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  • Miss Luo Yan’s Feet Are Buried With Corpses v3c24

    Witch’s Night: Chapter 24 Don’t Come In!

    This standoff had lasted for quite a while.

    The ghastly shadow with amber eyes in front of them was still silently watching Chris and Luo Yan, without making any further moves.

    During this time, Luo Yan had tried using various powers on the shadow, but none of them worked. It was as if the shadow was truly just an ethereal phantom.

    Chris also tried to use “Siren’s Song” to interfere with the surrounding ethereal melody, but the situation wasn’t as she imagined.

    The two songs played simultaneously, without any interference.

    And every time Luo Yan and Chris tried to cross the doorway and leave the residential building, the next moment they would be back to the moment they stepped inside.

    After several failed attempts, there seemed to be only one path left for them.

    “Go back?”

    Luo Yan raised an eyebrow. All these signs indicated that they were trapped in some unknown barrier.

    And the only way out of the barrier was to continue deeper into the corridor.

    “…It seems we have no other choice.”

    Chris sighed. This was the first time she had encountered a Calamity phenomenon that made her feel so powerless.

    It wasn’t terror or power, but the fact that she couldn’t find a way to deal with it, not even a method to cope.

    But there was one thing that had to be remembered when dealing with Calamity phenomena: never violate the rules within the Calamity phenomenon, no matter how unbelievable or inconceivable the rule.

    Since all the circumstances within the Calamity phenomenon pointed towards the depths of the corridor, Luo Yan and Chris seemed to have no other choice.

    So, Luo Yan and Chris immediately turned around, stepped back into the residential building, and continued walking towards the depths of the corridor.

    In the spreading darkness, the dark corridor didn’t seem unusual. Except for the strange oil lamps and the continuous ethereal melody echoing in their ears, it seemed like an ordinary residential building.

    There were different rooms on both sides of the corridor, and they could see the rooms through the windows.

    A dining room, a study, a bathroom…

    No different from an ordinary residence, and with many signs of life.

    For example, the faucet in the kitchen wasn’t turned off completely, the towel hanging next to the bathroom was slightly dripping, and there were several open books in the study, along with a quill pen and a notebook for taking notes.

    From these details, Luo Yan gradually pieced together a picture: an elderly person living alone, leading a lonely and simple life here, for an unknown amount of time.

    This corridor wasn’t as long as it seemed from the outside. They walked for less than two minutes and reached the end, where there was a spiral staircase leading upwards.

    The source of the ethereal melody had now moved above Luo Yan and Chris. They exchanged glances and understood that they were thinking the same thing.

    This was probably the Calamity phenomenon guiding them to the second floor. At this point, it seemed they had no choice but to go up.

    So, with Luo Yan leading the way and Chris staying vigilant, they stepped onto the stairs, one after the other, heading for the second floor.

    The stairs were ordinary wooden stairs, and quite rickety.

    Both Luo Yan and Chris were relatively light, but when they stepped on the stairs, they still creaked, making it hard not to wonder if they would suddenly collapse.

    As they moved forward, the ethereal melody grew closer. Sure enough, at the top of the stairs, a pair of amber eyes stared at them faintly.

    This silent, ghastly shadow only looked terrifying; it didn’t actually show any signs of attacking.

    However, when Luo Yan and Chris reached the second floor and stood in front of the ghastly shadow, it instantly vanished.

    At the same time, the ethereal melody in their ears disappeared, and Luo Yan and Chris found themselves in an ordinary house once again.

    “…It seems we’ve left the barrier.”

    Luo Yan exhaled. The feeling of the God’s Chosen aura permeating everywhere had disappeared, leaving only a faint residual trace.

    “So the barrier only covered the first floor?” Chris’s face was full of bewilderment and confusion. “To trap uninvited guests? But why wasn’t there any aggression… just scaring people.”

    And it only prevented visitors from leaving the residential building, but didn’t hinder them from going up to the second floor.

    Or rather… was there something on the second floor blocking the barrier?

    What appeared before Luo Yan and Chris was a corridor identical to the one on the first floor. The oil lamps on both sides still seemed to have some residual smoke, clearly lit not long ago.

    The corridor was very clean, seemingly often cleaned by the owner of the house, and the air was quite fresh, almost devoid of any dust.

    With the faint light coming in through the windows, they could barely see the surroundings. Luo Yan and Chris carefully walked along the corridor, gradually going deeper.

    Soon, they reached the end of the narrow corridor and entered a small living room.

    The living room was empty, with only two simple wooden chairs, one large and one small, and an old coffee table.

    Further ahead was a small balcony, and next to the balcony was a high chair. Strangely, this high chair had a small ladder attached to it, which looked rather comical.

    “This place is practically bare…”

    Chris sighed. The owner of the house must be a very disciplined person. All the way here, she hadn’t seen a single useless item in the house.

    Ordinary families would usually have some decorations or small ornaments in their homes, or at least some entertainment or hobby items.

    But this house was so… plain and boring.

    At this moment, Luo Yan stared at the small chair, lost in thought. Then she looked up at the high chair near the balcony, vaguely picturing a small figure clumsily climbing onto it.

    “Miss Luo Yan?”

    Chris was still trying to find some useful clues in the house when she saw Luo Yan suddenly walking towards the balcony with an indifferent expression.

    She called out, but Luo Yan didn’t react at all, as if she hadn’t heard.

    “Something’s wrong!”

    Chris immediately became alert. She hadn’t relaxed her vigilance towards Luo Yan.

    Now that this strange situation had occurred, Chris naturally couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

    She no longer cared about being stealthy and quickly walked over, intending to grab Luo Yan’s hand.

    Just then, Luo Yan stopped, slightly raised her head, and looked at the dazzling starry sky through the balcony window.

    “I’m fine, Miss Chris.” She said softly. “I… just heard some different voices.”

    “What voices?”

    Chris was still nervous. At this time and place, Miss Luo Yan hearing some strange voices wasn’t good news.

    Luo Yan pondered for a moment and pointed towards the sky,

    “Up there, it seems like many people are calling me.”

    “Up there?”

    Chris frowned and looked up at the sky as well.

    The usual dazzling starry sky; there was nothing unusual.

    Since the New Era began, unless the weather was bad, no matter where you looked up, the starry sky was always clear and beautiful.

    It was said that this kind of scenery wasn’t common in the Old Era, but people in the New Era had become accustomed to this starry sky over the past thousand years.

    “But why did you say it was a different voice…”

    Chris asked, puzzled.

    “Because… it’s ‘True Names’,” Luo Yan whispered. “Countless voices are calling the same True Name. Although I don’t understand the meaning of this ‘True Name,’ my intuition tells me that it’s my ‘True Name’.”

    “What true name or false name? Miss Luo Yan, I don’t understand what you’re saying. Isn’t your name ‘Luo Yan’?”

    As a Saint candidate closest to becoming a Saint, Chris had never heard of such a concept, let alone understood it.

    “I’m not too sure either, the concept of ‘True Names’ is difficult to explain to you,” Luo Yan sighed and continued, “Anyway, don’t worry, this kind of calling has happened before, even stronger than now… and I wasn’t affected.”

    “…Why do I still feel this is very dangerous? How about trying Void Trav… no, forget it.”

    Chris originally wanted to suggest using Void Traversal to leave this strange residential building, but then she thought that a flashback seemed far more dangerous.

    “It’s just your illusion, Miss Chris.” Luo Yan said indifferently. “However, if you want to leave directly, the barrier here shouldn’t be able to stop Void Traversal, how about…”

    “No! Don’t!”

    Just as the two were chatting, a slight clanging sound suddenly came from the inner room, like something falling on the ground.

    “Clang!”

    Although it was a very, very faint sound, how could the perceptive Luo Yan and Chris miss it?

    They both turned their heads towards the source of the sound, their pupils constricting,

    “Someone’s there?”

    After the series of strange events since they entered, and the God’s Chosen aura completely disappearing when they reached the second floor, Luo Yan and Chris subconsciously assumed that this was an empty house, or at least that the owner had temporarily left.

    But they didn’t expect… that there was actually someone else in the house?

    Was it the owner?

    It didn’t seem like it. If it were the owner, they should have appeared immediately. Being able to set up a barrier that even Luo Yan was trapped in, the owner’s strength was at least “Peril” level or higher.

    Although having such strength wasn’t enough to dominate the world, crushing Luo Yan and Chris was still no problem.

    Even though Luo Yan was special, her own strength was weak, relying only on demonic power and her special constitution, which wasn’t enough in front of a true “Peril” level ability user.

    Unless… another possibility, a loss of control, but that didn’t need to be considered.

    “Let’s go and take a look.”

    Luo Yan and Chris didn’t hesitate for too long. Since they had discovered signs of someone’s presence, it was impossible not to go and check.

    Although their actions were somewhat against Lannister law, trespassing in Lannister was a special crime that granted the homeowner unlimited self-defense rights.

    In other words, if a trespasser was discovered by the homeowner and killed on the spot, Lannister law would pardon the homeowner’s act of killing.

    However… the situation was special now, and they believed that Lannister law would still show some compassion.

    Heh, it could only be said that it was already quite… compassionate.

    Luo Yan and Chris tiptoed towards the source of the sound, a small, inconspicuous room in the corner.

    A pink smiley face was painted on the closed door, along with a doodle of an old man with a beard, reaching out as if stroking the smiley face’s hair.

    “Is this a child’s room?”

    Luo Yan reached out and gently turned the doorknob.

    Chris watched her, but a strange thought arose in her mind.

    Why did it feel like they were… thieves?

    No, that wasn’t right either. What kind of thief would continue to barge in after seeing someone? They were more like robbers!

    But robbers and thieves were basically the same. Their current actions were undoubtedly criminal.

    Before Chris could continue her random thoughts, Luo Yan had completely pushed open the door.

    The room was pitch black; she couldn’t see her own hand in front of her face, let alone what was inside.

    Luo Yan didn’t immediately walk in. She thought for a moment and asked softly,

    “Excuse me, may I come in?”

    “Pfft!”

    Chris almost spat out water. Who asked for permission when robbing a house!

    No, they weren’t robbing a house…

    “No, don’t come in!”

    In the darkness, a familiar pair of amber eyes lit up, but unlike before, these eyes were filled with terror and panic.

    A childish voice trembled with a hint of crying, and the situation made Luo Yan and Chris freeze.

    But they quickly snapped out of it. The amber eyes vanished the next moment, and when they lit up again, they were filled with coldness, just like the phantom before.

    Then Luo Yan felt a stinging pain on her skin, as if warning her of something.

    She immediately picked up Chris, retreated, and exited the room.

    “Slash!”

    A sharp, piercing sound tore through the air, and a fierce aura almost sliced Luo Yan’s throat.

    If Luo Yan hadn’t dodged in advance, it wouldn’t have been just “almost.” There was a risk of direct decapitation.

    Chris, caught off guard and held in Luo Yan’s arms, showed a look of panic.

    But she was quickly startled by the scene behind Luo Yan and exclaimed,

    “Behind you! Miss Luo Yan! There’s more behind—”

    “Mm.”

    Luo Yan responded, her hair taking on a hint of ice blue. Then a spatial rift opened and closed, swallowing the attack coming from behind.

    Retreating all the way to the living room, the ubiquitous attacks seemed to follow them like shadows, constantly coming from all directions.

    Luo Yan originally wanted to free a hand and put Chris down, but these attacks restricted her too much, so she could only maintain the current situation.

    Finally, during a brief pause in the attacks, Luo Yan finally found an opportunity to put down Chris, whose face was completely flushed, and then looked seriously at the invisible thing in front of her, which had also stopped moving.

    …The same ghastly shadow as the one from the barrier on the first floor.

    “No, don’t come near Cecilia, go away, go away…”

    A childish voice, trembling with sobs, came from the room, and the ghastly shadow’s eyes became even colder.

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 86

    Chapter 86: I Love Slacking Off

    When Tao Ning looked over, the Mermaid’s eyes held an innocent expression, as if the fleeting playfulness had never been there.

    Seeing that Tao Ning wasn’t falling for it, the Mermaid swayed her hand, looking up at an angle that resembled a water sprite.

    An innocent allure mixed with unintentional temptation. No one could resist the urge to pull her ashore when she reached out.

    Mermaids were collectively obsessed with beauty, possessing both powerful combat abilities and stunning appearances.

    The one before her couldn’t possibly be unaware of her own beauty, nor could she not know that the person in front of her would be captivated.

    Under her subtle, urging gaze, Tao Ning stood still, meeting her eyes for a long moment before slowly extending her hand.

    If a third person were present, they would surely hold their breath, taking in this picturesque scene.

    Beside the deep blue pool stood a young woman with a bucket, sleeves and pants rolled up, looking down at the stunning Mermaid by the shore.

    The Mermaid, her upper body exposed, ice-blue fins peeking out from her platinum blonde hair, possessed an otherworldly beauty.

    Both human and not, exceptionally enchanting.

    Her long hair fanned out behind her, the lower half swaying like seaweed in the water, tempting one to reach out and touch it.

    This was a siren, whose hair alone could spark endless fantasies.

    Feeling the other person bending down, the Mermaid’s lips curled up. She knew no one could resist her charm.

    Another face slowly enlarged before her eyes, but stopped at a certain distance, motionless.

    Glancing at the outstretched hand, Callista thought: “?” She offered her hand further.

    But the hand, which was also beautiful in the Mermaid’s eyes, hesitated. Callista finally realized something and looked up at the standing figure.

    The other person’s supple waist bent into a curve, her water-soaked feet pale. Callista thought the nails on her toes resembled the shells she collected as a child.

    Pinkish-white, smooth to the touch.

    Tao Ning said, “You want to pull me into the water?”

    A slightly deep voice, not loud, like a whisper, sounded near her ear fin.

    Callista couldn’t understand the meaning, but she could keenly discern the questioning tone.

    Her long, platinum eyelashes fluttered, and her dreamy eyes gradually cleared, as if the mist of a dream had dissipated.

    She snapped out of her psychic network connection. Putting together the retracting hand and the question, her first reaction was: My intention has been discovered.

    Her second reaction was: How could someone wake up from a Mermaid’s psychic influence?

    Interesting, this was a formidable opponent.

    So, the Mermaid put on an innocent expression: “??”

    I don’t understand, I don’t understand what you’re saying, I just want you to give me your hand.

    Although they didn’t share a language, Tao Ning couldn’t understand her words, but she could sense her intention.

    Tao Ning said, “I didn’t try to tame you, but you want to tame me.”

    She lowered her voice for the last sentence, just loud enough for Callista to hear: “I bet the desk behind the monitors is soaked because of you, isn’t it?”

    Lifting her outstretched hand, Tao Ning flicked the Mermaid’s forehead, the force light but impactful.

    Caught off guard, Callista let out an “Eh?”

    As if by magic, a peach appeared in Tao Ning’s hand from seemingly nowhere and was placed in the Mermaid’s hand.

    Holding the peach in one hand and covering her forehead with the other, Callista stared at Tao Ning, still dazed.

    Tao Ning straightened up, picked up the bucket, and walked out.

    She needed to find someone to clear all this away, whether it was to be taken to the cafeteria as an extra meal for the graduates or dried into fish jerky. They couldn’t just be left here taking up space; she wasn’t raising a second fish.

    This particular Mermaid wouldn’t eat fish smaller than her thumb, and even then, she only liked fried fish jerky, refusing anything else.

    520 finally spoke: [The way you were staring just now, I really thought you were mesmerized.]

    It only spoke up after noticing Tao Ning wasn’t, so as not to interrupt her interest.

    Tao Ning thought for a moment: “It was almost like that.”

    The carefully considered probe having received a response, 520 knew its guess was correct. This widow was indeed remarrying.

    In the previous life, she had clung to the other person, heartbroken and inconsolable, even spending a considerable amount of points to leave behind a jade pendant… No, wait, she also left a ring in the first world.

    Suddenly realizing something, 520 felt its nonexistent hair fall out. It was already bald, now even balder.

    In a flash of inspiration, a certain thought became increasingly clear.

    Could it be that its host was a collector?

    520 hesitated: [You…]

    Tao Ning’s expression was nonchalant: “The more debts, the less pressure.”

    520: […]

    After a long silence, while Tao Ning was negotiating with someone to remove the buckets of fish, a sudden electronic voice made her choke.

    520 said: [Okay, I get it. At least you’re consistent, never abandoning anyone!]

    Tao Ning covered her mouth: “Cough, cough, cough…”

    520, calculating its bills with heartache: [Missions are precious, points are even more valuable, but if it’s for love, both can be tossed aside! I understand, I understand.]

    “…” Tao Ning chuckled, “You really do understand.”

    The other person handed Tao Ning a tissue. Why would she choke on water for no reason?

    “Thanks.” Tao Ning wiped the water from her lips. “By the way, I noticed the Mermaid seems agitated, often hitting the walls. Is there something she dislikes there? I suggest removing it.”

    The other person’s expression shifted subtly upon hearing Tao Ning’s words. He was about to refuse.

    Zang Yuzhu was known for not reading social cues, so she continued, “After all, the Federation’s order is to bring the Mermaid back safe and sound. If something on the way makes her uncomfortable, and she develops a resistance to humans, it will be difficult to do anything with her.”

    This last part, however, moved the liaison teacher.

    He was an instructor at the First Academy, holding a position of moderate authority on the ship. He handled minor matters himself, but anything related to the Mermaid, big or small, had to be reported.

    The liaison teacher held his cup, hesitating for a moment before nodding: “I’ll report this as soon as possible.”

    Tao Ning smiled politely: “Then I’ll go back now. The Mermaid needs me.”

    In reality, Callista had seen something shiny on the wall at night, thinking it was something that emitted light, and had used pearls to knock it down to take a closer look.

    But her own pearls ended up embedded in the wall, and when she used another pearl to try and dislodge them, it was also lost.

    After a while, perhaps finding it pointless, she stopped, as the visible surveillance cameras had already been destroyed by Callista. Only a few hidden ones remained to observe the Mermaid’s daily life.

    After the issue was reported, feedback from the Federation Research Institute came quickly, confirming the report. The Mermaid who had come ashore this time was sensitive to being watched, and they had already reduced the observation time accordingly.

    Callista didn’t know someone was taking advantage of the language barrier to misrepresent her actions.

    Looking at the departing figure, Callista clenched her webbed claws, only then remembering the fuzzy pink peach in her hand.

    This was a fruit she had never seen in the ocean, emitting an even sweeter scent than the apple.

    And it was softer, as if it would bruise with a squeeze.

    Callista immediately loosened her grip, afraid of damaging the delicate peach.

    Covering her forehead with one hand while biting into the peach, she belatedly realized that this audacious human had dared to flick the leader’s forehead!

    As she was happily munching on the peach, her ear fin twitched. The human who had given her the peach was back.

    Before the door opened, Callista quickly dove into the water.

    Her movements were quick and smooth, without a splash, a perfect dive that would score full marks in a diving competition.

    Callista, coming to her senses, stared at the half-eaten peach in her hand. She thought: Why did I hide from a human?

    Realizing the implications of her actions, Callista felt she had been tricked.

    Furious, Callista spun around in the water. She didn’t realize she looked like a proud wildcat whose head had been patted by a human, her seaweed-like hair practically standing on end.

    Finally, she looked at the blurry figure on the water’s surface and made up her mind.

    She had to teach her a lesson!

    Callista was an abandoned Mermaid since childhood, raised by various families. As she grew older, her small desire for revenge grew with her.

    So, she was someone who held grudges.

    Tao Ning was walking around the area, picking up pearls one by one and putting them into her pocket.

    Mermaids could weep tears that turned into pearls, and the more powerful the Mermaid, the more beautiful the pearls.

    Picking up another pearl, Tao Ning held it up between her thumb and forefinger.

    Under the light, the pearl in her hand was almost perfectly round. As for its quality, Tao Ning recalled the auction house she had visited in the original host’s memories, where a pearl necklace had been auctioned off for a sky-high price.

    The pearls in her memory were far inferior in quality and luster to the one in Tao Ning’s hand.

    One could imagine how many eager ladies would rush to buy these pearls, which the Mermaid treated as mere marbles.

    Now they were all in the “abusing her authority” Tao Ning’s pockets.

    A pearl rolled not far away, emitting a faint glow. She walked over to pick it up.

    Tao Ning hissed, muttering, “That’s not right.”

    520 was also envious of the pearls. Unable to touch or possess them, it could only feast its eyes. Hearing her words, it asked: [What’s wrong?]

    Tao Ning: “But the Mermaid leader isn’t the type to cry. Where did she get so many pearls?”

    520 offered a reasonable guess: [Did she make her subjects cry, and then collect the pearls?]

    Tao Ning: “…” Surely not.

    Looking at the pearls filling her pockets, Tao Ning, for the first time, thought that maybe it was possible.

    A splash came from the pool. Tao Ning turned to see the Mermaid, who had been submerged, emerge, her beautiful face slightly puffed out, her eyes cold.

    520, seeing this expression, thought: Here we go, this Mermaid is wild and has a real temper.

    After a long stare-down with Tao Ning, the Mermaid raised her submerged hand.

    Both the human and the system watched as she punched herself, skillfully cupping her hands under her face, quickly collecting two handfuls of pearls.

    This unrestrained method of acquiring weapons deeply shocked both of them.

    520 was dumbfounded: […Host, run! She’s serious!]

    Without 520 needing to say it, Tao Ning had already retreated to a safe distance, raising her hands: “Don’t be impulsive, let’s talk things out. How about we establish friendly communication?”

    As she spoke of friendship, the Mermaid gave her answer.

    A pearl came flying towards her. The Mermaid’s aim seemed to be off, as Tao Ning easily dodged it.

    Callista: “…?”

    She looked at the scene in disbelief, then at her own hand, unable to believe it was real.

    The overlord of the sea, the leader of the Mermaid tribe, the top predator, who had a record of taking down birds with pearls, actually missed?

    Callista questioned her existence, her gaze becoming firm. If this tactic didn’t work, she would try another.

    Tao Ning was about to ask if she wanted to try a new kind of fruit when she saw the figure in the pool dive back underwater.

    Truly a creature of whims, changing her mind at the slightest displeasure.

    Tao Ning lowered her hands. What could she do? It was her wife, she had to be patient.

    520’s comment on this was: [It was already a disastrous start, and that flick to the forehead made it even worse.]

    However, there’s a saying that fish only have a seven-second memory, implying that fish aren’t very smart. Could she really gain an advantage over the cunning fox?

    Callista, focused on revenge, plotted in the water. Sometimes she heard footsteps above, but she wasn’t interested in looking.

    Once, she heard people talking at the door, one voice very familiar. She thought for a moment, it seemed to be the male, ugly two-legged beast who had brought her ashore.

    The door opened, and heavy boots walked in. The person who had provoked Callista had gone to fetch her dinner and hadn’t returned yet.

    Callista was counting pearls underwater, too lazy to pay attention to the person walking around the pool. Seemingly because there was no response to his calls, the person was called away.

    Not long after, another set of footsteps approached. Beneath her flowing platinum hair, her ice-blue ear fins twitched.

    Callista’s lips curled into a smile. She suddenly surfaced and threw a pearl.

    Then she waited leisurely to see the human get hit.

    The result, however, disappointed Callista.

    Tao Ning instinctively reached out and caught it, looking at it in confusion. Between her right index and middle fingers was a pearl, lustrous and denser than ordinary pearls.

    It was a pearl that the leader had personally cried to create for the purpose of attacking.

    Tao Ning smiled at the stunned Mermaid: “Is this a pearl for me? I like it very much.”

    Callista’s face immediately fell.

    Why didn’t the sneak attack work either?

    With a splash, the Mermaid who had surfaced dove back down.

    Tao Ning scratched her face, sighing softly: “She really holds a grudge. It’s a good thing she’s the leader.”

    She didn’t finish the sentence, but 520 eerily understood what Tao Ning meant.

  • You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration] 58p1

    Chapter 58 p1

    The frost-covered grass glittered in the cold night, the biting winter wind whipping against their skin like tiny knives.

    Xu Jingyu had driven for hours in this weather just to see her. Xin Yao couldn’t let her leave so soon.

    After a brief conversation in the cold night air, Xin Yao took Xu Jingyu’s hand and led her back to her room.

    Once inside, Xin Yao initiated their intimacy.

    The intense emotions of the afternoon’s scene, the tears she had shed for Lu Duanjing’s mother, the sadness of Wen Xin’s departure from the production, had left her feeling empty and vulnerable.

    Seeing Xu Jingyu, her heart had filled with a warmth and longing she couldn’t ignore.

    So, her kiss was both passionate and tender, her tongue tracing Xu Jingyu’s lips like a delicate caress, a silent expression of her love and longing.

    Xu Jingyu, aroused by Xin Yao’s touch, her breath catching in her throat, instinctively parted her lips, inviting Xin Yao’s tongue to explore her mouth, a playful dance that quickly escalated into a passionate embrace.

    Xu Jingyu, her self-control always precarious, was the first to lose control, her hand gripping Xin Yao’s waist, her kiss deepening, their passion igniting.

    Xin Yao, caught in her embrace, her own desire flaring, her breath stolen by Xu Jingyu’s demanding kiss, her arms clinging to Xu Jingyu’s neck, her eyes shimmering with tears.

    Xu Jingyu, loving Xin Yao’s vulnerability, her complete dependence on her, lifted her into her arms and carried her to the bed.

    Their longing for each other, fueled by their separation, burned brightly, their movements urgent, their bodies seeking each other’s warmth.

    They landed on the bed, their clothes still on, their bodies already intertwined.

    Xin Yao’s breath hitched, her body arching against Xu Jingyu’s, her fingers digging into her shoulders, their tips turning white.

    Her eyes, half-closed, her gaze unfocused, she moaned softly, her body trembling, then relaxing, her lips slightly parted.

    Xu Jingyu, one hand still busy undressing her, the other gently caressing Xin Yao’s waist, leaned down and kissed her, their lips meeting in a long, slow kiss.

    But then Xin Yao pulled away, a playful smile on her face, her legs slightly unsteady as she tried to get out of bed.

    Xu Jingyu’s fingers twitched, her touch sending a shiver down Xin Yao’s spine, almost making her cry.

    She was always so sensitive, especially in moments like these.

    But her vulnerability, her tear-filled eyes, her soft moans, only made her more desirable.

    Normally, Xu Jingyu would have lost control, but tonight, she held back.

    Xin Yao had cried too much today, and Xu Jingyu’s heart ached for her.

    She gently kissed Xin Yao’s lips, her voice a husky whisper. “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable?”

    Xin Yao kissed her back, her eyes still shimmering with tears, but she still tried to leave, her voice soft.

    “No, I just remembered something. I have some spicy rabbit meat, or maybe it’s not spicy… anyway, it’s delicious. I want to get it for you.”

    Xu Jingyu, confused, her fingers twitching, asked, “Now? At this hour?”

    Her repeated questions betrayed her surprise.

    Xin Yao, her body almost melting beneath Xu Jingyu’s touch, took a deep breath, then smiled, pushing her playfully.

    “Yes, now. Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

    But Xu Jingyu wasn’t about to let her go, not when they were just getting started.

    She bent her head and nipped at Xin Yao’s neck, a playful bite that made her shiver.

    “Have I done something wrong? Are you punishing me? I haven’t seen you in days. Are you upset that I didn’t come sooner?”

    Despite her usually cool and detached tone, her words held a hint of vulnerability, almost a plea.

    “Of course not,” Xin Yao said, her face flushed, her eyes shining with a playful light. She kissed Xu Jingyu softly. “It’s not a punishment. It’s a reward. You’ll see. You might even like it.”

    With that, she slipped out of Xu Jingyu’s embrace and ran out of the room, leaving Xu Jingyu alone on the bed, staring at the empty doorway.

    After a moment, she lay back against the pillows, looking at her hand in the soft light, her fingers tracing the faint marks Xin Yao had left on her skin.

    She was a predator by nature, her possessiveness a powerful force, her desire to possess Xin Yao completely, to keep her captive in her embrace, a constant, burning flame.

    But with Xin Yao, it was different. Xin Yao also had a power over her, her touch, her gaze, her every word, capable of igniting a fire within Xu Jingyu, making her lose control.

    She lay there, waiting, her body buzzing with anticipation.

    Xin Yao returned a while later, her movements strangely hesitant as she walked towards the bed, her slippers padding softly against the carpet.

    Xu Jingyu, hearing her approach, sat up, her gaze fixed on Xin Yao’s figure in the doorway.

    And as she saw her, her eyes widened in surprise, her usual composure momentarily forgotten, then her gaze darkened, her pupils contracting into narrow slits, a dangerous glint flickering in their depths, like a predator spotting its prey.

    Xin Yao stood there, in the soft light, her pajamas discarded, her body clad only in a white lace lingerie set, similar to a swimsuit.

    The thin straps revealed her slender arms and shoulders, her skin pale and smooth, a delicate pink blush coloring her cheeks and chest, the sight both innocent and alluring.

    She wore white thigh-high stockings, the tops of the stockings creating a slight indentation in her soft flesh.

    Her feet were bare, her toes curling slightly against the carpet.

    A pair of white, fluffy bunny ears adorned her head, bobbing gently as she moved.

    The warm light illuminated her body, her skin glowing.

    So, the “bunny” she had mentioned was herself.

    Xin Yao had never considered wearing something like this before.

    She had been browsing online when the outfit had appeared in her recommendations.

    It had looked… surprisingly appealing.

    And she had wondered, with a touch of mischief, if Xu Jingyu would like it.

    After all, beneath her cold and aloof exterior, Xu Jingyu had a passionate, almost insatiable appetite for intimacy.

    She would probably like it, wouldn’t she?

    But it felt a bit… much. And embarrassing. She had dismissed the thought.

    But then, with the increasingly tragic and emotionally charged scenes in the script, and Director Gao’s cruel decree of separation, her longing for Xu Jingyu had become unbearable.

    Seeing the bunny outfit, still sitting in her online shopping cart, she had clicked “buy.”

    She had thought: When they finally reunited, she would indulge Xu Jingyu’s desires, no matter how outrageous.

    And now, Xu Jingyu had come to her, so she had decided to wear it.

    It was her first time wearing something like this, and she felt slightly self-conscious, especially under Xu Jingyu’s intense gaze, her cheeks burning, a delicate pink blush spreading across her body, her appearance both vulnerable and alluring.

    But she walked towards Xu Jingyu, her footsteps soft against the carpet, and knelt beside the bed, her head resting against Xu Jingyu’s leg, her voice a soft murmur, her eyes lowered.

    “Ms. Xu, your bunny has arrived. You can start eating now.”

    Xu Jingyu’s breath hitched, her gaze fixed on Xin Yao’s face, her fingers gently stroking her hair.

    “And how should I eat you, Miss Bunny?”

    Xin Yao tilted her head back slightly, her cheek rubbing against Xu Jingyu’s palm.

    “However you like.”

    Xin Yao’s words had been a playful tease.

    But Xu Jingyu took them literally.

    And so, Xin Yao learned, in the most intimate way possible, just how much Xu Jingyu enjoyed this, her passion unrestrained, her hunger insatiable.

    By the time they finished, it was almost dawn, the bunny ears discarded on the floor, the lingerie and stockings torn and discarded, stained with a glistening sheen, silent witnesses to their passion.

    Xin Yao had no scenes the next day, but Xu Jingyu did.

    Despite having barely slept, Xu Jingyu seemed energized, her eyes shining with a satisfied glow, like a predator after a successful hunt.

    As she was leaving, she leaned down and kissed Xin Yao’s forehead.

    Xin Yao, awakened by her touch, didn’t respond, simply turning over and pulling the covers over her head, a small huff of annoyance escaping her lips.

    Xu Jingyu, seeing her childish behavior, smiled.

    “You started it, Miss Bunny. Why are you sulking now?”

    The nerve of this woman!

    Xin Yao, throwing back the covers, her body exposed in the warm air, glared at her.

    Her skin, from her neck to her chest, was covered in love bites, like tiny red flowers scattered on snow, a testament to Xu Jingyu’s unrestrained passion.

    “I told you to be gentle! And you still left so many marks! Especially on my neck! What if Director Gao sees them?!”

    Xu Jingyu, pulling the blanket back over Xin Yao, her touch gentle, afraid she would catch a cold, chuckled.

    “Then tell her it was my fault. Let her scold me.”

    “Shameless!”

    “Mm-hmm, I am.”

    Their life together, despite the forced separations imposed by the director, was filled with stolen moments of intimacy, their love a secret language.

    Meanwhile, others weren’t so fortunate.

    The Mo family, humiliated by the events of the engagement party, had become the laughingstock of their social circle, much to Mo’s parents’ chagrin.

    Mo Yuwei had locked herself away in her room, refusing to see anyone.

    The relentless media attention, the gossip, the ridicule, it was all too much for her to bear.

    She hadn’t dared to leave the house for days, afraid of being recognized, of facing the judgment of strangers.

    She finally understood what Xin Yao had endured.

    But the public’s curiosity, the internet’s fickle attention, would eventually fade.

    The real damage, however, was to the Mo family’s business. Their company’s stock price had plummeted after the scandal.

    And even worse, the Xu family, adding insult to injury, had publicly announced they were severing all ties with the Mo Corporation.

    The Xu family!

    The news had almost made Mo’s father faint.

    And it had triggered a domino effect.

    Other families, eager to curry favor with the powerful Xu family, or simply afraid of offending them, had also distanced themselves from the Mo family.

    The Mo Corporation, now isolated and vulnerable, was on the verge of collapse.

    Mo’s father, desperate, had tried to contact Xu Jingyu, the elusive and powerful CEO of the Xu Corporation, hoping to salvage their relationship.

    His requests had been repeatedly denied, until finally, Xu Jingyu had agreed to meet with him.

    He had been overjoyed, but also slightly puzzled by her request to bring Mo Yuwei along.

    He hadn’t understood, but he had complied.

    They met in a private room on the top floor of the Xu family’s exclusive club.

    The room was lavishly decorated, its opulence intimidating, even Mo’s father feeling a sense of awe.

    And the person they were about to meet, the powerful and enigmatic Xu Jingyu, only amplified their anxiety.

    They waited nervously.

    Finally, she arrived.

    The door opened, and a tall, slender woman, dressed in a black coat, entered the room.

    She was surprisingly young, and incredibly beautiful, her presence commanding, her gaze chilling.

    She was Xu Jingyu, the undisputed ruler of the Xu Corporation.

    Mo’s father stood up and greeted her respectfully.

    “President Xu, thank you for taking the time to meet with us.”

    Xu Jingyu, ignoring him, walked over to the sofa and sat down, her voice a cool, indifferent murmur.

    “Mm-hmm.”

    Xue Ning and Meng Wanqing, following behind her, also sat down.

    Compared to Xu Jingyu’s icy demeanor, they seemed relaxed and casual, Xue Ning even smiling at the nervous father and daughter.

    “Relax, you two. There’s no need to be so tense.”

    Mo’s father and Mo Yuwei finally sat down, Mo’s father about to speak when Xu Jingyu, her gaze cold and sharp, interrupted him.

    “Xin Yao is my fiancée.”

    The seemingly random statement stunned them into silence, then, as its meaning sank in, they finally understood the reason for the Xu family’s actions.

    Mo Yuwei, her impulsive nature unchanged, was incredulous. When had Xin Yao become Xu Jingyu’s fiancée?!

    “So, you’re targeting the Mo Corporation to avenge your fiancée?” she blurted out.

    “Targeting you? You overestimate yourselves,” Xu Jingyu’s dark eyes flickered as she glanced at Mo Yuwei. “Even if I were, what’s wrong with that? Just like you did, using your money and your influence to bully others.”

    Few could withstand Xu Jingyu’s cold stare, and even Mo Yuwei, under her scrutiny, felt a sense of suffocation, her breath catching in her throat.

    And Xu Jingyu’s words, a sharp reminder of her own actions, of the slap she had delivered on set, her arrogance and her cruelty, made her feel a pang of guilt, the consequences of her actions now a painful reality.

    Mo’s father was about to apologize when Mo Yuwei suddenly stood up and slapped herself hard across the face, the sound echoing through the room, her cheek instantly turning red.

    Then, she bowed deeply to Xu Jingyu.

    “I’m sorry. I sincerely apologize. It was all my fault, not my family’s. Please, direct your anger at me, and spare my family.”

    Her dramatic gesture, however, didn’t faze Xu Jingyu, who simply took a sip of her tea, her expression unchanged.

    “Firstly, you’re apologizing to the wrong person. You should apologize to the person you harmed.”

    “Secondly, are you sure you can handle my revenge?”

    Mo Yuwei, realizing her mistake, her eyes filling with tears, stammered, “But… but I was also deceived!”

    “Precisely because you were also a victim,” Xu Jingyu placed her teacup on the table, her voice calm and even, “I’ve only chosen to punish you slightly.”

    Indeed, for Xu Jingyu, it had been a minor punishment. She hadn’t actually done anything, just said a few words.

    Mo Yuwei’s offer to be the target of her anger had been laughable.

    “But before you were a victim, you were a bully,” Xu Jingyu’s gaze turned cold. “You inflicted pain on others, and now, experiencing the consequences of your actions, you feel wronged?”

    “It seems you’re still immature, Miss Mo. You need to learn a lesson.”

    “You used your wealth and influence to bully others, to look down on them. Now, you’ll experience what it’s like to be powerless, to live like an ordinary person.”

    “When you’ve suffered enough, we can talk again.”

    In other words, she wasn’t letting the Mo family off the hook anytime soon.

    She would make them suffer, both Mo Yuwei and her family.

    But she hadn’t condemned them completely. It was just a punishment, not a death sentence.

    When Xu Jingyu’s anger subsided, she would release her grip on the Mo family.

    Mo’s father, relieved, seeing that Xu Jingyu had no further interest in their pleas, thanked her profusely and led his sobbing daughter away.

    After they left, Meng Wanqing, who still resented Mo Yuwei for bullying Xin Yao, clicked her tongue.

    “That was surprisingly merciful. Not your usual style, President Xu.”

    Xu Jingyu: “It was Yaoyao who was merciful. She never wanted to harm Mo Yuwei. I was simply acting on her behalf.”

    “But,” Meng Wanqing, remembering something, asked curiously, “when did Yaoyao become your fiancée? Did you propose?”

    The question made Xu Jingyu’s face darken.

    “I did.”

    “And?”

    “She rejected me.”

    Meng Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh.

    Even Xue Ning, sitting beside her, chuckled, then quickly covered her mouth, afraid of incurring Xu Jingyu’s wrath.

    Xue Ning, tempted by Director Gao’s offer, had betrayed Xu Jingyu, becoming her informant, and had been suffering the consequences ever since, having been sent on a “business trip” to the Arctic, where she was slowly freezing to death.

    Who knew the Xu family had business interests in the Arctic?!

    That vengeful woman!

    Meng Wanqing, knowing about Xue Ning’s betrayal, was curious about what Director Gao had offered her.

    Xue Ning scoffed.

    “Three thousand photos of you, Meng Wanqing. Three thousand embarrassing photos.”

    Meng Wanqing’s eyes widened, then she exploded.

    “You deserved it!”

    “But wait, why does Gao Ge even have those photos? Three thousand photos! That’s outrageous!”

    As they bickered, their argument escalating, Xu Jingyu silenced them with a cold stare.

    Xue Ning, remembering something, said, “Oh, and that scumbag Li Xu is out of jail.”

    While the evidence against him was substantial, Li Xu, resourceful and well-connected, had managed to secure a temporary release, the investigation still ongoing.

    But his conviction was inevitable.

    So, Li Xu, desperate, was frantically searching for a powerful patron, someone who could help him escape justice.

    It seemed like a long shot, but it was his only hope.

    Xue Ning shook her head. “He’s so disgusting. How could Yaoyao have ever liked him?”

    Her words made Xu Jingyu turn to look at her, her gaze intense, her expression unreadable.

    Xue Ning, intimidated, quickly backpedaled.

    “Would you like some tea, Miss?”

    Xu Jingyu ignored her, her gaze lowered.

    “Recommend Dan Yan to him.”

    Her words made Xue Ning and Meng Wanqing exchange glances.

    After a moment of silence, Meng Wanqing couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, Xu Jingyu, you’re evil.”

    Dan Yan and Xu Jingyu were known as the two “madwomen” of their social circle.

    But while Xu Jingyu’s madness was a cold, calculated ruthlessness, her indifference a weapon, Dan Yan was the opposite.

    She was a creature of chaos, her passions unrestrained, her desires a burning fire, her actions impulsive and unpredictable.

    She lived for drama, for excitement, for causing trouble.

    She was a sadist, a hedonist, a force of nature.

    Surprisingly, despite their contrasting personalities, Xu Jingyu and Dan Yan were on good terms, their shared business interests creating an unlikely alliance.

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c34

    34. What Should We Talk About?

     

    “Miss Lü!!!”

    Gong Yiling didn’t realize at first that she was being called.

    It wasn’t until Yan Chuyue rushed over, grabbed her shoulders, and shook her violently, almost making her dizzy, that she realized it.

    Oh, it was her.

    “What’s wrong?”

    “What’s wrong? You ask what’s wrong?” Yan Chuyue continued shaking her until Gong Yiling’s head spun, then finally stopped and asked, “How did you kill the Flame Python?”

    It was about this again…

    Well, it made sense. Besides Qiu Shui, only this protagonist knew her true strength (Chun Lian didn’t count, she thought her Young Palace Master could turn into light).

    So, she explained the situation to Yan Chuyue again.

    She glossed over the venom absorption part, and fortunately, Yan Chuyue was more interested in how she killed the beast, not how she absorbed the venom.

    As the author, she hadn’t forgotten the settings she gave the Flame Python.

    Heavenly Venerable realm, heart not located at the seventh inch, neck slightly vulnerable but still difficult to penetrate, incredibly potent venom, and rapid regeneration in the swamp.

    A whole stack of buffs.

    And yet it was killed by a newbie cultivator who had just recovered her meridians.

    Was that reasonable?

    After hearing the whole story, Yan Chuyue was even more shocked. “Are you even human?”

    “What else would I be?” Gong Yiling shrugged. “A ghost?”

    “Even ghosts aren’t this absurd.”

    Yan Chuyue said, exasperated, “Not even novels, I mean, plays and shadow puppet shows would dare portray this. Who would believe it?”

    “Haven’t you heard this saying, Miss Yan?”

    “What saying?”

    Gong Yiling stroked her chin, feigning wisdom. “Reality is often more absurd than fiction. You can never grasp its rules.”

    “Please, you just used up several years’ worth of luck.” Yan Chuyue sighed. “But it’s a good thing. If you weren’t so lucky, I wouldn’t be seeing you now.”

    “Good fortune always favors the virtuous. Luck is also a part of strength.” Gong Yiling rubbed her hands together, smiling. “Enough about me. How was your rest?”

    “It was alright.”

    “There’s something I should mention.” Gong Yiling said, “If the First Prince and Young Master Xuli aren’t complete idiots, they’ve already figured out my identity.”

    “Your identity?” Yan Chuyue paused, then asked, “You mean… the Cloudmist City incident?”

    “Yes.” Gong Yiling nodded.

    She then told Yan Chuyue about how she revealed her possession of the recording device to them.

    This surprised Yan Chuyue.

    Even if they racked their brains, they wouldn’t be able to track down that previous identity.

    Who could find someone who vanished into thin air, someone who never existed in the first place? In this game of cat and mouse, Gong Yiling had the absolute advantage.

    There was no need to reveal that information.

    “Their targets are now Qiu Shui and Lu Xinyao.” Gong Yiling said, “I need to divert their attention to a previous enemy to protect them.”

    That was Miss Gong’s intention.

    Hidden arrows were harder to defend against than open attacks. Before the First Prince revealed his fangs, her disciples were in danger.

    But if she could provoke him into acting rashly, the situation would be different.

    “Do you need me to do anything?”

    “You’re connected to that incident, and you’re in this city now. I’m worried they might connect you to it if they see you here.”

    Shangguan Qingyun had suspected her before, but the Yan Chuyue back then was a pushover, unlikely to be suspected.

    But now, after so much time, if the First Prince saw her again, he would surely realize her role in that incident.

    She had to consider Yan Chuyue’s safety.

    “Don’t go out and buy food these next few days. I’ll bring you whatever you want.” Gong Yiling patted her shoulder reassuringly. “But don’t worry, you won’t have to stay here much longer.”

    “What do you mean…?”

    Gong Yiling’s presence had accelerated the plot. Now, in Yanlie City, there were many with ulterior motives.

    “Chuyue,”

    Gong Yiling walked to the window, looking at the night scene outside. “Even in such a prosperous place, when those people reveal their fangs, how many can still enjoy this peace and tranquility?”

    Yan Chuyue’s heart sank.

    A crisis… in Yanlie City?

    As the author, she also sensed it.

    The world she created had changed subtly due to this girl’s presence.

    If the Grand Elder’s injuries were healed half a year earlier, if Shangguan Long still held power…

    The plot would definitely change.

    And these changes weren’t her, the author’s, doing, but…

    An unexpected character’s.

    “Who are you?” Yan Chuyue couldn’t help but ask. “Can’t you tell me now?”

    The woman turned around, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly beneath the veil, a calm smile in her eyes.

    “You want to know?”

    “Yes.”

    “Then keep wondering.” Gong Yiling gave a blunt answer. “My identity is irrelevant to you. Instead of focusing on me, you should focus on your love…”

    She suddenly stopped.

    She seemed to have forgotten someone, someone Yan Chuyue should have met by now, and their relationship should be developing.

    Where was Jiang Chenmo???

    This protagonist was either hanging out with her or busy in the palace, not doing anything else.

    Where was Jiang Chenmo?

    Where was the male lead?

    Was he dead?

    If she wasn’t in a female body now, she would think she was more suited to be the male lead.

    “Love what?” Yan Chuyue blinked and asked.

    “What a girl your age should be pursuing, of course.”

    Gong Yiling’s mind suddenly short-circuited. She reached out and lifted Yan Chuyue’s chin, a playful smile on her face. “What do you think?”

     

     

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 330

    Chapter 330: Forever and Always

    At the end of the movie, the villain’s plot was exposed, and the tsundere rabbit police officer was finally won over by the fox con artist, finally expressing her true feelings frankly. Then came the climax of the movie, the kissing scene. Adele covered Xiao Ai’s eyes, who was sitting in her lap, while she herself stared intently at the screen, her cheeks slightly flushed. But she had a reason! This kind of thing was still too early for Xiao Ai. However, the girl seemed to have forgotten who was secretly doing strange things with Seraph behind Xiao Ai’s back yesterday.

    It was hard not to suspect that she was really starting to experience what it was like to be a parent. The kind where you wanted to be intimate with your lover, but because the child was right there, and the child was too young to understand, you could only wait until the child fell asleep, then suppress your voices and movements to experience the joy and passion you once had. And any slight movement from the child could make both of you freeze instantly. Although it might not be completely satisfying, looking back, it would be an unforgettable experience. Then you would look at each other, eye to eye, heart to heart, and suddenly burst out laughing. Suddenly feeling that being an old married couple was also great!

    But now, Adele and her “wings” were still in the honeymoon phase. It would be a long time before they reached the old married couple stage.

    Finally, the rabbit and fox furry lesbians on screen finished kissing. Adele released her hands from Xiao Ai’s eyes. Xiao Ai had a “…” expression. She had been looking forward to it, wanting to see how it was portrayed on TV, to make a little preparation for her future with Mama… Would they stick out their tongues? Would they lick their teeth? Xiao Ai started to have some strange thoughts.

    And Adele was still complacent, thinking that she had protected Xiao Ai’s innocence. The girl’s IQ instantly dropped to zero when she was with someone close to her!

    “Linlang! What did you think of the movie!?” Adele excitedly asked the girl closest to her for her thoughts. At this moment, Tang Linlang was already tidying up the takeout boxes on the coffee table and cleaning up like a virtuous wife and mother. Hearing Adele’s question, she looked up, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and smiled, “It was very good. And I feel like Adele is a bit like the protagonist.”

    “Eh! I’m not a tsundere!” Adele wasn’t tsundere at all, just dere. Besides, if she had to say who Adele resembled, it would be the rabbit officer with the large chest… Tang Linlang chuckled.

    “I was talking about the fox.”

    “! Linlang, are you saying I’m a con artist!?” The fox’s role in the movie wasn’t entirely righteous. At first, she did cheat and deceive, and was even caught and put in jail by the rabbit officer. But she wasn’t inherently bad, and after falling in love with the rabbit officer, she gradually changed her ways and eventually stopped the villain’s plot. It was worth mentioning that the fox was the dominant one, and the rabbit officer was the submissive one. But actually, when the rabbit officer handcuffed the taller fox, she had quite a dominant aura. At least, Adele briefly shipped the unconventional pairing.

    But that didn’t affect her preference for the soft and tsundere rabbit and her slight aversion to the smooth-talking fox. In her heart, she also considered herself a pure little rabbit, not a deceitful fox! That’s why she cared about Linlang saying she was like a fox.

    But Tang Linlang hurriedly waved her hand and explained, “N-No, I didn’t mean Adele was a con artist.”

    “I mean, Adele is always so smart and…cunning, giving off the same feeling as the fox.”

    “But these are all good qualities! Qualities I like…” Saying this, Tang Linlang glanced at Xiao Ai and consciously held back her next words.

    Adele blinked, her heart fluttering at this sudden confession.

    “~”

    “So that’s how it is.” Adele tasted the sweetness and didn’t pursue it further, turning to the silent cat-girl First Snow, “What about you, First Snow!?”

    First Snow seemed a bit dazed, still staring at the ending credits rolling on the screen. Her tail, within Adele’s reach, swayed behind her. Adele grabbed it without hesitation.

    “Meow!” A cat’s tail was very sensitive. First Snow immediately turned around, looking up at Adele with adorable eyes.

    “…My thoughts, meow?”

    “Ugh, I think it’s strange.”

    “Eh? What’s strange?”

    “It’s just strange, the whole thing is strange!”

    Adele immediately perked up her ears, ready to hear First Snow’s thoughts. Had she overlooked some foreshadowing or hint in the movie? Was there another villain? It seemed true that the ending was a bit too easy. Could it be that the real villain hadn’t been caught, and there would be a post-credit scene? Then the fox would suddenly turn around, half her face shrouded in shadow, and give a wicked smile? Adele’s thoughts gave her goosebumps.

    But under her anticipation, First Snow’s response, the thing she was truly concerned about, was…

    “Why are the animals all fluffy when they turn into humans!?”

    “I’m speechless!” Adele thought, Guys, I’m truly speechless today.

    But perhaps Adele needed to take this seriously. Because First Snow looked horrified and dazed, as if her understanding of something had been completely overturned. Could it be…that when I transform into a cat-girl, I should be fluffy!? Not like now, with smooth, fair skin, basically the same appearance as a human, just with a pair of cute, fluffy ears and a tail.

    If she didn’t properly address First Snow’s current feelings, one day she might become a “furry,” and Adele would regret it! Adele seemed to realize this. This was a major issue concerning the girl’s self-perception. So she quickly explained, “But First Snow is cute just the way you are now!”

    “That’s just the movie’s anthropomorphic interpretation of animals.”

    “First Snow, you’re perfect just the way you are!”

    “…Really, Sister Adele?” First Snow’s expression softened slightly, and she looked into the girl’s eyes earnestly.

    Adele’s response was naturally a gentle comfort and embrace.

    “Of course it’s true, silly.” She stroked the girl’s fluffy ears, expressing her affection with actions. First Snow was indeed receptive to this and soon returned to her usual lively self.

    Tang Linlang also finished cleaning the table at this time. Adele secretly kissed her cheek when no one was looking. Linlang’s heart pounded like a deer.

    But then Adele raised her arm high, holding a game controller in her hand. She announced, “So, let’s play games!” Everyone’s attention was drawn to her, no one looking at Tang Linlang. She could slowly savor the happiness brought by that kiss.

    The girl’s words were met with positive responses. First Snow and Xiao Ai were clearly more enthusiastic about games than movies. Perhaps the younger you were, the more interested and serious you were about games. But once you grew up, it was difficult to accept slow progress, and you only wanted instant gratification in games, which made games less interesting.

    After connecting the console to the screen, Adele started distributing the controllers. She took the pink one, Xiao Ai the red one, First Snow the white one, and Tang Linlang the black one. All colors matched their images. They were playing a party game, as the name suggested, a game played at parties. Multiplayer levels, competing with each other, and many mini-games to liven up the atmosphere. Even the shy Tang Linlang had a lot of fun.

    Adele was very competitive, but her luck was even better. Every time she rolled the dice, she got a high number. Perhaps this was also related to the type of dice she chose. The dice she chose were true “gambler’s dice.” Either the highest three numbers or the lowest three numbers. And Adele, blessed by the holy words “Call me a gambling monster,” succeeded again and again, eventually winning the game.

    Xiao Ai came in second, First Snow third, and Tang Linlang, who wasn’t competitive and wasn’t good at games, came in fourth, but she looked as happy as Adele. Seeing this, Adele muttered, “Maybe I should add a penalty…”

    Time unknowingly passed until evening. The sun set outside the window, and Adele stretched comfortably. For Tang Linlang, the movie had ended, and the games were fun. It seemed like everything was perfect. Even if today’s date was postponed, she wouldn’t have any complaints. Perhaps…there was still a little regret. But Adele seemed tired and needed to rest for a while. If, at this time, she only cared about herself and made Adele force herself, Tang Linlang would feel very bad. And it would also go against the original intention of their feelings.

    So after a meaningful silence, Tang Linlang took the initiative to say, “M-Maybe…the date…should be postponed to next time.”

    “I had a lot of fun with everyone today.”

    “I should go home now.” Tang Linlang smiled with her eyes closed. Was she afraid of letting others see the disappointment in her eyes? The considerate girl was good at wronging herself for others. But wasn’t she the most pitiful one?

    Adele suddenly took Tang Linlang’s hand, regardless of First Snow and Xiao Ai watching from the side, and looked into the girl’s eyes earnestly. She waited until Tang Linlang’s pupils trembled and her eyelids gradually opened, then said in a firm voice, “I’ll go home with you.”

    The girl’s voice was actually soft and cute, but at this moment, no one would doubt her determination. This moment, although fleeting, felt like an eternity to Tang Linlang.

  • Dear, it’s time for your medicine! 296

    Chapter 296: Athena’s Self-Twisted Soul

    Athena’s eyes were dull, tears freezing on her cheeks before they could fall.

    Seeing Muse impaled, writhing on the ground, his blood staining the snow crimson, shocked even Qin Chu.

    Then, a smile touched his lips as he turned to Ireta: “Ireta, you’re amazing. I didn’t expect… huh?”

    He had intended to praise her, but her expression was even more shocked than his own.

    He frowned: “Ireta, you didn’t do this?”

    Ireta looked bewildered, muttering: “I did, but… not entirely.”

    She looked at Athena, a strange mixture of amusement and admiration in her eyes.

    “Her will and soul are far more resilient than I anticipated.”

    “I intended to twist her soul, but I found I could destroy it, but not twist it,” Ireta explained. “In the past thousand years, I’ve purified billions of souls, many far stronger than hers, but none as… resilient.”

    “It wasn’t me who twisted her soul, but… herself.”

    She paused, then continued: “I merely sealed a portion of her feelings for Jie Luo, making her see you as her master, and I noticed her soul becoming… unstable.”

    “Her soul seemed to activate a self-preservation mechanism, suppressing and even altering anything that could cause her to break down.”

    Ireta frowned. This woman’s soul was truly bizarre. She had never encountered such resilience.

    “In short, her thoughts and memories might have been rewritten. I don’t know the extent of the changes.”

    “If you’re concerned, it’s best to kill her now,” she concluded.

    Qin Chu was also surprised by Athena’s resilience, but it made things more interesting. Watching the former Hero Squad members turn on each other brought him immense pleasure.

    He looked at Athena.

    Her beautiful face was still tear-streaked and contorted, as if she herself was shocked by her actions.

    She clutched her chest, a strange expression on her face. She hadn’t wanted to do it, but seeing Muse attacking Qin Chu, she had instinctively acted.

    Muse was her former comrade, but Qin Chu… was her master, and the man she loved.

    The dullness in her eyes faded, her twisted expression returning to normal.

    “Athena…” Muse gasped, blood bubbling from his lips, his eyes blazing with fury.

    “You… you betrayed us.”

    “Betrayed?”

    Athena looked bewildered.

    “We agreed to work together to resurrect Jie Luo! You loved him so deeply! But now you’re with this bastard, Qin Chu! Shameless woman! Jie Luo was blind to choose you for the Hero Squad!” Muse roared, his anger escalating.

    “It was the biggest mistake of his life to fall for you!”

    To Muse, Athena’s betrayal was even more unforgivable than Qin Chu’s actions.

    Their Hero Squad had revolved around Jie Luo. While not all members were close, Muse had believed their loyalty to Jie Luo was absolute.

    Even after the deaths of some members, he had believed their team was perfect, united by a common goal.

    But now, Athena’s betrayal had shattered that illusion, creating an irreparable rift.

    He struggled to rise, wanting to tear her apart.

    Covered in blood, he looked terrifying.

    “Shameless woman?” Athena trembled, repeating his words. “Yes, I am a shameless woman.”

    “I loved Jie Luo, but I compared him to Qin Chu in my heart, concluding that he was inferior. My feelings wavered.”

    “Now, I don’t even know who I truly love.”

    Qin Chu’s expression was strange.

    This must be a fabricated memory, a result of Athena’s twisted soul.

    It couldn’t be real.

    A Hero Squad member comparing him to Jie Luo and finding him superior? Impossible.

    In his eyes, they were all obsessed with Jie Luo, especially Ronald… who had harbored… unconventional desires.

    This was the first time Athena had openly expressed her true feelings, especially in front of so many people.

    But now, she spoke with newfound courage: “Jie Luo saved me.”

    “I was grateful to him, and it was natural for me to fall in love with him.”

    “But that doesn’t mean I agreed with everything he did.”

    “What?”

    Muse’s eyes widened. This shameless bitch was questioning Jie Luo’s actions?

    Unforgivable!

    “Muse, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. You and Jie Luo once discussed how to inflict the most pain…”

    “You tied a man, dressed differently from us, seemingly from another world, to a tree.”

    “At Jie Luo’s suggestion, you used him to practice your axe skills, slicing off bits of his flesh with your battle qi infused axe…”

    “That poor man from another world, you tortured him for an entire day, using magic to heal him, keeping him conscious, forcing him to watch himself die slowly.”

    “I told Jie Luo to stop, but he said the man was evil, very evil…”

    “Now that I think about it, what was I thinking? He was just a man from another world. He hadn’t even done anything.”

    Qin Chu frowned. This must also be a fabricated memory, a product of Athena’s twisted soul.

    Muse would surely refute it…

    He thought so, but Muse’s face only darkened further. He didn’t deny it, merely spitting on the ground: “Tch, a dog from another world. Good riddance.”

    “This world doesn’t need so many heroes. Jie Luo is enough.”

    Qin Chu’s expression turned grim. He had thought it was a false memory, but it was real.

    Jie Luo and Muse were truly ruthless, torturing a man from another world, a potential hero, keeping him conscious while slowly dismembering him.

    Qin Chu wasn’t kind, but perhaps because they were both heroes from other worlds, he felt a pang of empathy, and Muse’s callous attitude fueled his killing intent.

    Muse, you won’t die easily. I promise you that.

    Athena sighed: “Compared to Jie Luo, Qin Chu is so much better…”

    Before she could finish, Muse’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he screamed: “Qin Chu is better? Athena, are you insane? Have you forgotten what he just said?”

    He sensed something was terribly wrong.

    As if reality itself was being twisted.

    Athena frowned: “What did he say?”

    She couldn’t remember.

    She only remembered Muse, the madman, trying to attack her master.

    She had traded her body, soul, and eternal loyalty for Qin Chu’s promise to provide some of his blood for Jie Luo’s resurrection.

    It had been a transaction, but she had developed feelings for him, falling in love with her master, a shameful infidelity.

    But the former Hero Squad members, especially Muse, were still obsessed with killing him.

    She wouldn’t tolerate that.

    Seeing her reaction, Muse, despite his usual dullness, had a moment of clarity.

    He realized Athena’s mind had been altered, manipulated by the woman in black stockings.

    This was an unexpected development.

    Interesting.

    Qin Chu, who had been silently observing their exchange, finally spoke: “Athena, do you still love Jie Luo?”

    Athena trembled, her face paling: “Love… I think so. Maybe.”

    She couldn’t be certain of her own feelings.

    Her mind was in turmoil.

    She glanced at Qin Chu, worried he might be angry.

    But he wasn’t.

    He smiled, extending his hand towards her: “Then, my sweet Athena, will you give me Jie Luo’s soul fragment?”

    Athena shivered.

    A flicker of resistance appeared in her eyes, but her body seemed to move on its own, walking towards him.

    Muse screamed: “Athena, wake up! You’re being controlled! Snap out of it…”

    “Don’t give that bastard the soul fragment! Don’t!”

    His screams tore at his throat.

    But he couldn’t stop her. He could only watch as she placed the soul fragment in Qin Chu’s hand.

    Muse’s face turned ashen.

    He knew it was over.

  • After Failing to Find Immortality 228

    Chapter 228: The Road to Changling, A Gathering of Experts?

    The next morning…

    After a quick breakfast, they prepared to depart without delay.

    “—Take care, Innkeeper.”

    After loading the luggage onto the carriage, Lin Tianlu turned to the middle-aged man standing at the entrance and bowed respectfully. “If you ever visit Changling County, please look me up. I’ll be happy to show you around and treat you to a meal.”

    “Thank you for your kindness, Master Lin.”

    The innkeeper bowed in return and chuckled. “But I can’t leave my inn unattended. Perhaps when my children are older and can take over the business, I’ll be able to travel.”

    Lin Tianlu smiled gently. “Then perhaps we’ll meet again someday.”

    “Farewell, Master Lin.”

    The innkeeper watched as the carriage disappeared into the distance and sighed softly.

    “What a pity!”

    “Has that Master Lin already left?”

    A middle-aged woman, dressed in simple peasant clothes, approached him curiously.

    “Yes.”

    “You seem disappointed. Are you envious of him traveling with those beautiful women?”

    The woman teased, poking him playfully. “Or are you thinking of taking a young and pretty concubine, just like him?”

    “Of course not!”

    The innkeeper’s face flushed, and he raised his hands defensively. “What young woman would be interested in an old man like me?”

    “If you were younger, you might have different ideas.”

    “I… I wouldn’t do such a thing.”

    The innkeeper’s awkward smile faded, and he looked towards the distance again, sighing softly. “And compared to Master Lin, I think those two women are the truly fortunate ones.”

    “Two women vying for his affection, and you think they’re the lucky ones?”

    The woman was surprised by her husband’s words. “You talked with him for half the night. Did you learn something extraordinary?”

    “More than you can imagine!”

    The innkeeper said excitedly, “His knowledge is vast and profound, his character noble and virtuous. Even in the ancient times, when sages roamed the earth, he would have been considered a genius. And in this era… Talking to him was like receiving enlightenment. He clarified so many things I had been struggling with.”

    He couldn’t help but sigh in admiration. “To have had the chance to share a drink with him… it’s a blessing I’ve earned after decades of hard work.”

    “He sounds like… quite a remarkable individual.”

    The woman was also surprised by her husband’s enthusiastic praise.

    She knew how knowledgeable her husband was, a respected scholar in their village.

    She had never seen him so excited before.

    “What a pity!”

    The innkeeper suddenly slapped his thigh in frustration. “If only our son could have met him!”

    “Don’t be silly. Huan’er is miles away. He couldn’t have come back in a single night.”

    “I know, I know… Just a wishful thought… What a pity…”

    …

    Snort

    The horse snorted, its hooves pounding against the road.

    Lin Tianlu patted its back gently and chuckled. “You’ve been working hard these past few days. We should reach Changling today. Then you can rest and enjoy some fresh grass.”

    The horse shook its head and snorted again, as if in response. He wondered if it could understand him.

    But it was a horse raised in the Lunar Valley. It must be somewhat intelligent.

    Lin Tianlu thought to himself, noticing that this horse was indeed different from ordinary horses.

    He hadn’t had to use the whip at all. The horse seemed to understand his intentions, following his directions effortlessly.

    At that moment, a fragrant breeze wafted through the air.

    Lin Tianlu turned to see Hua Shuya emerging from the carriage, her movements graceful as she sat down beside him.

    She had returned the jade pendant to Mao Ruoyu, her silver hair and transformed state gone, replaced by her usual youthful appearance.

    “Why aren’t you resting inside, Shuya?”

    “You’ve been driving all this time, Senior. You must be tired. I came to keep you company.” Hua Shuya smiled faintly, gathering her hair.

    She tucked her legs beneath her and glanced inside the carriage, where Mao Ruoyu and Yun Yue were examining a jade flute. “Besides, Madam is teaching Miss Yun Yue how to play a musical instrument. I didn’t want to intrude.”

    “Although Yun Yue’s personality has changed, Ruoyu is truly good at taking care of people.”

    Lin Tianlu sighed softly.

    He patted Hua Shuya’s shoulder. “Would you like me to teach you how to play a musical instrument as well?”

    “There’s no need to trouble yourself, Senior.”

    Hua Shuya smiled gently and patted the sword at her waist. “I prefer practicing swordsmanship.”

    Lin Tianlu chuckled. “You’re truly dedicated. But have you encountered any difficulties in your cultivation lately?”

    “Difficulties?”

    The young woman pondered for a moment, then sighed softly. “My cultivation has plateaued recently. Although I learned some Moon Shadow techniques in the Lunar Valley, and my physical strength has improved, my swordsmanship hasn’t progressed.”

    She looked down at her sword, her voice calm.

    “I know that swordsmanship isn’t something that can be mastered overnight. It takes decades for most people to develop sword intent. I’ve only reached this level thanks to your guidance, Senior. I’ll continue to work hard.”

    “Swordsmanship…”

    Lin Tianlu looked up at the clear blue sky, his voice thoughtful. “It’s a broad and complex path. Techniques, footwork, internal energy cultivation, even the elusive sword intent and sword heart… they all contribute to the power of a sword.

    What do you think you’re lacking, Shuya?”

    “…Sword intent?”

    “I think you’re lacking a reason to wield your sword.” Lin Tianlu smiled and gestured with his hand. “Or do you simply enjoy the act of swinging a sword?”

    “…”

    Hua Shuya frowned, lost in thought.

    After a moment, her brow smoothed, and her aura seemed to brighten.

    Lin Tianlu nodded approvingly. “It seems you’ve found your answer.”

    “Your words have enlightened me, Senior.”

    Seeing her joyful expression, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but ask, “If you don’t mind, would you share your thoughts with me?”

    “It’s…”

    Hua Shuya touched her sword, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. “It’s a secret for now, Senior.”

    Before Lin Tianlu could respond, she quickly changed the subject. “But I’m curious, Senior, what are your aspirations?”

    “My aspirations?”

    “Yes!”

    “I would like to live a peaceful and quiet life… but it seems this world won’t allow it.”

    Lin Tianlu recalled the recent events, his eyes narrowing, his voice turning serious. “Perhaps I can do something to help.”

    The world’s spiritual energy was sealed, but it could also be unsealed.

    Mortals were powerless against demons and ghosts because they were simply outmatched in terms of power. But if mortals could access spiritual energy, if they could cultivate…

    It was a thought worth exploring.

    Seeing his serious expression, Hua Shuya was surprised, but she quickly smiled. “With your abilities, Senior, you can achieve anything.”

    “There’s no need for flattery, Shuya. I’m just an ordinary scholar. If it weren’t for your support, I would probably be wandering the streets, homeless and hungry.”

    Lin Tianlu’s serious expression vanished, and he chuckled, shaking his head.

    It was too early to think about such things.

    Clip-clop, clip-clop

    The sound of approaching hooves.

    Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya turned to see a man on horseback, riding towards them at full speed. He was dressed in tight-fitting clothes, a sword strapped to his back, his expression serious as he urged his horse forward. He quickly passed their carriage, disappearing in a cloud of dust.

    “He’s in a hurry.”

    Lin Tianlu brushed the dust from his clothes, his expression strange. “If he keeps riding like that, his horse will collapse.”

    Hua Shuya blinked curiously.

    Although she hadn’t seen his face clearly, she could sense a powerful aura emanating from him. He was clearly a skilled cultivator.

    Perhaps he had an urgent matter to attend to?

    “Hahaha! Your ‘Thousand Mile Divine Steps’ are nothing special! You’ve disgraced your sect!”

    “Stop running, you old fool! Fight me!”

    “If we fight, I might accidentally hurt you~”

    “You, you—Just try it!”

    Angry shouts echoed through the air.

    Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya turned to see an old man with a white beard and a young man chasing each other, their speed incredible, their movements blurring into afterimages. And their voices were strong and steady, showing no signs of fatigue. They were clearly skilled cultivators.

    “Hmm?”

    The old man suddenly frowned and looked back, as if sensing something.

    Lin Tianlu smiled and waved. “Greetings, Elder. You’re looking quite energetic today. You must be exercising regularly.”

    “This boy—”

    The old man’s eyes widened in surprise.

    But before he could react, a gust of wind swept past him, and he ducked, narrowly avoiding a sword strike. He chuckled. “You cheeky brat, trying to sneak attack a sixty-nine-year-old man! Shame on you!”

    The young man, who had finally caught up, roared in frustration, his sword flashing.

    But in the blink of an eye, they were gone.

    “…”

    Hua Shuya’s hand instinctively tightened around her sword, her eyes filled with surprise. “That old man’s cultivation…”

    He was undoubtedly a Grandmaster.

    Although there was only a single realm difference between the Azure Spirit Realm and the Grandmaster Realm, the gap in power was vast.

    Even a brief glance had made her tense, her body instinctively preparing for battle.

    “He’s quite strong.”

    Lin Tianlu clicked his tongue. “And his taunts are even more impressive.”

    The young man chasing him had almost been driven to tears.

    Hua Shuya chuckled, relieved. “I’m glad I never encountered such an eccentric Grandmaster before.”

    Whoosh

    A faint whistling sound.

    “Another one?”

    Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya leaned out of the carriage, their movements synchronized.

    They saw a blurry figure leaping through the trees, their speed incredible.

    Hua Shuya’s eyes widened in surprise. “Such amazing lightness skills!”

    Such agility and speed, rivaling even the legendary Flight of the Phoenix technique, were a sign of a true master. And their movements were smooth and effortless, their aura steady, clearly a seasoned traveler, not just a showoff.

    “Quite impressive.”

    Lin Tianlu watched with interest.

    Unlike Old Man Mo, who had trampled through his courtyard, this person was traveling through the forest, a much more entertaining spectacle.

    If only he had some popcorn…

    They watched as the mysterious expert approached rapidly.

    “Eh?”

    Hua Shuya suddenly gasped.

    It seemed that the expert was planning to use their carriage as a springboard!

    She frowned, about to warn him.

    But before she could speak, the expert landed on the roof of the carriage, his body light and agile as he prepared to leap again.

    Whoosh

    “Huh?”

    The expert suddenly lost his balance, his feet slipping, his arms flailing wildly as he tumbled through the air, landing face-first on the road ahead, sliding several meters before coming to a stop.

    “Hiss—”

    Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya winced.

    It seemed he had landed…

    …face-first.

    “Snort!”

    Their horse stopped, snorting disdainfully.

    Lin Tianlu scratched his head awkwardly, checking the undamaged roof of the carriage, then glancing at the “expert,” who was still lying motionless on the ground. He murmured, “That wasn’t our fault, was it?”

  • Inferior A After Having a Baby with the Top Boss 50

    Chapter 50: Fallen in Love!

    November 16, 167 New Calendar, Xi He City, sunny.

    Sunlight fell on the distant mountains, like amber honey flowing from a honeycomb.

    After finishing her morning classes, Ming Fei drove home, changed into a light jacket and trousers, and helped Ming Zaozao change as well.

    The two home intelligent robots bid them farewell, and Ming Zaozao, dressed in a brown bear outfit, waved goodbye to 008 and 0619.

    Twenty minutes passed in a blink of an eye.

    The self-driving car arrived at its destination, and Ming Zaozao excitedly ran towards Li Xing, the little bear ears on her hat trembling in the wind as she ran. Ming Fei followed a few steps behind, her all-black attire less gentle, more like the sharp edges of a steep cliff.

    Li Xing picked up Ming Zaozao with a smile on her face.

    “Although I haven’t exercised in a long time, climbing Green Jade Mountain is still no problem. Zaozao, Auntie Xing can carry you all the way up.”

    Ming Zaozao laughed, revealing two sweet dimples.

    She asked, “Really?”

    Li Xing, wearing an orange jacket, nodded: “Of course, otherwise, how could we bear to let our precious Zaozao climb the mountain?”

    Hearing this, Ming Fei, walking on the right, also responded: “Mm, the path on Green Jade Mountain is gentle, the difficulty is very low.”

    In fact, Green Jade Mountain was ranked last in difficulty among all the mountains in Xi He City. Even beginner hikers wouldn’t find it challenging. Therefore, the citizens of Xi He City jokingly called it “Children’s Mountain,” meaning it was more suitable for leisurely walks and not for challenging climbs.

    Since transmigrating, Ming Fei had climbed many challenging and dangerous mountains. This was her first time on Green Jade Mountain, and her intention was self-evident.

    She looked at the scenery of Green Jade Mountain and, after confirming with the staff that there were no obstacles or steps, helped Ming Zaozao put on her safety gear.

    Ming Fei lowered her head and said softly, “Zaozao, tell Mommy if you get tired.”

    Ming Zaozao replied crisply, “Okay!”

    The weather was fine today, much warmer than the previous week. After putting on her safety gear, Ming Zaozao got down from Li Xing’s arms. The two adults walked on either side of her. To make it more fun for Ming Zaozao, Ming Fei even hired a hiking robot.

    This public hiking robot looked like a car. Not only would it explain the history of Green Jade Mountain to hikers, but it could also transform into a small hiking car when the hikers got tired, taking them to any location on Green Jade Mountain according to the set destination.

    Because the rental fee was high, and Green Jade Mountain wasn’t difficult to climb, very few people rented it. Ming Fei was the first customer to rent a hiking robot in two months.

    Ming Zaozao walked up the mountain energetically, occasionally hopping a few steps, seemingly without any effort.

    Li Xing, walking next to her, suddenly said, “Teacher Xiao Fei, that watch you’re wearing is quite unique.”

    Ming Fei glanced at the pheromone bracelet on her wrist and tried to change the subject with a vague answer.

    “Mm, has your academy started the voting yet?”

    Li Xing took a big step: “It starts tonight. I guess Associate Professor Li will be the winner this time.”

    This was just to divert Li Xing’s attention. Ming Fei wasn’t interested in the new round of voting for the most popular teacher, joking,

    “Then I should be the one with the lowest votes in our academy.”

    Li Xing patted her shoulder: “Don’t joke with me, the students in your academy all like you very much, they’re very protective of you on the public network. Don’t worry about the voting results, because the teachers who get the most votes are those participating in the new round of elections. The students know that this indicator is important to them, so they will prioritize voting for them.”

    Ming Fei, who never participated in the elections, finally understood the reason for the voting rankings.

    “So that’s how it is.”

    Li Xing continued, “Yeah, didn’t you know?”

    Ming Fei shook her head seriously: “I really didn’t know.”

    “Okay, maybe it’s because you never pay attention to these things.” Li Xing then asked, “By the way, is Chief Judge Zhu back yet?”

    Ming Fei shook her head again: “Not yet.”

    The sun was shining, and the mountain scenery was beautiful. Li Xing sighed, “Chief Judge Zhu was simply radiating charisma at the sentencing hearing in Silla! And both Executive Min and Executive Lan attended the hearing!”

    The sentencing hearing in Silla lasted three days, and the topics of Bai He’s sentence, Chief Judge Zhu, and the former Victory Column were trending on the public network for three whole days.

    Ming Fei had watched every session of the sentencing hearing during these three days.

    She watched Zhu Yiqiao and the others go back and forth with the Silla higher-ups, watched her uncompromising and unyielding stance in every session, and watched every brilliant confrontation and perfect moment of hers during these three days.

    Her gaze was completely captivated by Zhu Yiqiao, unable to look away. Only when the camera switched to other speakers would she be distracted by other things.

    It had been almost two days since the sentencing hearing ended, and she still hadn’t received any news of Zhu Yiqiao’s return.

    Zhu Yiqiao hadn’t even contacted her during these two days.

    Ming Zaozao energetically climbed halfway up the mountain, taking the hiking robot for the last leg. On the way down, she fell asleep in Ming Fei’s arms, and Ming Fei carried her all the way down.

    After saying goodbye at the foot of the mountain, Ming Fei took Ming Zaozao back to the villa in the self-driving car.

    Ming Zaozao slept soundly all the way, only waking up when they arrived at the villa.

    “Mommy~”

    “Mm?”

    “Baby dreamed that Mommy learned magic!”

    Ming Fei smiled and asked, “What kind of magic?”

    Ming Zaozao tried hard to remember and finally recalled the answer after dinner. She put down the toy in her hand, ran to Ming Fei, and said in a childish voice,

    “It’s the magic of turning into a little bunny!”

    Ming Zaozao gave this magic a name: “Bunny Magic!”

    Ming Fei chuckled at this whimsical idea: “Okay, Bunny Magic.”

    After saying the name of the magic, Ming Zaozao also described her dream to Ming Fei. Ming Fei listened attentively until 008 came to call Ming Zaozao for her “patrol,” and Ming Zaozao, transformed into a little police officer, waved goodbye to Ming Fei.

    At 9:10 pm, the villa was bathed in the darkness of night. Half an hour later, a silver hovercar drove into the villa.

    And at this moment—

    Ming Fei was washing up in the bathroom.

    She soaked in the bathtub for a while, her whole body warm. After putting on her pajamas and walking to the mirror, she checked her gland again, confirming that it was no different than usual, before leaving the bathroom to dry her wet hair.

    Perhaps because she had climbed a mountain in the afternoon, she wasn’t sleepy at all.

    Tossing and turning without falling asleep, Ming Fei got out of bed and went to the study, picking up a classic literary work to read. Just as she was becoming immersed in the story, her phone beside her beeped with a new message notification.

    Ming Fei, deeply engrossed in her reading, reached for her phone without taking her eyes off the page.

    Until the message on the display screen came into view.

    [Chief Judge Zhu: Not asleep yet?]

    Ming Fei put down the book, a question mark popping up in her mind.

    How did Zhu Yiqiao know she wasn’t asleep yet?

    Had she just checked the villa’s surveillance?

    The puzzled Ming Fei typed a reply.

    [Mm.]

    [What is Jiejie doing?]

    The reply was very quick.

    [Zhu Yiqiao: Waiting for you.]

    [Zhu Yiqiao: Are you free to come to the main hall on the third floor now?]

    Ming Fei stood up abruptly, almost knocking over the book.

    Eh?!

    Zhu Yiqiao was back?

    She didn’t reply whether she was free or not, directly pushing the door open. Just as she was about to head to the main hall on the third floor, she turned and went to the craft room to get the finished Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum.

    The main hall on the third floor was brightly lit. As soon as Ming Fei reached the corridor, she saw the figure on the sofa.

    Some unpleasant memories surfaced.

    Ming Fei remembered the night she first came to the third floor. Zhu Yiqiao had also been sitting on the sofa like this, and when she approached, Zhu Yiqiao grabbed her wrist, pulled her onto the sofa, and gently bit the edge of her gland.

    The atmosphere between them hadn’t been harmonious at that time. Her awe of Zhu Yiqiao far outweighed her gratitude and closeness, and she wasn’t used to this “stranger” who had suddenly entered her life. Now, the “respect” in her heart was still as strong as before, but the “awe” had long since disappeared.

    They came from the same world, harbored the same secret, and Zhu Yiqiao had even actively helped her many times. Therefore, she sometimes wondered, could they be considered… friends now?

    She wasn’t quite sure what Zhu Yiqiao thought.

    Because after One Raccoon Hill disappeared, she had returned to the orphanage, and since then, there had been no friends in her life. There were many reasons for this, the most important being two: firstly, she was a supporter of the Mehertaer faction, while the other children in the orphanage mostly supported the Kerry Declaration of the Ole Empire.

    Secondly, the sudden deletion of One Raccoon Hill’s account had a certain impact on her.

    She had been used to being abandoned by her adoptive parents, but she hadn’t expected that her first close friend would also abandon her without warning, just like them. For many days and nights, she felt that it was because she had been too excited and presumptuous after making her first friend.

    She had considered One Raccoon Hill a friend and written her nickname in her diary. But she forgot that One Raccoon Hill had never explicitly confirmed their friendship.

    She had been too happy and overlooked this.

    After transmigrating—

    She met Li Xing. At first, Li Xing knew that she was struggling financially and secretly helped her a lot, even asking her if she wanted to spend the New Year at her house. She refused, and only after hearing Li Xing say with a smile that they were friends, good friends, did she confirm that she really had a friend in this world.

    Suppressing her wandering thoughts, Ming Fei walked towards the sofa.

    The person who had only appeared on the display screen for almost a week suddenly appeared before her eyes. Ming Fei smiled, her dark almond eyes like pearls in the night.

    “Jiejie.”

    Zhu Yiqiao: “Mm.”

    Ming Fei hid the orchid drum behind her back, not revealing a trace of it.

    “When did Jiejie come back?”

    “An hour ago.”

    Zhu Yiqiao had changed out of her Trial Court uniform, her long curly hair cascading down her shoulders. The black nightgown was fastened by a single thin tie. A gift was placed on the coffee table in front of her; it was the gift she had wanted to send to Tree of Mystical Jade as One Raccoon Hill.

    But it had arrived in front of Tree of Mystical Jade thirteen years late.

    “Come here, your gland hasn’t been checked for a week.”

    Ming Fei nodded and, seeing that Zhu Yiqiao wasn’t wearing gloves, asked,

    “Jiejie, do you need me to get you some gloves?”

    Those close to her knew that Zhu Yiqiao was a stickler for cleanliness. Every time they held hands, every gland checkup, every pheromone guidance session, Zhu Yiqiao always wore thin white gloves.

    But this time, she gave a different answer for the first time.

    “No need.”

    “Okay.”

    Ming Fei didn’t ask any further questions, hiding the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum as she approached Zhu Yiqiao. Just as she reached Zhu Yiqiao’s side and was about to sit down, she took out the orchid drum, specially made for Zhu Yiqiao, as if presenting a treasure.

    “Jiejie.”

    “This is the flower drum I made for you.”

    Her eyes were bright, filled with a gentle smile, the corners of her lips curving upwards, the small dimple on her right cheek sweet, yet like a woven net, capturing Zhu Yiqiao.

    “I embroidered a pear on the side, as you requested, and also…”

    Zhu Yiqiao looked at her calmly, feeling the thumping of her heart, facing the easily breakable net but not resisting at all, instead walking into it as if inviting it to bind her.

    So—

    The hunter willingly became the prey.

    The mysterious and dangerous beast retracted its claws, becoming a cat drenched in the snow.

    The pheromone bracelet on her wrist flashed a blue warning light, indicating that the differentiated individual’s pheromones were fluctuating abnormally and might surge even more violently in the next moment.

    Zhu Yiqiao looked into Ming Fei’s almond eyes, seeing the worry and confusion in them.

    She thought honestly—

    It was heart-fluttering.

    It was liking.

    It was an uncontrollable urge to get closer.

    That’s why she had made exceptions again and again.

    Her affection was solely for Ming Fei, not due to the influence of pheromones or the reverse temporary marking, and not because Ming Fei was Tree of Mystical Jade. Because the first time she held Ming Fei’s hand, and when they kissed as part of the act at the Civil Affairs Bureau, her pheromones had overflowed.

    And at that time, Ming Fei hadn’t even had pheromones yet.

    Later, she discovered that Ming Fei was an alpha, and her slight interest had instantly vanished. But after noticing Ming Fei’s differences during their time together, she learned that Ming Fei was a supporter of the Mehertaer faction. They shared the same beliefs and pursuits, like sparks of fire advancing in the darkness.

    She felt that… Ming Fei was like a tree in the wilderness, like the jade embedded in the mountains.

    A tree that grew freely upwards despite the harsh wind, frost, and snow, its branches truly bearing jade, like the mystical Tree of Mystical Jade.

    She wanted to protect this tree.

    Just like a raccoon cat guarding the hill covered with sweet pears.

    No matter where she was, at any moment in her life, she accepted all of herself and faced her desires frankly. Wanting power, wanting wealth, wanting to be a decision-maker, she had worked and planned for decades to achieve this.

    Now, there was one more desire in her life.

    —She liked Ming Fei and wanted Ming Fei to like her too.

    She wanted Ming Fei to feel the same heart-fluttering, the same liking, the same uncontrollable urge to get closer.

    So, when Ming Fei, still unaware of all this, looked at her with the worry of a naive deer, she didn’t control the overflow of her pheromones.

    “…Jiejie.”

    Ming Fei looked at her and asked, “Is this also a pre-heat symptom?”

    The pheromone concentration in the air was nearing a dangerous level. The lush cedar and fir trees cast large shadows, their branches and leaves brushing against the exquisite Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum. The sweet pear scent, as if sensing something, immediately surged out.

    Ming Fei’s brain momentarily short-circuited, not understanding why her pheromones had suddenly become abnormal.

    Light and shadows flickered, and the woody scent intensified. For the first time, Ming Fei heard Zhu Yiqiao admit,

    “Yes.”

    Ming Fei’s eyelashes trembled, like a butterfly trapped in a net, struggling.

    According to the pheromone knowledge Zhu Yiqiao had shared with her, if suppressants were ineffective against the pre-heat pheromone surge caused by an impending heat cycle, then only a temporary marking could solve the problem.

    And Zhu Yiqiao had told her before that because she had been using suppressants for too long, not only were they less effective than before, but the resulting negative effects also worsened her pre-heat symptoms.

    Therefore, this method was clearly not feasible at the moment.

    In a flash, meeting Zhu Yiqiao’s gaze, the tips of Ming Fei’s ears gradually began to burn.

    She asked uncertainly, “Then… what should we do?”

  • On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 213

    Chapter 213: I’d Be Really Sad

    After leaving the inn, Chen Yin was lost in thought.

    He had been overlooking something.

    Shen Shuanglian, Yu Xiang, Luo Luo, and Luo Qiaoqiao.

    Their Plot Records all pointed to the same date.

    Initially, it had been five years in the future, the day Yu Xiang attacked the Mist Spirit Sect in his previous life.

    Come to think of it, Master had also been away on a journey at that time.

    Chen Yin now realized that in his previous life, before he changed anything, that date, five years in the future, was the true Triennial Day.

    All the Plot Records seemed to revolve around that day.

    Xiang’er and Shen Shuanglian’s mutual destruction. Master’s absence to deal with the Triennial Day. Luo Luo’s sacrifice to reinforce the seal. And Luo Qiaoqiao’s death.

    But this time, things were different.

    His actions at the Fairy Conference had disrupted Shen Shuanglian and Yu Xiang’s Plot Records, creating a ripple effect that changed everything.

    …The Triennial Day had been moved forward.

    It was supposed to be three or four years away.

    Now, it was only a month away.

    Chen Yin didn’t know why the Plot Records dictated that these Chosen Ones should die on that day.

    But he wouldn’t let it happen again.

    This time,

    No one would die.

    He suddenly stopped, a thought crossing his mind, and turned back, abruptly pushing open Luo Qiaoqiao’s door.

    The room was empty. Only the faint lingering energy of a teleportation talisman remained.

    Chen Yin looked around the empty room and sighed, running a hand through his hair.

    “Seriously… can’t you all just give me a break?”

    “But, come to think of it…” He looked out the window.

    He had been neglecting her.

    No wonder she was acting so strangely.

    Yunlin Province, harbor.

    The harbor was one of the busiest and most prosperous in the entire continent, filled with merchant ships and passenger boats, a constant hubbub of activity.

    But beneath the bustling harbor…

    …lay a hidden underground palace.

    Inside the dimly lit hall, a dozen figures in black robes and masks stood silently.

    The Divine Son, his black cloak billowing around him, sat on the throne.

    “Chenming, what time is it?” His voice was cold and indifferent.

    “Almost midnight, Divine Son,” Divine Messenger Chenming replied respectfully.

    “Fu Zhe still hasn’t returned?”

    This time, Chenming didn’t answer.

    The Divine Son closed his eyes slowly.

    …Chen Yin’s presence in the Wu Xuan Cave meant Yu Ling and the others were likely there as well.

    If Fu Zhe hadn’t returned by now…

    It wasn’t a good sign.

    “Chen Yin, Yu Ling,” he murmured, his eyes narrowed.

    A voice suddenly came from the entrance. “Divine Son, the new recruit has returned.”

    A masked figure in a black robe entered the hall and approached the throne.

    “Divine Son.”

    “You’re lucky to have escaped.”

    The Divine Son’s expression softened slightly. “What’s the situation at the Wu Xuan Cave?”

    “The Grand Witch is furious about the attack from the three sects. She no longer trusts us.”

    The figure bowed respectfully. “But she gave me something for you, Divine Son. She said to examine it before making a decision.”

    “Oh? What is it?”

    The masked figure produced a small, dark gray orb and offered it to the Divine Son.

    He reached out to take it.

    But just as his fingers brushed against the orb, the masked figure suddenly attacked.

    A dagger flashed towards him, a swift and deadly strike aimed at his throat. At such close range, even the Divine Son wouldn’t be able to dodge.

    But the dagger stopped, caught between his fingers.

    The other Divine Messengers drew their weapons, but the Divine Son remained calm, his gaze fixed on the figure before him.

    “…So you were a spy.”

    “It seems I was too careless in recruiting you.”

    A surge of energy erupted from him, and Luo Qiaoqiao, without hesitation, dropped the dagger and leaped back.

    Her mask shattered, revealing her beautiful face and fiery red dress.

    “It’s you.”

    The Divine Son raised an eyebrow. “The Silk-Robe Fairy.”

    “I should have known. To be on par with the Frost Moon Sword Immortal, you must also be a Chosen One.”

    “But I didn’t expect you to personally infiltrate Shen Li. I’m honored.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao didn’t speak, her cold eyes fixed on him. She spoke to her System silently:

    “Ready?”

    “Your injuries haven’t fully healed.”

    “It doesn’t matter.”

    “…Then let’s do it.”

    A crimson light flickered in Luo Qiaoqiao’s eyes.

    A bright, fiery red.

    Like the sun, like a raging inferno, her red dress shimmering with a golden glow.

    Her aura surged, becoming powerful and imposing.

    …The Heavenly Net Sect’s secret technique, “Startling Phoenix.”

    A forbidden technique that burned one’s cultivation base in exchange for a temporary boost in power.

    And Luo Qiaoqiao’s System ability was “Nirvana.”

    As long as her System was intact, she could regenerate her cultivation, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

    Which meant, with the System’s help, she could use the “Startling Phoenix” technique without limitations.

    Engulfed in flames, radiating the power of a phoenix, Luo Qiaoqiao swung her sword, the air around her igniting, the entire chamber turning into a sea of fire.

    The Divine Son watched calmly, his voice turning cold.

    “…Chenming.”

    Divine Messenger Chenming stepped forward and, with a wave of his hand, extinguished the flames.

    Not only that, but Luo Qiaoqiao felt a crushing pressure bearing down on her, almost forcing her to her knees.

    …Pressure?! She instantly recognized his System ability.

    Although she could sense that his cultivation wasn’t much higher than hers,

    In battles between Chosen Ones, cultivation level wasn’t everything.

    Even with the “Startling Phoenix” technique, boosting her strength to near the peak of the Grand Clarity Realm, she still struggled under his immense pressure.

    Her spiritual energy stagnated, and she gasped for air.

    “Right Divine Messenger Chenming…”

    “As expected, only those with powerful and unique System abilities can become the Divine Son’s guardians,” the System sighed.

    “Can you still fight?”

    “I’m fine,” Luo Qiaoqiao gritted her teeth, strands of hair clinging to her sweaty cheeks.

    She forced herself to stand and attacked, her fiery sword intent hurtling towards Chenming.

    Chenming retreated slowly.

    He couldn’t defeat her in a direct confrontation.

    But under the immense pressure of his System ability, her reckless attacks would eventually exhaust her.

    Luo Qiaoqiao’s graceful figure danced through the flames, her sword a blur of motion, each strike powerful and precise, forcing Chenming to dodge and weave.

    He waited patiently for an opportunity.

    The Divine Son watched them, his expression calm, seemingly in no hurry to intervene.

    He frowned slightly, as if lost in thought.

    Then, he suddenly spoke:

    “All Shen Li members,”

    “This location might have been compromised. Chenming, stay behind and cover our retreat. Everyone else, leave immediately.”

    The masked figures bowed respectfully and quickly left the hall.

    “Wait!”

    Luo Qiaoqiao’s eyes widened in alarm. If they escaped, all her efforts would have been wasted.

    Her flames surged, her sword ringing with a clear, phoenix-like cry.

    “Die!”

    The sudden burst of power made Chenming stumble, his arm singed by the flames.

    The Divine Son, seeing Chenming struggling, finally intervened, raising a hand.

    “Enough.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao gasped and clutched her chest, collapsing to the ground.

    It felt like an invisible hand was crushing her heart.

    Excruciating pain and a terrifying sense of dread washed over her.

    “I don’t have time for this.”

    The Divine Son’s voice was cold and indifferent. “Die.”

    He was about to crush her heart,

    When his eyes widened in shock, and his body dissolved into a cloud of black mist.

    A buzzing sound pierced through the air, and a sword embedded itself in the spot where he had been standing just a moment ago.

    The pressure on her chest vanished, and Luo Qiaoqiao collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.

    “Can’t you just listen to me for once?” a familiar voice said beside her.

    She looked up and saw Chen Yin flicking her nose playfully.

    “If you had just gone to sleep like I told you, you could be collecting his corpse right now.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao bit her lip and didn’t answer.

    Chen Yin sighed and gently stroked her hair.

    “Still mad at me?”

    “…I’m not mad.”

    “Yes, you are. You’re jealous because you saw me with other women.”

    “I’m not—” Before Luo Qiaoqiao could protest, Chen Yin gently placed a finger on her lips.

    “We’ll talk later.”

    “Just this once, listen to me, okay?”

    “Don’t try to throw your life away.”

    “I would be really sad,” he said seriously.

  • Friend(GL) 122

    Chapter 122: Scoundrel

    Yu Qiao’s eyes instantly reddened. She understood what Zhou Tianzui meant, her hand falling powerlessly. She said, “Scoundrel.” All her insistence crumbled, her stubbornness shattered. Filled with despair and helplessness, she pounded on Zhou Tianzui’s shoulder, “Zhou Tianzui, you scoundrel! You scoundrel!”

    A scoundrel?

    Yes, she was a scoundrel. She had been cruel to You Ruxu before, and now, to Yu Qiao. She knew she shouldn’t have fallen for You Ruxu, yet she had, head over heels. She knew Yu Qiao would be angry, yet she still hurt her, deceiving her, lying to her, and even now, she couldn’t accept anyone else, she couldn’t even bring herself to go on those blind dates.

    She had broken her promises again.

    Broken her promise to You Ruxu.

    She had said they would try again, work things out, but she gave up, she let go, she was a scoundrel.

    Broken her promise to Yu Qiao.

    She had promised to make Yu Qiao happy, to try dating, to try marriage, but she couldn’t control herself, every touch feeling like insects crawling on her skin, a numb ache accompanied by a deep unease, she just wanted to wash it away, to desperately scrub herself clean.

    She was a scoundrel.

    A true scoundrel.

    Zhou Tianzui took half a step back and said, “Mom, I’m sorry.”

    Yu Qiao had heard these words too many times, more apologies in the past few days than in her entire life. She looked at Zhou Tianzui, her eyes filled with despair and helplessness, she didn’t even have the energy to ask again.

    Was no one good enough?

    Was it only You Ruxu?

    She couldn’t bring herself to ask.

    Because she already knew the answer. Yu Qiao didn’t speak, just walked towards the door and left the room.

    Zhou Tianzui heard her apologizing to Lin Luo, then silence. She walked out. Yu Qiao was sitting on the sofa, silently, the room deathly quiet.

    An oppressive silence.

    After that, Yu Qiao never mentioned blind dates again, dismissing any aunties who tried to set her up. Zhou Tianzui didn’t know what she had said, but things became much quieter around her. Lin Luo tried to talk to her a few times, but seeing her expression, hesitated, not daring to speak. Zhou Tianzui became even more serious and aloof, her temper worsening. Unlike before, she no longer scolded anyone, just gave the erring interns a cold stare, her disapproval so sharp and intense that it made them uncomfortable, more and more people became afraid of her. Even the male colleagues who had been interested in her before now kept their distance.

    Zhou Tianzui reverted to her old self, her life once again revolving around work and home, no longer the shared apartment. Yu Qiao’s mood seemed to have improved recently, although Zhou Tianzui wasn’t sure if “improved” was the right word, at least she wasn’t hysterical anymore, didn’t fly into a rage at the slightest provocation, didn’t try to set her up on blind dates, didn’t even mention the topic.

    It was as if they had gone back in time.

    Back to when they first arrived in Jindu, before You Ruxu.

    You Ruxu’s name—she never mentioned it, and Yu Qiao never asked, just brought her lunch to the hospital every day, a gesture that made her colleagues envious, “Your mother is so good to you.”

    “Your mother’s such a good cook, I can smell the food from miles away.” They rarely went to the cafeteria, usually bringing their own lunch, which wasn’t as fresh by noon. Only Zhou Tianzui had freshly cooked meals every day, delivered by her mother. Once, seeing that there was too much food, wanting to share it with her colleagues, she suddenly remembered You Ruxu’s words.

    “You should eat more too.” She held her chopsticks, sitting at her desk, and ate everything, every last bite. Perhaps because of all the food, she had gained some weight, no longer looking as thin and frail as before.

    “What do you want for dinner?” Yu Qiao sat opposite her and asked, “We have some pork ribs left, want some braised pork ribs?”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “Anything is fine.”

    Yu Qiao said, “Then I’ll go home and start cooking.”

    Zhou Tianzui watched her go, then continued eating, her head lowered. A colleague said, “Dr. Zhou, did your mother go to culinary school?”

    Yu Qiao would now bring an extra portion for her colleagues. At first, they were hesitant to accept, but now, they were addicted to her cooking. Zhou Tianzui said, “No.”

    Her tone was cold and indifferent, but she had been like this recently, so no one paid much attention, their conversation shifting to the latest gossip. Zhou Tianzui glanced at the TV, the live reporter from Jindu TV was someone else, it had been a while since she last saw You Ruxu.

    He Wei explained to everyone, “She’s on leave, went home, I heard her injuries were quite serious, she went back to her hometown to recover.”

    Even she knew more than He Wei.

    He Wei continued, “She’ll be back soon, I heard, can’t wait to see my goddess on TV again.”

    “Teacher You?” A colleague looked at Zhou Tianzui, “Ask Dr. Zhou, she would know.”

    Zhou Tianzui swallowed her soup, her throat tightening. He Wei, seeing her indifferent expression, decided not to ask. She used to be slightly afraid of Zhou Tianzui, but after working with her, she realized she had a warm heart beneath her cold exterior, but now, her moods were so unpredictable, she didn’t dare ask.

    The others chuckled, “Even you’re afraid of someone.”

    “Aren’t you?” He Wei said, “Then you ask.”

    The other person quickly waved their hand dismissively, “No, thank you.”

    Lin Luo, listening to their conversation, glanced at Zhou Tianzui. After that day, Zhou Tianzui’s attitude towards her hadn’t changed at all, as if that awkward blind date was just a dream, but she knew it wasn’t, and despite knowing this, she didn’t dare mention it.

    Because Zhou Tianzui had clearly rejected her.

    The day after the blind date, she had brought Zhou Tianzui a hot drink, and afraid of being misunderstood, bought one for everyone in the office. The others thanked her with a smile, but Zhou Tianzui hadn’t accepted it, just looked at her, her gaze unwavering. Lin Luo’s face flushed, “Dr. Zhou, I didn’t mean anything by it, I just wanted to treat everyone.”

    “Thank you, but no.” Zhou Tianzui lowered her voice, just loud enough for Lin Luo to hear, “You can interpret this as, I’m not interested.”

    Lin Luo, embarrassed, understood her rejection.

    After that, Zhou Tianzui treated her like any other colleague, and she also gradually accepted her place, her silent, unrequited love gently put to rest by Zhou Tianzui.

    She thought, she was actually quite lucky.

    At least their relationship wasn’t awkward now.

    Lin Luo looked away, listening to her colleagues gossip, when the head nurse walked in, “Dr. Zhou, the patient in bed twenty-three is asking for you.”

    Zhou Tianzui closed the container, went to the bathroom to wash up, and then left.

    Her colleagues started gossiping, “What’s wrong with Dr. Zhou?”

    “I don’t know! Don’t you think she’s become a workaholic lately?”

    “Seriously, she was on duty last night, and she’s on duty again tonight, and she volunteered for both shifts.”

    “She was on blind dates just a while ago…”

    “Hey, didn’t you hear? She had a partner, but her mother didn’t approve, they had a huge fight…”

    “What?! Really? When did she have a partner?”

    “Who is it? Someone from our hospital?”

    “Is it Dr. Li? I saw them having dinner together once.”

    Lin Luo couldn’t help but say, “Stop spreading rumors.”

    They all turned to her, “Lin Luo, do you know something?”

    Lin Luo shrugged, “I don’t know anything.”

    They pouted and changed the subject. Zhou Tianzui entered the ward. The patient was having contractions, she put on her gloves and examined her, drawing the curtains. The nurse and He Wei soon arrived. Zhou Tianzui told He Wei to keep a close watch on the patient, then looked up, and at the doorway.

    She saw a figure standing there.

    Bathed in sunlight, smiling at her, a gentle and warm smile, like the first day of spring. Zhou Tianzui stood there for a moment, then heard He Wei call out, “Dr. Zhou, should we take her to the delivery room now?”

    He Wei called out again, “Dr. Zhou?”

    Zhou Tianzui returned to her senses, the doorway empty, “Let’s observe for a bit longer.”

    He Wei agreed.

    Zhou Tianzui left the ward, removed her gloves, and went back to her office. She took out her phone. Yu Qiao hadn’t forbidden her from contacting You Ruxu, but there was a silent agreement between them, to avoid mentioning her.

    This person whose name was pinned at the top of her WeChat contacts, the first person in her chat list.

    Their last conversation was on New Year’s Eve, they hadn’t exchanged a single word since. You Ruxu rarely updated her Moments, so she had to rely on others for news.

    Zhou Tianzui put away her phone.

    “Dr. Zhou, are you on duty tonight?” Fu Shushu walked in, holding a form, Zhou Tianzui looked up, “Yes.”

    “Fill this out.” Fu Shushu said, “You’ve been on duty a lot recently, are you sure you can handle it?”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “I’m fine.”

    Fu Shushu, watching her sign the form, couldn’t help but say, “Let me know if you need any help.”

    “I’m fine, really.” Zhou Tianzui looked up, “I almost forgot, I wanted to thank you for arranging the lawyer’s letter when I was hospitalized.”

    “It’s nothing.” Fu Shushu said, “If you want to thank someone, thank You Ruxu, we didn’t do anything, it was all her.”

    Zhou Tianzui knew this, but hearing it from Fu Shushu was different, You Ruxu’s name now a taut string in her heart, a string she didn’t dare touch, the slightest mention of her name like a pluck, sending vibrations through her, her blood rushing, her emotions stirred.

    She paused for a few seconds, “I still want to thank you all.”

    Her voice, if one listened closely, was trembling slightly.

    Fu Shushu clearly didn’t notice, she just waved the form and left the office. Zhou Tianzui sat at her desk, her computer on, taking deep breaths, spending the entire afternoon trying to calm her racing heart, a reaction to hearing You Ruxu’s name.

    Until Yu Qiao arrived.

    Yu Qiao, carrying a thermos of dinner, greeted the other doctors as she entered. Zhou Tianzui watched her, her expression calm. Her colleagues gradually left for the day, bidding Yu Qiao farewell with a smile. Yu Qiao nodded and sat opposite Zhou Tianzui, handing her the thermos, “Still on duty tomorrow?”

    Her voice was tense.

    Zhou Tianzui opened the thermos, her tone indifferent, “No, not tomorrow.”

    Yu Qiao seemed to relax slightly and nodded. Two doctors entered, greeting Yu Qiao, then removing their white coats, chatting as they tidied up, “We just had someone admitted to the ER.”

    “I know, that TV reporter.” The other doctor said, “The one who’s been coming to our hospital a lot recently, right?”

    “Yes, yes, that’s her, seems like she was targeted…”

    Before she could finish, the sound of chopsticks clattering to the floor, everyone turned around, Zhou Tianzui’s jaw tightened, her face expressionless, seeing everyone looking at her, she said hoarsely, “Sorry.”

    She bent down to pick up the chopsticks. Yu Qiao also looked down, the chopsticks right beside Zhou Tianzui’s hand, but she seemed not to see them, her hand trembling slightly.