planned to use the original Chi Lin’s return as a catalyst to trigger Lou Mi’s memories, to guide her into realizing who Chi Lin was, and who she herself was.

She had even used Her Majesty’s personal name, risking great disrespect, just to awaken Lou Mi’s memories.

Recovered memories would be irrefutable proof.

The atmosphere between them in Return to Jianghu had been perfect, just one step away from the goal!

But the original Chi Lin’s return had messed everything up.

Yes, they scored, but they also tore the net.

Now, Lou Mi hadn’t remembered anything on her own, yet she readily accepted the events of their past lives and their unproven identities.

It was completely backwards, but Chi Lin couldn’t bear to explain, after all, Lou Mi was incredibly close to being Her Majesty.

It was like solving a math problem without showing the steps and just copying the answer; you wouldn’t get any points…

Chi Lin wondered if she would have another opportunity to delve into Lou Mi’s memories.

“What are you thinking about?” Lou Mi, lying comfortably in bed, saw Chi Lin lost in thought and gently nudged her chin.

Chi Lin’s mind raced: “I’m thinking about your injuries, and how you’ll play in tomorrow’s match.”

Holographic esports relied on somatic chips, requiring not only a sharp mind but also a healthy body. That’s why Lou Mi exercised regularly.

But now, she was covered in injuries. Forget about playing a match, even walking a few steps could be a challenge.

If she connected to the somatic chip now, HighTowerMiyuki would have to play lying down.

Tomorrow’s match was definitely going to be tough.

“You’re worried about that?” Lou Mi said. “Even without me, Buyu and Fu Tu can handle it. When I’m around, those two slack off, always hiding behind me. Now they finally have a chance to step up and take the game seriously, it’s a good thing. Sister Lan is probably celebrating right now. Don’t worry.”

Chi Lin nodded dubiously, looking at a nasty bruise on the back of Lou Mi’s hand that wasn’t bandaged. She gently touched it with her fingertip:

“Does it hurt?”

Lou Mi instinctively wanted to say she was fine, that she was tough.

But she stopped herself.

What if Chi Lin actually believed her? Would she stop doting on her, stop comforting her, stop letting her be pampered?

Lou Mi was glad she was quick-witted and immediately discarded her years of ingrained independence. She forced out a few tears and looked at Chi Lin pitifully:

“It hurts a lot.”

Chi Lin completely believed her, not even noticing the deliberate act.

Having practiced martial arts since childhood, Chi Lin was no stranger to bumps and bruises. She knew how much pain an injury like this would cause.

Even she, accustomed to constant physical strain, found this injury alarming. Lou Mi, a modern person, when had she ever suffered such hardship?

Chi Lin’s heart ached for Lou Mi’s injuries, and she also remembered the tears Lou Mi shed at Tan Luo’s doorstep.

That heartbroken expression had almost shattered Chi Lin’s heart.

She didn’t dare to touch Lou Mi’s injured hand, not even daring to sit on the bed, afraid of accidentally touching a painful spot.

“I want kisses, hugs, and to be lifted up high.” Lou Mi seized the opportunity to act spoiled.

Chi Lin looked troubled: “Kisses are fine… but hugs might not be good for your injuries. And lifting you up is definitely not an option, it might tear your wounds.”

Lou Mi: “?”

She hadn’t expected such a humorous response to the standard phrases of the “Acting Cute Association” from an ancient person.

Come to think of it, Lou Mi had always found Chi Lin’s archaic speech patterns strange. Now it all made sense; she really was from ancient times.

Lou Mi couldn’t help but laugh.

Chi Lin, who was trying to have a serious conversation, was taken aback.

After laughing, Lou Mi winced in pain. This time, it wasn’t an act; tears welled up in her eyes.

Chi Lin sighed, unsure what to do with her.

“So your name is also Chi Lin, what a coincidence.” Lou Mi was very interested in her past life. “What was my name?”

Chi Lin was about to answer when Lou Mi realized: “Jin Yi, was that my name?”

Chi Lin nodded: “Yes.”

“No wonder.” Lou Mi said, as if it had been obvious all along. “No wonder I felt so drawn to that name the first time I saw it. It was my own. It’s beautiful, so elegant and grand, like an emperor’s name. How did we meet and get married? Jun Jun said you were not only the Empress, but also a general and a scholar? Really?” 

(*The author sometimes uses the general term ‘Emperor'(皇帝), the title, and sometimes specifically uses the term ‘Empress'(女皇帝)*

“It’s true.”

“Incredible, absolutely incredible! Such a talented and accomplished person! And she was mine.” Lou Mi continued to praise Chi Lin tirelessly.

She was her wife, after all, no amount of praise was too much.

“So, when did you realize I was the person you were looking for?”

After Chi Lin asked, it was Lou Mi’s turn to bombard her with questions, and she soon landed on a critical one.

Chi Lin, still lacking concrete proof, was momentarily speechless.

Fortunately, Lou Mi was clever and answered her own question:

“I understand now.”

“What do you understand?”

Lou Mi’s eyebrow arched slightly: “It was when I got really jealous, of course.”

Seeing Chi Lin’s slightly confused expression, she elaborated:

“When I pinned you against the wall and kissed you.”

Chi Lin knew which incident she was referring to, but Lou Mi’s bluntness was almost too much to bear.

Seeing her silence, Lou Mi became even more explicit:

“Was it because the kiss felt so right, so perfect, that you realized my kissing skills were exceptional both in this life and the past life, and that confirmed it for you?”

“Stop.” Chi Lin quickly covered her forehead, stopping her.

If she didn’t, she didn’t know how far Lou Mi would go.

She still lacked concrete proof, but Lou Mi, like Her Majesty, loved to take advantage of her whenever she had the chance, whether with words or actions. This was definitely the same behavior.

Lou Mi, enjoying Chi Lin’s flustered expression, moved closer and patted the space beside her:

“Come here? Cuddle with me for a bit.”

“But your injuries…”

“It’s fine, just be good and don’t move too much.”

Chi Lin couldn’t refuse and sat on the bed.

As she was about to lie down, she noticed that Lou Mi had already extended her arm, ready to catch her.

As soon as she lay down, she would be in Lou Mi’s arms.

Lou Mi blinked at her innocently, as if the outstretched arm was acting on its own.

Chi Lin, seeing her cunning yet adorable expression, couldn’t help but smile. She couldn’t argue with her and lay down.

As soon as she did, Lou Mi wrapped her arm around her, pulling them close.

Held in Lou Mi’s embrace, Chi Lin clearly heard her suppressing a small groan of pain.

“Are you hurting?” Chi Lin asked worriedly, looking up.

Lou Mi looked at Chi Lin, now in her arms, and it felt surreal.

“Let me look at you, I haven’t seen you in so long…”

Lou Mi’s fingertips were slightly cold. She touched Chi Lin’s face for a moment, making sure she wouldn’t be cold, then gently caressed her cheek.

She traced her jawline, her nose, and touched the now-reddened moles under her eyes.

Seeing Lou Mi’s unwavering gaze, Chi Lin’s heart ached again.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced a smile.

Chi Lin always kept her emotions in check, and since Lou Mi was happy, she wanted to share that happiness. After much deliberation, she chose a lighthearted comment:

“It hasn’t been that long. You see this face every day.”

“That’s different.” Lou Mi mimicked Chi Lin’s usual serious expression, furrowing her brow slightly and shaking her head. “The soul inside is different, the feeling this face gives is completely different. You’re unlike anyone else…”

Lou Mi placed her right hand under Chi Lin’s neck, her arm supporting Chi Lin’s back, while her other hand held Chi Lin’s hand, drawing her closer.

This way, she definitely wouldn’t be able to escape when they kissed.

Their lips met, then intertwined in a passionate kiss. Lou Mi noticed that Chi Lin seemed inexperienced in such matters, almost innocent, but she responded to Lou Mi’s gentle guidance.

Lou Mi patiently warmed her up, leading her step by step, and Chi Lin’s responses became more and more fervent.

Lou Mi nibbled on her ear. Chi Lin endured it, head down, her hand gripping Lou Mi’s shirt trembling…

“Little Lin? Mi Mi? Are you alright?”

Peng Ziyuan knocked softly on the door.

Chi Lin bolted upright from Lou Mi’s embrace, almost throwing her against the wall.

Chi Lin hurriedly helped her up: “Sorry, are you alright…”

Lou Mi’s eyes were unfocused: “I’m still alive…”

Peng Ziyuan, hearing the commotion inside, realized she had interrupted something and was about to leave:

“Then, you two talk, I’ll come back later!”

Chapter 85 p2

Lou Mi always thought she was adaptable, but what she had seen and heard today made her question reality.

She remembered Peng Ziyuan saying she suspected Chi Lin had “transmigrated.”

She had thought Auntie Peng was being overly dramatic, but now she wanted to give her a standing ovation.

Lou Mi also remembered the time Chi Lin had almost drowned in this very bathroom. She had found it strange then, how could someone drown while taking a bath?

When she had tried to look into the bathtub, Chi Lin had almost broken her neck.

So there was a secret hidden in the bathtub.

Seeing that Chi Lin was gone, Lou Mi approached the bathtub and peered inside.

Nothing unusual.

But if there was nothing unusual, how did they disappear?

She had seen them enter with her own eyes and heard the splash.

She understood now. She had to experience the bathtub’s mystery herself.

Lou Mi took off her coat and rolled up her sleeves.

Although she was covered in injuries and in pain, her excitement to uncover the truth overshadowed everything.

She had to jump into the bathtub.

Taking a deep breath, she jumped in, feet first.

“Splash!”

Lou Mi stood in the bathtub, silent.

“…”

Why was she still here?

She stepped on the bottom of the tub. Solid.

She jumped. It didn’t collapse.

There were no hidden mechanisms or secret passages?

Lou Mi: “??”

So, she couldn’t enter without Chi Lin?

She patted her chest, relieved that she hadn’t dived in headfirst…

Lou Mi stepped out of the bathroom, dripping wet, changed into comfortable pajamas, wrapped herself in a soft bath towel, and returned to the bathroom door, crouching down to wait.

15 minutes passed, and Chi Lin still hadn’t returned.

Half an hour later, Lou Mi started to panic.

Just as she was about to burst with anxiety, she heard the sound of water breaking and a series of violent coughs.

“Cough, cough, cough!”

It was Jun Jun’s cough!

They were back!

Lou Mi immediately leaned closer to the door crack, peeking inside.

Jun Jun was lying on the floor, coughing violently, while Chi Lin gracefully grabbed the edge of the bathtub, pulled herself up, and stepped out.

“Wasn’t, wasn’t there no water?!” Jun Jun choked on the last mouthful of water. “Why… cough, cough, cough.”

Chi Lin didn’t answer. She turned to look at herself in the mirror.

She was back. She touched her face. She was really back. Her method had worked.

“Ouch…” Jun Jun groaned, tears welling up in her eyes. “So you really were the one who saved people on the highway… This hurts so much, I’m dying! How did you endure such serious injuries? Why didn’t you go to the hospital first?”

“Judging by how loudly you’re yelling, it doesn’t seem that painful.”

Returning to her own body, Chi Lin also received fragments of the original Chi Lin’s memories and actions from the past few months.

So Jun Jun was already dead… a victim of school violence.

Chi Lin sighed softly.

More memory fragments pieced together, revealing that the original Chi Lin had been involved with Tan Luo, deliberately provoking Lou Mi.

She had initially felt bad about returning the injured body to the original Chi Lin.

Now, she felt she could justify beating her up again.

Chi Lin glared at Jun Jun.

“Don’t look at me like that…” Jun Jun knew she couldn’t hide what she had done. “I was blinded by lard, I apologize! I won’t do it again!”

“You won’t have another chance.”

“Yes! Yes!” As Jun Jun apologized, memories of Chi Lin flooded her mind.

“So your name is also Chi Lin.” She was shocked. “What a twisted fate! Wow, you’re from hundreds of years ago? Looking for Her Majesty’s reincarnation? Her Majesty was the Empress of your time?”

Chi Lin: “Shut up.”

“You’re the Empress! And a general? And a scholar from the Imperial Academy? Amazing!”

Chi Lin: “…”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone your secret.” Jun Jun was like she had discovered a hidden treasure. “You went through so much to find your wife, that’s so touching! Huh?”

She received another memory fragment: “Lou Mi is your wife?”

Chi Lin felt the urge to strangle her on the spot.

“Oh… still missing some evidence. Tsk, you two have already kissed.”

Chi Lin pressed her fingers against Jun Jun’s skull: “Are you done? Do you believe I can drown you in this bathtub with just this little bit of water?”

“I’m sorry, I won’t say anything more… It’s just that your story is so incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it, I was just surprised, it’s understandable.”

Not only was Jun Jun astonished, but Lou Mi, by the door, almost collapsed onto the floor.

She was the reincarnation of the Empress?

And Chi Lin was her Empress?

How exciting!

A storm raged within Lou Mi’s heart, automatically ignoring the “still missing some evidence” part.

“Stop squeezing my head, I’ll definitely keep your secret.” Jun Jun smiled sheepishly. “Even if I wanted to tell someone, would they believe me? Besides, you know where I live. If I leak anything, you can come and take my life anytime, right, Mighty Warrior? And you helped me switch back, fulfilled my wish, you’re my benefactor, I’m grateful to you, why would I harm you?”

Chi Lin released her grip.

Jun Jun stood up, still in pain, finding it difficult to even walk.

Chi Lin said, “Your bandages are all wet. I have some medicine at home, I’ll re-bandage you.”

“Oh, you’re such a good person!” Jun Jun followed her happily.

“After I’m done, draw portraits of those two women for me.”

“Okay…”

Hearing that they were coming out, Lou Mi quickly ran and hid behind the sofa.

Chi Lin’s ears were full of water. She shook her head as she walked, finally getting the water out. She didn’t notice Lou Mi in the room.

She took Jun Jun to the study to get the first aid kit. After re-bandaging her wounds, Jun Jun drew the portraits from memory. Chi Lin glanced at them; they were surprisingly good, detailed and accurate.

Jun Jun smiled: “I’m useless at most things, but I can draw. See, they look just like them.”

Chi Lin had thought that if the drawings weren’t good, she could take Jun Jun into the game and recreate their appearances using the character customization feature.

After examining the drawings, Chi Lin knew there was no need. She recognized them.

A Bao and Xiao V, Lou Mi’s former teammates.

After learning about A Bao and Xiao V’s connection to Lou Mi and Nine Heavens, Chi Lin had searched for information about them online and had seen their photos.

It was actually them…

She had thought they were just ordinary esports players, but they also knew soul-swapping techniques?

“These two are very cunning and quite terrifying.” Jun Jun said seriously. “They’ll probably come after you again, so be careful.”

Chi Lin nodded thoughtfully.

The sound of the door opening made both of them jump.

“Are you home?” It was Peng Ziyuan’s voice.

“Shit!” Jun Jun panicked and tried to escape, but Chi Lin pulled her back, pointing towards the window: “Go this way!”

“Mi Mi?” Peng Ziyuan walked around the living room, seemingly not intending to come to the study.

Jun Jun calmed down slightly. Lost in thought, she unexpectedly went to open the door.

“You!” Chi Lin was about to stop her, but Jun Jun only opened the door a crack, peeking out and looking at Peng Ziyuan silently.

A few seconds later, she closed the door.

“I only make my mom angry. I guess we must have been enemies in a past life. She was so happy while you were here… I’ve never seen her so happy. I can’t do it, I can’t give her what she wants. Take good care of her. I’m leaving.”

Chi Lin stared at her for a moment and opened the window for her.

Jun Jun quietly left. As Chi Lin was about to leave as well, the door behind her opened.

She froze, turning around to find not Peng Ziyuan, but Lou Mi.

“Sister…” Chi Lin hadn’t expected Lou Mi to be here. When did she arrive?

“Come here.” Lou Mi smiled and beckoned her.

Lou Mi’s gentleness now wasn’t the same as how she treated the rebellious little sister she had pinned against the wall. It was a feeling Chi Lin was very familiar with.

Had she been here all along, hearing everything?

Chi Lin had intended for Lou Mi to remember everything on her own, to unlock her past life memories, but the unexpected car accident had disrupted her plans.

A drop of water slid down Chi Lin’s hair, but she didn’t notice.

She was drenched, but she didn’t care.

Lou Mi looked at her and walked towards her.

Afraid that Chi Lin would also run away, Lou Mi pleaded as she approached:

“Don’t go…”

Chi Lin stared at her, mesmerized, and didn’t move.

Lou Mi finally embraced her, the exhaustion and pain of the past few days melting away in the comforting hug.

She wrapped Chi Lin in the soft bath towel, holding her like a precious treasure, afraid to let go, afraid she would disappear again.

“See how clever I am?” Lou Mi looked into her eyes. “I found you so quickly.”

These words seemed to hold countless meanings, each one piercing Chi Lin’s heart.

Tears blurred her vision. She couldn’t see anything clearly, only feeling Lou Mi’s warmth.

The grievance, the tension, the loneliness, the frustration… all melted away in Lou Mi’s embrace and passionate kiss.

It wasn’t she who had saved Lou Mi, but Lou Mi who had saved her.

Chapter 85 p1

The original Chi Lin stealthily returned home, wanting to find some clues in the garage.

Although no one from the Lou family was present, Lou Mi’s car was being repaired and wasn’t there, leaving her with no starting point.

On her way, she had watched the video of the highway accident. It was terrifying. So many cars were damaged, and some people were covered in blood after getting out…

The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became. This incident was so big, the police would definitely find her!

She hadn’t completed the task. She didn’t know if those two women would help her return to Jun Jun’s body.

What if they refused?

The original Chi Lin hesitated.

Regardless, she had to restore the smart home system’s access permissions to their original state.

As she tried to sneak inside, someone grabbed her and threw her into the yard.

Stunned, she looked back and saw Chi Lin, covered in blood. She scrambled to her feet and ran.

Chi Lin tripped her with a sweep of her foot. As the original Chi Lin lay dazed on the ground, Chi Lin quickly tied her up with a rope.

“I wasn’t sure before…” Chi Lin said as she tied her up. “But you running away confirms it.”

The original Chi Lin thrashed like a pig being slaughtered, protesting: “It wasn’t me! It wasn’t me! I took the box back!”

Chi Lin tied her securely to a tree in the yard. Her struggles were futile.

The plants in the yard concealed them from view.

“If you keep yelling, you’ll attract the security guards. Do you want to be taken to the police station?”

The original Chi Lin’s face paled, and she shut her mouth.

“Good…” Chi Lin gritted her teeth and slowly sat down. The wound on the back of her neck had bled profusely. She had bought some hemostatic medicine, large band-aids, and gauze from a vending machine. Her bandaging skills were practiced and efficient, but the medicine was only a temporary fix. She had many other injuries, large and small.

But she had no time to rest; she had to deal with the original Chi Lin.

“Tell me, what happened.” Chi Lin asked.

Having witnessed Chi Lin’s prowess in their brief struggle, the original Chi Lin didn’t dare to hide anything and recounted the entire incident, emphasizing once again:

“It really wasn’t me! I really took the box back! The car malfunctioning afterwards had nothing to do with me!”

“What did those two tall women look like?”

“I… I can’t really describe them. One was always smiling, the other had a cold expression. They were both quite pretty.”

Chi Lin had no leads for now, but these two women, who could manipulate souls and knew about soul lamps, were definitely not ordinary people.

The Imperial Preceptor using the Soul-Chasing Secret Art to bring her to this era had already surprised her. She hadn’t expected such mystical arts to still exist in this time.

This also meant the bug that bit her yesterday was undoubtedly sent by these two women.

Chi Lin asked, “Why were they targeting me and Lou Mi?”

The original Chi Lin was on the verge of tears: “I really don’t know! I was forced! They threatened me, saying that I was no longer compatible with this body, and if I didn’t follow their instructions, my soul lamp would be extinguished, and I would be completely annihilated! I wasn’t afraid of death before, but after becoming Jun Jun and spending time with her family… and knowing that people have souls after death and can be reincarnated, I realized I would be completely gone, and I got scared… Most importantly, those two were terrifying, I didn’t know what else they would do, so I had to obey. But I took the box back later!”

She frantically emphasized her innocence, shifting the blame.

“There’s probably no such thing as a soul lamp. If there were, how could I have stayed in your body for so long without any problems?” Chi Lin pointed to the moles under her eyes. “Haven’t you noticed? The moles and the birthmarks are the real connection between you, me, and Jun Jun. If I’m not mistaken, they were just scaring you, so you would obey them and harm Lou Mi for them.”

Chi Lin was all too familiar with these scare tactics used on children; she could come up with a hundred different variations.

“What?! I was tricked?”

Chi Lin sneered: “It was too easy to trick you.”

The original Chi Lin cursed inwardly, then shifted her focus back to the person in front of her.

“How did you get into this community?”

Chi Lin: “If I can save Lou Mi’s life, getting into this place is nothing.”

The original Chi Lin noticed her archaic speech: “Who are you? Are you someone who’s already dead?”

“No,” Chi Lin said. “I’m still alive. I came to this era to find someone.”

“This era? You’re not from this time?”

Chi Lin didn’t speak, tacitly confirming it.

“Who are you looking for?”

Seeing that she still remained silent, the original Chi Lin was afraid of being alienated, worried that Chi Lin wouldn’t help her later.

She couldn’t rely on those two crazy women anymore. Compared to them, this person who had occupied her body seemed much more capable and reliable.

The original Chi Lin said, “Tell me about yourself, and I’ll tell you something related to you! Let’s exchange information!”

Chi Lin looked at her.

“Really! I swear! Besides, we’re on the same side now, wouldn’t it be best to become partners? I’m the only one who has seen those two women! They’re definitely targeting you and Lou Mi! If you answer my question, I can draw their portraits for you!”

“I have a hundred ways to make you draw them.”

A chill ran down the original Chi Lin’s spine: “Don’t, don’t do that. Okay, I’ll talk first. Actually, I’m already dead. Yes, when you entered my body, I had already taken the suicide pills.”

Chi Lin wasn’t surprised at all.

Seeing her lack of interest, the original Chi Lin continued to ask:

“Are you and Lou Mi in love? Then why aren’t you worried about her? I haven’t seen you come back…”

Chi Lin looked at her as if saying, “You have the nerve to ask?”

“Of course I’m worried. But I have my own plans.”

Seeing her composed demeanor, the original Chi Lin understood: “So you already knew I couldn’t continue living as ‘Chi Lin.’ Whether it’s at school or at home, they’ve already accepted the perfect you. Someone like me returning would only disappoint them, right? So you thought you didn’t have to do anything, that I would eventually be forced to leave!”

Chi Lin: “Think whatever you want.”

The original Chi Lin bit her lip hard.

Recalling her days since returning, she knew how much of a failure she was.

She didn’t want to be “Chi Lin” anymore. She just wanted a normal family, a simple life as a carefree nobody.

“I want to go back,” the original Chi Lin said, looking at Chi Lin. “You can be Chi Lin, I want to return to Jun Jun’s body. Do you have a way?”

Chi Lin looked at the darkening sky. The guiding star next to the moon was obscured again.

Another three months…

Seeing her staring blankly at the sky, the original Chi Lin realized she might not have a solution after all.

Lou Mi, who had escaped from the hospital and had been hiding behind the pavilion, heard their entire conversation.

Although she had already guessed some of it, hearing it firsthand was still shocking and took time to process.

Chi Lin turned her gaze back to the original Chi Lin:

“I have an idea that might work.”

“What, Mi Mi is gone?”

Peng Ziyuan, while searching separately with Zhuo Jinglan, received a call from Lou Lixing.

“Yes, Mi Mi, the doctor told her to rest, but I went to wash some fruit, and when I came back, she was gone.”

“Where did she go?”

“Did she also go out looking for someone?”

Peng Ziyuan told Lou Lixing not to worry yet, that Mi Mi was always sensible and must have gone to take care of something important.

Peng Ziyuan thought for a moment, opened a specific app on the car’s control panel, checked the logs, and said to Lou Lixing:

“Hang up, I think I know where Mi Mi went.”

“Really?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

Lou Lixing hung up, feeling much more at ease. He remembered Peng Ziyuan saying she knew many things he didn’t. It seemed she wasn’t just saying that casually.

Chi Lin untied the rope from the tree, wrapped one end around her arm, and, holding the other end that bound the original Chi Lin’s hands, led her inside.

“You know, you don’t have to tie me up. I won’t run, I have nowhere to run. You have to trust me, we’re on the same side!” The original Chi Lin said cheerfully.

Chi Lin, her face cold, led her to the bathroom, closed the door, and started filling the bathtub.

The original Chi Lin looked at the bathtub, then at Chi Lin:

“What are you doing?”

Chi Lin remained silent.

“A… a romantic bath?” The original Chi Lin shrugged and moved aside.

Chi Lin finally glanced at her, a murderous look in her eyes.

“Oh.” The original Chi Lin quieted down.

The bathtub quickly filled with water. Chi Lin grabbed the back of her neck and said:

“I haven’t tried this method before, it’s just a guess, it might not work, but it’s the only thing we can try now. Even if it fails, there’s no harm done.”

Chi Lin dipped her foot into the bathtub. The bottom of the tub gradually disappeared, turning into a black abyss.

She stepped back and had the original Chi Lin look into the tub: “What do you see?”

“Water…”

“Nothing else besides water?”

“Just…” The original Chi Lin widened her eyes, trying to see clearly. “Just the bathtub.”

Chi Lin frowned slightly. It seemed that only the body her soul occupied could see the abyss.

What to do?

Chi Lin thought about the soul transmigration process. She had traveled to this era and entered the original Chi Lin’s body through this abyss.

This abyss might have the ability to swap souls.

So, if she and the original Chi Lin entered the abyss together, could their souls be switched back?

It was a long shot, but it was the only option. She had to try.

She did want to return to her original body, to reclaim the identity the original Chi Lin desperately wanted to escape.

She had grown attached to this identity, and more importantly, this identity was Lou Mi’s “little sister.”

But the only way seemed blocked. Chi Lin frowned, thinking, was there any way to bring the original Chi Lin in with her…

She suddenly remembered that when the Imperial Preceptor sent her here, he had mixed her blood with Her Majesty’s blood in the Blood Essence Pearl.

And the bug that bit her yesterday must have also taken her blood.

Blood was the key.

Chi Lin bit her finger and smeared the blood on the original Chi Lin’s lips.

The original Chi Lin was stunned: “What, what are you doing?”

“Lick it.”

The original Chi Lin: “…That’s so weird.”

Chi Lin glared at her.

The original Chi Lin did as she was told.

Chi Lin asked eagerly, “What do you see now?”

“Huh?” The original Chi Lin looked into the bathtub. The bottom gradually darkened, revealing a terrifying abyss.

“What is this?” She took a small step forward.

“Good, you can see it.”

“Huh?”

Without another word, Chi Lin pulled her into the bathtub.

Lou Mi, who had snuck in and was eavesdropping outside, heard a splash and was startled!

She pushed the door open and found that both of them were gone, only a puddle of water on the floor and the sloshing bathtub.

Where were they?

This was insane…

Chapter 84

Mrs. Feng and her daughter were in the car, on their way to her mother’s house for lunch.

She was grateful for modern technology, especially for autopilot, which freed her hands and allowed her to play games with her daughter during the commute, strengthening their bond.

Although there had been incidents with autopilot, they were rare, and Mrs. Feng believed such things wouldn’t happen to her.

Just as she picked up her drink, a car abruptly swerved into the lane beside her, seemingly out of nowhere.

Mrs. Feng: “?!”

Before she could react, the sapphire blue luxury car slammed into her car door, forcing her car into the next lane.

On the autopilot highway, all cars maintained a constant speed and were not allowed to change lanes.

In this situation, the consequences of a car veering off course were catastrophic.

The front of Mrs. Feng’s car swerved to the right, resulting in a series of collisions and scrapes with the cars behind her.

Her daughter screamed. Mrs. Feng tried to shield her, but the seatbelt held her fast.

Her daughter, secured in her child safety seat, remained in place, only her small limbs flailing in panic.

The violent shaking lasted for half a minute. After the final impact, her car, guided by the autopilot system, returned to its lane, and the momentarily disrupted traffic flow resumed.

Mrs. Feng, still shaken, didn’t dare to unbuckle her seatbelt. She looked out the window.

The sapphire blue car that hit her was still out of control!

Lou Mi had no idea why the autopilot system had suddenly malfunctioned, and she had no time to investigate.

She gripped the emergency steering wheel, struggling with all her might against the crazed system.

For a more spacious and comfortable interior, steering wheels in the age of autopilot had been reduced to the size of two palms, only necessary in critical situations.

Controlling a wheel this size required significant effort.

Lou Mi’s wrists were already sore from restraining the original Chi Lin yesterday, and now, her palms were bloody as she barely managed to maintain control.

Her car swerved erratically through traffic like a wild beast. As she wrestled with the steering wheel, Chi Lin, in perfect sync, immediately tried to disable the autopilot system.

But even after smashing the console screen, there was no response.

Lou Mi’s face was red with exertion. Seeing Chi Lin jab her finger through the cracked screen, she still spared half a second to be astonished.

“It’s no use! I can’t turn it off!” Chi Lin remained calm amidst the violent shaking, though her composure was wearing thin as she saw the unresponsive screen and the car’s speed continuing to increase.

120, 125, 130…

Lou Mi broke out in a cold sweat as she sideswiped another white car, knocking off its headlight.

The driver of the other car rolled down his window, his enraged shouts reaching them despite the speed.

“Can’t you stop the car?!” Chi Lin tried to help with the steering wheel.

She had been exercising regularly and was becoming more accustomed to Jun Jun’s body, gradually learning how to exert its strength. She was confident she could control the steering wheel.

But the seatbelt held her in place. Even with her arms fully extended, she couldn’t reach it.

As she tried to unbuckle her seatbelt, Lou Mi stopped her:

“Don’t! That’s what’s keeping you alive!”

“Can’t you just stop the car?!”

“Are you kidding me?! Don’t you see how fast the other cars are going? If we stop suddenly, we’ll cause a massive pileup!”

Chi Lin was drenched in sweat, too focused to dwell on the “are you kidding me.”

Another violent collision. The already dented left side of their car scraped off a chunk of paint from an SUV.

Amidst the shower of sparks, Lou Mi noted that her car was surprisingly sturdy. Despite the numerous impacts, only the front was dented. It was still charging forward like a wild bull.

Expensive, but good quality…

Wait! The autopilot was acting like a demon, this wasn’t the time to admire its build quality!

“Go,” Chi Lin said. “We have to get out of this car!”

Lou Mi’s eyes were glued to the road; she couldn’t afford to lose control of the steering wheel at this speed.

Even a slight mistake could lead to a major accident. If they had a head-on collision, both she and Chi Lin would be dead.

“Get out? How?”

“Open the door!”

Images from action movies flashed through Lou Mi’s mind: “Are you trying to reenact Speed?”

“Huh?”

“An old movie! Exactly like our current situation!”

Chi Lin was exasperated. This wasn’t the time for movie trivia: “This isn’t a game! Our lives are at stake! Open the door!”

“The door release button is on the console! See if you can get it to work!”

Chi Lin looked at the spiderweb-cracked screen and felt a wave of despair.

You useless AI, all you can do is accelerate!

With no other options, Chi Lin resorted to brute force!

She kicked the car door hard. A dull thud echoed inside the car.

Lou Mi’s palms were sweaty. With great effort, she glanced at Chi Lin: “What are you doing?!”

“Breaking the door!” Chi Lin kicked again, harder, at the same spot.

“Impossible!” Lou Mi said. “This is a Porsche!”

Chi Lin unbuckled her seatbelt, adjusted her position, faced the door, grabbed the seat for leverage, and kicked with all her might. The door loosened.

Lou Mi: “……”

That actually worked?

Although it was a different body, this move was just as badass as the Chi Lin she knew.

This was way more exciting than a game!

Chi Lin’s foot throbbed with pain.

If it were her own body, she would have kicked the door open on the first try. This body was too weak.

Mustering all her strength, she kicked again. This time, the loosened door flew off its hinges.

Lou Mi cheered. They were saved!

No one was stronger than Chi Lin!

She was the true conqueror of all!

The detached car door flew across the next lane, grazing the roof of a passing car, and landed perfectly on the sunroof of a car four cars behind them.

The driver of the car, suddenly plunged into darkness: “??”

Chi Lin, seeing this, was alarmed. She had to be more careful, or she might endanger innocent people.

She reached out to Lou Mi: “Do you trust me?!”

Lou Mi’s adrenaline surged: “Yes!”

“Unbuckle your seatbelt! I’ll take you with me!” Chi Lin extended her hand. Lou Mi was drenched in sweat, now hot instead of cold.

Just as Lou Mi unbuckled her seatbelt with one hand, the car, as if sensing their escape, suddenly rammed into the car in front of them.

This impact was more violent than all the previous ones, the entire car lurching forward and to the right.

Lou Mi’s seatbelt was still partially fastened. The impact held her in place, while Chi Lin was thrown out of the car.

“Chi Lin!” Lou Mi cried out, using her real name.

Chi Lin didn’t hear her. She rolled across the highway, her head spinning.

Thanks to the traffic warnings, the number of cars approaching from behind had decreased, but there were still cars heading straight for her!

A driver, completely engrossed in a superhero movie, hadn’t noticed the traffic warnings on the console.

He saw a figure appear in front of his car out of the corner of his eye. Before he could react, the figure leaped into the air, vanished with a “whoosh,” and then he heard footsteps on his car roof.

The driver: “??”

He looked down at the superhero on the screen, then looked in his rearview mirror.

Holy shit! Someone had actually flown over his car!

Spider-Man?!

In the next lane, a little girl, peering out the car window, said, “Mommy, someone’s flying.”

Her mother scoffed: “What are you talking about?”

“Really, look!”

The mother glanced outside impatiently, and her expression froze.

She grabbed her phone, her voice trembling: “Honey, someone’s flying… flying on the highway!”

When Chi Lin came to her senses, she was already on the roof of the fifth car in her lane.

She had jumped across rooftops and walked tightropes since she began her martial arts training, but none of that compared to this.

Her face was pale, her heart pounding. Her instincts had guided her through that series of leaps. She was incredibly lucky to be alive.

The strong wind pulled her hoodie tight around her head, her trench coat billowing like a cape.

The driver of the car beneath her looked up from both side windows.

Chi Lin looked back at them, and they stared at each other in silence.

“Miss, where did you come from?”

The driver and passenger, a young couple, looked stunned.

“Would you mind, uh, coming down?”

Chi Lin had no time for small talk. She looked ahead, searching for Lou Mi’s car.

Lou Mi’s car was still swerving erratically up ahead. She could see someone inside struggling to maintain some control, otherwise, the situation would be even worse.

Lou Mi was still in the car!

The cars in all four lanes were moving smoothly and steadily under autopilot control. To Chi Lin, standing on a car roof, they were like stationary posts.

As long as she could maintain her balance on these “posts,” she could use them as stepping stones to reach Lou Mi’s car.

But the distance between the cars wasn’t small. Even with her Qinggong skills, Chi Lin wasn’t entirely confident she could make every jump accurately.

One misstep, and she could be caught under the wheels of a car.

It was incredibly dangerous. Even someone with her abilities might not have the courage.

But Chi Lin was different.

Chi Lin, who had commanded armies and walked through mountains of corpses, was different.

She had to save Her Majesty!

She focused her gaze. Just as the driver beneath her reached out, she took a short run on the limited surface of the car roof, leaped into the air, and landed steadily on the car in front.

“Whoa—holy shit!”

The drivers around her frantically took photos and videos. Chi Lin tightened the drawstring of her hoodie, the large hood covering most of her face but not obstructing her vision.

She ran and jumped again, landing steadily on another car roof, her speed increasing!

Precise control and unwavering courage helped her reach the black sedan to the left of Lou Mi’s car.

Lou Mi, seeing someone jump from the sky out of the corner of her eye, felt a surge of relief.

She glanced over, then quickly turned back to the road. It was Chi Lin! It was her!

I’ll always be by your side.

Chi Lin hadn’t been making empty promises; she was truly keeping her word!

“Lou Mi!”

Crouching on the roof of the other car, Chi Lin lowered her center of gravity and shouted, “Bring your car closer!”

Lou Mi gritted her teeth, struggling with the unresponsive steering wheel: “I’m… trying!”

The car slowly inched closer. The middle-aged driver inside, his eyes wide with fear, rolled down the window and shouted:

“Don’t do anything reckless!”

Chi Lin carefully moved towards Lou Mi. Just as she reached out, she realized that Lou Mi’s car door was locked, and the windows wouldn’t open!

She had chosen the wrong side!

A drone had been following Lou Mi’s car silently, unnoticed.

Its light blue color made it easy to overlook on the brightly lit highway.

The drone was recording everything, transmitting the footage to A Bao.

A Bao, one hand on the controller, the other propping up her chin, lay on the sofa at home, watching the screen.

“Sigh, what a futile struggle. I only needed you two to die, now more people might get involved.”

She pressed a button on the controller. The steering wheel, previously as stiff as a rock, suddenly loosened. Lou Mi’s car swerved sharply to the left, slamming into the car Chi Lin was on, throwing her off.

Lou Mi’s head spun from the impact, and the driver of the other car was on the verge of vomiting.

Just then, a hand slammed against his window, nearly scaring him out of his wits!

Chi Lin, with great difficulty, climbed back onto the car roof.

Seeing the blood on her hoodie, Lou Mi almost burst into tears.

There was a large gash on the back of Chi Lin’s neck, but she was too focused to notice the pain.

Lou Mi’s car was now even more erratic, swerving violently.

Even with her above-average strength, Lou Mi was tiring from the constant struggle against the malfunctioning system.

Her arms were weakening, but the car showed no signs of slowing down.

Chi Lin jumped onto the roof of Lou Mi’s car, crouched by the open door on the right side, and reached out to her.

“Quick! Get out!”

Lou Mi also wanted to escape, but the autopilot system was like a rabid beast. She was using the last of her strength to control it. If she let go, she couldn’t bear to think of the consequences for the other drivers.

“I can’t…” Lou Mi pressed her foot against the dashboard, using her weight to maintain control. “I can’t leave now…”

Chi Lin understood, but if she didn’t get out, the danger would only continue!

A sign flashed past Lou Mi’s vision. She suddenly remembered a closed-off, under-construction ramp about 2 kilometers ahead. There wouldn’t be any cars there!

Continuing on the highway would only cause more accidents. She had to get the car to a safe place!

With the last of her strength, Lou Mi wrestled with the steering wheel, forcing her way past the car on the far right, towards the ramp!

“Tsk.” A Bao pushed the controller with both hands, determined to stop them.

Weren’t they heroes of the era? Weren’t they showered with love and adoration? How could they die alone? They should take a few people with them.

HighTowerMiyuki was one lane away from becoming a villain of the era!

Chi Lin quickly climbed into the car and grabbed Lou Mi’s hand, helping her turn the steering wheel!

Their car inched closer to the ramp, both Lou Mi and Chi Lin trembling with exertion!

The ramp warning sign suddenly appeared in their peripheral vision. They yanked the steering wheel off, almost being thrown out of the car from the force.

The car crashed through the warning signs and barriers, entering the ramp!

It hurtled forward, scraping against the concrete walls. As they sped over a speed bump, Lou Mi, who had just regained her bearings, was disoriented again.

Chi Lin clung to the door, struggling to stay inside.

When Lou Mi opened her eyes again, she saw that there was no road ahead.

The ramp was unfinished!

The car crashed through the guardrail, heading straight for the open sea.

At the last moment, Lou Mi’s seatbelt was ripped open, and she was pulled out of the car by a tremendous force.

Almost simultaneously, the car flew off the ramp, arcing through the air before plunging into the sea dozens of meters below with a muffled splash.

Lou Mi, shielded by Chi Lin, rolled across the ground for a long time, losing consciousness.

It took Chi Lin a while to recover. Covered in blood, she looked down at the person in her arms.

“Lou… Lou Mi?” She could barely speak, her throat filled with the taste of blood.

Lou Mi didn’t respond. Chi Lin panicked, letting out a few choked cries before remembering to check her pulse.

She was alright, just unconscious.

Chi Lin smiled. Thank goodness…

Hearing the sound of a helicopter overhead, Chi Lin knew she couldn’t stay here.

Someone must have filmed her. She hoped they hadn’t gotten a clear shot of her face.

If she was recognized as Jun Jun, an ordinary high school student running across speeding cars, her identity would be questioned.

She struggled to her feet and hid before the police arrived.

“Damn it…”

The drone footage froze on the image of Chi Lin pulling Lou Mi out of the car, then the signal was lost, the screen turning black.

A Bao, enraged, threw the controller to the ground.

What a tenacious life.

Looking at the shattered pieces, her eyes turned bloodshot.

Xiao V wanted to calm her down, knowing that her anger would trigger another episode, which would further damage her already fragile brain.

But as she approached, A Bao pushed her away.

“Go find my drone.” A Bao’s face was dark. She went back to her bedroom and locked the door.

The original Chi Lin sat by the sea, gnawing on a stale piece of bread. She overheard passersby saying:

“…Really? Are you sure it wasn’t a movie shoot?”

“Haha, now that you mention it, it’s possible, after all, it was HighTowerMiyuki in the car.”

“Is Sister Lou entering the entertainment industry, becoming a celebrity?”

Another person interrupted them: “Have you no conscience? She’s injured and hospitalized, and it sounds serious. Stop spreading rumors.”

“Hey, how could the autopilot malfunction like that? It’s terrifying.”

“There have been over a hundred cases this year, just domestically…”

The group continued their discussion as they walked away.

The original Chi Lin stopped chewing.

Autopilot malfunction? Lou Mi injured and hospitalized?

Was it because of the black box?

But she had taken the black box back!

She chanted inwardly, “It must be a coincidence, it must be a coincidence,” while taking the black box out of her pocket, turning it over and over.

Suddenly, she noticed a tiny seam.

She remembered there hadn’t been any seams before!

Panicked, she squeezed the box and managed to pry it open.

So, it really was just a box, meant for holding something.

Then, where was the thing inside?

A terrible premonition washed over her. Unable to sit still any longer, she stood up and left the seaside.

***

When Lou Mi woke up, Lou Lixing was the first to notice.

“Mi Mi! Mi Mi is awake!” He rushed to her side and held her hand.

“Dad…” Lou Mi’s eyes ached. When she tried to move, a wave of pain shot through her body, making her gasp.

“Don’t move, Mi Mi! You’re covered in injuries!” Lou Lixing’s tears flowed freely. Peng Ziyuan pressed the call button for the doctor, then handed him some tissues.

After a moment, Lou Mi searched her memory, trying to recall why she was injured, why she was in the hospital. She remembered the terrifying scene on the highway.

Just as the car was about to plunge off the ramp, Chi Lin had pulled her out, risking her own life.

She was alive.

Then, where was Chi Lin?

“Where’s Chi Lin?!” Lou Mi blurted out.

“Chi Lin? Isn’t Chi Lin…” Lou Lixing was confused, glancing at Peng Ziyuan, his voice lowering. “…Did she run away from home?”

Peng Ziyuan understood what Lou Mi meant: “Are you saying Little Lin saved you?”

“It was her. Her injuries must be much worse than mine. Didn’t anyone see her at the scene?”

“No, when the police found you, you were alone.”

Lou Mi thought for a moment and understood. Chi Lin must have wanted to avoid leaving any trace.

“No.” Lou Mi insisted on getting out of bed. “I have to find her.”

“Wait, your condition isn’t stable yet, don’t move!” Several doctors entered the room and persuaded her to lie back down.

Lou Mi was surrounded by doctors and family. Feeling weak, she was gently coaxed and helped back into bed.

As the doctor examined her, Lou Mi calmed down, knowing that she couldn’t leave the hospital now, but she would find a way.

After the examination, the doctor said, “Well, you’re young and in good shape. Mostly soft tissue injuries. We’ll observe you for a few days, and you can be discharged if there are no complications. But for now, you need to rest.”

Hearing this, Lou Lixing felt slightly relieved.

Her grandparents, a large group of relatives, and people from the club were waiting outside.

As soon as the news broke, countless fans flocked to the hospital, overwhelming the security guards.

Lou Mi called Zhuo Jinglan and asked about Jun Jun.

Zhuo Jinglan: “I should be asking you that! You two almost ended up in the sea! What happened? You scared us to death!”

Lou Mi’s head throbbed. She patiently emphasized: “Where’s Jun Jun?”

“I don’t know, I can’t reach her. Was that flying person her? Who is she… Did she save you?”

Lou Mi’s head was spinning: “Sister Lan, I can’t leave the hospital right now, please help me find Jun Jun, her injuries must be much worse than mine…”

After receiving Lou Mi’s instructions, Zhuo Jinglan was still confused.

Peng Ziyuan came over from the crowd and said to Zhuo Jinglan, “I’ll help you look for her.”

Chapter 83 p2

Chi Lin, dressed in white, had the name “Jin Yi” floating above her head.

Her weapon had changed; it was now a long sword.

“I just happened to be passing by. I acted rashly because I didn’t realize it was you.”

“Don’t mention it. If it weren’t for you, that Blood Crane would have pecked a hole in my head. I would have been the laughingstock of the server, not to mention my merciless colleagues at the club.” Lou Mi drew her flame spear and held it behind her. “We had good synergy last time we met, shouldn’t we take it a step further today? By the way, Jin Yi sounds like a real name, doesn’t it?”

Lou Mi looked at Chi Lin, her voice trailing off, hoping she would answer her question.

Chi Lin carefully observed Lou Mi, afraid of missing any subtle expressions:

“It’s the name of an old friend.”

“Mm.” Lou Mi’s expression didn’t change. “It sounds nice.”

Deep in the forest, the rustling of bamboo leaves drew their attention back to the match.

Chi Lin cast her skills, giving them both a protective shield and attack buffs.

The flames of Lou Mi’s spear burned brighter. She wasn’t worried about revealing her position.

“I was going to ask you to use your fire skills to warm my hands, but you already did it without me asking.” Lou Mi smiled at her. “We really do have good synergy. Tell me, could I also be an old friend of yours?”

Chi Lin’s mind wandered for a moment at her words.

Lou Mi also cast a skill. A small golden flower bloomed above Chi Lin’s head, reducing her skill cooldowns while it bloomed.

“We’ll talk later.” Lou Mi planted her flame spear in the ground. “They’re coming.”

The trainees had spotted the glow of the flames in the fog from afar.

It was Lou Mi’s signature weapon, everyone knew it.

The flame spear was powerful, and in Lou Mi’s hands, it was invincible.

But the flame spear had a fatal flaw in the Wind and Cloud Forest: it easily revealed one’s position.

The nine trainees split into three groups, planning to approach the flames stealthily from three directions.

They had agreed on a signal to initiate the attack and quickly disappeared into the fog.

The flames grew closer. Two tanks attacked from the sides, and another support player cast their ultimate skill. The attack began!

They unleashed a barrage of attacks towards the flames, their rhythm well-coordinated.

They clearly saw a figure amidst the flames, but there was no kill notification.

“Oh no!” A damage dealer in the back realized something was wrong. Before he could warn his teammates, a bamboo stalk, bent at an extreme angle, shot out from Lou Mi’s hand, hitting him squarely on the back with a “smack” and sending him flying backwards, knocking over his teammates in the front row.

“Too close together.” Lou Mi released another bamboo stalk, sweeping it across the area, knocking down two more trainees.

They finally realized that what they had been attacking was just a flame spear stuck in the ground, there was no one there.

Sensing Lou Mi’s sneak attack from behind, they turned to face her, trying to catch her.

Lou Mi’s movements were unpredictable; catching her was never easy.

They failed to catch her, but managed to decimate the surrounding bamboo forest.

Lou Mi picked up a bamboo stalk and attacked trainee 99, the closest one. Trainee 99, under Lou Mi’s intense gaze, froze, her legs weak, not daring to retaliate, and was forced to retreat.

“Don’t be afraid! It’s just a bamboo stalk! Fight back!”

Trainee 817 shouted from the side.

That’s right, just a bamboo stalk!

Trainee 99 rallied her spirits and faced Lou Mi head-on.

Trainee 817, who had just shouted encouragement, felt a sharp pain in his back and immediately knew he had been hit. He tried to escape but found his movements slowed, unable to move.

Chi Lin appeared out of nowhere and killed 817 with a single sword strike.

“Not paying attention.” Lou Mi thrust the bamboo stalk forward. 99 fired a bolt of lightning from her staff, shattering the bamboo stalk, its tip splintering into sharp fibers.

The explosion blinded 99 momentarily. When her vision cleared, she found her staff entangled by the bamboo fibers, being pulled away from her.

As she struggled to retrieve her staff, the fog between them dispersed, revealing the attacker.

“Huh?” 99 realized it wasn’t HighTowerMiyuki, but Jin Yi.

Chi Lin saw the relaxation in her expression. Imitating Lou Mi’s previous move, she bent the bamboo stalk downwards, then released it.

The bamboo stalk flew upwards, then swung down, hitting 99 squarely in the forehead, stunning her for one second. Chi Lin seized the opportunity and killed her.

Lou Mi, who had seamlessly switched positions with Chi Lin, also killed two trainees, even finding time to exchange a glance with Chi Lin.

Lou Mi moved and strategized as if she were playing with a long-time teammate, their coordination requiring only a look.

Sometimes, not even a look was needed. She just had to do what she wanted, and someone would always cover her and fill in the gaps.

They finished the battle in 8 minutes and 21 seconds. When all nine trainees were eliminated, neither Lou Mi nor Chi Lin had lost even half their health.

Huhu and Slay, having watched the entire match, realized they were still holding the same potato chips they had at the beginning.

The match was so captivating that they had almost forgotten to breathe, let alone eat.

When Lou Mi removed her access crystal, her headache was completely gone.

This was a good sign.

With a reliable partner, she didn’t have to overthink; she could just enjoy the game.

The trainees, groaning, removed their access crystals one after another.

“Jun Jun, did you plan this with Sister Mi beforehand? That was terrifying.”

“Yeah, you two were like you shared a brain, your synergy was incredible…”

Chi Lin smiled at them, also finding their coordination excessively good.

But actually, she had felt this connection with Lou Mi from their first time playing together.

It was clear that Lou Mi had also noticed this, and was even starting to enjoy it.

The trainees, having lost a 9v2 match, were dejected.

The person who had just crushed them with a stick now offered them a carrot.

Lou Mi said, “It’s okay, you have to lose to learn how to win. Don’t be discouraged. I’ve been playing professionally for years, you have plenty of time to surpass me. Lunch is still on me, and the red envelopes too. Tell me what you want to eat, let’s go.”

The trainees cheered, their voices echoing with “We love Sister Mi forever!”

“But no alcohol. You still have training and classes after lunch. Can you focus? Don’t make Sister Lan come after me.”

The trainees promised, “We won’t betray you!”

They decided to have grilled fish. Lou Mi was pleased; they were such good kids, saving her money.

The club had a minibus that could carry 12 people, enough for all ten trainees and two more.

Huhu and Slay planned to join them on the minibus. Lou Mi looked inside and thought it was too crowded:

“Isn’t the back row too crowded? One person should get off.”

Everyone looked at each other. It wasn’t crowded, the back row was designed for four people.

But since Sister Mi insisted, it must be crowded.

“Here.” Lou Mi said to Chi Lin. “You get off and come with me. I have something to talk to you about.”

Lou Mi’s close cooperation with Jun Jun during the match, followed by her singling out Jun Jun to ride with her, created an air of ambiguity.

But Lou Mi’s furrowed brow and slightly impatient tone made it seem as if Jun Jun would be in trouble once she got in the car.

When did Jun Jun offend the big boss?

No way, Jun Jun was always so low-key…

Everyone held their breath, not daring to speak, not even daring to look at Jun Jun.

Huhu even whispered to Lou Mi:

“Sister Mi, maybe Sister Lan should handle this. She’s still young and doesn’t know better, you…”

Lou Mi, a master of the cold stare, looked straight ahead and said indifferently, “I know what I’m doing.”

Huhu shuddered and didn’t dare to say anything more.

Chi Lin obediently got off the minibus and sat in Lou Mi’s car.

Jun Jun was wearing a light gray hoodie and an army green trench coat. When she looked at Lou Mi quietly, her intelligent eyes seemed to hold many unspoken things.

Her aura felt familiar and comforting to Lou Mi, but facing this unfamiliar face, she couldn’t bring herself to say certain things, feeling like it would be a betrayal of Chi Lin.

Lou Mi handed Chi Lin a Return to Jianghu access crystal: “Shall we talk in the game?”

Chi Lin took it, and they both closed their eyes, entering the game.

They teleported to Emerald Lake, outside the Wind and Cloud Forest. The clear, blue water reflected the sunlight, its surface always calm and undisturbed, like a jewel embedded in the lush forest, hence its name.

There was an inn by the lake, and they were the only two customers.

The waiter brought them a pot of tea. They sat facing each other, a wisp of steam rising between them.

This face, so similar to Chi Lin’s, made Lou Mi feel more at ease, more willing to speak:

“You designed this face well. It doesn’t look exactly like you, where did you get the inspiration?”

Chi Lin took a sip of tea. The fragrance was surprisingly realistic, filling her mouth as if she were drinking real tea.

She didn’t answer Lou Mi’s question directly: “Is there something you want to tell me?”

Lou Mi rested her chin on her fist, which was placed beside her teacup.

“I have a lot to say, but I’m afraid I’ll sound crazy. If I’m wrong, you’ll think I’m a lunatic.”

Chi Lin smiled: “What about the fortune I told you last time, what happened after that?”

“I followed your advice and looked within my heart.”

“What did you see?”

“Many… incredible things.”

“I also looked at this world with my heart,” Chi Lin said. “And I also saw many incredible things. So, you can tell me what you want to say, I won’t think you’re abnormal in any way.”

Lou Mi paused for a second, and Chi Lin added:

“Perhaps what you’re thinking and what I’m thinking are the same thing.”

After a moment of surprise, Lou Mi’s gaze became even more determined.

Finally reaching this moment, Chi Lin’s heart pounded.

This effect couldn’t be achieved by force; she needed Lou Mi to believe willingly.

Lou Mi, feeling encouraged by Chi Lin’s words, said:

“I think, you’re not Jun Jun. You’re also an… old friend of mine.”

Chi Lin’s fists clenched in her lap.

She had waited for this moment for too long…

Just as Lou Mi was about to speak again, the stone benches they were sitting on suddenly shook violently, almost throwing them off.

They instinctively grabbed the tea table to steady themselves and looked at each other in surprise.

“What…”

Before Chi Lin could finish her sentence, they were thrown off again by an even stronger tremor. A sharp pain shot through their chests, the sensation of being restrained by seatbelts.

“Remove the access crystals!” Lou Mi shouted. They didn’t even have time to log out of the game, pulling out the crystals and returning to reality.

The moment they returned, they saw the back of a large truck right in front of them. They were about to crash!

Almost instinctively, Lou Mi grabbed the steering wheel, wrestling with the autopilot, and swerved sharply.

The car screeched, sparks flying as it grazed the truck’s rear and spun out of control.

Chapter 83 p1

Inside Lou Mi’s car, the small black box, after rolling under the passenger seat, quickly opened, and a small, spider-like robot crawled out.

“Chirp—”

Its head scanned the car’s interior. It crawled to a blind spot beneath the dashboard, its thin, long legs reaching into the console, searching. After finding its target, it glowed red, then quickly dimmed, becoming as silent as if it never existed.

The black box closed again, as if it had never opened.

“Don’t bark!”

The original Chi Lin warned Tiger.

If the stupid dog barked now, it would wake everyone in the house!

Tiger didn’t bark, but it continued to glare at her.

It stood guard at the entrance to the yard. If the original Chi Lin wanted to leave, she would have to get past it.

“Damn…”

She was starting to sweat when she suddenly noticed a dirty, worn-out doll on the ground.

She recognized it; it was Tiger’s favorite toy.

Perfect!

The original Chi Lin picked up the doll and threw it far away.

Tiger immediately ran after it. By the time it came back, its owner was gone.

Stepping out of the Longrun Gardens community, the chill of the early spring morning almost froze the cold sweat on the original Chi Lin’s forehead.

Okay, okay, I’m out.

She chanted inwardly as she walked, I did it, I succeeded, I’m so awesome, I’m so awesome…

Reaching the seaside, she sat down on a bench, her legs still trembling.

She tried to force the incident from her mind, but the memory clung to her.

The image of the ugly, dirty doll kept replaying in her head.

What was that doll, and why did Tiger like it so much? I never bought any dolls…

She strained to remember. It seemed Lou Mi had bought it.

When she and Lou Mi first met, Lou Mi had been quite warm towards her.

She helped her with her homework, walked the dog, bought Tiger dolls to play with, and even bought her a birthday present.

It was she who rejected that closeness, she who was disgusted by Lou Lixing and couldn’t bring herself to get along with his daughter, that drove Lou Mi away.

Lou Mi hadn’t actually done anything wrong, had she…

The original Chi Lin trembled even more violently.

The sea breeze chilled her to the bone.

No, how could Lou Mi have done nothing wrong? Being Lou Lixing’s daughter was her biggest mistake!

The entire Lou family was disgusting!

The original Chi Lin scratched at her hand, almost drawing blood.

But, did she deserve to die?

When enraged, the original Chi Lin could demolish an entire building. Her temper was indeed explosive.

But to kill someone, to actually take a life…

The more she thought about it, the more panicked she became.

Images of corpses from movies and TV shows flashed through her mind.

—No, I can’t kill anyone.

Murder was too terrifying!

She now believed in the existence of souls, which meant things like the underworld and hell probably existed too.

Even if those two women protected her, she couldn’t live forever, she would eventually die.

And after killing someone, she would go to hell…

A wave of dread washed over her. She stood up and stumbled back towards Longrun Gardens, her mind in a daze.

At this hour, cars were already coming and going in the community. The original Chi Lin, head down, snuck into the garage and saw that Lou Mi’s car was still there.

She opened the car door and reached under the seat. Yes! She found it!

Putting the intact black box in her pocket, she finally felt relieved.

As she quietly slipped out, Tiger was lying in the pavilion, chewing on its toy. She left the community without any trouble and returned to the seaside.

Only after leaving did she remember the two women’s words.

What if she didn’t follow their instructions, and her time in this body ran out?

Complete annihilation?

The original Chi Lin’s vision darkened. This time, she had really dug herself into a hole…

She always acted before thinking, only realizing the consequences later.

She took out the black box, turning it over and over, muttering to herself:

“What am I supposed to do now?”

***

Coastal No. 1 Villa, East Side.

A Bao, munching on spicy strips, stared at the large screen hanging in the middle of the living room.

The screen displayed a close-up of the original Chi Lin’s dejected face. She had no idea that the black box was now empty and that she was being filmed by a state-of-the-art flat-panel photosensitive camera.

A Bao witnessed the entire process of the original Chi Lin completing the task, then panicking and retrieving the box.

“A waste of space is a waste of space, can’t do anything right.” A Bao propped her chin on her hand, her eyelids drooping, tearing at the spicy strip with her white teeth.

Xiao V stood behind her, carefully wiping a glass container with freshly shed snake skin. A wisp of red floated in the light blue, circular container.

“But, wasn’t her failure already part of your plan?” Xiao V said. “That’s why you put the actual AI in the box.”

A Bao, convinced by her words, smiled happily:

“I’m just so clever. It’s fine. As long as HighTowerMiyuki is gone from this era, a little twist in the plot isn’t something I can’t tolerate.”

Early in the morning, Lou Lixing and Peng Ziyuan woke up to find that Lou Mi had already left.

“This child, leaving without saying a word.” Lou Lixing was still shaken by yesterday’s events and worried that Lou Mi might go looking for trouble.

He had heard from his parents that Mi Mi had pinned Little Lin against the wall, showing no mercy.

How did things escalate to this point? Hadn’t their relationship always been good? They were even about to get married.

Lou Lixing searched his mind, but couldn’t find the trigger for this explosion.

Seeing Peng Ziyuan lost in thought, he asked her:

“Yuan Yuan, do you know something I don’t?”

Peng Ziyuan shook her head.

Lou Lixing felt slightly relieved. It seemed his Yuan Yuan wasn’t hiding anything.

Unexpectedly, Peng Ziyuan added, “I know many things you don’t.”

Lou Lixing: “…”

Having been too forceful yesterday, Lou Mi’s wrists were still trembling when she woke up this morning. Sitting in the car, applying a warm ointment, didn’t seem to help much.

However, the slight physical discomfort didn’t dampen her mood. Today, her mood was as bright as the sky, clear and sunny with occasional fluffy clouds drifting by, mirroring the excitement bubbling within her.

When she arrived at the club, the doors were still closed. Lou Mi let herself in, turned on the coffee machine, and poured herself a cup.

Huhu and Slay arrived together. Seeing Lou Mi greeting them, the two boys were surprised:

“Sister Mi, why are you here so early?”

“Early? It’s already 7 am.”

“Doesn’t the day start at noon for us esports players?”

“You two are also quite early. What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t there a trainee scrimmage this morning? Sister Buyu and Sister Fu Tu were in charge last week, it’s our turn this week.”

“Mm, good. What time are the trainees arriving?”

“They said before 8 am. We came early to prepare.”

Lou Mi noted that they were much more diligent than Xie Buyu and Fu Tu. Those two would consider themselves saints if they managed to arrive at the same time as the trainees.

Lou Mi, sipping her coffee, went to the fire escape stairwell behind the elevators and waited.

Close to 8 am, the trainees gradually emerged from the elevators. Lou Mi saw Jun Jun.

She came out with two other trainees. Lou Mi lowered her voice and called out:

“Chi Lin.”

She immediately closed the fire escape door, leaving only a crack.

She saw Jun Jun instinctively turn around, then look around blankly when she saw no one.

That momentary look of confusion, the furrowed brow and slightly parted lips, was identical to the Chi Lin she knew.

Lou Mi almost laughed out loud behind the door.

***

All the trainees had arrived, and the scrimmage officially began.

Huhu and Slay, armed with a mountain of snacks, brought chairs over to the live stream screen, leaving the center seat for Lou Mi.

Lou Mi didn’t sit down. Instead, she suddenly suggested, “I’ll join the competition too.”

Everyone present was shocked.

“Huh? Sister Mi is joining too?”

“Then what’s the point of playing? Whichever side Sister Mi joins will definitely win.”

Huhu also said, “Sister Mi, if you join, this match will be over in a minute.”

Lou Mi said, “Pressure brings out potential. Let me see what you’re capable of. There are ten of you. We’ll divide into a group of four and a group of six. I’ll join the smaller group.”

While speaking, Lou Mi occasionally glanced at Jun Jun. Jun Jun seemed to sense her gaze, but after their eyes met once, she refrained from looking back.

Just as the trainees were about to divide themselves into groups, Lou Mi stepped in and started assigning people: “You, you, you, and you, one group. The rest of you, another group. Okay, I’ll join this group.”

Lou Mi pointed to the group with Jun Jun.

“No way, isn’t this overkill? Jun Jun is already incredibly strong!”

The trainees murmured.

“Oh, are you scared?” Lou Mi smiled slyly. “In that case, Jun Jun and I will be a team, and the nine of you will be against us. If you win, I’ll treat you to lunch, anywhere you want, and I’ll also send a big red envelope in the group chat.”

“Huh? 2v9? I think… we might have a chance?”

“If four or five of us can’t take down one person, we have no face left.”

“Free lunch and a red envelope? I’m in!”

The trainees were eager to try.

Huhu and Slay sat on the side, munching on oversized potato chips, and shook their heads:

“Still too young, you have no idea how strong Sister Mi is. She became famous with her wheel wars and even took on a hundred people at once. What are these kids thinking? And now with Jun Jun added, even if it was just Sister Mi alone, even with ten more of you, it would still be an instant kill.”

“Let’s watch the show.”

“I also want to see,” Lou Mi looked at Chi Lin, “how strong the prodigy that Old Lin and Sister Lan praised so highly is.”

Chi Lin remained silent.

The current situation seemed like Lou Mi’s sudden whim, but it also felt premeditated.

She was still wondering if Lou Mi had figured things out, but then Lou Mi’s last sentence brought the atmosphere back to a trainee assessment, and Chi Lin wasn’t sure anymore.

Lou Mi and Chi Lin formed a team. The 2v9 scrimmage officially began.

The two groups entered Return to Jianghu. The randomly selected map was “Wind and Cloud Forest.”

The Wind and Cloud Forest had complex terrain, testing both reflexes and control.

After loading into the map, Lou Mi and Chi Lin appeared back-to-back in a gray bamboo forest.

Thick fog shrouded the bamboo canopy, and mist drifted all around. Lou Mi looked back at Chi Lin and said:

“Thanks for last time.”

Chapter 82

“You’re not Chi Lin. Who are you?”

Lou Mi’s words, spoken without hesitation, were more intimidating than the force she exerted on the original Chi Lin’s back.

The original Chi Lin was completely taken aback. She hadn’t expected to be discovered.

But… what did she mean, she wasn’t Chi Lin?

She struggled frantically, growling:

“If I’m not Chi Lin, then who is?! Who’s supposed to be Chi Lin?!”

Several times, she almost managed to turn around, but Lou Mi’s rage fueled an unexpected strength, forcing her back against the wall.

Lou Mi had initially been uncertain about her own suspicions, but the original Chi Lin’s words solidified her theory. Her grip tightened.

“I don’t care who you are, but if you dare to harm my family…”

She pressed down harder on the original Chi Lin’s shoulder, causing tears to well up in her eyes.

Grandma Lou watched, worried: “Mi Mi, don’t actually hurt Little Lin. Let’s sit down and talk, we’re family.”

The original Chi Lin was still yelling, “Who’s family with you?!” Lou Mi grabbed the back of her neck and her arm, spun her around, and threw her out the door.

“In that case, go to your own house. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

Lou Mi’s coldness and indifference as she slammed the door shut surprised the original Chi Lin.

“Hey! Hey! Open the door!” She pounded on the door. Lou Mi locked it, a lock that couldn’t be opened from the outside with facial recognition. She then turned to her grandparents and said, “Stay inside. Don’t open the door for anyone except my dad and Auntie Peng.”

“Okay…”

“Mi Mi, where are you going?”

Lou Mi stepped into the elevator: “I have to go out. By the way, please check on the dog and make sure it’s alright. Little Lin really loves it.”

The elevator doors closed. Tiger didn’t need to be checked on; it was already at their feet, nudging them timidly and looking up cautiously for their reaction.

“This little dog seems a bit slow-witted, doesn’t it?”

Lou Mi took the stairs from the garage and hid behind the bushes in the community’s greenbelt, watching her apartment entrance.

The original Chi Lin, tired of banging on the door, realized the Lous weren’t going to open it. But her phone and bag were still inside!

Damn it all, she thought dejectedly, walking away, intending to find a phone to call Peng Ziyuan and ask her to pick her up.

Before she could leave the community, she saw Lou Lixing and Peng Ziyuan rushing towards her.

“Little Lin, are you alright?” Peng Ziyuan rushed to her side and held her arm.

The original Chi Lin sneered at Lou Lixing: “You should ask your precious daughter that. She almost broke my arm!”

Lou Lixing: “What happened? Are your grandparents still at home?”

The original Chi Lin glanced at him and didn’t answer.

Lou Lixing and Peng Ziyuan exchanged glances. Lou Lixing went back inside, while Peng Ziyuan stayed outside with the original Chi Lin.

“Give me your phone.” The original Chi Lin held out her hand to Peng Ziyuan.

“What’s wrong?”

“Transfer some money to me.” She said impatiently. “Why did you disable the parental controls? I’m out of money!”

Peng Ziyuan handed her the phone. The original Chi Lin entered the password, but it showed incorrect.

“You changed the password?”

Peng Ziyuan said, “Little Lin, tell me what’s on your mind, what you’re thinking. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a proper chat. I thought you had come to your senses, but you’ve reverted back to this. What do you want me to do?”

“What do I want you to do? I should be asking you that. Do you not remember anything you said? Or are you pretending to have amnesia?!”

Peng Ziyuan: “What did I say? That I would love you and your father forever?”

“You have the nerve to say that.”

“You’re my daughter, I brought you into this world, of course I’ll love you forever. But your father… I did say that before, but later, I couldn’t bring myself to continue loving him.”

“Why?!” The original Chi Lin raised her voice, then sneered knowingly. “Of course, I should have known what kind of person you are. You never wear the same clothes twice, you always have new clothes, you’re fickle! Why did you initiate the divorce with my dad? Wasn’t it because you didn’t love him anymore, you were tired of him! Of course you couldn’t, because you’re essentially…”

Peng Ziyuan closed her eyes and interrupted her: “Your father had an affair.”

The original Chi Lin: “…What did you say?”

“It was with a boy around your age.”

“With, with me? Now?”

“No, when we were divorcing. The boy was just 14 at the time.”

The original Chi Lin was stunned by her words, and after a while, she stammered, “You’re lying…”

“I had intended to never tell you this. Your father did love me when we got married, but he’s bisexual. Do you know what bisexual means? Attracted to both men and women. Being bisexual is perfectly normal, what’s not normal is your father.” Peng Ziyuan spoke slowly, without any emotion, as if she were talking about someone else.

“The first time I found out, he begged me to forgive him. Fine, I forgave him. But then what? A few months later, I caught him again, at home. When I found them, your father was wearing my dress, and that man…”

The original Chi Lin kicked Peng Ziyuan’s shin and yelled, “Don’t say it! Why are you telling me this? I didn’t ask you to! I don’t want to know!”

Peng Ziyuan stood motionless: “You have to know. Chi Lin, you’re 18 years old.”

Lou Mi, hidden behind the bushes, heard everything clearly, feeling slightly awkward.

So there was such a story…

“You know about the divorce. My mother found out and caused a scene at his company. He was too ashamed to stay in the country, so he went abroad. You kept telling your classmates that he was dead, or that he died indirectly because of me. I know all of this. I never contradicted you, as long as you were happy.”

The original Chi Lin trembled: “You think you’re so noble?”

Peng Ziyuan shook her head: “I’m not noble, I’m a failure, I know that.”

“Good that you know. In that case, you should think about how to make up for all of this! You haven’t repented, and you’re still going to marry that Lou guy? Let me tell you, if you marry him, I’ll run away from home!”

Lou Mi cursed inwardly. This little brat was still as obnoxious as ever, even worse.

She thought it was time to step in and support Peng Ziyuan, but unexpectedly, Peng Ziyuan said:

“Then go.”

The original Chi Lin: “…Huh?”

Peng Ziyuan put her hands in her pockets and looked at the original Chi Lin calmly. This look unsettled her.

Peng Ziyuan had changed.

She couldn’t pinpoint what was different. Peng Ziyuan had lectured her many times before, but this time, it seemed…

The community lights illuminated Peng Ziyuan’s cold face. The person standing there wasn’t a loving mother, but a woman whose heart had turned to ice.

The original Chi Lin suddenly found the answer in Peng Ziyuan’s eyes.

It was disappointment, a clear and unmistakable disappointment.

As if she were looking at a piece of trash.

“Go.”

Peng Ziyuan smiled and walked past her.

Lou Mi, almost spotted by Peng Ziyuan, quickly hid.

Peng Ziyuan went back inside. When Lou Mi came out to look for the original Chi Lin, she was gone.

Lou Mi ran to the community gate and asked the security guard, who said she had just taken a taxi.

Lou Mi looked at the dark night, speechless.

The original Chi Lin didn’t know where to go. Without money, she could only sleep on the streets.

The taxi carrying her stopped on an unfamiliar street. She couldn’t even afford the fare…

Without paying, the doors wouldn’t open.

She sat in the car, lost and unsure what to do.

Suddenly, Jun Jun’s face appeared on a nearby advertising screen. It was a missing person notice.

Jun Jun was missing. Although she had left a note saying she was going out for a while and not to worry, her parents, unaware of her whereabouts, were frantic, hoping for her safe return.

“Idiots.” Looking at the haggard faces of the old couple in the video, the original Chi Lin muttered to herself, “Your daughter is already dead.”

Knock, knock, knock. Someone was knocking on the car window.

She snapped out of her thoughts and saw two women standing outside.

Both women were tall and thin, wearing black trench coats and thick scarves despite the late hour, but with skirts on their lower bodies.

The woman in front had long, flowing hair and pressed her face close to the window, her bright smile unsettlingly eerie in the midnight street.

The taller woman behind her was even more intimidating. Upon closer inspection, what she wore around her neck wasn’t a scarf, but a giant python.

The original Chi Lin was stunned. Who were these people? From a circus?

The woman held up her phone with the payment code displayed and waved at the original Chi Lin, gesturing for her to move aside.

Were they going to pay for her fare?

She moved as instructed. A beep sounded, indicating successful payment.

As the taxi printed the receipt, the woman opened the car door and nodded at her:

“Come out, Little Ancestor.”

The original Chi Lin didn’t get out: “Who are you?”

A Bao chuckled: “We’re the only people you can rely on right now. It seems your return wasn’t very smooth, still a stray dog. Want to turn things around? Come out, let’s have a chat.”

Hearing the words “return,” the original Chi Lin was shocked.

“Who are you…”

***

As soon as Lou Mi entered the apartment, Tiger came over, wiggling its butt.

“You’re alright?” Lou Mi picked it up. It licked her nose enthusiastically, and she quickly stopped it, handing it to Peng Ziyuan.

“Silly dog.” Lou Mi wiped the drool off her nose with a wet tissue. Peng Ziyuan glanced at Lou Lixing and her parents sitting on the sofa, then gestured for Lou Mi to follow her to the kitchen.

Closing the kitchen door, Peng Ziyuan got straight to the point:

“There’s something wrong with this Little Lin.”

Lou Mi nodded, then shook her head after a moment of thought.

Peng Ziyuan saw that she understood:

“What do you mean, nodding and shaking your head?”

“If there’s something wrong, I’m not sure which Chi Lin has the problem.”

Peng Ziyuan, holding Tiger, fell into thought.

“What are you going to do?” Peng Ziyuan always felt that Lou Mi had a plan and wanted to hear her opinion.

Lou Mi thought for a moment and said, “I shouldn’t interfere with your and Chi Lin’s affairs, you need to resolve this yourself.”

These words spoke volumes.

Since Lou Mi and Chi Lin’s relationship had blossomed, both Lou Lixing and Peng Ziyuan would immediately inform Lou Mi of anything related to Chi Lin, letting her take the lead, implicitly acknowledging them as a couple.

But now, Lou Mi was returning the reins to Peng Ziyuan, separating herself from the situation. This action confirmed Peng Ziyuan’s suspicions.

But…

Although she had jokingly mentioned it before, who would have thought it would actually happen?

Even Peng Ziyuan, a seasoned reader of soul-swap novels, still found it hard to accept that this was actually happening to her.

“I’ve already let her go,” Peng Ziyuan said. “It wasn’t an impulsive decision. I’ve been harboring this thought for years. She’s an adult now, it’s time for her to grow up. We’re both suffering by staying together, it’s better to let her go and live her own life. If she needs my help, I’ll help her, but for now, it’s best we don’t see each other.”

Lou Mi used to think Peng Ziyuan was just dramatic, but after living together for years, she had come to understand her true nature.

As long as her bottom line wasn’t crossed, she was a gentle person.

But if repeatedly challenged, she would become incredibly decisive.

Lou Mi nodded, showing her support for Peng Ziyuan’s decision.

Peng Ziyuan asked, “Then, the other one…”

She didn’t know how to describe it. She only had a vague idea, not the full picture.

“I have some clues about the other one.” Lou Mi looked at Peng Ziyuan and asked her a question.

Peng Ziyuan lowered her eyes, recalling the past few months, the other girl’s gentleness and obedience, a sweet and loving daughter.

She had experienced a mother-daughter bond she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Was blood relation important? Of course, but she didn’t want to force it anymore.

And some connections were simply strokes of fate.

Peng Ziyuan said, “I have no objections.”

“I wish the entire Lou family would just die!”

The original Chi Lin vented about her recent experiences, growing more and more agitated as she devoured the fried noodles in front of her.

After a loud burp, she ordered ten more skewers.

A Bao wrinkled her nose in disgust and leaned back.

Xiao V said coldly, “You want to kill them? It’s simple.”

The original Chi Lin: “You have a way?”

Xiao V: “Yes.”

The original Chi Lin felt uneasy.

She didn’t know who these two were, but from their words, she was certain that they were responsible for her sudden return to her own body.

Xiao V placed a black box in front of her:

“Just put this black box in Lou Mi’s car. It will kill her without a trace.”

“Huh?” The original Chi Lin picked up the box and turned it over and over, finding no seams or openings. “That amazing?”

Xiao V nodded.

“But how do I get this into Lou Mi’s car?”

“Easy.” A Bao leaned back in her chair and explained, “Unless your family’s garage doesn’t use a smart home system and you can’t get in with facial recognition.”

The original Chi Lin thought about it. She could indeed get in. The smart home system even allowed for shared car access; she could unlock Lou Mi’s car with her face.

“But I’ve fallen out with my family, how can I go back there with a straight face?”

“Hey, silly girl, that’s your mom. Just say something nice, and you’ll be back in.” A Bao analyzed the situation for her. “Only when the Lous are gone can you finally vent your anger. After Lou Mi dies in an ‘accident,’ her dad might also die in an ‘accident.’ Hey, in life, who can say they won’t encounter an accident? Then you can appear and comfort your mother. Mother and daughter reconciled, a happy ending for everyone.”

The original Chi Lin’s smile was strained as she looked at the black box.

“This is just the beginning.” A Bao continued. “After you’ve taken care of this, a transfer student will come to South Lake Third High and be your assistant. She can help you with exams and social relationships.”

“So,” A Bao leaned closer, smiling like a fox. “Haven’t I thought of everything?”

The original Chi Lin’s lips curled up: “How can I trust you?”

“So that’s what you’re worried about.” A Bao looked at Xiao V. “What should we do? She doesn’t trust us.”

Xiao V stared at the original Chi Lin, her expression devoid of emotion, her blinks infrequent, like an emotionless AI.

“You have no choice. Do you think you can stay in this body forever? Chi Lin, you’re already dead. Your connection to this body has ended, your soul lamp has long been extinguished. You’re only here now because we’re lending you time.”

“What… then, what about my connection to Jun Jun’s body?”

The two women didn’t answer, just stared at her coldly.

Even when A Bao smiled, her eyes held a chilling coldness that could freeze one’s heart.

“What if I’m still in this body when the time comes?” The original Chi Lin continued to ask.

A Bao stood up without saying a word, patted her shoulder, and left.

The original Chi Lin: “Hey…”

Xiao V answered her question: “Do you know what complete annihilation means? Your soul will disappear forever, with no chance of reincarnation.”

“What…”

Xiao V gave her one last warning: “Finish this quickly, and embrace your beautiful life. Even a fool can see which path to choose.”

The two left the restaurant one after another, leaving the original Chi Lin shivering in her seat.

After temporarily locking Chi Lin’s access permissions in the home system, Lou Mi went to her father and Peng Ziyuan’s room to say goodnight, then returned to her own room.

She video-called Zhuo Jinglan, asking for Jun Jun’s information.

“This kid doesn’t have much information, she didn’t even fill out her family details. What do you need it for?”

Zhuo Jinglan sent Lou Mi the information Jun Jun had filled out during her interview. Lou Mi had wanted to compare the handwriting.

She had seen Chi Lin’s handwriting, neat and elegant, and she was confident she could recognize it.

But the application was filled out electronically, and even the traditional signature was replaced with a fingerprint scan. There was no handwriting to compare.

Lou Mi bit her lip in frustration, staring at the ceiling.

“Have the trainees all gone back?”

“What are you talking about? Look at the time! I’ve been woken up twice by you already. Do you think the trainees are still here? Have some mercy…”

“Do you know where Jun Jun lives?”

Zhuo Jinglan paused for a few seconds, pondering her question: “Did you and your little sister really break up? You’re already looking for a replacement so soon?”

“…Can you not be like Xie Buyu and the others, always thinking the worst? I have serious business.”

“Even if it’s serious business, I’m not her mother. I really don’t know where she lives.”

Lou Mi rolled her eyes, expecting some useful information:

“Fine, I’ll figure it out myself.”

Zhuo Jinglan wanted to say something else, but Lou Mi hung up.

Jun Jun wasn’t at the club, and Lou Mi didn’t know where she lived. There was nowhere to look for her in the middle of the night. She could only force herself to sleep and go to the club in the morning.

Early in the morning, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, the security guard saw the original Chi Lin pacing back and forth at the community entrance. He startled her when he approached.

“What’s wrong, Miss Chi?” he asked. “Can’t get in?”

The original Chi Lin’s expression flickered. She stammered for a bit, then said:

“I think there’s something wrong with the smart home system.”

“Malfunctioning again? There was another resident in another building who was trapped inside earlier. You’re the opposite, can’t get in.”

The security guard was about to ring the doorbell when the original Chi Lin stopped him:

“Actually, my family is out of town, no one’s home. Uncle, don’t you have override access? Can you let me in?”

The security guard said, “I can’t use the override access casually, only in emergencies, like natural disasters, to rescue people.”

“This is an emergency too. I have an exam today, and I forgot my bag inside. It’s a really, really important exam. If I don’t do well, my mom will kill me. Please, Uncle…”

The security guard knew her, seeing her come and go every day. She was just a young girl, and her pleading almost made him forget his own name. He used the override access to open the door for her.

“Don’t tell anyone, or I’ll get my pay docked.” He warned.

“Uncle, I probably can’t start my car either. Can you check if there’s something wrong with our smart home system?”

The smart home systems in Longrun Gardens were installed and maintained by the property management company, and the security guard’s smart lock could indeed access the system.

“It seems your access has been locked.” The security guard checked the system at the Lou family’s door. “Why don’t you ask your parents what’s going on?”

“My mom and dad are on vacation. They told me before they left to contact property management if I had any problems. The uncles at property management are the best.”

The security guard beamed, unlocking her access: “Alright, alright, go on in, your exam is important.”

“Thank you, Uncle!”

After entering, the original Chi Lin quietly closed the door. A blue light illuminated the living room. She checked the access logs on the control panel and saw that no one had left, they were all home.

She turned off the surveillance and quietly took the elevator to the garage.

She knew there were security cameras outside the community that must have recorded her, but she didn’t care.

If something happened to Lou Mi and the blame fell on her, she could just switch back to Jun Jun’s body. Those two women could definitely make it happen.

She didn’t care about this body or this family anymore. Whoever wanted them could have them.

The pain in her shoulder and face was still sharp.

Lou Mi dared to humiliate her like that.

She deserved to die!

After she killed Lou Mi and waited for Lou Lixing to kick the bucket too, she would return to Jun Jun’s body.

That was true freedom!

Haha…

But, this was murder.

The original Chi Lin’s heart pounded as she tried to convince herself.

Don’t think about it, it’s either her or you.

Reaching the garage, she took out the black box, walked over to Lou Mi’s car, and unlocked the door using the family member shared access.

She opened the door, tossed the box under the passenger seat, closed the door, glanced around, and quickly walked towards the garage exit.

Don’t look back, just keep walking!

The only sound she could hear was her own heartbeat. Reaching the garage exit, she bumped into Tiger, who was doing its business in the yard.

To her surprise, the stupid dog didn’t greet her. Instead, it looked at her warily, baring its teeth.

“Shhh! Don’t bark!” The original Chi Lin, terrified, pointed at Tiger and warned it.

Chapter 81

The original Chi Lin wanted to continue staying at the hotel, but she discovered she had no money left in her account.

She was dumbfounded. Wasn’t her account linked to Peng Ziyuan’s?

Peng Ziyuan was a senior engineer at N-T, earning six figures monthly, with bonuses galore at the end of the year. How could she be out of money?

After checking, the original Chi Lin found that her account had been separated at some point. Peng Ziyuan would have to manually transfer money to her; automatic payments were no longer possible.

Why? Just because she was legally an adult now?

Were they so eager to disable parental controls? Ridiculous!

The original Chi Lin sat by the sea until sunset. Unable to bear the cold any longer, she finally went home.

Getting out of the taxi and about to enter the community, she saw an old man with two children waving at her:

“Little Shifu, you’re back!”

Hearing this title, the original Chi Lin almost dropped her phone.

What the hell, another disciple?

This time, an old man and children?

“Finally found you, Little Shifu. I thought you were avoiding Old Yan.”

As she approached, the original Chi Lin vaguely recognized the old man. He seemed to be one of Lou Mi’s grandfather’s friends.

“What are you doing here?” The original Chi Lin entered the community, and Old Yan followed her with the children.

The security guard, familiar with Old Yan, didn’t stop them.

“Why do you think I’m here?” Old Yan smiled mysteriously. “You have to fulfill your promise to me.”

What? What had “she” promised again?

The original Chi Lin couldn’t believe it. What kind of person had occupied her body? It hadn’t been long, but how had her social circle become so complicated?

Sword dancing, a popular senior, and disciples everywhere?

Unsure what she had agreed to with this old man, she wanted to send him away, but he was incredibly persistent, following her all the way inside.

The original Chi Lin focused on maintaining her act, thinking that the previous occupant might have been incredibly good-natured and wouldn’t have abruptly dismissed the old man, so she swallowed her annoyance and let him in.

Old Yan cheerfully told the children to address her as Shifu, which they did diligently. However, the little girl kept trembling as soon as she entered, her mind seemingly elsewhere, glancing around nervously.

“Mingming, what are you looking at?” Old Yan said. “Pay attention in class.”

The original Chi Lin: “Class? What class?”

Old Yan scoffed, annoyed by her pretense: “Little Shifu, you’re being too polite. What other class could it be? You know perfectly well.”

The original Chi Lin: “…”

“Alright, bring the writing materials!”

At Old Yan’s command, the boy and girl immediately laid out the full set of brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on the table, including a set for the original Chi Lin.

What was this about? It seemed like they were going to practice calligraphy.

Old Yan sat at the dining table with his grandchildren and gestured to the opposite seat, inviting the original Chi Lin to join them.

After hesitating for a while, she was finally pulled down by Yan Mingming.

“Sister Chi Lin, I missed you so much.” Yan Mingming blinked her big eyes adorably. “That meanie isn’t here, is she?”

The original Chi Lin found the little girl endearing and couldn’t bring herself to leave:

“Which meanie?”

“The scary-looking older sister.”

That must be Lou Mi.

“She’s not here, don’t worry.”

So the little girl also disliked Lou Mi.

Anyone who disliked Lou Mi was family.

The three of them pestered her to write something. She thought, how hard could it be to write a few words?

Exams were a matter of luck, but her handwriting was decent. Her father used to praise her penmanship.

Although she wasn’t skilled with a brush, writing was writing.

With a flourish, the original Chi Lin wrote four characters: “Jing Zhong Bao Guo” (Serve the country with utmost sincerity).

Old Yan and his grandchildren: “…”

The original Chi Lin said generously: “There you go, practice with that.”

Yan Mingming: “This calligraphy… is so ugly.”

The original Chi Lin: “??”

The grandson: “The ‘zhong’ in ‘Jing Zhong Bao Guo’ should be the ‘zhong’ for loyalty, you wrote the wrong character.”

Old Yan couldn’t bear to look. He sighed and said:

“Even if you don’t welcome us, you don’t have to humiliate us like this. Fine, we’ll leave, alright?”

The original Chi Lin, unable to retort, was mortified.

***

After a busy day, Lou Mi’s head was overloaded, throbbing faintly, but thankfully, the pain hadn’t intensified.

Zhuo Jinglan said she would treat everyone to dinner later, including the trainees.

“What time?” Lou Mi asked.

“They’re still playing a simulation match, it should be over in about half an hour. We’ll go together after it’s finished.”

“Okay, call me when they’re done. I’ll take a nap.”

“Aren’t you going to sleep in your room?”

“No, I’m too lazy to go in. If I sleep too comfortably, I won’t be able to get up. I’ll just doze off here.”

Not having slept well last night and after a tiring day, Lou Mi quickly fell asleep in her chair.

She had a hazy dream where Chi Lin came to find her, knowing she had a headache, and massaged her temples.

“Chi Lin?”

In her dream, Lou Mi seemed to have actually called her name.

After calling out, her consciousness returned. Still in the dream, she was acutely aware of how ridiculous she was being.

Chi Lin wouldn’t come here looking for her…

She had promised not to leave, but where was she now?

Lou Mi’s heart ached, tears welling up. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice whispering softly in her ear:

“Sister, I’m always here.”

Lou Mi abruptly woke up.

Chi Lin?!

The rest room was quiet, only the faint hum of the laptop on the desk.

There was no one else here but her.

Her heart, which had been soaring, slowly descended with her calming breaths, returning to its place.

Lou Mi rubbed her temples.

It was just a dream.

She leaned back in her chair, savoring the realistic dream.

She touched her slightly warm eartips.

The words Chi Lin spoke in the dream felt so real, as if she were right beside her.

And, perhaps it was just her imagination, but her headache seemed to have lessened.

Outside the rest room, in the fire escape stairwell.

Chi Lin, hurrying down the stairs, glanced back, making sure Lou Mi hadn’t followed her.

Now wasn’t the right time to reveal her identity.

No matter how intelligent Lou Mi was, how adaptable she was, she was a modern person raised on science and logic.

Trying to force her to accept the concept of soul transmigration, something considered “feudal superstition,” probably wouldn’t be achieved with just a few words.

If she said the wrong thing, it might backfire and make Lou Mi lose trust in her.

Lou Mi wasn’t in a good state. Even without seeing it firsthand, Chi Lin could guess what had happened at home.

Chi Lin was more eager than anyone to reunite with Lou Mi, but this reunion had to be handled carefully.

She needed to guide Lou Mi to discover it herself.

Discover who Chi Lin was, and even discover who she herself was.

When Chi Lin transmigrated into Jun Jun’s body, she couldn’t deny the initial panic.

But after calming down, she realized this might actually be a good opportunity.

To make Lou Mi remember her past life, she needed a starting point.

A way to make her understand that the name “Chi Lin” wasn’t just Peng Ziyuan’s daughter, but also her wife, the wife who had traveled across centuries, searching for her tirelessly—this was a perfect starting point.

Chi Lin’s true identity could be the key to unlocking Lou Mi’s past life memories.

This key was gradually being inserted into the lock, but whether it could turn remained to be seen. Chi Lin knew she couldn’t force it.

She had to be patient and choose the right path.

Fortunately, Lou Mi had taken her to play holographic games a few times before, and Chi Lin had received praise from Lou Mi, a top player in the industry, though she hadn’t paid much attention to it at the time.

Now, as Jun Jun, unable to see Lou Mi, she had to find a way to bridge the distance, preferably a situation where they could meet every day.

The ubiquitous Winter World Cup advertisements gave her an idea.

She went to the ENIAC club to apply for trainee training.

“You’ve never played professionally?”

Old Lin, the person in charge of trainee recruitment, looked at her application and shook his head with a smile:

“I’m afraid this won’t work, young lady. We’re recruiting trainees for Nine Heavens’ second team, and we’ll also select talents from among them to join the first team. Trainees need at least two years of professional experience. You have no experience, I’m afraid…”

Old Lin smiled, his meaning clear.

Chi Lin said: “I’ve never played professionally, but the first time I climbed Snowy Peak, I reached the summit in one go.”

Old Lin: “Impossible.”

“Level 66, killed the Snow Cat in the Snowy Peak Dungeon.”

Old Lin: “…”

“I believe you’re looking for true talent, someone who can carry the future of Nine Heavens. You’ve seen many professional players, you know better than anyone what innate talent means for those who want to enter this industry. Hard work is important, of course, but who doesn’t work hard?”

Old Lin didn’t expect a child to say such things.

He put down her resume and re-evaluated this unassuming little girl.

She looked quiet and unassuming, but there was an undeniable strength within her.

He couldn’t put his finger on it, but the pressure he felt from her had a compelling force.

“Are you saying you’re very talented?”

“I’m saying, we don’t have to just talk about it.”

Old Lin admitted, he was interested in this child. He wanted to know what she was capable of, daring to come to ENIAC and boast about her talent.

He personally dueled her in Return to Jianghu, and all the trainees crowded around the live stream screen to watch.

Half an hour later, Chi Lin passed the interview.

Old Lin said he hadn’t seen a child so suited for holographic esports in a long time.

“The last person who gave me a similar feeling was Lou Mi.” His praise was high.

He expected her to continue exuding confidence, but she just smiled faintly.

It seemed all of this was within her expectations, as if she were just going through the motions.

It was this smile that made Old Lin feel like he wasn’t facing a 17-year-old child, but an adult.

An adult with more experience, a broader perspective than him.

Chi Lin successfully entered the club and became a trainee.

She finally had the opportunity to see Lou Mi, but the pain of meeting without recognition was greater than she had anticipated.

She couldn’t bear to see Lou Mi’s sadness.

If she hadn’t come to this era, Lou Mi would have remained confident, carefree, and untroubled.

After finishing her practice match early, she snuck out to catch a glimpse of Lou Mi, just one glance.

But seeing Lou Mi frowning, rubbing her temples, and dozing uncomfortably in her chair through the gap in the blinds, she couldn’t resist.

Massaging her in her sleep, easing her pain, was the only thing Chi Lin could do for her right now.

Lou Mi and the others were having dinner with the trainees in the cafeteria. Xie Buyu and Fu Tu were whispering to each other. Lou Mi reminded them:

“Hey, there are so many people here, can you not whisper secrets?”

Xie Buyu was unrepentant: “What we’re talking about is too adult, we’re afraid of corrupting everyone’s ears.”

“Adult? Come on, tell me.”

“Sister Mi, I’m afraid you can’t handle it.”

“I can’t handle it? Am I a grade-schooler? Just tell me.”

Lou Mi practically wanted to strangle Xie Buyu and force her to spill the beans.

Seeing that Lou Mi was serious, Xie Buyu whispered in her ear:

“Okay, I’ll censor it then. We’re talking about Jun Jun.”

Lou Mi looked at Jun Jun.

Jun Jun seemed to have just showered. Her hair wasn’t in a bun, but simply tied back. She was listening attentively to Zhuo Jinglan.

Lou Mi’s stare might have been a bit too obvious, because Jun Jun noticed and glanced at her, their eyes meeting.

Lou Mi almost choked, maintaining a calm smile on the surface. Jun Jun smiled back.

She turned back to Xie Buyu and glared at her.

Xie Buyu, completely oblivious to her resentment, continued:

“…Jun Jun’s features aren’t perfect, but her figure is really good, nice curves, long legs, and most importantly, her aura, that aloofness. You know, the kind that makes you want to rip her clothes off.”

Lou Mi felt like she had gone deaf: “Vulgar. And this is the censored version? What’s the original like? Should I report you to the police?”

Xie Buyu looked unimpressed: “I’m just talking, I’m not actually going to do it. See, I told you you couldn’t handle it.”

Lou Mi: “This isn’t about whether I can handle it or not. You’re fantasizing about a trainee in broad daylight? Is there no justice?”

“Am I wrong though?” Xie Buyu was never one to back down when it came to judging women. “You know, Jun Jun’s aura is somewhat similar to Little Chi Lin’s.”

Lou Mi’s foot shot out, but Xie Buyu dodged it with a swift twist of her hips.

Zhuo Jinglan: “What are you two doing?”

“Nothing.” Lou Mi said. “Focus on your training. Buyu’s face has gotten rounder recently, probably from living too comfortably. She needs more exercise.”

After dinner, Lou Mi realized she didn’t have any clean clothes at the club and had to go home.

This was something that wouldn’t have happened before.

She hadn’t been particularly attached to going home. Sometimes, with all-night matches and training, she wouldn’t have time to go home for days, so she had a dedicated room at the club with plenty of spare clothes.

She didn’t know when she had become so attached to home, always going back whenever she had time, and taking all her clothes back with her.

Sitting in the car on her way home, Lou Mi didn’t play games or listen to music. She just stared at the soft glow of the car’s control panel.

She reclined her seat, opened the sunroof, and watched the stars as the car sped along the sea highway.

She pondered whether her hypothesis could be true.

But if it wasn’t, many things wouldn’t make sense.

She had to face the truth.

“Don’t rely on your eyes, ask your heart.”

Lou Mi sat up abruptly, the sadness in her eyes replaced by her usual sharpness.

As the car turned into the community entrance, she heard loud noises coming from her apartment.

She quickly parked the car and took the elevator upstairs.

The moment the elevator doors opened, a vase came flying towards her. Fortunately, her reflexes were quick, or she would have been sent to the hospital as soon as she got home.

The apartment was a mess, with shattered vases and teacups everywhere. Even Lou Lixing’s books were scattered on the floor, some torn to shreds.

What was going on now?

“Who is my dad? Who?!”

The original Chi Lin stood in the middle of the living room, holding a decorative ornament, ready to throw it.

Lou Mi’s grandparents huddled near the entrance, trembling and confused:

“Little Lin, calm down, let’s talk things through…”

Lou Mi immediately stepped forward, shielding her grandparents: “What happened?”

The muscles in the original Chi Lin’s face twitched. She pointed at the elderly couple:

“You should ask them! Ask them what they’re trying to do!”

Lou Mi looked back at her grandparents, who were still shaken and completely clueless about how things had escalated to this point.

When they arrived, Old Yan had already left with his grandchildren, leaving only the original Chi Lin at home.

“Little Lin, why are you the only one here?”

Grandpa Lou could enter the apartment with facial recognition, so the original Chi Lin had no way to stop them.

Already in a terrible mood, seeing the Lou family only worsened it. She rolled her eyes and was about to go to her room.

“Hey, Little Lin, don’t go, come here, let’s choose a date together.” Grandma pulled her back with a smile.

“Choose a date? What date?”

“Your wedding date with Mi Mi, of course.” Grandma said cheerfully. “I know you young people don’t care about these things anymore, but we old folks are still a bit superstitious. We can’t have any mishaps on such an auspicious day. Come and see which of these dates are good.”

Damn it.

The original Chi Lin cursed inwardly and pulled her hand away.

The entire Lou family was crazy, now they were even choosing wedding dates…

She was about to turn and leave when she heard Grandma continue: “After you two get married, your parents should also put their wedding on the agenda.”

The original Chi Lin was surprised: “My parents?”

“Yes. But there’s no need to change how you address us yet. You can do that after everything is settled.”

The original Chi Lin’s lips twitched: “You mean Lou Lixing? My dad?”

Her grandparents watched as her face turned red, her eyebrows twitching, her anger about to explode.

They exchanged glances, sensing something was wrong with Little Lin, unsure what they had said to upset her.

“You’re saying Lou Lixing is my dad?”

The original Chi Lin pointed at her grandma.

Grandpa Lou frowned and tried to stop her: “Little Lin, you can’t point at your grandma like that.”

“Get out of my way! Who is my grandma? My grandma is dead!” The original Chi Lin kicked the coffee table beside her, sending it tilting with a jarring screech that made her grandparents jump.

“Who is my dad?! Who is my dad?! Who is my dad?!”

The original Chi Lin went on a rampage, smashing things, tearing books, and yelling.

“Lou Lixing? You think he’s worthy?! You think any of you are worthy?!”

Her grandparents tried to leave, but were blocked by the objects she threw.

If Lou Mi hadn’t returned in time, who knows what would have happened.

The original Chi Lin’s eyes were bloodshot. Holding a crystal horse ornament, she pointed it at Lou Mi:

“Tell me, who is my dad?”

Lou Mi: “Put that down first.”

Grandpa Lou immediately sent a message in the family WeChat group, urging Lou Lixing and Peng Ziyuan to come home quickly.

The original Chi Lin saw it and pointed the ornament at him: “Who are you messaging?”

Tiger, seeing her agitated state, came over, wagging its tail, and rubbed against her.

Enraged, she kicked Tiger: “Get lost! Don’t bother me right now, you mutt!”

Tiger yelped and was sent flying several meters.

Lou Mi’s eyes widened. She lunged forward, grabbed the original Chi Lin’s wrist, pressed her shoulder, and slammed her against the wall, twisting her arm behind her back.

The sharp pain almost made the original Chi Lin cry out.

Her face was pressed against the wall. No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn’t break free from Lou Mi’s grip.

“Let me go!” she yelled.

Lou Mi pressed her harder against the wall, her knuckles white.

“You’re not Chi Lin.” Lou Mi whispered in her ear. “Who are you?”

Chapter 80

Under the watchful eyes of the entire class, the original Chi Lin managed to recite only three words.

Mr. Xia, who had placed so much trust in her and wanted to hold her up as an example, was mortified.

“Alright, you may sit down.” Mr. Xia, unsure of what was wrong, didn’t want to embarrass her further and changed the subject, discussing the focus and key points of the senior year Chinese curriculum.

The original Chi Lin’s face burned as she sat down, still flustered.

Lin Xiaozhi patted her leg under the desk, comforting her:

“Mr. Xia is going through a midlife crisis, don’t mind him.”

The original Chi Lin: “Men have midlife crises too?”

“Of course,” Lin Xiaozhi said. “Men’s midlife crisis symptoms are no less than women’s. Don’t take it to heart. Relax, be yourself. Senior year has just begun. And with us here, what’s there to be afraid of?”

Lin Xiaozhi’s words eased her anxiety slightly.

Unsure who Lin Xiaozhi meant by “us,” the original Chi Lin was certain that most of Class 6 had a favorable impression of her. She even had fans online. Good times were ahead, what was there to worry about?

One step at a time.

So, in the subsequent practice exams, she answered entirely based on intuition. Confidently scanning the filled-in test papers, she figured even if she was just making things up, she should at least get half the points.

That afternoon, in Ms. Qi’s office.

“What is this?!”

Ms. Qi slammed her hand on the desk, the impact jarring her hand.

The original Chi Lin flinched, her eyes darting around.

“11 in Geography, 12 in Math, 13 in English? Are you trying to create a rhythmic pattern with your scores?” Ms. Qi pointed at her. “Come here! Why are you standing so far away? Do you think I’ll eat you?! If I could eat you, I’d swallow you whole right now!”

The original Chi Lin pouted and walked forward: “…It’s just one bad test. Didn’t I do well before?”

“You have the nerve to mention ‘before’? What was your English score ‘before’? Almost perfect! What, you can’t study unless you’re making bets with teachers? Is that all you’re capable of?”

The original Chi Lin’s ears were itching. She wanted to scratch them, but then remembered that the pretentious person she was imitating wouldn’t do that, so she resisted.

“Oh, and a record high of 38 in History. What’s wrong with you? Even if you spent the entire winter break playing around, you shouldn’t be this terrible. Are you doing this on purpose?” Ms. Qi searched for answers on her face. “Do you have a problem with me? Are you trying to get revenge on me?”

The original Chi Lin shook her head.

Ms. Qi was also tired after yelling, her head buzzing from lack of oxygen.

She sat back down, took a sip of tea, sighed, and softened her tone:

“Actually, I was quite pleasantly surprised by your performance last semester. I saw everything that happened, and while I can’t say I completely agree with all your decisions, the learning atmosphere in Class 6 has indeed improved significantly. And not only have you improved yourself, but you also led our class to achieve its first top average score in a single subject… I had high hopes for you, but now I think maybe I shouldn’t put too much pressure on you. I won’t say much more. Whether it’s your studies or your future, it’s your own business. It’s useless for me to worry if you don’t. You can go back to class now.”

“Oh.”

The original Chi Lin left the office and leaned against the wall in the hallway for a long time, staring at the bright blue sky and white clouds outside, feeling dejected.

She could imitate and pretend everything else, but how could she fake studying?

The bitch who occupied her body was so annoying, messing with her academic performance of all things…

Both her mother and the Lous were so rich, what was the point of studying?

It was a waste of effort, just for show.

“Chi Lin!”

Teng Jiang called out to her from the other end of the hallway, holding a basketball.

It was still quite cold in early spring, but Teng Jiang was already wearing his basketball uniform, drenched in sweat, as if he had just finished playing.

“Why are you standing here alone?” He glanced at the office and whispered, “Did you get scolded?”

Imitating the expression from the video, the original Chi Lin frowned and shook her head slightly: “I’m fine.”

“What’s your class doing for the last period this afternoon?”

“Doing?”

“You don’t know? To help relieve stress for senior students, so they don’t burst a blood vessel worrying about the college entrance exams, the last period on Monday afternoons will be free activity time, every other week. Didn’t you get the notice?”

“Maybe there was a notice, but I wasn’t in class just now.”

“It should be the same for everyone. Do some sports, or visit universities, to prepare for choosing your major.”

“Really? That’s great.”

“Don’t get too excited, the class presidents will be keeping an eye on everyone, you can’t sneak off. What’s your class planning to do this afternoon?”

The original Chi Lin didn’t know, but Lin Xiaozhi, appearing out of nowhere, answered for her:

“Calisthenics in the gym.”

Lin Xiaozhi, with her hands in her uniform pockets, walked past and answered casually, then quickly left.

“Oh, our class is doing that too.” Teng Jiang tossed the basketball in the air and caught it, winking at the original Chi Lin. “See you this afternoon.”

The original Chi Lin nodded calmly. After Teng Jiang disappeared from sight, she covered her nose, suppressing her surging excitement.

This guy was sinfully attractive!

The original Chi Lin was eager to make a move.

She could still work on Senior Tan Luo, but Teng Jiang, she had to secure him!

During lunch break, the original Chi Lin didn’t even have time to eat, hiding in a corner of the playground, searching for more information about “Chi Lin,” carefully observing her expressions and speech patterns. This time, there would be no flaws!

For the last period in the afternoon, Lin Xiaozhi led everyone to the multi-purpose gymnasium.

The gymnasium was huge, housing basketball courts, volleyball courts, table tennis tables, and more, all under one roof. It could accommodate half the grade’s students simultaneously. The outdoor soccer field was in a separate area to the east.

Today, Class 1 and Class 6 happened to be exercising together. Class 1 was playing basketball, while Class 6 was waiting for Lin Xiaozhi’s instructions.

Lin Xiaozhi looked troubled: “We’re a bit late, all the courts are occupied. How about we do some light exercises first, and then use the courts when they’re free?”

Everyone asked: “What kind of light exercises?”

Lin Xiaozhi thought for a moment and immediately had an idea.

When her beautiful, cunning eyes landed on the original Chi Lin standing in the back row, the original Chi Lin’s heart skipped a beat, a sense of foreboding washing over her.

“Lin, come here.” Lin Xiaozhi called her over.

The original Chi Lin puffed out her chest and walked to Lin Xiaozhi’s side with a righteous air—though inwardly, she was extremely apprehensive.

“Let Lin teach us some sword dancing,” Lin Xiaozhi suggested.

What?

The original Chi Lin looked at Lin Xiaozhi in horror. Sword dancing?!

She tried to stop Lin Xiaozhi with a look, but Lin Xiaozhi, smiling with narrowed eyes, didn’t even glance at her.

“Great!” Wei Zhuoning was the first to agree.

Although she didn’t know why Lin Xiaozhi had this sudden idea, she was always the class president’s biggest supporter:

“Lin’s ‘White Dew’ dance was so beautiful, I’ve always wanted to learn it.”

Sha Xinyu chimed in with genuine enthusiasm: “Me too.”

Gao Xiang: “Let’s see it then.”

Class 6 quickly reached a consensus, everyone in agreement.

The original Chi Lin’s scalp went numb. She forced a smile: “Sword, sword dancing requires swords. We don’t have any swords.”

“We do.” Lin Xiaozhi pulled a forearm-length scabbard out of her bag. “I just happened to bring one.”

The original Chi Lin was speechless.

Class president, why would you bring a sword to school?!

Staring at the scabbard, she made one last attempt: “Isn’t it a bit too short…”

Lin Xiaozhi unsheathed the sword with a clang. Unexpectedly, it was a folding sword, doubling in length when extended.

The original Chi Lin: “…”

“Here.” Lin Xiaozhi handed the sword to her. “See how thoughtful I am.”

The original Chi Lin: “You…”

Lin Xiaozhi turned to the students on the other courts and announced:

“Chi Lin is going to perform a sword dance, come and watch!”

The original Chi Lin: “What the fuck!?”

Hearing the exciting news, everyone gathered around.

“Really? She even brought a sword!”

“Is it the ‘White Dew’ dance? Awesome, I get to see it live!”

“Where’s my phone! Quick, quick, I need to film this!”

Wei Zhuoning was also excited, taking out her phone to record.

The original Chi Lin, surrounded by hundreds of people, felt like she was in a zoo.

Lin Xiaozhi clapped her hands: “Everyone, a round of applause!”

Amidst the anticipation, applause erupted, thunderous and enthusiastic.

The original Chi Lin just wanted to stab this witch with the sword.

Lou Mi had slept at the club last night, in her dedicated rest room.

She hadn’t slept well, tossing and turning for over an hour before finally drifting off.

She woke up with a headache. She considered taking painkillers but hesitated, remembering the pre-match practice and meeting scheduled for today.

Painkillers could relieve the pain and might not have much effect on ordinary people, but they could affect her performance and reaction time in holographic games.

She had to endure it and avoid any problems before the match.

Lou Mi went to the swimming pool downstairs for a while and then soaked in the hot spring, finally feeling a bit more relaxed.

It was lunchtime. Lou Mi didn’t have much of an appetite, but her stomach and her brain disagreed, rumbling loudly.

She decided to grab something quick at the club’s cafeteria. Xie Buyu and the others would definitely clamor for afternoon tea later, which meant another meal.

Lou Mi went to the cafeteria on the 7th floor alone. It was quite lively. A group of trainees happened to walk by and greeted her:

“Hello, Captain!”

Lou Mi smiled at them. As they passed each other, a bun hairstyle flashed before her eyes.

Her gaze followed it. Turning around, she saw the girl at the end of the group with a neat bun, wearing a black turtleneck sweater under her team uniform.

Even though she was at the back of the group and they were all wearing the same uniform, the girl wasn’t very tall, but her back view was somehow distinctive.

Lou Mi took note of her and slowed her steps towards the cafeteria counter.

After getting a meat and a vegetable dish, she sat down in a corner to eat. Zhuo Jinglan sat down opposite her at some point.

“Eating so little? That’s not like you.”

“I’m being reserved.” Lou Mi casually joked, not wanting Zhuo Jinglan to ask about her relationship again. It was too embarrassing, so she quickly changed the subject to Nine Heavens’ second team:

“Are we choosing the second team from these trainees?” Lou Mi pointed with her chopsticks towards the trainees sitting nearby.

Zhuo Jinglan immediately became interested: “Yes. Let me tell you, some of these trainees are really good. Not just for the second team, they could even join our first team directly.”

Lou Mi laughed: “Don’t you always say that?”

“This time is different. Last night, Buyu and the others watched the recordings of the trainees’ simulation matches, and they share my opinion.”

“A prodigy?”

Zhuo Jinglan’s expression turned serious: “A real one.”

“Show me the recording.”

Zhuo Jinglan took out her phone and showed her.

After watching for a while, Lou Mi forgot about her food.

“This kid is completely self-taught, right? No formal training?”

“Zero years of esports experience. But her game sense is excellent, and her reflexes are incredibly fast…”

“Did you test her?”

Zhuo Jinglan said: “Yes, her reaction time is 0.64.”

0.64 was a number that even surprised Lou Mi: “Are you sure you didn’t measure wrong? Mine is only 0.61.”

“I’m absolutely sure. Her reaction time is only slightly faster than yours, slower than all the other trainees, even slower than Buyu’s.”

Reaction time was one of the most important indicators of a holographic esports player’s ability. It used to be a secret among players, but with the increasing professionalization of holographic esports, this number had become more and more public, even becoming a reflection of a professional player’s ability and value.

The lower the reaction time, the faster the reflexes.

At her peak, Lou Mi’s reaction time reached an astonishing 0.49, the only person so far to break the 0.5 barrier.

It had been a long time since Lou Mi had seen a professional player with a reaction time below 0.65, let alone a trainee.

Lou Mi took Zhuo Jinglan’s phone and focused on the recording.

Not only were her reflexes fast and her skills high, but her playstyle also felt familiar.

Zhuo Jinglan saw what she was thinking:

“You noticed it too, her playstyle is very similar to yours. Both her movements and her strategy are almost identical. If I didn’t know what you do every day, I’d think you took on an apprentice.”

Lou Mi finished watching the recording and asked Zhuo Jinglan: “Which one is she?”

“The one in the photo I showed you yesterday, Jun Jun.”

She glanced back: “Is she there?”

“Yes, the one in the black turtleneck.”

So it was her.

Zhuo Jinglan said: “Shall we go over and talk to her?”

Lou Mi: “Yeah, I’ll buy the kids some food first.”

“You, always bringing gifts wherever you go.”

Lou Mi ordered a deluxe beef hot pot and went over to the trainees’ table with Zhuo Jinglan.

There were seven or eight trainees, with an average age of 15 or 16, the oldest being 20. Almost all of them were Lou Mi’s fans. Seeing their idol sitting next to them with a huge hot pot, they were both excited and touched.

As their manager, Zhuo Jinglan was good at creating a lively atmosphere, telling them not to be nervous, that Sister Lou was just here for a chat, it wasn’t a life-or-death situation.

Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.

“What are you playing?” Lou Mi saw a plate on the table, a rather old one, engraved with patterns and characters she didn’t recognize, with a few red beans scattered on it.

“Jun Jun is telling our fortunes!”

Lou Mi: “Fortune telling?”

Zhuo Jinglan: “You’re going to be professional esports players, and you still believe in superstitions?”

Everyone immediately said: “Jun Jun is very accurate! Really, really! Jun Jun, tell Sister Mi and Sister Lan’s fortunes too!”

Lou Mi had been observing Jun Jun since she sat down.

Jun Jun wasn’t exceptionally beautiful, but her features were delicate. Her eyes weren’t large, and she didn’t seem particularly outgoing, but there was an indescribable aura of intelligence about her.

And coincidentally, she also had a faint mole under each eye.

Chi Lin said: “It’s just a little trick I learned online, it’s not to be taken seriously.”

Everyone continued to urge her, saying that she was actually very accurate.

Lou Mi watched her quietly for a moment, then said:

“Tell my fortune. I happen to have something on my mind.”

With their idol’s request, everyone was even more excited. Chi Lin didn’t refuse any longer, asking Lou Mi to give her a word and then scatter the red beans on the plate.

Lou Mi gave the word “Lin,” then scattered the beans.

Everyone knew she and her little sister were close.

So after she gave this word, many of them covered their mouths, secretly enjoying this “Snow Vegetable” CP moment.

Chi Lin analyzed the character “Lin,” relating each component to different positions on the plate, then compared them to the arrangement of the red beans. After a moment of silence, she said:

“Has there been a recent upheaval in your family? Something you can’t resolve?”

Everyone had been expecting some gossip, but instead, she asked such a serious question.

Lou Mi’s gaze intensified: “Yes.”

Chi Lin looked up at her:

“Don’t rely on your eyes, ask your heart.”

Lou Mi’s skin crawled at her words, and she was speechless for a moment.

Zhuo Jinglan cursed inwardly.

She actually got it right? What kind of divine fortune teller was this?!

After Chi Lin told a few more fortunes, and Zhuo Jinglan talked about the second team, as they were about to leave, Lou Mi lingered behind and said to Chi Lin:

“If I have any questions later, can I come to you again?”

Chi Lin said: “I’m always here.”

The sound of laughter still echoed in her ears as the original Chi Lin kicked a trash can by the roadside.

An elderly woman passing by gave her a sideways glance, and the original Chi Lin snapped:

“What are you looking at, you old hag!”

The old woman shook her head and walked away.

The original Chi Lin was about to explode.

What was wrong with Lin Xiaozhi, bringing up her most embarrassing moment? What sword dance?

An hour ago, she had taken the sword and, forcing herself, tried to imitate the movements from the video.

All the expectant gazes turned to stunned silence after she made her first move.

Cursing inwardly, the original Chi Lin poked randomly in the air with the sword. After a dozen pokes, she realized that her lower body was as stiff as a cement pillar.

Gritting her teeth, she rolled on the ground in slow motion. Before she could complete the roll, her head hit the ground, and her body failed to flip over. She flailed her legs in the air like a turtle before collapsing.

Wei Zhuoning: “…”

Everyone: “……”

“Pfft.”

Someone, emboldened, let out a laugh, triggering an eruption of laughter from the crowd.

The laughter almost filled the entire gymnasium. The original Chi Lin scrambled to her feet and saw Teng Jiang, laughing so hard he was crying, among the crowd.

Enraged, she threw the sword to the ground.

Who would have thought that the sword would snap in two upon impact? And with remarkable flexibility, the broken half bounced back and hit her squarely in the forehead, leaving a bright red mark.

Everyone was in hysterics. The original Chi Lin pushed through the crowd and fled the gymnasium.

Standing on the seaside boardwalk, even the sea breeze couldn’t cool the heat in her face.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Just as she was about to kick another trash can, she heard a man’s voice behind her:

“Did you just insult my grandma?”

The original Chi Lin turned around and saw a tall, burly man standing behind her. The elderly woman from before pointed at her:

“It was her!”

The original Chi Lin took off running. The man chased her from the boardwalk to the main road, for two whole blocks.

Chapter 79

When Lou Mi arrived home, Peng Ziyuan and Lou Lixing had just returned from the hospital. Lou Lixing’s burned hand was bandaged.

Lou Mi looked around. There was still uncleaned soup and broken glass on the floor. Confused, she asked, “What happened here?”

Peng Ziyuan recounted the incident in detail.

Lou Mi remained silent. Lou Lixing sighed and said:

“I shouldn’t have hit her. I lost control.”

Peng Ziyuan sighed: “You were just trying to protect me. I don’t know why Little Lin was so angry today. She’s been much better tempered recently, I thought she didn’t care about us anymore, why today…”

The three fell into a similar silence. Lou Mi was the first to speak again:

“So where did she run off to?”

“I’m worried about her too. I went out to look for her earlier, but she ran too fast and I lost her.”

“The system shows she drove out.”

“She’s in a bad mood right now, what if she does something stupid…” Peng Ziyuan reached for her coat. “No, I have to go out and find her again.”

“Auntie, you stay here and take care of my dad, I’ll go.” Lou Mi hadn’t even taken off her coat yet. “Wait for my news at home.”

Peng Ziyuan wanted to say something, but Lou Mi had already disappeared into the elevator.

Lou Mi called Chi Lin’s phone, but no one answered.

She called again, and the call was rejected.

Lou Mi could only send a WeChat message: “Little Lin, where are you? Tell me what happened today, I’m very worried about you.”

After sending the message, Lou Mi clutched her warm phone, her hands icy cold.

Why the sudden change in personality?

The Chi Lin she saw today felt familiar yet unfamiliar, with a sense of awkwardness and irritability.

It was as if…

Lou Mi forced herself to calm down, not to be distracted by her wild thoughts. She needed to find Chi Lin and make sure she was safe before analyzing her suspicions.

Coastal No. 1 Villa.

The doorbell rang. Tan Luo wrapped her bathrobe tighter and hurried towards the door.

Her little cutie had arrived.

Passing by the large full-length mirror, she paused to admire herself, playfully tossing her head. Her long, brown curls cascaded down like a waterfall, and her lips were the perfect shade of red.

The door opened, and the first thing the original Chi Lin saw was the glimpse of skin revealed by the loose bathrobe.

She whistled inwardly.

The idiot who transmigrated into her body wasn’t completely useless after all.

If she could spend a night with Senior Tan Luo, it would all be worth it.

The original Chi Lin considered herself a face connoisseur. She liked anyone who was beautiful, regardless of gender.

Seeing her staring, Tan Luo happily welcomed her in, and the door automatically locked.

“Why did Shifu contact me so late? I was almost asleep.”

Tan Luo had the original Chi Lin sit on the sofa while she languidly leaned on the other end, her long, smooth legs peeking out from under her bathrobe. Paired with her beautiful and alluring face, the scene looked like something straight out of a movie.

And not a very wholesome one.

“I’m here to deliver the antidote…” The original Chi Lin said, taking a small box out of her pocket and handing it to Tan Luo.

“Shifu is in such a hurry? Can’t you wait until tomorrow?” Tan Luo took the box with a smile, her fingers brushing against the original Chi Lin’s as their hands met.

A jolt of electricity ran through the original Chi Lin, her gaze fixated on Tan Luo.

Tan Luo observed her expression for a moment, then said, “Your phone is ringing.”

The original Chi Lin: “It’s nothing important, I don’t want to answer.”

Tan Luo: “Oh?”

As she spoke, the phone rang again. She hung up, and a WeChat message immediately popped up.

Tan Luo chuckled: “Are you really not going to answer? What if it’s something urgent?”

Annoyed, the original Chi Lin opened her phone and saw that it was indeed Lou Mi looking for her.

Were she and Lou Mi really dating? What a joke, how disgusting.

The thought of being intimate with Lou Lixing’s daughter made her want to vomit.

But Lou Mi’s voice did sound genuinely worried.

The original Chi Lin looked at Tan Luo and suddenly thought of a perfect way to get revenge on the Lou family.

She gleefully typed a reply:

“I’m here, come pick me up.”

Then she sent her location to Lou Mi.

Lou Mi, receiving the reply, felt a surge of relief and immediately set the navigation, heading towards the destination.

“Who are you chatting with?” Tan Luo opened the small box and found a few gray pills inside, which she fiddled with.

“The Lou woman.” The original Chi Lin shifted closer to Tan Luo. “She’s coming here to pick me up later.”

Tan Luo raised an eyebrow: “Oh?”

“But I’m not going back with her.”

“Oh.” Tan Luo’s voice lowered, seemingly losing interest. Just as the original Chi Lin was about to say something else, Tan Luo changed the subject: “Why is the antidote gray?”

The original Chi Lin thought, what, were they cosplaying some fantasy drama now, and even the props had to match?

Tan Luo: “It’s not actually antidote, is it? It’s poison.”

The original Chi Lin inched closer: “If it’s poison, are you afraid?”

Tan Luo raised her hand, covering her mouth with the back of her hand, as if she had just heard a hilarious joke.

Lou Mi arrived much faster than the original Chi Lin had expected.

She practically broke the doorbell, ringing it repeatedly before the previous ring had even finished, her anxiety evident.

“Coming, coming, someone’s eager.” Tan Luo adjusted her bathrobe again and walked barefoot across the carpet to the door.

The original Chi Lin guessed it was Lou Mi and followed Tan Luo to the door.

Weren’t they dating? Weren’t they all lovey-dovey?

For Lou Mi to be so obedient to her, the person who transmigrated into her body must have had some skills. They must have been very much in love.

In that case, how devastated would she be seeing her girlfriend cheating?

The door opened. Upon seeing the original Chi Lin, Lou Mi smiled:

“Why are you here? Whose house is this…”

As the door opened wider, revealing Tan Luo leaning against the doorframe in her loose bathrobe, Lou Mi’s smile vanished almost instantly.

She recognized Tan Luo. She hadn’t dared to look too closely at the photos circulating online before, but she had memorized Tan Luo’s face the moment she saw it.

“Do you understand now?” The original Chi Lin said. “Does this situation require further explanation? I didn’t ask you to come here to go back to that disgusting house with you. I want to tell you, stop calling me, stop texting me, stop bothering me. Can you do that?”

Lou Mi looked at her and shook her head almost imperceptibly, her eyes already reddening.

She didn’t understand why Chi Lin was treating her like this, and she knew something was wrong.

But seeing that familiar face, hearing that familiar voice speak words of disgust, the heartache was overwhelming.

Tan Luo quietly watched them, silently observing the scene unfolding at her doorstep.

Not wanting anyone to see her vulnerability, Lou Mi quickly turned away:

“I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Calm down, and remember to go home early.”

“I said I’m not going back, didn’t you hear me?”

Lou Mi didn’t say anything more and quickly left.

Seeing that she had actually made Lou Mi cry, the original Chi Lin was both apprehensive and incredulous.

Who would have thought that the formidable HighTowerMiyuki could be brought to tears by her! The original Chi Lin was ecstatic.

Revenge was sweet, but there were even sweeter things awaiting her tonight.

“Senior…” The original Chi Lin turned to Tan Luo with a smile, but noticed that her expression was different from before.

Tan Luo had adjusted her bathrobe, the belt tied securely. It wouldn’t come loose even if she rolled around on the floor.

The original Chi Lin: “?”

“It’s late.” Tan Luo placed a hand on her shoulder and gently pushed her out. “Shifu should go home now.”

“What? Senior, didn’t you invite me? Huh? Hey, hey!”

Tan Luo actually closed the door.

The original Chi Lin was left outside, dumbfounded.

Just as she was about to ring the doorbell, the door opened by itself.

She immediately stepped forward with a smile: “I…”

Tan Luo responded with an even wider smile and tossed her backpack outside.

The original Chi Lin: “?!”

Tan Luo said gently, “Goodnight.”

Then the door slammed shut unceremoniously and didn’t open again.

By the time Lou Mi finally composed herself, she realized she had already driven across the sea highway twice.

Not wanting to go home at all, Lou Mi set the navigation for the club.

Whenever she was upset, Lou Mi would play games.

As long as she entered the game world, she could temporarily forget everything.

When Lou Mi arrived at the club, Fu Tu and Zhuo Jinglan were watching videos of the trainees’ practice matches. Xie Buyu, feeling sleepy, had gone home.

“Eh? Sister Mi? Why are you here?” Fu Tu, always oblivious, then asked, “Did you find your little sister?”

Lou Mi’s face was dark: “I found her.” She then walked into her office without looking at them.

Fu Tu looked at Zhuo Jinglan, confused: “Did she find her or not?”

Zhuo Jinglan: “Your brain is only good for gaming.”

Fu Tu: “?”

Zhuo Jinglan: “It’s obvious she found her, otherwise she wouldn’t be so upset.”

While Fu Tu was trying to process this logic, Zhuo Jinglan took her tablet and knocked on Lou Mi’s door.

“What?” Lou Mi asked from inside.

“I have something interesting to show you.”

“I don’t want to see it.”

“I guarantee you’ll be happy after seeing this.”

“…”

Lou Mi didn’t respond. Zhuo Jinglan opened the door and walked in.

Lou Mi was sitting in her gaming chair, fiddling with the cable of her Return to Jianghu access crystal.

Zhuo Jinglan sat down in front of her, discreetly glancing at her face.

Her eyes were a little red and swollen. Had she been crying?

Zhuo Jinglan cursed inwardly.

She had practically watched Lou Mi grow up. This child always had a strong mentality, never shedding a tear even when faced with the biggest challenges or setbacks.

What on earth had her little sister done to upset her so much…

Lou Mi’s eyes were downcast. Zhuo Jinglan opened her tablet and held the screen in front of Lou Mi.

Lou Mi glanced up and saw a series of photos of young girls.

“What, are you already eager to find me a replacement?”

“You broke up?” Zhuo Jinglan was shocked. “You broke up before even getting together properly?”

“Can you not jinx me?”

“Alright, alright, I’m trying to talk to you about something serious. There are photos of young men below the girls, all new trainees. It’s time to form Nine Heavens’ second team. There are also recordings of today’s training sessions. Would Your Highness like to take a look?”

“I’m really tired and annoyed. Can you let me rest?”

“I’m trying to give you something to distract yourself.”

“Distract myself, fine.” Lou Mi held up the access crystal. “Just accompany me in slaughtering some people.”

Zhuo Jinglan could only agree: “Fine, but only for an hour, no more. You have to be in the game all day tomorrow. I’m afraid your fragile mind will break down if you overuse it.”

Lou Mi and Zhuo Jinglan entered the game together and chose a few high-difficulty dungeons to rampage through.

Lou Mi fought everything and everyone, leaving rivers of blood in her wake, but she avoided the Snowy Peak Dungeon, even steering clear of its entrance.

That place was cursed, with terrible feng shui.

While wielding her flame spear, Lou Mi thought about Chi Lin.

Her thoughts drifted from today, to last night, all the way back to several months ago…

“Watch out!” Zhuo Jinglan’s voice startled her. She snapped back to reality and found a Blood Crane hovering above her, about to peck at her head.

Zhuo Jinglan was too far away to save her. Lou Mi tried to activate her skills, but they were on cooldown.

She had no memory of using them before.

Lou Mi braced herself for the impact, but the crane’s sharp beak was suddenly blocked by a thick layer of ice.

The ice shattered under the crane’s attack, sending shards flying everywhere. Instinctively, Lou Mi swung her spear, hitting the crane’s neck.

The crane tried to attack again, but a white blur flashed past, striking the wound on its neck.

Lou Mi’s attack had already injured it, and this follow-up blow, expertly executed, deepened the wound.

The crane shrieked in pain and flew away, injured.

Lou Mi turned around and saw a woman in white standing nearby.

The woman’s character name was “Jin Yi,” which sounded like a real name.

Her black hair was neatly tied back, and she wore simple clothes. Her outfit was the most basic novice set, and Lou Mi saw that she was only level 34, wielding an ice staff that could be found anywhere.

She was the one who had just saved Lou Mi.

Not with equipment, but purely with skill, quick reflexes, and ingenuity.

“Thank you for your help.”

Lou Mi didn’t recognize her, but out of courtesy, she thanked her.

Jin Yi bowed: “You’re welcome, HighTowerMiyuki. If I hadn’t acted so hastily, you would have slain that Blood Crane yourself.”

Jin Yi’s voice was slightly deep but pleasant, her tone and words archaic, matching her heroic appearance.

In the world of Return to Jianghu, almost everyone knew HighTowerMiyuki. Lou Mi thought the other player might want to chat, but after smiling, Jin Yi simply left.

After logging out, Lou Mi was flushed from the intense fighting. She felt somewhat better, but remembering the mess in real life, her mood quickly plummeted again.

“I’ll sleep at the company tonight,” Lou Mi told Zhuo Jinglan. “Remember to lock up when you leave.”

Zhuo Jinglan: “I’ll stay with you. I’ll be in the next room, I promise not to disturb you. Just call if you need anything.”

“Really, no need. You think I’m going to do something drastic? It’s not that serious.”

“I’m not afraid of you doing something drastic, I’m afraid you’ll demolish our club in a fit of rage. I still need it to support me for the rest of my life.”

“What, am I some kind of wild animal to be so destructive?”

“Is there any wild animal as wild as you?”

Lou Mi: “…”

Zhuo Jinglan insisted on staying with Lou Mi. Lou Mi knew she was worried, but they were the same kind of people.

When criticizing, they were like machine guns, firing non-stop.

But when comforting, they were incredibly clumsy, circling around the same “look on the bright side” phrases until they bored themselves to death.

Lou Mi wanted to stay at the club mainly because she didn’t want to go home, didn’t want to run into Chi Lin again.

She was afraid of losing control of her emotions if she saw Chi Lin face to face.

She needed to stay clear-headed and carefully recall everything that happened today, recording every detail.

Including every word, every expression of Chi Lin’s.

The original Chi Lin spent the night at a five-star hotel and went straight to school the next day.

Senior Tan Luo’s thoughts were too difficult to decipher.

Sitting in the taxi on her way to school, the original Chi Lin was still lamenting the missed opportunity from last night.

But it didn’t matter. Even without Senior Tan Luo, she still had a large harem at school. She wasn’t worried.

Like the school heartthrob, and Sha Xinyu.

This time, she would perform well.

Analyzing the reason for last night’s failure, she realized she had been too hasty and had forgotten one thing—

Senior Tan Luo liked the person who had occupied her body before.

Thinking of this, the original Chi Lin took out her phone and searched for content related to “Chi Lin.”

“…The beauty still lingers in my dreams, but was she real? No, I firmly believe she was. It’s a hazy feeling, tinged with loneliness and confusion…”

It was an interview. The original Chi Lin found the sight of her own face in the video unsettling.

That serious, pretentious demeanor made her cringe.

That’s it? They all liked a deadpan face?

The original Chi Lin felt greatly relieved—that was too easy, she just had to keep a straight face and not smile!

She flipped down the mirror on the car’s ceiling, styled her hair into the same bun as in the video, put on a serious expression, and voila, a perfect imitation.

Arriving at school, she saw Gao Xiang and the others approaching from the other side.

Both groups had spotted each other. Just as Gao Xiang was about to greet her, the original Chi Lin walked away with a cold expression, without a word.

Gao Xiang: “What the hell? What’s going on?”

Classmate A: “Did she just glare at you?”

Gao Xiang: “Did I offend her? I don’t think so?”

Classmate B: “I’ve felt like something was off with her lately.”

The original Chi Lin felt very pleased with her performance. She ignored everyone along the way and sat down at her desk.

Too easy, she gave herself a perfect score. She could keep up this pretense for a hundred years without being exposed.

The first class was Chinese. As soon as Mr. Xia entered, he announced a surprise recitation test.

“No way! A test on last semester’s texts? Who remembers any of that?!”

The whole class groaned.

Mr. Xia said: “You can’t slack off during the holidays, or you’ll lose your momentum. Remember, you’re in your senior year now.”

Dong Xiangwen: “Mr. Xia, even if it’s senior year, you should give us some time to adjust. Can’t we do this tomorrow?”

Mr. Xia chuckled: “You think everyone is as lax as you? I know there’s someone who definitely wouldn’t lower her standards, no matter how long the break. Chi Lin.”

Mr. Xia suddenly called her name, and the original Chi Lin froze.

What? Why was Old Man Xia calling her?

“Recite Xiaoyaoyou.”

Mr. Xia was full of confidence, knowing that Chi Lin would, as always, recite it flawlessly.

He had witnessed Chi Lin’s hard work last semester. She was diligent and competitive. She would never allow herself to fall behind again.

The whole class looked at Chi Lin. Mr. Xia gazed at her with a smile. Everyone was waiting.

The original Chi Lin could only stand up reluctantly.

“In the Northern Darkness, in the Northern Darkness there is…”

She was stuck. Studying was a distant memory. She couldn’t even remember the first line.

Standing there, she started to sweat.

What came after “In the Northern Darkness there is”?