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  • The Saintess Has A Showdown 173-174

    Chapter 173: Ice Soul Cold Star Breaks Through!!

    –Snow Plume City

    Facing the terrifying might of the Rage of the Seas, Snow Plume City teetered on the brink of destruction.

    But at that moment, a blue-haired girl wearing a black crown descended, radiating a pure, yet despairing, water spirit energy that caused the Rage of the Seas to pause, as if stunned.

    The girl’s demeanor was cold and aloof, her beauty breathtaking, her aura almost divine, yet the strange teardrop markings on her face seemed like a peculiar personal touch.

    A small, pink, glowing butterfly fluttered beside her, seemingly conversing with her.

    “I need a more elegant, elemental type. Don’t tell me the Sea Concubine Palace doesn’t even have a single Water Element?”

    “An elemental vessel? How about this one?”

    After a moment of thought, Gong Lianyue summoned a purple, crystalline, ice elemental figure.

    Seeing the purple Ice Spirit, Sacred Water, Lover, was speechless. “A Water Element or an Ice Spirit is fine, but I didn’t expect you to actually send out a low-rank… huh?”

    The pink figure’s words trailed off as it sensed the Ice Spirit’s unusual aura.

    The next second, to its astonishment, a slender, purple leg emerged from the Ice Spirit’s mouth.

    Like shedding its skin, a graceful, alluring, purple, elemental body emerged from the bulky form of the Ice Spirit.

    The solid ice crystals melted into a flowing nebula, the tiny purple sparks on its surface shimmering, a true beauty among elemental spirit beasts.

    Crack!

    The Ice Spirit’s original body shattered, the ice fragments quickly reforming into two massive crystalline arms that floated beside the purple figure.

    Long, flowing purple hair, like a waterfall of stars, cascaded down to its hips, an ethereal, breathtaking sight.

    The Ice Soul Cold Star, a Saint-rank spirit beast!

    “W… T… F…” the pink figure stammered, its eyes almost popping out of its head.

    The Ice Soul Cold Star! This was its ideal vessel, the most desirable elemental spirit beast it could imagine.

    Sacred Water, Lover, circled the purple elemental figure, then glanced at the blue-haired girl, finally believing her promise of letting it beat up Shui Yingge.

    “Then lend me your spirit beast for a bit!!”

    Swish!

    Without hesitation, the pink figure zipped forward, colliding with the Ice Soul Cold Star’s ample bosom and merging with it, like a drop of water.

    Pink light pulsed within the Ice Soul Cold Star’s translucent body, its flow visible from the outside.

    A moment later, Sacred Water, Lover’s, aura vanished, completely absorbed into the Ice Soul Cold Star’s life core.

    The Ice Soul Cold Star also fell silent, its icy eyes closing as if falling asleep.

    “Rage of the Seas, what are you afraid of?! Crush this Dead Sea Stage trash!!”

    A ferocious roar echoed from within the massive, crystalline giant.

    Hearing the woman’s command, the Rage of the Seas, momentarily forgetting its confusion, raised its massive leg and stomped down.

    Its terrifying weight, combined with a destructive hurricane, created a shockwave like a falling meteor.

    It wasn’t using any techniques, simply relying on its superior rank and size to crush the insignificant ant below.

    As the massive, crystalline foot descended, screams echoed throughout Snow Plume City, the city crumbling beneath the pressure, the hurricane’s force tearing everything apart.

    Just as the Rage of the Seas’s attack was about to land, the icy eyes on the Ice Soul Cold Star’s wrists opened.

    Boom!!!!

    The next second, a pink aura erupted from the Ice Soul Cold Star, a violent shockwave that shook the surrounding sea for hundreds of kilometers.

    An overwhelming surge of spirit energy dyed the sky pink, a reverse waterfall of power blasting the Rage of the Seas away.

    Its nearly three-thousand-meter-tall body, thrown off balance, landed in the sea with a massive splash, its expression one of bewildered shock.

    What had just happened…?

    The Ice Soul Cold Star’s aura had completely transformed.

    Two shimmering, pink, heart-shaped butterfly wings sprouted from its back, their delicate, translucent texture thinner than the finest silk stockings.

    And most striking were the heart-shaped bubbles that constantly formed around its body, like cheap special effects from a mobile game.

    A terrifying, seemingly endless wave of spirit energy spread outwards, a massive, illusory wheel gradually materializing behind the purple elemental figure.

    A playful heart at the center of the pink wheel, surrounded by six smaller stars, two glowing pink, the other four dim, rotating slowly.

    At this moment, Sacred Water, Lover, and the Ice Soul Cold Star had become one.

    And the Ice Soul Cold Star’s rank had also ascended to a new level.

    Gong Lianyue, wearing the black crown, felt a sudden tremor, sensing the massive surge of spirit energy within the Ice Soul Cold Star, a bottomless abyss of power.

    A complete breakthrough, mind, body, and soul. The Ice Soul Cold Star was no longer the same.

    Samsara Stage – Second Cycle!!!

    “Alright, let me take a good look at this body~~~” Sacred Water, Lover’s excited voice echoed from within the Ice Soul Cold Star, like a child playing with a new toy.

    A few seconds later, it paused, a puzzled tone in its voice.

    “What? Your talent is still sealed?”

    “Whatever, it doesn’t matter. It’s more than enough to deal with this big guy!”

    “Here it comes!”

    Seeing the Rage of the Seas struggling to get up, Sacred Water, Lover, assumed a battle stance.

    The heart-shaped wings on the Ice Soul Cold Star’s back began to vibrate at an incredible, almost invisible speed, creating a faint breeze.

    At the same time, a pink, illusory, egg-shaped barrier enveloped Gong Lianyue.

    Perhaps as compensation for their inability to act independently, weapon-type spirit beasts possessed innate protective fields, their strength proportional to their spirit energy, consuming no energy to maintain.

    Encased within the pink barrier, Gong Lianyue watched the unfolding battle.

    The Ice Soul Cold Star and Sacred Water, Lover, were at the second cycle of the Samsara Stage. Against a Fifth Cycle, Broken Cycle opponent… what were their chances…?

    Chapter 174: Slaying a Samsara Stage

    For most creatures, the human body is as frail as a piece of plastic.

    Smaller beasts tremble before larger beasts.

    Low-rank spirit beasts cower beneath high-rank spirit beasts, while high-rank spirit beasts fear the aura of Saint-ranks.

    However, after undergoing trials, battles, and evolution, reaching a certain level, spirit beasts shed their primal fear, challenging even stronger opponents.

    The Rage of the Seas wasn’t unfamiliar with battling Saint-ranks. Having reached the powerful Broken Cycle stage, it no longer judged strength solely on aura; however, at this moment, the spirit energy radiating from this butterfly-winged Ice Spirit felt like a vortex, threatening to drag its very will into a dark, despairing abyss, its instincts screaming.

    “Rage of the Seas, snap out of it! Use your battle technique!!”

    For a Samsara Stage spirit beast to be so dazed mid-battle that it required its Spirit Master’s prompting… that was ridiculous.

    Hearing its master’s voice, the crystalline giant snapped out of its fear-induced trance and roared, unleashing a torrent of spirit energy.

    [Battle Technique – Sea-Burning Hammer]

    Dense water spirit energy rapidly converged, forming a massive, illusory warhammer in the sky above, blotting out the sun.

    The oppressive weight of the hammer made their scalps tingle. If it landed, Snow Plume City would be annihilated, reduced to dust.

    Facing this terrifying power, the pink butterfly wings behind the Ice Soul Cold Star vibrated rapidly, creating a faint breeze.

    “Here we go!!”

    Sacred Water, Lover, its voice filled with excitement, echoed within the Ice Soul Cold Star, seemingly unconcerned by the incoming attack.

    For an attachment-type spirit beast like Sacred Water, Lover, merging with a water-type elemental spirit beast was like a master swordsman finally wielding a blade.

    [Sacred Water – Lover]
    [Bloodline Talent: Limit Break (Combines the host’s and its own spirit energy)]
    [Spirit Beast Battle Techniques: Flashing Wings – Love God – Kiss Mark – ∞]

    Just then, the Rage of the Seas’s attack reached its peak.

    The massive, water-formed hammer in the sky began to fall, hurtling towards Snow Plume City.

    “Hahahaha, try and stop it if you can!”

    Sensing the destructive power of the descending hammer, the woman within the Rage of the Seas laughed maniacally.

    The Nine Nethers, the nine lineages of the Pool of Hidden Secrets.

    These nine lineage masters alone could destroy most of the Sea Region’s factions!!!

    Although far weaker than the Sun and Moon Realm Nine Nethers of a thousand years ago, they were more than enough to deal with the current Sea Region.

    [Battle Technique – Flashing Wings]

    Swish!

    Time seemed to stop, spirit energy distorting.

    As the pink, heart-shaped wings buzzed, a strange ripping sensation filled the air, the flow of spirit energy becoming chaotic and erratic.

    The next second, the purple elemental figure, previously a kilometer away, instantly teleported two kilometers, appearing right before the Rage of the Seas.

    The swirling water spirit energy around it surged, flowing in reverse, defying the natural order.

    Seeing the Ice Soul Cold Star so close, a wave of terror washed over the Rage of the Seas, quickly suppressed by its master’s command.

    “Ignore it! Continue the attack! Let’s see if she’s willing to let Snow Plume City be destroyed just to defeat you!!”

    No matter what tricks the enemy used, if they couldn’t stop this attack, a display of pure power, they would win!

    The terrifying hammer continued its descent, and the icy eyes on the Ice Soul Cold Star’s wrists curved upwards in a subtle arc.

    The next second, a dense, purple, icy spirit energy spread outwards, forming a beautiful, mysterious star that enveloped the hammer.

    A massive, transparent sphere, swirling with deep purple patterns, the surrounding air distorting and tearing.

    [Battle Technique – Death Tribulation]

    “Hahahahaha, useless! I can shatter that barrier with a single blow!!”

    The Nine Nethers woman boasted, her voice filled with arrogant confidence.

    Then, something unbelievable happened, a comical scene that would be recorded in the annals of Snow Plume City.

    Just as the Sea-Burning Hammer was about to strike the star, two massive, heart-shaped, butterfly wings sprouted from its sides.

    [Battle Technique – Flashing Wings]

    Swish, swish————

    The massive purple star vanished instantly, as if it had grown wings and flown away.

    The next second, the Rage of the Seas’s vision was filled with purple light.

    Without warning, the vanished star reappeared directly above the crystalline giant, a terrifying explosion of dust and debris.

    The Nine Nethers woman’s eyes widened in horror as she looked up, watching the purple star and the Sea-Burning Hammer fall together.

    Boom!!!

    Boom, boom, boom!!!

    A deafening roar shattered their eardrums and their vision, a violent tsunami spreading for dozens of kilometers.

    The destructive shockwave, several times more powerful than a nuclear blast, was completely absorbed by the transparent purple star, saving Snow Plume City from annihilation. However, the Rage of the Seas, struck head-on, wasn’t so lucky. Its aura flickered and dimmed, then vanished completely.

    “Hahaha, that’s hilarious!”

    Not only Sacred Water, Lover, laughed, but even Gong Lianyue couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

    So those heart-shaped butterfly wings could not only teleport the Ice Soul Cold Star, but also its battle techniques…?

    Just then, a hysterical shriek echoed from the shattered ocean below.

    “You think you’ve won, you little shit?! I still have another spirit beast!!”

    A black-haired woman, her face pale and contorted, emerged from the shattered water, her soul core clearly injured by the Rage of the Seas’s death.

    As her spirit energy surged, another massive spirit beast began to materialize.

    However, they had had enough fun. The Sorrowful Saintess was in a hurry to return to the Sea Concubine Palace.

    [Battle Technique – Love God]

    Whoosh—

    A magnificent, hundred-meter-long, heart-shaped scythe fell from the sky, grasped by the Ice Soul Cold Star’s two massive, crystalline arms.

    The Love God Scythe, its design extravagant, heart-shaped bubbles constantly erupting from its blade, radiated a terrifying aura.

    At this moment, the combined aura of the two merged spirit beasts reached its peak.

    Aiming at the disheveled woman below, the Ice Soul Cold Star swung the Love God Scythe, a chilling wave of energy sweeping outwards, a long-range attack that sliced through the air.

    And so, she was separated from her beloved…

  • The Grotesque Miss’s End Story v2-63p2

    Chapter 63: Miss Knight, This is Called Getting Even p2

    Now, with Eve’s body completely under her control, replicating a new Eve based on this body wasn’t difficult for Luo Ling. It would only take a little time.

    Memories and emotions were even less of a problem. Read would reveal everything. As long as it wasn’t a relationship like Stasha and Alyssa’s, the fake Eve Luo Ling created would be perfectly realistic.

    In this way, Luo Ling could even closely monitor the Company’s movements and protect her other two teammates at critical moments. It was killing several birds with one stone.

    The objective conditions were met, but… the thought of impersonating a friend and mingling with other friends felt strangely awkward to Luo Ling.

    “But besides this, there doesn’t seem to be any other way…”

    Luo Ling scratched her silver hair, the scattered strands quickly rearranging themselves into a neat style. After pondering for a while, she sighed.

    “Fine, I’ll just treat it as cosplaying as a maid lady.”

    “Huh?”

    Elsa, who was tidying the clothes of her unconscious teammates to prevent indecent exposure, looked up, a question mark appearing above her head.

    “Nothing…”

    Luo Ling twitched the corner of her mouth and began to sculpt a life-sized replica of Eve, even perfectly replicating the sword wound, leaving her with just a breath of life.

    At the same time, she also created an Elsa replica—which she would destroy later as proof that Elsa had also died in the assassination, so there was no need for it to be too detailed, just adding some torn clothes and such.

    As Luo Ling sculpted the figures, Elsa curiously peered over and saw the crudely made Elsa replica on the ground. She curiously poked it, then pinched her own arm.

    “Wow, amazing, it’s exactly like me…”

    A smile appeared on Elsa’s lips, then she watched as the crude replica exploded, blood and flesh nearly splattering onto her face. She froze in place.

    “Uh…”

    Why did it explode with just a poke?

    Elsa’s brain was still buffering.

    “Move aside, Elsa,” Luo Ling said, amused. “I’m setting the scene.”

    She had to arrange everything carefully to steer the play towards the ending the Company expected.

    After setting up the murder scene, Luo Ling moved the sealed Eve to a nearby house. The Puppet Ballad’s fungal threads would sustain her life until she fully recovered.

    It had to be said that in Luo Ling’s hands, the Puppet Ballad’s Silent Demise ability was more versatile than even a Myriad Path ability…

    “Almost done.”

    Luo Ling clapped her hands, satisfied with her work.

    The closing scene of “The Death of the Twintails Team” was complete!

    At the same time, Elsa finally came to her senses, looking at the shattered remains of herself on the ground, her face aggrieved.

    “Is everything taken care of?”

    A familiar, cold voice sounded, accompanied by the clang of armor.

    “Enemy?”

    Elsa was instantly alert, but looking up, she saw pieces of armor clattering to the ground. A blonde woman she had never seen before, dressed in simple cloth clothes, walked towards them.

    Hearing the familiar voice, Luo Ling paused, then nodded.

    “Yes, it’s done.”

    She was about to turn to look at the newcomer when she was suddenly embraced in a warm, firm hug, soft pressure against her back.

    Elsa’s eyes widened instantly, as if witnessing something unbelievable.

    “Linna…”

    Luo Ling, in her White Witch form, was indeed excessively petite compared to the knight, looking like a delicate doll that could be held in one’s hand.

    “Don’t turn around, Miss Luo Ling. Just let me hold you like this for a while.”

    Linna’s breath tickled Luo Ling’s neck, carrying the scent of blood and dust, her voice tinged with tears. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. Perhaps for you, our meeting wasn’t that long ago.”

    Luo Ling opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but all the words turned into a soft,

    “Mmm.”

    Luo Ling knew that the flow of time within a Kingdom was unstable. Linna’s “so long” might not be a few years, but possibly decades, or even… centuries.

    The body Luo Ling had given Linna could sustain eternal life, and the time they had been apart was long enough for Linna to seize a Kingdom.

    The current Starry Victoria.

    After an unknown amount of time, Linna finally released the delicate, silver-haired girl from her embrace. “Alright, Miss Luo Ling, you’ve repaid the hug you owed me all these years.”

    “Hmph, when did I owe you one?” Luo Ling grumbled, standing on tiptoe and reaching out to rub Linna’s cheeks vigorously. “This is called getting even.”

    Linna let Luo Ling pinch her face, only smiling.

    “Who… who are you!”

    Sensing the heavy, sorrowful atmosphere had dissipated, Elsa finally seized the opportunity, approaching cautiously and looking at Linna warily. Even she hadn’t hugged Miss Luo Ling like that.

    Although it was because she was also small…

    However, Elsa sensed something unusual about Linna, a sense of danger.

    Not that Linna was dangerous, but… a certain unspoken danger to her relationship with Miss Luo Ling.

    “Me?”

    Linna was about to answer when Luo Ling spoke, “Right, Linna, send these people back to the real world first. Business first.”

    “Mmm.”

    Linna nodded, then said, “You should activate your Kingdom first. Otherwise, directly opening the Kingdom entrance might be detected by the Company.”

    The Company and the Harbingers were constantly monitoring Victoria. Opening a small Kingdom entrance in secret was fine, but this place was now the focus of Victoria, definitely under heavy surveillance by the Company.

    A Kingdom was most vulnerable when its entrance was open. Without Luo Ling’s Kingdom as support, it might be invaded.

    Luo Ling nodded slightly, quickly activating her Kingdom, transferring the carefully arranged murder scene and her team back to the real world.

    After arranging everything, Luo Ling and the others re-entered Starry Victoria and deactivated the Kingdom.

    Even the oblivious Elsa understood what she had just witnessed. She looked at Linna in shock, and after a long silence, said, “Miss Luo Ling, when did you… secretly find another Apostle without telling me?”

    Indeed, Elsa recognized this familiar and dangerous aura.

    This blonde older sister named “Linna,” like her, was Miss Luo Ling’s Apostle!

    When…

    Had she ceased to be Miss Luo Ling’s only Apostle?

    Was her most unique relationship gone?

    Thinking about it, Elsa felt aggrieved, her eyes welling up with tears.

    She knew it was wrong to feel aggrieved, but she couldn’t help it.

    “Apostle?”

    Linna was taken aback.

    “Without telling you?”

    Luo Ling was also stunned.

    “I am not Miss Luo Ling’s Apostle,” Linna explained.

    “I didn’t hide it from you,” Luo Ling explained.

    The two answered Elsa’s questions in unison, their synchronization making them seem like the same person.

    Before Elsa could ask further, they continued answering.

    “Miss Luo Ling is my master. Everything I have belongs to her, even I am but a part of her,” Linna said, gently patting her chest and bowing slightly.

    “Mainly because you never asked,” Luo Ling said frankly, spreading her hands, then turning to Linna with a slight frown. “Linna, your wording… feels a bit disgusting.”

    “It was you who turned me into this, so you can’t just deny it now, my master,” the knight said with a smile. “But in stories, knights always accompany princesses, protecting them. So would you prefer me to call you Princess or Imperial Princess? I can use either.”

    “…Just call me by my name.”

    Luo Ling had a headache. Linna was still as sly as ever, and she couldn’t handle it.

    “Hmph, even if your relationship with Miss Luo Ling is like that, it definitely won’t be better than mine,” Elsa said, stepping in front of Luo Ling and crossing her arms. “I sleep with Miss Luo Ling every day…”

    “Hello, little master, what’s your name?”

    Linna bent down slightly, trying to meet little Elsa’s gaze, a gentle smile on her lips. A peculiar scent wafted over, a faint bloodiness mixed with the earthy fragrance of soil.

    However, Elsa wasn’t paying attention to this. She focused on how Linna addressed her.

    “Little… little master?”

    “Yes, Miss Luo Ling is my master, so you are my little master. Isn’t that right?” Linna said, puzzled. “Or is it…”

    “Yes, yes, yes, I’m the little master!”

    Elsa’s face quickly lit up, but then she seemed to remember something and tilted her head. “Well… there’s no helping it. Just call me Elsa.”

    “Good, a very easy-going little sister.”

    Linna, maintaining her smile, silently evaluated Elsa in her mind, her smile widening slightly.

    “Alright, little master Elsa, I am also your knight.”

    Linna knelt on one knee, taking Elsa’s small hand and performing a standard noble kiss on her hand, causing the inexperienced Elsa to blush and look at Luo Ling for help, blinking repeatedly.

    “Alright, Linna, stop teasing Elsa,” Luo Ling said helplessly.

    “As you command, my master.”

    Linna released Elsa’s hand, and Elsa quickly ran and hid behind Luo Ling, not daring to look at Linna anymore.

    “…And stop teasing me,” Luo Ling said, rubbing her temples. “How did you deal with Cheng Jianming?”

    “Killed him directly,” Linna replied softly, the faint smile disappearing from her face.

    “That’s it?”

    Luo Ling was stunned. She thought Linna would at least torture Cheng Jianming a bit.

    “Yes, that’s it.”

    Linna understood Luo Ling’s thoughts. She said slowly, “Killing him is the result, everything else is superfluous. I am punishing the wicked, not becoming one.”

    Linna was still the same Linna, even as a Grotesquery, even after spending an unknown number of years in the Grotesquery world. She still adhered to her knightly code.

    “I’ve already dealt with the memories in his soul, according to your wishes,” Linna continued. “They’ve been transferred to the corresponding location in the Realm of Nothingness in the real world.”

    “That’s good.”

    Luo Ling nodded. This was roughly how she wanted it handled.

    “I understand all your thoughts,” Linna said softly. “Even this Kingdom, Starry Victoria, is my gift to you, my dear Miss Luo Ling.”

    “…I told you to stop teasing me.”

    Luo Ling twitched the corner of her mouth. She wasn’t an easily fooled little girl like Elsa, becoming giddy and confused after a few words from Linna.

    Just then, Luo Ling saw the Sacred Tool on Fiona’s back, the long-barreled firearm she had taken from Linna and returned to Fiona.

    Her pupils constricted slightly, and she said,

    “You’ve seen Aunt Fiona? Wait, could it be that you…”

    “Yes, I saved my mother, preventing her from dying at the hands of the Company.” Linna sighed, continuing, “But… her condition isn’t good. Even the Puppet Ballad’s abilities can’t fully heal her.

    “I only recently managed to seize Starry Victoria, at great cost. If I had succeeded earlier, my mother wouldn’t have…”

    Linna didn’t continue.

    Kingdoms were rare and coveted existences for Godchosen and God’s Favored. Seizing one wasn’t easy.

    Even now, Linna still bore many hidden injuries, and the armor she had taken from Frick was almost completely destroyed. That was a top-tier Sacred Tool armor, worth at least 100,000 points in the Company, and usually unavailable even if one had the points.

    “I’ll go see her,” Luo Ling said, a hint of anxiety in her expression. “And tell me what you’ve been through, Linna.”

    Even though their consciousnesses were connected, perhaps due to some unknown reason, Linna hadn’t shared her memories with Luo Ling.

    Looking at the small, silver-haired figure walking ahead, a complex emotion flickered in the knight’s eyes. In the end, she only softly replied,

    “…Alright.”

  • Back to Three Years Old: Crushing Scumbags on a Parenting Reality Show 135

    Chapter 135

    Outside the aquarium, after Wen Qiming and Zeng Huanian finished their discussion for the time being, Wen Qiming immediately scanned the few groups of people who hadn’t entered yet.

    Wen Jiangyue was not far away, Wen Qiming quickly spotted her, but his worry didn’t ease, instead, it intensified.

    What was going on! Why were her eyes red! Had she been crying!

    What were they talking about? Why were Wei Maomao and Cheng Tingyan both looking at Yueyue with serious expressions! They looked a bit intimidating!

    Could they be talking about the slippery floor incident yesterday!

    No! He couldn’t wait for the clueless Zeng Huanian to investigate, he had to clarify things with these two little ones!

    Wen Qiming frowned, he quickened his pace, anxious.

    Wei Maomao, hearing the approaching footsteps, instinctively looked towards the source of the sound, the person was already standing before them.

    Killing intent?

    Wei Maomao was stunned.

    Cheng Tingyan, engrossed in her conversation with Wen Jiangyue, wasn’t as alert as Wei Maomao, she was still lecturing with a stern expression, completely oblivious to the person approaching with a dark expression.

    “Maomao already peeled it a bit, it fell on the ground, you can’t eat it anymore!” Cheng Tingyan said seriously, her face stern.

    “But I picked it up quickly, they said on TV that it’s fine to eat if you pick it up within five seconds. And it still has the shell, it’s fine.” Wen Jiangyue said softly. “You guys specially saved it for me…” It was still the one she dropped on the floor because of her crying.

    “You cried for more than five seconds! It was already a long time when you picked it up, you can’t eat it!” Cheng Tingyan said sternly. “You’ll get a stomachache! I’ll get you another one when we go back, don’t eat this one!”

    “But…” Wen Jiangyue said, clutching the quail egg, reluctant. This wasn’t just a snack they saved for her, it was also a symbol of their reconciliation, without this quail egg, they wouldn’t have called her over, she wouldn’t have known they believed her, then she would still be sad for a long time… Wen Jiangyue couldn’t bear to just throw it away.

    The approaching tiger, descending the mountain with a fierce expression, hearing what the little ones were talking about, his anger instantly dissipated.

    Well scolded, brilliantly scolded, perfectly scolded!

    “Ahem… Yan Yan is right. We’ll buy another one next time.” Wen Qiming said, clearing his throat, he reached out and took the quail egg from Wen Jiangyue’s hand.

    “Dad!” Wen Jiangyue said, surprised and delighted, she had just noticed Wen Qiming standing behind her.

    Wen Qiming, his leg hugged by his soft daughter, his heart also softened, he even couldn’t help but reflect on whether he had entered the “strict father” mode too early, maybe he should wait until she was a bit older before being strict.

    Wen Jiangyue didn’t know that Wen Qiming could think about such profound matters in just a second, she tugged at his hand, making him bend down, then whispered in his ear, “Dad, you said you would give me the candy on the bus? Can you give it to me now?”

    Just as Wen Qiming was taking out the candy, he heard another even softer voice.

    “Dad, they know it wasn’t me!”

    Wen Qiming’s hand, reaching for the candy, paused, he looked at his daughter in surprise, he realized that although her eyes were red, she must have cried, but now, her eyes, looking at him, were bright and sparkling, the previous gloominess and dejection gone.

    The three little girls happily shared the candies and, hand in hand, followed the guide, who was waving a small flag, into the aquarium.

    The tiger, who had been descending the mountain with a fierce expression, now, holding a dirty quail egg, awkwardly became a cat with its tail between its legs.

    How should he put it… Was his expression too dark when he came over earlier? Little Maomao seemed to be stunned… Ah, he was so impolite, so ungentlemanly…

    Wen Qiming, as he reattached his microphone, reflected on his behavior, feeling ashamed, he followed the little babies.

    Giant glass walls reaching the ceiling, a transparent tunnel, a blue ocean, fish and treasures coexisting.

    Listening to the guide tell stories about the fish, interacting with them through the glass, racing with them, joy filled the faces of most of the little babies. Each Polaroid photo captured the beauty they wanted to preserve.

    Mmm…

    Most of the little babies.

    Except for Cheng Rongrong.

    The trap she had meticulously set, using all her brain cells, was ruined by a certain little chubby menace who was desperate to poop.

    Even though that little menace fell, she still felt a bit satisfied.

    Even though the program team, as she had expected, couldn’t see through the “Rashomon” situation, they glossed over it, turning it into an accident without any further investigation, she wasn’t implicated at all.

    Cheng Rongrong was still… very angry!

    Now the program team had separated the families again, Cheng Tingyan was always clinging to the Wei family, she barely had any opportunities. Even if Cheng Tingyan came back to live with them, she couldn’t use the same trick twice. And most importantly, with the families separated, she didn’t have a scapegoat anymore.

    Qin Sichao was so close, was she just going to watch as Cheng Tingyan caught his attention again and got that amazing opportunity!

    It was all Jin Youliang’s fault.

    That plan, after just one failure, he refused to try again, later, he didn’t even bother to pretend, he just used being busy as an excuse and cut off contact. If he had been more capable, if he had succeeded, if he had become the head director, there would be so many more opportunities for her to manipulate things! She wouldn’t be so passive, limited to just a bathroom!

    A good hand, played terribly, he deserved to never become a head director.

    Hating this, hating that, there were too many people and things she hated, the resentment condensed in her heart, the anger suppressed under her emotionless silence, even the magical underwater world and the beautiful fish couldn’t move Cheng Rongrong.

    On the large projection screen, Cheng Rongrong, half-heartedly taking pictures of the fish, didn’t look happy at all.

    On the sofa across from the projection, Bai Lei had the same unhappy expression as she sipped her coffee.

    In the past few days, Bai Lei had barely watched Cheng Rongrong’s live broadcast, and she only occasionally glanced at the other channels.

    But today was different.

    Early this morning, the gossip about Shi Dingshan, the show’s head director, exploded on social media.

    Even Bai Lei was a bit interested, she browsed through several live broadcasts, wanting to see the director’s current state of mind through the camera.

    Of course, initially, it was just out of boredom, pure gossip that she knew was useless.

    But as she watched, she noticed something.

    What was going on?

    It seemed like the families were doing the task individually, the children were running around excitedly in the aquarium, doing their tasks, gathering and dispersing, dispersing and gathering. In each individual live broadcast window, people from other families would often appear.

    But!

    In Cheng Feiying and Cheng Rongrong’s live broadcast window, it was always just the two of them.

    Bai Lei, for comparison, even brought her laptop and tablet, opening several live broadcast windows to watch side by side, in addition to the projection.

    Then she watched as Wen Qiming, taking Wen Jiangyue, was walking towards the tunnel ahead, she even saw Cheng Feiying and Cheng Rongrong also walking towards that direction, logically, the two families should have walked together in the tunnel for a while.

    But Wen Qiming suddenly stopped and turned around, pulling Wen Jiangyue with him.

    He didn’t even turn at a corner, he just turned back directly.

    If it were just one family, it could be a coincidence.

    But Bai Lei saw that Wei Chengli, taking Cheng Tingyan and Wei Maomao, also encountered Cheng Feiying and the others, and they didn’t even try to join them. Of course, they seemed a bit more polite than Wen Qiming, they didn’t turn around and leave immediately, they just stopped, in an empty spot with no fish, and only continued walking after Cheng Feiying and the others were gone.

    As for Shen Jianghe and Wen Xiang, they were even more polite, they would greet and chat for a bit when they encountered them.

    But… with so many windows open, the contrast was obvious.

    Whether it was Shen Jianghe, Wen Xiang, Shen Zilin, or Wen Dongyu, their attitudes towards the other families and towards their family were completely different. The adults’ enthusiasm and politeness might require closer observation, but the children… Whether they greeted from afar, ran over to join them and look at the fish, or just casually responded when they were right in front of them, it was too obvious.

    The most outrageous one was Wang Zhizhi, he just responded with a single sentence, then turned and walked away, his back to them, even his dad couldn’t stop him.

    Bai Lei looked at Cheng Rongrong, who didn’t look happy at all in the live broadcast, then at Cheng Tingyan, who was always being held by that stinky Maomao, chatting and laughing with those annoying children wherever she went.

    Why!

    Why was Liu Qiongfang’s child living so happily, even happier than her child!

    At 10:43 AM, Zhang Jin, looking at the tenth missed call on his phone, sighed deeply, he finally answered the call when it rang for the eleventh time. After these past few days, he understood, this person truly didn’t understand what a silent rejection was, as long as he didn’t answer, she would keep calling until his phone died.

    Cheng Feiying, that wall between him and the devil, how many more days until he came back!

    There was no one else in the room, Zhang Jin placed the phone on the table and turned on the speaker, this was the last bit of distance he could create between himself and evil.

    “What’s going on, why do I always have to call so many times before you answer?”

    “If your phone is broken, then get a new one, are you out of money?”

    “What did she say? Where are we meeting today?”

    …

    The relentless barrage of questions was followed by increasingly less politeness with each passing day.

    Not receiving a response, Bai Lei, who was lying on the sofa, kicked a pillow in frustration and said angrily, “Are you there?”

    “Yes… Who are you talking about? Who are we meeting today?” Zhang Jin asked, pretending to be confused.

    “Who else could I be talking about, the other agent I called yesterday at noon?” Bai Lei said coldly, sitting up. “What, is Liu Qiongfang afraid to meet me?”

    Zhang Jin took a sip of tea and said perfunctorily, “Oh, oh, you mean her. What, you really want to meet her? I thought you were joking.”

    “So you didn’t ask her?” Bai Lei asked, after a pause. “What, with Cheng Feiying’s current situation, you, his agent, are just going to watch? Not to mention the future, he’s earned you a lot of money these past few years, right? You’re just going to watch, not even willing to make a phone call?”

    “It’s not something Liu Qiongfang can solve…” Zhang Jin said, frowning, his tone less perfunctory, but he was interrupted before he could finish his sentence.

    “I’m not going to beat around the bush. Now, the negative comments about Cheng Feiying and Rongrong online, it’s all because of Cheng Tingyan’s portrayal of her unhappy life in our family during the live broadcast. But happy or not, what does a six-year-old child know? Her mom is disabled, she can’t afford to raise her, we took over her custody, we feed her, clothe her, send her to school, isn’t that good enough? We’ve been paying for her mom’s treatment, again and again, there’s no end in sight, isn’t that good enough? Good or not, it’s not up to her, it’s not up to us, let Liu Qiongfang come out and say it.” Bai Lei said patiently, explaining everything to Zhang Jin, then sneered. “If even her own mother, whom she keeps mentioning in the live broadcast, says she’s lying, who would believe her?”

    The silence on the other end of the phone lasted for a while before Zhang Jin, startled and holding his breath, finally recovered, he took a few deep breaths, but it couldn’t dispel the chill that had spread throughout his body.

    “This… This is useless.” Zhang Jin said, quickly reviewing the things he had seen on the live broadcast. “It’s not just Cheng Tingyan’s portrayal. There’s also Cheng Feiying himself, the mushroom incident, the chicken leg incident, his temper is getting worse, he’s scolding the children, he was clearly biased towards Cheng Rongrong during the grading, and also…”

    Zhang Jin tried his best to list examples, proving that the current negative public opinion about the Cheng family wasn’t entirely because of Cheng Tingyan.

    But before he could say more, Bai Lei’s cold voice came from the phone again.

    “Heh, mushrooms… What’s wrong with mushrooms? Yan Yan loved eating them when she was little, she just became picky when she grew up. What’s wrong with chicken legs? She never liked eating them, she suddenly started liking them and didn’t even tell us, how would we know? Raising children is stressful, it’s normal to have a bad temper, Liu Qiongfang’s temper was even worse when she was raising Yan Yan. Favoritism? We can fabricate a hundred stories about him being better to Cheng Tingyan.”

    Initially, when he heard the first part of Bai Lei’s explanation, Zhang Jin was a bit surprised by the truth, but after hearing the end…

    “You’re saying… you made all this up? You want me to arrange a meeting with Liu Qiongfang, so she can lie for you? Are you… Are you okay? That’s Cheng Tingyan’s biological mother, not your puppet. How could she possibly listen to you and go against her own daughter? Are you planning to hypnotize her when you meet?” Zhang Jin felt like he was wasting his time answering this call. He didn’t have a solution for this chaotic situation, but what Bai Lei was doing wasn’t even trying to find a solution, it was delusional!

    Bai Lei glanced at her newly manicured nails, gently scratching the sofa. “How I’m going to persuade her is none of your business. Call her and arrange a meeting for us. Or give me her number, I’ll contact her myself.”

    “This… Forget it, I’ll ask for you.” Zhang Jin said, giving up on arguing with this person with a shocking thought process, he decided to pretend to be rejected later and end this ridiculous situation.

    “Don’t mention what I want her to do. Just tell Liu Qiongfang that Cheng Feiying’s online reputation is very bad now, you need me and her to work together to change the public opinion, so you want to meet and discuss the details. She helped Cheng Feiying this time, he will definitely be grateful, after he comes back from that damn show, he’ll definitely thank her properly.” Bai Lei said patiently, instructing him.

    Zhang Jin: “… “ Thank her properly? By remarrying her?

    Zhang Jin couldn’t help but feel that Bai Lei’s tone, when she said those last few sentences, was a bit… mocking? As if she was talking about a plaything… a toy… a sense of control…

    The meaning behind her words also sounded strange, as if Bai Lei knew… that Liu Qiongfang still cared about Cheng Feiying.

    What was going on?

    He was the one who handled all the contact between the Cheng family and Liu Qiongfang these past two years, and he had only found out about it recently, how did Bai Lei… Was this a woman’s intuition?

    Zhang Jin suddenly felt that Bai Lei might not be as brainless as he thought.

    If…

    If Liu Qiongfang was truly fooled, then indeed… Cheng Feiying’s almost ruined reputation could still be salvaged.

    But…

    Cheng Tingyan would…

    Zhang Jin clenched his phone, which had dimmed, he was once again standing at a crossroads of human nature.

    Bai Lei had no idea what kind of dilemma she had created for Zhang Jin.

    After the phone call, Bai Lei finally felt a bit relieved, looking at Cheng Tingyan, who was being amused by the little chubby menace imitating a fish on the live broadcast screen, it didn’t sting as much anymore.

    Keep smiling, let’s see if you can still smile after I meet your mom.

    A six-year-old child, unhappy with her dad and stepmother, lied about her life at home. Her biological mom, unable to stand it, would expose her lies. She wanted to see how many people would still like this lying child, how happy she could still be.

    Bai Lei looked at Wei Maomao, who was circling around Cheng Tingyan, her mouth wide open like a shark, making “aww, aww” sounds. Heh, even this little chubby menace, who was always clinging to Cheng Tingyan, wouldn’t like her anymore. Even if that little chubby menace was brainless, would that Director Wei allow his own child to be friends with a liar?

    By then, outside the live broadcast, Liu Qiongfang’s words would be spread, while inside the live broadcast, Cheng Tingyan, still oblivious, would continue walking on her lonely but strong path.

    That would be truly interesting.

    Bai Lei, as she thought about it, chuckled.

    After the meat was gone, the bones could still be used to lure the dog.

    “See, this is also my miracle.” Bai Lei said, looking at the French windows not far away, the blue sky and white clouds outside, distant, like another life.

    Her words of triumph echoed in the empty room, the person who should have seen and heard them was already gone.

    Bai Lei suddenly felt a bit bored.

    This wasn’t a good sign, the show was about to begin, how could she feel bored already?

    People needed to eat when they were hungry, take medicine when they were sick.

    When they felt life was meaningless, when they didn’t want to live anymore, they had to find something interesting to do, to be able to continue living.

    She had already tried the substitutes, the person who should be stepped into the mud was about to be stepped on, what else…

    Bai Lei paced around the room aimlessly, then finally stopped in front of Cheng Rongrong’s bedroom door.

    The heart of a watermelon, the yolk of a salted duck egg, the meat inside a zongzi…

    The most delicious part was saved for last.

    Let her see, this little cupcake she had been saving for so long, what did it taste like?

    The little miracle she brought into this world, it should bring her a bit more amusement, right?

    Life always brought unexpected little surprises.

    Some people, unable to hold back anymore, opened the door to peek at the secret they had been suppressing their curiosity about.

    Some people, torn between their conscience and money, once again “struggled” to choose the path of money.

    And some people…

    “Yueyue, why don’t you get a sea otter plush too? We can connect them!” Wen Dongyu said in the aquarium’s cafeteria, while waiting for their food, he held up his sea otter plush and approached the other little babies who were playing with theirs, adding one more to the sea otter squad.

    “I… I used my vouchers for something else.” Wen Jiangyue said, glancing at the five connected sea otter plushes with envy, one’s left paw holding another’s right paw, it was like they were holding hands, so cute…

    “What did you get?” Shen Zilin asked, looking at the shopping bag in Wen Jiangyue’s hand. It was the smallest size, about the size of their palms, it looked very light.

    “I got…” Wen Jiangyue said, about to take it out.

    “I need to go to the bathroom.” Wei Maomao said, getting up and running off.

    “Maomao! Don’t run!” Cheng Tingyan said, chasing after her, worried.

    Wen Jiangyue also stood up anxiously. “Don’t run, be careful, it’s slippery!”

    In a flash, Wei Chengli, who was waiting for food at the dads’ table, also rushed out.

    “Don’t chase after her, Uncle Wei is already going. If you keep chasing each other, you’ll get lost.” Wang Zhizhi said, stopping Wen Jiangyue, then asked curiously, “What did you say you got earlier?”

    Wen Jiangyue: “… “

    The three, Wei Maomao, Cheng Tingyan, and Wei Chengli, left quickly and came back quickly.

    Wen Jiangyue, looking at the brand new sea otter plush held up by the little chubby paw, blushed and stood up, flustered.

    “Now you can connect yours with ours!” Wei Maomao said, stuffing the sea otter into Wen Jiangyue’s hand, she then took Wen Jiangyue’s hand and connected her sea otter to the squad, six little sea otters on the table, their paws linked together.

    Mmm… Actually, Wei Maomao didn’t know how it had come to this. Initially, it was just her and Cheng Tingyan buying the same one and having the two little sea otters hold hands. Then Wen Dongyu saw it… He bought the same one to join the chain, then Shen Zilin… Wang Zhizhi…

    Wen Jiangyue, who had run off somewhere, didn’t see it and didn’t get one. But seeing the little girl’s envious gaze earlier, and thinking about her being wrongly blamed and sad last night, Wei Maomao had to get her one.

    She used up a small keychain she had redeemed before, it didn’t matter, she could buy those again later.

    A little girl’s childhood, it only happened once.

    Wei Maomao, satisfied, watched as Wen Jiangyue happily hugged the sea otter plush.

    Then, in the next second, she was confused by what happened next.

    “What did you say you got?” Wei Maomao asked, staring at the two cards Wen Jiangyue took out, shocked.

    “Yours, and Yan Yan’s.” Wen Jiangyue said, pushing the cards towards them. “Little Mermaid dress-up photos, they’ll provide the clothes and makeup, we can take pictures after lunch!”

    “Boss, isn’t it amazing! You guys ran off too quickly, you didn’t see Shen Zilin’s shocked expression when he heard Yueyue got these for you!” Wen Dongyu said excitedly.

    “I wasn’t shocked!” Shen Zilin said, his face flushed red. “And call me Boss! Employees can’t badmouth their boss!”

    “That wasn’t badmouthing.” Wen Dongyu said, raising his chin stubbornly. “It was honesty.”

    “You… don’t like them?” Wen Jiangyue asked weakly, noticing that neither of them reached for the cards, her initial excitement vanished.

    “I like it.” Cheng Tingyan said, taking the card.

    “I like it…” Wei Maomao said, forcing a smile, she reached out her chubby paw and pressed it on the card. “Yueyue, aren’t you taking pictures? You and Yan Yan should take pictures together.”

    “I’m not taking pictures.” Wen Jiangyue shook her head. Some of the photos she took were incorrect, she only had enough vouchers for two.

    “Yueyue, take pictures with Maomao and Yan Yan. I have two program vouchers left.” Shen Zilin said, glancing at the food tray that had just been brought over by the staff. “I want to eat shrimp rolls, Yueyue, I’ll use my voucher for the photoshoot, you give me your shrimp rolls, how about that?”

    Of course… It was a great deal!

    Wen Jiangyue swiftly pushed all the shrimp rolls, pork ribs, and diced chicken from her plate to Shen Zilin, she only stopped after Shen Zilin took away his tray, scared.

    “We can take Little Mermaid photos together now.” Wen Jiangyue said with a beaming smile.

    “… “ Wei Maomao looked down at the Little Mermaid photo in her hand, a mermaid tail skirt, fins, and it was all sparkly. She had opened that box of bunny pajamas to make Yan Yan happy. So now, to make Yueyue happy, she… had to become a sparkly fish?

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 248

    Chapter 248: Trial Marriage

    The so-called courtyard was located in the heartland between Alaye and the Imperial Capital.

    From the perspective of the Empire’s map, Alaye was situated within its borders. However, unlike the Imperial Capital, the thousand miles surrounding Alaye were under the jurisdiction of the Temple.

    Kailun carefully observed the surroundings. He could hear birds chirping, smell the fragrance of flowers and herbs, and see rare and exotic trees encircling the courtyard in a semi-circle.

    After surveying the area, he shifted his gaze to the courtyard itself. A pure white stone table stood in the center, with two maids standing beside it, awaiting further instructions.

    “Please have a seat. This is my private courtyard. You are the first guest to visit this place.”

    Empress Galina gestured invitingly.

    “It seems I’m quite fortunate.”

    Kailun smiled and walked towards the table. One of the maids pulled out a chair for him, allowing him to sit comfortably.

    “You are indeed fortunate, Mr. Kailun, not only for being here but also for receiving the favor of that entity. In fact, if you think about it carefully, there are no irreconcilable conflicts between us. Cooperation can bring us greater benefits, wouldn’t you agree?”

    Galina rested her chin on her hand, tilting her head as she observed Kailun.

    Just a few days ago, she had hated him to the core for the heavy losses he had inflicted on the Empire.

    Many of her plans had been disrupted by Kailun, and the resentment in her heart burned like a raging fire.

    But after her contact with that entity, temporary gains and losses no longer affected her state of mind.

    In Galina’s view, as long as that entity achieved final victory, everything Kailun did was just a pointless struggle.

    However, Fate valued Kailun’s abilities and wanted him on her side, hence the marriage proposal.

    But this was only a secondary reason.

    Kailun was much younger than Empress Galina had imagined. His appearance and demeanor were both impressive, and his manners were impeccable.

    They belonged to different factions, so even though she admired him, she didn’t have any feelings for him, unless he agreed to their demands.

    Kailun’s smile remained unchanged. “Are you sure there’s no conflict of interest? I’m not so sure. I’m curious about what that entity truly desires.”

    “I’m sorry, I can’t tell you that.” Empress Galina frowned slightly. “I can only tell you that she won’t harm your interests. I can guarantee that.”

    “Oh, I see.”

    Kailun nodded, his expression unchanged.

    He didn’t believe her words. Frankly speaking, the Empress’s guarantee was worthless.

    Fate could abandon the Holy Temple, and she could also abandon the Empress. Kailun wouldn’t gamble everything on her.

    Moreover, setting aside whether there was a conflict of interest between him and Fate, Carol and Fate definitely had a serious conflict. Even if he didn’t consider himself, he had to think about Carol.

    Now that he had a chance to start over, he wouldn’t be stopped by an Empress.

    Galina sighed. “It seems I can’t persuade you. I can help you contact that entity. I hope you two can have a good talk. Instead of fighting each other, I hope we can negotiate peacefully.”

    “When can I meet this entity?” Kailun’s eyes flickered. His purpose for this trip was to meet Fate.

    “Soon. She promised me she would be here soon. Perhaps she’s almost here.” Galina looked around and replied, “While we still have some time, I want to ask about your thoughts. What do you think of me, for example?”

    Kailun first sensed the changes in his surroundings and then replied, “You’re great, Miss Galina. You’re beautiful, capable, and strong enough to rule a nation. You’re excellent in every aspect. Without any additional conditions, I would naturally be willing to befriend you. But if you’re considering this as a bridge between our factions, I’ll need some time to think about it.”

    This was a rather official and noncommittal response. Kailun didn’t want to anger Galina, nor did he want to deliberately lower her goodwill rating.

    Fate was the key to everything.

    Unfortunately, he hadn’t even seen a shadow of her.

    He indirectly asked some questions about Fate, but Galina didn’t give him any satisfactory answers.

    “Sigh, it seems you’re not willing to take any risks. Alright, I’ll ask her for you.”

    Galina took out her communication device in front of Kailun and wrote a magic letter to Fate without any concealment.

    Kailun sensed the magic fluctuations of the device with his powerful mental power. The distance between them seemed incredibly far.

    This wasn’t good news. Logically, Galina and Fate should be close to each other, at least within the Empire.

    But the distance between them exceeded the Empire’s borders. Kailun felt a sense of unease.

    He couldn’t help but suspect that Fate was using Galina to stall for time. Galina had mentioned “we have plenty of time” several times before.

    His powerful mental perception made him incredibly sensitive. His suspicion wasn’t unfounded.

    About five minutes later, Galina received Fate’s reply. She generously showed the magic letter to Kailun.

    “That entity said that to show the Temple’s sincerity, she can let me have a ‘trial marriage’ with you. If you’re not satisfied, you can refuse anytime. You don’t have to fulfill any responsibilities or sign any contracts. On the contrary, you can enjoy everything you deserve, whether it’s power or resources.”

    Galina first repeated the content of the magic letter, then couldn’t help but comment, “She really thinks highly of you. Even I’m envious. I can’t believe she’s willing to offer me to you. What’s the difference between this and giving me away for free?”

    Kailun pretended to be engrossed in the magic letter, letting his gaze linger on Galina’s face and chest. “That entity is indeed generous. But are there any restrictions on this ‘trial marriage’?”

    Galina looked at him with a helpless expression. “I know what you want to ask. As you can see, you won’t be restricted in any way. As long as you agree to the trial marriage, you can enjoy the intimacy between husband and wife with me tonight. I believe the kind Mr. Kailun wouldn’t use me and then abandon me, right?”

    She rolled her eyes at Kailun and then licked her lips seductively, the pure Pope imitating the poses she had seen in books to tempt him.

    This was her mission. She had to use every means to keep Kailun here.

    Whether it was through force or beauty, as long as she could keep him here, she would have completed her mission.

    Having gathered a lot of information, she knew that Kailun’s strength wasn’t as simple as it appeared. So she chose the path of seduction.

    Kailun was greedy for beautiful women. This information was highlighted in red in the intelligence reports.

    “Who knows?”

    Kailun leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed.

    Things were getting interesting. This entity called Fate was even more intriguing than he had imagined.

  • Second Time Around, the Villainous Daughter Decides to Indulge First 59

    Chapter 59: Let’s Poop Together Sometime

    Small hands traced Lena’s delicate eyebrows, outlining the shape of her full lips.

    Ling Ling’s soft, stocking-clad legs rubbed against Lena, fueling the fire within, yet the little fox girl remained oblivious, playing with fire, enjoying herself.

    As the dying embers threatened to reignite, Lena almost grabbed the teasing tail and pounced.

    White stockings increased attack speed, black stockings increased critical hit damage, so what did white-stockinged fox girl lolita increase?

    “Finished your homework? Memorized the magic theory? How dare you relax when you haven’t learned anything?” Lena raised an eyebrow, feigning anger.

    “Waaah… I’m sorry, Miss…”

    Ling Ling hid behind Angel, her expression dejected.

    She hated making Miss angry. Anger meant no cuddles, and Miss was scary when she was angry…

    “Why are you scolding her?!”

    Angel stepped forward protectively. “I saw that Ling Ling was tired from studying, so I told her to take a break, that’s why she came to you for cuddles. And you just dismissed all her hard work!”

    With that, Angel tossed her pink hair, turned around, and patted Ling Ling’s head. “Don’t play with the devil, let’s go.”

    Lena: “…”

    Their relationship had become so close that Lena felt like an outsider, and why did it feel like a strict father and a doting mother?

    Like a sulking wife taking her beloved daughter back to her parents’ home…

    She was unhappy.

    Especially with Angel’s attitude, what was she playing at? She was asking for it.

    Lena wouldn’t apologize easily. The word “mistake” didn’t exist in her dictionary, only pages filled with “kill” and “ravage.”

    Who would lower their head and apologize when they could solve things with violence and seduction?

    “Are you having supper? I asked Mary to make a lot of berry pies, with extra berry jam. They’ll be ready soon.”

    Lena’s languid voice drifted towards the departing duo.

    Although not an apology, it was still a form of compensation.

    And upon hearing about supper, Ling Ling, despite being pulled along by Angel, couldn’t help but stop.

    She didn’t actually mind Lena’s scolding. Or rather, in her mind, everything Lena did was for her own good, so as long as there was a sliver of an opportunity to reconcile, Ling Ling would immediately transform back into a devoted fox.

    “Ling Ling wants to eat with Miss.”

    The little fox girl walked back, planting a quick kiss on Lena’s lips as an apology.

    So close, almost hitting the bullseye, it looked like the little fox girl had taken the initiative, her tail wagging excitedly…

    Ling Ling said softly, “From now on, Ling Ling will study harder and become the best maid for Miss, and never slack off again.”

    “Good to know. Sit tight and wait, you can work hard after dinner.” Lena scratched Ling Ling’s chin, her eyes gentle.

    A few words were all it took to appease the devoted fox; Lena’s manipulation skills were top-notch.

    Even though Angel was reluctant, she could only sulk silently.

    “Your authoritarian education is a complete failure,” she said.

    “Don’t you think it’s a success?” Lena looked back at her, smiling. “With you helping me educate Ling Ling, and me disciplining her, a balanced approach, I believe she’ll grow up well.”

    “…I… I don’t have that kind of ability.” Hearing the teasing tone in Lena’s voice, Angel stammered, her face flushing.

    She stood up and paced around like a headless fly.

    “Hey, where are you going? The snacks are almost ready.” Lena called out to her, winking seductively, her voice even gentler than before. “It’s still raining heavily, stay and keep me company tonight, okay?”

    Okay?

    She actually used “okay,” the devil actually asking for something.

    “No way!”

    Angel shouted, her cheeks puffed out.

    Lena: “…”

    Why was she being so stubborn? Was Angel always this petty?

    It seemed so, but not to this extent.

    In Lena’s impression, Angel was still that clingy, pure little idol, but the contrast between her on-screen persona, her real-life personality, and her behavior in bed was so stark that Lena couldn’t adapt.

    It seemed Angel only acted this way towards her…

    Oh, the little idol’s skin was itching, she needed a good lesson!

    …

    Lena, Lena, Lena, Lena, Lena!!

    Would she die if she stopped for a day?!

    Angel sat on the toilet, sulking, not actually needing to use it.

    “I helped you, not to become your plaything… it’s just that you looked so helpless, I couldn’t help but want to help you.”

    Angel muttered to herself, not noticing another figure approaching.

    “H-hello.”

    “Eek!”

    Angel flailed, almost falling off the toilet.

    Mines helped her up with her stocking-clad left hand, her wrist slender yet strong. “Careful, I just mopped the floor, it’s slippery.”

    Her voice was as light as a feather, making Angel instinctively search for its owner.

    Who could possess such a beautiful voice?

    “Thank you.” Angel steadied herself against the sink, then noticing the maid uniform and patterned stockings, she couldn’t help but ask, “Are you a maid of the Falmouth family? You’re so pretty!!”

    Truly beautiful.

    People in Almeria rarely had black hair, making Mines’s hair color unique and perfectly matching Angel’s rebellious spirit and yearning for freedom.

    A kindred spirit!!

    Angel’s eyes lit up.

    As an independent idol, she had an uncanny ability to spot potential talents in a crowd, like falling in love at first sight in a sea of faces!

    “Become a school idol with me! You’ll be famous! You’ll definitely be a huge star!”

    Angel’s excitement was uncontainable. “Can you sing? Can you dance? I can teach you! Within a year, we’ll be the empire’s hottest new idol group!”

    Her impassioned speech interrupted Mines’s intention to ask for directions.

    Mines waited patiently for Angel to finish, then thoughtfully offered her a glass of water. “I’m flattered that you would notice someone insignificant like me, but I’m already Master’s personal bodyguard, my body and soul belong to her. I’m so sorry…”

    “Oh, you don’t have to apologize!”

    Angel waved her hands apologetically. “I’m the one who should apologize, wasting your time, I’m so sorry!”

    “No, it’s my fault.”

    “Mine, mine!”

    A trivial matter was blown out of proportion, like accidentally stepping on someone’s foot in an elevator. You never knew if their “no problem” actually meant “you’re welcome,” and they never knew if your “sorry” meant “thank you.”

    They continued apologizing, each taking responsibility for the non-existent mistake.

    Until…

    “What’s all the commotion? Do you need to apologize for taking a shit?”

    Lena squeezed between them, putting an arm around each of them. The two girls fell silent, blushing as they looked at her.

  • Inferior A After Having a Baby with the Top Boss 42p2

    Chapter 42: “Are You An Omega?” p2

    Xue Xun looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar environment and decor. Arriving at the shooting training room on the first floor, she took off her red coat because of the indoor temperature. She sat down unceremoniously on the brown leather sofa and poured herself a cup of hot tea.

    “Oh, some people really put on airs, not even greeting their Jiejie.”

    Although Zhu Yiqiao rarely addressed Xue Xun this way, it didn’t prevent her from perfectly imitating Lan Lubai’s performance.

    After letting Xue Xun act for a while, Zhu Yiqiao, who was in front, took off her goggles, put down the simulation training gun, and walked towards her, taking off her gloves.

    “Get to the point.”

    Xue Xun conjured a blue rose with her fingertips: “Our Colonel Zhu’s skills haven’t diminished after three years of retirement. This rose is for Colonel Zhu, who hit every bullseye.”

    The white gloves landed in the trash can.

    Zhu Yiqiao looked up and said, “Xue Xun.”

    The blue rose instantly scattered into blue petals, then turned into tiny blue particles, and finally disappeared into thin air.

    Xue Xun said slowly, “When I went to Dr. Tang’s, I accidentally glanced at Ming Fei’s medical records. Is she also from your world?”

    “Mm.”

    Xue Xun rested her chin on one hand, the red crystal bracelet on her exposed wrist like a small red snake coiled around her fair skin.

    “What is she?”

    Xue Xun raised an eyebrow, guessing, “An omega?”

    Zhu Yiqiao didn’t speak.

    Xue Xun asserted, “I guessed right, didn’t I? Based on your description of the Ole Empire, Teacher Xiao Fei is definitely an omega. That’s great, since you hate alphas, I’m betting all on Teacher Xiao Fei!”

    Zhu Yiqiao: “Betting?”

    Xue Xun smiled brightly: “Well, isn’t it because Min Man insists that you two are just in a normal cooperative relationship, and Lubai insists that it’s definitely not? I agree with Lubai, so the three of us made a bet.”

    “Yiqiao, why don’t you also bet on your own heart?”

    Zhu Yiqiao’s emotionless voice rang out: “As public officials, leading the way in gambling, the two executives have too much free time.”

    “Chief Judge Zhu, you’re being too harsh. How is this gambling? As citizens of the Independent State of Yi Meng, the two executives and I strictly abide by laws and regulations, regularly pay…”

    Xue Xun wanted to continue arguing, but suddenly thought of something, her voice gradually lowering.

    Even her green eyes dimmed a little.

    After a long silence, Zhu Yiqiao asked, “Did you find any clues this time?”

    Xue Xun looked away: “Nothing.”

    This was her eighth year in this world, and also the eighth year since she was separated from her lover. Although they had been trapped in a horde of zombies before transmigrating, already forced into a desperate situation, she still believed—

    That no matter where they were in the world,

    Her wolf cub would come to her.

    After the physical examination at the hospital, Ming Fei took Ming Zaozao to the commercial street to buy all the materials needed to make the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum before returning in the self-driving car.

    Because they woke up early, Ming Zaozao fell asleep after watching cartoons for a while on the way back.

    Ming Fei covered her with a soft blanket and recorded the scenery along the way with her phone.

    Ming Zaozao happened to wake up when they arrived at the villa.

    After getting out of the car, Ming Fei held Ming Zaozao’s hand with her left hand and carried the purchased materials and other daily necessities in her right hand.

    Both mother and daughter were wearing light apricot scarves, except Ming Zaozao’s scarf had a little bear on the end, while Ming Fei’s was simpler and more mature.

    Ming Zaozao entered the living room two steps ahead of Ming Fei. Just as she was about to greet Zhu Yiqiao, she saw a stranger with red hair and green eyes.

    “Eh?”

    She was a little surprised, because this auntie, with a red pearl necklace around her neck, really looked like a mermaid from a fairy tale.

    Xue Xun waved at her: “Hello, Zaozao, come here, Auntie.”

    After reacting, Ming Zaozao politely greeted both of them and ran towards Xue Xun.

    Ming Fei, two steps behind, smiled politely at Xue Xun. Xue Xun returned the smile and took out the gifts she had prepared for the mother and daughter.

    Thanks to Ming Zaozao, the little social butterfly, the three chatted back and forth.

    During this time, Zhu Yiqiao remained silent, her gaze only lingering on the packaging of the materials for a moment.

    Soon, the dutiful 0619 came to remind Ming Zaozao that the new game she had reserved on the holographic game console was online. Ming Zaozao really wanted to play this game and had been asking 0619 if it was ready yet since the game’s official release.

    Hearing 0619’s reminder, she waved to the three of them and happily went to the toy room on the second floor with her gifts.

    Only the three adults remained in the living room, and the lively atmosphere instantly became quiet.

    Fortunately, Xue Xun didn’t let the silence become awkward.

    She asked curiously, “Teacher Xiao Fei, can I ask you a question?”

    Ming Fei nodded: “Mm.”

    “Are you an omega?”

    Ming Fei, having just received the gift, although she knew beforehand that Xue Xun was a transmigrator from a post-apocalyptic world, was still a little stunned by this unexpected question.

    Suppressing her emotions, she said, “No, I’m an alpha.”

    Xue Xun, who was tasting her hot tea, almost choked. After coughing twice, she subconsciously looked at Zhu Yiqiao.

    She thought, based on her understanding of Zhu Yiqiao, perhaps she needed to change her bet. After all, in Zhu Yiqiao’s eyes, most alphas belonged in the garbage dump, as that was where trash like them belonged.

    Her surprise was obvious, and Ming Fei couldn’t help but ask, puzzled,

    “Xue Xun Jiejie, what’s wrong?”

    Xue Xun explained, “Nothing, just a little surprised.”

    This surprise was no less than the first time she heard in the apocalypse that a rabbit had suddenly mutated and gained overwhelming combat power, not only able to kick humans flying with one kick but also bite off the heads of zombies.

    The display screen suddenly lit up, and Xue Xun picked up her phone and walked towards the second floor.

    “You two chat, I’ll take this call and go play games with Zaozao.”

    The number of people decreased again, leaving only two in the living room.

    Ming Fei picked up the crafting materials and approached Zhu Yiqiao, preparing to go to the craft room on the second floor after asking for Zhu Yiqiao’s opinion.

    “I took Zaozao to the commercial street and bought the materials for the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum.”

    She looked at Zhu Yiqiao, her voice lacking the previous tension: “Jiejie prefers the original version of the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum, right?”

    Zhu Yiqiao didn’t answer directly, but instead asked slowly,

    “What did you just call Xue Xun?”

    Ming Fei recalled: “…Xue Xun Jiejie?”

    She hadn’t originally intended to address her this way, but Xue Xun had given her a very expensive gift and suggested this form of address. Facing Xue Xun’s smiling gaze, she could only swallow her own thoughts.

    Moreover, Xue Xun was six years older than her, so calling her “Jiejie”… seemed reasonable.

    But Zhu Yiqiao’s next words stunned her.

    “Change it.”

    The stunned Ming Fei didn’t think too much about it, assuming Zhu Yiqiao simply didn’t like the form of address.

    “Mm, okay.”

    After replying, she repeated her question: “Jiejie, do you like the original version of the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum?”

    Zhu Yiqiao: “Mm.”

    She agreed, but didn’t say she disliked the modified version, only asking Ming Fei another question after she received the answer.

    “Besides Zaozao, have you given the original version of the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum to anyone else?”

    Ming Fei’s eyes flickered slightly, her voice a little low: “Mm.”

    Zhu Yiqiao calmly asked, “Who?”

  • Captivating Beauty 65

    Chapter 65

    Hearing Xu Jinnan approach, Shen Shu looked up, her slender fingers wrapped around the riding crop. “Done talking?” she asked.

    Xu Jinnan nodded, sitting down beside her and taking a sip of water from the bottle on the table. She glanced at the riding crop in Shen Shu’s hand.

    “What’s so interesting about that?”

    Shen Shu put down the crop. “The braiding is quite intricate, don’t you think?” she said, her voice calm.

    Xu Jinnan hadn’t looked closely before, but now, she examined the leather handle, the intricate pattern woven into the leather, like tiny, sculpted flowers.

    “It is quite nice,” she agreed. “Do you want to take it home with you?”

    “…Take it home? What for?” Shen Shu asked, pausing slightly between the two questions, then glancing at Xu Jinnan.

    Xu Jinnan had simply been making conversation, but Shen Shu’s look made her pause. “…As a souvenir?” she suggested. Just then, they heard footsteps approaching.

    The door was open, and the stable manager stood at the entrance, smiling. “Miss Xu, Miss Shen, afternoon tea is ready. Would you like to have it inside, or outside?”

    Xu Jinnan, having been outside earlier, preferred the fresh air.

    Shen Shu didn’t have a preference.

    They sat down at a table under a large parasol, a selection of delicate pastries and cakes arranged in front of them. Xu Jinnan offered Shen Shu a small mousse cake topped with a strawberry.

    The late afternoon sun was gentle, the breeze carrying the scent of freshly cut grass, creating the illusion of being in a vast meadow.

    Xu Jinnan leaned back in her chair, her legs crossed, scrolling through messages on her phone.

    She looked up to see Shen Shu taking a bite of the cake. Shen Shu usually wore minimal makeup, and today, she wasn’t wearing any lipstick, just a light lip balm, but her lips looked unusually red.

    Was it from the kiss?

    The thought made Xu Jinnan’s breath hitch, and she frowned slightly, touching her scent gland.

    The familiar tingling sensation returned.

    She hadn’t had this reaction during their past two encounters and had assumed it was subsiding.

    “Do you want some?” Shen Shu asked, looking up.

    Xu Jinnan, startled, shook her head. “You have it.”

    Shen Shu took the strawberry from the cake and held it up to Xu Jinnan’s lips. “Open up.”

    Xu Jinnan paused, looking at the strawberry, a smile playing on her lips, then leaned forward and took a bite, her teeth gently grazing the fork.

    Shen Shu felt the light touch.

    “Mm, sweet,” Xu Jinnan murmured.

    Shen Shu pulled the fork away, gesturing towards the other pastries. “Then have some,” she said.

    Xu Jinnan took a small bite of a mango cheesecake. It was fine, but not as good as the strawberry mousse cake.

    Or perhaps she was too distracted by the tingling in her scent gland to appreciate it.

    Professor Qin had reminded her to schedule a check-up, which she had been putting off. She decided to make an appointment.

    She took out her phone and sent him a message.

    —

    After resting for a while, Xu Jinnan asked if Shen Shu wanted to ride again, and Shen Shu agreed.

    This time, Xu Jinnan led the horse, walking beside her at a leisurely pace.

    “You’re still a beginner. I can’t let you ride alone yet,” she said. “It’s not far. We can come back anytime.”

    “I’m not in a hurry,” Shen Shu replied, looking down at Xu Jinnan, who was wearing a black riding helmet, her face partially obscured, a few strands of her light brown hair escaping and brushing against her cheek. Xu Jinnan tucked them behind her ear.

    “No, you’re not,” she said with a smile.

    —

    In the distance, Chen Bo sat on the second floor of the resting area, two attractive Omegas beside him. He glanced at Han Wenfang, who was standing by the railing, then tossed his cards onto the table. “What are you looking at? Are you still playing or not?”

    “Is Texas Hold’em any fun with just two people?” Han Wenfang retorted, not turning around.

    Chen Bo released the Omega he had been holding. “It’s fucking boring. Ever since Yin Xue and Song Ronghui left… no, ever since Nan-jie settled down, life has been so dull.”

    Hearing Yin Xue’s name, Han Wenfang said, “I almost forgot about her. Good thing I cut ties early. Otherwise, I might have ended up like Song Ronghui, dragged down by that woman.”

    Chen Bo chuckled. “Please. You and your sister are the same. As if you would let yourself be dragged down by anyone. You Han family members are all the same, always avoiding trouble.” He remembered when Yin Xue had tried to seduce Han Wenfang, who had initially been receptive, then, upon learning about her connection to Xu Jinnan, had quickly retreated, afraid of getting involved.

    Han Wenling, unlike her younger sister, was more discerning, not interested in just any woman, and never associating with their crowd.

    “Speaking of which, is it you or your sister who’s getting engaged to the He family heiress? I heard rumors from my father,” Chen Bo asked, changing the subject.

    Han Wenfang frowned. “I’m not some kind of commodity to be traded,” she said coldly.

    “So it’s true?” Chen Bo asked, his interest piqued, walking over and putting an arm around her shoulder. “Tell me more!”

    “There’s nothing to tell. Her mother wants to find her a suitable husband, a strategic alliance. Those two are ambitious. But unfortunately for them…” Han Wenfang’s gaze drifted towards two figures in the distance. “She’s not Dad’s favorite. Does she really think she can secure her position in the Han family by marrying well?”

    As she spoke, Chen Bo dismissed the two Omegas.

    He was about to reply when he followed her gaze and saw Xu Jinnan leading a white horse, his eyes widening. “Holy shit, is that Nan-jie? I’m not seeing things, am I? She’s leading a horse?”

    Han Wenfang offered him a cigarette, lighting one for herself as well, a look of disbelief on her face. “Is she serious?”

    “My Nan-jie is the best,” Chen Bo said.

    Han Wenfang looked at him, thinking, He’s an idiot.

    Was Xu Jinnan seriously leading a horse? Wasn’t she embarrassed?

    —

    “You should rest. Let someone else do this,” Shen Shu said.

    Xu Jinnan looked up. “I’m fine. I haven’t exercised in a while. This is good exercise,” she replied.

    Shen Shu didn’t argue, but her gaze lingered on Xu Jinnan’s lower back, then instinctively drifted downwards… Xu Jinnan’s figure was undeniably attractive, her backside perfectly rounded, the tight black breeches accentuating her curves.

    Her gaze was unmistakable, and Xu Jinnan, sensing it, caught her eye, a playful smile on her lips. “Enjoying the view?” she asked, her voice teasing.

    Shen Shu: “…Nothing’s stopping me from looking.” Her voice was soft, but Xu Jinnan still heard it.

    Xu Jinnan, amused, leaned closer. “Then tell me, what are you looking at?”

    “Wherever I want,” Shen Shu retorted calmly.

    Their playful banter continued, neither of them backing down, until Xu Jinnan, as usual, relented.

    “Fine,” she said with a smile, finding Shen Shu’s defiance endearing. “I can’t exactly blindfold you, can I?” Then, she imagined doing just that, the image flashing through her mind before she quickly pushed it aside.

    A faint smile touched Shen Shu’s lips.

    Xu Jinnan’s willingness to yield sometimes made her feel like she could be more open, more playful, more herself. Anything seemed possible around Xu Jinnan.

    —

    Twenty minutes later, Shen Shu insisted Xu Jinnan take a break, finding a Beta riding instructor to lead her horse. Xu Jinnan didn’t argue, watching from under a parasol.

    Chen Bo, seeing her alone, approached her.

    He asked about his father’s birthday banquet next week, and Xu Jinnan agreed to attend. It was a major event for the Chen family, and most of North City’s business elite would be there, including Xu Tao and Lu Yun.

    “My old man keeps comparing me to you,” Chen Bo said, lighting a cigarette. “He’ll be thrilled to see you there.”

    After chatting for a while, he suddenly asked, “Oh, right, Nan-jie, you’re not going to bother with Han Hui anymore, are you?”

    “Why?”

    “The Han family will be there too, including Han Hui. Just giving you a heads-up,” he explained.

    Xu Jinnan looked at him silently.

    The hotel incident had been proven unrelated to Han Hui; she wasn’t going to hold a grudge. She wasn’t unreasonable.

    “Of course not. Nan-jie is the most reasonable person I know,” Chen Bo said, flattering her. He received a call and excused himself, then, as he was leaving, asked, “Nan-jie, is that guy I recommended working out for you?”

    Just then, Shen Shu, riding the white horse, approached, and Xu Jinnan, her gaze fixed on her, didn’t reply.

    Chen Bo, understanding instantly, said, “I didn’t ask anything. I don’t know anything,” then quickly left.

    As Shen Shu’s horse approached, she dismounted without assistance, and Xu Jinnan, stepping forward, instinctively placed a hand on her waist to steady her.

    Feeling the warmth of her skin, she asked, “Did you work up a sweat?”

    Shen Shu took off her gloves, relieved to be back on solid ground. “Not really. What time is it?” she asked. She hadn’t realized how tense she had been until someone else was leading the horse.

    “5 p.m.,” Xu Jinnan replied. “Want to eat here before we go? The food looks decent.”

    “Sure,” Shen Shu agreed.

    They ordered two Western dishes, which looked appetizing, but Shen Shu still preferred Xu Jinnan’s cooking.

    “Let’s eat at home next time,” she said, taking a sip of lemonade.

    Xu Jinnan, glancing at the uneaten food on Shen Shu’s plate, asked, “Is it not good?”

    “It’s not as good as yours,” Shen Shu replied.

    Xu Jinnan felt a surge of satisfaction. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll make it for you when we get back,” she said with a smile.

    Shen Shu looked at her, a thoughtful expression on her face.

    Xu Jinnan took a bite of steak, chewing slowly. “Miss Shen, don’t stare at me while I’m eating,” she said. It was a little unnerving.

    Shen Shu blinked slowly, then picked up her knife and fork, her voice calm. “Why not?”

    Xu Jinnan paused, wondering if Shen Shu had missed the innuendo.

    “Why not?” Shen Shu repeated.

    Xu Jinnan, realizing she hadn’t understood, smiled faintly. “Go ahead,” she said.

    Shen Shu took a bite of steak, but still didn’t finish her meal, and Xu Jinnan, not wanting her to force herself, ate the rest.

    —

    As they left the restaurant, the sun had already set, the sky a dim, dusky orange.

    It was almost 7 p.m.

    The manager saw them to the door, handing Xu Jinnan a long, black box, elegantly wrapped.

    Then, remembering something, Xu Jinnan turned back to talk to the manager, telling Shen Shu to wait in the car.

    Shen Shu walked towards the car, the parking lot almost empty, only a few luxury cars remaining. The sound of her footsteps was muffled by her sneakers.

    The silence was unsettling.

    She thought she heard footsteps behind her.

    Her scalp prickled, and she quickly turned around… but there was no one there. The brightly lit restaurant was a short distance away, the scent of freshly cut grass still lingering in the air.

    She relaxed slightly, then, as she reached for the car door, that feeling of being watched returned.

    This time, she didn’t turn around, quickly unlocking the car and getting inside, locking the doors behind her.

    Then, through the window, she saw Xu Jinnan walking towards her from the restaurant.

    —

    As Xu Jinnan got into the car, she noticed Shen Shu’s pale face and asked if she was okay.

    “I’m a little… on edge lately. I keep feeling like someone’s following me,” Shen Shu replied. It wasn’t the first time she had felt this way, but she had never found anyone, and Tong Jia had even checked the surveillance footage last time, but there had been nothing suspicious.

    Xu Jinnan frowned, her gaze scanning their surroundings. “Sometimes, your instincts are the most accurate. Don’t go anywhere alone. Have Tong Jia or Xinxin accompany you.”

    Shen Shu hadn’t been alone much since starting filming, but seeing Xu Jinnan’s worried expression, she said, “They have their own work. They can’t be with me 24/7.”

    Xu Jinnan looked away from the window. “Just during the day. I’ll be with you at night,” she said without thinking.

    Shen Shu looked at her. “Really?”

    Xu Jinnan started the car, then, after a moment of thought, said, “If I’m not around, lock your doors and have Tong Jia come upstairs with you.” She had heard about obsessive fans, the kind who stalked celebrities.

    With Shen Shu’s rising popularity, it was a possibility.

    The thought made her expression darken.

    “Why wouldn’t you be around?” Shen Shu asked.

    “Huh?”

    Xu Jinnan, caught off guard by the question, paused. “I mean, if I’m not around.”

    “So, Teacher Xu might not be coming home at night?” Shen Shu asked, a playful lilt in her voice.

    Xu Jinnan: “…?” Is that what she’s focused on?

    She considered it, a smile playing on her lips. “It’s possible,” she replied, playing along.

    She waited for a response, but Shen Shu simply looked out the window, seemingly uninterested in continuing the conversation.

    Xu Jinnan, giving up, changed the subject. “What did the manager give you?”

    “I’ll open it when I get home,” Shen Shu replied.

    “Aren’t you curious? He said it was for you.”

    “No.”

    One-word answers now, huh?

    Xu Jinnan sighed softly. “Come on, sis, let’s see it. I’m curious,” she said, her voice coaxing.

    Shen Shu’s ear tingled at the endearment.

    It was Xu Jinnan’s normal voice, but lowered slightly, and Shen Shu, surprised, detected a hint of… flirtation.

    And she found it strangely endearing.

    The box, small and rectangular, had been presented with a serious, almost reverent expression.

    Shen Shu untied the ribbon and opened it.

    She froze.

    “What is it?” Xu Jinnan asked, turning to look, then chuckled. “No wonder the manager said you would like it. He must have overheard our conversation and thought…” She paused, deliberately leaving the sentence unfinished, wanting to dispel the awkwardness from earlier.

    “Thought what?” Shen Shu asked instinctively, then, realizing what she had said, looked at Xu Jinnan, a playful glint in her eyes. “You better watch out,” she said, mimicking Xu Jinnan’s teasing tone. She took the riding crop from the box, twirling it between her fingers, then lightly tapped it against the leather car seat.

    The soft thud against the leather, strangely reminiscent of the sound of flesh against flesh, made Xu Jinnan’s heart skip a beat.

    “You might end up on the receiving end of this,” Shen Shu finished, her voice calm.

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    She realized they needed to communicate more effectively.

    She had simply been about to say, …that you had a… unique hobby.

    She hadn’t expected such a suggestive comment from Shen Shu.

    She couldn’t respond to that.

    —

    As they approached Shen Shu’s apartment, Cai Ying sent a message in the group chat, asking what they were doing, along with a funny video.

    Shen Shu replied that they were just returning from the riding stable.

    Cai Ying: [How was it?! Was it fun?]

    Shen Shu, remembering the kiss on horseback, her lips suddenly feeling dry, looked down at her phone as Xu Jinnan locked the car doors.

    Shen Shu: [Yes, it was fun.]

    Cai Ying: [Did you see my little pony?]

    Shen Shu: [Yes, it’s adorable.]

    Xu Jinnan, walking over to Shen Shu’s side, also took out her phone. [Small and cute, just like you.]

    Cai Ying: [? Are you calling me short? How am I short? Explain yourself! Do you have a conscience? Give me back my VIP card!]

    Cai Ying: [@Xu Jinnan You ungrateful, backstabbing, two-faced, opportunistic, treacherous woman!]

    Xu Jinnan: [… facepalm emoji]

    Xu Jinnan chuckled. “This child has quite the vocabulary.”

    Shen Shu glanced at her. “You’re a child too,” she retorted.

    Xu Jinnan: “?”

    Excuse me?

    —

    Upstairs, Xu Jinnan mentioned Chen Bo’s birthday banquet.

    “The Cai family usually attends as well,” she said, closing the door.

    “Cai Ying won’t be going. She dislikes these kinds of events, just like me,” Shen Shu replied, taking off her shoes, her hand briefly resting on her knee as she bent down.

    Xu Jinnan, noticing her slight wince as she changed her shoes, asked, “Are your legs sore?”

    “A little,” Shen Shu admitted. She had started feeling it after dismounting, her thighs slightly achy.

    “It’s probably from riding for so long. It might be worse tomorrow. A hot bath will help,” Xu Jinnan said.

    Shen Shu nodded. “Don’t you feel it too?”

    “I do,” Xu Jinnan admitted.

    This body wasn’t used to exercise, especially horseback riding, and she had been tense the entire time, focusing on controlling the horse and making sure Shen Shu was comfortable.

    Her legs were also sore, but not as much as Shen Shu’s, who was a beginner.

    Xu Jinnan told Shen Shu to shower first, then sat down on the sofa, catching up on messages and waiting.

    It was 9 p.m.

    Chen Yue still hadn’t called, and the memory of Wang Zheng disappearing made her slightly anxious.

    She could still hear occasional noises from outside, and the distant hum of traffic. She looked out the window at the bright neon lights of the city, one of them suddenly flickering and going out.

    Her phone vibrated in her hand.

    —

    Shen Shu had just finished her shower and turned off the water when she heard Xu Jinnan’s voice from outside the bathroom.

    “Shu Shu, I have to go out for a bit. Get some rest,” she said.

    Shen Shu frowned slightly. “Where are you going?”

    “To meet Chen Yue. I might be late. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow,” Xu Jinnan replied.

    Shen Shu got dressed, the living room lights still on. Xu Jinnan had told her she had asked Chen Yue to continue searching for Wang Zheng.

    She felt a pang of worry for Xu Jinnan.

    Would she find the answers she was looking for tonight?

    What secrets would she uncover?

    —

    Xu Jinnan drove to the train station, and a few minutes later, Chen Yue got into the car, his face grim.

    “CEO Xu,” he said, knowing the importance of this matter.

    He handed her two photos, printed on old, slightly yellowed paper, covered in handwritten notes and numbers. She glanced at them, recognizing Xu Tao and Lu Yun’s names, then put them away.

    “CEO Xu, I haven’t looked at them,” Chen Yue said quickly, assuring her.

    It was the truth; he was just doing his job, not looking for trouble.

    “Go home. Send me your bank account information,” Xu Jinnan said.

    After he left, she drove to a more secluded area and took out the photos again.

    They seemed to be candid shots taken by Wang Zheng, the paper old and faded, the images grainy and low-resolution, like something from an old newspaper.

    But the handwritten notes were still legible.

    The car’s interior lights weren’t bright enough, so she turned on her phone’s flashlight, the bright beam illuminating the faded ink.

    The first photo showed a date at the top – the year Xu Tao and Lu Yun were married.

    The first entry was about Xu Tao – Alpha, S-class, blood type, birth date and time, down to the second, and his Bazi chart, the level of detail astonishing.

    The second entry:

    Suitable Mates: Six.

    Six names followed, each one an S-class Omega, some newly differentiated, others not, their information as detailed as Xu Tao’s, with an additional entry – Compatibility Level.

    The lowest was 60%.

    The highest, 95%.

    And the 95% match belonged to Lu Yun.

    Newly differentiated, high compatibility, excellent genetic match.

    Xu Jinnan took a deep breath, then noticed an additional note next to Lu Yun’s name, enclosed in parentheses.

    (Note: Close relative within three generations of the Xu family.)

  • My Evil God Girlfriend (gl) 100

    Chapter 100: Fulfillment 

    A new late autumn arrived.

    Human society entered a period of uneasy respite. After months of constant vigilance, the immediate crisis had passed, the pollution receding, the monsters dying off, even without human intervention.

    Humanity began to rebuild, to reallocate resources, to analyze the events, to honor its heroes.

    An Yue received a special commendation, becoming a world-renowned investigator, but… the name of the girl in the white dress was no longer mentioned.

    Rumors circulated online, in hushed whispers, everyone with a story to tell, yet the details vague, obscured, only knowing glances and cryptic hints.

    About the girl in white… some said that on the day of the fiery meteor shower, her powers had vanished, and she had fallen amongst the monsters, perishing, her death concealed by the authorities to prevent panic.

    Others said she was a divine emissary, and with the god’s return, she had ascended, returning to the heavens with her deity.

    Still others claimed she was just a fabrication, a role played by a government investigator, a deception to maintain morale, a lie from the very beginning.

    And after all the speculation and rumors, someone would always ask:

    “So… are there really gods in this world?”

    They would exchange glances, then nod in agreement:

    “Yes, there must be.”

    “With monsters, how could there not be gods?”

    “There must be, otherwise, how could the monsters have disappeared?”

    “The investigators have special abilities, those abilities must be gifts from the gods.”

    But no one had seen a god. Ancient myths and legends resurfaced, the stories of gods rewritten, faith renewed.

    And yet, at this very moment, a true god, a bouquet of tulips in her hand, walked along a sunlit street.

    The god, Akhe, wore a beige trench coat and a long black dress, her expression gentle, the golden tulips in her hand like flickering candles, accentuating her pale skin and striking beauty.

    Passersby stole glances at her, some even so captivated by her beauty that they almost bumped into each other. The god, however, was oblivious to their attention, her gaze fixed on the girl beside her, a soft warmth in her eyes.

    The girl beside her, at first glance, seemed ordinary.

    Her figure was slender, her clothes simple, a thick, brown cotton dress reaching her ankles, a white sweater clinging to her thin frame. Above her long, delicate neck, a pale, young face, its features refined, yet with a hint of aloofness.

    She walked beside the beautiful god, her arm linked through Akhe’s, occasionally glancing at her, her amber eyes reflecting only Akhe’s breathtaking beauty.

    They walked together, two figures strolling along a sunlit street on an autumn afternoon, seemingly unconcerned with the world around them.

    They cared only about each other, a single glance, a single touch, more significant than anything else.

    People passed by, their gazes filled with a curious awe, speculating about their relationship, but none could guess the truth. Lovers, perhaps, but were they truly just lovers?

    No one knew that they held the fate of the world in their hands. No one knew the struggles, the sacrifices they had endured, for this world, for their love.

    And now, finally, after a long and arduous journey, they walked side by side, under the warm autumn sun.

    Akhe gently patted the girl’s hand:

    “Are you tired? Let’s sit down for a while.”

    The girl was, of course, Xiang Er, and she readily agreed, following Akhe to a bench beneath a shady camphor tree.

    As soon as she sat down, Xiang Er, as if boneless, leaned against Akhe, her head resting on Akhe’s shoulder, her eyes closed, like a contented kitten.

    It was a habit she had developed during their long confinement, a constant need to be close to Akhe, in every way possible.

    It had been over two months since Akhe’s return, and this was their first outing, Xiang Er’s first time leaving the apartment.

    For two months, Akhe had pampered her, preparing elaborate meals, giving her massages, helping her exercise, slowly nursing her back to health, the color returning to her cheeks, a spark of life reappearing in her eyes.

    Now, aside from her pale skin, a consequence of avoiding sunlight, Xiang Er’s health was finally restored, and Akhe felt comfortable enough to take her out.

    Xiang Er, watching the passersby, suddenly asked:

    “Are there any more… monsters for you to fight?”

    Akhe looked around:

    “I’m not sure, but since I came back, I haven’t left your side, and An Yue hasn’t contacted me, so I assume… there’s no need for me.”

    Xiang Er:

    “Ah… so you’re not making any money now?”

    Akhe was momentarily speechless, her beautiful eyes blinking, then she turned to Xiang Er, her voice playfully petulant:

    “Are you disgusted with me now?”

    Xiang Er:

    “…You’re putting on an act again, in broad daylight.”

    She pinched Akhe’s cheek, her grip surprisingly strong, and teased:

    “What if I am?”

    Akhe’s lips pursed, her eyelashes drooping dramatically, her voice exaggeratedly soft and vulnerable:

    “Then… I’ll just have to go back to being a CEO and provide for you, I hope you don’t mind…”

    Xiang Er, remembering her previous job, a nostalgic tone in her voice, said:

    “A CEO… I liked that, a domineering CEO falling for me, it gave me something to look forward to at work.”

    Akhe’s eyes narrowed, and she looked at Xiang Er, whose gaze was fixed on the bustling street, lost in thought.

    The golden tulips illuminated Xiang Er’s face, her cheeks slightly puffed, a childlike longing in her eyes, the pain and sadness gone, replaced by a gentle warmth.

    She must… still miss “Shen Yuhe.”

    So, the next morning…

    Xiang Er woke up, and not finding Akhe, her heart immediately sank. She got out of bed and, as soon as she stepped out of her room, the small eyeball wrapped its tentacles around her ankle.

    The small eyeball chirped, rubbing against her leg.

    Xiang Er couldn’t help but squat down, picking up the small eyeball and holding it close. It had hatched over a month ago, a new being, without the memories of its past self, but its affection for Xiang Er remained unchanged, its habits the same.

    Xiang Er thought this was good, the small eyeball was still so young, it didn’t need the burden of those painful memories, the memories of her own breakdown, it should just be a carefree little creature.

    Holding the small eyeball, Xiang Er walked towards the kitchen and almost bumped into Akhe. Akhe, her back to her, was carrying several plates of food, her tentacles carefully balancing them, and placed them on the table.

    Xiang Er, relieved, couldn’t help but smile. Akhe, having set the table, turned and, without a word, kissed Xiang Er, a long, tender kiss.

    “Good morning… after breakfast, I’m taking you somewhere.”

    Xiang Er noticed, with surprise, that Akhe was wearing a business suit, the tailored trousers accentuating her long legs, giving her a charming, almost powerful aura.

    Xiang Er wondered, was she trying to recreate her “CEO Shen” persona?

    After breakfast, Xiang Er got into the passenger seat of Akhe’s new car, and as they drove, the route seemed increasingly familiar. Xiang Er, a premonition growing, turned to look at Akhe, who smiled mysteriously, her eyebrows raised playfully.

    They passed many familiar landmarks, the subway station, the coffee shop, which was now even more popular, a long line of customers waiting outside.

    The car stopped at the parking lot of the industrial park, and Akhe got out, smoothing her jacket, her hair cascading over her shoulders as she turned, her voice carrying an air of authority:

    “Come.”

    Xiang Er took her hand, and they entered the building, taking the elevator to a familiar floor.

    It was where Xiang Er used to work.

    They had taken this elevator together countless times, so many memories, so many unforgettable moments. But now, it was a different company, no familiar faces, even the cleaning lady was new, all traces of the past erased.

    They walked down the hallway, and Xiang Er asked:

    “I wonder… what happened to my old company?”

    Akhe said:

    “It went bankrupt, as far as I know, several of the executives were arrested for tax evasion. Do you remember Zhu Minmin? She’s a professional web novelist now, her latest novel is apparently called “Office Romance: The CEO Pursued Me 99 Times,” it’s a huge hit. Do you want to read it?”

    Xiang Er, just hearing the title, could imagine what it was about, a mixture of amusement and embarrassment, and after a moment, she said:

    “I’ll… ask her myself, it would be weird to read it without her permission.”

    If she wanted to, Akhe could access any information in the world, but social etiquette still mattered, and Xiang Er wanted to get the author’s permission first.

    Akhe led Xiang Er down the stairwell.

    Xiang Er, suddenly feeling nervous, asked:

    “Have I… never been to your company?”

    Akhe nodded, glancing at her with a smile:

    “Bringing the boss’s wife for a tour, it’s perfectly reasonable.”

    Boss’s wife… Xiang Er blushed.

    The company occupied the entire floor, its offices bright and clean, a modern, upscale environment, the employees energetic and efficient.

    As soon as they stepped out of the stairwell, someone recognized Akhe, his eyes lighting up, and he immediately bowed deeply, his posture reverent, almost worshipful:

    “CEO Shen! You’ve finally… finally returned… we haven’t seen you in over a year! But please rest assured, the company is running smoothly…”

    Akhe nodded casually, offering a brief response, then led Xiang Er into the main lobby, and the entire company erupted!

    Everyone stopped working, rushing towards them, bowing and scraping, some even kneeling, tears streaming down their faces, expressing their longing and admiration for “CEO Shen,” their voices choked with emotion, their gazes fervent, like devout followers finally seeing their deity…

    And Akhe, standing amidst the crowd, calmly said:

    “Meet your new boss, she’s my… partner, and she’ll soon be the company’s major shareholder. This company, including all of you, is my gift to her. Call her CEO Xiang.”

    The employees, without a hint of dissent, immediately turned to Xiang Er, their voices raised in unison:

    “Welcome, CEO Xiang!”

    Xiang Er, mortified by this display of fervent devotion, quickly grabbed Akhe’s hand and tried to escape. But Akhe led her to an office, where she signed some documents, then had Xiang Er sign as well.

    Xiang Er signed without even looking, then asked:

    “What was that?”

    Akhe:

    “This company is yours now. Just like I said, it’s a gift for you, so you won’t…look down on me for not making any money. I’ll manage the company for you, you just have to enjoy the profits, how about that, CEO Xiang?”

    Xiang Er was surprised, but she didn’t refuse, a smile playing on her lips:

    “Alright, CEO Shen, if you don’t manage it well, I’ll punish you.”

    The sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the flowers on the desk, Akhe’s profile, sharp and defined, a hint of her former, seductive “Shen Yuhe” persona, and Xiang Er, unable to resist, kissed her cheek.

    “Punish me how?”

    A tentacle snaked out from under the desk, and Akhe’s beautiful face, a playful smile on her lips, watched Xiang Er’s flustered reaction.

    “You… don’t be ridiculous, we’re in the office…”

    “Indeed, CEO Xiang, this is your company, I wouldn’t dare. But… you seem to be enjoying this, CEO Xiang.”

    “I… I’m not… mm… hah…”

    “CEO Xiang… Little Ears… I want to give you… everything.”

    After a passionate interlude, Xiang Er, her clothes disheveled, lay in Akhe’s arms, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen, her eyes glistening, as she looked up at her lover.

    Akhe’s dark eyes also shimmered, and she gently caressed Xiang Er’s cheek, her voice soft:

    “I want to… share my abilities with you, but if I do, you’ll become like me, you won’t be human anymore, what do you… think?”

    Xiang Er was surprised:

    “Share your abilities?”

    Akhe’s eyes held no hesitation:

    “Yes, give you half of my power, so you can be like me, live for eons, travel the universe, even choose another planet to… reside on, become… a new god.”

    Xiang Er’s eyes widened, her heart pounding. She had never considered this before, she had only wanted to be with Akhe, for this lifetime, she hadn’t imagined living beyond a human lifespan…

    If she had still been with Shen Yuhe, she probably wouldn’t have agreed, she would have wanted a normal, human life with her lover.

    But now, she was with Akhe.

    Akhe had an endless lifespan… but she only had a few decades. Akhe would stay with her, until she died, but what then?

    Akhe’s voice was soft:

    “If you don’t agree, then… when you die, I’ll die with you.”

    Xiang Er was shocked:

    “But… I… what about Earth?”

    Akhe’s dark eyes, deep as an abyss, stared into hers:

    “Without you, I don’t care about Earth.”

    Xiang Er exhaled:

    “You truly are… a bad god.”

    Akhe smiled gently:

    “I am a bad god. But I’m a loved bad god, the luckiest bad god in the entire universe.”

    In the end, Xiang Er decided to think about it. She had a lifetime to decide.

    And before that, she would do everything she wanted to do with Akhe, savor this love, this feast of happiness!

    After all, they had time, their youth still vibrant.

    Their lives, nourished by love, they would live happily ever after, a long and beautiful life, the envy of all.

    And now, it was just the beginning.

  • Female Lead Was Coaxed Away by the Villain Again [Quick Transmigration] 122

    Chapter 122: My Guardian Spirit is Dead (8)

    Xie Yunzhi encountered Jiang Zhiyan for the first time, truly understanding the meaning of Jiang Zhiyan’s previous words.

    “The Xie family gave me a mission,” Xie Yunzhi said, glancing at Jiang Zhiyan, holding her fingers.

    “What?”

    Xie Yunzhi pushed the tablet towards her: “I haven’t decided whether to accept it yet, but I’ve only just started learning, isn’t it too much to make me do fieldwork already?”

    “Is the Xie family that short-handed?” Xie Yunzhi frowned.

    She had already found the Xie family unreliable and somewhat looked down on them, now even more so. She seriously doubted if their reputation as a first-class family was exaggerated, self-proclaimed, or perhaps, there simply weren’t any more competent people in the mystical world, they were all unreliable.

    “There’s nothing wrong with that, practical experience is necessary,” Jiang Zhiyan said. “Song Zhili is a typical example of someone who only knows theory, he hasn’t faced any real challenges, and his mentality is weak.”

    “You seem to know him quite well,” Xie Yunzhi raised an eyebrow.

    “Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. Knowing his weaknesses will allow me to deal with him more effectively,” Jiang Zhiyan said with a smile.

    Xie Yunzhi: …

    Xie Yunzhi was very curious about what Jiang Zhiyan had done. Song Zhili had indeed been very quiet recently, hadn’t appeared even once. Before, even with his injured leg, he still came to find her, she had thought his determination was very strong, not easily swayed.

    As expected, it was more reliable to follow a vengeful spirit, none of the “righteous” people were capable.

    Xie Yunzhi sighed softly: “So should we accept this job?”

    “How much does it pay?”

    “It shouldn’t be much…” Xie Yunzhi said, flipping to the last page, then her eyes widened slightly seeing the amount. “One hundred thousand? I’ll take it! I thought a practice job wouldn’t pay much, it’s actually quite lucrative, no wonder they all dislike me.”

    One hundred thousand wasn’t a lot of money for Xie Yunzhi, but it was much more than she expected. She was currently studying a major that might not even earn her six thousand a month after graduation.

    Jiang Zhiyan looked at Xie Yunzhi, this outcome wasn’t surprising to her at all.

    “Don’t you want to look through it first?” Jiang Zhiyan asked.

    “It’s just a haunted house,” Xie Yunzhi looked at Jiang Zhiyan. “For someone who lives in a haunted house every day…”

    “I’m going to watch you from outside.”

    Xie Yunzhi: ???

    Xie Yunzhi looked at Jiang Zhiyan, having been leaning lazily against the sofa, she sat up straight upon hearing her words.

    “Huh? You’re saying I have to go alone?”

    Jiang Zhiyan nodded: “This is your training, after all.”

    Xie Yunzhi took a deep breath and pursed her lips: “What if there are many ghosts?”

    “Haven’t you already learned many talismans? Prepare more before you go,” Jiang Zhiyan said.

    Xie Yunzhi looked at Jiang Zhiyan: “As expected, cold words from a cold mouth.”

    Jiang Zhiyan narrowed her eyes and stared at Xie Yunzhi.

    “What’s with that look?”

    “How do you know my mouth is cold? Did you secretly kiss me?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Xie Yunzhi and clapped her hands.

    Xie Yunzhi ignored her.

    “Don’t worry, since they’re entrusting you with this task, it probably won’t be life-threatening,” Jiang Zhiyan paused. “Of course, there’s still a small chance it might be.”

    Xie Yunzhi: ???

    “You really know how to comfort people.”

    “If I go with you, no ghost will dare show themselves,” Jiang Zhiyan said helplessly. “If there’s really a problem, I’ll come find you.”

    Xie Yunzhi felt slightly reassured.

    “Be confident, you’re very strong,” Jiang Zhiyan said.

    Xie Yunzhi looked at the mission details again, the location was in City A, a well-located villa built thirty years ago. The owner bought it five years ago, but rarely lived there. They only renovated and moved in this year because their child was getting married. After moving in, strange things started to happen, like the garden lights turning themselves back on after being switched off, seeing shadowy figures running in the garden, and all the flowers being picked overnight…

    Later, they dug up a skeleton in a corner of the garden. Forensic analysis showed that the skeleton was eighty years old, which was strange, there shouldn’t be an eighty-year-old skeleton here, because this land had seen three different houses built on it in those eighty years, yet it was still there.

    The owner had even invited someone to perform a ritual, then continued to live there, but strange things continued to happen.

    “What do you think is the cause?” Xie Yunzhi looked at Jiang Zhiyan.

    “Ghosts.”

    Xie Yunzhi continued to look at Jiang Zhiyan with a deadpan expression: “Are you being serious?”

    “We’ll know when we get there, there’s no point in speculating.”

    Xie Yunzhi sighed.

    To deal with this, Xie Yunzhi had to spend a night there. Because of the haunting, the family had moved to another house, so she would be alone. They were so scared that they just left her at the door and ran away.

    Xie Yunzhi dragged her suitcase, feeling a bit speechless, but still took the key and went inside.

    During the day, the villa was quite beautiful, with flowers blooming in the garden, but there was a clearly damaged patch. She walked over and took a look, there was definitely ghostly energy there.

    She didn’t know where it was hiding, after all, ghosts couldn’t just disappear into thin air.

    Not seeing the ghost directly made Xie Yunzhi relieved, it probably wasn’t a powerful ghost, the kind like Jiang Zhiyan, who could roam freely in broad daylight and slap people, was terrifying.

    Xie Yunzhi calmly entered the house, stayed in the guest room as instructed by the owner, then toured the entire villa and returned to her room.

    She lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

    She was used to having someone chattering beside her, it felt strange being alone.

    She yawned and set an alarm for 10 pm.

    …

    Jiang Zhiyan wasn’t in this area, she was still in her own apartment, watching TV.

    “Aren’t you going to take a look?” the System asked.

    “Nothing will happen during the day,” Jiang Zhiyan said, floating cross-legged in the air. “But wasn’t this incident solved by Song Zhili in the book?”

    “Mm, but you’ve already sent Song Zhili packing.”

    “He actually went back?” Jiang Zhiyan was surprised. “Were my words that effective?”

    Jiang Zhiyan shook her head: “Tsk, as expected, no one can compare to my Liaoyi.”

    Jiang Zhiyan smiled, filled with pride.

    System: …

    “Keep an eye on her, call me if anything happens.”

    “Okay.”

    This book was from the female lead’s perspective, not the male lead’s, so there were no details about how Song Zhili handled this incident, it just said he solved it and gained a good reputation.

    …

    Xie Yunzhi’s alarm didn’t go off. She slept until 11:30 pm. When she opened her eyes, the house was dark and silent, for a moment, she felt like she was trapped in a box.

    She picked up her phone, saw the time, frowned, immediately sat up, turned on the light, then quickly got up and opened the curtains.

    The garden was brightly lit, and there were several tables set up, as if for a banquet.

    Xie Yunzhi frowned, it was a beautiful scene, but also very eerie.

    She took out a talisman, which spontaneously combusted upon unfolding, there hadn’t been such a strong Yin energy during the day, but now… Xie Yunzhi felt like she had entered a gathering place for ghosts.

    Xie Yunzhi touched her stomach, rummaged through her bag, and stuffed a piece of bread she bought earlier into her mouth.

    After eating the bread, she checked the time again, five minutes until midnight.

    She suspected something terrifying would happen at midnight.

    Time ticked by, there was no clock here, but she could hear the clock in her heart ticking.

    Xie Yunzhi clenched her fists, looking at the “people” who suddenly appeared at the tables, and the food laid out. Judging by their clothes, they seemed to be from different eras.

    So these ghosts held gatherings in this house every day?

    The Yin energy grew stronger. Xie Yunzhi gripped the talismans and noticed a ghost at one of the tables looking up at her.

    Then, one after another, the ghosts all looked up.

    Xie Yunzhi saw a ghost fly towards the window, then twist its head off its neck.

    “She can see me! She can see me!” it shouted, its long tongue licking the window. “Ha ha ha, is this the expert they found to catch us? Is she scared to tears?”

    Xie Yunzhi took a deep breath, opened the window, and slapped the talisman on its forehead, watching as it fell vertically from the window, clutching its head. Her racing heart calmed down a bit.

    However, her actions also meant the start of a “war.” The ghosts in the garden, who had looked relatively normal before, now revealed their terrifying forms.

    Xie Yunzhi ran downstairs, holding a stack of talismans and a peachwood sword, silently chanting exorcism and purification incantations.

    Jiang Zhiyan watched from afar: “She’s really brave, there are thirty-four ghosts in the garden.”

    “Should we eliminate them? They don’t seem to be vengeful spirits, just wandering souls,” the System said.

    “According to the rules of the mortal realm, any ghost that harms humans can be eliminated, it’s up to her, but to solve the problem here, these ghosts aren’t the key,” Jiang Zhiyan said, drawing a circle on a certain spot with her hand. “Isn’t that spot where Yin and Yang converge? It appeared suddenly, which means it emerged from somewhere, there’s probably something buried underground.”

    Jiang Zhiyan paused, suddenly realizing something: “The male lead has a magic weapon that can connect Yin and Yang, didn’t he get it while handling this incident?”

    She looked at Xie Yunzhi, who usually ate so elegantly, now wildly waving her peachwood sword, sticking talismans on the ghosts whenever she found an opening, her image completely ruined, nothing like an “expert.”

  • Reincarnated as a Holy Nun, I Refuse to Lose! v2c39

    Volume 2: Witch Kingdom Arc

    Chapter 39: Is This Protagonist Setting Wrong?

    “That nun who fought the Seven Deadly Sins is terrifying…”

    “???”

    Luo Yuxi looked at the trainee nuns lying on the ground, their clothes torn, their faces flushed, yet still managing to commentate, and felt bewildered. She looked at the glowing girl beside her.

    “Are you kidding me? She defeated you?!”

    [Xia]

    Occupation: Saintess
    Affiliation: …
    Skills: ???
    Title: Saintess
    Affection: 78%
    Order Level: 4th Order

    Luo Yuxi couldn’t understand. These trainee nuns had been punched into the ground by Xia, yet they were still insisting she was the one who did it. Before Luo Yuxi could explain, the nuns fainted.

    “Should I kill them…?”

    Xia looked at Luo Yuxi. Luo Yuxi quickly waved her hands. She had just wanted to take Xia out for a walk, not cause any deaths. The bishops wouldn’t be happy. But the protagonist was surprisingly violent.

    “Let’s go, before everyone else arrives…”

    “Okay, I’ll listen to you.”

    Xia nodded obediently. Luo Yuxi was surprised by her docility. If it weren’t for her alluring figure, she would have mistaken her for a child easily lured away with candy. Luo Yuxi almost believed she had mind control powers.

    “Come on, this is a secret route I found. There are usually very few guards here, especially now that everyone’s gone to the Holy War~”

    Luo Yuxi led the way. Of course, she hadn’t “found” anything. She didn’t know Apal’s layout, but based on her game knowledge, this was an area for underground transactions, so there usually weren’t any guards.

    “If I remember correctly, turn right, then go straight, then turn left, and we’ll reach the east gate…”

    Luo Yuxi followed her memories and the markings on the walls, leading Xia towards the exit. Seeing the exit so close, she excitedly pulled Xia’s hand.

    “Let’s sneak out quietly!”

    “…”

    As they ran, a blinding silver light stopped them. Luo Yuxi, her vision slowly returning, saw a group of soldiers in silver armor, their white-crossed banner unmistakable. A small detachment of the Divine Punishment Army, hundreds strong.

    “Wh-Why are they here?!”

    “Luo Yuxi?! Aren’t you missing?!”

    Luo Yuxi panicked, then heard her name and looked towards a blonde girl in armor, riding a horse at the front of the formation. Luo Yuxi felt a sense of familiarity.

    “Who is she…?”

    The girl’s appearance and armor seemed familiar, but she couldn’t place her. As the girl approached, Luo Yuxi became nervous.

    “It’s great you’re back! The bishops said you were missing!”

    “Although it seems rude, who are you…?”

    “Wh-What?! It’s me! Isaiah!”

    “Even if you tell me your name…”

    Luo Yuxi was embarrassed. She didn’t remember this character. Seeing the girl’s slightly bruised face, she felt a pang of guilt.

    “You’re so mean! Humiliating me, the Captain of the Divine Punishment Army, and now you pretend not to know me!”

    “Uh…”

    Luo Yuxi tried to explain, but she really didn’t remember this character. The girl, despite her strong and imposing appearance in armor, was now crying like a child. Luo Yuxi was afraid she would be struck down.

    “Wait… could it be…?”

    Luo Yuxi suddenly remembered the arrogant Knight-Captain at the southern border church, forced to wear a maid outfit and clean the church for a week.

    “It’s fine if you don’t remember, it’s better that you forget…”

    Isaiah wiped away her tears and drew her sword, pointing it at Luo Yuxi, her previous tearful demeanor gone, replaced by a cold, sharp gaze.

    “Then let’s discuss another matter. Where are you taking the Saintess?”

    “I’m taking her out for a walk, to see the mountains and rivers, and then we’ll find a room and sleep together…”

    Luo Yuxi’s gaze darted around, even she didn’t believe her own words. And this knight had been her maid! If she knew Luo Yuxi remembered, she might be killed.

    “Fortunately, our deployment was delayed, or you would have kidnapped our Saintess…”

    “I didn’t! I’m not!”

    “Have you betrayed the Church? Captured by the Seven Deadly Sins, your body trained, your mind brainwashed, turned into their toy…?”

    “Huh? What?! That’s slander!”

    Luo Yuxi pointed at Isaiah angrily, but the knight didn’t give her a chance to explain. She raised her sword and ordered,

    “Divine Punishment Army, apprehend Nun Luo Yuxi and rescue the Saintess!”

    “How can you be so unreasonable?! This is a personal vendetta!”

    Luo Yuxi was about to use her divine arts. There were over a hundred soldiers, all 9th or 10th Order. If she fought with all her might, she might have a chance to break through.

    “In that case…”

    …

    “Ah!”

    “So fast! What was that?!”

    “I can’t see!”

    “I’m paralyzed!”

    …

    In the blink of an eye, the Divine Punishment Army was incapacitated, even Isaiah was bound and gagged.

    “What happened?”

    “Can we go now, Yuxi…?”

    Luo Yuxi turned and saw Xia, an innocent expression on her face, as if she didn’t know what she had done. Luo Yuxi felt a sense of defeat.

    “Was the protagonist this strong in the game…?“