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  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 120 p1

    Chapter 120: Ye Lingxuan, The Second Protagonist p1

    All eyes were drawn to her.

    Even though Ye Lingxuan usually kept a low profile, it was impossible to remain unnoticed in this situation.

    Ye Yu also stared at the beam of light, at her slender figure within. He felt a strange sense of familiarity with the medicinal fragrance emanating from her.

    I’ve smelled this before… he thought to himself.

    “It’s Dragon Soaring Tendon,” the old man’s voice whispered in his mind.

    Dragon Soaring Tendon…

    He froze, then a realization dawned on him, and he glared at Mu Zhi’an. He had tried to acquire Dragon Soaring Tendon twice at the Morning Glory Auction, but Mu Zhi’an had outbid him both times.

    And he had given it to Lingxuan… as a gift… to win her favor… And now she had activated it…?

    He suppressed his anger, his grip tightening on the Jade Countenance Pill, watching as she emerged from the light, her eyes sweeping over the crowd, her gaze calm and composed.

    Then, as she noticed Mu Zhi’an, her eyes softened slightly.

    She walked towards them gracefully, her embroidered shoes silent against the stone.

    “Your seclusion is over?” Mu Zhi’an asked, smiling.

    She nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Thanks to you.”

    Ling Long had taken her to an ancient pool, and within its waters, she had felt the Dragon Soaring Tendon awakening within her.

    Not just the Dragon Soaring Tendon, but also her own constitution. It resonated with the pool’s energy. Ling Long had left her to bathe in the pool’s waters.

    It was all because of Mu Zhi’an… Ling Long, with her aloof personality, wouldn’t have helped her otherwise. Even Ye Lingxuan’s powerful background meant nothing to her.

    Lin Ling didn’t care about social connections or favors. In a way, she was similar to Ye Yu. The only difference was that she was a beautiful woman, with immense power. Even if she didn’t actively seek connections, others would flock to her.

    “A Natural Spirit Body… As expected of his daughter… With such talent, many peaks will surely fight for her,” a voice said, echoing from the sky, and the disciples looked up, bowing respectfully.

    “Peak Lord!”

    Yi Hao, the peak lord of Boundless Sea Peak, hovered in the air, his gaze fixed on Ye Lingxuan, his eyes filled with admiration.

    “Uncle Yi,” she said, smiling, her voice clear and melodious.

    He nodded, his gaze filled with a mixture of nostalgia and approval. “You’ve grown so much.”

    He remembered when she had visited the sect a few years ago, a small child. Now, she was a beautiful young woman. In a few years, she might even rival Lan Mulian in beauty.

    “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Uncle Yi,” she replied, smiling.

    He chuckled, his expression softening. “You’re too kind.”

    Then he added, his voice turning serious, “When choosing your peak, consider Boundless Sea Peak. All nine peaks have equal resources. I can’t promise you anything else, but if you join Boundless Sea Peak, I’ll ensure you have access to any pills, ingredients, or techniques you need.”

    She glanced at Mu Zhi’an, who remained silent, then replied, her voice calm and composed. “Thank you, Uncle Yi. I’ll… consider it…”

    He raised an eyebrow, discreetly glancing at Mu Zhi’an. He could see that she seemed dependent on him. It was unusual. She was a proud girl. She should despise wastrels. And while Mu Zhi’an wasn’t a wastrel anymore, they had both grown up in Tianxuan City. She must have heard about his reputation…

    It seems Young Friend Mu has a way with women…

    When a peak lord chose an inner disciple, the disciple had the right to refuse. But most wouldn’t do that. It would be too offensive…

    The winners of the last sect tournament had the first pick.

    With her talent and beauty, she wouldn’t be available for Boundless Sea Peak to choose. The only way he could have her as a disciple was if she chose him…

    He smiled, extending an olive branch. “Think carefully. Boundless Sea Peak’s doors are always open to you.”

    “Peak Lord,” Ye Yu said, his voice respectful.

    Yi Hao turned to look at him, the young alchemist who had just refined a fifth-grade pill. He glanced at the pill in his hand, his voice filled with approval. “Impressive. To refine a fifth-grade pill at such a young age… If you continue to cultivate diligently, you might even have a place in the Alchemy Pavilion.”

    Ye Yu bowed. “Thank you, Peak Lord. I’ll do my best to bring honor to Boundless Sea Peak.”

    He glanced at Ye Lingxuan, but her expression remained unchanged, as if she didn’t care about the fifth-grade pill. Her gaze was fixed on Mu Zhi’an, her eyes filled with a soft adoration…

    His smile faltered, and he nearly crushed the pill in his hand. It was a fifth-grade pill!

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 119

    Chapter 119: The Alchemy Competition

    The next morning, on Boundless Sea Peak, Yi Hao sat in a pavilion, his expression distracted.

    He was the current peak lord, at the fifth level of Nascent Soul, a powerful figure in the outside world. And even within the Two Polarities Sect, his strength was renowned.

    But he still had a master. His master rarely interfered with the peak’s affairs, but his presence still constrained Yi Hao’s actions.

    For example, the recent entrance exams. If Mu Zhi’an hadn’t appeared, the candidates would have been annihilated.

    “Peak Lord, a disciple named Mu Zhi’an is here to see you,” a disciple reported, entering the pavilion.

    Yi Hao looked up, his eyes brightening, but he quickly masked his reaction. “Bring him in.”

    The disciple glanced at him, surprised, then nodded. He had rarely seen the peak lord so eager.

    Mu Zhi’an soon entered the pavilion, escorted by the disciple, who then discreetly withdrew.

    “Peak Lord!” Mu Zhi’an bowed respectfully.

    “Young Friend Mu, have a seat,” Yi Hao said, gesturing towards a chair, a smile playing on his lips.

    After Mu Zhi’an sat down, Yi Hao sipped his tea, his demeanor calm, his voice gentle. “What brings you here today, Young Friend Mu?”

    Despite his casual tone, his eyes, weary with age, were fixed on Mu Zhi’an, as if waiting for something.

    I wonder how he’ll react if I tell him Ling Long ate all the cranes… Mu Zhi’an smiled, retrieving a storage ring. He waved his hand, and a dozen Eight Treasures Cranes appeared, their wings bound by shimmering restraints.

    Yi Hao stared at the cranes, his excitement evident, but Mu Zhi’an maintained his respectful demeanor. “Senior Ling Long… she ate another crane. I was worried she wouldn’t be able to control herself so I brought them back early…”

    Yi Hao nodded, then looked at him, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Ling Long is our sect’s guardian beast. She can have as many as she wants.”

    He paused, then added, “Thank you for your trouble, Young Friend Mu. As promised, take one of these cranes. It will be beneficial to your cultivation.”

    “Thank you, Senior!” Mu Zhi’an bowed.

    “You’ve earned it,” Yi Hao replied, then sighed, his voice laced with a hint of melancholy. “I never thought I would need to rely on a junior…”

    He looked at Mu Zhi’an, smiling. “Regardless, I’m grateful for your help. I have some influence within the sect. If you ever need anything, come to me. Consider it a repayment…”

    “It would be my honor to serve you, Senior,” Mu Zhi’an replied respectfully.

    Pleasantries were essential. Even if they were just empty words, they still pleased the recipient.

    Yi Hao smiled, nodding, then he discreetly studied Mu Zhi’an, a flicker of regret in his eyes.

    He could see that Mu Zhi’an’s talent was exceptional. If it were the past, he would have taken him as an inner disciple.

    But this year was different. It was a golden age, filled with talented candidates.

    He could only choose one inner disciple, and ideally, it would be either Bai Ruoxi or Ye Lingxuan. Even if they were chosen by the winners of the last sect tournament, there was still Wei Mengrou, and even Huang Manting.

    It was a shame, but he had to choose carefully…

    BOOM!

    Thunder rumbled in the sky, and Mu Zhi’an looked up to see storm clouds gathering above the peak, lightning flashing through the dark sky.

    “Is someone breaking through to Core Formation.?” he asked.

    “It’s a Pill Tribulation,” Yi Hao chuckled. “It seems someone has refined a remarkable fourth-grade pill.”

    He narrowed his eyes, his voice turning serious. “Judging by those clouds, it’s almost at the fifth grade.”

    Alchemy… it’s my blind spot… He watched as Yi Hao seemed lost in thought, then he excused himself and left the pavilion.

    As he passed the summit, he saw a group of disciples gathered, their gazes fixed on someone standing on a platform, their voices hushed.

    Alchemy competitions were common on the peaks, but seeing someone refine a fifth-grade pill, even attracting a Pill Tribulation… it was rare.

    He approached the crowd and looked up at the platform. Ye Yu stood there, his black robes flowing gracefully, a proud smile playing on his lips as he basked in the attention. And in his hand, he held a newly refined pill: a Jade Countenance Pill!

    The Jade Countenance Pill could preserve one’s youthful appearance for several years. It might not be significant for men, but for women, its value was immense.

    “Daoist Friend Ye’s alchemy skills are truly masterful. I concede defeat,” a young cultivator said, bowing respectfully.

    Ye Yu bowed back, smiling. “Your skills are also impressive, Daoist Friend. You simply lack experience…”

    “Young Master Ye, will you sell me that pill? I’ll pay five thousand spirit stones,” a female cultivator called out from the crowd.

    “I’ll pay eight thousand.”

    “Ten thousand…”

    He listened to their bids, their gazes filled with admiration, and he smiled inwardly, maintaining his calm demeanor.

    He suddenly felt a familiar gaze upon him, and he looked towards the back of the crowd. A young man in luxurious robes was standing there, watching him.

    …Mu Zhi’an.

    His expression darkened, and he stared at Mu Zhi’an, who was stretching, seemingly about to leave. “Young Master Mu, since you’re here, why don’t we have an alchemy competition…?”

    The disciples turned to look at Mu Zhi’an, their voices hushed, their conversations filled with curiosity.

    They had all heard about the conflict between Mu Zhi’an and Ye Yu back in Tianxuan City, but judging by Ye Yu’s undisguised hostility, it seemed their feud was significant.

    Mu Zhi’an stopped, turning to look at him, smiling. “Your alchemy skills are unmatched, Young Master Ye. I’m no match for you.”

    “Are you afraid?” Ye Yu taunted.

    Then he chuckled, as if realizing something. “I almost forgot. You’re not an alchemist. My apologies.”

    Mu Zhi’an smiled, nodding, then retrieved a porcelain bottle from his storage ring.

    Ye Yu’s gaze fixed on the “Ye” engraved on the bottle.

    The pills Ye Lingxuan had given him!

    “Lingxuan’s pills are quite useful…” Mu Zhi’an whispered, his voice a mental message.

    Ye Yu’s eyes narrowed, his anger flaring.

    He had used his sweet words to trick Lingxuan into giving him those pills, and now he was flaunting them…?

    He had the audacity to be a kept man and act so proud…?

    He was about to speak when a golden beam of light erupted from the cliff below, a potent medicinal fragrance filling the air.

    Mu Zhi’an turned to look, his gaze following the beam towards the depths of the cliff. He saw a figure in a purple dress standing within the light.

    And the fragrance… it was coming from her.

    Ye Lingxuan’s seclusion was over!

  • They All Want to Be My Female Lead v2 c84

    Chapter 84: Beautiful Sect Master’s Suspicions

    Waking to the sound of birds chirping, Yan Zhen pushed open his window and stretched luxuriously, his joints popping satisfyingly. He felt energized, his body brimming with strength, as if yesterday’s exhaustion had been a mere illusion.

    His Beautiful Sect Master’s medicinal bath was truly remarkable! Without it, even with healing pills, it would have taken him days to recover from those injuries.

    Then, a thought struck him. He hadn’t visited her in the Crystal Stone Space last night… Oh, no!

    After a hasty wash, he activated his Star Shifting Fire Seal and appeared before the altar.

    “Good morning, Master.”

    Chen Xi, who had been meditating, opened her eyes, her expression puzzled. “Zhen’er, why didn’t you come last night?”

    He sat down before her, his posture respectful. “I apologize, Master. I was busy yesterday and felt exhausted, so I went to bed early… Were you waiting for me?”

    “I’m always here, Zhen’er. It’s not that I was specifically waiting for you. I just… hoped you would visit more often.” A faint blush colored her cheeks, making her appear unexpectedly shy, like a young maiden experiencing her first crush.

    Yan Zhen, too, felt a wave of shyness. He rubbed his cheek. “I also want to see you more often, Master. You’re so beautiful. Just looking at you lifts my spirits. Gazing at your beauty might even extend my lifespan.”

    “Flatterer.” She chuckled. “If you’re busy, Zhen’er, then tend to your affairs. Come visit when you have time.”

    “Alright. I’m going to have breakfast now. See you later, Master.”

    He turned and practically fled.

    Guilt is a powerful motivator.

    Watching his hasty retreat, Chen Xi shook her head, amused. She was about to resume her meditation when a familiar scent reached her nose.

    “Is that… Body Tempering Elixir?”

    Her amusement faded, replaced by suspicion.

    …

    Another day of classes ended. Yan Zhen made his way to the training grounds, ready for another round of Mystic Power beatings from Instructor Yu Xuan.

    From after school until nightfall, they trained, pushing him to his absolute limit. As he collapsed, exhausted, she helped him back to the house and into his room for his medicinal bath.

    Having experienced this once before, she was less hesitant this time. She quickly helped him undress and lowered him into the steaming bath.

    “Hiss!” He winced, sucking in a sharp breath.

    After yesterday’s session, he had felt invincible. He had even asked her to increase the intensity. However, the pain was far worse than before.

    Instructor Yu Xuan’s heart ached for him. Her eyes, magnified by her oval-shaped glasses, glistened with unshed tears. “I told you the intensity was enough! And you still asked me to increase it! You’re such a fool… Does it still hurt?”

    “It’s alright. It’ll subside soon.”

    — Damn you, author! What kind of messed-up training method is this?! There’s a limit to how much self-inflicted pain a person can take!

    Watching him sitting rigidly in the water, his muscles trembling, his face pale, Instructor Yu Xuan bit her lip. She glanced at the closed door, remembering her instructions to the other girls not to disturb them. Her hesitation vanished.

    Taking a deep breath, she slowly removed her outer robe, followed by her inner tunic and pale blue under-robe, folding them neatly. She placed her glasses on top of the pile before stepping out of her remaining clothes, her body as white and flawless as ivory. She gracefully lifted her leg and stepped into the tub, her movements silent and fluid.

    Yan Zhen, who had been meditating, sensed her presence behind him. Before he could react, she wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him back against her soft body.

    Wherever he moved, he encountered the yielding warmth of her flesh, as if he had returned to the womb. It was incredibly comforting, easing his pain and exhaustion.

    He opened his eyes, turning to look at her. “Instructor, what…?”

    Her cheeks flushed crimson. Her hands gently massaged his stomach and chest, soothing his aching muscles. Her warm breath tickled his ear as she whispered, “My body is soft. Leaning against me won’t hurt, and it will save you some energy. Just relax.”

    Yan Zhen was touched. He hadn’t expected her to go this far for him. Though he couldn’t see her, he knew how embarrassed she must be.

    At a loss for words, he could only manage a weak “Thank you, Instructor.”

    “Don’t thank me. I’m doing this because I want to.” Her voice was as soft as silk. “However… I can’t… help you with that right now. It would drain your vital energy and affect the effectiveness of the treatment. You’ll have to endure it.”

    “Instructor, I’m not in the mood for… that right now,” he said wryly.

    “Good. Just focus on absorbing the medicinal properties and healing your injuries. You’ll feel better soon.”

    She leaned closer, her tongue tracing the bruises on his back and shoulders.

    She didn’t channel her Water Mystic Power, as it would only aggravate his injuries. She simply wanted to soothe the pain she had inflicted with the softness of her body.

    Yan Zhen understood her intentions. He was both touched and troubled. If she continued to pamper him like this, he might become utterly useless.

    Is this a test? he wondered. Even a seasoned veteran like me can’t handle this! Fortunately, he was too weak to do anything about it.

    Her gentle touch, her soft kisses and soothing licks, gradually lulled him to sleep.

    Instructor Yu Xuan held him close, suppressing her own desires as she guided the medicinal energy into his body. She waited until the bathwater turned clear and the water cooled before lifting him out, drying him off, and carrying him to his bed.

    After dressing, she lingered for a moment, gazing down at his sleeping face before quietly returning to her room.

    — He’s holding back, and so will I.

    …

    The next day, Yan Zhen entered the Fire Refining Starry Sky to greet his Beautiful Sect Master. After a brief conversation, he excused himself.

    Chen Xi sniffed the air, her brow furrowing as she detected the lingering scent.

    “It’s definitely Body Tempering Elixir, but the refining technique is a bit crude. Zhen’er must have made it himself… Could he be secretly using Body Tempering Elixir to strengthen his physique?”

    She quickly pieced together the clues, remembering his previous request.

    “That child… is he really that obsessed with brute force techniques like ‘Eight Extremes Explosion’? I don’t understand boys. But who’s helping him train? Could it be… that instructor?”

    A pang of jealousy stabbed at her heart.

    She wouldn’t feel jealous of Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, Mi Xue’er, Xiao Xinyan, or even Huangfu Wenqing. But Instructor Yu Xuan… that title… it made her feel as if her beloved disciple was being stolen away.

    She pressed a hand against her aching chest, her expression pained.

  • They All Want to Be My Female Lead v2 c83

    Chapter 83:  Instructor, hit me!

    It didn’t matter who beat him, as long as they controlled their strength. Instructor Yu Xuan, being a Sixth Star Mystic Master, could definitely handle it, refining his physique without causing lasting harm.

    “—Instructor, hit me!” Yan Zhen pleaded earnestly.

    Instructor Yu Xuan blinked, confused, then her mind jumped to certain… activities. Her cheeks flushed crimson. “I had no idea you had such… preferences,” she stammered. “It’s not that I’m against it, but you’re still young, Yan Zhen. It’s best not to delve into such… unhealthy things too early. Keep it simple… Ahem, anyway, I’ll take your… needs into consideration. You should focus on your cultivation for now.”

    Huh? Even with his inner lecher, it took Yan Zhen a moment to realize she had completely misunderstood him. He quickly clarified his request.

    “You mean… strengthening your physique?” Instructor Yu Xuan’s blush deepened. Embarrassed, she lowered her head. “Ahem, well, using Mystic Power to temper the body is indeed a viable method, but it requires supplemental medicinal baths, and it’s not a long-term solution.”

    “That’s fine. I just want to increase my physical strength so I don’t injure myself while practicing my techniques. I’ve already prepared the medicinal baths.”

    Instructor Yu Xuan nodded. “Alright, I’ll help you.”

    Relieved and excited, Yan Zhen followed her to the training grounds.

    …

    They returned from the training grounds as dusk settled, Yan Zhen leaning heavily on Instructor Yu Xuan, his body exhausted.

    The other girls were alarmed, fearing something terrible had happened. After Instructor Yu Xuan explained, they breathed a sigh of relief.

    In Yan Zhen’s room, she followed his instructions, retrieving the pre-prepared medicinal liquid from his storage ring and diluting it in a tub of hot water. Then, she helped him undress and gently lowered him into the bath.

    After a while, Yan Zhen finally caught his breath, managing a weak smile. “Thank you, Instructor Yu Xuan.”

    She frowned, her eyes filled with concern. “How are you feeling?”

    — Like crap! This self-inflicted torture is insane! Why did the author have to come up with such a ridiculous method?!

    “I’m fine,” he rasped. “You controlled your strength perfectly. The medicinal bath will take care of the rest.”

    Instructor Yu Xuan rolled up her sleeves, picked up a wooden ladle, and carefully poured a portion of the medicinal liquid over his shoulders and back. Her fingers gently traced his bruises, feeling his muscles tremble beneath her touch.

    She was the one who had inflicted these injuries, so she knew how much they must hurt. With each strike, she had wanted to stop, but his determined gaze had spurred her on.

    To endure such pain for the sake of strength…

    “Yan Zhen,” she said softly, “why are you pushing yourself so hard? You don’t need to rush into a challenge against Xiao Mie. With your talent, you’ll surpass him eventually. Is it because of the pressure from your fiancée?”

    — Huh? How does she know about Wenqing? Did Meng’er or the others tell her?

    “No, it’s for myself. I lost three years of cultivation. I have to work harder to reach my goals, to reach even greater heights.”

    “You don’t have to… I’m not helping you tomorrow. Find someone else.”

    Her tone was petulant, surprising him.

    Since their first meeting, she had always been composed, elegant, kind, and approachable. She perfectly balanced her authority as an instructor with her feminine grace, creating a uniquely comforting presence.

    This was the first time he had seen her act like a sulky child… He quickly turned to her, trying to appease her. “Come on, Instructor. Don’t say that! I’m counting on you. If you won’t help me, who will?”

    “Then stop practicing this ridiculous method.” She stubbornly turned his head away, continuing to pour the medicinal liquid over him, her voice taking on a motherly tone. “I don’t think you need this kind of training. If you cultivate diligently, you’ll reach the Seventh Star within one or two months. With the help of pills, it’ll be even faster… As for challenging Xiao Mie, you can wait until you reach the Eighth or Ninth Star. You’re already ranked third on the Nine Star Rank, and you won all ten matches in the gauntlet. You don’t need to prove yourself any further.”

    Yan Zhen grasped her free hand. “Instructor, I’m not trying to prove anything. I want to improve through competition with Xiao Mie. We can sharpen each other’s skills… This effort is nothing. The process is a bit painful, but I can endure it.”

    “Why are you so stubborn? You never listen!”

    “I believe you’ll help me, Instructor Yu Xuan. Right?” He turned to face her, his eyes wide and pleading.

    She averted her gaze, refusing to meet his eyes. “No.”

    “Instructor~ Please help me~” He whined, nuzzling his cheek against her hand. The action, though mortifying, was incredibly effective.

    The subtle sensation against her skin sent shivers down her spine, her cheeks flushing crimson. Her heart fluttered with a honeyed sweetness.

    This was the first time he had initiated any kind of physical contact with her, and it was so endearing, so utterly irresistible.

    — That little rascal… he knows how to manipulate me.

    “Instructor~”

    “Alright, alright, I’ll help you. But you can’t push yourself too hard. Tell me if you’re feeling any discomfort. If you can’t handle it, you need to rest.”

    “I understand. Thank you, Instructor!”

    She sighed, her heart aching as she looked at his bruised and swollen body.

    The worst part was, these were injuries inflicted by her Water Mystic Power, so she couldn’t use it to soothe his pain.

    She could only continue pouring the medicinal liquid over him, gently massaging away the bruising.

    Yan Zhen closed his eyes, fighting back his exhaustion. He focused his mind, circulating his Mystic Power according to the “Imperial Blaze Art,” slowly absorbing the medicinal properties of the bath.

    As time passed, the color of the bathwater gradually faded, the medicinal properties seeping into his body, healing his injuries. He finally succumbed to his weariness, his head drooping against the edge of the tub as he drifted off to sleep.

    Instructor Yu Xuan watched over him, her gaze tender.

    At midnight, when the bathwater had turned completely clear and the water had cooled, she gently lifted him from the tub, dried him off, and carried him to his bed.

    Her eyes lingered on his… arousal, and she blushed, muttering, “Even injured, he’s still so… energetic…”

    Knowing he was trying to temper his body and couldn’t afford to lose his vital energy, she resisted her usual urge to “help him out.” She tucked him in and quietly left the room.

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 26

    Chapter 26: Please… Hold Me

    —”Am I wrong!?” Dorothy cried, her voice cracking with emotion. “You do hate being with me!”

    The memories, flooding back, pushed her to the brink. Her emotions, always volatile, threatened to spill over.

    Adele knew this, understood that dealing with Dorothy required a delicate touch, like stroking a cat’s fur in the right direction.

    She gritted her teeth, enduring the pressure radiating from Dorothy, a pressure that wasn’t a conscious act of dominance, but simply the inherent aura of a princess, a born ruler.

    “…Dorothy,” she said, her voice firm despite the tremor in her chest. “If I hated being with you, would I let you boss me around like this?”

    It was a bold statement, a bluff she prayed Dorothy would buy. After all, fake it till you make it, right?

    The reality, of course, was that she had no choice but to obey Dorothy. She was a lowly Sequence Five, after all.

    This kind of defiance wouldn’t work on the other Sequence Ones, but with Dorothy… it might just do the trick.

    As expected, Dorothy calmed down slightly, her gaze softening a fraction. But her eyes were still cold, a chilling blue that sent shivers down Adele’s spine.

    Adele pressed her advantage.

    “Is it possible… that I just dislike… certain things you do?” she asked, her voice hesitant. “That I don’t… necessarily dislike you?”

    It was a flimsy excuse, a blatant lie disguised as a reluctant confession. But it was the answer Dorothy wanted to hear.

    “Is… that true?” Dorothy’s voice wavered, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes.

    She was a master of self-deception, easily swayed by the slightest hint of validation. All Adele had to do was dangle the bait, and Dorothy would take it hook, line, and sinker.

    Love made fools of everyone, even if it was a one-sided, delusional love like Dorothy’s.

    But if Adele gained Dorothy’s trust, her favor, and then betrayed her… the consequences would be dire.

    So, she had to commit to the act, to sell the lie.

    “Of course it’s true,” she said, her voice gaining confidence. “I hate being forced to do things I don’t want to do. It’s just… I wasn’t very good at expressing myself before.”

    Dorothy’s eyes, which had been shining like polished rubies, dimmed slightly, a flicker of hurt flashing across her face.

    “Did Hermione teach you… how to express yourself?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

    Adele winced internally. So, the news of her afternoon tryst with Hermione had already spread. Someone, most likely hoping to stir up trouble, had made sure Dorothy knew all about it.

    Which explained why Dorothy had sought her out during break. She had wanted to see for herself what Hermione had done to her, to make sure she hadn’t overstepped her bounds.

    “No… It wasn’t Hermione,” Adele said quickly, not wanting to be the cause of any further conflict. She was starting to care about Hermione, to feel protective of her, despite being the weaker one, the one who should be protected.

    “I just… realized some things.”

    “Realized some… things?” Dorothy’s gaze met Adele’s, her eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and something akin to… longing?

    It was inevitable.

    Adele was the object of her affection, her chosen one, her most delicious plaything.

    That alone explained everything.

    “Yes,” Adele said, taking a deep breath and reaching out to touch Dorothy’s cheek. She was getting bolder, more daring.

    It seemed she had finally figured out how to deal with these Sequence Ones. Hermione, Dorothy… they were used to being the ones in control, the ones calling the shots. So, when their “pet,” the one who should be submissive and obedient, dared to take the initiative… it threw them off balance.

    And in that moment of confusion, of vulnerability, they were more likely to indulge her, to allow her to overstep her bounds.

    It was a high-risk, high-reward strategy.

    And if it worked on Hermione… then surely, it would work on Dorothy as well.

    Adele’s touch was gentle, tentative. Dorothy’s skin was warm, soft, unlike Hermione’s icy touch. But she resisted the urge to pinch her cheek. She wasn’t that bold… yet.

    Dorothy’s expression was unreadable, her gaze fixed on Adele’s hand as if she were trying to decipher its meaning.

    Adele, sensing her hesitation, pressed on, knowing she had to seize this opportunity before it slipped away.

    “I… I didn’t understand your feelings before, Dorothy,” she said, her voice soft yet sincere. “I was scared, confused… I didn’t know how to act around you. We’re from different worlds, after all.”

    “And… I think that led to misunderstandings, to us… drifting apart.”

    Dorothy’s gaze drifted down to Adele’s hand, her brow furrowing as she considered her words. Adele’s fingers, slender and pale, seemed to glow in the soft light of the setting sun.

    “Is that… true?” she whispered, her voice laced with uncertainty.

    Adele’s heart skipped a beat.

    But then, Dorothy’s expression softened, her eyes brightening.

    “It is! I knew it!” Her mood shifted so quickly, so abruptly, that it was almost dizzying.

    But that was Dorothy. A whirlwind of emotions, a force of nature.

    “So, all those things you said… about never forgiving me, about hating me… you were just kidding, right?” she asked, a dangerous glint in her eyes.

    Adele winced internally.

    Couldn’t you have just played along, original Adele? Just a little… Couldn’t you have just humored her?

    This whole mess could have been avoided with a simple conversation. If only Adele had explained her feelings, told Dorothy that she didn’t want to spend time with her friends… Dorothy would have listened. At least, she would have listened to Adele.

    But the original Adele had chosen to suffer in silence, letting her anger and resentment fester.

    One was impulsive and clueless, the other was stubborn and resentful… they were a recipe for disaster.

    “It was… just a momentary lapse in judgment,” Adele said, trying to smooth things over. She couldn’t erase the past, but she could try to explain it.

    Dorothy’s breath hitched, her eyes widening. She knew what “a momentary lapse in judgment” meant. It meant that for a brief moment, Adele had genuinely meant those hurtful words.

    Sensing Dorothy’s rising anger, Adele quickly added, “Please, Dorothy, just… hear me out.”

    “You’re the first person who has ever dared to tell me to be patient,” Dorothy said, her voice dangerously low.

    Adele’s heart sank. Did I say the wrong thing?

    But then, after a tense silence, Dorothy closed her eyes, her expression softening.

    “But… I’ll be patient for you,” she murmured, her voice barely audible. “I often wonder if I’m going mad. But Hermione and the others always say I’m crazy, so… maybe this is my normal state.”

    She opened her eyes, her gaze settling on Adele’s hand, which was still resting on her cheek. “Your hand is cold,” she said. “Did you catch Hermione’s chill?”

    “No… It’s not that.” Adele remembered her fever that morning, though it had mostly subsided by now.

    “I just… have a slight fever,” she said, coughing lightly. “I probably caught a cold last night.”

    “But it’s nothing serious.” She forced herself to sound strong, to project an image of resilience. It was the Adele that Dorothy knew, the Adele she had fallen for.

    “I’ll call Sharon,” Dorothy said, her voice laced with concern. “She knows healing magic.”

    She was a woman of action, not one to waste time deliberating. Besides, Sharon was more of a follower than a friend, someone Dorothy could easily order around.

    Adele, hearing Sharon’s name, swallowed nervously. She wasn’t ready to deal with two Sequence Ones at the same time, especially not two with such… unique personalities.

    If Dorothy was a force of nature, her power undeniable, her intentions clear, then Sharon was a shadow, her motives shrouded in mystery, her true nature a puzzle waiting to be solved.

    But she was adorable. That much Adele could concede.

    “N-No, it’s fine, Dorothy,” she said quickly. “If you’re willing to be patient for me, then I can be patient too.”

    Besides, there was a much better remedy than healing magic, wasn’t there?

    She blushed, withdrawing her hand and clutching it to her chest, feigning shyness.

    “What… remedy?” Dorothy asked, her curiosity piqued. Even human science, as far as she knew, couldn’t compete with the effectiveness of healing magic.

    Adele bit her lip, her cheeks burning as she slowly opened her arms.

    “…Please… hold me.”

    It was the oldest, simplest, yet most effective way to chase away the cold. All it required was… well, two arms.

    It was more of a psychological comfort than a physical one, but that was exactly what Adele needed at this moment. Besides, if Dorothy was willing to indulge her in this… then it would give Adele a better understanding of the boundaries, the lines she could and couldn’t cross.

    It was a risky strategy, but potentially rewarding. One wrong move, however, and the consequences could be… unpleasant.

    Dorothy stared at Adele, her gaze intense, searching. The silence stretched on, each passing second amplifying the tension, until Adele was sure she had pushed her luck too far.

    Maybe I should just…

    But just as she was about to withdraw her offer, her arms starting to ache from the awkward position, Dorothy took a hesitant step forward, closing the distance between them until Adele could feel the warmth of her breath, smell the faint scent of citrus that clung to her.

    And then, she reached out and pulled Adele into an embrace.

    It was a warm, comforting embrace, unlike Hermione’s icy touch. And surprisingly… it felt… equal.

    Because unlike Hermione, Dorothy wasn’t tall and imposing. She was just a little taller than Adele, her embrace more comforting than dominating.

    And yet… she was far more powerful than Hermione.

    Adele’s eyes widened in surprise, then softened as a wave of relief washed over her.

    Dorothy, for no apparent reason, sniffed the air, her heart skipping a beat.

    Could… could this really cure Adele’s cold?

    She didn’t understand, but her mouth began to water, her fangs aching to sink into that sweet, tempting flesh.

    But Adele was sick.

    She would be patient.

    Once again, Dorothy made an exception for this lowly Sequence Five, her desires taking a backseat to Adele’s well-being.

    Because Adele had said… that she hated being forced.

    Perhaps… perhaps Dorothy hadn’t been treating Adele like a toy after all. Perhaps it had all been… a misunderstanding.

    Maybe Adele wasn’t a toy… but a playmate. Someone Dorothy genuinely wanted to be friends with.

    That was the realization that dawned on Adele as she stood in Dorothy’s embrace, feeling the warmth of her body, the gentle rise and fall of her chest.

    Dorothy… You really are terrible at communicating, aren’t you?

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 25

    Chapter 25: Dorothy’s Compromise

    —”Does being with me make you that unhappy?”

    For a moment, Dorothy’s vulnerable words pierced through Adele’s heart. That vulnerability, that fragility… it was something that shouldn’t exist in someone like Dorothy, a Sequence One, a vampire princess who wielded immense power.

    It was a sight that would have shocked anyone who knew her. No one would ever dare associate the word “vulnerable” with the mighty Princess Dorothy.

    But for Adele, standing so close, hearing the tremor in her voice, feeling the slight tremble in her embrace… it was impossible to ignore.

    It made her wonder if she had misjudged Dorothy all along.

    Perhaps she was just a child who had never grown up, a spoiled, impulsive girl who hurt others without realizing it, her actions driven by a naive, self-centered worldview.

    After all, the world, to someone like her, was just a giant playground, a place where she could indulge her every whim, destroy anything that displeased her, and easily obtain anything she desired… except for Adele.

    Adele was the one thing she couldn’t control, the one thing she couldn’t simply break or discard in a fit of childish rage.

    She couldn’t bring herself to…

    Because on some level, she understood that life was precious, that unlike a building or a car, it couldn’t be easily replaced.

    And Dorothy’s words… the more Adele thought about them, the more they unsettled her. It was as if she had stumbled upon a shocking secret.

    Could it be… that Dorothy had misinterpreted Adele’s feelings, that she had been trying to please her all along? That her decision to share Adele with the other Sequence Ones had been an act of… kindness?

    Because she had assumed that Adele would be unhappy, even miserable, if she were forced to spend all her time with her.

    If she doesn’t like being with me… then I’ll let her be with others… It was a simple, almost childish logic, devoid of nuance or compromise.

    Perhaps she had genuinely fallen for Adele, been smitten by her at first sight. And in her own way, she had been trying to accommodate her, to give her what she thought she wanted.

    But Dorothy had never learned to consider the feelings of others. As a vampire princess, she had always gotten her way, never having to worry about consequences, never having to consider the impact of her actions. She simply acted on her impulses, her whims dictating her every move.

    But how had her actions been perceived by Adele? By the original Adele, that is?

    With utter humiliation.

    To be treated like a blood bag, a mere source of sustenance… and to be shared with others, like some kind of communal snack… it was a fate worse than death for someone like Adele, a girl who had grown up in the modern world, who had been raised on ideals of equality and respect.

    It was an insult she could never forgive.

    And that, in essence, was the crux of the conflict, the unbreachable chasm that had set the stage for the tragic ending of the novel.

    I’m starting to understand… Adele thought, a mixture of amusement and exasperation bubbling up within her.

    She could empathize with both sides, understand the motivations behind their actions, the misunderstandings that had fueled their animosity.

    But they were both trapped within their own perspectives, unable to see the bigger picture, unable to break free from the cycle of hurt and resentment they had created.

    It would take an outside force, a neutral observer, to unravel the truth, to bridge the gap between them.

    And Adele… well, she was that observer. She could see both sides of the story, understand their pain, their fears, their desires.

    But she was also a participant, caught in the crossfire.

    It was an irony that wasn’t lost on her.

    While she couldn’t be sure if her assessment of Dorothy was accurate, she had no other choice but to proceed with caution, to test the waters, to see how far she could push her luck.

    So, she took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax, to slow her racing heart.

    Don’t panic. You need to think clearly.

    And I really need to use the restroom! I was about to go when Dorothy showed up!

    Still… she was grateful for Dorothy’s intervention. If it hadn’t been for her, she and Linlang would have been at the mercy of that Sequence Three vampire.

    And after this little display of power, she suspected she wouldn’t have to deal with as many bullies in the future. That poor Sequence Three vampire, with her mangled familiar… she had served as a cautionary tale.

    No one would dare to underestimate Dorothy’s protectiveness again.

    “Dorothy,” Adele said, her voice soft yet steady. “What made you think that I would be unhappy… being with you?”

    When you’re not in a position of power, the best strategy is to deflect, to turn the question back on your opponent, to search for weaknesses in their answers.

    Dorothy’s crimson eyes widened slightly, her brow furrowing as she searched her memories.

    She thought about Adele, the way she had been so cold, so distant, back when she had first brought her to the academy. The way her eyes had seemed dull, lifeless, devoid of the spark that had initially captivated Dorothy.

    She had showered Adele with gifts, shared her favorite toys, but Adele had rejected them all, her indifference a constant reminder of Dorothy’s failure to win her affection.

    Why… Why wouldn’t she accept me?

    I just wanted to play with her… Why did she have to be so mean?

    Frustrated and hurt, Dorothy had lashed out, her actions only pushing Adele further away, deepening the chasm between them.

    It was a vicious cycle. Adele hated Dorothy, Dorothy acted out in retaliation, Adele’s fear and resentment grew, and the cycle continued.

    But in the end, Adele, being the protagonist, had persevered. She had endured Dorothy’s cruelty, her torment, and eventually… she had broken her.

    Dorothy had compromised. For the first time in her life, she had yielded to another’s will. And not just anyone, but a lowly Sequence Five half-blood.

    She had thought it was a grand gesture, a sacrifice that would finally win Adele’s affection. But she had been wrong.

    Her compromise had only pushed Adele further into the abyss.

    Because her solution… had been to introduce Adele to her friends.

    It was as if, presented with countless ways to bridge the gap between them, she had chosen the worst possible option.

    But she hadn’t meant to humiliate Adele. She had simply thought that if Adele didn’t enjoy spending time with her… then she would change.

    The idea of a vampire princess, a being of immense power and privilege, changing herself for a lowly Sequence Five… it was unthinkable.

    But what Dorothy had perceived as a change, a way to make Adele happy, had only served to make her life even more miserable.

    Dorothy felt more at ease when she was with her friends. Their presence soothed the chaotic, destructive urges that simmered beneath the surface. So, she had assumed, quite naturally, that Adele would feel the same. That being surrounded by Dorothy’s friends would make her happy, or at least, less resistant to Dorothy’s advances.

    But she had failed to consider the vast gulf that separated Adele from her friends, the rigid hierarchy that governed vampire society.

    Amaterasu Kuro: Befriend a filthy Sequence Five? Dorothy’s lost her mind!

    Tsukimi Shiro: Indeed, sister… But let’s not speak ill of the Princess in her presence.

    Amaterasu Kuro: Of course not! Do you think I’m stupid? Who would dare to provoke that monster…

    Amaterasu Kuro: Still… I’m curious. What kind of power could a Sequence Five possibly possess to captivate Dorothy so completely? This should be… entertaining.

    Tsukimi Shiro: Deliciously entertaining.

    Sharon: ……

    Hermione: How utterly tedious.

    Those were the thoughts of Dorothy’s friends.

    And Dorothy, oblivious to their true intentions, had delivered Adele right into their hands.

    The consequences… were inevitable.

    By the time Dorothy saw Adele again, the coldness in her eyes had been replaced by a burning rage, a fiery hatred that threatened to consume her.

    …

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 15

    No. 15 Drinking Away All Hesitation

    “Where’s your driver?”

    Under the dim pre-dawn sky, I stood with my black cat backpack, frowning at the man waving at me from inside the luxurious car.

    “He overslept.” Long Fei gave me a sheepish smile and gestured towards the passenger seat. “We need to hurry, or you’ll be late for school.”

    “You’re sixteen, right?”

    “Yes, and?”

    “Driving without a license at sixteen is a serious offense.”

    “It’s my problem, not yours. Get in.”

    He opened the car door. “Besides, there won’t be any traffic police this early in the morning.”

    I hesitated for a moment, then got in.

    “I handed the Black Dragon Society over to Dati.” He started the engine and turned the steering wheel. “Heh, it’s hard to believe it’s over. All those years we spent together, drinking, fighting, causing trouble…”

    I remained silent, not wanting to give him the wrong idea.

    The car left the residential complex and headed towards No. 3 Middle School.

    “Yi Yao.”

    “Hmm?”

    “Nothing. I just wanted to hear your voice.”

    “…”

    “You know, your voice is unique. It’s not soft and gentle like those delicate girls, nor is it rough and loud like a tomboy. It’s… soothing. Like… those girls who dance hip-hop. Cool and cute at the same time.”

    His voice was a mixture of sadness and peace. “When I first met you, I thought, ‘This girl must have been dumped by her boyfriend because she’s too handsome.’ You were at an internet cafe, of all places. You almost outshone me.”

    “I didn’t have a boyfriend back then.”

    I added quietly.

    And I still don’t.

    “Just an example. Don’t take it personally.”

    We fell silent.

    This was our usual dynamic. We never argued, but we never truly connected either. We were like two strangers who happened to know each other, only showing a hint of intimacy during the Black Dragon Society gatherings.

    Even without my intervention, I was sure Yi Yao would have initiated the breakup soon.

    Ten minutes later, the car stopped on a street near the school.

    “Get off here. I don’t want you to be subjected to those weird looks from your classmates again.”

    He said with a faint smile.

    “Did you have breakfast? Do you have enough money?”

    “Yes, thank you. I ate already.”

    I grabbed my backpack and opened the car door. I hesitated for a moment, then turned back to him and extended my left hand.

    “What’s this?”

    “You said I never let you hold my hand, right?” I smiled. “Consider this compensation. Stay in touch with everyone after you leave. Don’t disappear without a word. We’re brothers, after all. If we don’t hear from you, Hua She and the others will hunt you down.”

    “Yi Yao…”

    He stared at my outstretched hand for a long moment, then slowly removed his glove and shook my hand.

    “I always thought you were a fragile girl who needed protection…”

    “Enough with the sentimental talk. It’s just a different city. You’re the son of Long Teng, the CEO of “Heavenly Fire”. Take care of yourself. And stop smoking so much.”

    I cut him off, retrieved my bike from the trunk, and hopped on.

    “I’m leaving. The air pollution is bad in the Heavenly Capital City. Don’t die there.”

    It was a simple farewell, like any other parting.

    I had witnessed countless beginnings and endings in this world…

    Love at first sight was just lust. Compatibility was just mutual benefit.

    Language had a way of romanticizing the mundane.

    I arrived at school just as the morning rush hour began.

    I parked my bike, entered the classroom, and saw Tan Lijiang chatting with a few classmates. His face darkened when he saw me.

    Did I go too far yesterday?

    “Yi Yao, where’s your deskmate?”

    Unlike the others, who were now too intimidated to speak to me, the two boys in front of me turned around cheerfully. “Did you inspire him to drop out and get a job?”

    I suddenly remembered Lan Zhuoyue. I quickly checked my phone. A new message popped up on the screen:

    “Deskmate, I’m in France. Remember to tell the teacher I’m sick. Try to prevent her from calling my parents. I’ll bring you back a gift, as promised. Wait for my good news! – Your bro, Lan Zhuoyue.”

    He’s actually gone?

    Lan Zhuoyue’s usually bright avatar was now grayed out, silently confirming that this wasn’t a prank.

    I frantically dialed his number.

    “Sorry, the subscriber you dialed is powered off…”

    The emotionless voice of the automated message greeted me.

    The morning reading bell rang.

    “Alright, everyone, take out your books. We have an inspection today. Read loud and clear, okay? Huh? Where’s Lan Zhuoyue again? Never mind. It doesn’t matter if he’s here or not. Yi Yao, take out your book…”

    …

    The empty seat beside me was a constant reminder of Lan Zhuoyue’s absence.

    He was Yi Yao’s closest friend in this class. Of course, there was a possibility that he harbored romantic feelings for her, but so far, he had always been there for her, helping her whenever she faced difficulties. For that alone, I couldn’t just ignore his disappearance.

    Three hundred yuan and a one-way ticket to Paris? He didn’t even speak French, let alone English. How was he supposed to survive?

    What worried me most was that I hadn’t received any further messages from him. Coincidentally, our homeroom teacher didn’t have any classes today. She probably didn’t even know he had skipped school.

    Which meant that if something had happened to him, it would be at least a day before anyone noticed.

    “See you tomorrow.”

    “We’re going for dinner. You should head home early, Yi Yao. We have a lot of homework today.”

    The two boys in front of me left the classroom, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

    “Bye.”

    I waved at them and packed my mountain of test papers.

    “Your deskmate… didn’t come today?”

    Tan Lijiang approached me as I was packing.

    “No.”

    “What happened to him?”

    I looked up at him, confused.

    Weren’t you the one who hated us?

    “Don’t get me wrong.” He adjusted his glasses and avoided my gaze. “We saw him throwing up blood in the restroom yesterday. We asked if he was okay, and he said he was fine. But he didn’t come to school today. We’re a bit worried.”

    “Throwing up blood?”

    I recalled his words from yesterday: “If I don’t go now, it’ll be too late.” A chill ran down my spine.

    I shoved the remaining papers into my bag, grabbed my chair, and rushed out of the classroom.

    “Hey, where are you going?”

    “Home, obviously. I’m not staying for evening self-study.”

    I practically flew down the stairs and arrived at the bike shed.

    To my dismay, another lock had been added to my bike.

    A delicate-looking lock with a small bow, but sturdy nonetheless.

    “Clink!”

    The sound of keys jingling came from behind me. I turned around and saw Xiaodie standing there, holding the key, her expression cold.

    “What are you doing?” I tried to grab the key, but she dodged effortlessly. “I have something urgent to do. We can settle our differences later.”

    “Really?”

    She scoffed. “So, my matters aren’t urgent enough for you?”

    “You…”

    I couldn’t help but laugh. “Three minutes. You have three minutes. Make it quick.”

    She glanced around. “Not here.”

    “My dear lady…” I was surrounded by students and cars. I gritted my teeth. “Fine. Where to?”

    She didn’t answer, just gestured for me to follow her.

    She led me out of the school gate and stopped under a small mango tree by the bustling street.

    “What will it take for you to leave Qinghao alone? How much money do you want?”

    I had expected a fight, but her words caught me off guard. “Leave him alone? Weren’t you the ones who sent people to harass my family?”

    “What are you talking about?”

    She looked genuinely confused, then sneered. “Right, you’re the type who needs to make up stories to feel better about yourself.”

    Seeing that she was still in denial, I mirrored her sneer and said mockingly, “You have the audacity to deny it after what you did? And you came here alone?”

    “So, you want to fight?”

    “Heh, aren’t you the one who’s itching for a fight?”

    Our confrontation drew the attention of the passersby, who instinctively gave us a wide berth.

    “Bring it on. It’s not like it’s our first time. But I won’t hold back this time. You’ve successfully pissed me off.”

    “Hmph, you think you’re so tough? Did you really think I was using my full strength before?”

    Just as we were about to square off, my phone rang.

    “Hold on.”

    I kept my eyes on her as I answered the call. Ouyang Dati’s urgent voice filled my ears. “Yi Yao, do you remember those guys who caused trouble at your shop yesterday?”

    “Yes, why?”

    “They weren’t from the Jiang Nan Gang. I just found out that they were hired by someone from outside the city. The police couldn’t find any records of them.”

    “What are you saying?”

    “This is targeting both the Black Dragon Society and the Jiang Nan Gang. I know those guys. They used to operate in the Jing Triangle area. They have access to firearms. We just received intel that they’re planning to target Xiaodie today, the girl you fought at the food stall. Do you know where she is?”

    “I…”

    A black van pulled up beside us.

    The door slid open, and I saw two gun barrels pointed at us.

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 14

    No. 14 Like Flowery Words in a Book

    After the girl left, the world fell silent again.

    I stood there, the cool evening breeze brushing against my face, staring at the hospital. Memories, long forgotten, resurfaced, refusing to be ignored.

    Like the test questions, all the memories from my past life were crystal clear, as if they had happened yesterday.

    After almost a year of treatment at Fifth Hospital, Mom, losing hope in Western medicine, had transferred to City Central Hospital, where she spent her final days.

    I clearly remembered her words to me the day before she passed away: “Yi Yao, I wish you were a girl.”

    Dad had told me that Mom had always wanted a daughter. But according to our family’s tradition, boys were far more valued than girls. Since everyone was an only child, if a wife gave birth to a girl, their family’s status would plummet. But if it was a boy, at least they wouldn’t be looked down upon at family gatherings.

    Some relatives, desperate for a son, even resorted to naming their daughters “Zhao Di” (meaning “summoning a younger brother”) and risking fines to have another child.

    Yi Yao, “a long road tests a horse’s strength, and time reveals a person’s heart.” That was how my father in the other world had explained my name.

    But in this world, Dad had told me that he had wanted another son. Mom’s illness had prevented them from having more children, so he named me Yi Yao, a constant reminder of his unfulfilled wish.

    “…”

    It was time for my Taekwondo class.

    Besides my allowance from Dad, I, or rather, Yi Yao, had another source of income: the Taekwondo instructor.

    Taekwondo training was grueling, especially for a girl like Yi Yao. She had only started learning because a classmate, afraid of socializing, had given her a free one-month training pass and asked her to be his sparring partner. However, that classmate quit after two weeks, unable to handle the intensity of the training. Yi Yao, the quiet and unassuming girl, persevered, even using part of her allowance to pay for training and belt tests.

    She had been training for six years.

    From a clueless white belt beginner, she had steadily progressed through the ranks, earning her yellow, green, blue, red, and finally, black belt. She had even been recommended to the largest Taekwondo gym in Upper Capital City, where she successfully passed the second-degree black belt test.

    Now, her skills surpassed everyone else at the gym. She no longer had to pay for training. In fact, the gym paid her a small fee. She even helped out as an instructor when they were short-staffed.

    As I walked home, I suddenly remembered that my bike was still in Long Fei’s trunk.

    How was I supposed to get to school tomorrow?

    I took out my phone, opened QQ, and sent Long Fei a message: “My bike is still in your car. If you don’t deliver it to my building by 9 PM tonight, pick me up for school at 6:30 AM tomorrow.”

    He replied shortly after: “I have something to do at the company tonight. Your school is on the way to the airport. I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

    That’s good.

    I sent him a smiley face and put away my phone, then boarded the bus home.

    It seemed I needed to make sure Xiaodie wasn’t around the next time I confronted Huang Qinghao.

    A girl in love was a force to be reckoned with, especially a girl in love with connections. I would rather avoid making an enemy of her.

    If all else failed, I would consult Ouyang Dati…

    Traffic in Upper Capital City in 2016 was still manageable. The bus arrived at my stop after a bumpy thirty-minute ride.

    I rushed home, grabbed a quick bite, and packed my Taekwondo uniform.

    “Dad, I’m going out.”

    Dad knew I went for “exercise” every evening. He didn’t say anything, just nodded absentmindedly, sipping his wine and watching a war movie on TV.

    I bit back the urge to tell him to drink less and left the apartment.

    When I arrived at the gym, the training session had already begun. Over fifty students were jogging around the perimeter of the training area, warming up.

    “You’re late. That’s a first.”

    The speaker was Zhai Fangning, one of the instructors. He was a short, handsome man with a first-degree black belt. He liked to joke around with the students, but when it came to training, he was stricter than anyone else. We called him Da Ning behind his back.

    “Sorry, something came up.”

    I bowed to the national flag at the center of the gym, then to Da Ning, and rushed into the changing room.

    Bright, intelligent eyes, a clean face, short hair that reached her shoulders, healthy tanned skin, a flat stomach, and long, slender legs—this was Yi Yao’s female body.

    Thanks to her training, her legs weren’t as thin and fragile as those of other girls, but they were still aesthetically pleasing. The proportions of her thighs and calves were perfect. As I changed out of my school uniform pants, I couldn’t find a single flaw.

    Well, I was a girl now. No point in ogling my own body.

    After putting on the loose-fitting Taekwondo uniform, my reflection in the mirror transformed.

    No wonder girls who practiced martial arts or dance were so popular. That aura was cultivated through years of training.

    When I emerged from the changing room, the students were still warming up. I stretched briefly, then joined them, along with Zhai Fangning.

    Proper warm-up was crucial for training. Taekwondo, like any martial art, was a journey of self-cultivation. Only through true understanding could one grasp the essence of each technique.

    But before reaching that level of enlightenment, one had to find the path that led to it.

    Most of the students here were beginners. They signed up, bought a uniform, tied on a white belt, and showed up for a few classes. Few made it past the green belt level. They either got busy with school or found the training too difficult. This gym had been operating for decades, but I was the only student who had achieved a black belt.

    We mostly taught them the basics: running, jumping, stretching, basic kicks and punches. The evening passed quickly.

    “Keep going! Five more laps!”

    “Get up! Don’t tell me you can’t do it! If you can’t even handle this, how are you going to face the challenges of life? How are you going to pursue your happiness?”

    “Yes, good! Keep running!”

    The gym was about the size of ten basketball courts. During the day, it was used for badminton and volleyball. In the evenings, a third of the space was allocated for Taekwondo training. But even this limited space was enough to push these students, who spent most of their time cooped up in school, to their limits.

    Twenty laps of running as a warm-up was a daily routine. Girls and new students were allowed to take it easy.

    Initially, I didn’t believe Yi Yao could run twenty laps. Even with her memories, I doubted it. But after running ten laps myself in this body, I was amazed by her willpower.

    “Get up!”

    “You can do it! If the boys can do it, so can you!”

    Years ago, a nine-year-old Yi Yao had endured this same grueling training, pushing her exhausted body towards the finish line, urged on by the instructor.

    Five laps, ten laps, fifteen laps. Finally, at the age of ten, she had shed her “beginner” status and started running twenty laps with everyone else.

    In some ways, Yi Yao was stronger than anyone else. But in the end, she had succumbed to the despair that gnawed at her soul.

    “Two more laps! Don’t stop! Get up!”

    “I can’t… Boss… Can I just stop…”

    I had just finished fifteen laps and was starting to feel tired when I saw Zhai Fangning standing beside a student who had collapsed on the floor, urging him to continue.

    “I can’t… I’ll die if I keep running…”

    The student, who couldn’t even tie his belt properly, lay on the floor, gasping for air, his face flushed.

    You’re more likely to die if you stop abruptly. After prolonged inactivity, sudden strenuous exercise could be dangerous. You need to cool down gradually, walking and regulating your breathing before resting.

    I jogged over to him. “What’s wrong?”

    “Instructor, I can’t do it anymore!”

    I smiled faintly. “A man never says ‘I can’t.’ How old are you?”

    “Huh?” He seemed surprised by my question. “Seventeen. Why?”

    “I’m sixteen, and I started later than you. I’m two laps ahead. Are you sure you want to give up?”

    “I…”

    He flushed, then paled. He looked at my black belt, then at me, his expression conflicted. Finally, he gritted his teeth and stood up. “I don’t believe you’re only sixteen.”

    “Telling a girl she looks old will only lower your chances with her.” Seeing that my words had the desired effect, I started running again. “If you can’t prove yourself, you’ll suffer the consequences later.”

    “Wait… Wait! I’ll run, okay?”

    He scrambled to his feet and followed me, a helpless expression on his face.

    I chuckled and picked up the pace.

    “Hey… Boss, that’s not fair!”

    Due to the high turnover rate, the instructors rarely remembered every student’s name. Five years ago, new students were required to introduce themselves, but the gym owner had eventually abolished this practice. As a result, quiet girls like Yi Yao couldn’t remember a single student’s name, apart from the instructors.

    “One more lap. Remember, if you can’t keep up, you’ll regret it.”

    “Don’t… Ah! Help!”

    “…”

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 13

    No. 13 Falling from the Heavens

    The crowd gradually dispersed.

    As I picked up the scattered fruit, watching Long Fei standing in the doorway bathed in the setting sun, a strange sadness washed over me.

    He was only sixteen.

    While others his age were complaining about the unfairness of life and the pressures of education, he was silently enduring his family’s rigorous training, trapped in a gilded cage.

    From e-commerce to computer software, to the etiquette of high society, even martial arts training—so many people in this world were bound by invisible chains from the moment they were born.

    Scottish Fold cats suffered from a genetic condition, yet they were more popular than ordinary cats.

    “Who is he?”

    Dad approached me, pretending to help me gather the fruit, and whispered in my ear.

    He had never met my “boyfriend” in person, only heard rumors from neighbors and acquaintances. Always eager to believe gossip, he had used my “boyfriend” as ammunition against me ever since, bringing him up whenever I made a mistake.

    Besides, Long Fei, dressed in a suit, looked nothing like a teenager.

    “He…”

    “I’m Yi Yao’s client.”

    Perhaps Dad’s voice was a bit too loud. Long Fei turned around, walked over to him, and handed him a business card. “Your daughter helped promote this shop at school, so I came to check it out.”

    “Promote?”

    Dad took the card, his eyes widening as he read the prominent title: “CEO of Heavenly Fire Network Technology, Upper Capital City.” He stammered, “I’m afraid we don’t have anything that you need, sir.”

    “I think you misunderstand. I’m here to purchase fruit for our company’s employees. Could you please deliver all the remaining fruit to our company by tomorrow? Would that be possible?”

    “A-all of it?”

    I could see Dad gulp, his eyes wide with disbelief.

    “Yes, all of it. Please discuss the details with my driver. I need to speak with your daughter privately. Would you mind if I borrowed her for a few minutes?”

    “Oh… of course, of course. Yi Yao, go have a chat with our esteemed guest.”

    When it came to money, Dad didn’t hesitate to sell me out.

    Long Fei winked at me and walked out of the shop. I had no choice but to follow.

    “Hello? Yes, it’s me. Go to that fruit shop and buy all their remaining stock. Yes, use that card. Wait for me in the car when you’re done.”

    He led me towards a pedestrian bridge while talking on the phone. By the time he hung up, we were standing at the center of the bridge, overlooking the city. The setting sun, half-hidden below the horizon, cast a warm glow, painting the clouds in fiery hues.

    “Yi Yao.”

    He leaned against the railing, his arms outstretched, basking in the evening breeze. “Will you leave with me?”

    This scene felt strangely familiar, like something I had seen in a movie.

    I looked down, pretending to be conflicted. After a long silence, I whispered, “I’m sorry.”

    “Don’t apologize. I’m the one who should be sorry.”

    He turned to me, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. “I had you, yet I still messed around with other women… Heh, perhaps this is my punishment.”

    Please, we barely even did anything during our “relationship.” As his girlfriend, Yi Yao wouldn’t even act cute or affectionate. She just ate, drank, and hung out with his friends. He might as well have been single.

    “Well, this is for the best, for both of us. Yi Yao, I hope you find happiness.”

    “…”

    “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

    “I need to use the restroom…”

    “Pfft…”

    He couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re still the same. Alright, I’ll be leaving for the Heavenly Capital City tomorrow. I won’t be back for five years. Forget about me, Yi Yao.”

    He patted my head like an older brother, a wry smile on his face. “Go back. There’s a restroom in your dad’s shop, right? And please, don’t use such crude language. You’re picking up bad habits from Hua She and his gang.”

    “Then…” I looked up at him hesitantly. “I’ll be going now?”

    “Yes, go ahead.”

    I bowed to the boy who had taken care of Yi Yao for almost a year, then turned and walked towards the stairs. For some reason, I couldn’t help but look back. Long Fei was still standing there, watching me. As if anticipating my action, he waved at me, his figure silhouetted against the setting sun.

    I smiled softly.

    “Be good to Zhong Qianqian.”

    Zhong Qianqian, Long Fei’s future wife and a famous TV host in Upper Capital City. According to online sources, their families had arranged their marriage when they were children. They would have a happy marriage, free from scandals.

    “You…” Long Fei looked surprised. “You know about her?”

    “You keep telling Hua She and the others to call me ‘sister-in-law.’ As your supposed girlfriend, I’m obligated to show some interest in your life, right?”

    Honestly, it was just Long Fei’s teenage rebellion.

    His birth, his upbringing, his future—everything was planned out for him, even his marriage.

    A life controlled by others.

    “Heh… You’ve really grown up, Yi Yao…”

    “Thank you. Then, goodbye.”

    I brushed my bangs aside, tucked my hands in my pockets, and walked down the stairs without looking back.

    When I returned to the shop, Dad was chatting happily with the employee. He beamed at me, his smile as bright as a poppy flower. “So, did you thank our generous customer?”

    “No, he left.”

    I went to the restroom, washed my face, and used a hairpin to secure my bangs.

    Being a girl was quite troublesome. I never used to fuss with my hair, but this body had its own habits.

    “Dad, I’m going out. I’ll be back later.”

    “Okay, be careful.”

    Unlike usual, he didn’t even ask where I was going.

    Of course, he wouldn’t. Thanks to Long Fei, he had sold more fruit in one day than he usually did in half a month. Any businessman would be happy.

    If I told him that this “generous customer” was my boyfriend, he would probably forget all his previous prejudices and even encourage our relationship.

    But I wasn’t going to give him that chance.

    “City Central Hospital.”

    I hailed a taxi, got into the passenger seat, and told the driver my destination.

    Yes, Huang Qinghao was at City Central Hospital. I had found out through my hacker network on Sunday.

    He had crossed the line.

    Among delinquents, insults and fights were commonplace. If you didn’t like someone, you fought them. Life was cheap, and grudges were settled with fists. That was the unspoken rule.

    But attacking someone’s family was a different matter. That was a line you didn’t cross.

    “19 yuan.”

    The taxi stopped in front of the hospital.

    I rummaged through my allowance, paid the driver, and looked towards the entrance. Coincidentally, Huang Qinghao, his injured hand still bandaged, was walking out of the hospital, supported by a few delinquents, including the mayor’s daughter.

    They spotted me at the same time I spotted them.

    Instinctively, the girl who had shown up at my house drunk last night stepped in front of Huang Qinghao, shielding him from me.

    “Leave.”

    Her voice, as clear as a songbird’s, was laced with anger.

    “But A-Pian Jie(Sister)…”

    “You two, take Qinghao and go.”

    She repeated her order, her expression calm.

    The two delinquents exchanged glances, then dragged Huang Qinghao, who was glaring at me, away.

    I tried to follow, but the girl intercepted me again, assuming a Taekwondo stance.

    “You’re really going to protect him?”

    I couldn’t help but laugh. “Xiaodie(Little Butterfly), this is between him and me. It has nothing to do with you.”

    “Don’t call me Xiaodie.”

    She said coldly.

    “Then what should I call you? I don’t know your name. Should I call you ‘A-Pian'(1)* like the others? By the way, how did you get that weird nickname?”

    She didn’t answer. Instead, she launched a spinning hook kick at me.

    I dodged, then retaliated with a roundhouse kick. “Thud!” My kick connected with her blocking arms, sending her stumbling back. Her graceful posture vanished.

    “I have no reason to fight you. Move.”

    Before this, neither I nor Yi Yao had known Huang Qinghao. The incident with Liang Zhenyi was purely coincidental. I had targeted him because he was the only one carrying a steel pipe. I hadn’t meant to injure him so severely.

    “He’s my brother.”

    She regained her footing and attacked me again.

    I blocked her kick, then launched a double flying kick at her arms. As she defended, I used the momentum to spin 360 degrees and delivered a swift kick with my left leg.

    “Thud!”

    Like a master disciplining a student, I sent her crashing into the wall behind her.

    “He’s your sworn brother. So what?”

    I approached her slowly, looking down at her. Her pretty face was now smeared with dirt. “You take him in as your brother, then slowly develop feelings for him. Then, when you’re least expecting it, he slips something into your drink and takes advantage of you. Is that it?”

    “Qinghao would never do that!”

    Perhaps this was the first time she had been so thoroughly defeated. Tears welled up in her eyes. “Don’t you dare talk about him like that!”

    She really was a girl in love…

    “Get up.”

    I sighed inwardly and offered her my hand, ignoring the stares of the onlookers.

    “Hmph!”

    She slapped my hand away, scrambled to her feet, and ran away without even bothering to brush off the dirt, disappearing around the corner.

    My hand tingled from her slap.

    I straightened up and looked towards the setting sun.

    The last rays of sunlight faded from the horizon, carried away by the gentle breeze.

     

     

    ‘A-Pian'(1)* : I have no idea why she has that nickname, but according to what I saw on the internet slangs, it means ad*lt video or p**n, ‘A’ for adult and ‘pian’ for video or film (Well, it could also mean ‘flake'(uncommon), etc)

  • Come, Let Me Take You Home 12

    No. 12 Wishes Are Flowers That Have Fallen from the Branch

    The morning’s test had dampened my initial excitement about returning to school. The day passed in a blur.

    My sudden rise to the top didn’t cause much of a stir. After the initial shock and confusion, everyone returned to their usual indifference.

    Except, I had somehow gained a few “friends.”

    With Yi Yao’s original personality, making friends in this class would have been impossible. With her poor grades and quiet nature, she was destined to be a loner.

    But after the English test, those who had barely acknowledged my existence before suddenly discovered the art of conversation, approaching me with questions and requests for academic advice.

    Apart from Tan Lijiang and his cronies, who refused to apologize to Lan Zhuoyue out of pride, I seemed to be finally integrating into the class.

    Another unexpected development was the sudden popularity of my online persona, “bee,” on the Heavenly Fire Forum.

    Apparently, I had inadvertently solved a problem that had stumped even national-level computer engineers, helping a large company avert a crisis and sparking a heated discussion about computer security reform on the forum.

    …

    “Remember to cover for me tomorrow!”

    Lan Zhuoyue reminded me as we walked towards the bike shed.

    “Seriously? You’re really going to Paris alone?”

    I couldn’t believe it.

    He turned to me, his figure elongated by the setting sun. “If I don’t go now, it’ll be too late…”

    “What do you mean?”

    “Nothing. Just do me this favor, okay? I’ll bring you back some souvenirs.”

    He hopped onto his bike, laughed awkwardly, and sped towards the school gate.

    You’re going to get caught by the urban management officers one of these days.

    I retrieved my keys from my black cat backpack, unlocked my bike, and joined the stream of students leaving the school.

    To my surprise, a car was parked at the school gate, a luxury car worth over a million yuan.

    I recognized it. It had picked me up… picked Yi Yao up from school countless times. It was because of this car that the entire school knew “I” had a boyfriend at No. 2 Middle School. To make matters worse, rumor had it that Long Fei had more than one girlfriend at No. 2 Middle School, further tarnishing Yi Yao’s reputation.

    Yes, the driver was Long Fei, my “boyfriend.”

    “Get in.”

    He stepped out of the car, dressed in a suit, and opened the door for me, attracting the attention of everyone nearby.

    I pointed at my bike. “It’s okay. I can ride home myself.”

    Long Fei was sixteen, but few would mistake him for a minor. He not only looked older than his age, but he also possessed a maturity that belied his years. Even as his girlfriend, Yi Yao had never been able to truly understand him. He was always calm and composed, rarely smiling or showing any emotion. His poker face was unreadable, making him a constant mystery.

    “Put your bike in the trunk. I need to talk to you.”

    His gaze seemed tinged with sadness. Or perhaps it was just my imagination.

    “It won’t take long. I’ll drop you off. We can talk on the way.”

    I suddenly remembered hacking into his father’s company yesterday.

    “Alright.”

    I couldn’t avoid this forever. Besides, I was starting to feel self-conscious under the curious gazes of my classmates. I folded my bike and stuffed it into the trunk, then got into the car and closed the door.

    “Star Flower Garden Residential Complex.”

    I told the driver, my voice flat and emotionless. Long Fei, who was sitting in the passenger seat, turned to me and handed me a bottle of juice.

    “Thanks.”

    I mimicked Yi Yao’s usual tone, took the juice, unscrewed the cap, and took a sip.

    “You usually ask me to open it for you.”

    His words made me choke on my juice.

    “Heh, it’s fine. Honestly, I’m relieved to see you like this.”

    He turned back, fastened his seatbelt, and I caught a glimpse of his face in the rearview mirror. He looked exhausted.

    “I’m leaving.”

    Although I already knew what was coming, I feigned surprise. “Leaving? Where to?”

    “To… The Heavenly Capital City.”

    The Heavenly Capital City was a large metropolis over five thousand kilometers away from the Upper Capital City. It was a hub for the internet industry, but the competition was fierce.

    “Why? Is it for work?”

    The car sped along the sun-baked asphalt road.

    “No, my dad is sending me there to study. I won’t be back for five years.”

    “Oh…”

    I looked down and licked the fruit pulp from the bottle’s rim.

    “Do you want to come with me?”

    His voice was calm, as if he were discussing something trivial.

    “I…” I hesitated. “My mother is sick…”

    “I know. Leukemia. It requires a lot of money.”

    He fell silent.

    His family was wealthy. It wasn’t just the Heavenly Fire Network Technology. There was definitely something more, a hidden power backing Long Teng. My sixth sense, heightened by my new female body, told me so.

    “Yi Yao…”

    After a long silence, he spoke again. “What do you think love is?”

    “Love?”

    I was taken aback. I chuckled self-deprecatingly. “Love… Calling her ‘wife’ is affection. Calling her ‘dear’ is love.”

    I had never experienced love.

    In my past life, I was already nearing thirty by the time I paid off my debts. Just as I was ready to embrace love, fate played a cruel joke on me.

    Love was different for girls and boys.

    If there was true love between Yi Yao and Long Fei, I wouldn’t be here now. With Long Fei’s wealth, he could easily support Yi Yao. She wouldn’t have to worry about her future, and she wouldn’t have sought solace in her “brother.”

    But if Yi Yao were a boy, even if she had stayed up all night at the internet cafe that night, she wouldn’t have caught Long Fei’s attention. None of this would have happened. That was the difference between love for a girl and love for a boy.

    “Affection and love… Your answer is so like you.”

    He sighed deeply. His voice, for the first time, sounded weary. “We’ve been together for almost a year now… Or perhaps we were never truly together. I’ve met many girls, Yi Yao, but you’re the only one who wouldn’t even let me hold your hand. Perhaps, it’s for the best that we part ways.”

    Yes, yes, for the best.

    I almost blurted it out.

    “Long Ge.”

    The car passed by my father’s fruit shop. The driver, who was familiar with my situation with Long Fei, spoke up, noticing the commotion outside.

    Long Fei glanced out the window and immediately ordered, “Stop!”

    The car screeched to a halt.

    “What’s going on?”

    We got out of the car and saw a crowd of menacing-looking men gathered outside my father’s usually deserted fruit shop. I rushed over, pushing my way through the crowd.

    “You’re not leaving until you give us an explanation!”

    I entered the familiar shop and saw my father, his face flushed, arguing with a burly man.

    “Brother, we didn’t take anything! You’ve already searched the entire place!”

    Apples, grapes, dragon fruits were scattered across the floor, some crushed beyond recognition. The stench of sweat and dirty shoes filled the air, making me gag.

    “What happened?”

    I pulled aside one of the employees.

    “That guy over there,” he pointed at the burly man, “bought a bag of fruit, then came back a few minutes later with all these guys, claiming we stole his wallet.”

    The employee was clearly angry but didn’t dare speak up, intimidated by the crowd.

    “And then?”

    “They trashed the place and said they wouldn’t leave until we returned his money.”

    “Why didn’t you call the police?”

    “We did! Half an hour ago! But they haven’t arrived yet. What can we do?”

    Half an hour?

    I scanned the shop, my gaze finally settling on the burly man.

    There were over ten of them, all men, all looking like they could handle themselves in a fight. They might even be carrying weapons. I couldn’t fight them head-on.

    The question was, who sent them?

    Dad had been at the hospital taking care of Mom. The shop had been closed for days and had just reopened today. It was too much of a coincidence, unless…

    The Jiang Nan Gang?

    I spotted a few familiar faces among the crowd, reminding me of the incident at the food stall.

    This kind of thing wasn’t unheard of in the Upper Capital City. People would pay thugs or homeless people to harass their enemies as a form of intimidation.

    If that was the case, for the safety of my family, I needed to deal with this Qinghao character sooner rather than later…

    “Move!”

    An impatient voice cut through the commotion, drawing everyone’s attention.

    Long Fei, still in his suit, walked through the crowd, one hand in his pocket, the other covered in a white glove. Whether it was his imposing aura or his unknown background, everyone instinctively stepped aside as he approached.

    “Who the hell are you?”

    The burly man turned around and pulled out a knife. “Do you know who…”

    Before he could finish his sentence, his feet left the ground.

    No one saw how Long Fei, who had been several meters away, suddenly appeared beside the burly man and lifted him off the ground. By the time everyone reacted, Long Fei’s gloved hand was already clamped around the man’s carotid artery.

    “I… Cough… Cough…”

    The man struggled violently, dropping his knife.

    “Tell me, who sent you.”

    “Brothers… What are you waiting for…”

    He choked out, urging his companions to attack.

    “If any of you come any closer, he’ll be dead before tomorrow.”

    Long Fei held the man up with one hand and glanced coldly at the others. “I can afford to pay for a life, but I doubt this gentleman can say the same for his wife and children.”

    “Don’t… Don’t… We’ll talk… It was a guy named Huang Qinghao. He paid us to do this…”

    One of the men, holding a steel pipe, finally cracked under pressure, his voice trembling.

    Long Fei snorted and tossed the burly man aside like a piece of trash.

    “Get out of here. If you need money, go to the Heavenly Fire Network Technology. We’ll pay you double what your previous employer offered.”