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  • The Villainous Older Sister Who Loves Her Younger Sister Aims for the Guillotine 70

    70: Judith

    We returned to the drawing-room of the lord’s mansion.

    Ciel and the prince’s guards were stationed outside.

    This was supposed to be a private meeting between leaders. We had asked them to excuse themselves.

    However, I couldn’t completely isolate the prince, so we maintained the pretense of a meeting without guards.

    While I wasn’t sure if I should have my sister present, she needed to get used to such situations. The prince wouldn’t object.

    Konrad and I sat facing each other on the sofas, a low table between us.

    Judith sat on one of the chairs next to the low table.

    …And Leticia was next to me.

    While I thought Judith and I should be sitting together, with Konrad and Leticia opposite us… according to [Moonlight Liberium], it was Judith, not I, who had decided on the seating arrangement.

    Well, there was nothing wrong with the lord and her sister sitting together.

    And since he was the First Prince, it was understandable that he would be seated opposite the head of the ducal family and her younger sister.

    “No tea or sweets? You’re very straightforward, Your Highness.”

    Judith smiled, wrinkles forming around her mouth.

    “I simply don’t intend to stay long. Please, don’t mind me.”

    Konrad returned the smile gracefully.

    “What business brings you here today?”

    “As you know, I’m here on inspection. I’d like to hear from you, the Acting Lord of Vandergant, about any potential concerns you have regarding the territory.”

    “Isn’t that what the inspection is for?”

    “Of course. However, I’m not sure how to write my report… I’d like to hear your opinion, Acting Lord Judith.”

    Judith looked at me.

    “You have my permission. Consider it an advance report to the lord. Tell him what you can.”

    “…Shouldn’t you be completely transparent in such situations?”

    “I would say that… if I were speaking to His Majesty.”

    I scoffed at Prince Konrad’s words.

    Unfortunately for him, he lacked the weight of authority and trust.

    That being said, he was the First Prince. He was here as His Majesty’s representative.

    Well, if there were any obvious irregularities within a prince’s view, things would be truly rotten.

    Konrad was just a figurehead for the inspection; the real work was done by the other personnel while everyone’s attention was on him.

    Still, asking about ‘concerns’ was a malicious move.

    It was like asking the Acting Lord who was more important: the ducal family or the royal family.

    Answering honestly about her concerns would tarnish the ducal family’s reputation, while a sugarcoated answer would cast doubt on her loyalty to the royal family.

    Leticia, sensing this, looked nervously at me, Konrad, and then Judith.

    Judith smiled calmly.

    “I have no concerns.”

    A completely pro-Vanderwaals answer. Konrad’s eyebrows twitched.

    “There are no signs of war with other countries, no reports of bandits, the crime rate is stable, and the autumn harvest looks promising. The only concern is that the winter might be particularly cold, which could drive up firewood prices…”

    Leticia looked down.

    …In the “back alley,” few homes had fireplaces.

    The poor died in winter. Even in the capital, the warmest region in Eustasia, the cold weakened people, making them susceptible to illness.

    Leticia had said she caught a cold.

    Anyone could catch a cold. Kings, nobles, knights, commoners, all equally.

    And the poor, who had no warm rooms, no thick blankets, no nutritious meals… they died.

    Leticia had survived… luckily.

    “…So everything is going well in Vandergant?”

    “I wouldn’t say that. There are limits to what can be done through governance. …Even so, we have the Vanderwaals family as our lord. Competent nobles are surprisingly rare.”

    She didn’t have to say that last part.

    “…Of course, with the support of the royal family.”

    Her added words, spoken with a smile, sounded like pure sarcasm.

    I had to give Konrad credit for maintaining his affable smile.

    Judith addressed the prince in a calm voice.

    “…Your Highness, what have you seen in Vandergant? And what concerns you?”

    “…The people of the former Principality of Ruins.”

    “Ah, yes, there are those who have fled from that country. What about them?”

    “…They don’t seem to be… thriving.”

    It wasn’t a significant ‘concern’ on a national level.

    The reason he brought it up was probably—because of Leticia.

    “That’s unavoidable. Their meager possessions were spent on travel; they have no resources. Their circumstances are different from those who have lived and worked the land for generations.”

    “…I understand. But they are citizens of Vandergant, are they not?”

    Judith nodded.

    “Indeed. In Vandergant, in accordance with kingdom law, one is considered a citizen if they pay a year’s worth of poll tax in a lump sum, reside in one place and pay monthly taxes, or perform the required labor. …Have they been treated in any way that violates kingdom law?”

    “…No. Not on a large scale, at least.”

    He was probably projecting my sister’s image onto the poor.

    I had been there. Let him stew over it.

    Even great nobles and the royal family couldn’t treat all citizens equally.

    It was a matter of where you set the bar for a ‘good ruler.’

    While this wasn’t an era of war, if we neglected our defenses, our territory could be wiped off the map.

    I wasn’t the best lord, but I certainly wasn’t the worst.

    “Your Highness, do you wish to be a ruler who listens to the opinions of his subjects?”

    “…Yes, I do.”

    So, she was about to offer her opinion.

    And if he tried to interrupt or interfere, it would reveal his qualities as a future king…

    Well, I would leave it to Judith.

    “Then, be patient. If you stay on the right path, you will become the next king.”

    Before us lay a path paved with a red carpet.

    The most prestigious, blood-soaked path in the world.

    The path of rulers, the path that royalty and nobles were destined to walk from birth.

    “Do you remember the ‘Republic’ of Ruins… the nation where the people tried to rule themselves? …The people are not powerless. But they are not omnipotent. People follow those who speak of ideals. However, goats can sometimes traverse rocky mountains where sheep cannot…”

    Ruins was a country where the ‘legitimate royal family’ had almost been extinguished.

    Shortly after I became the head of the family, it changed its name from a principality to a republic, following a rebellion they called a ‘revolution.’

    Its head was replaced… or rather, removed.

    It was the swords of the Eustasia Knights that cut down the so-called revolutionary government, established under the banner of popular rule, and it was the hooves of their horses that trampled on their proclaimed freedom.

    But it had been rotten from the inside before that.

    The people weren’t powerless, nor were they foolish.

    However, we, the ruling class, had been taught statecraft from birth.

    If you simply imitated the superficial aspects… and rejected only those superficial aspects, it was perhaps inevitable that an even uglier political drama would unfold than under the rule of the royal family and nobles.

    Ultimately, the neighboring countries treated it as a rebellion.

    They installed the legitimate royal family, who had survived through marriages with other countries, and restored everything to the way it was—except for the appropriate benefits we received.

    We were afraid. Afraid of being beheaded on that old-fashioned guillotine.

    An antique, rarely used now.

    The ultimate form of dishonorable execution.

    The future that awaited me.

    A symbol of a bygone era, and also a symbol of change.

    While the current nations had done similar things to what the revolutionaries in Ruins had done, the circumstances were different between the chaotic era of constant warfare and the current era of peace.

    The Vanderwaals founding war began with the feudal lords rebelling against the reign of terror wielded by the previous ruler, who threatened them with the guillotine.

    While our ancestors were similar to the revolutionaries of Ruins in that they sent the previous ruler to the guillotine, there was a crucial difference.

    Our ancestors then established a reasonably functional government.

    Naturally. Our ancestors had already been ruling their territories.

    They had their own armies, albeit small, and were the heads of their own ‘nations,’ albeit small.

    They negotiated with other ‘nations,’ formed alliances, combined their power… and that led to the present.

    While the revolutionary ideals were interesting, the result was… that.

    “Don’t try to be a heroic mountain goat. We are but shepherds, guiding the way with our staffs. Our only job is to choose a path where the sheep can walk and to ensure they have plentiful pastures.”

    Perhaps someday, all citizens would be equally educated, and the most capable among them would be chosen to lead the way.

    Perhaps my beheading, and the ascension of someone with Leticia’s perspective to a position of power, was a step towards that future.

    Even so, that day wasn’t today, and it wasn’t tomorrow.

    It was a distant future.

    I touched the crested pocket watch tucked into my pocket, beneath the embroidered crest on my jacket.

    Gears couldn’t move unless their teeth meshed properly.

    The hands of the clock moved forward. This world progressed, little by little.

    One second at a time, never turning back.

    The Republic of Ruins had tried to force the hands of the clock forward.

    And it broke.

    I—I wouldn’t make the same mistake.

    I would follow fate, tracing the scenario faithfully, scene by scene, act by act.

    Well, with a few minor deviations.

    Judith’s calm voice broke the silence that had filled the drawing-room after Konrad fell silent.

    “…I am from Ruins, Your Highness.”

    “…What?”

    “I came here before the revolution. I traveled back and forth, leading caravans… and eventually decided to settle down here.”

    I had heard it was because she had a child.

    Her partner had passed away long ago, but she had been blessed with children and grandchildren.

    The experience, knowledge, and, most importantly, the connections she had cultivated during her time leading caravans… A skilled caravan leader, intimately familiar with the lives of commoners, skillfully navigating their world, buying and selling goods as they traveled… it was like ruling a mobile territory.

    While her pregnancy had apparently been unplanned, she had successfully handed over leadership of the caravan, settled down, made a name for herself in Vandergant’s merchant guilds, and been invited by the young previous lord—my father—to serve the Vanderwaals family, demonstrating her adaptability.

    She was a rare talent, able to balance seemingly contradictory qualities: optimizing daily routines and adapting to unexpected situations.

    She wasn’t overbearing, and the civil officials under her command were flourishing. Our territory was large, and we had the resources to invest in developing talent. And, I might add, the means to retain them with higher salaries.

    “That land… is my home. …It was a small, suffocating country, but it didn’t deserve to be burned…”

    Her homeland hadn’t been destroyed by foreign invaders, but by its own folly. She must have mixed feelings about it.

    Judith smiled gently at Prince Konrad, who was listening with a solemn expression.

    “…May you become a wise king, Your Highness. The Vandergant territory will surely be of assistance…”

    The Kingdom of Eustasia wouldn’t be a kingdom without the territories of the great nobles.

    It was the addition of those territories that made the kingdom truly strong.

    “…Yes. This has been a valuable learning experience.”

    Konrad nodded seriously, then looked at me and smiled.

    “You’re blessed with a capable Acting Lord, Lady Adelheid.”

    “I’m confident in her abilities.”

    While it could be taken as sarcasm, it was also true, so I wasn’t offended.

  • My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty 63

    Chapter 63: Warming Feet

    During the cold winter months, Jiang Xue loved nothing more than a hot bath followed by a warm sleep.

    This was something Xiao Luohan couldn’t have imagined in the past. However, while staying at Uncle Seuss’s house, after recovering from her cold, she had tried it once.

    She didn’t particularly love it, but the feeling of snuggling into a warm bed was indeed very comfortable, and she was willing to make it a new habit.

    While Jiang Xue was still tidying up the room, Xiao Luohan took her pajamas and change of clothes into the ensuite bathroom, removed her winter clothes, and tied up her long hair.

    …It was truly too long.

    She thought about this while washing her hair under the shower.

    She would ask Jiang Xue about Dr. Qi’s friend who specialized in hairstyling when Jiang Xue was free.

    She showered and changed into her pajamas as quickly as possible. Before leaving the bathroom, she also tried the electric toothbrush.

    There were only disposable toothbrushes at Uncle Seuss’s place, but in Jiang Xue’s home, everything had already been prepared for her.

    But she hadn’t expected the electric toothbrush to be so powerful. The same amount of mint toothpaste produced an overwhelming amount of foam.

    She quickly spat out the cold foam and rinsed her mouth several times with warm water, but it still felt tingly.

    She should ask Jiang Xue to get a less intense toothpaste.

    After lying down in the soft bed, Xiao Luohan still felt the mint scent lingering in her mouth and nose.

    It was refreshing, and although she had been sleepy after her bath, she was now wide awake.

    She heard Jiang Xue rummaging through the cabinets, and soon, Jiang Xue came to the bedside with a few tubes of toothpaste.

    “These are the only flavors we have for now. Do you want to try each one?”

    Xiao Luohan sat up and glanced at them, but just by reading the descriptions, she couldn’t be sure what they actually tasted like.

    “Okay, I’ll use less next time,” she thanked Jiang Xue and lay back down.

    She watched as Jiang Xue returned to the bathroom with the toothpaste, heard the electric toothbrush whirring, then the sound of the shower.

    Perhaps because she had recovered from her cold, her senses had become more acute, and Xiao Luohan felt that she could hear sounds she hadn’t noticed before.

    These subtle sounds painted a picture of Jiang Xue’s movements for her. Finally, with a soft click, the room was plunged into darkness, and a warm presence slipped into the separate covers beside her.

    “Goodnight, Xiao Luo.”

    “Goodnight,” Xiao Luohan replied softly.

    She could sense that this wasn’t Jiang Xue’s usual bedtime. Jiang Xue had other plans, not really going to bed early to wake up early tomorrow.

    It was only because it was her first night staying here, and she had the habit of going to bed early, that Jiang Xue had put aside her other tasks to accompany her.

    She hoped this was just a “first-night privilege,” but she couldn’t help but wish for this special treatment every day.

    “Get well soon,” she told herself. “I want to synchronize my sleep schedule with A-Xue every night.”

    Jiang Xue had been on a five-hour flight, spent a long time reading lecture notes, got carsick on the way back, introduced Xiao Luohan to the bedroom and study after arriving home, and even found textbooks for her. She had originally thought she still had some energy left, but as soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell asleep within minutes.

    Asleep, she was quiet and still, lying on her back obediently, without moving.

    Xiao Luohan, having suffered the “mint toothpaste ordeal,” couldn’t sleep for now, so she tried counting Jiang Xue’s breaths to lull herself to sleep.

    As she counted, she felt Jiang Xue move closer, but the thick quilt greatly hindered her movements.

    Xiao Luohan didn’t disturb her, just waited patiently, continuing to count.

    Like a patient hunter, hidden in the darkness, observing the habits of its prey.

    However, she also underestimated her own energy and stamina, unconsciously drifting off to sleep at some point. When she woke up the next morning, she felt something extra in her covers.

    …It was a pair of feet.

    Jiang Xue’s hands were probably trapped by the quilt, but her feet had stretched out in her sleep—after all, this was the large bed she had slept in alone for many years. Stretching her limbs in her familiar territory was perfectly normal.

    Xiao Luohan, who usually curled up in her sleep, instinctively placed her own cold feet against the warm ones.

    But her body was weak, and she wasn’t as “warm-blooded” as Jiang Xue. Even after turning on the electric blanket and taking a hot bath before going to bed, her feet were still cold when she woke up.

    This contact startled Jiang Xue awake.

    Realizing where her feet had strayed, she quickly retracted them, embarrassed, apologizing and asking, “Did I wake you?”

    “I should be the one asking that,” Xiao Luohan said, also a little embarrassed. “My feet were cold, and half-asleep, I instinctively reached for the warmth.”

    This was clearly a lie, but Jiang Xue believed it without a doubt and even started thinking of solutions. “I remember there are special socks for sleeping in winter. If you wear them, your feet won’t be so cold. Or…”

    She had just woken up, her mind still a little fuzzy, and the words after “or” were a bit careless: “Actually, it’s okay like this. I know it’s you. If I’m woken up by the cold again, I’ll know it’s you trying to warm my feet. Anyway, once I know, I won’t be startled awake again. And even if I wake up, I can just go back to sleep!”

    Xiao Luohan: …??

    She was stunned, and it wasn’t until she saw Jiang Xue close her eyes again, still drowsy, that she composed herself, deciding to pretend she hadn’t heard those words.

    When the alarm rang and Jiang Xue woke up completely, the first thing that came to mind were the words she had mumbled to Xiao Luohan in her half-asleep state.

    “…” She didn’t know whether to treat it as a dream or to frankly tell Xiao Luo that she could warm her feet anytime if they felt cold.

    But Xiao Luohan didn’t mention it at all until they went downstairs for breakfast, and Jiang Xue felt that Xiao Luo probably didn’t want to bring it up, or perhaps she felt it was better to just silently let it go.

    She decided to let it go for now. If it happened again, she would ask about Xiao Luohan’s wishes then.

    At 6:10 AM, they got into Sister Cheng’s car and went to school.

    Jiang Xue had heard from Ms. Wei during breakfast that Ms. Jiang had personally called each of her teachers and informed them of the situation.

    Once they arrived at school, Xiao Luo just needed to sit beside her and listen to the lectures, and follow the school rules. Even if she got tired and wanted to rest, the teachers wouldn’t say anything.

    While waiting at a red light, Xiao Luohan couldn’t help but look out the window.

    This was the scene from her first dream.

    Even though it was early morning, the streets weren’t empty. There were “workers” going to work and parents sending their children to school.

    The bus announcements rang out from time to time, and the buses were packed with people.

    The rice ball stall across from the school was also crowded with students, the owner quickly adding various fillings to the rice balls, while the flat griddle beside her was filled with cooking pancakes.

    Xiao Luohan rolled down the window and immediately smelled the aroma of food.

    She patted her slightly rumbling stomach with a hint of regret, closed the window, and said to Jiang Xue, “Can I have a pancake from that stall tomorrow morning?”

    “Of course,” Jiang Xue nodded. “But if we leave from home, we might have to leave as early as today…”

    “Then I’ll live with you in the rented apartment,” Xiao Luohan said.

    She had finally found a reason to live with Jiang Xue in the rented apartment.

    Although it sounded childish and absurd, just to buy a pancake from a street vendor in the morning, it was something Jiang Xue could understand and accept.

    “Then Sister Cheng, please pick up Xiao Luo this afternoon,” Jiang Xue said to Sister Cheng. “I’ll take her to the school cafeteria for dinner these two days. If Xiao Luo doesn’t like the food there, I’ll let you know in advance.”

    “Okay, no problem,” Sister Cheng readily agreed.

    Soon, the car stopped at the school gate.

    As soon as Xiao Luohan got out of the car, she looked up and saw the eight-character motto of Si Ling Foreign Language School.

    Students in winter uniforms arrived from all directions, like streams converging into a river.

    Those who lived far away came by car, driven by their parents or family drivers, while those who lived nearby walked, and some, who weren’t afraid of the cold and wanted to be quick, rode bicycles or electric scooters.

    As Jiang Xue led her through the school gate, Xiao Luohan instinctively looked at her winter uniform and the embroidered school badge.

    —This was Jiang Xue’s other set of winter uniform, which she was temporarily wearing. During the long break today, Jiang Xue would take her to the logistics department to have her measurements taken for a new uniform.

    Si Ling’s uniforms had three sets: spring/autumn, winter, and summer. She had to wear them on school days, so wearing Jiang Xue’s clothes wasn’t a long-term solution.

    They weren’t early. The boarding students who were in charge of the keys had already been studying for a while. Jiang Xue deliberately entered through the back door of the classroom and quietly tidied up her things at her desk.

    “These test papers are extras, we don’t need them anymore. You can put them in the storage bin in the storage room, and someone will collect them later. The money from selling them will be used for class funds.”

    As she explained, she lowered her voice and leaned closer to Xiao Luohan’s ear, afraid of disturbing the students who were studying.

    It was then that Xiao Luohan truly felt the pressure of senior year.

    When morning self-study officially started, this pressure doubled.

    Her “transtemporal pen pal” was right beside her now. Jiang Xue felt that she had to set a good example, and since she was already behind in her studies, she focused entirely on reviewing, without any distractions.

    While she was memorizing key points, Xiao Luohan took out her freshman year Chinese textbook from her backpack, planning to quickly skim through all the texts and then familiarize herself with the reading comprehension questions based on the key points.

    Her backpack was a newly bought canvas bag with a fluffy white cat keychain, a gift from Jiang Xue after she had glanced at it a few times last night.

    Both had a fulfilling morning self-study.

    After class, Xiao Luohan started preparing for the next class—she could still keep up with history, so she wanted to listen attentively.

    But the students who came to refill their water bottles unconsciously crowded behind her.

    Some were truly there for water and left immediately after filling their bottles, while others, noticing the new “classmate,” came over to take a closer look, using getting water as an excuse.

    Dan Yuanyuan was one of the latter. Taking advantage of her good relationship with Jiang Xue, she huddled behind Jiang Xue’s seat with her water bottle and sighed regretfully, “If I had known you were bringing a new classmate, we could have asked her to join the group dance! Look, her looks and temperament are perfect for an ‘ancient person’!”

    Jiang Xue smiled but didn’t say anything, not mentioning that in one of her dreams, Xiao Luo had actually danced with them.

  • Second Time Around, the Villainous Daughter Decides to Indulge First 68

    Chapter 68: Dark Sky 

    By the time Caramy and Calsas hurried back, the hallway was deserted, only a lingering fragrance and shattered glass remaining.

    They searched every classroom, but found no trace of the princess.

    “So, where is she?” Calsas asked, rubbing his forehead, his damp hair clinging to his skin, partially obscuring his dark eyes.

    The frantic run after washing his hair had given him a headache, but it was a small price to pay for a harmless lie, well, probably…

    “Where is Her Highness?”

    Faced with Calsas’s calm question, Caramy’s expression was blank. “I… I don’t know! She was just here, so short, with such short legs, even if she ran, she couldn’t have gone far.”

    He gestured, indicating Diana’s height, barely reaching his waist.

    Honestly, ridiculously short.

    But what could you expect from a ten-year-old girl? It was just that she had enrolled early, which was normal.

    Calsas sensed Caramy was flirting with death, but fortunately, Diana wasn’t present, so he let it slide. “…If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.”

    “Wait, wait! Let’s go to the old teaching building, I think Her Highness might have gone there!”

    “…Fine, I don’t mind if this is a lie, but only if Her Highness is safe.” Calsas was surprisingly tolerant of Caramy’s antics, displaying a maturity beyond his years. “After all, it’s not surprising for Her Highness, with her eccentric personality, to appear in strange places. Let’s go and come back quickly.”

    Caramy nodded. “I’ll lead the way.”

    Calsas: “Please.”

    …

    The abandoned teaching building, their agreed meeting point, was dilapidated, the surrounding weeds half a person tall, perfect for hide-and-seek.

    Vanessa was the first to arrive.

    Her long, dark blue hair, reaching the floor, was tied up with a piece of decaying wood the size of a bed, like a flower girl holding a bride’s train. The two ends of the wood held strands of her hair, swaying gently in the wind.

    Delicate, colorful jewels adorned her white earlobes, sparkling in the crimson sunset. As darkness approached, they hid among her hair, like tired children returning home, waiting for nightfall.

    “So hot, I hate summer…”

    Vanessa lay on her flying magic carpet, letting it drift aimlessly, her languid demeanor like a sleepy kitten.

    The large mage robes were cumbersome for outdoor activities.

    The sun had just set, the temperature hadn’t yet dropped, and Vanessa was already regretting her cooperation with Lena.

    “The Rotten Wood Carpet still has some magic power left. If the target doesn’t appear soon, I’m going back… I want to lie on an ice slime’s belly and drink ice milk…”

    Anyway, Angel didn’t acknowledge her as her sister, so she might as well give up…

    Vanessa’s resolve crumbled; procrastination was always tempting.

    She, a homebody, had gone to great lengths for her sister’s sake, braving the heat to complete Lena’s task, and no one had even praised her…

    Where were they?!

    Had she been stood up?!

    Her eyes narrowed, a sudden gust of wind whipping her hair around her face, yet the strands remained firmly attached to the rotten wood.

    Vanessa circled the teaching building on her carpet, finally landing on the roof. She looked around, the deserted rooftop empty, the warm summer breeze carrying a chilling touch.

    What a creepy place. It was good that she had her carpet, otherwise, she would have been terrified…

    The bookish girl stroked her smooth flying carpet.

    It was her preferred mode of transportation, a magic-powered vehicle that automatically followed a set route, although it required charging, which was a bit troublesome for lower-ranked professionals, but its performance was excellent. Vanessa couldn’t live without it.

    “Tsk, gray-haired devil, was your request just a simple teleportation?”

    Of course…

    Not.

    As if answering Vanessa’s call, Lena walked alone in the twilight.

    She opened her arms, embracing the darkness.

    Crimson lips, gray eyes, a suffocating aura of death emanating from her with every step.

    Her slender legs crossed the overgrown wasteland, bringing with her decay and immortality, her dark magic draining the last vestiges of green, transforming it into a boundless gray domain. Then, her figure disappeared into the shadows…

    Vanessa witnessed everything from the rooftop.

    This was the power of a rank six Necromancer?

    She covered her mouth in shock, her body trembling, unable to escape the terrifying darkness.

    The dark curtain of night descended, as if celebrating Lena’s arrival, black clouds rolling in, covering the sky, creating a dim, gray world.

    “What kind of magic is this? How can it be so perverse?!”

    “It’s called [Dark Sky].”

    Lena appeared behind Vanessa, answering her question, then sat down on the Rotten Wood Carpet, wrapping an arm around Vanessa’s waist, inhaling the fragrance of her hair.

    “Did you miss me? We just saw each other this morning.”

    “Let go of my hair, don’t touch!”

    “I’ll touch if I want to.” Lena stuck out her tongue, licking a strand of Vanessa’s smooth hair, like a rogue, a very beautiful rogue. “I need your help. Someone wants to kill me, I’m so pitiful, I’m going to die…”

    Lena nuzzled against Vanessa’s neck, like a vulnerable joey searching for its mother’s pouch.

    Of course, her words weren’t to be taken seriously.

    But Vanessa still forced herself to respond politely, “Who would dare kill you? Do they even have the ability?”

    “The empire’s precious jewel, why wouldn’t she have the ability? Look for yourself.”

    Lena snapped her fingers, and a thick black mist gathered around her finger, condensing into viscous magic, dripping and corroding the ground.

    The sizzling sound and the smell were nauseating.

    Vanessa pushed Lena’s head away from her neck, her lips pursed. “Stay away from me, you perverted sex fiend. After taking my sister, you want me too? You filthy maggot!”

    “Tsk, you’re more self-aware than your sister, but can you resist more fiercely? Your sister put up a much bigger fight, and yet, she still succumbed to desire.”

    Lena flicked her wrist, and a black chain materialized from magic, lashing out from the dark sky and slamming into the ground.

    A loud crash echoed, like a heavy object hitting the ground.

    It was a cage made of black mist.

    Like tentacles, the black magic reached out from all directions, converging on the center of the “stage,” but the one who unveiled the curtain wasn’t a clown, but…

  • Female Lead Was Coaxed Away by the Villain Again [Quick Transmigration] 131

    Chapter 131: Money Is Really Tempting (4)

    As they drove to the Jin family residence, Mu Chen, who hadn’t received a call from Jin Shuang in two days, finally called. Jin Shuang glanced at the caller ID and hung up.

    Jiang Zhiyan, glancing at the phone, then looking away, asked: “Him?”

    “Mm.”

    Jiang Zhiyan didn’t ask any more questions, covering her mouth and smiling faintly.

    Thirty seconds later, a message popped up.

    “See?” Jin Shuang said.

    “Can I?” Jiang Zhiyan asked, gesturing towards the phone.

    “Mm,” Jin Shuang nodded. “The password is two sixes, two sevens, and two eights.”

    Jiang Zhiyan’s smile widened. Sharing the password to such a personal device meant their relationship had become much closer.

    Their progress could be considered a quantum leap.

    Although there wasn’t much physical contact, this emotional closeness was more important, once their hearts were close, physical intimacy wouldn’t be far behind.

    She opened the phone; the message wasn’t from Mu Chen, but from his assistant.

    But judging by the missed calls, it was indeed Mu Chen who called.

    Jiang Zhiyan rolled her eyes, this guy was putting on airs.

    [Assistant Wang: Madam, Mr. Mu asked if you still need to visit Mr. and Mrs. Jin today?]

    Seeing the word “Madam,” Jiang Zhiyan narrowed her eyes in displeasure. The System had already collected the evidence, which was currently in her possession, she planned to give it to Jin Shuang after dinner.

    Jiang Zhiyan thought for a few seconds, picked up the phone, and took a picture of herself and Jin Shuang in the driver’s seat.

    [Jin Shuang: [picture]]

    [Jin Shuang: Already on our way.]

    [Assistant Wang: Understood.]

    He didn’t send any more messages, and Jiang Zhiyan exited the chat, found her own WeChat, and pinned it to the top.

    She showed it to Jin Shuang while waiting at a red light.

    Jin Shuang smiled but didn’t say anything.

    Jiang Zhiyan, satisfied, put down her phone, leaned back in her seat, and hummed a tune.

    “You have a nice voice.”

    “Mm, natural talent,” Jiang Zhiyan said.

    Jin Shuang laughed again.

    “You have a low laugh point,” Jiang Zhiyan tilted her head, leaning against the seat. “Don’t you think so? I didn’t learn it, I majored in… literature in university.”

    Jiang Zhiyan quickly checked her character settings.

    “No, I know it’s a natural talent, I just find it amusing listening to you,” Jin Shuang said, rubbing her cheeks. “I haven’t laughed like this in a long time.”

    “Then spend more time with me, and you’ll be this happy every day,” Jiang Zhiyan said.

    Jin Shuang raised an eyebrow slightly: “Don’t I still have to rebuild my career? I might not have that much time.”

    “I can be your secretary,” Jiang Zhiyan offered. “I’m very capable, really.”

    “We’ll talk about that later, let’s not discuss work when we’re having fun, I’ll definitely ask for your help if I need it.”

    “It would be a good opportunity for me to find employment,” Jiang Zhiyan paused. “I’ve already obtained the evidence against him, is that considered good news?”

    “Of course,” Jin Shuang’s smile deepened. “What kind of evidence? I wonder how much he’s willing to pay for it.”

    Jiang Zhiyan quickly glanced at the evidence: “Explosive 4K high-definition video, clear frontal shots.”

    Jin Shuang was silent for a full twenty seconds, then she couldn’t help but glance at Jiang Zhiyan and look away again. Although she didn’t say anything, her shock was evident: “How did you even get that?”

    “I told you, I’m very capable, in every aspect,” Jiang Zhiyan winked at her.

    “Then it seems I can really get a lot,” Jin Shuang said.

    “Hey, can I watch when you confront him?” Jiang Zhiyan asked curiously.

    Jin Shuang tapped the steering wheel: “I’ll think about it, I’ll find a way, normally it’s not allowed, the Mu family is very concerned about their image, and if they know you’re the one who obtained the evidence, they might retaliate against you.”

    “Sigh,” Jiang Zhiyan sighed softly, although the Jiang family was also wealthy, they were no match for the male lead’s family.

    They were almost there; she could see the gate of the Jin family villa.

    Jin Shuang had told her parents about Jiang Zhiyan coming in advance, so no one was surprised when they arrived. However, there were more people present than expected, and the atmosphere was a bit strange, but Jiang Zhiyan didn’t think it was directed at her.

    But since Xie Liaoyi had the female lead role this time, there would probably be some unpleasant relatives to spice up the plot.

    Jiang Zhiyan happily greeted everyone, following behind Jin Shuang, paying special attention to the second uncle and second aunt. She then handed out the gifts she had bought. Because there were more people than expected, all the gifts Jin Shuang prepared were given out, nothing was left.

    “You didn’t have to bring so many gifts,” Jin Shuang’s mother said with a polite smile.

    “Why didn’t Mu Chen come back with you this time?” the second aunt couldn’t help but ask.

    Jin Shuang’s mother glared at her with displeasure, but she was ignored.

    Jin Shuang thought for two seconds: “I didn’t want to bring him back, he’s been cheating on me, and I’m planning to divorce him.”

    Jiang Zhiyan had just picked up her juice, she didn’t expect the topic to shift so quickly, but she calmly took a sip.

    The obsequious smiles on the second uncle and second aunt’s faces instantly disappeared, replaced with awkwardness: “Is there some kind of misunderstanding?”

    “No, I already have evidence,” Jin Shuang paused. “4K high-definition video, clear frontal shots.”

    Jin Shuang’s tone was casual, but everyone present looked shocked.

    “It’s a business marriage, it’s normal for each of you to have your own… fun… I can also introduce you to some nice young men,” the second uncle said, frowning and looking at Jin Shuang’s parents.

    Jin Shuang’s parents’ faces darkened.

    “Divorce,” Jin Shuang’s mother said, looking at the second uncle. “My daughter can divorce if she wants to, there’s no need for her to put up with this.”

    “But I have a project…” the second uncle frowned.

    “So I have to sacrifice my happiness and health for your project? He’s messing around outside, what if he catches some disease?” Jin Shuang said, leaning back on the sofa, her tone calm, but firm. “Your project isn’t that important to me.”

    Jiang Zhiyan raised an eyebrow: “It seems there’s no need for me to do anything.”

    “Just enjoy the show,” the System said.

    Jiang Zhiyan sighed softly: “She was so naive when she first started doing missions.”

    Now even a fragment was so capable.

    Jiang Zhiyan looked at Jin Shuang, her gaze gentle.

    Jin Shuang met her eyes, froze for a second, then looked away.

    “I’m definitely getting a divorce, this is a notification, I won’t listen to anyone who tries to persuade me otherwise, I’ll see it as them deliberately trying to harm me. I came back for dinner today, I don’t want anything to ruin my mood,” Jin Shuang said with a smile. “Those who care about me don’t have to worry, I’m very happy to be able to divorce him, and I spent tens of millions of his money in the past two days, my mood is excellent.”

    The second uncle and second aunt still wanted to say something, but the gazes of Jin Shuang and her parents silenced them, they could only sigh.

    “You used to like him so much.”

    “Just thinking about it now makes me sick,” Jin Shuang said. “Such trash.”

    Jiang Zhiyan finished her juice, poured herself another glass with a smile, and the others changed the subject.

    Jin Shuang was called to the study by her parents, and Jiang Zhiyan wasn’t worried.

    However, as soon as Jin Shuang’s parents left, the persistent second uncle and second aunt turned their attention to Jiang Zhiyan.

    “Aren’t you her friend? You should persuade her, men, well, it’s normal for them to stray occasionally,” the second uncle said. “As long as he changes, it’s fine.”

    “You cheat?” Jiang Zhiyan raised an eyebrow and looked at him, then glanced at the second aunt, emphasizing, “Did you hear that? Your husband is cheating on you.”

    The second aunt’s face instantly darkened, she glared at her husband, her fists clenched.

    “No, I don’t,” the second uncle immediately became nervous.

    “I suggest you investigate, he probably does, and if he has illegitimate children, they might come out and fight for your family’s assets later,” Jiang Zhiyan continued. “Look how guilty he looks.”

    “No, what’s wrong with you, young lady, you…” The second uncle stared at her, wide-eyed.

    “You’re so old, and you’re still so unreliable, what kind of nonsense is that? She wants a divorce, and I, as her friend, should persuade her to reconcile with a scumbag? Do you even hear yourself? It’s not like she can’t survive without Mu Chen,” Jiang Zhiyan said, rolling her eyes and taking a sip of juice.

    The others remained silent, watching the show, almost laughing out loud as they watched the second uncle being verbally battered by Jiang Zhiyan.

    The second uncle took a deep breath: “Let me tell you, young lady, you won’t get anywhere in society speaking like that.”

    “I don’t need to, my family doesn’t want me to work, I can just live off them,” Jiang Zhiyan said nonchalantly. “I have money, and I have a good relationship with Shuangshuang, she’ll protect me.”

    As she spoke, Jiang Zhiyan winked at the second uncle twice, looking both smug and infuriating.

    Jin Shuang went to the tea room with her parents.

    Jin Shuang, seeing their worried expressions, took the initiative to speak: “I’m fine, not sad at all, in fact, I’m very happy.”

    “Really?” Her mother frowned, she remembered how distraught Jin Shuang had been when she wanted to marry Mu Chen, how could she be fine now, with such a big incident like Mu Chen’s infidelity?

    “I’m really fine,” Jin Shuang said, glancing at the door and lowering her voice. “I’m planning to use the video as leverage, as a condition for a peaceful divorce. But if I do that, it might ruin our relationship with the Mu family.”

    Her father looked at Jin Shuang and nodded: “Let it be ruined then, we’re not afraid of them, the most important thing is you, as long as you’ve thought it through, it’s fine.”

    “I’m sorry for worrying you,” Jin Shuang sighed softly, holding her cup. “I was too naive before, I only figured it out recently, I was blinded by love, I don’t even know why I made those choices.”

    “It’s fine, what’s done is done,” her mother said, pulling Jin Shuang into a hug, her eyes reddening. “You’ve suffered enough during this time, always being so careful in front of us, not daring to say anything.”

    “It’s over now, Mom, my good days are ahead,” Jin Shuang said, patting her mother’s back. “It’s a blessing to wake up early.”

  • I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets! 220p2

    Chapter 220: Emperor-Tier Star Sand Appears!! p2

    ***

    Moon Soul World, Cloud Mist Sea Palace.

    “Magnificent. I haven’t seen this since… well, the last time,” Yaochi, the Sixth Guardian, a Legend in her Overlord stage, said with a sigh, sitting across from Moonwalker.

    Whenever the Lunar Divine Festival began, all beings within the evolutionary system felt the presence of that higher dimension.

    The victor would ascend to the pinnacle of the Moon Soul World, witnessed by all!

    But no matter how awestruck they were, they couldn’t transmit this feeling to the next generation.

    They were merely witnesses.

    After this, even their memories might be erased by the True Spirits.

    But at least…

    This moment would be spectacular!

    Moonwalker, in her human form, smiled faintly, taking a sip of wine.

    A massive image of a meteorite-filled starry sky appeared in the minds of trillions of beings.

    Seven graceful figures stood on the lunar surface.

    Tai Yin, Dao Yao, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, Star Goddess, Nether Concubine, Ice Queen, and…

    Lian Xing!

    While the Beast Tamers and Pet Beasts of the Moon Soul World were merely awestruck, this scene was a dimensional reduction for the beings of the subordinate worlds, their worldviews shattered and trampled upon.

    Each figure in this image was beyond their comprehension.

    After all, though the subordinate worlds inherited the Moon Soul World’s system and rules, they hadn’t seen Ancient Species, Shining Species, or Fallen Species, not even high-ranking Legends.

    [Time flow synchronized between the True Spirit World and subordinate Soul Worlds.]

    [The Lunar Divine Festival is about to begin. All combat and aura clashes within the Twelve Moons’ vision are forbidden.]

    Lian Xing, standing on the lunar surface, calmly faced the gazes of all beings.

    If she were still the girl she had been a month ago, she might have felt embarrassed by her attire, especially White Silk Weaver Girl’s awakened form.

    But now, after her experiences, she no longer cared…

    Having transformed from a girl to a woman, her enthusiasm had only intensified!

    She glanced at Star Goddess, Nether Concubine, Tai Yin, and Ice Queen.

    In past competitions, she had always been the underdog, a hidden threat. Whether against Dead Ash, Tear Heavenly Maiden, or during the Shining Six Stars Banquet, no one had expected her to win.

    But now, the situation was different.

    This was the Lunar Divine Festival, with only five participants.

    Every opponent was at the pinnacle of Beast Taming; no one would underestimate her.

    [The first trial of the Lunar Divine Festival, Talent, is about to begin.]

    [Participants, please prepare.]

    […]

    […]

    [BOOM!!!!]

    A deafening roar, and the starry sky seemed to explode.

    The countless meteorite fragments on the lunar surface swirled upwards, rapidly forming a staircase that stretched for trillions of miles towards another meteorite.

    The swirling debris continued, piercing through eleven more giant meteorites, creating a starry ladder resembling the twelve signs of the zodiac, forming a massive constellation in the vast starry sky.

    All beings within the Moon Soul World’s system were stunned by this miraculous sight.

    What level of power was this…?

    It was beyond comprehension.

    [Those who have been observed by a True Spirit can ascend this ladder to the pinnacle. This is the only requirement for the Lunar Divine Festival.]

    [Recall… has there been a strange, inexplicable moment in your life? A scene you couldn’t understand, even after reaching the peak of your world?]

    As the rules appeared, the four Beast Tamers fell silent.

    Star Goddess, of course, had spent her life entangled with the Eleventh Zodiac.

    Nether Concubine suddenly remembered a small, nine-colored plum blossom deer she had often seen before encountering danger in her youth. Each appearance had heralded a crisis, a mystery she hadn’t understood even until her death.

    Ice Queen, in her shroud, recalled her near-death experiences. She had faced death three times on her Beast Taming path, each time awakening to find herself unharmed, surrounded by endless ice and snow.

    [Participants cannot attack each other in the first round, but interference is allowed.]

    Star Goddess, the center of attention, stepped onto the meteorite staircase first, followed by Ice Queen and Nether Concubine. The three beauties ascended together.

    After a deliberate pause, Tai Yin, with a chuckle, recalled Dao Yao and Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, then floated upwards on her silver moon.

    Under everyone’s gaze, only the starry-eyed girl with the golden twin buns and unconventional footwear remained motionless.

    It wasn’t that Lian Xing was trying to be dramatic.

    She had simply… forgotten how to walk.

    Standing before the endless starry staircase, Lian Xing was bewildered.

    What… what was going on?

    Why had she forgotten how to walk…?

    Star Goddess, Nether Concubine, Ice Queen, and Tai Yin all turned to look at her.

    “…”

    “…”

    “She has been rejected by the True Spirit…” Inverse Time, within Star Goddess, said with a sigh.

    This was likely the first time in the history of the Lunar Divine Festival that someone invited had been rejected.

    Lian Xing was the first…

    If Drought hadn’t died, Star Goddess would be in the same situation.

    Both Lian Xing and Star Goddess had been observed by the Eleventh Zodiac. Star Goddess had followed the rules of a Shining Beast Tamer, but Lian Xing hadn’t. She had defied the True Spirit’s system, collecting all three special evolutions, causing the Eleventh Zodiac to withdraw its aura.

    This had turned Lian Xing into a mere tourist in the Lunar Divine Festival…

    She had sensed the fading aura of the Eleventh Zodiac during her Fallen evolution, but she hadn’t cared. Now, she was facing the consequences.

    “Is she stupid?” Tai Yin muttered, looking at the bewildered golden-haired girl.

    Without a True Spirit’s blessing, Lian Xing was essentially eliminated from the Lunar Divine Festival before it even began.

    However…

    Under everyone’s gaze, and the worried eyes of her friends and family…

    The golden-haired woman raised her head, the stars in her eyes shimmering brightly.

    Eliminated at the very beginning?

    Fine, then no one gets to play!

    Under the gazes of countless beings, Lian Xing snapped her fingers.

    “Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring!!”

    “Click—”

    The silver halo above her head shimmered, teleporting the four women back to the starting point.

    The spectators were dumbfounded.

    Even Star Goddess and the others were stunned.

    How could she do that?

    Even if it wasn’t a direct attack, it was incredibly unfair…

    What a disgusting ability!

    A stopwatch appeared above Star Goddess’s head.

    Inverse Time, the Second Guardian, activated her power.

    Star Goddess’s figure flickered, reappearing instantly on the staircase.

    And Lian Xing could sense that under Inverse Time’s protection, Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring couldn’t affect Star Goddess anymore.

    But that was fine. Nether Concubine and Ice Queen were still there…

    As Ice Queen and Nether Concubine glared at her, a purple butterfly emerged from behind Nether Concubine.

    Qianqiu, of the Three Saints Palace…

    Instead of interfering with Lian Xing, Qianqiu whispered something to her.

    [Mother-in-law… Star Concubine, for my sake, let my master go. Ice Queen and Tai Yin are still here.]

    [As compensation, I’ll give you a hint…]

    Lian Xing frowned, skeptical.

    Qianqiu’s reputation wasn’t exactly stellar. Could she be trusted?

    This was the Lunar Divine Festival, held once every ten million years.

    She might resort to any means necessary to ensure her Beast Tamer’s victory.

    But with Ice Queen and Tai Yin still trapped, letting Nether Concubine go first didn’t matter. If Qianqiu’s hint didn’t work, Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring could always bring her back.

    Lian Xing waved her hand at Nether Concubine.

    “You can go~~~”

    “…”

    “…”

    “Thank you, you’re so kind.” Nether Concubine smiled sweetly at Lian Xing, then turned and left, under Ice Queen and Tai Yin’s frustrated gazes.

    After a moment of silence, Ice Queen extended her hand, a white aura enveloping her.

    White Abode, the sixth-ranked Legend!!!

    With White Abode activated, Ice Queen glanced at Lian Xing, then turned and left.

    Undoubtedly, in this non-combative first round, all grudges and rivalries would be settled in the third round…

    “Sigh, that old woman actually borrowed her daughter’s Pet Beast. How shameless…” Lian Xing thought as Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring’s suppression of Ice Queen also failed.

    Ignoring the scowling Tai Yin, she looked at Star Goddess.

    Qianqiu had said the key to breaking through was with Star Goddess.

    She would test that theory…

    [Divine Machine]

    [Replay]

    “Whoosh—”

    Two powerful Mechanical auras erupted from within Lian Xing, instantly breaking through Inverse Time’s protection. Star Goddess was teleported back to the starting point.

    She frowned, Inverse Time activating again, returning her to the starry staircase.

    But the next second, Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring teleported her back again.

    The two abilities clashed, trapping Star Goddess.

    Those familiar with Lian Xing weren’t surprised by this shameless tactic, but many unfamiliar with her were amused.

    Even Tai Yin chuckled, not bothering to move yet.

    The endless staircase couldn’t be ascended quickly, and greater challenges lay ahead…

    “Enough!!!” Star Goddess snapped after being pulled back for the seventh time.

    Inverse Time’s aura erupted, engulfing the starting point.

    Under everyone’s gaze, Lian Xing’s appearance regressed, her robe loosening as she transformed into a seven or eight-year-old girl, her soft, white skin exposed by the oversized robe.

    Lian Xing’s age had been reversed by Inverse Time!

    Silver Dragon, Heavenly Maiden, Tears Maiden, Thunder Fly, and other admirers gulped, wanting to cuddle the adorable child.

    Though mortified by this transformation, Lian Xing couldn’t use Replay on herself; she had to keep refreshing Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring to prevent its level from dropping.

    But besides the Ancient Rabbit, whose high resistance kept her unaffected, the levels and realms of Starlight Never Diminishes, Moon Eternal, Snow Flower, Calamity Sun, Star Sand, Mist Colt, Golden Leaf, and even the Divine Machine began to regress uncontrollably.

    This was the power of Inverse Time, the Second Guardian…?

    Lian Xing, suppressing her shock, focused on refreshing Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring, countering Inverse Time’s power.

    If Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring regressed, she was out of the game.

    As long as Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring remained unaffected, her other Pet Beasts could be restored.

    Star Sand, with the lowest level, was the first to regress, reverting to a High-Tier newborn.

    A High-Tier Pet Beast in the Lunar Divine Festival was incredibly rare, yet here it was, the only one of its kind: Star Sand!

    And not only Star Sand, but Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring was also nearing its limit.

    Inverse Time was a top Legend and an Overlord. Even with Replay’s ability, the Monarch-Tier Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring couldn’t fully resist her.

    Soon, Lian Xing was cornered.

    After Star Sand, Mist Colt also regressed, and Star Sand was about to revert to its pre-birth state.

    Damn, tricked by Qianqiu…

    Her lineup suppressed by Inverse Time, unable to deploy the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit, the child Lian Xing frowned.

    However…

    As Star Sand regressed, a powerful aura suddenly erupted from within it.

    Wait, this was…

    Had it reverted to its past life?

    Before Lian Xing could fully process this, Inverse Time withdrew her aura from Star Sand, stopping its regression.

    Having experienced similar situations with other Legends, Inverse Time had anticipated this, stopping the moment Star Sand’s Emperor aura appeared, not giving her a chance to shine.

    As a Guardian, Inverse Time wasn’t a mindless villain, acting as a stepping stone for others’ evolutions.

    But then, Lian Xing’s eyes widened in realization.

    Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring stopped refreshing itself.

    Ignoring her own state, she refreshed Star Sand, returning it to the moment before its regression.

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    The next second, under everyone’s awestruck gaze, a golden sandstorm erupted, engulfing the entire Lunar Divine Festival arena.

    And as Star Goddess’s starry eyes narrowed, everyone present—every Pet Beast, every combat skill and Arcane Art, every talent—dimmed.

    In their place, amidst the golden sandstorm, stood a radiant, god-like, golden elemental figure.

    Below a True Spirit, all were equal.

    Emperor Star Sand · Imperial Concubine’s Moon Crown, had arrived!

  • Sickly Girl Doesn’t Die in Zombie Simulator 142p1

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Two: A Sweet Sister p1

    Huayibai carried Lin Jiayao and stopped at the edge of the square, gradually transforming back into the appearance of a little girl.

    However, where Lin Jiayao was originally sitting, Huayibai still left a part of the stool composed of mycelium to support Lin Jiayao’s body.

    “Hah-ah-ah—”

    In the sight of the two, a figure wearing a sports bra was grabbing vines and quickly climbing up the building-tree.

    Her original black jacket had already been hung aside. The figure’s whole body was soaked with sweat, but she still did not slow down, and climbed all the way to the top of the building-tree more than fifty meters high.

    The moment she reached the designated point, she let go of the vines she was holding, stomped her feet forward, and her body fell backwards like free-falling water.

    This was a height of fifty meters…

    Seeing this scene, Lin Jiayao, without a trace of hesitation, quickly raised her right hand forward.

    Myriad Tendrils——

    “Ch—”

    Mycelium burst out from the palm of Lin Jiayao’s hand, forming a huge soft hand made of mycelium below the falling figure.

    A distance of more than fifty meters sounded like a long way, but if falling from a high place, it only took about three seconds to reach the bottom.

    So when Lin Jiayao was mentally exhausted and this hand was only half formed, Lin Xiwan, who was wearing a black sports bra, was already about to fall to the bottom.

    Lin Xiwan seemed not to be flustered at all.

    “Thump—”

    A bell rang, and Lin Xiwan, who had already accumulated strength in the air, punched the ground fiercely.

    “Boom—”

    Her right hand burst with scarlet blood vessels. After all the force was concentrated at one point, it exploded in front of her fist before touching the ground.

    A wave of air was set off, and moss and broken marble ground fragments splashed, even smashing Lin Jiayao’s giant hand of mycelium that had just been condensed.

    This recoil force instantly offset the gravity of the fall, but it also caused Lin Xiwan’s right fist to twist unnaturally, causing great impact on her internal organs.

    “Pfft—”

    Under the push of this air wave, Lin Xiwan rolled a few times in the air and landed, spitting out a mouthful of bloody saliva.

    “Huff… hah… huff…” At this time, Lin Xiwan, who was breathing heavily, noticed that there were two more people at the entrance.

    Just now, immersed in fighting with the earth, Lin Xiwan didn’t notice that her sister had actually come.

    After wiping the sweat off her face with her hand, Lin Xiwan smiled and walked in her sister’s direction.

    “Was that cool? My set of punches from the sky.”

    Lin Xiwan walked to her sister, and was about to reach out and touch her sister’s head, but thinking that her hands were full of ash and sweat, she retracted her hand halfway, smiling and explaining:

    “This was inspired by the time I fought that Awakened with Huayibai before.”

    This training method of climbing a building and then falling down to find the right time to punch with all her strength was a devil training method that Lin Xiwan figured out herself.

    Not only could it consume her physical energy at an extremely fast speed, but it could also exercise her timing of punching at the limit and beat her body.

    Muscle-type trainers, anti-strike training was also very important. If you wanted to attack better, you had to have a lot of defense support.

    The scene of punching the ground from the air just now was already a good performance of a C-rank muscle-type Awakened, and there was still a lot of room for development.

    “Amazing.” Lin Jiayao nodded. Her sister’s fall just now really made Lin Jiayao break out in a cold sweat.

    However, Lin Jiayao still reached out, grabbed her sister’s hand that was about to be retracted, put it in front of her, and frowned slightly.

    Her sister’s hand… was now in a terrible state.

    Bone Spike Lurker could accurately transmit the state and appearance of her sister’s whole body bones to Lin Jiayao through the vibration of touch.

    Maybe it was because of high-intensity exercise, even with the strength of a C-rank Awakened, her sister’s body still had some problems, especially the hand bones, which even had some slight cracks.

    Although it could be quickly recovered by the Awakened’s recovery ability, the pain caused by these injuries still existed.

    “You’re pushing yourself too hard… Why don’t you rest for a while?” Lin Jiayao originally wanted to talk to her sister, but as soon as she spoke, the prepared harsh words were replaced by heartache.

    She vaguely knew why her sister was so desperate to become stronger. Under this premise, she couldn’t blame her sister for anything.

    Because she was planning to not sleep for 24 hours… Double standards were not good.

    “I rested,” Lin Xiwan squeezed her sister’s palm with her right hand and said with a smile, “It’s rare to have free time, I have to practice well.”

    “Then you have to change the training method next time, this is too harmful to the body.” Lin Jiayao shook her head and said.

    “But… there’s nothing to practice with. If I don’t do this, the intensity won’t be enough.” Lin Xiwan was also a little helpless.

    Kun City was indeed safe, and it was too safe, so safe that not a single zombie could be found. Lin Xiwan’s skills could only be used to fight the earth.

    After hearing Lin Xiwan’s words, Lin Jiayao pondered for a while, and then nodded and said, “There is.”

    Saying that, Lin Jiayao let go of her sister’s hand, her palm drooping, and a mycelium connected to the vines on the ground.

    “Crack—”

    With Lin Jiayao’s movements, the building-tree on one side vibrated, and the “corpses” on it fell down one by one. These “corpses”, which were almost covered with moss, slowly stood up after landing.

    “Hiss…”
    “Roar—”

    In addition to the corpses on the ground, several giant birds broke free from the shackles of the vines and flapped their wings to fly.

    Finally, after shaking off the zombies on its body, a part of the building-tree directly uprooted itself, breaking the roots and vines, and stood firmly in front of the dumbfounded Lin Xiwan.

    “Which one do you want to fight?” Lin Jiayao looked at her sister and asked, “If it’s not enough, you can also practice with Huayibai.”

    The situation of lacking training partners was easy to solve. There were a large number of zombies tied and hung by the vascular network in the building-tree forest. As long as a little sap was injected, they could be reactivated.

    Punching a sandbag was at least better than punching a concrete floor, the same principle.

    “This…” Lin Xiwan widened her eyes and looked at the huge building-tree guard who had separated from the stairs, and opened her mouth.

    Speaking of which, she seemed to have seen a building-tree detach and collapse in the sea of fire that night. At that time, she thought it was burned down.

    “These… will it be okay to kill them?” Looking at the numerous zombies and building-tree guards in front of her, ranging from weak to strong, Lin Xiwan felt a little eager to try.

    In the case of ensuring safety, having real enemies that could be killed was undoubtedly much better than practicing against the air.

    “It’s okay,” Lin Jiayao explained, “Kill those zombies, and the building-trees can also be directly ashed. Anyway, the nutrients will eventually be decomposed into the vascular… forest.”

    Lin Jiayao originally wanted to say vascular network, but it was more difficult to understand, and it was easier for people to understand it directly as a forest.

    Those zombies died, and the building-tree guards fell. In the end, the corpses would still be decomposed by other building-trees and vines, and finally form new building-trees. Even if more died, given time to regenerate, the total amount would not change.

    Such a large piece of building-trees was enough for her sister to fight from morning to night, from the great-grandfather of the building-tree to the great-grandson of the building-tree, without disrupting the cycle, and she could destroy it as she pleased.

    It could be said to be a simple version of the 【Training Grounds】.

    Of course, B-rank could not play like this. The destructive power of B-rank definitely exceeded the regeneration speed of the vascular network.

    “Okay…” Lin Xiwan smiled and squeezed her fists, eager to have a big fight, but she was pulled back by Lin Jiayao.

    “Rest.” Lin Jiayao said, snapping her fingers, and all the zombies moving towards this side were attracted by a special smell and turned to run towards the vacancy of the building-tree.

    And the huge building-tree that had already separated from the building also slowly bent its huge roots and lay down on the ground to stand by.

    Even the giant birds in the air were recaptured by the vines between the building-trees and drained of energy.

    Seeing this scene, Lin Xiwan also sighed.

    It seemed that before her body was fully recovered, her sister would not let her continue high-intensity training.

    Although her sister was usually well-behaved and obedient, she would be very serious and merciless when it came to issues related to her safety and health.

    The devil training was interrupted, but Lin Xiwan was not annoyed at all. Instead, she felt relaxed because she was cared for by her sister.

    It was like eating a piece of white sugar, sweet.

    “Then what are you going to do?” Lin Xiwan sat directly on the ground next to Lin Jiayao very simply, and asked casually, “Are you still sleeping?”

    “No, rest.” Lin Jiayao also answered very directly.

    Although with Hunting Rhythm, she would not faint directly.

    But her reaction and other things had been greatly weakened, and she was a little slow in doing anything.

    Just like just now, if she was still in full mental mode to use mycelium to catch her sister, she would definitely have caught her before her sister punched, it would not have been so slow.

    This state was definitely not suitable for continuing to log in.

    Hunting Rhythm could only help Lin Jiayao “overclock” and “low power operation”, it did not double Lin Jiayao’s spirit.

    If she continued to squeeze, let alone faint, she might even die suddenly.

    She still had to wait for the second-level training ground to be built, and by the way, find the construction materials for the first-level library in the meantime, at least to increase her mental recovery speed.

    The things at the bottom of the sea had not been clarified, and Lin Jiayao planned to knock on the side from other channels.

    Donghai City was a city by the sea, and Survivor’s Light’s understanding of seaside zombies must be deeper than Lin Jiayao’s, and she had to find an opportunity to ask.

    In Dongying on the 5th, she could also intuitively feel the threat of the seaside, and logging into the 5th could also increase her understanding of underwater creatures.

    It was just that she hadn’t logged into the 5th for a while, and Lin Jiayao didn’t know what the situation was there now.

    Before she extracted, the houses on the coastline there had been washed away by the tsunami. Now if she logged in, maybe half of the city had been destroyed.

    She had to find an opportunity to log in and extract the 5th quickly and change the location… Otherwise, it would be easy to give it away for nothing.

    Although the system said that there would be compensation for the death of the zombie in the extraction state, compensation was compensation. Lin Jiayao had not finished exploiting the evolution on the 5th, and could not let it die easily.

    At least she had to exploit all the golden evolutions before dying, and she could also exploit the system compensation.

    Thinking of this, Lin Jiayao began to feel busy again.

    After her spirit recovered, she had to go to log in to Goldie to clean up Wisconsin non-stop, and when her spirit recovered again, she had to log in to the 5th, and then use the 6th to log in to a region to draw a lottery…

    Although Huayibai was by Goldie’s side, and the B-rank Huayibai could completely clean up Wisconsin, which had eliminated the biggest threat.

    But the problem was that those Hive Zombies could really affect Huayibai’s spirit. If she was not present, it would be difficult for Huayibai to resist the pheromones on her own.

    Lin Jiayao didn’t want her daughter to run out and suddenly be controlled by other zombies. She had no interest in being cuckolded, so naturally she wouldn’t let Huayibai take risks.

    As for the building-tree guard of No. 2, Lin Jiayao also planned to find an opportunity to directly replace other zombies.

    The vascular network had been controlled by Lin Jiayao, and countless building-tree guards obeyed her instructions. The one logged in by the system was obviously a bit of a waste of space.

    It seemed that No. 2 had always been unlucky. She didn’t know if the login slot of No. 2 was poisonous.

    At the same time, after hearing that her sister was also going to rest, Lin Xiwan was a little unbelievable.

    In the past, her sister was either sleeping (fighting) or on the way to sleep (fighting). Only when she was so tired that she could barely lift her eyes would she choose to rest.

    Now she was actually going to rest when she could still speak clearly.

    It seemed that the situation of zombies in other places was relatively good, so her sister was so relaxed.

    Of course, these were all Lin Xiwan’s misunderstandings. Her sister not only did not feel that it was getting better and better, but felt that there were more and more threats around.

    “Then what are you going to do later?” Lin Xiwan lay back, lying on the wet and soft moss, looked at her sister and asked with a smile, “Any ‘activities’?”

    “No,” Lin Jiayao held the mycelium chair with both hands, turned her body, faced her sister and asked, “Do you have anything you want to do?”

    Originally, Lin Jiayao was planning to come to her sister to try out her abilities, but now that her sister was in this state, she might as well wait for her to rest.

    As for Huayibai?

    No bones, no way to try. The bones simulated by mycelium were essentially mycelium, and bone-based abilities could not have any effect on them.

    The matter of combining with her sister could only be done later.

    “What do I want to do?” Lin Xiwan raised her head slightly after hearing her sister’s question, put her hands behind her head, closed her eyes slightly and thought.

    Suddenly, Lin Xiwan seemed to think of something, sat up suddenly, reached out and grabbed her sister’s bare feet and shook them.

    “Hey! Seeds!” Lin Xiwan’s eyes were shining, looking at her puzzled sister and said, “We haven’t planted our seeds yet!”

    Indeed, after listening to some planting experience and skills of Qingzhou University Camp and Survivor’s Light, they had not yet started to practice.

    The sooner the seeds were planted, the sooner they could be harvested.

    And now that this summer was about to end and autumn was about to come, it was a very suitable time for sowing.

    The time, place, and people were all gathered, and now only practice was needed.

    “Where to plant?” Thinking of this question, Lin Xiwan was a little tangled.

    There was almost no flat road surface in Kun City, either covered with moss or surrounded by vines and mycelium. If you wanted to clear out an open space, you would undoubtedly need to destroy a lot of native mutated plants and fungi.

    Lin Xiwan moved her body slightly, leaned against the mycelium bench where her sister was sitting, her head resting on the edge of the bench, letting her sister’s legs rest on her shoulders,

    Because she didn’t walk much or even exercise much, her sister’s legs were exceptionally soft and tender, and her feet were even softer than her sister’s hands.

    And also because she didn’t walk, it was clean and without any peculiar smell, from the thighs to the feet, it was a milky fragrance.

    This was also one of the reasons why Lin Xiwan liked to touch her sister’s legs. It was really because the feel was really good, not because Lin Xiwan was a leg control.

    Suddenly, Lin Xiwan’s hands stopped, she raised her head and looked at her sister, and just happened to see her sister looking down at herself.

    They both thought of a place at the same time.

    The small half of the ash area that was burned after the battle…

    The soil covered by building-trees and vine ashes was simply natural high-fertility soil, as long as the thick ash was washed away with water from Kun City.

    “We can plant on Mr. Big Tree, it has so many nutrients in its body.” Huayibai, who was also sitting with her legs apart, looked at the two and gave her immature suggestion in a milky voice.

    Huayibai’s words made the two stunned at the same time, and turned to look in the direction of Huayibai.

    Uh…

    Okay, this idea was very mycelium.

    But this mode was only suitable for the growth of mycelium, and it was not suitable for the cultivation of economic crops such as wheat. After all, these were completely uninfected pure seeds.

    If you wanted to achieve the effect of Huayibai, you had to re-infect, cultivate and select from the seeds…

    This was not a simple workload, it required a very high time and manpower cost, which was unaffordable for them now.

    “Uh…” Lin Xiwan opened her mouth slightly, and suddenly didn’t know how to explain these things to Huayibai.

    But facing Huayibai’s strange words, Lin Jiayao was more experienced in dealing with them.

    “Okay, we can try it as a backup plan in the future.” Lin Jiayao looked at Huayibai and said in a praising tone.

    By the way, she reached out and rubbed her head.

    “Hmph…” Hearing that her suggestion was adopted by Mommy, Huayibai was so happy that she was about to wag her tail. She raised her head, squinted her eyes, and enjoyed Mommy’s reward to the fullest.

     

  • Shion’s Notes 143

    Chapter 143: Awkward

    “Wait, wait, wait! You know her?!” Huo Ningning was stunned, completely caught off guard. This beautiful older woman knew the little boy she had just met?

    “Um, miss, even if you two are… involved… isn’t he a bit young…?”

    “Hey, what are you thinking?”

    Huo Ningning, true to her introverted nature, always jumped to the most outlandish conclusions.

    Tang Yumeng wanted to smack her upside the head to knock some sense into her.

    Yu Linna, hiding her face in her hands, wished she could disappear. She knew Huo Ningning had a wild imagination, but this was ridiculous. She wanted to pretend she didn’t know her.

    “Anyway, why are you dressed like this? And all bundled up?”

    Tang Yumeng sighed, looking at Yu Linna, her face mostly hidden by the hoodie. Why would a perfectly normal girl dress up as a boy? What was the point? Was it just to pick up girls?

    She studied Huo Ningning, the bespectacled girl. She was quite attractive, her blushing cheeks adding to her charm. Aside from her introverted personality, there wasn’t much to fault.

    Could Yu Linna be playing with her feelings…?

    Tang Yumeng’s eyes widened in surprise.

    “No!” Yu Linna exclaimed, her face flushing, sensing Tang Yumeng’s thoughts.

    Tang Yumeng sat down next to her, studying her closely. Yu Linna, in her disguise, looked surprisingly convincing. Though still somewhat… androgynous… if you didn’t look too closely, you wouldn’t think she was a girl. The outfit, a decent brand, certainly helped. Clothes make the man, as they say.

    Yu Linna’s usual attire was incredibly frumpy: either a black tracksuit or faded jeans paired with clothes she had worn since she was eleven or twelve. She was presentable only in her school uniform.

    “Actually, you look quite good. You have good taste.”

    “Really?”

    “Well, the clothes are nice, but they don’t suit you. This style… it would look better on your younger brother.”

    Her implication was clear: Yu Linna looked better in women’s clothing.

    Yu Linna, though a girl, felt a pang of disappointment. She still had memories of being a boy, albeit only until the age of ten.

    “Miss, who are you? How do you know Ye Lin? And stop ignoring me!”

    Huo Ningning, blushing, finally spoke up, demanding attention, though her voice was still soft.

    “I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Tang Yumeng, an older… acquaintance of… this little guy.”

    “I’m Huo Ningning, a senior at First Municipal High School. I’ll be a university student next semester.”

    Tang Yumeng observed Huo Ningning, the introverted yet attractive girl. She would have an advantage in the entertainment industry. And what had she called Yu Linna? Ye Lin? This girl was really committed to her deception…

    “Lin… never mind. What are you doing? She doesn’t know, does she?”

    Tang Yumeng sighed, placing her hand on Yu Linna’s flat chest. Though small, it was still a girl’s chest, the soft feeling undeniable.

    Yu Linna’s face instantly turned crimson.

    “Senior Yumeng, what… what are you doing…?”

    “If you were truly flat-chested, it would be one thing, but you’re clearly…”

    “Stop touching me!”

    Being groped, even by a girl, was embarrassing.

    “Nice… though a bit small.”

    “Don’t call me small!”

    Damn it! Why comment on her chest size?! And call her small?!

    As a girl, being judged like this was humiliating!

    It was like telling a boy he was… small.

    Huo Ningning, watching in stunned silence, her face burning, as Tang Yumeng fondled Yu Linna’s chest, Yu Linna’s flustered reaction…

    “Well, Miss Huo, enjoying the show?”

    “Eh… what… what are you doing?! Why are you touching her there?!”

    “I mean, are you blind? This little guy is clearly a girl.”

    “What?!”

    Huo Ningning was even more confused now.

    She looked at Yu Linna, her face flushed, her head bowed, her figure indeed too slender for a boy, her delicate hands and rosy lips…

    “A girl?”

    “Yes.”

    Tang Yumeng sighed. If she hadn’t said anything, Huo Ningning would have remained clueless.

    “I… I didn’t mean to…”

    Yu Linna, her disguise exposed, couldn’t keep up the act any longer. This outing had taken an unexpected turn. In Tang Yumeng’s eyes, she was now a deceiver, preying on innocent girls.

    Huo Ningning’s mind raced. The little boy she had spent the afternoon with… was a girl? She shouldn’t have called him “little shota”; she should have called her “little loli.” This was getting confusing.

    And that voice… it had sounded familiar.

    Where had she heard it before?

    …

    Huo Ningning suddenly realized something.

    “Could it be… Linna?”

    She blurted out the name, a sudden realization. That voice… she had only ever heard it from one person: Yu Linna!

    Yu Linna wanted to cry.

    “I… I really didn’t mean to…” she repeated, taking off her hoodie, revealing her hair, the beautiful blonde locks tied back, framing her delicate features, her bright blue eyes captivating.

    As she removed the hoodie, everyone in the restaurant turned to look, the cute boy transforming into a beautiful girl. All eyes were on her, captivated by her beauty. Such a lovely girl, so adorable, they wanted to hug her, to protect her.

    Huo Ningning, looking at the familiar face, despite the men’s clothing, knew it was Yu Linna.

    “Linna, apologize.”

    Tang Yumeng nudged her head, prompting her to apologize.

    Deceiving someone was wrong, and having been caught red-handed by Tang Yumeng, who clearly believed she was playing with Huo Ningning’s feelings, she had to apologize.

    “Ning… Ningning… I’m sorry…”

    Apologizing to someone she disliked was painful, but she had been the one to deceive her.

    “No, it’s okay, Linna… though I’m quite surprised…”

    Huo Ningning was indeed surprised. The boy she had spent the afternoon with was actually her classmate, Yu Linna. The revelation was a bit much to process. But she was also secretly delighted. She had never been able to ask Yu Linna out before, and now, she had spent an entire afternoon with her. She wasn’t angry; she was happy.

    “Besides, spending time with you today… it felt like when we were younger. I’m happy. You don’t have to apologize.”

    The afternoon with Yu Linna had felt like a return to her carefree childhood, a time when she had a best friend, a time of pure joy.

    “Hmm?”

    Yu Linna was taken aback. What did she mean?

    Fragments of memories surfaced, fleeting images of playing with someone when she was very young.

    Had she… had friends before?

    She rarely dwelled on her past, often suppressing those memories. Her childhood wasn’t a pleasant one; she preferred not to remember.

    But Huo Ningning’s words had triggered something.

    “Ah, sorry, forget what I said.”

    Huo Ningning, realizing her slip-up, quickly backtracked, but Yu Linna couldn’t ignore it.

    “Ningning, what did you mean?”

    “…”

    “Did I know you when I was younger?”

    Huo Ningning clenched her hands, gripping her clothes, biting her lip to stifle a sound, desperate to maintain her composure.

    Tang Yumeng hadn’t expected this turn of events. Seeing Yu Linna’s surprise, her gaze towards Huo Ningning shifted. She had initially assumed Yu Linna was deceiving Huo Ningning, but it seemed they had known each other before?

    “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

    “…”

    “Have I met you before?”

    Huo Ningning remained silent, pushing her chair back and running out of the restaurant, disappearing into the crowd. Yu Linna stared after her, a familiar figure overlapping with Huo Ningning in her memory, yet she couldn’t quite grasp it.

    Huo Ningning had always been eager to get close to her. If they had known each other before, it would explain her persistence, a connection Yu Linna had simply forgotten.

    After all, she couldn’t remember much of her past, unlike Huo Ningning, who seemed to have a remarkable memory. Having moved from city to city throughout her childhood, it was impossible for Yu Linna to remember everyone.

  • Back to Three Years Old: Crushing Scumbags on a Parenting Reality Show 141

    Chapter 141

    How long can a person retain consciousness after death?

    This was a difficult question to answer accurately due to the lack of substantial reference data and the inability to calculate an average.

    Based on Cheng Tingyan’s personal experience, it was about 2-3 minutes.

    From excruciating pain to nothingness, it was just a moment, then the screams and panicked voices of the people around her… Based on the average speaking speed of 200 words per minute, she heard them for about two minutes.

    Dying in a car accident… wasn’t pretty.

    Those surrounding sounds also confirmed how terrible the scene was.

    It was ironic, before deciding to meet, Cheng Tingyan had hesitated so much.

    Would that person be angry that she hid the fact that she was a public figure?

    Would that person mind the “dark history” still lingering on the internet?

    Would that person believe that her words were true, not just for sympathy?

    Would that person… possibly like her, the way she liked them…

    Too much hesitation and uncertainty became procrastination. Year after year, she finally mustered the courage to take this step.

    But why couldn’t one know when the final full stop would be drawn!

    The sudden ending rendered all her previous patience, struggles, and waiting meaningless!

    In the very end, Cheng Tingyan’s wish was… that the person would stand her up, wouldn’t show up, wouldn’t see her current, terrible state.

    Of course, Cheng Tingyan soon realized that the wishes of someone who was always disappointed in life wouldn’t be granted even after death.

    It was strange.

    Her body, no longer feeling any pain, empty, only a sliver of hearing remaining… When that hand reached out, her hand seemed to regain consciousness, she clearly felt the trembling coldness and the desperate grip from the hand holding hers.

    Before falling into endless darkness, Cheng Tingyan really wanted to open her eyes and take one last look.

    It was that person, right? The person she could finally meet, the person she wanted to have a future with…

    Such a pity.

    She couldn’t see them anymore.

    She didn’t even hear a single sound.

    They must be terrified, she was truly sorry… Little Cookie.

    Dying young, with unfulfilled ambitions, the pain and regret were like sharp blades piercing her heart and soul, even death couldn’t remove them.

    Endless darkness… a bit cold?

    A damp… earthy scent?

    Footsteps and voices mixed together, slightly noisy, under the fabric pressed against her right hand was a rapidly beating heart, her left hand… seemed to be holding something soft and warm, something that was moving!

    The world after death felt so real that Cheng Tingyan was startled, she instinctively let go of her left hand and took a step back.

    Mmm? She could still move?

    “Okay, okay, it was a power outage!”

    An unfamiliar voice, unclear words, came from afar, and with it… a sudden burst of light.

    Bright, dazzling, blinding, her delayed senses, carrying the memories of two lifetimes, returned.

    “Yan Yan, are you okay?” Wei Maomao asked, one hand shielding her eyes, which were tearing up from the sudden light, the other hand reaching out to the person who had just let go of her hand.

    “… “ Cheng Tingyan, biting her lip, swallowed her unspoken panic, she forced herself to speak calmly, “I’m fine.”

    A childish, soft voice, with a girl’s clarity.

    The voice coming from her own mouth sounded so unfamiliar yet familiar… Just like the memories that were suddenly stuffed into her mind.

    Cheng Tingyan felt that she… had been reborn?

    Was it… true?

    Usually, memories faded with time.

    Just like a twenty-four-year-old, recalling things from before they were six, except for the deeply ingrained ones, the rest should have faded with time.

    The Cheng Tingyan from before was like that too.

    But the current Cheng Tingyan was clearly different.

    The things she had long forgotten from before she was six, big and small, important and insignificant, she remembered many of them.

    She could confirm that those were indeed things she had experienced.

    Except…

    The life that should have been a straight line had forked before she returned.

    Before the fork, her clear memories were the same as what she had experienced in her previous life.

    The fork was a few days before the official filming of “Where’s Baby Going” Season 3, when the program team announced the addition of two families and changed the format from pre-recorded to live broadcast.

    After the fork, everything was vastly different from her previous life.

    Shi Dingshan was fine, Jin Youliang didn’t become the head director, he was still an assistant director, they added two families, changed it to live broadcast, the locations and tasks were all different…

    Cheng Rongrong didn’t become the beloved little sister, Shen Zilin and Wen Dongyu didn’t treat Cheng Rongrong differently, always by her side, Wen Jiangyue wasn’t discouraged by comparison, and she… wasn’t isolated, wasn’t hated, she even got along well with the other children?

    In her previous life, when Cheng Tingyan was reading scripts, she had also seen some about rebirth. The protagonists in those stories would always be reborn at a crucial point in their past, then they would change their lives, make up for their regrets, and walk a new and better path.

    Back in the light, this air-raid shelter looked much cleaner than in her previous life, the setup was also very different.

    But it was still the same shelter, and the task… half of it was still the same.

    Cheng Tingyan admitted that this time and place was indeed a crucial point in her previous life. But… Why now? Those bad days, she had already overcome them, what she wanted now wasn’t to change her childhood, but…

    Cheng Tingyan, realizing when she had returned to, only wanted to go back to the few minutes before that car accident, just a few minutes of change, and she could end that long wait.

    From now until she met Little Cookie, wouldn’t it be another ten years?

    Why bother!

    She had only walked on this forked path for a little over a week, before Cheng Tingyan could even process it, the massive influx of new information made her dizzy.

    But the thought of being reborn was just a fleeting moment, the feeling of unfamiliarity with the memories was just a brief instant.

    Ink dropped into water, only for a moment could one see the darkness entering the clear water, then it dispersed, becoming one with the water, no longer distinguishable, as if it had always been like this.

    The soft, warm, and comforting collision was her embrace.

    The childish, soft-spoken words of justice were to defend her from injustice.

    The diligent chubby hands, scattering blessing after blessing of cilantro for her.

    The puffed-up cheeks were from eating the food she didn’t like, the food others gave her.

    She shared a bowl of unappetizing mush, the roughness of the pig tooth when she snatched back the little chubby bunny’s foot still lingered in her hand, they exposed the scam together, sold candied tomatoes and cucumbers together, worked together, and together… planned her future.

    That was the boundless starlight she, the six-year-old her who had somehow walked onto a different path, received.

    That was the peace and happiness the six-year-old her couldn’t even imagine.

    No, that was the miraculous little chubby bunny the six-year-old her had!

    The memories of a little over a week merged into the sea of her twenty-four-year memories, like ink in water, inseparable.

    “It suddenly went dark just now, I was startled and let go of your hand, did I scare you?” Cheng Tingyan asked softly, taking a step to the left, gently holding the little chubby paw that she had let go of earlier, thinking she had died.

    Wei Maomao shook her head. She wasn’t sure, during the few seconds when the lights came back on, that seemingly unfamiliar Yan Yan, was it just her imagination? It should be… It was the familiar Yan Yan again now.

    Obedient, soft, warm… Almost instantly, a sense of peace filled her heart, Cheng Tingyan, whose mind had just caught up with her body, instinctively tightened her grip on the little chubby paw.

    It was this warmth that could temporarily suppress even the most intense resentment and anger.

    At this point in time, there were indeed things she could do.

    Cheng Tingyan glanced at the little chubby bunny, whose hand she was holding tightly.

    A person’s life, it couldn’t just deviate without a reason, right? The different path she had taken before this moment, why?

    Was it… because someone else had been reborn before her?

    Was it Shi Dingshan, who changed the locations, tasks, and even the format of the show, and was still the head director?

    Was it Wang Qingchuan, who suddenly joined the show? Or Wei Chengli?

    Was it Qin Sichao, who didn’t appear in her previous life, but seemed to be part of the crew this time? Or Jiang Heye? Ni Jinyan?

    There were too many suspects who deviated from her previous life’s trajectory, now that the power was back on, and the staff were urging them to continue with the task, Cheng Tingyan didn’t have time to think.

    Anyway…

    Cheng Tingyan naturally squeezed the little chubby paw in her hand, this bed-wetting cutie could be ruled out, Wang Zhizhi, who was so excited about playing laser tag that he almost jumped to the ceiling… he didn’t seem like it either.

    Actually, the person Cheng Tingyan suspected the most was Wei Chengli.

    This forked path she was on, it was smooth and safe, a completely different kind of happiness compared to the hardships of her previous life. The person who was willing to change her life must have good intentions.

    Among these suspects, the only one she had some interaction with in her previous life was Wei Chengli, whom she had chatted with a few times on set.

    And during this time, the one who had been protecting her, standing up for her, was this little chubby bunny from the Wei family.

    Then it was highly likely that Wei Chengli was the one who taught her to help, that’s why she kept saying “My dad said…”

    The more Cheng Tingyan thought about it, the more it made sense, she couldn’t help but tighten her grip on the chubby paw. It must have been hard on you, little baby, still wetting the bed, and already having to fight bad people for other children…

    It was fine now, she was back, she could do it herself.

    Now, it was her turn to protect the little chubby bunny.

    Whether the person who returned first and helped her was Wei Chengli or not, she had been taught by him a few times in her previous life, and she had received so much kindness from this little chubby bunny in this life, she would definitely try her best to prevent the accident a few years later that would make them lose their loved ones.

    But now…

    She would start by exposing this “accident.”

    For the viewers in the live broadcast room, the few new windows on the live stream page, showing the babies’ movements inside the air-raid shelter from different fixed camera angles, it was just because of a sudden power outage that switched them to night vision mode, for less than a minute.

    No one knew that during that less than a minute, a soul from the future had returned.

    Bai Lei, who was drinking red wine and watching the live broadcast early in the morning, her face full of anticipation for a good show, naturally didn’t know either.

    Looking at the two little ones, hand in hand, being led deeper and deeper into the air-raid shelter by the staff, Bai Lei chuckled and finished the red wine in her glass in one gulp.

    There was even a power outage, making her worry that the plan would be ruined.

    Thankfully, it was still going according to plan.

    Bai Lei put down her wine glass, she impatiently answered the phone next to her, which had been ringing for a while, while keeping her eyes on the live broadcast.

    “What?” Bai Lei asked, annoyed.

    Zhang Jin, on the other end of the phone, was speechless, his tone also worsened. “What do you mean ‘what’? Who was the one who kept calling me yesterday, asking me to arrange a meeting? And now you’re asking me ‘what’? Liu Qiongfang is available to meet at noon today, she has mobility issues, I booked a private room at the restaurant downstairs from her place, it’s almost noon now, and you’re only answering the…”

    “Oh, right now, it’s not convenient.” Bai Lei said, refilling her wine glass, she looked at the two little ones on the screen, who had been led to their starting positions by the staff and were about to start their laser tag and treasure hunt, she smiled. “You tried to arrange a meeting all day yesterday and couldn’t give me a definite answer, I thought you had other plans.” And I also have other plans now.

    “What do you mean?” Zhang Jin asked, frowning. “You don’t want to clear Cheng Feiying’s name anymore? You’re not meeting Liu Qiongfang?”

    “Meet… I still have to meet her.” Bai Lei said slowly. “But not now, I also have important things to watch… Mmm, to do. How about this, this afternoon, if she’s still in the mood.”

    After saying that, Bai Lei sneered and hung up the phone.

    Yes, if Liu Qiongfang was still in the mood after seeing her daughter in the same state, ha.

  • Devilish Disciple [Transmigration] 72

    Chapter 72: The Sky Wasn’t Falling, Was It?

    A brief silence fell upon the wedding chamber.

    “I believe you!” Mu Tao grabbed Li Yu’s wrist,

    Then, as if afraid of hurting her, loosened her grip slightly. “Master, I believe you!”

    Her voice was soft, her eyes filled with an anxious plea.

    The nuptial wine, her master had personally intertwined their arms and drunk it with her.

    This was proof of her master’s willingness to marry her; how could she dismiss it so easily?

    Li Yu: “Now you believe me.”

    Mu Tao, her eyes filled with tears, didn’t dare speak.

    Her mind raced with unanswered questions.

    Why had her master been awake all this time without telling her…?

    When did her master wake up?

    Before the wedding? During the ceremony? Or just now?

    But why did it even matter?

    Her master, even after regaining consciousness, hadn’t resented her…

    She had committed such a transgression, one she herself couldn’t forgive, yet her master, awake and aware, had still played along, fulfilling her despicable wish.

    Even with unspoken burdens, her master still treated her with sincerity.

    How could she not trust her master’s feelings?

    The world was truly unfair.

    And the greatest unfairness had befallen her.

    —She was the most unworthy disciple, yet she had the best master in the world.

    Mu Tao bit her lip, her gaze fixed on Li Yu, her emotions swirling, then, tears falling silently, she carefully moved closer and gently hugged Li Yu, burying her face against her neck.

    “Master, I was wrong, I was truly wrong…”

    She repeated these words, her joy intertwined with a fear that this was just a beautiful dream.

    Guilt gnawed at her, her apologies, though countless, unable to break free from the cocoon she had spun around herself.

    Li Yu looked at the flickering candlelight, listening silently.

    Gradually, the trembling in Mu Tao’s voice subsided.

    She seemed exhausted, her eyes dry, her throat parched, her apologies weakening, yet persistent, like whispers in a dream, heartbreaking in their softness.

    She wasn’t just seeking forgiveness; she was seeking punishment.

    She believed in her master’s sincerity but didn’t believe she deserved it.

    Only by paying the price could she find peace.

    Li Yu finally raised her hand and gently stroked Mu Tao’s back,

    Her fingers threading through Mu Tao’s hair, her touch gentler than before.

    “I will punish you,” she said softly.

    Mu Tao’s body trembled at the response.

    After a moment of hesitation, she looked up, her eyes filled with a desperate hope for redemption.

    “You said the immortal sects disrespected you, but have you shown me any respect?” Li Yu pulled Mu Tao away, her voice laced with displeasure. “In your heart, you’ve already claimed ownership of me. When you decided to bring me here, you stopped respecting my wishes.”

    She looked into Mu Tao’s increasingly anxious eyes and continued, “You should be grateful that I’m still here, that I went through with this wedding, only because being with you in the Demon Realm was my initial wish, a wish I’ve regretted not fulfilling these past six months.”

    “Master…”

    “If it weren’t for that, you should know better than I do…the consequences of your actions.” Li Yu took a deep breath. “Mu Tao, I never taught you these things.”

    Mu Tao’s eyes, red-rimmed, stared into the blue depths of Li Yu’s.

    She didn’t defend herself, just waited for the final judgment.

    “Honestly, I’m angry,” Li Yu continued. “Before making this decision, you not only disregarded my feelings, but you also abandoned your own.”

    “You think you’re in control, but you’ve trapped yourself in this mess. You know you can’t control me forever, you’re just waiting for the inevitable, ready to accept my anger, my punishment…” Li Yu sighed softly. “But Mu Tao, you’re crying, you’re afraid, you haven’t had a moment’s peace these past few days.”

    Li Yu asked softly, “Your forceful demands, your desperate pleas, like a reckless gamble—if you lose, have you considered the consequences?”

    Mu Tao hesitated. “Master…will never forgive me…”

    Li Yu poked her sharply in the temple, making her wince and close her eyes.

    Li Yu: “Is that all you can think about?!”

    Mu Tao: “…”

    “If I’m unwilling to…be with you like this, if I resent you for this, can you keep me imprisoned forever?” Li Yu said, exasperated. “Even without cultivating, my injuries will eventually heal. One day, I’ll break free from your spell and find a way to make you pay.”

    Li Yu’s gaze hardened. “Have you considered…that I might kill you, or take you back to Mount Chao Yao, offering you as proof of my loyalty—Even if that day is far off, it’s still a possibility.”

    “Besides, Xiang Hanyu and Yan Buqiu are from the human realm. They came here, stayed by your side, because they were worried about you straying from the right path.” She continued, “You can imprison me for a while, but eventually they’ll become suspicious.”

    “If that happens, what will you do?” Li Yu asked softly. “Will you, to keep me here, drive away the two people who sacrificed everything to be with you?”

    “I don’t care…” Mu Tao’s body trembled slightly as she lowered her head, her hands clenching the red fabric of her robe. “If Master truly resents me, even if I die by your hand, I’m willing…”

    Her voice trembled, an unwavering obsession in her pale, bloodshot eyes.

    Li Yu’s heart ached, and she fought back tears.

    This was different from the original story.

    If this were the original Mu Tao, she wouldn’t even need the mind-control spell to keep her by her side.

    Just cripple her cultivation, and she would be trapped forever, without dignity.

    No need to consider her wishes or the consequences.

    The protagonist in the original story, her self-destructive tendencies directed both at the world that wronged her and at the person she craved but couldn’t have.

    But the Mu Tao before her now,

    Even when briefly losing control under the Demon Bone’s influence and hurting her, was filled with guilt.

    Even with her resentment and pain, her obsession and despair, she never truly intended to harm Li Yu like in the original story.

    Even death by Li Yu’s hand…she would willingly accept…

    “Did I teach you to be so foolish?” Li Yu wiped away her tears, her heart aching. “As punishment, from now on, you must obey me in all important matters. Otherwise…”

    “Otherwise…” Mu Tao looked up at her, her eyes filled with tears, her voice anxious.

    “Otherwise, you’re sleeping on the floor.” Li Yu frowned slightly. “The number of days depends on the severity of your disobedience.”

    Mu Tao blinked, surprised and disbelieving, clearly not expecting such a “severe” punishment.

    She didn’t dare speak, just stared at Li Yu.

    Li Yu seemed to remember something, her voice slightly hesitant. “And also…you’re always so…reckless! Instead of apologizing afterwards, why not be more gentle next time?”

    Mu Tao’s eyes widened, the usual apology caught in her throat.

    Li Yu sighed, sat down, and started eating the fruits and pastries on the table.

    Mu Tao stood beside her for a long time, like a child being punished, then pulled over a stool and sat down, cautiously touching Li Yu’s arm.

    She asked softly, “When…when did you wake up…?”

    Li Yu said, as if still sulking, “Not telling.”

    Actually, she wasn’t sure when she woke up.

    While under the spell, her consciousness had been muddled, able to see and hear, but not think or act clearly.

    Like being aware of being in a dream, yet only able to watch another version of herself, doing things that seemed like her, yet not her.

    Occasionally, her own consciousness would briefly influence her actions.

    But Mu Tao wouldn’t believe anything she said or did.

    Sometimes she felt incredibly frustrated, wanting to shake Mu Tao and ask, What do I have to do to make you believe me?

    But she couldn’t control her body, only watch helplessly as Mu Tao’s guilt and self-blame escalated.

    It wasn’t until that day, trying on the wedding attire, when Mu Tao lost control and injured her, that the guilt-ridden Mu Tao released the spell on her meridians.

    After that, her consciousness gradually returned.

    It had been a slow process.

    Although exhausting, as long as she focused, she could briefly control her body.

    With practice, her mind became clearer.

    And she fully regained consciousness just now, when Mu Tao pressed her against the bed, wanting her, yet hesitating.

    She had just looked at her, seen the pain and despair in her eyes.

    And a single thought appeared in her mind:

    Mu Tao was about to break.

    That foolish girl must be hating herself now.

    If she avoided her now, regardless of the reason, if she couldn’t explain, she would be pushing Mu Tao towards a sea of despair.

    So, she reached out.

    No matter the cost, she couldn’t let Mu Tao drown.

    This was the only way she could think of to save her.

    Li Yu turned slightly and gently placed her hand on the back of Mu Tao’s neck. “Whenever I woke up, those moments when you felt me trying to stop you…those were real, I wanted to.”

    She didn’t know why, but tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke.

    Mu Tao caught the falling tear, the cold drop forming a pearl in her palm.

    Her breath hitched, her expression shifting, a smile appearing, more painful than tears.

    “Master, I…” A thousand words filled her heart, yet she couldn’t utter a single one, just clutching the red fabric of her robe.

    “You wanted to know…my reason, right?” Li Yu gently took Mu Tao’s clenched hands, her voice filled with tenderness. “Try…using your spiritual energy, then perhaps…you’ll understand my concerns.”

    There was no warning from the system.

    Although confused, Mu Tao followed her instructions and conjured a black flame at her fingertip.

    Nothing happened.

    Li Yu: “Not enough.”

    Mu Tao, hearing this, released a wisp of dark red resentment from the flame.

    She frowned slightly.

    A strange discomfort spread through her body, not intense, but noticeable.

    Li Yu took her hand, interrupting the flow of spiritual energy. “That’s enough!”

    Mu Tao looked at her, surprised. “Master…”

    “Those harsh words before…I had no choice. If you…become too intimate with me, it will be transferred to you.” Li Yu looked into Mu Tao’s eyes, her voice filled with helplessness. “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to tell you, I just…couldn’t, I truly couldn’t…it was restricting me…”

    Mu Tao’s eyes narrowed. “Was it Weisheng Xuanzhu?”

    Li Yu: “…”

    Not exactly, but since she couldn’t explain, she might as well let him take the blame.

    —They were both…problematic individuals.

    Li Yu sighed and nodded.

    The faint candlelight illuminated the shifting emotions in Mu Tao’s light brown eyes.

    Both Xiang Hanyu and Yan Buqiu had examined her master. Although weak and depleted of spiritual energy, her injuries weren’t life-threatening, certainly not enough to make her unconscious for half a month.

    Her master fainted on their way back from Mount Chao Yao, so, despite her weakened state, she had endured the backlash of the curse, rushing towards her?

    And when she woke up, the look in her eyes had indeed been one of…joy.

    Only when she, Mu Tao, crossed the line, did that joy turn into panic.

    That fear, that anxiety, even the resistance, it was all…to protect her…

    The unspoken words, the unexplained reason, it was this curse.

    Her master had pushed her away, not wanting her to be harmed.

    “Master…” Mu Tao asked softly, “If it enters my body, is it…contagious, or is it transferred?”

    “Transferred.”

    “Can it…return to you?”

    Li Yu lowered her gaze and shook her head slightly.

    She had also considered this, if the curse could be transferred, perhaps it could also be transferred back.

    But that thought was too naive, so naive she questioned her own intelligence.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu, who wanted to revive the Heavenly Demon, who had been plotting in secret for over three thousand years, wouldn’t leave such an obvious loophole.

    In fact, the moment this thought crossed her mind, while still under the spell, she had received an answer from the system.

    —The transfer was one-way, and only once, specifically designed for the protagonist.

    And the only way to remove the curse was for the caster to dispel it, or for the caster’s soul to be destroyed… There was no other way.

    As Li Yu’s expression turned serious, Mu Tao spoke.

    “Then it’s fine.” Mu Tao’s voice was soft. “Master has endured so much for me; it’s my turn to bear some of the burden.”

    “…”

    “I’m not afraid of pain, as long as Master isn’t hurt.” There was a hint of joy in Mu Tao’s voice.

    This uncontainable joy, just like the joy she always showed whenever she could be of help, was incredibly endearing.

    Li Yu was speechless, staring at Mu Tao’s smiling eyes.

    This foolish girl didn’t seem to care about the consequences.

    “It will put you in danger, and I knew that, yet I still let it happen…” Li Yu couldn’t help but ask. “Don’t you…blame me, aren’t you…afraid?”

    “You warned me, Master; it was me who disobeyed…” Mu Tao said earnestly. “Actually, even if you had told me, if you were willing, I would still bear it for you, without hesitation.”

    Her voice was firm, unwavering.

    Like her gaze, fixed on Li Yu, a devotion that transcended time.

    They looked at each other in silence, time seemingly frozen.

    Were the Netherbloom Flowers losing their light?

    They couldn’t see.

    But the candles in the room were almost burned down.

    Mu Tao suddenly took Li Yu’s hands in hers and asked softly, “Master, can…can I touch you today?”

    Li Yu opened her mouth, unsure how to respond.

    Silence was consent.

    Mu Tao stood up, lifted Li Yu into her arms, carried her to the bed, and gently laid her down.

    Li Yu: “I think we should discuss the curse, Weisheng Xuanzhu, he…”

    Mu Tao looked slightly hurt. “Today is our wedding day, this is our wedding chamber, and Master…wants to talk about someone else?”

    Li Yu was speechless.

    “Can we discuss it tomorrow?” Mu Tao said, kicking off her embroidered shoes and climbing onto the bed.

    Her tear-filled eyes looked at Li Yu expectantly, waiting for permission.

    But Li Yu knew that with the change in Mu Tao’s eyes, whether she agreed or not, there was no escape.

    And as expected, Mu Tao took her silence as consent.

    The candlelight flickered, and the gauzy bed curtains fell.

    Once again, Mu Tao removed her clothes.

    “Mu Tao…” Li Yu grabbed her robe.

    “I’m here, Master.”

    “I’m a little tired…”

    “Then I’ll be gentle.”

    Li Yu’s clothes were already disheveled.

    “Mu Tao…”

    “…”

    —She didn’t listen.

    Was winter approaching?

    Si Qinglan stared at the falling leaves outside the window.

    The tree, stripped bare, looked desolate.

    She could make flowers bloom at will; the seasons held no meaning for her.

    But there was still no reply from the Demon Realm.

    Anxiety made time slow down, the autumn days stretching endlessly.

    How were Li Yu and Mu Tao?

    Si Qinglan sighed deeply.

    Why was she feeling melancholic?

    “Why worry about things you can’t control?” she muttered, trying to push the worries aside, but then she heard anxious shouts from afar.

    It was Qin Yuan.

    “Master! Master! Something terrible has happened!”

    The girl rushed to her window, her speed so fast she almost couldn’t stop.

    “What is it? Why are you shouting—” Si Qinglan rested her chin on her hand and sighed, lacking energy. “What’s so terrible? Is the sky falling?”

    “I, I just went to Qingke Hua, Qin Ruoheng and the little black bird are both injured, and I, I saw…” Qin Yuan’s voice was frantic. “They…there’s a…stellar energy around them…”

    —The sky was falling!

    Before Qin Yuan could finish, Si Qinglan transformed into a green light and flew towards Qingke Hua.

    “Master, I…”

    Too slow, she couldn’t keep up.

    Si Qinglan arrived at Qingke Hua, her heart pounding.

    A strange, unfamiliar spiritual aura lingered in the air. She followed it and saw the destroyed houses and trees.

    Although it was daytime, the ruins were shrouded in a lingering darkness, dotted with stars.

    And…fragments of ice, evidence of a one-sided battle.

    Si Qinglan stared at the scene, stunned.

    After a moment, she flew to Suiqiong Cave, but it was empty.

    Suiqiong Cave had been repaired; the Upper Spirit Lamp should have been sealed here.

    If the black-robed figure had attacked, he would have come here, but there were no signs of a struggle.

    Yet, traces of a battle remained at Qingke Hua…

    The black-robed figure’s target was the Upper Spirit Lamp; why would he fight Weisheng Xuanzhu there?

    …

    No, she was wrong.

    The seal here wasn’t easily broken.

    There hadn’t been any commotion, yet the Lamp was gone.

    It was an inside job, she should have known!

    The black-robed figure Li Yu spoke of…was Weisheng Xuanzhu.

    Stealing the Lamp, destroying the Heavenly Gate, using Li Yu to manipulate Mu Tao, and now, leaving Mount Chao Yao with the Upper Spirit Lamp.

    Taking the demonic soul, finding the Demon Bone…

    His goal, all along, had been to revive the Heavenly Demon.

    The person he fought at Qingke Hua must have been his disciple.

    And for gathering evil energy, a Heavenly Soul Yang Spirit would be the perfect catalyst.

    He had been on Mount Chao Yao for over three thousand years, perhaps waiting for this very moment.

    What should she do…?

    Could she still stop him?

  • Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 84

    Chapter 84

    Shen Yiqiu had originally intended to accompany Qin Qianrou to Rong Fei’s office, but Jiejie had said the consultation time was uncertain, and she had other matters to discuss with Rong Fei, so she asked Shen Yiqiu to stay home and rest.

    After the consultation, Qin Qianrou and Rong Fei had afternoon tea. They didn’t have dinner together, and as they parted ways, Rong Fei teased her, “Having a family really changes you, you used to practically live at the office, and now, after afternoon tea with an old friend, you’re not even staying for dinner.”

    Qin Qianrou pursed her lips, knowing they were happy for her, genuinely pleased with her newfound happiness, so she simply accepted the teasing.

    “I’m not comfortable leaving her alone at home for dinner.”

    “What’s there to be worried about? It’s not like she’s never been home alone. I heard she usually cooks, are you afraid she’ll starve without you?”

    They walked side by side to the parking lot, Rong Fei chattering cheerfully, Qin Qianrou’s mood also light, today’s consultation had been a success.

    “I’m usually busy, and now that I finally have some time at home, I want to spend more time with her.” Shen Yiqiu had casually mentioned before that having dinner together felt warm and… special.

    Their cars were parked next to each other, and Rong Fei, opening her car door, bid her farewell with a smile, “Alright, alright, I know you’re basking in the glow of love, no need to rub it in my face, a lonely single person.”

    Qin Qianrou, having said this, felt strangely at ease.

    She opened her car door and replied calmly, “I heard your studio is never short of roses, perhaps your standards are too high.”

    Rong Fei chuckled, said goodbye, and drove away.

    Qin Qianrou had messaged Shen Yiqiu during their afternoon tea, saying she would be home for dinner. However, Shen Yiqiu hadn’t expected her to return so early. It was just past 6 pm when Jiejie arrived.

    Qin Qianrou, as usual, took off her coat and changed her shoes upon returning, but after waiting for a moment, there was no sign of Shen Yiqiu. Usually, she would have rushed out by now, given her a hug and a kiss on the cheek, asking if she was tired or hungry.

    She changed into her slippers, walked around the living room, but there was no one there. Shen Yiqiu’s door was slightly ajar, she was probably studying. Qin Qianrou had asked her to rest, but she had still chosen to study, which pleased her.

    She gently pushed the door open and saw Shen Yiqiu staring intently at her laptop screen, as if pondering a difficult problem, her brow slightly furrowed in concentration, her gaze fixed on the screen, not even noticing Qin Qianrou standing at the doorway.

    Qin Qianrou couldn’t help but smile, she had never had a chance to observe Shen Yiqiu studying before, this scene was like watching her in class from outside the classroom, the thought amusing, and Qin Qianrou didn’t disturb her, just quietly watched, her gaze soft and affectionate.

    Shen Yiqiu wasn’t usually this focused. She had spent a considerable amount of effort, practically scouring the internet, before finally finding a website with somewhat helpful information on the topic she was researching, so naturally, she was studying it meticulously.

    She didn’t dare to miss a single word, afraid of misinterpreting any hidden meanings. After all, it wasn’t exactly a mainstream topic, and even those who shared their experiences wouldn’t be as explicit as a textbook, clearly outlining every step.

    Thankfully, there were still people willing to share their experiences, preventing complete novices like Shen Yiqiu from being completely clueless. She had seen discussions on this topic online before, so she had a general understanding, but when it came to practical application, it was a different matter.

    That day on the sofa, her mind had been in a daze towards the end, acting purely on instinct. If Jiejie hadn’t stopped her, she wouldn’t have known what to do next, her hands lost and confused, beyond her familiar territory, venturing into uncharted waters.

    She had been filled with a restless yearning, yet unable to find the right path, her frustration growing, she had a gentle nature, but when it came to this, she was also stubborn, she didn’t want to ask Jiejie for help.

    She wanted to be the one to bring Jiejie pleasure, and the thought of her own clumsy and awkward performance filled Shen Yiqiu with regret.

    There were many posts on the forum, all from personal experiences. Some focused on techniques, some on creating the right atmosphere, some on the sequence of… events. Regardless, to Shen Yiqiu, it was like entering a new world, the more she read, the more she realized how much she had to learn.

    She didn’t dare to write down these details in her notebook, afraid of being seen, so she repeatedly read through the posts, committing them to memory.

    Qin Qianrou leaned against the doorway, she wasn’t sure how much time had passed, she rarely wasted time like this, on meaningless waiting, but now, just watching Shen Yiqiu made her happy.

    Finally, Shen Yiqiu noticed someone standing at her door.

    Unlike usual, she didn’t smile at Qin Qianrou immediately, but instead, her expression turned tense, her brow, furrowed in concentration, smoothing out, then her face contorting slightly, like a student caught cheating on a test.

    Qin Qianrou chuckled, looking at her, arms crossed. “What’s wrong?”

    Shen Yiqiu quickly clicked her mouse, her voice slightly stammering, “No… nothing.”

    The atmosphere turned slightly awkward, and Shen Yiqiu glanced at her screen again, making sure all the windows were closed, then, composing herself, she smiled and asked, “Why are you home so early?”

    Qin Qianrou feigned ignorance and asked, “Early? I’m right on time for dinner.”

    Indeed, Qin Qianrou wasn’t early, it was Shen Yiqiu who had thought she would be later.

    That was why she had been so relaxed, studying online, she hadn’t expected Jiejie to catch her.

    Thinking this, Shen Yiqiu’s heart tightened, unsure if Jiejie had seen what she was looking at, then she thought, Jiejie, standing at that angle, couldn’t see her screen.

    She breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, walked over, and gently wrapped her arms around Qin Qianrou’s waist, leading her to the living room.

    “Are you hungry, Jiejie? I’ll start preparing dinner.”

    “I’m not very hungry, just something simple will be fine.”

    Shen Yiqiu nodded and went to the kitchen.

    Qin Qianrou followed her, continuing the conversation from the kitchen doorway.

    “What were you looking at just now?”

    Shen Yiqiu’s movements as she tied her apron paused slightly, and she said, a little stiffly, “Just… studying.”

    “Something difficult?”

    Shen Yiqiu admitted, “A little difficult, I’m not very familiar with the material.”

    Qin Qianrou understood, new knowledge was always like that.

    “It’s alright, it’ll become easier after a few more reviews, and with practice, you’ll remember everything. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, you were frowning earlier.”

    Shen Yiqiu couldn’t help but apply Jiejie’s words to what she had been studying, Read it a few more times, then practice a few more times…

    Ahem, her face started to burn, and she quickly turned around and turned on the stove, afraid of being seen through by Jiejie.

    To hide her embarrassment and nervousness, Shen Yiqiu casually changed the subject, “How did it go with Rong Fei today?”

    “It went well, no major problems, don’t worry.”

    “Did she offer any advice, or anything you should pay attention to?” Shen Yiqiu thought that if there was anything, she could help supervise.

    Qin Qianrou, however, thought of the websites Rong Fei had given her, still tucked away safely in her bag.

    She said casually, “Nothing special, she just told me to rest more and not to dwell on that day’s incident.”

    She couldn’t let Shen Yiqiu see those websites, it would corrupt the child.

    More importantly, Qin Qianrou was too embarrassed to let Shen Yiqiu know she had been researching such things, it didn’t seem appropriate for someone in her position as the older sister.

    She would look at them after Shen Yiqiu went to school, Qin Qianrou thought, excusing herself to put her bag in a safe place.

    **

    Zhuo Cheng, having learned about Li Wan and Lin Shuangzhi, had someone investigate Lin Shuangzhi’s background. Strangely, information about her before she came to Meng City was vague, they only knew she was from Yong City, but the details were unclear.

    He was impatient, and after several failed attempts to contact Li Wan, he decided to approach Lin Shuangzhi instead. He wouldn’t let anyone take Li Wan away from him, especially not another woman.

    Zhuo Cheng learned about Lin Shuangzhi’s recent activities, which Shao Qidong had already known, but it was a personal matter, so he hadn’t reported it.

    Lin Shuangzhi had been frequently visiting the provincial government, meticulously preparing the requested materials, but she still hadn’t received a clear response.

    Her mood wasn’t exactly positive, but she remained optimistic, after all, until the final decision was made, there was still hope.

    As she left the government building that day, a luxury car suddenly stopped before her, a familiar car, she had seen it before,

    Picking Li Wan up outside the television station, Lin Shuangzhi’s memory was excellent.

    Zhuo Cheng got out of the car and walked towards her.

    Unlike their previous encounters, although he was still smiling, Lin Shuangzhi sensed a subtle pressure, a hidden hostility.

    “Team Leader Lin, hello.”

    “Hello, Mr. Zhuo, I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

    Zhuo Cheng shrugged, a very American gesture. “I specifically came to see you, I wanted to have a chat.”

    Lin Shuangzhi looked at him, puzzled. “A chat? I don’t think we have anything to discuss.”

    If it was work-related, Dongsheng’s business should be handled by the advertising department, it had nothing to do with the Special Projects Team.

    “It’s a personal matter, regarding Xiao Wan.”

    Lin Shuangzhi’s heart clenched at his use of Li Wan’s nickname.

    “Xiao Wan’s matters? Then there’s even less reason for us to talk.”

    Lin Shuangzhi turned to leave, and Zhuo Cheng followed, not stopping her forcefully, he looked around, lowered his voice, and said, “I know about your… special relationship with Xiao Wan, are you sure you’re not interested in talking to me?”

    Lin Shuangzhi’s usual calm demeanor vanished, replaced by suspicion. Zhuo Cheng’s tone wasn’t questioning, but stating a fact.

    She and Li Wan had always been discreet in public, never displaying any overt affection. The only exception had been that night at the bar, when she had impulsively kissed Li Wan, then embraced her as they returned home,

    slightly drunk, she had let her feelings take over, holding Li Wan close, kissing her repeatedly, savoring the feeling of truly possessing her, at that moment, her heart had been full, finally able to express the emotions she had suppressed for so long.

    Could it be that night… had he seen them?

    As Lin Shuangzhi hesitated, Zhuo Cheng continued, “I not only saw it, I also have… a recording, Team Leader Lin, are you interested in watching it with me?”

    With that, Zhuo Cheng took out his phone, found a photo, and showed it to Lin Shuangzhi.

    It was a photo of them kissing outside the bar that night, slightly blurry, but still recognizable.

    Lin Shuangzhi’s anger flared. Staring at Zhuo Cheng, she demanded, “What do you want?”

    “Come with me, and you’ll find out.”

    After a moment of consideration, Lin Shuangzhi got into Zhuo Cheng’s car and was taken to a quiet, upscale restaurant.

    Zhuo Cheng had reserved a table in a secluded corner, the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows beautiful and undisturbed.

    “It seems you’ve come prepared.” Lin Shuangzhi ignored Zhuo Cheng’s attempt to pull out a chair for her and sat down at the next table.

    “Team Leader Lin seems quite upset, with your temper, don’t you and Xiao Wan fight every day?”

    Zhuo Cheng quickly dismissed the waiter, leaving just the two of them in the private room.

    Lin Shuangzhi knew Zhuo Cheng was pursuing Li Wan, but Li Wan didn’t seem interested. She had heard her complaining about him, he was someone her father favored, a frequent guest at their arranged dinners, but judging by Li Wan’s tone and her expressions, Lin Shuangzhi hadn’t considered him a serious threat.

    “As far as I know, Mr. Zhuo, you’re not close enough to Xiao Wan to use her nickname.”

    Zhuo Cheng looked at her meaningfully. “Oh? Hasn’t Xiao Wan told you about our relationship?”

    Zhuo Cheng was no longer the insecure university student he once was, having honed his skills on Wall Street, this situation was child’s play to him.

    “Xiao Wan is very busy; she probably doesn’t have time to discuss insignificant people and matters.”

    Lin Shuangzhi sensed something in Zhuo Cheng’s tone, she knew she was about to hear something she didn’t know before, something potentially shocking, but it concerned Li Wan, so she had to remain calm and composed, after all, that photo in Zhuo Cheng’s hand was a problem.

    “I returned to the country for Xiao Wan, I won’t hide that.”

    Lin Shuangzhi looked at him impassively, not commenting.

    Zhuo Cheng chuckled, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. “I didn’t expect, after all my efforts, that she would fall into the arms of another woman, I was shocked at first, then, after calming down, I felt… sad, and regretful.”

    Lin Shuangzhi raised an eyebrow and said coldly, “Regret not pursuing her more aggressively?”

    “Regret letting her go so easily, hurting her so deeply, I’ve made inquiries after returning, she hasn’t been in a single relationship since graduating, and now, entangled with you like this, it must be because I hurt her too deeply, she’s no longer willing to accept men.”

    Lin Shuangzhi frowned; how could she not understand the implication of his words? She hadn’t expected this, that Zhuo Cheng and Li Wan had actually been in a relationship.

    “The past is the past, and what you saw was just your own interpretation, do you really think Xiao Wan is so fragile and easily swayed?”

    Zhuo Cheng was momentarily speechless, Li Wan wasn’t a fragile person, indeed.

    “But Team Leader Lin, can you be certain that Xiao Wan’s feelings for you are genuine?”