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  • Shion’s Notes 132

    Chapter 132: Signing Her, No Matter What

    Chen Xi had hoped Yu Linna would write a collection of short stories for easy publication. After all, as the winner of the New Talent Awards, she had the opportunity, and it would befit her status.

    However, Yu Linna had no intention of writing short stories, having already started another novel. This displeased Chen Xi.

    A novel rushed out in such a short time was unlikely to be of high quality, likely just a hasty effort. Chen Xi doubted Yu Linna could produce another good novel so quickly.

    But recalling her ability to write a complete novel in seven days and six nights, she decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, she was the Gold Award winner.

    “Alright, let me see the manuscript.”

    Despite her words, Chen Xi remained skeptical. A novel was different from a short story, requiring more time and a more complex world.

    Yu Linna removed Chen Xi from her blacklist and sent her the manuscript for Zixuan and the Paper Airplane, which she had finished in the past few days.

    This novel was different from Ballad of the Enchantress, abandoning the grand world-building and complex relationships for a simple, heartwarming everyday story.

    Initially, Chen Xi doubted Yu Linna’s ability, but as she read, she realized she had underestimated her.

    The protagonist, Tang Yu, a man in his thirties, surprised her. Current trends favored young male protagonists with harems; older protagonists were rare.

    And then, the introduction of Tang Yu’s son, Tang Zixuan, surprised her even more. With a son, there likely wouldn’t be a romantic interest; the protagonist was already married. But then, with the death of his ex-wife, and Tang Yu left to care for his seven-year-old son, Chen Xi anticipated the introduction of a new female protagonist.

    However, there wasn’t one. The story focused on the developing relationship between Tang Yu and Zixuan, from initial awkwardness and resentment to gradual understanding and connection. When Zixuan expressed a desire for a new schoolbag, envious of his classmates, Tang Yu, the ultimate slacker, decided to take on manual labor, working long hours to earn money for his son.

    Chen Xi was hooked.

    Other characters appeared, like Zixuan’s wealthy classmates and Tang Yu’s old friends, but the core of the story remained the evolving bond between father and son.

    In the end, Zixuan got his new schoolbag, and Tang Yu, through his son’s smile, rediscovered the meaning of family, reflecting on his years of wasted potential and resolving to be a better father. He decided to find a stable job to support his family, and the story concluded.

    It was a heartwarming story about family, devoid of romance or drama, a simple, yet powerful narrative.

    Chen Xi hadn’t expected it to be so moving, so relatable.

    It made her think of her own parents, who had supported her through university, while she, after graduating, rarely visited them, always busy with work. She felt a pang of guilt. She should make more time for them; their hair must be even grayer now.

    “This is a wonderful story.”

    Having finished the manuscript, Chen Xi couldn’t help but praise it, the portrayal of family so beautifully rendered.

    She didn’t know that the depiction of family was actually Yu Linna’s own idealized vision, a longing for the family she had never had. The family she craved was brought to life through her words, a family like Tang Yu and Zixuan’s, imperfect yet finding connection and building a future together.

    Yu Linna, having no family, no relatives, yearned for that connection, that sense of belonging. This yearning became Zixuan and the Paper Airplane. The first gift Tang Zixuan received from his father was a handmade paper airplane, a simple gift that Yu Linna herself longed for.

    The paper airplane symbolized dreams, a gift of love and aspiration from a parent. Its flight symbolized the child growing up, venturing into the world, carrying the love and support of their family.

    “Shion-sensei, I’ve changed my mind. You’re truly a one-in-a-million talent. You’re exceptional.”

    Chen Xi believed that if she signed Yu Linna, her talent would shine, potentially becoming a pillar of Wenqing, a thorn in Qidian’s side. To produce two distinct, high-quality novels with unique personal styles in such a short time was a feat even Zhao Yuyan hadn’t accomplished. Back then, she had only one novel and a few short stories to her name.

    With proper guidance, Yu Linna could become an author even greater than Zhao Yuyan. Chen Xi was convinced of this.

    “So, what do you propose?”

    “We’ll sign you. Zixuan and the Paper Airplane is a wonderful story. I’ll discuss it with the team and see if we can make an exception and publish it. But Shion-sensei, if we do, you’ll be serializing two novels simultaneously. Can you handle it?”

    “As long as you give me the chance, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

    Yu Linna had endured so many failures; she wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away. No matter how difficult, it couldn’t be worse than going hungry.

    “Alright, as you wish. Starting today, I’m your editor. Submit all your manuscripts to me. Let’s sign the contract. You just turned eighteen, right?”

    Chen Xi presented the revised contract, offering Yu Linna a pen. Once signed, she would officially be a Wenqing author. Ye Zhiyun, observing silently, smiled faintly. Yu Linna deserved this.

    Picking up the pen, Yu Linna recalled the contract she had signed with Chenghe. This contract was different, far more equitable.

    She signed her name, “Yu Linna.”

    From this moment on, she was no longer just Yu Linna; she was Shion, a Wenqing author.

    She was finally making her debut.

    One day, her name would be known throughout the country, her existence acknowledged. One day, she would reach the pinnacle of success.

    She had once sought fame to escape poverty; now, she would strive for her dreams.

    She would keep moving forward, never stopping.

    Because she had found her purpose.

    Having signed Yu Linna, Chen Xi was elated. Though Yu Linna’s second novel had been unexpected, she wouldn’t let this opportunity pass. She had to sign her.

    She didn’t want a repeat of the Luo Nan incident.

    Back then, Luo Nan had submitted her first novel to Wenqing. Chen Xi had seen its potential, believing it would be a success, and wanted to sign her. The standard royalty rate for newcomers was 5%, but Luo Nan wasn’t satisfied, demanding 9%.

    She had also offered to write two novels simultaneously, demanding better terms and priority publishing, requesting the same treatment as Air.

    As a newcomer, her demands were considered arrogant. The entire editorial department disapproved, despite Chen Xi’s insistence on signing her, even with reduced terms. The other editors, deeming her too presumptuous, refused, even refusing to read her manuscript.

    Infuriated, Luo Nan took her work to Qidian, and within months, her novel was published, the initial print run of five thousand copies selling out on the first day, followed by a reprint of thirty thousand. Now, her second novel was in preparation, fulfilling her promise of serializing two novels simultaneously.

    Luo Nan was now Qidian’s treasure, a newcomer with the potential to become a literary giant. Wenqing regretted their decision; if they had signed her, things might have been different.

    But there were no ifs.

    Chen Xi didn’t want to repeat that mistake, so this time, no matter the demands, she would ensure Yu Linna stayed with Wenqing.

    “Shion-sensei, I’ll be going now. I’ll find an illustrator for your novel as soon as possible.”

    “Okay.”

    With Chen Xi’s departure, the apartment fell silent.

    Ye Zhiyun sat beside Yu Linna, their shoulders touching, a smile on her face.

    “Nana, congratulations.”

    “I’ve already heard that~”

    “I wanted to say it again. You’ve worked so hard. I’m so happy for you.”

    “I should thank you too, Zhiyun. Thank you for supporting me, helping me all this time. Without you, I would have been splattered on the train tracks.”

    It was true. If Ye Zhiyun hadn’t intervened, Yu Linna would have ended her life at the train station. She was eternally grateful to Ye Zhiyun, grateful for her help in leaving the entertainment industry, which had led her to find a new path, a new direction.

    She wasn’t cut out for the entertainment industry. Though she had a pretty face, she wasn’t meant to be in front of the camera.

    Her true stage was the literary world, a place where she could unleash her talent.

    She had proven her abilities with two novels, a talent she had kept hidden. Now, she would spread her wings and soar.

    And none of this would have been possible without Ye Zhiyun.

    “Zhiyun, thank you for taking me in, for giving me a home. I don’t know how to thank you. I’m so happy. I can finally do what I love. Zhiyun…”

    “Don’t say anything. Now, you need to celebrate your victory. Where should we go?”

    Holding hands, their hearts connected, the atmosphere warm and intimate.

  • Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 74p2

    Chapter 74 p2

    Qin Qianrou soon appeared, and before Li Wan could even speak, Shen Yiqiu embraced her tightly.

    Without hesitation or reservation, like lovers reunited after a long separation, if not for the surrounding crowd, Shen Yiqiu would have kissed her immediately.

    “Ahem, how long are you two planning to hug? Didn’t you just see each other last week? Why are you acting like it’s been years?”

    If they were talking about time apart, she and Qin Qianrou had been separated for even longer, what was Shen Yiqiu so excited about?

    Qin Qianrou gently patted Shen Yiqiu’s arm, then glared at Li Wan playfully.

    “As if I didn’t say anything, I shouldn’t have come, just being a third wheel here.”

    Li Wan raised her hands in mock surrender and headed towards the parking lot. She hadn’t noticed it before, but seeing their public display of affection now made her feel strangely envious.

    She had barely seen Lin Shuangzhi this week. Even when they did meet, it was just a hurried exchange of words, or to sign documents. Li Wan hadn’t even had a chance to ask her about the restructuring; it was said the list had already been submitted and was awaiting approval.

    Qin Qianrou’s return this week, besides seeing Shen Yiqiu, was also because of this matter.

    In the car on the way home, Shen Yiqiu and Qin Qianrou sat side by side in the back seat. Although they weren’t embracing, their intertwined fingers still made Li Wan feel a pang of… something.

    She hadn’t expected Qianrou to be like this in a relationship.

    She sighed softly, wondering what Lin Shuangzhi would be like in a relationship, probably still a robot.

    They had already… done it, yet all Lin Shuangzhi had said afterwards was “I’m sorry,” then “Are you okay?” “Does it still hurt?” It was infuriating! Couldn’t she say anything else besides those three words?!

    She had been so direct during the kiss, yet so awkward and clumsy afterwards. Li Wan wanted to buy a new 3D-printed brain for Lin Shuangzhi.

    “Qianrou, how long is your leave this time?”

    “Three days.”

    “You should go back to the station, there have been major changes recently, everyone is on edge.”

    Qin Qianrou had explained the situation to the training program leaders, and they had been understanding, after all, although training was important, their regular work was even more so. And Meng City Television, being a major local station, its restructuring served as an example for other stations, so they had readily approved Qin Qianrou’s leave request.

    Shen Yiqiu was naturally delighted; this meant three more days with Jiejie.

    “I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.” Qin Qianrou had rarely interacted with Director Yu, but he wasn’t suitable for managing news programs.

    “There must be someone pulling strings behind the scenes.”

    “What did the team leader say?”

    Hearing Lin Shuangzhi mentioned, Li Wan almost slammed on the brakes.

    “She’s been incredibly busy, running around like a headless chicken, even went to the city government twice, but the outcome wasn’t ideal.”

    “So Director Yu’s promotion is being pushed by the city government?”

    Li Wan shook her head. “I asked my father, he didn’t say it directly, but I don’t think the city government would interfere in such specific personnel matters, they’re just fully supporting the restructuring. Director Yu’s promotion is mainly due to Deputy Director Ding.”

    The station director position was still vacant, and many speculated that Deputy Director Ding was the most likely candidate.

    Li Wan parked the car and handed the keys to Qin Qianrou. “I won’t be going up, you two rest early.”

    “Message me when you get home.”

    Back at their apartment, before Qin Qianrou could even turn around, she was enveloped in a familiar, longed-for embrace.

    Shen Yiqiu, just like at the airport, hugged her tightly, as if wanting to merge into one.

    “I missed you so much.”

    The soft, sweet voice by her ear melted Qin Qianrou’s heart.

    It was cold outside, but the apartment was warm, and Shen Yiqiu’s embrace even warmer.

    “I missed you too.”

    Shen Yiqiu gently caressed Qin Qianrou’s face, her touch lingering.

    Her gaze then fell on those alluring lips, making Qin Qianrou instinctively look away.

    She was wearing a nude lipstick today, not very noticeable at first glance, but upon closer inspection, still subtly seductive.

    “Jiejie, you’re so beautiful, I can’t resist.”

    As soon as she finished speaking, Shen Yiqiu leaned in and kissed her.

    Qin Qianrou closed her eyes as she felt Shen Yiqiu’s lips on hers. They had a certain unspoken understanding now, easily sensing each other’s intentions.

    With kisses like this, they were so familiar with each other that they could anticipate each other’s every move.

    Lovers in the throes of passion couldn’t bear even three minutes apart, let alone a week. Having gained a girlfriend in Hai City, Shen Yiqiu had been waking up with a smile every morning, only to feel a pang of disappointment upon finding the apartment empty.

    Now, it was different. The apartment, filled with Qin Qianrou’s presence, her warmth, felt alive again.

    The kiss ended, and Qin Qianrou gently pushed Shen Yiqiu away, her hand resting on her shoulder. Slightly breathless, her cheeks flushed, she hadn’t even taken off her coat yet, her suitcase still by her feet.

    “I’m so warm.” Qin Qianrou pushed her away again and took off her coat.

    Shen Yiqiu naturally took it from her, hung it on the coat rack by the door, then took off her own coat and hung it beside Qin Qianrou’s. Then, after changing into her slippers, she took out another pair that had been placed by the door, squatted down before Qin Qianrou, and said,

    “Jiejie, let me help you with your shoes.”

    Qin Qianrou was used to wearing high heels, and after a long flight, her feet were probably tired, but Shen Yiqiu’s gesture made her feel a little embarrassed.

    “I can do it myself.”

    Shen Yiqiu, seeing her shyness, didn’t insist. She smiled, stood up, and supported Qin Qianrou as she changed her shoes.

    Qin Qianrou wasn’t actually that tired, but she still graciously accepted Shen Yiqiu’s help, placing her hand on her arm.

    “Are you hungry? Should I make you a late-night snack?”

    “I’m not hungry, I ate on the plane.”

    “Then how about a shower first?”

    Knowing she was tired from traveling, Shen Yiqiu, apart from the initial passionate kiss upon her arrival, hadn’t been overly clingy.

    Qin Qianrou soaked in the bathtub, the warm water soothing her tense and tired muscles. She had returned to Hai City twice this week, once for the meeting with the Cheng family, and then again on a weeknight, when only her grandfather and Wen Yirong had been home.

    Her grandfather’s health had indeed deteriorated, his voice weaker, but he was still as stubborn as ever, expressing his displeasure over her refusal to date Cheng Yan, though he hadn’t forced the issue.

    Wen Yirong had reassured her that her grandfather was just being difficult, he no longer had the energy to interfere too much. She hoped they could keep him happy for now, conceal things from him for as long as possible.

    Qin Qianrou, seeing her mother’s hesitant and meaningful expression, wondered if she suspected something, but since Wen Yirong didn’t say anything directly, she couldn’t ask.

    The Cheng father and son had left a decent impression, they hadn’t made any unreasonable requests, and they had maintained a respectful distance. Qin Qianrou, however, ever since hearing about Shen Yiqiu’s dream, had become more observant.

    Whenever she saw someone wearing a tie, she couldn’t help but look twice.

    Both the Cheng father and son had been wearing ties that day, but they were both in dark colors, not the bright yellow Shen Yiqiu had seen in her dream.

    She hadn’t wanted to introduce Shen Yiqiu to her family so soon, her sweet and gentle little friend was so soft and innocent, what if they scared her?

    Wen Yirong was the easiest person to get along with in the Qin family, and Shen Yiqiu had still been so nervous meeting her. If she met her father and grandfather, her little face would probably crumple in fear.

    Qin Qianrou imagined Shen Yiqiu’s expression and couldn’t help but smile.

    A knock on the bathroom door, and Shen Yiqiu’s voice came from outside. “Jiejie, are you almost done?”

    Qin Qianrou had been in there for a while, and Shen Yiqiu was worried, afraid she might have fallen asleep and caught a cold.

    “Almost.”

    Qin Qianrou emerged from the bathroom, toweling her hair dry, and saw Shen Yiqiu still busy with something.

    “It’s so late, what are you still doing?”

    “Rong Fei gave me this a while ago, she said it helps with sleep.”

    Shen Yiqiu was fiddling with a bottle of essential oil, seemingly using it for the first time.

    “You haven’t used it before?”

    Shen Yiqiu placed the diffuser on the nightstand, then walked over and took the hairdryer from Qin Qianrou.

    “There’s no point in using it if you’re not home.”

    Her casual tone, as if stating an obvious fact, made Qin Qianrou pause for a moment before understanding the implication, her cheeks flushing slightly.

    “I’ll do it myself, you go take a shower.”

    “I want to dry your hair for you. I’ve already showered.”

    She’s quite efficient. Qin Qianrou suddenly remembered, how were they going to sleep tonight?

    This wasn’t a hotel room, they had two bedrooms, two beds.

    Before she could figure it out, Shen Yiqiu’s fingers were gently running through her hair, her touch tender and loving, making it impossible for Qin Qianrou to resist.

    It’s fine to sleep together, we can chat before bed, and besides, it’s not like we haven’t slept together before.

    Thinking this, Qin Qianrou quickly rationalized it.

    “Jiejie…”

    “Shen Yiqiu…”

    They spoke simultaneously, then stopped, looking at each other, then they both chuckled.

    Qin Qianrou spoke first, “What did you want to say?”

    Shen Yiqiu blushed slightly, lowering her voice, “Jiejie, can you give me a special nickname?”

    “Hmm?”

    “Every time you call my name, it reminds me of being called out by the professor.”

    Qin Qianrou thought for a moment. “How about Xiao Qiu?”

    Shen Yiqiu quickly shook her head. “No, that’s what elders call me.”

    Qin Qianrou, seeing her displeasure, thought for a moment longer.

    This time, feeling a little shy herself, she softly said, “Qiu.”

    A single word, spoken in such a gentle and affectionate tone, it made Shen Yiqiu’s heart melt.

    Her heart raced, no one had ever called her “Qiu” like that before.

    She put down the hairdryer and gently placed her hand on Qin Qianrou’s shoulder. Jiejie was slender, but not thin, her figure enviable.

    The soft silk of her pajamas felt luxurious against Shen Yiqiu’s skin, the warmth of Qin Qianrou’s body radiating through the fabric.

    Shen Yiqiu kissed Qin Qianrou’s earlobe, whispering softly, “I love it when you call me that, from now on, only you can call me that.”

  • Miss Luo Yan’s Feet Are Buried With Corpses v3c12

    Witch’s Night: Chapter 12 …An Illegitimate Daughter?

    “This song is dedicated to the esteemed Chief Magistrate of the Lannister Council of Elders, Magistrate Norian. My mother asked me to send her regards.”

    Chris lifted the hem of her skirt and elegantly curtsied to Norian.

    It could be said that the reason she appeared at this banquet and offered her most precious healing song was entirely due to Norian’s considerable influence.

    The other nobles here were merely basking in Norian’s reflected glory. Without Norian, even if Chris accepted the invitation to attend the banquet, she would absolutely not have used her ability in this way.

    After all, Chris wasn’t just an ordinary idol; her background was more substantial than most of the nobles present. Being an idol was purely a personal hobby.

    “Please send my regards to Ms. Tina and the Lequista family as well,” Norian said with a smile. “May the friendship between Lannister and the Lequista family last forever.”

    The other nobles in the banquet hall also began their aristocratic greetings, and Chris responded to each one with a proper and elegant smile.

    On the other side, Luo Yan and Tina were still making small talk.

    “However, I’m more curious about how Miss Chris knows Sister Qingling,” Luo Yan asked. “Sister Qingling said that Miss Chris especially likes the clothes she designs, and that’s how they met, but I always felt something was strange.”

    “Is there such a thing?” Tina replied subconsciously.

    “Huh?”

    “Wait, what are you talking about?” Tina looked puzzled. “What clothes, what designs… Chris never told me about these things.”

    “Sister Qingling is a fashion designer.”

    “…Ah?” Tina paused for a moment before continuing, “Isn’t Hua Qingling… a ranger?”

    “She… sort of is?”

    For a moment, the two stared at each other, wide-eyed, not knowing what the other was talking about.

    “Chris always tells me about her ranger exploits, I’ve never heard of any designing or clothes…”

    Tina exhaled and said, “But I don’t know the specifics. She’s my daughter, not me.”

    “Oh, I see.”

    Luo Yan nodded thoughtfully. This matter really wasn’t that simple; Hua Qingling and Chris definitely had something going on.

    Meanwhile, Chris’s formal performance had ended, and many nobles quickly surrounded her, wanting to build a good relationship with the second daughter of the Lequista family from Noah.

    Unfortunately, Chris had no interest in them. After a hurried response, her eyes quickly searched the banquet hall.

    Soon, she saw Hua Qingling chatting with Norian, the two looking like they were having a pleasant conversation.

    “Sister Qingling!”

    Chris immediately lifted the hem of her skirt and ran over.

    Her cheerful call once again drew everyone’s attention to Hua Qingling. They quickly recognized her as the young woman Norian had excused himself from the other nobles to meet earlier.

    Hua Qingling was happily chatting with Norian about the details of the “Norian Reform” when she heard a familiar call from beside her. Turning her head, she saw Chris running towards her, completely disregarding her image.

    “Oh, you know each other?”

    Norian was a little surprised, because he knew Hua Qingling’s background, which was why he was surprised.

    “Mm-hmm, hello Uncle Norian,” Chris didn’t have to address him as “Magistrate” in private and could be more natural. “Sister Qingling, what are you talking about? And…”

    She looked around vigilantly, but didn’t see the strange black-haired young man again.

    At this moment, Chris looked just like a small, alert bird, making Norian chuckle.

    “Since you’re old friends, I, an old man, won’t disturb your rare reunion, little girls.”

    Norian said cheerfully, then looked at Hua Qingling. “Qingling, I’ve taken note of your questions. I’ll explain them to you in detail when I have the opportunity next time.”

    “Thank you, Magistrate Norian. Please take your time.”

    Hua Qingling didn’t press the matter and nodded.

    After Norian finished speaking, he hurriedly left. The banquet would continue for a while longer, and he still wanted to chat with a few more of Lannister’s outstanding young talents.

    “Did… I interrupt your conversation with Uncle Norian?”

    Looking at Norian’s back, Chris shrank her head. She just wanted to find Sister Qingling, but she didn’t expect Sister Qingling to be busy…

    “It’s alright. Since I’ve already met with Magistrate Norian, this opportunity isn’t so important.” A proper smile appeared on Hua Qingling’s face. “Moreover, accompanying Miss Chris is just as important as talking with Magistrate Norian.”

    “Eh, really? Hehe…”

    Chris smiled, looking like a silly deer.

    However, every time Hua Qingling saw Chris, she always liked to smile like this, so she was used to it.

    But the nobles who occasionally glanced over were all shocked. In an instant, more gazes focused on Hua Qingling, secretly speculating about the identity of this petite woman.

    Hua Qingling: “…”

    Why did she feel a chill again?

    “By the way, where is the gentleman beside Sister Qingling?” Chris’s small face tightened as she looked around. “Did he leave?”

    “She… ah, he left temporarily, yes.”

    A fleeting panic flashed across Hua Qingling’s face; she almost let it slip.

    But it was almost the same… Miss Luo Yan didn’t seem to have any intention of concealing her identity from the beginning.

    “Phew, Sister Qingling, what’s your relationship with him? You seem quite close.”

    Chris sniffed, discerning a scent on Hua Qingling that didn’t belong to her.

    But… it seemed quite fragrant?

    A faint, refreshing fragrance.

    Damn it, weren’t men all smelly?

    “We’re very good friends,” Hua Qingling replied. “What’s wrong, Miss Chris?”

    “No-, Nothing… just curious.”

    Chris immediately put away her expression, slightly turning her face to hide the blush that appeared.

    “There’s nothing to be curious about. Mainly, his situation is rather complicated, it’s not convenient to say more.” Hua Qingling said with a chuckle. “If you have the opportunity to meet him, you’ll also find him very pleasant to be around. He always gives people around him a sense of security.”

    “Humph… no way.”

    Chris pouted in displeasure. The more Hua Qingling praised that young man, the more annoyed she felt.

    Moreover, these gloves of hers had held his hand… She had to remember to throw them away when she got back!

    No, she had to burn them in the furnace until they were completely gone!

    Chris thought fiercely, a look of resentment appearing on her face, making Hua Qingling a little confused.

    “Did… he offend you?”

    After several times, even if Hua Qingling were foolish, she could see that Chris disliked Luo Yan very much.

    Hua Qingling thought that Miss Luo Yan didn’t seem to have appeared in that form before, let alone the fact that Miss Luo Yan didn’t know Chris at all before this. How could they have such ill fate?

    —The ill fate stemmed from Hua Qingling.

    “Um… Sister Qingling, let’s not talk about this anymore,” Chris also realized that her hostility was a bit too obvious and quickly changed the subject. “When will Sister Qingling have time to make me some more clothes? I want to wear new clothes again!”

    “…I just made ten sets for you three months ago, right? Are you tired of them already?”

    Hua Qingling was a little troubled. At that time, she had been extremely short of money, even more so than usual, so she had forced herself to find time to take Chris’s order.

    Even for her, designing ten sets of clothes in different styles was quite exhausting, and it took her half a month to complete Chris’s order.

    Although the reward afterwards was quite generous, and the meal Chris treated her to at the high-end restaurant was so expensive that she still trembled slightly when she thought about it.

    Well, thinking about it carefully, it wasn’t bad, and her current financial situation wasn’t much better than it was back then…

    “No, no, I’m not tired of them,” Chris opened her arms and patted her Lolita dress. “Look, I’m still wearing them. I just want to wear more clothes designed by Sister Qingling, so… another hundred sets!”

    “…How about five sets?”

    “More, Sister Qingling, I have money!” Chris patted her slightly puffed-out chest, although her money wasn’t kept there. “Not to mention the Lequista family, I myself am very rich!”

    As a top idol, the second daughter of a super prominent family, and with the special healing effect of her mental singing, Chris’s appearance fees were high enough to make Hua Qingling faint at least ten times.

    But even so, getting Chris to appear was a rare opportunity, requiring considerable influence.

    So… Miss Chris, rich woman, food, hungry.jpg

    “I know,” although Hua Qingling was inwardly groaning, her expression management was impeccable. She just said indifferently, “But I don’t have time.”

    She had only heard of asking clients for more orders, not clients begging to place more orders…

    Moreover, Hua Qingling wasn’t rich; she was desperately short of money.

    Traveling the world sounded carefree, but food, clothing, shelter, and transportation all cost money; it was a bottomless pit.

    Not to mention that Hua Qingling was unlucky and had never not been short of money.

    However…

    Earning money was one thing, but Hua Qingling had a mission more important than earning money.

    “Five sets, no more, Miss Chris.” Hua Qingling’s heart was bleeding, crying for the money to come back, but she said calmly, “I have other things to do, please forgive me for being unable to help.”

    “Okay, five sets is five sets,” Chris didn’t mind, anyway, she was just looking for an excuse to give Hua Qingling more money.

    “After that, let’s do the same as before and find a place to eat, shall we? I remember there’s a very good thousand-year-old restaurant in the Lannister core district…”

    “As Miss Chris wishes.”

    Hua Qingling nodded reservedly, thinking how expensive it would be to eat at a thousand-year-old restaurant…

    However, Hua Qingling was already used to it.

    At first, out of politeness, she had wanted to refuse Chris, but Chris insisted, so she had no choice but to agree.

    It had become a custom by now.

    After settling this matter, Chris looked very happy.

    However, unfortunately, she was, after all, invited to attend this noble banquet, and didn’t have much personal time.

    Before they could chat for long, Chris’s butler hurried over and dragged her away.

    Before leaving, the butler apologized to Hua Qingling. Chris still had to continue socializing. She represented the Lequista family’s image in public and absolutely couldn’t leave the impression of being arrogant and disrespectful to other nobles.

    Hua Qingling watched the butler and Chris leave, sighing that it was good to be rich, and then turned to see a group of nobles staring at her intently.

    “Esteemed Miss Hua Qingling, the Monte family sends their regards to you and your family. May the friendship between the Noah Holy Church and Lannister last forever.”

    “…The Easton family…”

    “…The Rockla family…”

    Similar greetings echoed one after another. Although these nobles still maintained their aristocratic elegance and weren’t as noisy as a marketplace, it wasn’t much different.

    “…What’s going on?”

    But Hua Qingling listened with a bewildered expression. Apart from the names, the more she listened, the stranger it became.

    She did have a family, but they had parted ways long ago.

    And for the so-called prominent families of Yan City to come to Lannister… whether their noble status would be recognized or not, they would probably only be considered slightly well-off families here, not prominent enough to be called a “family.”

    Let alone the Noah Holy Church mentioned later. Please, she hadn’t even been to Noah.

    She wanted to go, but because it was too far, Hua Qingling didn’t have enough travel expenses…

    However, Hua Qingling was completely unaware that, because of everything that had just happened, she had been given an identity that almost had nothing to do with her.

    —The rumored illegitimate daughter of a certain Bishop in the Noah Holy Church.

    This was a conclusion drawn from speculation and deductions based on Norian inexplicably designating Restricted Zone Seven and implementing the strictest management some time ago, along with some internal information revealing that it was to receive a mysterious girl.

    This identity speculation, originally belonging to Luo Yan, had now, due to various coincidences, fallen upon Hua Qingling.

    …Although it was a coincidence, it was ultimately Luo Yan who had implicated her, without either of them knowing.

    “Sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think you must have mistaken me for someone else…”

    Hua Qingling could only reply truthfully, but unexpectedly, these nobles all showed an “I understand” expression, then repeatedly said that they had indeed mistaken her, but the greetings still continued from time to time.

    Because the rumor was about an illegitimate daughter, an illegitimate daughter… These nobles understood very well; such a person couldn’t be publicly acknowledged.

    But judging from Magistrate Norian and Miss Chris’s attitudes, this “illegitimate daughter” was definitely not simple, and it was always right to build a good relationship.

    Thus, Hua Qingling could only continue to deal with these nobles with a bewildered expression, until Norian suddenly appeared in front of her and said with a serious expression,

    “Something’s happened, Miss Hua Qingling.”

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 74p2

    Chapter 74: Disciple and Wife p2

    Countless cultivators shared the surname Chu, but only one clan used “Chu clan” as their official title: the renowned alchemy family from Gongzhou, located on the borders of the Radiant Realm.

    Someone recognized him as the Chu Clan Head’s most prized disciple.

    Chu Jingtong didn’t deny it, smiling and nodding. “Indeed. That’s me.”

    He was known for his wanderlust, his unconventional nature. No one expected him to appear at the Hanshan Sect, causing trouble.

    Lizhu’s expression hardened. “What’s the meaning of this, Fellow Cultivator Chu? Disrupting our competition?”

    Cen Dianshuang’s face also turned cold, though the change was subtle, her usual demeanor already icy and aloof.

    Only Elder Qianlian, sitting beside her, noticed Cen Dianshuang’s hand tightening on her sword hilt, Xuan Ying’s blade partially unsheathed.

    She understood. This was directed at her disciple.

    Chu Jingtong, his hands waving incessantly, as if embarrassed by the attention, said, “No, no, I’m simply offering a friendly warning. You have a spy from the Demonic Realm in your midst.”

    His words were like a thunderclap, silencing the crowd, their expressions turning to shock and disbelief.

    “A spy from the Demonic Realm? Impossible!”

    “A demon in the Hanshan Sect?”

    All eyes turned to Chu Jingtong, waiting for him to reveal the spy’s identity.

    Only two people ignored him, their gazes fixed on the hooded figure beside him.

    Tao Ning and the Demonic Realm Saintess, having infiltrated the Hanshan Sect again with a new disguise.

    They shared the same thought: Xiao Haoran is surprisingly resilient.

    Cultivation, whether of the spiritual or demonic path, was simply a method of achieving power. Spiritual cultivation emphasized a steady, controlled approach, a pure heart. Demonic cultivation, however, prioritized rapid advancement, often at the expense of morality, its practitioners feared for their ruthlessness.

    And a demon within the ranks of the leading sect was a cause for concern.

    Chu Jingtong, basking in the attention, raised his hands, silencing the murmurs. “Please, allow me to explain.”

    His voice rose, carrying across the training grounds. “I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors. I won’t repeat them. Demon Lord Qingji’s Wanhun Cauldron is here, at the Hanshan Sect. Those demonic cultivators are restless, seeking to reclaim it, to reunite the Demonic Realm, and unleash chaos upon the world.”

    Lizhu, who had known this wouldn’t be a peaceful day, sneered. “Baseless accusations. The Hanshan Sect’s affairs are none of your concern. Summon your master.”

    Chu Jingtong: “Why so angry, Sect Leader? I’m simply offering a friendly warning. You have a demon in your midst, plotting to steal the cauldron. If they succeed, the consequences will be dire for the entire Radiant Realm. Why be so stubborn?”

    Whether Lizhu acknowledged it or not, he had declared the cauldron’s presence within the sect, his feigned concern for the Radiant Realm unconvincing.

    But that wasn’t important. What mattered was retrieving the cauldron.

    His words found support among the crowd, their voices urging Lizhu to hand over the cauldron, to allow the other sects to seal it away.

    Such a burden shouldn’t be shouldered by the Hanshan Sect alone. They wanted to help.

    Their voices, a buzzing cacophony, surrounded Tao Ning, who stood at the center of the growing storm, her gaze sweeping over the assembled cultivators.

    Sect Leaders, Clan Heads, all connected by a web of power and influence.

    She was reminded of a bustling marketplace, its crowds of people, young and old, their voices a chaotic mix of shouts and whispers.

    The only difference was the absence of clucking chickens and quacking ducks.

    Humans were all the same, echoing each other’s words, seeking validation and approval.

    They turned to Lizhu, their gazes expectant, waiting for her response.

    Even if she refused, they would find a way. She couldn’t protect the Hanshan Sect forever.

    Lizhu summoned Nanping, her spirit sword, its blade glowing with a fiery red aura. “What if I refuse?”

    Nanping, the “Pacifier of Chaos,” rarely left its sheath, its appearance always a harbinger of bloodshed.

    Another cultivator stood up, his voice echoing through the arena. “Will the Hanshan Sect harbor a demon? Protect a spy?”

    His words resonated with the crowd, their voices rising in agreement.

    An elderly cultivator, his white hair flowing around him, chuckled, his voice laced with disdain. “This isn’t surprising, considering the Hanshan Sect’s history of harboring demonic cultivators. The infamous Qingji herself was a Hanshan Sect disciple, later joining the Demonic Realm, serving Patriarch Wanhun. As far as I know, she hasn’t even been expelled from the sect.”

    Basking in the shocked silence, he continued, his gaze sharp and piercing. “Surely, the Hanshan Sect won’t deny this?”

    Lizhu sneered. “Perhaps you should focus on your own grand-disciple, who eloped with a demoness, instead of meddling in our affairs.”

    The elder’s face darkened, his earlier bravado fading. He let out a disgruntled humph, unable to retort.

    No one had made a move yet, unwilling to be the first.

    “That vile demon was a Hanshan Sect disciple?!”

    “You’re just finding out now? My ancestor told me stories about her. Those who knew the truth are either in seclusion or dead. It seems the secret has been well-kept.”

    “A rotten tree bears rotten fruit. Even the most esteemed sects have their flaws.”

    “Who knows how many other demons are hiding within the Hanshan Sect?”

    “For the safety of the Radiant Realm, Sect Leader Lizhu, hand over the Wanhun Cauldron.”

    Chu Jingtong, seeing his plan succeed, smiled inwardly.

    A female cultivator’s voice rang out, cutting through the noise. “Fellow Cultivator Chu, you claim there’s a Demonic Realm spy within the Hanshan Sect. What proof do you have?”

    It was True Person Chang Xiang of the Heavenly Heart Sect.

    Ignoring the disapproving look from her own Sect Leader, she continued, her voice calm but firm. “Innocence doesn’t require proof. But if you insist the cauldron isn’t safe at the Hanshan Sect, then at least tell us who this spy is.”

    Chu Jingtong smiled faintly. “I heard your disciple was rescued by a Hanshan Sect cultivator, who also helped recover your last disciple’s remains. You owe them a debt of gratitude.”

    True Person Chang Xiang, seated at her table, placed a reassuring hand on Pang Xueting’s shoulder, the girl’s face flushed with anger.

    Her expression remained calm. “I repay kindness. That’s my principle. But that doesn’t change the fact that I want to know if your accusations are true.”

    Chu Jingtong: “You misunderstand, True Person Chang Xiang. I’m simply concerned that you’ve misplaced your trust. Your deceased disciple deserves justice.”

    True Person Chang Xiang ignored his attempt to deflect, her gaze fixed on him, her message clear: Get to the point.

    Chu Jingtong sighed dramatically. “My friend was attacked by a Hanshan Sect spy. He barely escaped with his life. I advised him to let it go, but…” He turned to the hooded figure beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Isn’t that right, Brother Xiao?”

    The hood was pulled back, revealing Xiao Haoran’s pale, gaunt face. His dantian was shattered, his meridians damaged. If not for Chi Xiaxia’s sacrifice, losing two tails, he wouldn’t have recovered so quickly.

    Not only had this imposter tried to kill him, but she had also stolen his destiny. He should be the one standing there, a respected member of the Hanshan Sect.

    During his recovery, the Chi Fox King had informed him that his spies in the Demonic Realm had located the Saintess. She was at the Hanshan Sect, tasked with retrieving the Wanhun Cauldron. On the day of the disciple competition, the Demon Lord would attack, the Saintess acting as an inside agent, opening the gates for him, allowing him to reclaim his treasure.

    The current situation was a result of Cen Dianshuang’s unexpected early return from seclusion, forcing Tao Ning to hand over the cauldron, temporarily entrusting it to the Hanshan Sect.

    She had tried to kill him to silence him, to claim the cauldron for herself.

    He wouldn’t allow this imposter to steal his destiny. He would claim the cauldron before the Demon Lord arrived.

    He glared at the figure on the stage, pointing accusingly. “She’s the one who attacked me! Tao Ning!”

    “Tao Ning, first disciple of Cen Dianshuang, Peak Master of Wangshu Peak.”

    The accusation was beyond anything they had anticipated. Gongye Miao, defeated but still present, turned to look at Tao Ning.

    Tao Ning, standing calmly amidst the shocked silence, even smiled faintly.

    “…?”

    Her aura was pure, untainted. A Lightning spiritual root… Sending someone like this to infiltrate the Radiant Realm? Were the demons insane?

    Cen Dianshuang’s hand tightened on her sword hilt, but Tao Ning’s voice, a secret transmission, reached her ears. Don’t move, Master.

    What is she doing?

    Elder Qianlian, unable to contain herself any longer, slammed her hand on the table, standing up abruptly. “You accuse a Hanshan Sect disciple of being a demon spy based on a single, unsubstantiated claim? Then I can accuse you of poisoning my disciples with your useless pills and demand compensation! Will you pay?”

    Elder Yaodan, however, retrieved a silver bell from his sleeve, shaking it gently.

    As an alchemist, he had connections with many other alchemists, including the Gongzhou Chu clan, having exchanged communication bells with them.

    The bell remained silent, and he frowned, scratching his cheek, a suspicion forming in his mind.

    Xiao Haoran, seizing the opportunity, revealed the “secrets” he had learned from the Beast King. “The Demonic Realm has a secret technique to cultivate dual-natured cultivators, capable of wielding both spiritual and demonic energy. The Demonic Saintess was trained using this method. She was sent by the Demon Lord to infiltrate the Hanshan Sect. She even killed a Hanshan Sect disciple in Shadow City, Er Lan of Alchemy Peak, to silence her.”

    Er Lan, standing among the crowd, her true identity suddenly revealed: …If Tao Ning is the Saintess, then who am I?

  • Devilish Disciple [Transmigration] 62p2

    Chapter 62: What Did He Think Their Relationship Was?! P2

    Si Qinglan asked many questions, but Li Yu’s answers were either “no” or “I agreed willingly.”

    But how was that possible?

    She swore she wasn’t against their relationship, but Li Yu was still wearing her Harmony Bell!

    And the former Li Yu was so fixated on Mu Tao.

    How could she, upon hearing that Mu Tao had become the Demon Lord, suddenly change her mind and decide Weisheng Xuanzhu was the one for her?

    Si Qinglan found it strange and unsettling.

    After the wedding, Li Yu would no longer live at Chaoxi Pond.

    Thinking that Li Yu, in her current state, might forget to pack her belongings, Si Qinglan, feeling a surge of kindness, went to Chaoxi Pond to help her pack.

    But she soon realized she had been overthinking it.

    Chaoxi Pond was practically empty, the only places with any belongings being the kitchen and Mu Tao’s room.

    But she didn’t dare touch Mu Tao’s things without Li Yu’s permission.

    So, without taking anything, Si Qinglan went to the last room, Li Yu’s own residence.

    Li Yu, seeing her, didn’t even thank her, just sat by the window, drinking tea.

    Si Qinglan sighed, wanting to say something, but then decided it was pointless and started packing.

    This room was also empty.

    Just some basic necessities, not even a single copper coin in sight.

    Si Qinglan, too lazy to bother, simply swept the room with her spiritual energy, thinking that if there weren’t any artifacts, she’d let Li Yu go to Qingke Hua empty-handed.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu wouldn’t mistreat her.

    Just as she was about to withdraw her spiritual energy, she sensed a faint aura.

    Following the aura, she found a letter weighed down by the inkstone on the desk in the inner room.

    “To…Si…Qing…Lan…?” Si Qinglan frowned.

    The letter carried Li Yu’s aura; she must have written it herself.

    But Chaoxi Pond and Qianlizhu weren’t far apart; they could meet anytime, why write a letter?

    Si Qinglan opened the envelope, muttering, “Why not just tell me directly? And she even misspelled my name…”

    As she unfolded the letter, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

    What was this mess?

    The handwriting was messy, full of misspelled words.

    And not just misspelled words, but Si Qinglan, glancing at the signature, gasped.

    She even misspelled her own name!

    Didn’t she find it strange when writing it?

    Si Qinglan, both amused and curious, started reading.

    Although filled with errors, mostly missing strokes, it was still decipherable.

    Si Qinglan quickly finished reading, half deciphering, half guessing.

    She then fell into deep thought.

    “How could this be…”

    Li Yu had been determined to go to the Demon Realm and find Mu Tao!

    But now, she was staying here, about to marry someone she never intended to marry.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu must have done something!

    This letter was filled with errors, unlike something a normal person would write. Li Yu must have been under a spell!

    “Li Yu!” Si Qinglan rushed over, placing the letter before her. “Look, what is this?”

    Li Yu replied calmly, “Paper.”

    “Are there…words on the paper?”

    “Yes.”

    “What do they say?”

    “…”

    Li Yu’s eyes unfocused, her voice emotionless as she recited the content of the letter.

    Si Qinglan gasped.

    Li Yu wasn’t conscious, just responding instinctively, unable to think.

    She had been careless…

    To only realize it now!

    Si Qinglan quickly scanned Li Yu’s meridians with her spiritual energy.

    A strange power, trapping her soul in a dream-like state, only her physical body awake.

    The soul governed the mind, the physical body governed instinct. This spell essentially turned a person into a walking corpse.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu, how could he do this?

    This was so sudden; she had never seen him act like this!

    The former Li Yu would never have been affected by such a spell, but the current Li Yu was too weak to resist.

    Should she confront him? Si Qinglan wondered.

    After a brief hesitation, she had her answer—she shouldn’t, she couldn’t.

    If he was capable of this, she couldn’t fight him, couldn’t convince him to stop…

    Si Qinglan frowned, staring at the vacant-eyed Li Yu for a long time.

    Suddenly, she closed her eyes, sighed heavily, and formed a hand seal.

    A stream of pale green light flowed from her fingertips towards Li Yu’s forehead.

    She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to do it, but thankfully, that strange power wasn’t as strong as she had imagined.

    Just as she felt herself reaching her limit, it began to weaken.

    The first crack appeared, and her spiritual energy surged through it like floodwaters.

    Li Yu frowned, her expression pained.

    …

    A familiar voice called out from the silent void.

    “Wake up…”

    “Li Yu, wake up!!”

    Her head spun, her body felt heavy, as if she had been asleep for a long time, forgetting how to wake, her very breath no longer under her control.

    “Li Yu!”

    Someone was shaking her, so rude, it made her head hurt even more…

    “Li Yu!!!”

    A loud shout, almost deafening, jolted her awake.

    Their eyes met.

    One filled with relief, the other with confusion.

    Si Qinglan: “You’re finally awake!”

    Li Yu: “…”

    Finally awake?

    Li Yu frowned and looked down at herself.

    She was fully dressed, sitting by the window, not looking like she had just woken up.

    But she had indeed had a long dream, a dream she couldn’t remember.

    Her head was spinning.

    Her mind was blank; she couldn’t recall what happened before she fell asleep…

    Si Qinglan: “Li Yu, go to the Demon Realm!”

    Li Yu: “Huh?”

    Si Qinglan: “Leave Mount Chao Yao, you have to leave, now!”

    Li Yu: “W…what’s going on…”

    Si Qinglan: “Tonight is your wedding with Weisheng, he’s controlling you!”

    Li Yu: “What?”

    Si Qinglan stood up, anxiety in her eyes. “I don’t have time to explain, just leave, go to the Demon Realm, find Mu Tao, she can protect you!”

    Li Yu: “Mu Tao…protect me…”

    She remembered—Mu Tao killed the Demon Lord, she was the new ruler of the Demon Realm now.

    But what was happening? Why was Si Qinglan saying she was getting married to Weisheng Xuanzhu tonight?

    “Don’t think about it! Just go!” Si Qinglan shoved a jade hairpin into Li Yu’s hand. “Use this if necessary, it will slow you down a bit, but it can conceal you from Soul Searching Techniques!”

    Li Yu frowned and looked at the hairpin.

    She recognized it; it was Si Qinglan’s Spirit Severing Hairpin…

    Before she could react, Si Qinglan pulled her to the door, urged her to cast a concealment spell, and then, utterly bewildered, she left Mount Chao Yao.

    Flying directly with her spiritual power was much faster than using the crane.

    As she flew over the vast ocean, she struggled to recall what happened, asking the system for clarification.

    She remembered everything up to being trapped in the void.

    The system told her that while she was unconscious, the mountain gate of Mount Chao Yao was open, and Weisheng Xuanzhu had announced their impending marriage.

    He had deliberately spread this news far and wide; almost every immortal sect in the human realm received an invitation.

    “Is he insane?!”

    Li Yu was certain that Weisheng Xuanzhu had no romantic feelings for “Li Yu.”

    He hadn’t stayed on Mount Chao Yao for three thousand years just for…her!

    What was he trying to do?!

    Had he set a trap for Mu Tao?

    But why was he so sure Mu Tao would come?

    What if…she didn’t care…

    Wait, she suddenly felt unwell—

    System, did Weisheng Xuanzhu do something to me? My injuries were healing, why was flying suddenly so difficult…?

    【Friendly reminder: There’s a curse poison within your body, Host, one that’s difficult to detect.】

    “Curse poison?”

    【This curse poison blocks the flow of spiritual energy through the meridians. It has no noticeable effects normally, but using spiritual power triggers a backlash, the stronger the spell, the stronger the backlash.】

    “…Then how am I supposed to reach the Demon Realm?” Li Yu panicked. “Will I…crash?”

    This world was too hostile!

    【Don’t worry, Host, the protagonist is on her way!】

    “Mu Tao…”

    So Mu Tao really had come for her because of this news…

    Then Weisheng Xuanzhu’s plan had failed?

    【Negative.】

    “Why not?!”

    【This curse poison…can be transferred to another person.】

    “…”

    So, Weisheng Xuanzhu wanted to use her to weaken Mu Tao, making it easier to obtain the Demon Bone.

    It seemed there wasn’t an ambush on Mount Chao Yao.

    The biggest trap was within her own body.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu had spread the news of their wedding precisely to lure Mu Tao here. If she had unknowingly left with Mu Tao, the curse poison would have been transferred.

    Thankfully, she woke up in time…

    Now, the question was, how was this curse poison transferred?

    It shouldn’t be through spiritual energy, since Si Qinglan had just healed her.

    She didn’t want to be burdened by this curse.

    If she knew how it was transferred, she could find a wicked person and pass it on to them.

    【Hmm…】

    “Why the hesitation?”

    【Host, this curse poison…is transferred through…intimate physical contact.】

    “Oh, intimate physical contact…”

    Li Yu froze.

    No…seriously?!

    What kind of curse poison was this?!

    —Weisheng Xuanzhu was insane!!!

    What did he think her relationship with Mu Tao was?!

  • Sickly Girl Doesn’t Die in Zombie Simulator 137p1

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Seven: A4’s Delicacy p1

    After closing her eyes in her sister’s arms, Lin Jiayao switched her consciousness again and came to A4’s body.

    The extraction had not yet been completed. It had been delayed a bit just now, and the remaining extraction time was about two and a half hours.

    However, what happened just now was somewhat meaningful, both for the sisters and for other survivors.

    If the transaction with Survivor’s Light was successful, they could share information and develop together.

    They could even use Chongyu City as a transit point to establish a triangular trade route of Donghai City → Chongyu City → Kun City. They only needed to teach Survivor’s Light the method of cultivating “airplanes”(giant insects) used by the Voodoo Cult, which was not a secret that couldn’t be told anyway.

    If this route was really cleared successfully, the sisters would not have to worry about blood crystals and supplies, and it would benefit not only Survivor’s Light, but also all the survivors within the radiation range of this large triangular trade.

    This could give some camps with increasingly scarce supplies a little breathing room.

    As for how to open up this road, it was not a problem that Lin Jiayao needed to consider, but something that Survivor’s Light should consider.

    “Huff…” Lin Jiayao slowly exhaled.

    Taking advantage of the remaining two and a half hours, Lin Jiayao planned to spend two hours slaughtering all the high-level zombies in Qingzhou City and collecting some blood crystals.

    After experiencing the system-hosted surgery, consuming blood crystals during the operation, and then giving Huayibai some blood crystals to replenish energy, Lin Jiayao only had six blood crystals left.

    She had to work hard to collect more blood crystals.

    Speaking of collecting blood crystals, Lin Jiayao had another good place in mind.

    That was America, Wisconsin, where Goldie was located.

    She had a map of all the Hive Zombie areas there, and the largest Hive Zombie had already been slaughtered by her and Huayibai. What she needed to do next was to take Huayibai and slaughter them all.

    That was a rich place…

    But she also needed to find time to ask Jiang Chun through the radio where there were more high-level zombies. She still had a vacant No. 6 slot. Now that she was settled, she could choose a good place to log in, just like scratching a lottery ticket.

    Now, even if she scratched out an A-rank zombie and fell into a coma for a few days, she believed that her sister could take good care of her.

    Gradually, the world highly summarized by threads in Lin Jiayao’s eyes was re-dyed with color, and Lin Jiayao exited the super-sensory state.

    Lin Jiayao had marked all the places with C-rank zombies. There were no B-rank zombies in Qingzhou City, and there was no suspense in this hunt.

    But what surprised Lin Jiayao a little was that behind the Qingzhou University Camp… there was actually a hidden C-rank zombie, and it was one she had never seen before.

    But judging from its appearance, it seemed to be a water-dwelling type.

    Anyway, she had to clear out all the C-rank zombies in this city. Might as well start with the zombie behind the Qingzhou University Camp.

    After all, the leader of this camp, Wan Zi, sold her and her sister a car and a carload of supplies at a low price when she and her sister needed help, and did not take advantage of the situation.

    Not to mention the free use of camp facilities she provided, the car alone was enough for Lin Jiayao to remember this favor.

    Without that car, Lin Xiwan would not have been able to reach Kun City before Wu Hejun found them. If she couldn’t reach Kun City, there would be no subsequent events, and there would be no stable living environment now.

    Lin Jiayao was used to exploiting zombies and a certain system, and didn’t like owing favors. She just took this opportunity to repay it.

    She raised her right hand, slowly brushed her smooth blonde hair on her right shoulder behind her, and took a deep breath.

    “Boom—”

    She manipulated A4’s body to jump directly in place, shattering the asphalt on the ground, and directly leaped over the bridge, landing steadily on the ground.

    【Extracting: 7.9】

    When she reached the middle of the bridge, the extraction icon flashed for 0.1 seconds, and then disappeared because of Lin Jiayao’s rapid passage.

    As long as she left the Extraction Point before the countdown ended, Lin Jiayao could still move freely. If she arrived at the Extraction Point again before the extraction time was up, she could still successfully extract.

    “Boom—”

    With another jump, Lin Jiayao’s figure turned into a blood-red stream of light, rapidly approaching the Qingzhou University Camp.

    ……

    “Sister Wanzi, why didn’t you tell her clearly about the situation of our camp?”

    “Yeah, we have to find a new foothold quickly. The water here is too toxic, and we can’t grow crops. We can’t stay here anymore…”

    “You guys should say less. Sister Wanzi must have thought more than you…”

    In the broadcasting room on the second floor of the administrative building, a group of low-level Awakened were surrounding Wan Zi, offering advice.

    Just here, they witnessed the process of Wan Zi talking with the leader of another “big organization”.

    The other party obviously had a friendship with the Qingzhou University Camp, and they had also taught all the unique skills of planting crops after the apocalypse that they knew. In their opinion, it was not unreasonable to make a request for help.

    After all, they had also helped the other party.

    “Sigh…” Hearing the discussions of others, Wan Zi slowly sighed.

    Hearing the sigh, the others stopped whispering and looked in Wan Zi’s direction.

    “Do you really think that an organization that can survive for so long in the apocalypse without hearing about the need for material exchange will lack the ability to be self-sufficient?”

    Hearing Wan Zi’s question, the others also fell silent.

    Indeed, they didn’t even know the name of the other party’s organization and where the camp was, and they hadn’t even heard any radio or camp mention it for so many years.

    You know, even the Qingzhou University Camp, in the past, needed to regularly exchange vegetables with the nearby Fuzhou Cannery Camp for some meat cans to obtain meat.

    If a camp or organization didn’t even need to exchange with other camps, they could only think of two.

    One was the former Voodoo Cult, and the other was the former Survivor’s Light.

    Both of these organizations could produce everything from canned food to vegetables and grains. The only difference was that the Voodoo Cult preferred to rob others rather than produce their own.

    Now, one of these two organizations had its lair destroyed, and the other was severely damaged and had not yet recovered. The organization where the Lin sisters were located should be the largest organization in the south now.

    Would such an organization lack food? What a joke. Didn’t you hear that Survivor’s Light had to beg them to buy seeds?

    “Then what do they mean…”

    If they didn’t lack anything, there must be a reason why they specifically contacted the Qingzhou University Camp.

    “Is it… recruitment?” A young man said hesitantly, “Was the conversation just now an ‘interview’?”

    “Hmm…” Wan Zi pondered for a while, then shook her head, “I don’t know… but I don’t rule it out.”

    “Sigh… Instead of thinking about these unrealistic things, let’s think about how to solve the water source problem… Have you found the source of the poison?”

    “No, they are still investigating the back mountain. Now they should have reached Tianjing Lake.”

    Tianjing Lake was a low-lying area on the mountainside of the back mountain, a small lake formed by the convergence of rain and dew. The stream flowing from the mountain to the campus was drawn from this lake.

    If the source of the poison could not be found, it was very likely to be in the lake.

    Finding the source of the poison and transferring or destroying the poison was the only chance they had to save the water.

    “Rumble—”

    While they were discussing, a loud noise suddenly came from the back mountain, and the whole building felt a slight shaking.

    “What’s going on?!”

    “Something happened on the back mountain!”

    “Quick! Quick to help!”

    “Can you contact them?!”

    “No! No response to the call!”

    Through the rain curtain, Wan Zi could see fire and thick smoke rising from the back mountain… This was obviously the movement caused by the C-rank Awakened who led the team.

    The situation she least wanted to encounter appeared… The Voodoo Cult, had left a back hand…

    She had to rush over to support them.

    The Awakened in the administrative building didn’t even have time to put on raincoats. They braved the heavy rain and drove quickly towards the back mountain.

    When they reached the foot of the mountain, the vehicles could no longer continue. They climbed up the muddy ground, and Wan Zi was naturally the one rushing in front.

    “Boom—”

    Another violent explosion came, followed by a rolling mudslide… The mountain could not withstand such a violent explosion, and it slid down under the scouring of the heavy rain.

    “Damn…”

    Wan Zi, who had always been calm, couldn’t help but curse at the sight of the rolling mountain torrent.

    “Hold on!”

    Wan Zi only had time to shout this sentence in the heavy rain. She had already knelt on the ground, and her right hand with blood crystal veins flashing inserted into the ground.

    “Crack—”

    A five-meter-high semicircular giant wall made of sand and soil blocked in front of everyone.

    The rolling mud and water mixed with boulders smashed into the sand and stone shield, breaking the outer shell of the sand and stone shield, revealing the soft pink colloid inside.

    It was these glue-like pink liquids that bonded these sands and stones to form a shield, not directly controlling these inorganic substances.

    This mudslide came quickly and stopped quickly. Until she felt that nothing was impacting the shield, Wan Zi slowly breathed a sigh of relief.

    The sand and soil wall bonded by the pink adhesive blocked a large amount of mud and rocks, creating a survival zone for the people behind.

    Thanks to this mudslide, the trees and gullies blocking the road in front were basically buried, leaving a muddy road.

    “Quick!”

    After confirming that the mudslide would not fall again, Wan Zi led the team to rush up again.

    With the road paved by the mudslide, they quickly rushed to Tianjing Lake on the mountainside and saw a large area of pits and devastation beside the lake.

    Several investigators led by C-ranks were lying in the rain, their lives and deaths unknown. And the huge creature standing in the middle of these bodies, preparing to enjoy, was a…

    It was difficult for Wan Zi to describe its appearance, but according to experience, it was a shrimp.

    It was a monster with a white translucent shell almost five meters long. The huge head, which occupied almost half of its body, was not protected by a shell, but exposed the black brain and pink, granular gonads inside.

    A sharp spike with serrations on the top gleamed coldly under the moonlight. On the huge black double pincers, there were still some human limbs and blood, which were constantly being washed away by the rain.

    And its segmented, slightly arched and curled body was wrapped in a large mass of dense green eggs.

    These fist-sized eggs also had some red crystals flashing inside, like a large mass of huge eyes staring at people.

    What the hell… was this monster!!!

    Wan Zi was almost scared to retreat, but she still stood firm.

    This was definitely not a native mutated zombie of Qingzhou City… It came from somewhere else!!!

    It was very likely that it was brought by the Voodoo Cult, and then raised in the lake water as a low-level zombie to prevent poison when besieging the camp.

    But before the Voodoo Cult left, the frantic Voodoo Cult also left a few blood crystals to help it evolve, in order to completely destroy the camp.

    Even if the Voodoo Cult was gone… these people’s hearts were still vicious.

    It wasn’t that the Voodoo Cult made these people vicious, but that in the apocalypse, these twisted people gathered together… and became more and more crazy in the atmosphere of the Voodoo Cult.

    Now even if the Voodoo Cult was gone, their spirits might not return to normal—they were used to being crazy, used to killing, used to being wild.

    “A bunch of self-defeating lunatics!” Wan Zi cursed, waved her right fist and shouted, “What are you waiting for! Shoot!!!”

    “Dada-dada—”
    “Bang—bang—bang—”

    The combat personnel behind Wan Zi began to shoot with the guns in their hands.

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 315

    Chapter 315: Against the Deity

    Seraph’s sudden loss of control frightened Adele greatly. Fortunately, it ended without incident. Not only was Xiao Ai unharmed, but Seraph’s consciousness also gradually returned. She also promised Adele that she wouldn’t lose control again.

    “…I believe you.” The tear stains at the corners of Adele’s eyes hadn’t completely disappeared. She pouted her lips pitifully, looking very kissable. The next moment, she leaned against Seraph’s shoulder and gently bit the angel’s shoulder. The vampire girl’s fangs pierced Seraph’s skin. But Seraph only trembled slightly, neither struggling nor resisting.

    If this was Adele’s way of venting, it was too light. Leaving only a pair of bite marks. But Adele really didn’t know how to punish the angel girl. So she could only instinctively vent her sadness by “biting.” Not that kind of biting!

    As for Xiao Ai, at this moment, filled with concern for her mother, she slowly approached Adele, completely disregarding the fact that the angel Seraph before her might be a dangerous being.

    “Mama…” she called softly, her teary-eyed appearance arousing pity. It had to be said that even Seraph, who had just felt the urge to eliminate the heretic, sincerely felt Xiao Ai’s cuteness at this moment. After all, she was a girl identical to Adele’s younger self. As long as one had some affection for Adele, no one could refuse Xiao Ai’s appearance, right?

    It even made one fantasize, if she also conquered Xiao Ai, could she exclusively enjoy both Adele’s girl and…loli sentence? No, absolutely not! Stop those thoughts right now!

    Their eyes met, and Xiao Ai was the first to shyly look away. It was understandable. Although Xiao Ai was very powerful in the Secret Realm, able to control the elements within, in the outside world, she was just a little fool with powerful magic she didn’t know how to use.

    “Xiao Ai? It’s okay…”

    “Don’t be afraid, Mama avenged you and bit sister hard!” Adele wiped the corners of her eyes with her sleeve, then revealed her small canine teeth, looking rather proud.

    “…” Sister… A very common and ordinary term for humans, but for Seraph, it was a strange and intriguing title. So, she…could also be a sister? Just this title alone caused Seraph’s heart to waver.

    Xiao Ai understood Adele’s words, or rather, she read Adele’s heart. So she gratefully threw herself into the girl’s arms. As for Seraph, she took this opportunity to change from her fallen position to sitting on the ground, expressionlessly watching the “mother and daughter.”

    Then, she also apologized to Xiao Ai and introduced herself for the first time, no longer as impolite as before.

    “I’m sorry, Xiao Ai, my name is Seraph.”

    Xiao Ai glanced at Adele, hesitant and uneasy. She didn’t understand why Seraph suddenly felt such deep hostility towards her. She was just very afraid of Seraph at that time. But the girl before her was also Mama’s good friend… The little girl didn’t seem to fully understand the complex relationships like “lover,” “loved one,” “partner,” and so on. So everyone was a “friend.”

    Adele gently stroked Xiao Ai’s head, encouraging her telepathically. Encouraged, Xiao Ai bit her lip and nervously called out the angel’s name.

    “…Sara-hu?” Her language acquisition was now very fast, with only some pronunciation issues. Perhaps this was related to Xiao Ai not having completely passed her teething stage. Yes, Xiao Ai still had “teething.” If Adele noticed this, she could probably deduce that Xiao Ai hadn’t been born for long. Or another possibility: that within the Secret Realm, she had no concept of time and naturally wouldn’t age. Because she was created as a little girl, she remained that way. But after coming to the real world, her body naturally entered the realm of time and began to grow.

    “Ph,” Seraph corrected softly. It seemed she couldn’t appreciate the cuteness of the little girl’s unclear pronunciation.

    After calming down, Adele glanced at Seraph with slight coquettishness. Xiao Ai clutched her mother’s skirt tightly.

    “Sa…Seraph.”

    “Call her ‘Sister.’” Adele, seeing the possibility of Seraph and Xiao Ai getting along harmoniously, naturally spared no effort to bring them closer.

    Xiao Ai blinked her pink eyes, identical to Adele’s but with less cunning and more innocence. Then she called out, “Sister…”

    “…” Seraph couldn’t describe the feeling in her heart at that moment. But it certainly wasn’t bad. Just by looking at Seraph’s expression, Adele understood her current feelings. It was the tacit understanding that came with long-term companionship. Otherwise, if someone else looked at Seraph, they would probably think, Why does this person always have the same expression?

    But even the same expression had subtle differences. Only those very familiar with her could discern them.

    “It’s so great that you two can get along so peacefully.”

    “But Seraph, can you explain to me…”

    “Why did you lose control against Xiao Ai just now?” Adele wasn’t someone who liked to pry, but it concerned Xiao Ai’s safety. She felt she should find a way to get Seraph to explain clearly.

    Seraph remained silent for a while. Finally, under Adele’s concerned gaze, she nodded. The girl breathed a sigh of relief, listening to the angel girl’s explanation. And the first sentence made her stunned.

    “Xiao Ai…might be the creation of a false god.”

    “To me, that’s a heresy that needs to be eliminated.” Seraph’s calm tone was laced with gravity, even carrying a faint scent of blood from ancient times.

    Faith was a terrifying thing. Many massacres in human history could prove this. But that wasn’t the scariest part. The scariest thing was when the god of faith truly existed…

    Thinking of this, Adele’s heart trembled. According to Seraph, it seemed that to protect her daughter, she might have to become enemies with Seraph’s so-called “Lord” in the future.

    —For my daughter, I might even kill a god??

    That was too much! She just wanted to raise a cute daughter normally!

    More importantly, Adele suddenly became curious. If that time really came, would Seraph side with her, or with the “God” she worshipped?

  • On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 201

    Chapter 201: You’re Asking For It

    The masked man stared at Chen Yin’s retreating figure, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

    Chen Yin’s presence had a calming effect on him, a sense of reassurance he couldn’t explain.

    Chen Yin looked up at the massive face of the Wu Xuan Ancestor, the immense pressure of an Immortal Realm being bearing down on him like a crashing wave.

    But,

    “An Immortal, you say?”

    His gaze was calm as he channeled his blue spiritual energy into the Eternal Light sword, the blade splitting into multiple shimmering images. A pure and ethereal aura emanated from the sword, its light as bright as day.

    “You have no idea what the Immortal Realm truly means, boy!”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor sneered, his branches intertwining to form a massive hand that blotted out the sky, descending towards them with crushing force.

    “Go reflect on your sins in hell!”

    The Grand Witch and the masked man cried out in alarm as the suffocating pressure of the giant hand descended upon them.

    But then, a brilliant sword light pierced through the darkness, like a meteor streaking across the sky, cleaving the giant hand in two, its powerful sword intent tearing through the very fabric of reality.

    “—Second Sword,” Chen Yin’s voice rang out, cold and resolute.

    The surrounding formation trembled, and the lava churned violently under the immense surge of spiritual energy.

    The Grand Witch and the masked man could barely maintain their balance, shielding themselves from the powerful aftershocks.

    As the dust settled, they looked up and saw Chen Yin standing there, his expression unchanged, his sword held casually in one hand.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor’s calm demeanor had vanished, replaced by a look of anger.

    “Boy, where did you learn that sword technique?”

    “I invented it myself. Believe it or not.” Chen Yin chuckled.

    “A self-taught sword technique capable of challenging an Immortal?”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor scoffed. “Do you think I’m a fool?”

    “Believe what you want. It’s none of my business.”

    Chen Yin shrugged. “If you’re not convinced, we can continue. I don’t mind.”

    “I suspect your swordsmanship is enhanced by a Heavenly Dao Fragment.”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor’s voice turned cold. “Let’s see how long it can protect you.”

    Countless branches lashed out at Chen Yin.

    He turned to the Grand Witch and the masked man, his voice low. “Stay back. I might not be able to protect you.”

    Before the masked man could reply, Chen Yin had already turned and charged towards the Wu Xuan Ancestor, his sword a blur of motion.

    The masked man watched him go, his lips moving silently.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor’s attacks were relentless and deadly, each strike carrying the terrifying pressure of an Immortal.

    Chen Yin, like an ant before an elephant, seemed insignificant, yet his swordsmanship was as swift and graceful as a fleeting dream, each strike precisely deflecting the Ancestor’s attacks, finding the weaknesses in his seemingly impenetrable defenses.

    Several times, as he narrowly dodged a deadly blow, the masked man almost cried out in alarm.

    But Chen Yin would simply turn and smile at him reassuringly.

    “Don’t worry.”

    “I value my life.”

    The masked man was stunned.

    The Eternal Light sword in Chen Yin’s hand moved like a living thing, deflecting every attack, the Wu Xuan Ancestor’s powerful strikes unable to penetrate his defenses.

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor was growing frustrated.

    …How is this brat so resilient?

    His swordsmanship, capable of rivaling an Immortal, was already unbelievable, and he was able to maintain it for so long.

    He was just a peak Supreme Clarity Realm cultivator, a prodigy among his generation, but still far below an Immortal.

    He, the Wu Xuan Ancestor, had been cultivating in this place for centuries. Even without ascending to the True Immortal Realm, his power was immense. He was confident he could even exchange a few blows with a newly ascended Immortal.

    But this brat, with just a single sword, was making him look like a fool.

    It was a disgrace. A pseudo-Immortal like him, unable to defeat a mere Supreme Clarity Realm cultivator.

    Had his centuries of cultivation been for nothing?

    “I don’t believe you can maintain this level of power for much longer!”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor was confident. Even with the help of a Heavenly Dao Fragment, a Chosen One couldn’t use such powerful techniques indefinitely.

    He just had to wait him out.

    But…

    After a minute, Chen Yin was still effortlessly deflecting his attacks.

    After five minutes, his expression remained calm and relaxed.

    After ten minutes, he even had the time to turn around and greet the two behind him.

    “Are you hungry? Want some char siu bao when we get back?”

    The Wu Xuan Ancestor: “?”

    You still have the energy to flirt with your women?! I’m fighting you here! Show some respect!

    Enraged, the Wu Xuan Ancestor roared, his eyes blazing with fury.

    “You insolent brat!”

    “How dare you mock me!”

    The lush green canopy of the tree suddenly began to wither, its leaves turning brown and falling to the ground, as if all its life force was being drained.

    The old man’s face, once blurry and indistinct, became clearer, his features sharper, his aura more potent, his spiritual energy condensed and focused.

    His eyes glowed with a cold light as he unleashed another attack, his hand transforming into a giant, spectral palm.

    “Die!”

    The giant palm descended, but Chen Yin’s eyes narrowed.

    …The target wasn’t him.

    It was the Grand Witch and the masked man behind him.

    The moment the palm appeared, their Systems blared a warning: “Danger!”

    Unlike Chen Yin, they felt the full force of the Immortal’s attack, the crushing pressure threatening to suffocate them.

    “Damn it!”

    The Grand Witch bit her lip and, without hesitation, ordered her System to protect her, no matter the cost.

    The masked man, however, hesitated.

    “What are you waiting for?! Run!” the System shrieked.

    But he didn’t move.

    He had a feeling that Chen Yin wouldn’t let him down.

    And he was right.

    Before the giant palm could reach them, a brilliant sword light pierced through the darkness.

    A figure in flowing green robes stood before them, his presence a shield against the terrifying power.

    As long as he was there…

    …They were safe.

    The lingering afterglow of the sword light illuminated Chen Yin’s face as he looked up at the Wu Xuan Ancestor, his gaze unwavering.

    “I was planning on sparring with you for a while longer,”

    “After all, opponents who can withstand my swordsmanship are hard to come by…”

    “…But,”

    “You’re asking for it.” His voice was as cold as ice, his gaze as indifferent as if he were looking at a dead man.

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c15

    Chapter 15: A Stalled Startup 

    The popular stalls here were naturally designed based on Gong Youyuan’s preferences.

    Since she often wrote late into the night and didn’t want to wake her mother for food, her usual late-night orders were…

    Tripe noodles, barbecue, roasted pig brain, and so on.

    Her food delivery app history was filled with such items.

    As for candied haws…

    She rarely went out and only had childhood memories of buying candied haws from street vendors.

    Although there were candied hawthorn delivery options, they were often overly fancy, filled with glutinous rice, red bean paste, mung bean paste, and even durian.

    She wasn’t interested and simply added candied hawthorn chains to her novel to express her longing.

    However… she didn’t seem to have given the shop a name.

    Qiyou Candied Haws… was it an AI-generated name, like an AI-generated continuation?

    But in any case…

    Yan Chuyue bit into a candied hawthorn. The sweet, sugary coating and the tangy fruit inside…

    Perfect!

    It was exactly the taste she remembered.

    However, as she happily munched on her candied fruit, she completely forgot about the main course. The girl opposite her, however, was staring at the bowl of pig brain…

    Lost in thought.

    “You don’t like it?”

    “It’s not that I don’t like it…”

    Before she could finish, Yan Chuyue interrupted, “You clearly don’t like it.”

    She said confidently, “I know that look. My brother, ahem, a friend of mine used to get nauseous at the sight of this. He wouldn’t even let me put it in the hotpot.”

    Well…

    Gong Yiling felt a bit awkward.

    It seemed everyone who disliked pig brain had similar reactions.

    Before they parted ways, she had strictly forbidden her sister from putting pig brain in the spicy hotpot.

    In the end, Gong Youyuan could only reluctantly put it in the clear soup, then drench it in chili oil before eating it.

    When asked if she enjoyed eating pig brains as much as pigs did, her sister replied,

    “Dummy brother’s brain is worse than pig brain.”

    Ah…

    That was a long time ago.

    Gong Yiling chuckled awkwardly. “I lack… the worldly desire for pig brain.”

    “Just try it.” Yan Chuyue picked up a small piece with her chopsticks and held it to Gong Yiling’s lips. “It’s like tofu with a meaty flavor. It’s delicious.”

    Miss Gong shook her head. “No.”

    “Just a little.”

    “No.”

    “Just one bite.”

    “No, no!”

    Yan Chuyue stood up and brought the pig brain closer, while Miss Gong stubbornly leaned back.

    Just as she reached the limit of the chair’s tilt, a figure in ragged clothes suddenly appeared, snatched the pig brain and chopsticks from Yan Chuyue’s hand, and swallowed it whole.

    “Munch, munch, munch.”

    The figure chewed, making a strange crunching sound. “Cooked brains are alright.”

    Yan Chuyue: “???”

    Gong Yiling: “???”

    What was going on?

    Suddenly appearing and snatching their food, then saying such a strange thing.

    Did she/he/it usually eat raw brains?

    “Ah.”

    The strange cloaked figure noticed their gazes and asked, “Have you two seen a bad guy?”

    “Bad guy?”

    “Uh… how do I describe it…” The figure gestured wildly. “This young lady’s house, so big, so big, so big, suddenly exploded! And then the person ran away! I don’t even know who did it!”

    Exploded a house?

    Gong Yiling frowned.

    Who would randomly blow up someone’s house? That was just asking for trouble.

    Yan Chuyue, looking at the broken chopsticks, said with a wry smile, “Without any specific characteristics, we can’t help you.”

    “Characteristics… it was someone from a powerful sect on the Hundred Paths Mountain, I think. It was called…”

    The cloaked figure struggled to remember.

    Finally, she/he/it scratched their head and said with a sigh, “Forget it, you humans have such strange names. How would I remember?”

    “The brains are alright, but not spicy enough. I’m leaving.”

    The figure came and went quickly. Besides a few strands of silver hair peeking out from under the hood, they didn’t notice anything else about their appearance.

    Yan Chuyue: “Who was that?”

    Gong Yiling: “I have no idea.”

    Yan Chuyue: “Snatching someone’s food like that is so rude.”

    Gong Yiling: “She didn’t even seem human. Did you hear what she said? ‘You humans’.”

    Could it be… a half-demon or a demonic beast in human form?

    But her question was strange. Why would a sect from the Hundred Paths Mountain randomly blow up her house…?

    “Forget it.” Yan Chuyue tossed aside the broken chopsticks and picked up another pair, poking at the bowl of pig brain.

    The interruption seemed to have made her forget about feeding Gong Yiling, and she happily finished the dish herself.

    Seeing the empty bowl, Gong Yiling sighed in relief, grabbed some barbecue from Yan Chuyue’s side, and ate it with her mediocre beef soup.

    They continued exploring the night market, trying various snacks even Yan Chuyue had never seen before.

    Finally, when they were almost too full to walk, they sat down at a riverside pavilion, usually deserted except during festivals.

    “This is much better than the leftovers at the Yan Estate.”

    Yan Chuyue leaned back on her hands, swinging her legs. Her lips, although not painted, were a vibrant red from the spicy food.

    “When are you planning to leave the Yan Estate?” Gong Yiling asked casually. “After your father’s death, that’s no longer your home.”

    Yan Chuyue stuck out her tongue. “I haven’t decided yet.”

    “Haven’t decided?”

    “The world is so big,” Yan Chuyue smiled. “Where should I go after leaving the Yan Estate?”

    She wasn’t the decisive Yan Chuyue from her novel, just a reclusive writer.

    If she had Yan Chuyue’s courage, she wouldn’t have been a coward for so long, unable to confront her father and tell him—”You were wrong!”

    “Don’t want to go to the Hundred Paths Mountain?” Gong Yiling tried to recall what Yan Chuyue was supposed to be doing at this point—she should be struggling against her adoptive family, ambushed by the Second Elder, then rescued by Jiang Chenmo.

    Well.

    None of that would probably happen.

    Thanks to Gong Yiling…

    Yan Chuyue hadn’t even met Jiang Chenmo yet, even suspecting he had been killed during his intrusion into the Blood Orchid Palace.

    If the male lead died midway… what would happen next…?

  • My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty 53

    Chapter 53: The Wedding Day

    Back in Beiliao, Xiao Luohan had witnessed her second brother’s wedding.

    When the Crown Prince took a consort, envoys would deliver gifts to the woman’s family, consult their horoscopes, choose an auspicious date and time, the Crown Prince would pay respects to the heavens before the wedding, and on the auspicious day, he would leave the palace to welcome the bride, hold a grand banquet in the palace, and only enter the bridal chamber after dusk to lift the veil, drink the ceremonial wine, and consummate the marriage.

    Earlier, Xiao Luohan had also asked Shizhu, who had been in the palace for a long time, about the process of the Crown Prince of Daying taking a wife or concubine. Compared to Beiliao, it wasn’t much different.

    But perhaps because she was being taken as a concubine, or perhaps this wedding wasn’t important, on the “wedding day” the Crown Prince spoke of, only a few palace maids came to Wangmei Pavilion, carrying her wedding dress, cosmetics, and jewelry, to dress her up.

    Xiao Luohan had sharp ears. Even sitting inside with the door closed, she could hear the palace maids whispering outside:

    “Isn’t the princess sent for marriage alliance protected by ghosts and spirits? Why is Wangmei Pavilion so deserted on her wedding day?”

    “Perhaps she offended the ghosts and spirits. I heard Eunuch Xiao Nan say that after His Highness burned the books to exorcise evil spirits that night, the ghosts and spirits were enraged and took back all the gifts!”

    “Not only that, she also caught a cold. I’m afraid… she won’t live much longer.”

    “How unlucky! Poor His Highness!”

    “…”

    Various speculations and rumors, like fabricated stories, were being spread.

    Xiao Luohan, as the person involved, remained unfazed, treating it as entertainment.

    Last night, she had conducted her final “move,” returning all the remaining winter supplies, sweaters, coats, and even the stun gun.

    Considering that she might be searched before entering the Eastern Palace, after discussing it with Jiang Xue and the others, Xiao Luohan decided to only carry the diary, which only she could see. Whether it was the stun gun or the gun, she would tell Jiang Xue the code word when the time came, catching the Crown Prince off guard.

    Wearing the heavy red wedding dress and jewelry, worried that the cosmetics might be poisoned, Xiao Luohan declined the palace maids’ offer to apply makeup. After they left, she opened the cosmetics her mother had left her and slowly started applying them, concealing her sickly appearance under the makeup.

    When Jiang Xue arrived through the dream, she had just finished drawing her eyebrows and was about to apply lipstick.

    “Use the lipstick from our side!” Jiang Xue hurriedly pointed at the diary. As soon as she finished speaking, a brand new lipstick appeared, which she picked up. “This will be yours from now on. You can familiarize yourself with it.”

    She opened the lipstick, gently dabbed it on Xiao Luohan’s lower lip, then used a round brush and a flat brush to blend and define, adding color to her face.

    Xiao Luohan sat obediently, feeling the small brush gently sweeping across her lips, a strange warmth in her heart.

    They were very close, and they could hear each other’s slightly nervous breathing.

    Three days was too rushed. Even though Uncle Seuss had diligently simulated various scenarios and put them into practice, and Jiang Xue had started teaching her as soon as she entered the dream, there was only one chance for the actual assassination. A slight misstep could cost her life.

    “Sh-Should I go to the Eastern Palace and check the situation first?”

    After finishing with the lipstick, Jiang Xue couldn’t help but ask, “It’s the day of the wedding. Elder Sister Red Fox shouldn’t stop me now, right? I can even check the exam venue before the college entrance exam!”

    “Go ahead, don’t worry about me.” Xiao Luohan carefully put away the lipstick and brushes, placing them on the diary to send them back to the other world. “Since the Crown Prince wants me to die in the Eastern Palace, no one will make things difficult for me before that.”

    Hearing her talk about “death” so calmly, Jiang Xue felt a pang of sadness. Before leaving, she hugged Xiao Luohan. “I’ll stay here with you until I take you home!”

    As soon as Jiang Xue left, she saw the red fox squatting at the door, as if it had been waiting.

    “I’m going to the Eastern Palace to scout the location,” she said to the red fox as she floated outwards. “The wedding is tonight. Even if that dog of a Crown Prince is setting up traps, he should be almost done, right?”

    The red fox, as always, didn’t speak, only leading the way.

    Jiang Xue had thought she would have to navigate the winding paths of the palace, but as they walked, the scenery around them gradually blurred, and when she came to her senses, she was already in a lively place.

    Unlike the desolate Wangmei Pavilion, the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers today. It didn’t feel like he was taking a concubine, but marrying a primary consort.

    She spat in disgust before entering, following the red fox through the crowd, straight towards the bedchamber.

    However, the bedchamber was locked, and at least seven or eight tall guards were standing guard!

    Jiang Xue frowned, circled around the bedchamber, and even tried the windows—they were also locked from the inside!

    “Do you know what’s hidden inside?” she casually asked the red fox.

    “It should be my body.”

    When the cold and calm female voice rang out, Jiang Xue almost thought she was hallucinating.

    “There’s a type of magic in the Daying palace, similar to witchcraft, that can trap souls and prevent ghosts from passing,” the red fox continued. “I can only sense the general location of my body, but I can’t approach it, and except for the ‘seventh day,’ I can’t stray too far from this place.”

    Jiang Xue was shocked. Afraid that staying here would harm Xiao Linghan’s soul, she quickly floated out of the Eastern Palace.

    “Th-Then what can we do to free you?” she asked with concern.

    The red fox shook its head and crouched beside her. “Some of the soldiers who died in that battle have already moved on, but those with strong obsessions remain on the battlefield, unable to do anything to the living, only watching as Beiliao submits to Daying, their resentment gradually accumulating.”

    “So I told them, if they could lend me their strength, I would first kill the Crown Prince of Daying, then send dreams to the generals of the Jiang family’s army, so that Beiliao can forge divine weapons and turn the tide of the war, defeating the enemy with a smaller force.”

    “They were my soldiers, unwilling to surrender to Daying even in death. After that journey, I have devoured countless souls and vengeful spirits who willingly sacrificed themselves. Having made a promise to them, I must first fulfill our shared wish before I can talk about liberation.”

    The more Jiang Xue listened, the more shocked she became.

    Elder Sister Red Fox’s current situation was completely opposite to Xie Xitong’s speculation!

    She could pull her, who was awake, into the dream, not because she was overexerting herself, but because she had gained more power by devouring souls.

    No wonder Xiao Luohan felt that her elder sister seemed to have suddenly become more lively after hugging the red fox, no longer like a spirit, but more like a living person in a dream.

    But possessing such special power must come at a price. Elder Sister Red Fox spoke vaguely, but Jiang Xue understood—without fulfilling the wishes of those souls, she couldn’t be liberated and couldn’t reincarnate.

    …Perhaps, just as Xiao Luohan had speculated before, Xiao Linghan had willingly become an “earthbound spirit,” weaving a web of destruction for Daying in a realm invisible to the living.

    “This is my own choice. You don’t have to pity me. Just take Xiao Luo away.” Seeing her emotions, the red fox said, “Heaven has already been kind enough to me. Otherwise, I would also be one of those countless vengeful spirits.”

    As soon as she finished speaking, she disappeared. The surrounding scene changed again, and soon, Jiang Xue was back under the old plum tree in Wangmei Pavilion’s courtyard.

    “I still have unfinished business in Beiliao.”

    “But I have already attached my soul to the plum branches. Even after decades, the blossoms will not wither.”

    Jiang Xue stared blankly at the old plum tree, pursed her lips, and turned to float towards the house.

    No matter what choice Elder Sister Red Fox had made, Xiao Luohan, as her most beloved younger sister, deserved to know.

    After hearing about her elder sister’s choice, Xiao Luohan remained silent for a long time.

    “If it’s Elder Sister, I’m not surprised at all,” she murmured. “The late Empress always raised her like a son, teaching her about state affairs. Elder Sister joined the army, truly distrusting men, but also wanting to protect her home and country, which was her lifelong wish.”

    That dazzling figure in red had donned her armor, picked up her silver spear, and calmly walked towards the ending she had chosen.

    And her only selfish desire was probably for her frail younger sister, whom she had watched grow up.

    Jiang Xue didn’t say anything, just sat beside her, gently patting her shoulder.

    “Since Elder Sister can protect me as I leave this world, I still want to do one last thing for her,” Xiao Luohan finally said.

    Jiang Xue’s eyes flickered—this matter had been mentioned once before.

    She knew what Xiao Luohan wanted to do. Now that their path was secure, there was no reason to stop her. If she were in Xiao Luohan’s shoes, she would also want to help Elder Sister Red Fox in this way.

    Dusk finally arrived.

    Outside the dream, Jiang Mei, Xie Xitong, and Uncle Seuss were watching over Jiang Xue, who had been asleep all day, having prepared food and a first-aid kit in advance.

    Three pairs of eyes were fixed on the diary. As soon as they saw obvious lipstick smudges, they would send the stun gun and the gun according to the code word.

    In the dream, the wedding sedan chair had already arrived at the gate of Wangmei Pavilion, and the incoming servants had cleared a path, laying out a red carpet in the falling snow.

    Xiao Luohan, her face covered by a red veil, walked out the door, accompanied by Jiang Xue.

    Passing by the old plum tree, she looked up, taking one last look through the red veil.

    Her elder sister had said that she had attached her soul to the plum branches. At this moment, she must be watching her.

    “The auspicious time has arrived! Bride, quickly get into the sedan chair!” the eunuch in charge of the wedding ceremony shouted at the door.

    Looking away, Xiao Luohan slightly quickened her pace.

    Her severe cold hadn’t fully recovered, and walking a little too quickly made her cough, looking frail and weak in everyone’s eyes.

    The wedding dress and jewelry were too heavy. As she got into the sedan chair, she felt unsteady and was about to reach for the door when a pair of hands steadily supported her back.

    After safely helping her into the sedan chair, Jiang Xue followed, standing in front of her.

    The space inside the sedan chair was cramped. One stood, and the other sat, waiting in silence.

    Halfway there, Jiang Xue suddenly felt a tug on her sleeve. Turning around, she saw that Xiao Luohan had made space for her, her slender hand resting on the empty spot, inviting her to sit down.

    Thinking this would probably reassure her, Jiang Xue didn’t hesitate and sat down, squeezing in next to her.

    It was supposed to be a serious day, but at this moment, she couldn’t quite describe her feelings.

    But she felt that she should at least be happy for Xiao Luohan—after tonight, Xiao Luo would come to her world, completely escaping the misery of feudal society and becoming free.

    Just as she was thinking this, the hand resting on her lap was held.

    The hand covering hers was small and thin, cold from the winter and illness.

    Jiang Xue instinctively warmed Xiao Luohan’s hand with her own, hoping to make her feel more comfortable.

    The journey from Wangmei Pavilion to the Eastern Palace wasn’t long. They didn’t hold hands for long before the swaying sedan chair came to a stop.

    There was no suona music, no flower petals or firecrackers. It was the same eunuch again, shouting in a shrill voice according to the procedure, “Bride, alight! Escort her to the bridal chamber!”

    It was like attending a banquet with hidden dangers, but they both knew who the victim would be.