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  • Miss Luo Yan’s Feet Are Buried With Corpses v3c23

    Witch’s Night: Chapter 23 Song

    Cecilia clumsily climbed down from the high chair, her bare little feet carefully stepping on the floor.

    Looking at the empty room, her expression was a bit lonely. She looked up at the sky again, the vast starry sky gradually appearing as the sun set.

    But Cecilia didn’t like the starry sky. Although it was very beautiful, whenever she looked at the sky, the starry sky always gave her an indescribable feeling.

    Like fear, but not quite. Cecilia couldn’t accurately describe this feeling.

    “Grandpa Bishop hasn’t come back yet…”

    Cecilia carefully took one step at a time, her small figure moving through the gradually darkening room.

    Finally, Cecilia returned to her bedroom and curled up on the bed.

    “When will Grandpa Bishop come back… Cecilia will be obedient…”

    Even though the darkness was scary, and being alone was scary, Grandpa Bishop had said that Cecilia had to learn to be independent and strong, otherwise her illness would become more serious.

    But… it was so scary…

    Cecilia buried her small head in the quilt, surrounded by an unusual silence, no noise from the neighbors, no rustling of insects.

    Nothing at all.

    As one of the three Bishops of the Church of the End Gods, Hamid Surian naturally couldn’t always stay in this small house, let alone always accompany Cecilia.

    Most of the time, Cecilia was alone at home, waiting for Grandpa Bishop to return.

    Since all energy in the mega-city was supplied by the “Ember,” including lamps and other household items, the followers of the Church of the End Gods couldn’t come into contact with energy from the Ember.

    So, at night, if Hamid didn’t come back to light the candles, Cecilia could only stay in the pitch-black room.

    “It’s okay, Cecilia, don’t be afraid, Cecilia…”

    Cecilia imitated Grandpa Bishop’s tone, whispering to herself,

    “As long as Cecilia is obedient, everything will be alright…”

    In the silent darkness, a pair of amber eyes shone brightly.

    ……

    “Can you see anything, Miss Chris?”

    Luo Yan raised her head slightly, looking towards the sky above the building in front of them.

    There was clearly nothing there, but Luo Yan always felt that something was watching her.

    Chris squinted in the direction Luo Yan was looking, but didn’t see anything after a long while.

    “Miss Luo Yan, could you be hallucinating?”

    Chris looked at Luo Yan nervously. Even putting aside her identity, it wasn’t a small matter for this girl, who controlled the power of “Envy,” to have hallucinations.

    “No, it’s just up ahead.” Luo Yan shook her head and pointed to the old residential building in front of them. “I sense that the God’s Chosen is inside.”

    “Mm.”

    Chris’s expression became a little more serious. The danger of a “God’s Chosen” was self-evident, especially one nearing death.

    An out-of-control demonic power was far more dangerous than most out-of-control esper abilities, especially since Lannister was currently in a crisis and couldn’t afford any distractions.

    Night always fell quickly after sunset. By the time the two reached the residential building, it was so dark that it was difficult to see the house number.

    Looking at the solid door in front of them, Chris frowned slightly, wondering how to open it without alarming anyone inside, when Luo Yan raised her hand slightly, and a faint blue light flashed.

    A spatial rift silently opened, and in an instant, the door was swallowed by the rift, forever lost in the Void.

    “Although my Void Traversal is a bit unreliable, opening a door is no problem.”

    Luo Yan looked at the stunned Chris and said seriously.

    Chris: “…”

    You call this opening a door?

    And why did it feel like no matter how impressive an ability was, it always seemed so down-to-earth in Miss Luo Yan’s hands…

    Complaints aside, the move Luo Yan showed Chris was indeed impressive.

    It wasn’t just opening a door; it was the level of control over demonic power. Basically no God’s Chosen could achieve this level.

    As for Devil’s Minions and Devil’s Apostles, when they used demonic power, they always tried to maximize its destructive power and wouldn’t use it in such… mundane situations.

    Anyway, their goal had been achieved. As Luo Yan became more proficient in using “End,” the aura of the Void didn’t even have time to surge out when she opened and closed the rifts.

    Luo Yan walked in front, entering the residential building first, followed closely by Chris, who stuck to Luo Yan’s side like a shadow.

    It was an old residential building, not only was the design of the style and layout quite last century, but most areas showed signs of aging.

    By Lannister’s standards, this building was completely dilapidated, but such dilapidated buildings were common in the outer districts.

    Most commoners weren’t wealthy enough to rebuild their houses, and even the few who were slightly better off had moved to the inner districts… As for the upper class of Lannister, they wouldn’t pay attention to such trivial matters.

    Luo Yan and Chris walked carefully on the dilapidated wooden floor of the residential building. The silent environment was devoid of any sound, even their faint breathing was masked by Chris using “Siren’s Song.”

    “Something’s strange…”

    Chris carefully observed the interior of the residential building and frowned slightly.

    They were now walking in the corridor of the building. The long and narrow corridor was very clean, but there were things on both sides that shouldn’t exist in this era.

    Oil lamps…

    There was still some clear oil in them, seemingly used not long ago.

    But the problem was that Lannister wasn’t backward, and the technology of the Ember Formation was quite mature.

    This wasn’t the Lower District; there was no need for these oil lamps used hundreds of years ago during energy shortages. The energy directly supplied by the Ember Formation was clean, simple, and very cheap.

    Luo Yan didn’t notice these things; her attention was focused on the God’s Chosen’s aura.

    What puzzled her was that the God’s Chosen aura, which had been quite clear outside, became unclear after entering the residential building.

    It wasn’t that she couldn’t sense it, but rather… it was everywhere.

    As if the building itself was the God’s Chosen.

    How could this be?

    No… perhaps it really was possible. There were too many incomprehensible things in the New Era, and things related to Calamities and Demons couldn’t be speculated using common sense.

    Just then, Luo Yan suddenly heard a very faint melody, accompanied by an ethereal humming.

    She immediately calmed down and listened carefully.

    “One guard went mad, two guards were biting, three guards were all alone, four guards held hands and went to heaven…”

    She heard it again.

    The nursery rhyme that Luo Yan had faintly heard when entering Lannister now echoed in her ears once more.

    At first, Luo Yan really thought it was a Lannister nursery rhyme. Although the lyrics were a bit strange, weren’t all nursery rhymes like that?

    It wasn’t until later that Luo Yan learned from Hua Qingling that only she had heard the song, and there was no such nursery rhyme in Lannister.

    But now…

    Luo Yan turned to look back and saw Chris with a look of horror on her face, her mouth opening and closing silently, mouthing two words,

    “Singing.”

    She… also heard it.

    “Five guards all died, six guards were laughing, seven guards were crying, eight guards worked together, nine guards all came out…”

    “Eeya eeya, ten guards lived happily ever after, eeya eeya, everyone created the most beautiful world together…”

    As the melody progressed, the lyrics became clearer, and the source of the singing grew closer. This time, it wasn’t just a whisper that only Luo Yan could hear, but a bizarre nursery rhyme echoing in the real world.

    “Miss Luo Yan, be careful!”

    Finally, Chris shouted. She saw Miss Luo Yan turn to look at her, and a pair of amber eyes suddenly lit up behind her.

    Then, Luo Yan heard the last lyrics of the melody beside her ear,

    “Ten guards went mad…”

    In this building filled with the aura of a God’s Chosen, Luo Yan, who was most sensitive to auras, was actually slower than Chris.

    She didn’t notice it until the other party was right next to her.

    Without any hesitation, Luo Yan conjured a sharp blade made of spatial energy and slashed backwards.

    But it cut through nothing.

    Was it an illusion?

    No, it wasn’t.

    A pair of amber eyes appeared in front of Luo Yan, staring coldly at her.

    The dim light made it impossible to see the other party’s appearance clearly; she could only vaguely sense that its body was quite small.

    The place where Luo Yan slashed should have been this unknown creature’s chest, but there was no feeling of flesh and blood, as if it were just a phantom.

    But the problem was… even a phantom couldn’t be immune to the damage of a spatial rift.

    As long as it existed within this space, even a spiritual body, a spiritual domain, a consciousness, or even a conceptual entity, would be treated equally under hyperspace severance.

    “Retreat!”

    Luo Yan wasn’t reckless, and neither was Chris. When in doubt, retreat was the best strategy.

    Their methods couldn’t affect the strange phenomenon here, so the best way to protect themselves was naturally to leave immediately.

    The two retreated without hesitation… or rather, they ran for their lives. The corridor wasn’t long, and they could reach the door quickly.

    In less than ten breaths, the door Luo Yan had opened earlier appeared in front of them.

    Two similar figures dashed out the door, completely ignoring what was happening behind them.

    But the next moment, Luo Yan and Chris froze.

    “Thump!”

    It was the sound of shoes stepping on a wooden floor. They had once again entered the residential building, and in front of them was a seemingly endless corridor.

    “One guard went mad…”

    The singing started again, but this time, it came from behind them.

    Luo Yan and Chris immediately looked back, and the same pair of amber eyes appeared before them.

    But this time, they could finally see the other party clearly.

    “Is this… a ghost?”

    Chris couldn’t help but ask.

    The form of the amber-eyed being was a ghastly shadow, its terrifying fangs and exaggerated claws daunting, with sharp bone spurs all over its body.

    But… it looked quite cool?

    The ethereal singing came from this ghost, quite different from its appearance.

    “I don’t know why, but after seeing it clearly, it doesn’t seem so scary anymore.”

    Luo Yan’s expression was a bit strange, and Chris felt the same.

    The ghost’s appearance was certainly terrifying, but this kind of terror… depended on who was looking.

    It was undoubtedly terrifying for ordinary people, but Luo Yan and Chris had been through countless battles and had seen far more terrifying and disgusting monsters.

    The unseen terror was the true terror, and a monster that could be seen was like having its health bar displayed, instantly becoming something to be conquered.

    However, the ghost didn’t attack. It just stared at Luo Yan and Chris, its cold and terrifying eyes seemingly filled with bloodlust, but it still didn’t move.

    ……

    Meanwhile, the situation in other areas of Lannister.

    The Calamities caused by the Church of the End Gods mostly occurred in more important areas, such as the core district and the several important districts attached to it. There were almost none in the Lower District and the Old Town.

    Although these cultists were deeply and widely hidden, their small numbers were still insufficient to cover the entire Lannister, and the Calamities they could trigger weren’t endless, so they could only choose the most important places.

    As for other areas, after the core district and other key strongholds fell, their destruction was only a matter of time.

    Due to the presence of the mole, Lannister’s response was quite inadequate. Cultists kept revealing their identities, disrupting Lannister’s defenses.

    Coupled with the Council of Elders’ lockdown, the entire Lannister fell into unprecedented turmoil.

    Norian’s actions were out of helplessness. The betrayal of a high-ranking official had a huge impact on the situation. If it wasn’t contained in time, the cultists would have more resources to exploit, causing even more serious harm to Lannister.

    Amidst this war, an old man dressed as a farmer inconspicuously left the core district.

    “The barrier at the base has been triggered, but the other party is only trapped and hasn’t collapsed due to the divine aura of the barrier.”

    The divine words of the message brought Hamid crucial information. He nodded and replied,

    “Don’t worry, it’s just a destined guest arriving early.”

    “But Miss Cecilia…”

    “She is the barrier itself. If the barrier is fine, she will be fine.” Hamid replied indifferently. “Even if Cecilia accidentally meets this guest, I believe they will get along well because they are the same kind of people.”

    “But… Bishop, there’s more than one guest?”

    “Oh?” Hamid was a little surprised. “Who else?”

    “Chris, the daughter of ‘Siren’s Song’ Tina, and also the second daughter of the Lequista family.”

    “So it’s the Errant’s offspring… just an uninvited guest, eliminate her.”

    Hamid narrowed his eyes, his tone pious. “The most important thing now is what oracle our most esteemed guest has brought.”

  • The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 85

    Chapter 85: I Love Slacking Off

    Cooking in the interstellar age was very convenient. Ingredients were prepped, and one only needed to retrieve them from the freezer, set the desired cooking method, and the meal would be ready in no time.

    From beside her, Gu Yuan’s voice drifted over: “There’s not much variety here… There happens to be some dishes you like, so let’s make those.”

    An He looked towards the freezer. Gu Yuan had already rolled up his sleeves, looking quite experienced.

    Tao Ning, resting her head on the table, simply replied with an “Mm,” showing no courtesy.

    Zang Yuzhu herself was someone who didn’t know the meaning of politeness, so it wasn’t surprising that Gu Yuan would cook for her.

    However, she was also frail and sickly, so what could be expected of her?

    An He hesitated for a moment before quietly going over to hand him plates.

    Soon, the dishes were served, fragrant and enticing. An He, who hadn’t felt hungry before, suddenly felt her stomach rumble, wanting to sit down and feast.

    Tao Ning, who had been resting her head on the table, finally deigned to lift it. Her eyes immediately landed on shredded carrots, and her brows furrowed.

    Pushing the plate away with her fingertip, Tao Ning said, “I don’t like carrots. Get me another one.”

    Tao Ning herself wasn’t a picky eater, but Zang Yuzhu hated carrots with a passion, once declaring that she wanted to eradicate all carrots in the universe.

    To annoy her, netizens specifically changed their usernames to “Universe Filled with Carrots,” infuriating Zang Yuzhu to the point of staying up all night arguing with them online.

    An He, being good-tempered, looked at the three dishes and said, “They all have carrots. I can’t change them. Why don’t you just…” give the carrots to me.

    Another hand reached out, pushing the plate back to its original position. It was Gu Yuan, who had finished washing his hands.

    Gu Yuan said gently, “Carrots are good for you. Don’t be picky. There’s not much, just eat it.”

    Tao Ning stared at the carrots with a look of utter despair: “I’d rather eat three bitter melons than a single bite of carrot.”

    An He was surprised: “You hate carrots that much?”

    Tao Ning looked up at An He: “Yes, I hate carrots the most.”

    An He offered, “Then give them all to me. I don’t hate carrots, but I don’t like cooked tomatoes, or tomato sauce.”

    Tao Ning asked, puzzled, “Doesn’t your mother cook them differently for you?”

    An He replied, equally puzzled, “Other vegetables can also provide vitamins. Eating a little less of one and a little more of another won’t make much difference. Why be so fixated on one vegetable?”

    After speaking, An He felt something was off.

    Tao Ning smiled at her, using her untouched spoon to transfer all the carrots to An He’s plate, saying cheerfully, “Thank you.”

    Meeting those smiling eyes, An He immediately dismissed her doubts, shaking her head: “You’re welcome, it’s nothing.”

    Gu Yuan, who had been silent, spoke up: “Let’s eat.”

    The two girls sat together, with Gu Yuan opposite Tao Ning. After a few bites, Gu Yuan, not accustomed to eating in silence, started a conversation.

    Gu Yuan said, “You’ve just recovered from your injury, yet you’re still running around at night without sleeping. What if you develop headaches?”

    It was easy to let one’s guard down at the dinner table.

    Tao Ning sighed, putting down her spoon: “I actually wanted to sleep, but I heard a sound that drew me to the lower decks.”

    520, hearing this tone, thought to itself: Here we go again.

    Gu Yuan, still unaware that the person before him was no longer the outspoken Zang Yuzhu but the cunning Tao Ning, followed her words and asked, “What sound?”

    Tao Ning said, “The Mermaid’s singing.”

    Gu Yuan replied without thinking, “Impossible. The ship has special equipment that would detect any attempt by the Mermaid to lure someone with her singing.”

    Tao Ning let out an “Ah,” as if realizing her words weren’t very convincing. She furrowed her brows slightly: “What if she didn’t make any sound?”

    Gu Yuan chuckled: “If she didn’t make any sound, how did you hear her singing?”

    Tao Ning showed an expression of displeasure at being questioned: “I just heard it, that’s why I went down there, believe it or not.”

    Gu Yuan surrendered: “Alright, alright, you heard the singing. I’ll take you back to your dormitory to rest later. After we go home, you don’t have to worry about anything else, I’ll take care of it for you.”

    An He tried to approach the matter from a scientific perspective: “I heard that Mermaids have very strong psychic powers, and their singing also carries psychic energy. Is it possible that the sound waves affected Zang?”

    Tao Ning, unexpectedly finding someone so understanding, gave her an appreciative look: “You make a good point.”

    Gu Yuan: “…”

    520 didn’t expect an honest person to be caught in the middle, feeling a bit sorry for An He, who was seriously trying to interpret the host’s words.

    Tao Ning changed the subject: “Cousin, why did you come here? This isn’t the way back to your quarters. Don’t tell me you also heard the singing?”

    “…” Gu Yuan was speechless. “I have military duties, I came back late.”

    Tao Ning nodded: “I see.”

    Gu Yuan: “I won’t be so busy after we go back. I should have a few days off.”

    An He, caught in the middle, was bewildered. How did the conversation suddenly turn into casual chatter?

    Tao Ning dropped a bombshell: “In that case, Cousin, can I be the Mermaid’s keeper? You’re so capable, you can definitely make it happen, right?”

    Gu Yuan choked, his face turning red as he tried to suppress a cough to maintain his image. The two people opposite him didn’t think to offer him water.

    This was because An He thought Zang Yuzhu would offer, but Tao Ning wouldn’t, only looking at him with concern: “Are you alright? Why are you coughing so badly? Are you catching a cold?”

    She feigned concern with remarkable skill.

    After a while, Gu Yuan, supporting himself on the table, stood up to pour himself some water. Taking a large gulp, he coughed lightly: “What did you say?”

    Tao Ning said, “It’ll take quite a while to return to the First Star System. I’m afraid I won’t be able to graduate. How about I take care of the Mermaid? The Federation might recognize my contribution, and perhaps it will offset my failings.”

    Gu Yuan wanted to say that this wasn’t how things worked, that she was just making things up as she went along.

    But the words changed as they left his mouth. Gu Yuan said with difficulty, “I’ll try, but I can’t guarantee success.”

    After the meal, Tao Ning declined her cousin’s offer to escort her back, using the excuse that it wasn’t on his way, and returned to the dormitory area with An He.

    Gu Yuan stood there, watching them leave. After they disappeared from sight, he turned and left as well.

    Back in her dormitory, An He followed her usual routine, washing up and changing into her pajamas. Lying in bed, she pulled the blanket over her stomach, ready to sleep.

    Half an hour later, lying in the darkness, An He opened her eyes. For some reason, she kept replaying the events of the evening in her mind.

    Suddenly, a phrase came to her: Don’t listen to what people say, watch what they do.

    Treating one’s sister like this wasn’t unusual if they were blood-related, but what if they weren’t?

    The next day, the Mermaid was transferred to another location. Having her in the lower decks, with people coming and going, wasn’t conducive to her emotional stability.

    The ship’s swimming pool was temporarily requisitioned and, after some modifications, used to house the Mermaid, keeping her under strict protection.

    Now, no one could see the Mermaid without permission.

    On the third day, Song Man suddenly announced that Zang Yuzhu, who was still recovering, would be taking care of the Mermaid. Her dormitory was also moved next to the swimming pool.

    Hearing this news, An He assumed Gu Yuan had actually succeeded in his persuasion, wondering how he managed it.

    She woke up according to her schedule, changed into her training clothes, and headed towards the training grounds. Along the way, she was surprised to find that everyone knew about it.

    A student who wasn’t aware of the situation asked, “What’s wrong with taking care of a benefactor’s orphaned child? And it’s not guaranteed to make up for her mistakes.”

    “See? Another person deceived by Zang Yuzhu’s appearance.”

    Then the student was bombarded with gossip, listening in astonishment.

    On the fifth floor, Song Fangzhou knocked on Song Man’s door.

    Song Fangzhou frowned: “Aunt, why let Zang Yuzhu take care of the Mermaid? Aren’t more specialized personnel on their way? I think Gu Yuan is showing favoritism to Zang Yuzhu.”

    Song Man held a pen: “Last night, the Federation Research Institute, monitoring remotely, reviewed a video. Within 72 hours of coming ashore, the Mermaid only interacted with Zang Yuzhu.”

    What does that have to do with anything? Thinking carefully about Song Man’s words, she seemed to understand, yet didn’t.

    Song Fangzhou held her aunt in high regard. She asked, “Is that the reason?”

    Looking at her expression, Song Man knew she didn’t understand and patiently explained, “The Federation Research Institute has been studying Mermaid language for a long time. This isn’t a secret. But do you know why our research in this area is still largely blank?”

    Song Fangzhou: “Isn’t it because Mermaid language is different from most existing languages, and human vocal cords have difficulty mimicking Mermaid sounds?”

    Song Man: “That’s only a small part of the reason. Because this species rarely speaks, we have very little audio data, making it naturally difficult to decipher their language.”

    Song Fangzhou hadn’t considered this reason and fell silent.

    Song Man stood up, walking around the desk: “Therefore, the Federation Research Institute believes that the most suitable person to care for the Mermaid at this stage is Zang Yuzhu. Even Gu Yuan, who brought her ashore, can’t get close to her. Don’t worry, she’s a thoughtful person.”

    She had never imagined that Zang Yuzhu, in her aunt’s eyes, could be associated with the words “thoughtful” and “careful.”

    In the end, she could only attribute it to Song Man’s filter for her comrades, which had transferred to Zang Yuzhu. She wasn’t often in the First Star System, so naturally, she wasn’t aware of this delicate rose’s true nature.

    Song Fangzhou left in a daze, only realizing after returning to her dormitory: “So, this is a Federation order?”

    “Yes, I’m willing to accept the Federation’s appointment to care for the Mermaid,” Tao Ning said to several academy teachers.

    The teachers nodded. The appointment had been conveyed, the conversation was over, and they all stood up.

    The teacher who was a step behind was Zang Yuzhu’s main course instructor. She paused at the door, looking at Tao Ning, a hint of worry in her eyes: “Be careful.”

    Mermaids were wild and untamed. Humans were no match for them physically. The teacher didn’t understand the Federation’s appointment, but she couldn’t stop it.

    Tao Ning: “I will, teacher.”

    On their way downstairs, the person leading the way said, “You’ll be alone for a few days. Personnel from the Research Institute will come to assist you later.”

    Research Institute personnel? Were there such people?

    Tao Ning recalled the world line. There was no specific time recorded for the space pirate attack, only that it happened one day, and then Gu Yuan stepped forward to protect the Mermaid.

    This act of saving her life made the Mermaid realize that this might be an opportunity to find her people, and her attitude gradually softened.

    Seeing the person beside her lost in thought, the guide said, “Did you hear me?”

    Tao Ning snapped back to attention: “I heard you.” She repeated the other person’s words verbatim.

    This surprised the guide. Her memory seemed fine, so why did everyone say her grades were terrible? Most of the Command Department courses were purely theoretical; even a quick glance before the exam shouldn’t result in such poor results.

    Back at the pool, Tao Ning picked up the bucket of live fish and set it aside: “The Mermaid doesn’t eat fish. No need to feed her this.”

    The man who had been temporarily assigned as a keeper asked, “She doesn’t eat fish? Then what does she eat?”

    Tao Ning pointed at the pool full of live fish: “They’re all alive and kicking. If you keep feeding her live fish, you’ll create an ecosystem for her. Perhaps she prefers fruit.”

    The man looked speechless: “Are you kidding me?”

    Tao Ning didn’t bother arguing. She took an apple from her pocket, casually tossed it towards the pool, and quickly retreated: “Go, go quickly.”

    The man stood there: “?”

    A blue figure surged out of the water, snatching the apple mid-air with lightning speed before crashing back down, sending splashes everywhere, drenching the man on the shore.

    The speed was so fast that he didn’t see anything clearly, only a blur.

    The man: “…”

    Tao Ning strolled back, a faint smile on her face: “Believe me now?”

    The man wiped his face. How could he not believe it? He said, “I’ll apply to my superiors. You take good care of her.”

    With that, he left, soaking wet.

    Tao Ning found a fishing net and began scooping the live fish from the pool, transferring them to another bucket.

    These rough soldiers on the ship were formidable in combat, yet they hadn’t noticed that the Mermaid hadn’t touched a single fish in the pool.

    In fact, not only had they not noticed that the number of live fish hadn’t decreased, but a piece of coral that had been brought up with her was also missing.

    Walking around the pool with the net, scooping as she went, Tao Ning was slow but precise, never missing a scoop.

    She heard a plop behind her and turned to see a fish flapping on the shore.

    Tao Ning: “Are you dissatisfied with my slow pace and came to help?”

    The fish didn’t understand. It tossed another live fish onto the shore.

    The fish thrown onto the shore stared with wide eyes, innocent, anxious, and dehydrated, desperately flapping its tail, trying to absorb moisture.

    Tao Ning said humbly, “Alright, you’re indeed faster than me.”

    She put down the net and picked up the bucket to collect the fish. The Mermaid threw, and she chased after them, changing buckets when one was full.

    The human and the Mermaid worked together seamlessly.

    Another splash sounded. Tao Ning instinctively reached out to pick up the fish, but stopped midway.

    Because it wasn’t a fish thrown ashore, but the Mermaid’s hand, deliberately placed on the edge.

    Long, slender fingers, palm up, with transparent webbing between them, and sharp nails at the tips.

    These were the Mermaid’s webbed claws, cold and soft in appearance, yet the nails could easily dislodge a tile from the pool.

    The reason she was content to stay in the pool was because she chose to.

    The Mermaid’s pale skin had a faint blue tinge, clearly different from human skin, which was soft, while the Mermaid’s skin was supple.

    Tao Ning also noticed a red dot on the Mermaid’s middle finger, not a bloodstain from an injury, but more like a cinnabar mole.

    Slowly raising her head, the Mermaid, who had surfaced at some point, looked at Tao Ning with narrowed eyes, a playful glint in them.

  • You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration] 57p2

    Chapter 57 p2

    After dinner and a shower, alone in her hotel room, knowing that Xin Yao was just a few doors away, yet unable to see her, the thought of their forced separation for the next few weeks was unbearable.

    But Xu Jingyu wasn’t one to follow rules.

    Agreements could be broken. If they couldn’t meet in person, they could at least talk on the phone.

    She sat on her bed and called Xin Yao, eager to see her face, her heart filled with a warm anticipation.

    But after three rings, the call was answered, and instead of Xin Yao’s face, a furious Director Gao appeared on the screen, her voice a booming roar.

    “I knew you wouldn’t listen! Calling Xin Yao already! I’ve been waiting all night for this…”

    Director Gao, using her directorial authority, had bribed Xue Ning, Xu Jingyu’s agent, into swapping the contact information and profile pictures for Xin Yao and herself on Xu Jingyu’s phone.

    Xu Jingyu, not expecting such a blatant betrayal from Xue Ning, her desire to talk to Xin Yao clouding her judgment, had fallen right into their trap.

    Seeing Director Gao’s face, she instantly understood, her frustration mounting.

    She hung up, her fingers gripping her phone tightly, her eyes narrowed dangerously.

    Xue Ning, you’re dead.

    Director Gao’s relentless efforts to keep them apart made their lives a living hell, their days filled with a constant, agonizing longing.

    And their suffering paled in comparison to the two women in the film, their love a forbidden flame in a world of darkness.

    Lu Duanjing knelt in the ancestral hall, her face pale, her body swaying slightly.

    After being dragged away by her father, she had been confined to the ancestral hall, forced to kneel, denied food and water, her punishment a cruel reminder of her transgression.

    Her mother, hearing the news, had rushed to plead for her daughter’s release, only to be slapped by her furious husband, a vase shattering on the floor beside her.

    “Look at her! This is the daughter you raised!”

    And then she had learned the truth, the reason for her daughter’s punishment: she had fallen in love with a woman.

    And the Lu family, steeped in tradition, her husband a staunch conservative, had been horrified.

    He had believed his daughter was possessed, her love for another woman a sign of madness.

    He had hired a Taoist priest to perform an exorcism.

    That day, the winter sun had been unusually bright.

    Lu Duanjing, weak and emaciated after days without food or water, had been dragged into the courtyard and forced to kneel, her face pale, her lips cracked and bleeding, her body trembling, as if she would collapse at any moment.

    The priest’s chanting, the rhythmic clanging of his bell, had been like a swarm of ants crawling beneath her skin, making her want to scream.

    She had looked up at the priest, his ridiculous robes and chanting, his absurd ritual, and had thought: This world is insane!

    She had simply fallen in love with someone, a kindred spirit, and they called her mad?

    They were the crazy ones!

    And then they had forced her to drink a foul-smelling concoction, pinning her down, their hands gripping her limbs, their fingers forcing her jaw open, pouring the dark liquid down her throat as she struggled and choked.

    The Lu family’s cruelty, their rigid adherence to tradition, was mirrored by the seemingly more open-minded Wen family.

    Wen Sigu, returning home, had been punished by her father.

    He had beaten her with a cane, the blows landing on her back, her skin breaking, the blood soaking through her clothes. But she had endured it in silence, her back straight, her teeth clenched.

    Knowing her stubborn nature, her unwavering defiance, her family had decided to send her abroad.

    For treatment.

    There was a famous clinic overseas, specializing in “curing” people like Wen Sigu.

    Wen Sigu, a doctor herself, knew what that meant. It wasn’t treatment, but a chemical lobotomy, a slow erasure of her memories, her emotions, her very self.

    They would inject her with a drug that would gradually dull her senses, her thoughts slowing, her mind emptying, until she was left with nothing but a blank slate.

    She would be alive, but her mind would be empty, her heart a void.

    She wouldn’t even be able to remember who she loved.

    After days of silence, Wen Sigu had finally spoken, her voice filled with a quiet despair, her gaze fixed on her father’s face.

    “If I become like that, am I even alive? I’d rather die.”

    They had simply fallen in love, and now one was considered mad, the other sick.

    As the two families struggled to contain the scandal, Lu’s mother had fallen ill.

    She had always been frail, and while her health had improved recently, the shock of her daughter’s forbidden love, and the subsequent violence, had been too much for her to bear.

    Her daughter, her quiet, obedient daughter, had fallen in love with a woman! How could this be…?

    Still reeling from the shock, she had been slapped by her husband, and that night, she had coughed up blood.

    The emotional trauma, combined with the cold winter weather, had weakened her further.

    But she had still managed to visit Lu Duanjing in the ancestral hall, her heart aching for her daughter, still kneeling there, her face pale and her body trembling, her defiance unwavering.

    Lu’s mother had returned to her room and sat on her bed, tears silently streaming down her face.

    After a long while, as if having made a decision, she had stood up and poured the medicine she had been carefully warming into a nearby flowerpot.

    She wasn’t educated, having only recently learned a few characters with Lu Duanjing’s help, unable to even read properly.

    She didn’t understand grand pronouncements of love and freedom, but she knew, with a mother’s intuition, that her daughter wasn’t happy in this house, in this life.

    Only with Wen Sigu had she seen a spark of joy in Lu Duanjing’s eyes, a newfound confidence and a bright, cheerful smile.

    Even the other women in the household had been inspired by their love, their eagerness to learn a testament to its power.

    And she herself, hadn’t she also felt a flicker of hope, a sense of purpose she had never known before?

    Perhaps all the women in this house were suffering, their lives a silent, unending torment.

    She had spent her entire life trapped in this house, her days a monotonous cycle of duty and obedience, her spirit slowly withering.

    Even in death, she would be buried in the Lu family’s ancestral graveyard, her name on the tombstone a simple “Mrs. Lu,” her own identity erased.

    She couldn’t let her daughter suffer the same fate, her life also defined by duty and obedience, her own identity lost in the shadows of the Lu family.

    After Lu Duanjing collapsed in the ancestral hall, she had been confined to her room, the doors and windows locked, her freedom restricted.

    Days passed, the sun rising and setting, until finally, the door opened, the winter sunlight streaming into the room.

    Her mother had died.

    Lu Duanjing, standing there, her face pale, her body weak, had felt like she was in a dream, the news too absurd to be real.

    The nanny, her eyes red from crying, had handed her a letter.

    Lu Duanjing, her hands trembling, unfolded the letter, her mother’s crooked handwriting barely legible in the bright sunlight.

    [Duanjing, when you read this letter, I’ll be gone. But I’m free now. And happy…]

    Lu Duanjing, standing there in the sunlight, her gaze fixed on the letter, had felt as if her mother, her quiet, unassuming mother, was standing before her, her voice a soft, sad whisper.

    “This house… it devours people.”

    “When I first arrived, I thought it was so big, so grand. Then, after a few years, it felt small, its rooms and corridors familiar. But now, it feels too big, too vast, a prison I can never escape.”

    Lu’s mother had been consumed by the house, her identity reduced to a name on a tombstone: Mrs. Lu.

    She couldn’t let her daughter suffer the same fate.

    Married off to another family, her life also confined to the four walls of a house, her spirit slowly withering, her own identity erased.

    Especially after learning to read and write.

    Lu’s mother had tasted freedom, had glimpsed a different kind of life, a life beyond the confines of the Lu residence.

    And she had longed for it, her heart aching for a world she could never experience.

    But she knew her time was short, her body failing her.

    So, she had stopped taking her medicine, her quiet act of defiance a final, desperate attempt to save her daughter.

    Her death would force the family to release Lu Duanjing from her confinement, and during the funeral, she had arranged for the nanny and the other women in the household to help Lu Duanjing escape.

    It was her final act of love, her sacrifice a path to freedom for her daughter.

    The last words of her letter, written in her shaky handwriting, echoed in Lu Duanjing’s mind.

    [Duanjing, don’t grieve. Don’t look back.]

    Lu Duanjing’s tears had flowed freely, her hand reaching out, as if to grasp her mother’s fading image.

    But her mother had pushed her away, her voice a fierce, defiant roar, the loudest sound Lu Duanjing had ever heard from her.

    “Don’t be Lu Duanjing!”

    “My daughter doesn’t have to be demure! Or obedient! Be who you want to be! Live your own life!”

    “Don’t grieve for me. Leave this place! Walk away! And take me with you!”

    “From now on, what you see, I see.”

    “Be brave. Move forward. Don’t look back.”

    “Go, Lu Duanjing.”

    “Run, Lu Duanjing!”

    Director Gao had envisioned this scene as a dream sequence, a vision of Lu Duanjing’s deceased mother urging her to escape.

    So, they had filmed it on location, Wen Xin, the actress playing Lu’s mother, standing before Xin Yao, her voice a tearful cry, her words a desperate plea, her performance a powerful portrayal of a mother’s love and sacrifice.

    And in that moment, Xin Yao had felt the full force of her emotions, the raw, unfiltered grief and the fierce, unwavering love, a powerful wave that had washed over her, her heart aching, her body trembling.

    It was the magic of acting, the power of a truly gifted performer.

    Even after the scene ended, Xin Yao had remained in character, her tears flowing freely as she clung to Wen Xin, her voice choked with emotion.

    “Mom, I miss you! Don’t leave me!”

    Wen Xin, who had grown fond of Xin Yao, her heart melting at her vulnerability, had held her close, her voice a soft murmur.

    “It’s okay, sweetie. I’m not leaving. I’m not leaving.”

    Seeing Xin Yao’s tears, Xu Jingyu, unable to bear it, her heart aching with sympathy, had started to walk towards her, forgetting their agreement to stay away from each other.

    But Director Gao, ever vigilant, had intercepted her.

    “Ms. Xu! We agreed! No contact! And you were already calling her! I haven’t even mentioned the video call incident…”

    Xu Jingyu had glanced at her, her expression cold and impassive, her eyes like chips of ice, silencing Director Gao, her words frozen in her throat.

    Even the usually oblivious director had been intimidated by that look, a shiver running down her spine.

    Xu Jingyu, her gaze returning to Xin Yao, continued walking towards her.

    Just then, Xin Yao, having finally calmed down, wiped her eyes and looked up, her gaze meeting Xu Jingyu’s.

    And in that moment, seeing the person she had missed so much, her longing, long suppressed, erupted, her heart aching.

    She stumbled towards Xu Jingyu, her movements clumsy and unsteady.

    And Xu Jingyu, also drawn to her, quickened her pace.

    They were like magnets, their bodies pulled towards each other, their reunion inevitable.

    Director Gao, seeing them, her eyes widening in alarm, yelled, “Separate them! Quickly!”

    The assistant director, grabbing her arm, said, “Director, you’re like an evil mother-in-law! Calm down!”

    Director Gao couldn’t help but retort, “I’m just trying to protect my family!”

    Finally, seeing Xin Yao’s tear-streaked face, she relented, calling out, “Just one hug! Only one!”

    But before she could even finish her sentence, Xin Yao had already thrown herself into Xu Jingyu’s arms, like a lost bird returning to its nest, her tears soaking Xu Jingyu’s shirt, her body trembling with a mix of relief and longing.

    Finally, enveloped in Xu Jingyu’s familiar scent, her racing heart calmed, but her tears flowed even more freely.

    And Xu Jingyu, while not crying, her trembling fingers betrayed her own emotions, her grip on Xin Yao tightening, as if afraid she would disappear.

    She couldn’t bear being separated from Xin Yao, not even for a day, not even for a night.

    Their longing was a shared burden.

    But their embrace, on set, in full view of the crew, had to be brief.

    And their forced separation only intensified their longing.

    And to make matters worse, that night, Xin Yao discovered that Director Gao, in her infinite wisdom, had moved them to different hotels.

    Twenty kilometers apart, a forty-minute drive.

    Only the director of the zombie movie next door could rival her level of deviousness.

    Lying in her new hotel bed, Xin Yao had finally recovered from the emotional intensity of the afternoon’s scene, but her eyes were still slightly swollen.

    Physical discomfort and emotional longing combined to create a restless energy that made her toss and turn in bed.

    She missed Xu Jingyu.

    She missed her so much.

    She wanted to see her.

    But the director, having caught Xu Jingyu trying to video call Xin Yao, had forced them to delete each other’s contact information, forbidding them from communicating until filming was over.

    Xin Yao couldn’t even call her.

    Just as her longing became unbearable, her phone, lying on the nightstand, buzzed.

    A new message.

    Xin Yao, who had been wallowing in self-pity, sat up and grabbed her phone, her eyes scanning the message from an unknown number.

    [Look outside.]

    She paused, confused, then, a sudden realization dawning on her, she rushed to the window, throwing it open.

    The cool night air and the starlight streamed in.

    Below, standing beside a streetlight, was Xu Jingyu, her figure elegant and graceful even in the dim light.

    Seeing Xin Yao, she raised her hand and waved.

    It was her lover, braving the cold night, having come to see her.

    Xin Yao grabbed a coat and ran downstairs.

    As she reached Xu Jingyu, the soft glow of the streetlight illuminating her face, tears welled up in Xin Yao’s eyes, and she threw herself into Xu Jingyu’s arms.

    “What are you doing here?”

    Xu Jingyu’s arms, already outstretched, wrapped around Xin Yao, holding her close, inhaling her scent.

    She felt like she could finally breathe again.

    “I missed you, so I came.”

    “But it’s so cold! And you’re so far away! And the director made us delete each other’s numbers! How did you get here?”

    “It’s not cold. And it’s not far. I remember your number. Nothing can stop me from seeing you.”

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c32

    32. Shocking Shangguan Long

     

    Her words made the official’s face pale.

    While other officials might not know about the assassins, she did.

    Because she was the one Prince Changning ordered to arrange their entry.

    This girl dared to bring this up publicly. Could it be that the assassins were exposed before they could complete their mission?

    “What assassins?” The official glanced at the First Prince and decided to play dumb. “There are no assassins in the competition area. There was just a Flame Python acting strangely. You didn’t go to the central area, did you?”

    That Flame Python is already dead, lady.

    Miss Gong knew she was trying to change the subject. She casually tossed two cloth-wrapped bundles at her feet.

    “The others were eaten by the demonic beasts. I kept these two heads as souvenirs. See if you recognize them.”

    The freshness of the heads was evident. They had clearly died recently, and the claw marks on them were unmistakable signs of a demonic beast attack.

    “How would I know them?” The official feigned composure. “But… were they really assassins?”

    Before she could finish, the recorded conversation between the First Prince and the assassins echoed through the air.

    —Miss Gong had set it to loop.

    Hearing this, the official’s heart sank.

    The First Prince was supposed to be cautious and cunning. How did this girl obtain such evidence?

    “This doesn’t sound like His Highness’s voice,” the official pretended to listen carefully. “Could someone be impersonating him, trying to frame him?”

    Her words immediately resonated with the First Prince’s supporters.

    Would the First Prince of the Heartflame Empire really order the assassination of an unknown girl?

    That sounded absurd.

    “Whether they’re his men or not is irrelevant.” Gong Yiling shrugged. “At least you’ve confirmed that there are assassins in the competition grounds. This threat to the participants’ lives isn’t something you would condone.”

    “Or should I spread the word throughout Yanlie City that the Heartflame Empire can’t even secure its own competition grounds, allowing several Return to Origin assassins to infiltrate?”

    “If this reaches His Majesty’s ears,” she suddenly raised her voice, “how many heads do you think you have to spare?!”

    This hit the mark.

    With so many people present, mishandling this could have severe consequences.

    After careful consideration, the official finally said, “I can let you leave and retain your scores, but if you don’t have—”

    “Clatter.”

    Qiu Shui, holding Lu Xinyao, tossed nine cards totaling forty-five points before her. Then, she asked calmly, “Any other problems?”

    “…Your team has forty-five points, a perfect score, with a perfect average. I’ll report this to Prince Changning. Please follow me.”

    —

    —

    Perhaps shocked by their perfect score, the other participants, initially wanting to withdraw due to the assassins, no longer mentioned it.

    They were handing in a perfect exam paper early. Leaving now, with their failing grades, would be embarrassing.

    However, the three perfect scorers didn’t meet Prince Changning as expected, to confront him with the evidence they all knew existed.

    As for where the prince was…

    —

    —

    “Dead!?”

    Emperor Shangguan Long was utterly shocked.

    He had heard a strange roar earlier, seemingly coming from afar, followed by a clear accusation carried by the wind:

    “Great One Engineering Sect, I will never forgive you, even in death!”

    The only demonic beast capable of such a roar was the Flame Python in the Yanxing Great Forest.

    He didn’t know who had sealed it there, but during his first royal hunt, he almost lost his entire army because of it.

    After that, he had even issued a bounty, offering a large reward for anyone who could slay the beast.

    —Many came seeking the reward, even forming a twenty-person team led by a Heavenly Venerable cultivator.

    But they were too weak, lacking the power to even make plain water taste good.

    None of them returned alive.

    After that, Shangguan Long never mentioned hunting the beast again.

    Until today.

    Although he had a premonition, it needed confirmation.

    And Shangguan Yaochang arrived with the news.

    “Your Majesty, the Flame Python is dead.”

    “Really dead!?”

    “Really dead.” Shangguan Yaochang presented a scale from the python. “After hearing the roar, I arranged the competition and immediately went to the central area. I found its remains near the outer edge.”

    Shangguan Long asked, “Did you find out who did it?”

    Shangguan Yaochang shook his head. “There was no one else there. The fatal wound was on its neck, a piercing injury at its seventh inch. And its head was missing.”

    “Therefore, I suspect someone struck its vital point, then, realizing it wasn’t its heart, severed its head with a second strike.”

    Against a Heavenly Venerable demonic beast…

    Only two strikes.

    One to pierce its vital point, one to decapitate it.

    Such precision, such power, could only be achieved by someone above Heavenly Venerable.

    Immortal Mansion or Saint Venerable?

    This was truly astonishing.

    “Unfortunately, I didn’t find anyone else there. Otherwise, I would have recommended them to Your Majesty—”

    “It’s fine.”

    Shangguan Long suddenly stroked his beard and chuckled. “It’s fine, it’s fine. As long as the Flame Python is dead, that’s a cause for celebration!”

    “It must be Your Majesty’s good fortune that brought such an expert to our aid.”

    “You always know what to say.” Shangguan Long clapped his brother’s shoulder heartily. “I’m in a good mood today. Let’s drink until we drop, brother!”

    “Since Your Majesty insists, I’ll gladly oblige.”

    Their conversation was harmonious, but whether they harbored hidden agendas remained unknown.

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 329

    Chapter 329: An Interesting Movie

    Outside Adele’s dorm:

    “Ding-dong!” Tang Linlang pressed the doorbell only once and waited patiently. She would only press it a second time, or knock gently, if Adele happened not to hear. The girl’s shy and reserved personality was evident. At this moment, she was still wondering if she had chosen the right shade of lipstick, if it looked strange and inappropriate for her age.

    Then, the familiar sound of footsteps, which Tang Linlang would never mistake for anyone else’s, came “da-da-da” from inside. Tang Linlang immediately took a deep breath, straightened her chest, and put her long, slender legs together, waiting for the door to open and her first glimpse of Adele.

    “Linlang!” Adele’s actions were even more “Adele-like” than she imagined. Hmm… “Adele” has unknowingly become an adjective.

    The moment the door opened, the girl immediately rushed towards Tang Linlang, who was wearing winter clothes but still looked beautiful and slender. Tang Linlang stumbled from Adele’s weight, but didn’t fall, instead embracing Adele’s delicate body. A sweet smile appeared on her lips. She was deeply moved. Perhaps, precisely because Adele was the kind of girl…who could give her all to you, Tang Linlang also chose to dedicate everything to Adele.

    At the window on the second floor, First Snow and Xiao Ai poked their heads out, one on the left and one on the right, staring at the scene below. First Snow’s expression was one of habit, but Xiao Ai seemed a bit concerned. So First Snow pulled Xiao Ai closer and, as someone with experience, comforted her, “Sister Adele is just so charming, we all like her, so how can we stop others from liking her?”

    She could tell at a glance that Xiao Ai’s feelings for Adele weren’t right. It wasn’t the kind of affection between mother and daughter. But they weren’t actually mother and daughter, it would be strange if there was such affection.

    “…” Xiao Ai didn’t speak. No one knew what her silence meant. But she agreed with First Snow on one point. Adele was indeed too charming. And without her former naiveté, she was a blooming flower that never withered. It was better for the bees and butterflies attracted by her fragrance to each enjoy their own share of sweetness than to fight to the death and miss the girl’s blooming period. So it was better for the girl to keep her petals open.

    So Xiao Ai rationally changed her train of thought and asked First Snow, “Then, Sister First Snow, what is that girl to Mama?” Xiao Ai’s communication was fine, but occasionally she would omit words or use inappropriate expressions. She probably wanted to ask, “What is that girl’s relationship with Mama?” But First Snow, having lived in the human world for many years, easily understood.

    So First Snow explained to Xiao Ai based on her understanding, “She’s called Tang Linlang, she’s Sister Adele’s classmate, meow.”

    “Do you know what ‘classmate’ means?”

    “…What does it mean?” Xiao Ai blinked her big eyes.

    “It means studying together in the classroom at school, meow!”

    “What does ‘school’ mean? What does ‘classroom’ mean?”

    “Meow!? School is…” First Snow started to painstakingly explain to Xiao Ai. But often, one sentence would contain several words Xiao Ai didn’t understand. Then First Snow had to explain those words one by one. So teaching without mind-reading is…this difficult. First Snow soon gave up, raising her cat tail in surrender. I’m not teaching anymore, meow! Why is it so easy for Sister Adele to teach Xiao Ai!

    Meanwhile, Adele and Tang Linlang had moved indoors. Their conversation continued. This was their first time seeing each other since the holidays began, so they had endless things to say, countless things they wanted the other to know. But the most surprising thing for Tang Linlang was undoubtedly Xiao Ai’s existence. This was also one of the main reasons why Adele invited Tang Linlang to her dorm to enjoy a takeout feast.

    Their meeting began with Adele saying, “I have a surprise for you.” But whether the “surprise” Adele mentioned was more surprising or more joyful for Tang Linlang remained to be seen. Adele herself was also nervous. But since everyone else had accepted Xiao Ai’s existence, Linlang shouldn’t be an exception.

    Thinking this, the girl opened her dorm room door. Tang Linlang closed her eyes dramatically, but Adele immediately told her to open them with a smile. Then, the girl saw a scene she would never forget. Ignoring the cat-girl First Snow, the problem was, why were there…two Adeles, one big and one small, in front of her!? Had Adele learned some kind of cloning technique!? Like a forbidden blood magic that could create another self? If that were the case, being intimate with little Adele…with Tang Linlang’s honest personality, she might not be able to accept it. It wasn’t something she could do just by using the excuse “She’s also Adele.”

    It had to be said that Tang Linlang had a rich imagination, even coming up with cloning techniques. But soon, Xiao Ai’s gaze made Tang Linlang quickly realize how unrealistic her thoughts were. It was a gaze distinctly different from Adele’s. They said the eyes were the windows to the soul, and Tang Linlang finally understood the meaning of this phrase at this moment. Xiao Ai’s eyes belonged to a completely different, independent soul, entirely different from Adele’s.

    “Who…who is she?” Tang Linlang asked Adele for confirmation.

    Unexpectedly, before Adele could answer, Xiao Ai responded to the girl’s question. She greeted her politely, “Hello, Sister Linlang, my name is…Xiao Ai.”

    “I’m Mama’s daughter.”

    “My daughter~” Adele added proudly. Unaware that Tang Linlang, like many before her, was struck by lightning. Daughter…Adele has a daughter… Tang Linlang felt a sense of crisis. Is this the legendary ‘bringing your daughter to a date’ strategy!? And the daughter looks exactly like a younger Adele! This is too much!

    First Snow couldn’t stand it anymore and hurriedly explained. After her “this and that, like this and like that” explanation, Tang Linlang finally understood that Adele and Xiao Ai weren’t blood-related. Xiao Ai was a being Adele brought out from a secret realm in the vampire territory, and even Adele couldn’t confirm her identity at the moment. But because of her prematurely overflowing maternal instincts, and because Xiao Ai was indeed very well-behaved, she kept her by her side and treated her like a daughter.

    Now, Adele was being completely open and honest with her, without any secrets. So Tang Linlang’s feelings were complicated, somewhere between surprise and a slight happiness.

    First Snow puffed out her chest proudly, thinking that it was thanks to her that a shuraba didn’t happen. But Xiao Ai seemed to be trying to accept the women around Sister Adele, so perhaps a shuraba wouldn’t have happened in the first place? Well, anyway, I still worked hard!

    Just then, the doorbell rang again. Adele’s eyes lit up.

    “The takeout is here!” Delivery drivers weren’t allowed inside Cromwell Academy, but there were dedicated personnel to deliver takeout to the students’ dorms. This academy housed many vampire nobles, so they could afford this labor cost.

    Adele received the takeout she ordered from the school staff. It was delivered on a small food cart, showing just how much takeout she had ordered. It was all food suitable for a happy gathering: fried chicken, pizza, fries, cola, barbecue skewers, and of course, the small yellow croaker fish and squid that First Snow always ordered. Coincidentally, the two game consoles and controllers Adele ordered yesterday were also delivered. This way, Adele, Linlang, First Snow, and Xiao Ai could play party games together. Adele, a homebody, was infecting the people around her with her lifestyle. But wasn’t Tang Linlang originally a homebody? Her family had declined, she had been poor since childhood, and because of her special identity, she didn’t have friends to hang out with, so it was natural for her to be a homebody.

    Therefore, she was very much looking forward to this kind of gathering. Adele had unintentionally fulfilled her wish.

    The girl quickly set out the takeout on the coffee table in the living room downstairs. Then she connected the game console to the TV screen. That’s right, there was a TV in Cromwell Academy’s dorms. It was just that few people watched TV these days, so it had been left unused by Adele. But now it finally had a purpose.

    With her past life experience, Adele quickly connected the console and the TV. But the girl wasn’t in a hurry to start the party game. Instead, she disconnected the console and decided to watch a movie. It would be so relaxing to eat takeout and watch a movie together. Considering First Snow and Xiao Ai, Adele specifically chose an animated movie from this world. Definitely, definitely not because she wanted to watch it herself!

    The movie was about a rabbit police officer and a fox con artist. It sounded so similar to…Zootopia! Perhaps there was some indescribable connection between the two worlds. Adele could explain this by simply thinking that this was a world within a book written by an author. But she didn’t seem to consider that there were many types of authors. Some wrote original stories, and some wrote fan fiction. So which kind was the author of this book? Original was easy to understand. If it was fan fiction, then was Adele actually a character from another work? This work could be a novel, an anime, or even a legend or a story.

    Ahem, getting off track. Back to the movie. Actually, it was fundamentally different from the animated movie in Adele’s previous life. For example, the protagonists in this movie, the rabbit police officer and the fox con artist, were both female characters. They met because of a misunderstanding, resolved the misunderstanding through bonding, and finally had a happy ending, happily getting together~

    Adele watched and ate with relish! And Xiao Ai also watched attentively. Movies were such interesting things. She felt like…she had learned a lot.

  • Dear, it’s time for your medicine! 295

    Chapter 295: Athena’s Complete Breakdown

    Those dull, lifeless eyes… she was dead inside.

    It was a chilling sight.

    This was undoubtedly the most devastating blow Athena had ever suffered.

    She had sacrificed everything for Jie Luo’s resurrection, even her own body, only to discover it was all for nothing, that she had merely been used by the very person she wanted to kill.

    He had enjoyed her, while mocking her behind that charming smile.

    Remembering her past actions, only shame and regret remained.

    And now, hearing that Jie Luo could never be resurrected, all hope was extinguished, leaving only despair.

    It was enough to break anyone.

    Qin Chu patted her shoulder and stepped back: “What a pity, Athena. You’re too smart. I had intended to let you live a little longer…”

    “But now, I’ll have to use other methods.”

    That was why Ireta, the Daughter of Death, was here.

    If Ireta failed, he would have no choice but to kill Athena.

    Sensing his gaze, Ireta floated towards Athena.

    As the Daughter of Death, wielding the authority of death itself, her power far surpassed Athena’s. If not for Qin Chu having purified some of her death aura, their proximity alone would have killed both Athena and Muse.

    She extended her hand towards Athena’s forehead.

    Athena instinctively tried to resist, but she was no match for Ireta.

    Moreover, in her despair and broken state, she couldn’t even summon her mana. Ireta easily grasped her head.

    Ireta began twisting Athena’s soul.

    She couldn’t guarantee the outcome.

    While she had power over souls, this was her first time attempting such a drastic manipulation.

    Black threads emerged from her fingertips, enveloping Athena. The threads seeped into her skin.

    Athena screamed, a chilling sound of pure agony.

    Her body convulsed, her face covered in sweat.

    Then, she froze, motionless like a doll.

    Two tears rolled down her cheeks.

    She knew Qin Chu’s methods were far more cruel than mere death. Despair wasn’t enough to satisfy his anger.

    He had something far more sinister in mind.

    Muse, watching the scene unfold, was completely confused. What were they talking about?

    Athena seemed to be mistaking Qin Chu for Jie Luo? How was that possible? They looked nothing alike.

    And it sounded like she had… been intimate with Qin Chu?

    That shameless bitch.

    And it seemed the mysterious woman in black stockings was attacking Athena?

    He wanted to intervene, but he correctly deduced that Qin Chu was the leader. Taking him down would solve everything.

    And Qin Chu’s words had enraged him.

    That damned bastard! What did he mean, Jie Luo couldn’t be resurrected?

    How could that be?

    If Jie Luo couldn’t be resurrected, then what was the point of the Second Hero even existing? And this bastard was responsible for Ronald, Benson, and Karsus’s deaths?

    His already grotesque face twisted further, his eyes glowing crimson.

    He roared, his axe raised, charging towards Qin Chu.

    “Bastard, die!”

    Despite his illness and weakened state, his berserker rage remained. He was like a wild beast, his heavy footsteps sending snow flying.

    He swung his axe at Qin Chu’s head.

    Swoosh…

    The falling snowflakes were cleaved in two by the sharp blade.

    The rusted, bloodstained axe emanated a foul stench.

    Qin Chu smiled faintly, sidestepping the attack.

    He had no desire to engage in close combat with this… thing. He didn’t want to be splattered with the contents of those blisters.

    Muse’s attack continued relentlessly.

    He swung his axe horizontally, a flash of light slicing through the air.

    Then, he leaped into the air, his battle qi surging, suppressing his discomfort, purple lightning crackling around his axe, the blade glowing.

    He brought the axe down with all his might.

    This was Muse’s fighting style.

    Once engaged, he forgot everything else, his attacks relentless, like an unending tide, giving his opponent no respite.

    The giant axe stirred up a blizzard of snow.

    His roars echoed through the mountains.

    Qin Chu stood his ground, extending his hand, silver battle qi flowing along his arm, forming a sharp sword.

    He raised the sword to block the falling axe.

    Clang!

    Sparks flew as the weapons collided.

    Qin Chu felt an immense force pushing him down, shattering the ice beneath his feet.

    Muse the Mad was truly powerful.

    That brute strength was formidable.

    The impact sent snow flying, revealing the shattered ice beneath. The entire mountain seemed to tremble.

    Qin Chu wondered if this would trigger an avalanche.

    Muse’s expression changed. He hadn’t expected the Second Hero to block his attack.

    He had heard of Qin Chu’s talent and rapid growth, but this was ridiculous. He was almost a match for him?

    Was his talent that monstrous?

    He had expected to shatter the flimsy battle qi sword easily, but it had held firm. Moreover, his own axe had been chipped.

    His eyes glowed with madness as he prepared his next attack.

    But Qin Chu smiled, his other hand casually flicking the tip of his sword, bending the blade.

    Then, he released it, and the blade snapped back, sending Muse stumbling backwards.

    A sharp pain shot through his foot.

    He groaned.

    An ice shard had pierced his sole, blood staining the snow.

    Heloise’s handiwork. Iyeta had taught her how to create ice shards beneath the surface, a surprisingly effective tactic.

    Heloise raised her hand, and the falling snowflakes seemed to freeze in mid-air.

    She flicked her fingers, and the snowflakes shot towards Muse like tiny, razor-sharp darts.

    This blizzard was her domain.

    Here, her power was at its peak.

    Muse’s face darkened, his axe whirling like a storm.

    Thud, thud, thud… He shattered the snowflakes, but each impact jolted him, forcing him to retreat.

    The snowflakes were too numerous to block completely.

    One slipped through his defenses, grazing his cheek. The seemingly fragile snowflake cut him deeply, bone visible beneath the wound.

    He stumbled back, finally catching his breath as the snowfall subsided.

    He panted, his body burning with fever.

    He glared at Heloise. Damn it, he had underestimated them.

    He hadn’t expected this seemingly fragile woman to be so powerful.

    He saw the woman in black stockings retreating. Athena stood motionless. Had she defeated her?

    It was possible. Athena was strong.

    While that woman seemed strange, defeating Athena so quickly was unlikely.

    Muse, never the brightest, his mind now clouded by illness and the pressure of battle, didn’t have time to think.

    “Athena, let’s team up! Take down these bastards!”

    “You handle the mages. I’ll kill Qin Chu.”

    Without waiting for her answer, he roared and charged again.

    But as he took his first step…

    A sharp pain pierced his chest. An ice shard had impaled him from behind.

    Blood sprayed everywhere.

    He froze, slowly turning his head, his eyes wide with disbelief, looking at the woman behind him.

    His former comrade, Athena.

    Her hand still gripped her staff, the mana around it still shimmering.

    A twisted, broken smile spread across her face:

    “Muse… you want to harm my master?”

    Athena had completely broken down.

    Ireta’s face showed a flicker of surprise. She hadn’t expected this.

  • After Failing to Find Immortality 227

    Chapter 227: An Icy Beauty, A Moonlit Drink

    Late at night…

    Lin Tianlu and his companions stopped at an inn along the way to rest.

    “…”

    Mao Ruoyu held a teacup, her gaze fixed on Yun Yue, who was sitting on the bed, her mind racing.

    Yun Yue sat quietly, her eyes closed, her expression serene and otherworldly, like a figure in a painting.

    After a moment of silence, she opened her eyes, her crimson gaze meeting Mao Ruoyu’s.

    Mao Ruoyu smiled gently and sat down beside her, reaching out to caress her cheek.

    “What are you doing?”

    “Just trying something…”

    Mao Ruoyu’s voice was soft. “You don’t mind this, do you, Sister Yun?”

    Lin Tianlu had demonstrated this earlier during their journey.

    Yun Yue’s surprised and bewildered expression had been quite adorable. Mao Ruoyu had even tried it herself, and Yun Yue hadn’t resisted, like a cute and cuddly doll.

    “We’re like sisters. It’s fine for you to touch me.”

    Yun Yue’s voice was flat and emotionless, like a clear spring.

    Mao Ruoyu smiled faintly. “It’s rare to see you like this, Sister Yun. Aside from your initial surprise, you seem to be enjoying it now.”

    She had been worried at first.

    She had feared that this changed Yun Yue would be cruel and ruthless, prone to violence.

    Or perhaps she would have forgotten their shared experiences, her words cold and distant, hurting them deeply.

    But after spending a day with her, she had realized…

    That Yun Yue’s true nature hadn’t changed. As Lin Tianlu and Yun Yue herself had said, it was just her way of expressing herself that was different. Beneath her cold exterior was still the same warm and caring heart.

    Perhaps this was the effect of the demon bloodline and the Yin energy?

    The demon bloodline enhanced one’s seductive nature, while the Yin energy amplified one’s coldness and detachment.

    She and Hua Shuya had also become more reserved and aloof after absorbing a large amount of Yin energy, their emotions muted, except when they were with Lin Tianlu and their close friends.

    And it seemed to be the same for Yun Yue.

    But her powerful Yin energy, at the peak of the Savage Realm, and her nine hundred years of resentment, couldn’t be dispelled so easily.

    “…”

    Yun Yue remained silent, her eyes downcast.

    Seeing her silence, Mao Ruoyu smiled mischievously. “You’re like a little sister now, Sister Yun, quiet and shy.”

    Yun Yue tilted her head slightly. “I’m like a little sister?”

    “According to my husband, your current demeanor is quite adorable. It makes people want to protect you.”

    “I don’t need protection.”

    Yun Yue blinked her crimson eyes, her voice soft. “I’m still your elder sister.”

    Mao Ruoyu chuckled and gently rubbed her cheek. “You don’t seem very much like an elder sister now.”

    “You’re being mischievous, Ruoyu.”

    “Ahem!”

    Mao Ruoyu quickly withdrew her hand, her face flushed.

    But it was rare to be able to touch Sister Yun’s cheek…

    “Huh?”

    She suddenly noticed something strange about Yun Yue’s attire.

    “What is it?”

    “I didn’t notice before, but your clothes are different, Sister Yun.”

    Mao Ruoyu’s eyes widened in surprise.

    She had been so focused on trying to reconnect with Yun Yue that she hadn’t paid attention to her clothes.

    But now, looking closely, she realized how… revealing they were.

    Although it was an elegant black and gold robe, the sides were completely open, revealing her bare skin, her curves on full display, her breasts full and perky, her skin smooth and flawless. The skirt was slit high, revealing her thighs, the ribbons accentuating her curves.

    It was even more revealing than her previous outfit, accentuating her femininity and allure.

    Under the moonlight, the sheer fabric shimmered, making her almost irresistible.

    Mao Ruoyu quickly averted her gaze, realizing how seductive Yun Yue looked. She said awkwardly, “Sister Yun, perhaps you should change your clothes tomorrow.”

    “My clothes?”

    Yun Yue’s voice was flat. “Why should I change?”

    “They’re a bit… too revealing.”

    Mao Ruoyu was about to explain that fashion had changed in the past thousand years when Yun Yue interrupted her, her voice soft. “I’ve maintained an illusion. Ordinary people can’t see me. Only you three can.”

    “E-even so, you should still cover up…”

    Seeing Mao Ruoyu’s flushed face and pointing at her chest, Yun Yue blinked, then with a flick of her wrist, black fabric materialized, covering her exposed skin.

    Mao Ruoyu sighed in relief and gently patted Yun Yue’s cheek. “You’re so considerate, Sister Yun.”

    “Should I cover my face too?”

    “…”

    …

    As the night deepened…

    Lin Tianlu sat at a round table, sipping his wine.

    He savored the warm, mellow flavor and couldn’t help but praise, “Innkeeper, this wine is excellent. Better than many of the expensive wines I’ve tasted. You’re a skilled brewer.”

    “You flatter me, Sir.”

    The middle-aged man sitting opposite him chuckled and bowed slightly. “It’s just a hobby. I’m glad you enjoy it. I was worried it wouldn’t be to your liking.”

    This man was the innkeeper.

    They had chatted briefly earlier, and Lin Tianlu had been surprised to discover that he was a scholar, quite knowledgeable. They had quickly found common ground and decided to share a drink.

    Lin Tianlu chuckled and popped a peanut into his mouth. “It’s rare to find an innkeeper with such knowledge. Haven’t you ever considered taking the imperial examinations?”

    “Those exams are not easy to pass.”

    The innkeeper shook his head with a wry smile. “My family couldn’t afford for me to spend years studying. I had to work to support them. It took me more than ten years to build this inn.”

    “You have the aura of a scholar, Master Lin, your words and demeanor refined and elegant. You must be a talented student, perhaps even a government official—”

    “You flatter me, Innkeeper. I’m just a failed scholar, no different from you.”

    Lin Tianlu smiled and raised his cup, clinking it against the innkeeper’s. “I’m just returning home with my family and companions, passing through this town.”

    “That’s a shame…”

    The innkeeper’s face showed a hint of regret. “With your talent, Master Lin, it’s truly a waste.”

    “There’s no need for regrets. There are many more talented scholars in this world. And I’m not interested in a government career. If I were an official, I would probably be overwhelmed.”

    Seeing his calm and sincere expression, the innkeeper felt a surge of admiration and bowed respectfully. “I admire your attitude, Master Lin.”

    He couldn’t resist the allure of power and status.

    How many scholars dedicated their lives to studying, just for the chance to become an official?

    For this man to be so indifferent to fame and fortune…

    Lin Tianlu refilled his cup and chuckled. “Fame and fortune don’t matter to me, Innkeeper. I’m content with my simple life, thanks to the women who care for me.”

    “With your charm and good looks, Master Lin, it’s natural for women to be drawn to you.”

    The innkeeper glanced towards the entrance, where a slender figure stood silently, her sword in her arms, her posture unwavering in the night wind.

    “But that young lady…”

    “She’s just worried about bandits. This is a remote area.” Lin Tianlu smiled helplessly. “I told her to rest, but we were attacked in Anshi County earlier, so she’s probably still on guard.”

    “Anshi County?”

    The innkeeper’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’ve heard some rumors. Is the situation there truly that bad? Bandits operating within the town itself?”

    “It was quite chaotic a few days ago. But a new magistrate arrived, and things have improved.”

    Lin Tianlu explained, “I’m sure he’ll restore order soon.”

    “That’s good to hear.”

    The innkeeper sighed in relief. “This town isn’t far from Anshi County. If there was chaos there, it would affect my business. Even the other side of the county is… Hmm?”

    He suddenly paused and asked, “You said you’re returning home, Master Lin. Where are you headed?”

    “Changling County.”

    “Changling…”

    The innkeeper frowned, his expression thoughtful.

    Seeing his reaction, Lin Tianlu asked curiously, “Do you have friends or family in Changling, Innkeeper?”

    “No, I wasn’t going to ask for your help, Master Lin. But I’ve heard some rumors about Changling County.”

    Lin Tianlu’s hand froze on his cup, his expression turning serious. “What rumors?”

    “I don’t know the details. This inn is quite remote. I only hear snippets of information from travelers and merchants passing through.”

    The innkeeper paused, trying to recall the details. “It seems a distinguished guest has arrived in Changling County, a prince, perhaps. And he’s been sending out invitations, recruiting talented individuals? Something like a hero’s assembly.”

    “In Changling County?”

    “I’m not sure of the exact location. But he’s definitely staying in the county.” The innkeeper sighed. “I heard that many wealthy families and even government officials from neighboring provinces have been visiting him. It must be quite a spectacle.”

    A prince, holding a hero’s assembly in Changling County?

    Lin Tianlu found it strange.

    “You seem puzzled by this assembly, Master Lin.”

    The innkeeper chuckled. “I am too. It seems rather odd. Why would someone of his status hold such an event? If he’s looking for talented individuals, he could just post notices. This assembly seems more like a publicity stunt.”

    Lin Tianlu smiled faintly. “You’re quite perceptive, Innkeeper.”

    “What are your thoughts, Master Lin?”

    “This hero’s assembly is just a facade.”

    Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment. “I don’t know much about this prince, but there must be some internal power struggle within the royal family. He’s probably seeking support in the south. And Changling is his first stop, using this assembly to gain recognition… even if it’s not entirely positive.

    As for his true intentions—”

    He raised his hand and made a downward motion. “—Recruitment. Building momentum.”

    The innkeeper nodded slowly. “You make a good point, Master Lin. A member of the royal family wouldn’t be so foolish. He must have a plan. But if he’s just recruiting soldiers, this hero’s assembly seems a bit… ineffective.”

    “Perhaps that’s what he wants.”

    Lin Tianlu stroked his chin, his voice meaningful. “Even we, who know nothing about his background, can guess his intentions. This recruitment strategy is clearly a failure. Perhaps it’s just a diversion, a way to conceal his true motives. He wouldn’t want his plans to be so easily discovered.”

    “You’re right, Master Lin!”

    The innkeeper’s eyes widened in realization. “There must be a deeper plot.”

    “And this plot…”

    Lin Tianlu smiled, his voice playful. “Probably involves something supernatural.”

    “You jest, Master Lin.” The innkeeper chuckled and raised his cup. “Cheers!”

    “Cheers!”

    They clinked their cups and drank.

    Lin Tianlu finished his wine in one gulp, his eyes narrowing slightly.

    A prince…

  • Inferior A After Having a Baby with the Top Boss 49

    Chapter 49: I Want to Grow Old with You, Our Hair White as Snow

    Because the person in her arms seemed unwell, Ming Fei loosened her left hand, the worry in her eyes deepening.

    The pheromone bracelet on her wrist flashed a blue warning light. Just as Ming Fei was considering what to do, Zhu Yiqiao said softly,

    “…Sorry.”

    “I’m fine, you two play, I’ll go back to the study for a bit.”

    Instantly, all the pheromones that had surged out were withdrawn. Ming Fei felt that Zhu Yiqiao’s ability to control her pheromones and herself was truly terrifying. But she was still a little worried. After all, people could tell white lies for various reasons, but pheromones wouldn’t.

    The moment she was hugged, the pheromones Zhu Yiqiao released were… strange. It was impossible that nothing was wrong.

    Ming Fei insisted, “Jiejie, do you really not need my help?”

    Zhu Yiqiao pursed her lips: “No.”

    After saying that, she quickly left the living room, leaving Ming Fei standing there, stunned.

    Because the paint on her face hadn’t been wiped off yet, and with the black character “king” on her forehead, Ming Fei, standing by the corner of the sofa, really looked like a dazed and helpless tiger.

    Ming Zaozao, hiding on the other side, immediately ran over when she sensed something was wrong.

    “Mommy, what’s wrong with Auntie?”

    She made a questioning sound, “Auntie said she would only be back at night.”

    Ming Fei didn’t know what was going on either. She had already done her best to express her willingness to help, but Zhu Yiqiao still refused. She wasn’t sure if Zhu Yiqiao had other considerations, or perhaps other solutions.

    After all—

    Zhu Yiqiao was different from her.

    Before this period, she hadn’t had pheromones or a heat cycle, but Zhu Yiqiao had always been a normal alpha with pheromones and heat cycles. Moreover, as a member of the Ole Empire’s royal family, Zhu Yiqiao had received physiology lessons earlier than ordinary people and knew many differentiation secrets that ordinary people couldn’t access.

    In addition, in their initial marriage agreement, Zhu Yiqiao had explicitly forbidden her from crossing the line.

    Therefore, after repeated hesitation, Ming Fei worried that her persistence would only annoy Zhu Yiqiao, so she didn’t follow.

    She bent down and picked up Ming Zaozao: “She came back for something, don’t worry, Zaozao.”

    Ming Zaozao nodded like a pecking chicken: “Okay.”

    This interlude interrupted their hide-and-seek game, and Ming Fei didn’t see Zhu Yiqiao come downstairs even during dinner.

    At 8:30 pm, international news released a breaking news bulletin. At the same time, 0619’s display screen suddenly changed from emojis to an internal message from Zhu Yiqiao.

    [Change of plans, going on a business trip.]

    [Back in a week.]

    After reading it word for word, Ming Fei asked thoughtfully,

    “Are there other exits in the villa?”

    0619’s display screen changed again, from an emotionless text message to Ming Zaozao’s favorite little bear emoji, looking a bit comical, but also cute.

    “Yes!” it replied. “But only Chief Judge Zhu has the authority to open them.”

    Ming Fei hummed in acknowledgment and returned her attention to her book.

    Ming Zaozao was assembling a toy gun on the sofa, even more focused than Ming Fei, who was reading, so much so that even 008 didn’t interrupt. After assembling the toy gun, Ming Zaozao picked up the gun, which was almost taller than her, and walked towards Ming Fei step by step.

    “Mommy~”

    Ming Fei looked up at her and said with a smile, “Is Officer Zaozao going on patrol?”

    The pink toy gun almost fell to the ground. Ming Zaozao caught it in time and said seriously with a straight face,

    “Yes! Baby and Flower are going. Bye, Mommy!”

    “Okay.”

    The so-called patrol was just taking the elevator down to the first floor for a walk, with 008, which had full video surveillance, accompanying Ming Zaozao. Ming Fei was very reassured.

    The study became quiet again, and she continued reading for a while, but the pages of the book remained unturned. Ten minutes later, she opened the chat software and switched to the chat page with Zhu Yiqiao.

    A long minute passed.

    Ming Fei took out a coin from the bookshelf, using her old method to decide whether or not to send a message to Zhu Yiqiao.

    The coin, round like a small moon, landed on the table, showing heads, the positive answer.

    Ming Fei’s lips curved upwards.

    She didn’t immediately put the coin back as she usually did. Instead, she first typed the message she was going to send to Zhu Yiqiao, and only after the message was sent successfully did she put the coin away.

    [Jiejie, how are you feeling?]

    [Zaozao and I are a little worried about you.]

    [[Kitten staring.jpg]]

    To emphasize their worry, Ming Fei added another animated emoji.

    [[Little bear and little rabbit anxiously spinning.gif]]

    The message conveyed by 0619 didn’t mention the destination of the business trip. Ming Fei guessed that Zhu Yiqiao probably hadn’t left the country, so there was no time difference. She waited for a reply while reading, but she didn’t receive any reply from Zhu Yiqiao until she left the study, went back to the bedroom, washed up, and was ready to go to bed.

    Instead, Ming Zaozao, who was co-sleeping with her, asked,

    “Mommy, what’s wrong?”

    Ming Fei pinched her cheek: “What’s wrong, Zaozao?”

    After learning how to express herself with actions, expressions, and words, Ming Zaozao had become a meticulous little detective, using a magnifying glass to capture all of Ming Fei’s unhappiness, no matter how well hidden.

    Ming Zaozao said, “Mommy looked at your phone many times.”

    Ming Fei’s voice lacked confidence: “Not many times.”

    Ming Zaozao rephrased: “You looked at it every now and then.”

    “Because there’s something I haven’t resolved yet,” Ming Fei coaxed her. “But I can only deal with it tomorrow. Let’s go to sleep now, okay?”

    “Okay!”

    Snowflakes were falling outside the window, like cherry blossoms covering the mountains. Just as she finished telling the bedtime story and was about to fall asleep, Ming Fei got out of bed to get the pheromone bracelet she had forgotten to wear from the bathroom. But just as she took a step, the phone on the bedside table vibrated.

    Ming Fei picked it up and saw the four-character note.

    [Chief Judge Zhu]

    The communication page reminded Ming Fei that it wasn’t a message, but a phone call, where they could hear each other’s voices and sense the emotions behind their words.

    She quickly walked to the corridor outside the master bedroom and answered the call as soon as the door closed, breaking the silence first.

    “…Jiejie.”

    The late-night call added a rare touch of gentleness to Zhu Yiqiao’s usually cold demeanor.

    “Mm.” She explained, “I was delayed at the transit station and didn’t receive your message.”

    Transit station?

    Another trip abroad?

    Ming Fei stopped guessing and asked softly, “Jiejie, are you going abroad?”

    “Not yet, maybe tomorrow or the day after. Bai He has a backup plan to have the Silla higher-ups save her life. I will represent the Independent State of Yi Meng at her sentencing hearing in Silla.”

    Hearing this, Ming Fei’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening.

    Bai He?

    Hadn’t she already been sentenced to death?

    Why could she still be saved?

    She suddenly remembered the words Zhu Yiqiao had said to her when they first met—”Power is foul.” Although she had been touched by these words at the time, because it seemed so distant, the brief touch hadn’t caused much of a ripple.

    Now, the waves surged, condensing into a simple yet crucial concern as she spoke.

    “Jiejie, please be careful.”

    “Mm.”

    Ming Fei stood under the wall lamp, bathed in a light golden glow.

    She asked, “This afternoon, it really wasn’t a heat cycle?”

    “No.”

    Zhu Yiqiao added, “Because of long-term use of suppressants, my pre-heat symptoms are more obvious, which is why my pheromones went out of control this afternoon.”

    Ming Fei understood: “I see.”

    “I won’t be around recently, and Dr. Tang is also abroad. If there’s anything unusual about your gland or pheromones, tell me immediately.”

    The corners of Ming Fei’s lips curved slightly.

    “Okay, I will.”

    The next day, the incessant snow finally stopped.

    The self-driving car arrived at the school. Ming Fei first went to the academy’s office to pick up the gifts that had been brought back by the robot transport, then took the elevator down to the academy’s internal classroom on the first floor.

    The class bell rang just as she arrived.

    As Ming Fei walked in, she briefly scanned the students below and, seeing that they didn’t show any unusual reactions, still maintaining their usual seriousness, she opened the prepared supplementary materials and began the class.

    “In the last century, the original machine drive control system mainly…”

    As she spoke, the students below became more and more focused, all sitting upright. Until the bell rang for the end of class, no student mentioned her marriage, it was so normal that it was almost abnormal.

    After all, even a little bit of news about Chief Judge Zhu before the school celebration could quickly spark heated discussions among the students.

    As the last note of the bell faded, Ming Fei coughed softly.

    The next words made her feel a little embarrassed. Fortunately, she had prepared a draft in advance. As she asked the two class representatives in the front row to help distribute the gifts, she said solemnly,

    “I’m very grateful to you all for answering the questions and doubts of netizens on the public network. These are the gifts I brought back for you from the academic exchange. Thank you very much.”

    The usually lively and cheerful students were already smiling happily.

    “You’re welcome, Teacher Ming, happy wedding!”

    “Teacher Ming, happy wedding, and may you have a long and happy life together!”

    “Teacher Ming, happy wedding! Wishing you and Chief Judge Zhu a long and loving relationship!”

    Ming Fei returned their smiles, her almond eyes filled with a gentle smile, like a night river reflecting the stars.

    After making sure that every student had received a gift, Ming Fei said goodbye to everyone. After leaving the classroom, the two class representatives who had helped her distribute the gifts followed her to the office because they had to submit their lab reports to another teacher.

    As they entered the elevator, the class president whispered,

    “Teacher Ming, no matter how many social roles you play in life, at school, in the classroom, you are the teacher we respect, and also the pride of our Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Academy. So we usually don’t mention your marriage to Chief Judge Zhu during class.”

    Ming Fei said softly, “Thank you.”

    The class representative next to her smiled: “You’re too polite, Teacher Ming. We should be the ones thanking you for the gifts.”

    The elevator reached the office floor, and the three of them stepped out. After returning to her office, Ming Fei revised the teaching content, then went to the lab to inspect the bionic robots of the two experimental groups.

    At eleven o’clock, it started snowing outside. It wasn’t until three in the afternoon that the lingering snow finally covered the entire city of Xi He.

    A week later, November 15, 167 New Calendar.

    In Silla, located in the south, the case of Bai He finally came to a close.

    After three days of public outrage and protests, coupled with the efforts of representatives from various countries attending the hearing, the Silla Military and Political Court finally announced that Bai He would be stripped of her property and political rights, and sentenced to death on International Day next month.

    After the court announced the verdict, the representatives from various countries left in an orderly manner. The dark blue hovercar moved along the track like a fish swimming in a white lake.

    Inside the hovercar, Lan Lubai and Min Man were discussing the latest developments in Moli. Zhu Yiqiao, sitting in the back seat, had taken off her cap but not her cloak. There seemed to be a chill in her eyes, a breathtaking beauty that also made people hesitant to approach.

    After uploading the document to the intranet, Lan Lubai took a sip of coffee and asked,

    “Are we returning now? I’ll go to Moli again in three days.”

    Min Man said, “Is there any news from Secretary-General Wei?”

    “Not yet.”

    Lan Lubai changed the subject: “Chief Judge Zhu, are we leaving now? Or tomorrow?”

    Zhu Yiqiao rested her chin on one hand: “We’ll return tonight.”

    Lan Lubai glanced at the time on the display screen: “It’s only eleven o’clock now, wouldn’t it be more convenient to return in the afternoon?”

    Min Man reminded her, “The transit station connections are very slow at night, it’s much faster in the afternoon.”

    Zhu Yiqiao, who often attended international conferences and traveled between countries, naturally knew these advantages and disadvantages. But she didn’t hesitate at all, just casually saying,

    “The flowers haven’t arrived yet.”

    Min Man asked, “Yiqiao, what flowers did you buy? Aren’t you the one who dislikes flowers the most, like you’re allergic to them?”

    Lan Lubai looked over in surprise, staring at Zhu Yiqiao, left and right. When she saw the watch on Zhu Yiqiao’s wrist, she suddenly thought of the newly arranged large garden in the villa, a flash of inspiration striking her.

    “I know!” she said with certainty, “It’s the flowers you bought for Teacher Xiao Fei!”

    Min Man was gradually surprised: “But… why did Yiqiao buy flowers for Teacher Xiao Fei?”

    In the bet they had made with Xue Xun, Min Man was the only one who believed that Zhu Yiqiao had no other intentions towards Ming Fei and only treated her as a cooperative partner.

    Lan Lubai, who held the opposite view, asked, “Silla…? Is it the new Blue Fia lily?”

    Zhu Yiqiao: “Mm.”

    As the hovercar passed Silla’s famous Lover’s Lake, Lan Lubai asked opportunely, “Chief Judge Zhu, did you look up the meaning of the Blue Fia lily before buying it?”

    Min Man, puzzled, asked, “What meaning?”

    In the center of Lover’s Lake, there was a large area of frozen roses. Zhu Yiqiao silently looked at the white roses among them. The various roses were piled up in different shapes, but the arrangement of the white roses reminded her of a certain snow rabbit far away in the Independent State of Yi Meng.

    Seeing this, Lan Lubai smiled even more brightly with certainty.

    “Oh~ you know, don’t you?”

    “You know that the Blue Fia lily is a flower specifically given to one’s sweetheart, and you also know its meaning is—I want to grow old with you, our hair white as snow, right?”

    Min Man, caught off guard, looked over in astonishment.

    Before this, Lan Lubai and Min Man had asked Zhu Yiqiao twice whether she had other intentions towards Ming Fei. Zhu Yiqiao hadn’t answered either of the two questions, letting them sink to the bottom of the sea.

    But this time—

    When Zhu Yiqiao faced the same situation for the third time, she lowered her eyes to hide her emotions, slowly playing with her black pistol, and before the hovercar completely left Lover’s Lake, which symbolized blessings, she gave the answer from her heart.

    “Yes, I know.”

  • On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives 212

    Chapter 212: The Unopened Umbrella

    The setting sun cast long shadows across the room as Luo Qiaoqiao gazed out the window, her eyes distant and unfocused.

    She didn’t know how to tell him.

    “My story… isn’t that dramatic or exciting.”

    “It’s actually quite simple.”

    She sat on the edge of the bed, her head lowered, her voice barely a whisper.

    “I’m dying.”

    …Her Plot Record dictated that on the Triennial Day, when the Heavenly Gate opened…

    …she would die.

    It was that simple.

    Chen Yin’s eyes flickered slightly.

    “I’ve known since I was young that I would die one day.”

    Unable to explain about the System and Plot Records, Luo Qiaoqiao carefully chose her words.

    “I was only twelve when I first learned about it.”

    She had just gotten her System, treating it like a new toy, when she learned that she would die in a little over a decade. She had cried all night, heartbroken and devastated.

    “I was so sad. I was so young, I hadn’t experienced anything yet.”

    She hadn’t found love, hadn’t experienced the joys and sorrows of life.

    To die so young, in the prime of her life… it was a cruel fate for a little girl.

    “At first, I was heartbroken. But as I grew older, I gradually accepted it.”

    She said softly, “And I thought to myself…”

    …Since I only have a few years left, I might as well make the most of it. I’ll live a life without regrets, a life that will make my parents proud. I’ll live every moment to the fullest.

    And so, she became the carefree and willful Silk-Robe Fairy, a prodigy of the Heavenly Net Sect, her beauty renowned throughout the cultivation world.

    “I realized that this kind of life wasn’t so bad.”

    “To die a glorious and tragic death at twenty-five… it’s not a bad way to go.”

    “So I started drinking, sneaking out of the sect, traveling the world, experiencing everything I could.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao suddenly lowered her eyes. “But there was one thing I didn’t want to experience. Falling in love. I was afraid that if I did, I wouldn’t be able to let go. I wouldn’t want to die.”

    Chen Yin looked at her silently.

    Everyone knew that the Silk-Robe Fairy hated men, that she looked down on her countless admirers.

    No one knew what she had been carrying in her heart all these years.

    “I thought I could live like this until the end, a life without attachments, a life lived to the fullest, a peaceful death.”

    “…But…” She suddenly pouted and fell silent.

    But fate had other plans.

    That day, she had just wanted a drink.

    She had just wanted a quiet place to watch the moon.

    “I thought falling in love would take time, that it required patience and effort.”

    “But I was naive.” She buried her face in her knees.

    “It can happen in an instant.”

    With a single word.

    It could be as simple as waking up one morning and realizing that she would never meet another man who would say to her, when she was drunk and vulnerable:

    …If you truly wish to spend the night with someone,

    …it should be with your husband, on your wedding night,

    …not in some random tavern.

    She had suddenly felt a pang of loss,

    Her previous carefree life now seeming empty and meaningless.

    All the joys and pleasures she had experienced paled in comparison to the sound of him saying her name,

    His voice filled with a playful tenderness as he called her “Sister Qiaoqiao.”

    “That’s when I realized… perhaps this is what it means to fall in love.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao murmured, “Maybe for normal people, it takes a long time to fall in love. A week, a few months, a few years, even a lifetime.”

    “But my lifetime isn’t that long.” She chuckled wryly.

    …I don’t have time to wait for you to love me back.

    So it’s enough that I love you. A single moment is enough.

    Chen Yin’s eyes widened slightly.

    Luo Qiaoqiao sniffled, her voice filled with a quiet sadness.

    “I know… after that night, I was the one pursuing you.”

    She had pestered him to accompany her to the Fairy Conference,

    To visit the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion,

    To take late-night strolls and watch the moon.

    “I was like a spoiled child, demanding your attention.”

    “But your gaze… was always fixed on someone else.”

    At the Fairy Conference, he had been looking at someone else.

    When he defended Yin Mengwan against the elders, he had been looking at someone else.

    When he fell from the cliff, when he was rescued, he had been looking at someone else.

    At his Senior Sister, at his Junior Sister.

    Even now, he was surrounded by women.

    Luo Qiaoqiao knew there was no place for her in his heart.

    They could all be with him, for a long, long time.

    But she couldn’t.

    Even if she left her mark on his heart, it would be meaningless.

    It would only make their parting more painful.

    So she didn’t say those words.

    “You don’t have to cater to my whims.”

    She whispered, “I know it was all one-sided. You don’t have to force yourself. Everything I did was my own choice, it has nothing to do with you.”

    “Including what I’m about to do.”

    Chen Yin frowned slightly. “What are you planning to do?”

    “I overheard my parents talking… about Shen Li.”

    “I’m going to die anyway.”

    “If I can help my parents, or you… I might as well try.”

    “I’m a Chosen One. I might have a chance against the Divine Son.”

    “No, you’re not going.” Chen Yin’s voice was firm.

    “Why?”

    “Because I won’t let you die.”

    Chen Yin said seriously, “Not now, not ever. You’re going to live a long and happy life, experience everything you’ve missed, grow old, and become a wrinkled old granny. Dying is not an option.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao’s lips parted slightly, then she pressed them together tightly.

    “…How can you be so sure?”

    “I just am.”

    He poured himself a cup of tea and said calmly, “You’ve been avoiding the topic, which means your death is probably related to your System’s Plot Record. Let me guess, is it the Triennial Day?”

    Luo Qiaoqiao didn’t answer.

    …As expected. Chen Yin sipped his tea slowly.

    Many things were becoming clear now.

    “Don’t worry,”

    He said softly, “get some rest. Everything will be over when you wake up.”

    “But… there’s no time. The Wu Xuan Cave is only half a day’s journey from here. If I don’t reach their headquarters within a day, the Divine Son will be suspicious.”

    “Don’t worry. I’ll go in your place.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao was about to speak, but Chen Yin gently placed a finger on her lips.

    “The Divine Son who hurt you will die. And you’ll be safe during the Triennial Day.”

    “I promise.” He looked at her intently, his gaze unwavering.

    Luo Qiaoqiao didn’t say anything more.

    She let him carry her to bed and tuck her in, his voice gentle and soothing.

    “Rest well. Recover from your injuries.”

    “I have a gift for you when you get back.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao watched him go, her eyes fixed on his retreating figure.

    She stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.

    “…System.”

    “Don’t blame me. I only left that card because I couldn’t bear to watch you suffer…”

    “That’s not what I wanted to ask.”

    Luo Qiaoqiao murmured, “Do you think… he ever… liked me?”

    The System didn’t answer. After a moment, it said, “Why don’t you ask him yourself?”

    “Because I’m afraid of the answer.”

    She burrowed under the blankets. “What if he says no? What if I’ve always been… insignificant to him?”

    The System didn’t know how to respond.

    Luo Qiaoqiao closed her eyes.

    She remembered Chen Yin defending Xiang’er, his sword against the elders of the Fairy Conference.

    She remembered him and Shen Shuanglian falling from the cliff.

    She remembered him storming the Mist Spirit Sect alone.

    She remembered him carrying Qingying into his room last night.

    “…Luo Qiaoqiao, you fool.”

    She chuckled wryly. “You already know the answer, don’t you?”

    “Why… delude yourself?”

    The System had a bad feeling. “Is it raining outside?” Luo Qiaoqiao suddenly asked.

    “Raining? No. It’s a clear night.”

    “A clear night,” she murmured, “how can it rain on a clear night?”

    …She wouldn’t live to see another rainy day.

    “System, exchange for a teleportation talisman.”

    The System paused. “Don’t you believe he can save you?”

    “It’s not that I don’t believe him.”

    She suddenly smiled. “It’s just… pointless.”

    The rain had stopped.

    And there was no need to open an umbrella after the rain had passed.

    “Let’s go.”

    “There’s no need to disturb their lives any longer.”

    “Let’s finish what we started.”

    A faint purple light flickered, and the room was empty, only the neatly folded blankets remaining.

  • Friend(GL) 121

    Chapter 121: Absurd

    You Ruxu learned about Zhou Tianzui’s blind dates a week later. She had been unwell, drifting in and out of consciousness after Zhou Tianzui left, a severe cold keeping her in bed for over a week. She only found out when she went to the station to hand over her work and ran into Chen Xiang.

    “Huh? You didn’t know, Teacher You? Everyone at the hospital knows.” One of Yu Qiao’s blind date candidates for Zhou Tianzui was a colleague from the hospital. Zhou Tianzui was a good catch, beautiful and capable. Previously, people had been hesitant because of her aloof demeanor and the rumors surrounding her, but now that those rumors were proven false, those who had been interested were eager to pursue her.

    It was said that Yu Qiao’s doorstep was practically worn down from all the visitors.

    Chen Xiang, who kept in touch with the hospital nurses, knew about it. She had assumed You Ruxu also knew, after all, they were good friends.

    You Ruxu’s face paled. She had frequent headaches after recovering from her cold, a sharp, piercing pain behind her eyes, intensifying with every thought of Zhou Tianzui, until she could barely bear it. She sat down heavily in the chair beside Chen Xiang, “I didn’t know.”

    “I heard someone from Team 1 even asked for her contact information.” Zhou Tianzui had been to the TV station before, accompanying You Ruxu, making a good impression on everyone, so there had always been those interested in her, and now, with a legitimate reason, they were even more eager.

    Chen Xiang, not having seen You Ruxu for a week over the holidays, was bursting with gossip, but seeing You Ruxu’s pale face, she asked with concern, “Teacher You, is your cold still bothering you?”

    You Ruxu coughed, her face ashen, her lips bloodless, her usual sharp and capable demeanor replaced by a surprising fragility.

    She said, “It hasn’t completely gone away yet.”

    “Then take this opportunity to rest properly during your leave.” Chen Xiang’s worry intensified, “What did the doctor say?”

    You Ruxu said, “I’m fine, just need some rest.”

    Chen Xiang said, “Then should I drive you home later?”

    You Ruxu said, “I drove, you go to work.”

    Chen Xiang responded with an “okay,” “Call me if you need anything.” Just then, her phone rang. She looked at the screen, her expression changing slightly, she glanced at You Ruxu, as if wanting to say something, then just said, “Teacher You, take care.”

    You Ruxu said, “I will.”

    She said goodbye to her colleagues and took the elevator down. Exiting the elevator, she brushed past a man wearing a black hat, You Ruxu coughed a few times and went to her car.

    She started the engine, her ears ringing.

    “She’s been on blind dates for days.”

    “Dr. Zhou is really popular.”

    “Someone from Team 1 even went…”

    You Ruxu gripped the steering wheel tightly, her fingernails digging into the leather cover, she took a deep breath and drove away.

    She had intended to go home, but unknowingly, she arrived at Zhou Tianzui’s apartment building.

    It was just after the New Year holidays, the area crowded with people, uncles and aunties chatting and eating sunflower seeds. You Ruxu watched them, then rolled down her car window.

    She wanted to hear any news about Zhou Tianzui.

    Even just a mention of her name.

    But after listening to their chatter about their children and grandchildren for a while, still not hearing Zhou Tianzui’s name, You Ruxu pursed her lips, her gaze drifting upwards, the floors of the building seeming to shrink, the sunlight reflecting off the windows, blinding, she couldn’t see anything inside.

    Zhou Tianzui stood by the window, not looking down, hearing Yu Qiao say, “Dr. Lin will be here soon, go change your clothes.”

    The blind dates were straightforward, no subtle introductions, just meeting directly at home. Zhou Tianzui couldn’t even remember how many people she had met these past few days, they all seemed the same. She looked at Yu Qiao, “What are you waiting for? Go change.”

    Zhou Tianzui went to her room.

    Her clothes were in the closet. She hadn’t brought any clothes when she moved out of the apartment she shared with You Ruxu. The clothes in the closet were mostly from the past two years, rarely worn. She chose a red down jacket and gray pants. The pants were too loose, sliding down her waist. She pulled them up, but there was no belt in the closet. Finally, she took a silk scarf, wrapped it around her waist, and tied it in a knot.

    She hadn’t put on her jacket yet when Yu Qiao stared at the scarf around her waist.

    Zhou Tianzui had lost a lot of weight. She had been eating and sleeping regularly, Yu Qiao had been making her all sorts of soups, even delivering them to the hospital, three meals a day plus afternoon snacks, yet she hadn’t gained any weight. Even her director had noticed, asking, “Dr. Zhou, are you still not fully recovered?”

    Physically, she had recovered.

    Mentally, not yet.

    Everything took time, but Yu Qiao didn’t know how long this would take for Zhou Tianzui.

    Yu Qiao’s gaze lingered, and Zhou Tianzui, noticing, quickly put on her jacket and zipped it up, the long, red down jacket hiding the scarf, the color giving her some much-needed vibrancy.

    Yu Qiao didn’t say anything, just went to the kitchen and brought her a bowl of chicken soup. Zhou Tianzui, smelling it, frowned slightly, but didn’t complain, just drank it, wiped her mouth with a tissue, and asked, “What time are they arriving?”

    “They said they’re downstairs.” Yu Qiao said, “They should be here soon.”

    Just as she finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. Zhou Tianzui turned and saw Lin Luo standing there, holding a basket of fruit. Meeting Zhou Tianzui’s gaze, Lin Luo’s heart skipped a beat, she almost couldn’t speak, her grip on the fruit basket tightening. Yu Qiao said, “Xiao Lin, come in, come in.”

    Lin Luo walked in, her heart pounding, and said to Zhou Tianzui, “Auntie, I brought you some fruit.”

    “You shouldn’t have.” Yu Qiao said, “You two chat, I’ll go cut some fruit.”

    Lin Luo said, “Okay.”

    Yu Qiao went to the kitchen. Lin Luo stood there, feeling the weight of Zhou Tianzui’s gaze, similar to her usual demeanor at the hospital, yet different. Lin Luo felt a strange pressure, her breathing shallow, she tried to meet Zhou Tianzui’s eyes, but quickly looked away.

    Zhou Tianzui said, “Dr. Lin?”

    Her mother had arranged a blind date for her, with Dr. Lin?

    Lin Luo?

    Lin Luo moistened her lips and said, “Dr. Zhou.”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “Sit down.”

    Her tone was similar to when she was at the hospital, giving instructions. Lin Luo felt like a new intern being reprimanded, lowering her head, stealing glances at Zhou Tianzui.

    Yu Qiao had been visiting Zhou Tianzui frequently at the hospital this past week, bringing her food, and they had become more familiar with each other. Actually, Lin Luo had deliberately created opportunities to meet Yu Qiao, wanting to hear more about Zhou Tianzui, driving Yu Qiao home, accompanying her shopping, even picking her up to go to the hospital.

    And somehow, Yu Qiao had seen through her, realizing she liked Zhou Tianzui.

    Lin Luo had been shocked, quickly explaining, “I, I, about Dr. Zhou…”

    “Don’t be nervous.” Yu Qiao had asked, “Do you like Xiao Tian?”

    Lin Luo hadn’t thought her feelings were so obvious, but Yu Qiao had seen through her. She said, “I’m sorry, Auntie, I shouldn’t have…”

    “Do you want to be with her?” Yu Qiao’s words surprised Lin Luo, she hadn’t expected Yu Qiao to accept her feelings so readily, even offering to set them up.

    Lin Luo wondered if she was dreaming.

    But Yu Qiao’s tone was serious, “If you do, come for a blind date with Xiao Tian tomorrow.”

    Of course she wanted to, she had even dreamt of it, never expecting such an opportunity would actually arise. She was so excited she hadn’t slept all night, carefully choosing her outfit today, but now, facing Zhou Tianzui, she didn’t even dare look at her.

    Lin Luo sat beside Zhou Tianzui, Yu Qiao returning with a plate of fruit.

    Zhou Tianzui looked at Lin Luo. She had noticed Lin Luo being especially attentive to Yu Qiao this week and had assumed it was to make a good impression, never expecting it was for a blind date?

    She twitched the corner of her mouth and said, “Who asked you to come?”

    Yu Qiao said, “I did.”

    Zhou Tianzui looked at Yu Qiao, “What are you doing?”

    “What are you doing?” Yu Qiao retorted, “You don’t like men, I’m not forcing you, so I’m introducing you to a woman, what’s wrong with that?”

    Lin Luo’s nerves were on edge, hearing their conversation.

    Didn’t like men.

    Didn’t like men.

    Could it be that Dr. Zhou, like her, also liked women?

    Her heart pounded at the thought, and she looked at Zhou Tianzui, her gaze less reserved now, almost too intense, “Dr. Zhou, it was me who asked Auntie, don’t blame her.”

    Zhou Tianzui looked at her, her expression stern and serious, her usual demeanor at the hospital. Lin Luo’s heart sank, she didn’t dare meet her gaze, Yu Qiao said, “Xiao Lin, tell us about your family.”

    “I…” Lin Luo said, “I have a younger brother, he’s already working, my parents live with him.”

    Zhou Tianzui blurted out, “Absurd.”

    Lin Luo’s face paled.

    Yu Qiao said, “Xiao Tian?”

    Zhou Tianzui turned to Yu Qiao, who looked at her, handed her the fruit plate, and said, “Offer Dr. Lin some fruit.”

    Her tone brooking no argument. Zhou Tianzui, frustrated, took the plate, wanting to just hand it to Lin Luo, but Lin Luo quickly took it, her fingers brushing against Zhou Tianzui’s hand, “Thank you.”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “You’re welcome.”

    Yu Qiao said, “Let’s continue our conversation.”

    Zhou Tianzui abruptly stood up, “I need to use the restroom.”

    Lin Luo softly called out, “Dr. Zhou…”

    Yu Qiao said, “Leave her be.”

    Zhou Tianzui turned and went into the bathroom.

    She turned on the faucet, the cold water flowing over her hands. She lathered her hands with soap, repeatedly washing them, a ritual she had performed countless times this past week, the skin on her hands thin and raw, turning red at the slightest touch, but she seemed oblivious to the pain, continuing to lather, rinse, and repeat, the friction intensifying, her fingernails unconsciously scratching her skin, drawing blood.

    The door opened. Yu Qiao rushed over, turned off the faucet, and said, “Are you crazy?”

    She grabbed Zhou Tianzui’s bleeding hand, her voice rising, “Xiao Tian! Have you gone mad?!”

    She had seen Zhou Tianzui repeatedly washing her hands these past few days, thinking, she couldn’t be with a man, so she found a woman, why was it still not enough? Zhou Tianzui said, “Mom, you’re the one who’s crazy, do you know who’s outside? My colleague!”

    “So what if she’s your colleague?” Yu Qiao asked, “Can’t your colleagues go on blind dates?”

    Zhou Tianzui said, “No, they can’t!”

    Yu Qiao asked, “Is it her who can’t, or is it anyone?”

    Zhou Tianzui’s hand started to burn, the broken skin stinging intensely. Her body tensed. She looked at Yu Qiao, the events of the past week replaying in her mind.

    Not a man, not Lin Luo, not anyone.

    She only wanted You Ruxu.

    Zhou Tianzui closed her eyes and said, “I’m sorry, Mom, I can’t.”