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  • You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration] 56p1

    Chapter 56 p1

    Waking up in Xu Jingyu’s bed, Xin Yao stretched languidly in the warm sunlight, rubbing her sleep-tousled hair before getting out of bed.

    As she stood up, her pale gray pajama pants, much too large for her, pooled around her ankles.

    She was wearing her girlfriend’s clothes.

    Xu Jingyu was much taller than Xin Yao, and everything of hers seemed oversized: her hugs, her clothes, even her hands, her fingers a full knuckle longer than Xin Yao’s.

    A single touch, a gentle caress, was enough to make Xin Yao cry.

    Having successfully resolved a major issue the previous day, Xin Yao had been in a good mood, her initial resistance crumbling as she surrendered to Xu Jingyu’s passionate embrace, their lovemaking lasting late into the night, Xin Yao’s tears a mixture of pleasure and exhaustion.

    She had slept in late, finally waking up when the sun was already high in the sky.

    Padding across the floor in her oversized slippers, she opened the bedroom door and looked at the living room.

    At first glance, it looked like Xu Jingyu’s old apartment, its minimalist decor, the black, white, and gray color scheme, the only splash of color being the wall of candy, a stark contrast to the cold, impersonal atmosphere.

    But Xin Yao had been here last night.

    Unlike the aloof and almost robotic Xu Jingyu, Xin Yao was more carefree and spontaneous.

    She had tossed her bag onto the table, her coat onto the sofa, the warm air from the heating making her shed her outer layers.

    Then, amidst laughter, tears, and whispered moans, their lovemaking had begun on the sofa, her pale green lace bra now discarded on the coffee table, the expensive rug still bearing the marks of their passion.

    Xu Jingyu’s usually pristine apartment, now slightly disheveled, felt more lived-in, more like a home.

    Xin Yao stood in the doorway, looking towards the kitchen.

    Xu Jingyu, wearing a simple white T-shirt, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing her slender arms and elegant hands, was cooking.

    It was almost lunchtime, and she was making Xin Yao’s favorite dish: braised beef with tomatoes.

    The morning sunlight illuminated her face, her long, dark hair cascading down her back, her appearance both elegant and gentle.

    President Xu, the aloof movie queen, was now simply Xin Yao’s girlfriend.

    Hearing Xin Yao approach, Xu Jingyu looked up, her eyes lighting up as she saw her.

    She set down her utensils, wiped her hands, and walked towards Xin Yao.

    Xin Yao, however, raised her hand, stopping her.

    “Stay there! Don’t move!”

    Xu Jingyu, slightly puzzled, obeyed, her movements stilling.

    Xin Yao stretched, then, taking a deep breath, bent down slightly, as if preparing to run.

    The next moment, she was running towards Xu Jingyu, a bright smile on her face, her arms outstretched, her legs kicking out playfully as she jumped into Xu Jingyu’s arms.

    “Catch me!” she exclaimed, her legs wrapping around Xu Jingyu’s waist.

    Xu Jingyu caught her effortlessly, her strong arms holding her securely, her body not even swaying from the impact.

    Waking up to see her lover’s face, to hold her close, it was a perfect start to the day.

    Xu Jingyu felt like she was melting, her heart overflowing with warmth and affection.

    She wanted every morning to be like this, to wake up with Xin Yao in her arms.

    Her hand gently caressing Xin Yao’s waist, her head buried in her neck, she murmured, “Yaoyao, let’s get married.”

    Wow.

    Xu Jingyu was truly obsessed with marriage.

    Seeing Xin Yao’s stunned silence, she shifted her grip, one hand cupping Xin Yao’s bottom, the other gently stroking her neck, her lips brushing against her skin, her voice a soft, seductive murmur.

    “Marry me?”

    Xin Yao giggled, her body squirming playfully in Xu Jingyu’s embrace, the touch ticklish against her sensitive skin.

    “No way! Why are you so eager to get married?”

    Xu Jingyu’s touch became more insistent, her fingers tracing Xin Yao’s skin.

    As they flirted and laughed, the world outside was in chaos.

    The news from the previous day had been the biggest scandal of the year, no, of the decade, perhaps even the century.

    Countless people, their minds still reeling from the shocking revelations, had stayed up all night, glued to their phones and computers, refreshing their social media feeds, poring over the evidence.

    Even the next morning, their eyes dark and sunken from lack of sleep, they continued to discuss the scandal, their voices filled with outrage.

    Li Xu was a scumbag!

    His reputation was in tatters.

    And how could it not be? He had been arrested on live television!

    His remaining fans, however, were still in denial, claiming that he had simply been taken in for questioning, that the truth was yet to be revealed.

    Perhaps Xin Yao and Ying Xi had made false accusations.

    And some, huddled together in online forums, were crying, urging each other to stay calm and wait for the official results of the investigation, their faith in their idol unwavering.

    Their delusional posts, however, had been quickly screenshotted and shared online, becoming the laughingstock of the internet.

    As time passed, the initial shock and excitement subsided, replaced by a cold, hard reality.

    Li Xu’s actions, his years of manipulation and deceit, were far more sinister than they had initially imagined.

    And then, people who knew him personally started coming forward.

    A former classmate and neighbor of Li Xu’s posted online:

    [I was Li Xu and Xin Yao’s neighbor. We were all poor back then, barely making ends meet.

    I was in the same class as Li Xu in middle school, but we weren’t close. Honestly, when he became famous, I was happy for him.

    I thought he had finally escaped poverty, that he wouldn’t have to suffer anymore. But it turned out he was the only one who escaped. After becoming famous, he never visited his parents again. He even cut ties with them.

    I don’t understand why. His parents were so good to him. They gave him everything he wanted. I was so envious.

    But two years ago, when his mother died, his father called him, crying, begging him to come home. He just said he understood and hung up. He didn’t even come back for the funeral.]

    [What the hell? He abandoned his own parents?]

    [I also live nearby. I’ve heard them arguing. Basically, he was ashamed of his family’s poverty and resented them.]

    [He’s even worse than I thought.]

    [Those three women are so unlucky.]

    [Mo Yuwei is fortunate. I feel the worst for Xin Yao.

    Mo Yuwei slapped her in public, and she was slandered by that scumbag.

    The online hate she endured was horrific.]

    [Shouldn’t those people apologize to Xin Yao?]

    [I’m raising my hand! I’m guilty! I’m so sorry, Xin Yao! I believed those reports. I was so stupid!]

    But some people refused to admit they were wrong.

    [So what? Xin Yao is fine. She even went to his engagement party to cause trouble. It’s not a big deal.]

    Qian Yu, a crew member who had been glued to her phone since the scandal broke, couldn’t take it anymore.

    [Not a big deal?! It’s easy for you to say!

    I work with Xin Yao. That “not a big deal” was a mountain of online hate, a constant barrage of insults and accusations.

    It’s easy for you to dismiss it when it’s not happening to you. No one knows how close she came to breaking down!]

    [What do you mean, “breaking down”?]

    [You mean suicide?!]

    [Holy shit! And Ying Xi, the other woman, has reportedly suffered a mental breakdown! How could Xin Yao be fine after experiencing the same abuse and pressure?]

    [I’m crying! This is so sad!]

    Qian Yu wasn’t the only one on the “Unseen Spring” set who was following the news.

    The entire crew, even the director, was glued to their phones.

    Inspired by Qian Yu’s post, other crew members started speaking up for Xin Yao.

    [I also work on the set. I always knew Ms. Xin was a kind person, but I never realized how much she had suffered.

    And you know what’s even more ridiculous? She’s the one who’s always taking care of us!

    When I had a family emergency, she was the only one who noticed, coming over to comfort me, even though she was going through her own difficult time.]

    [While the director is frantically trying to call Ms. Xu, who’s probably yelling at her, let me just say that Xin Yao is truly an amazing person. Everyone who meets her loves her.]

    [Go, Xu Jingyu!]

    [I’m an extra on the zombie movie set next door, and I’m officially a Xin Yao fan!]

    [Another zombie here! Yaoyao often buys us food! She’s so nice!]

    With so many crew members vouching for Xin Yao’s character, public opinion began to shift.

    And just then, a new post appeared on Xin Yao’s social media page.

    [OMG, look at this! //@GetWellSoonXiaoJian: I have to say something. Xin Yao is a truly wonderful person, not just as a celebrity, but as a human being. She’s the kindest person I’ve ever met. I’m just an ordinary father, and my daughter is seriously ill…]

    [And this! //@XiaoJianLovesYaoyao: Long story short, my name is Jian Ru’yin, and I’m terminally ill. I was in so much pain that I wanted to give up. Until one day, my favorite celebrity brought me a taste of spring…]

    Jian Ru’yin and her father had shared their story online, detailing Xin Yao’s kindness, her unexpected act of compassion.

    Having learned about Xin Yao’s own struggles, they felt compelled to speak up for her.

    Their posts, heartfelt and detailed, quickly gained traction, trending on social media.

    [OMG, I was there! It was the park near my house!

    My parents and I ran outside when we saw it! The entire park was filled with flowers! We thought it was some rich kid’s romantic gesture! It was Xin Yao, trying to cheer up a fan?! Here are some photos I took! [Photos] [Photos]]

    [Wasn’t that the “One Night Spring” story that went viral a while ago? Everyone thought it was a romantic gesture, but it was actually an act of kindness!]

    [Xin Yao is so romantic!]

    [I was feeling down this morning, and this story gave me hope. Not just for that girl, but for myself. It’s so inspiring.]

    [I’m crying! This is so beautiful!]

    [Are you Xin Yao fans keeping secrets from us? I’ve never seen such a dedicated celebrity!]

    [You were arguing with me just the other day because I’m a Xin Yao fan!]

    [I’m officially a fan!]

    Xin Yao, however, oblivious to the online frenzy, was sitting on the sofa, watching as Xu Jingyu, her expression slightly annoyed, hung up the phone.

    “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice soft.

    Xu Jingyu tossed her phone onto the sofa and sat down beside Xin Yao.

    “Director Gao was asking where I was, why I wasn’t on set. She wants me there now.”

    Xin Yao had taken a few days off to deal with the Li Xu situation, and Director Gao, understanding, had readily agreed, saying they would focus on filming Xu Jingyu’s scenes in the meantime.

    She hadn’t expected Xu Jingyu to be unavailable.

    Xin Yao, hearing this, couldn’t help but laugh.

    “Wow, is she really that oblivious? I think we’re being pretty obvious. Even the crew has noticed.”

    Xu Jingyu, surprisingly, sighed.

    “She’s incredibly dense.”

    “Then let’s just get married,” Xin Yao leaned closer, kissing Xu Jingyu on the cheek. “That’ll definitely shock her.”

    Xu Jingyu, easily swayed by any mention of marriage, her eyes lighting up, replied, “Today, then. Or tomorrow, if that’s too soon.”

    Xin Yao, amused by her eagerness, playfully dodged her embrace.

    “Xu Jingyu, you’re ridiculous! Tomorrow isn’t any less ‘soon’!”

    Having spent a few days recovering in the comfort of her girlfriend’s embrace, Xin Yao, the workaholic, was eager to return to work.

    Neither the Li Xu situation nor the online discussions had affected her as much as everyone had feared.

    But Xu Jingyu, worried about her, had insisted she take a few more days off.

    Five days later, Xin Yao finally returned to the set, her energy restored, her mood bright, arriving with Xu Jingyu.

    As they entered the set, the crew, seeing her, fell silent, their gazes fixed on her.

    Xin Yao, slightly intimidated by their stares, smiled, about to greet them as usual.

    Just then, one of the crew members walked towards her and, without a word, placed a flower in her hand.

    “Huh?” Xin Yao took the flower, confused, about to ask what it meant, when the person turned and walked away.

    And then, as if triggered by her action, other crew members approached her, each one placing a flower in her arms.

    Xin Yao, her questions unanswered, could only accept the flowers, her arms soon filled with a bouquet of red roses, so large that she could barely hold them.

    She opened her mouth to speak, but looking at the roses, at the concerned faces around her, she didn’t know what to say.

    Her eyes reddened slightly, her voice a soft murmur.

    “What’s all this about?”

    Xu Jingyu, standing beside her, her gaze soft, replied, “They probably saw the ‘One Night Spring’ video and thought you liked flowers.”

    “Just accept them, Yaoyao. You brought spring to someone else, and now they want to return the favor.”

    Then, she pulled a single red rose from somewhere, a rose she had clearly chosen and prepared carefully, its stem wrapped in a delicate glass tube, tied with a ribbon, unlike the others.

    Her long, slender fingers gently placed the rose among the others in Xin Yao’s arms, her eyes soft and warm.

    “This one is my spring for you.”

    The roses, their vibrant red color a stark contrast to the gray winter sky, their beauty a symbol of hope and renewal, warmed Xin Yao’s heart, her eyes filling with tears.

    She looked at the single, perfect rose among the others, a symbol of Xu Jingyu’s love, her possessiveness, her desire to be the only one in Xin Yao’s eyes.

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 254

    Chapter 254: Fate’s Consumables

    “Who is this?” Anna, standing by the teleportation magic circle, asked, looking at the person being carried on Kailun’s shoulder.

    The scene seemed a bit strange, but knowing that Kailun was the one doing it, it also seemed quite reasonable.

    “Empress Galina, a gift from Fate. I brought her back.”

    Kailun said to Anna, “Please put an anti-magic collar on her before she wakes up. I don’t have time to deal with her right now.”

    He handed Galina to Anna.

    It was nine in the morning, and it had been almost ten hours since they lost contact with the Abyss.

    Afra and her team had set off early and were still five or six hours away from their destination.

    “Kailun, do you think Grandpa will be alright?” Bella, the dragon girl, tugged on Kailun’s sleeve, her voice worried.

    The change had happened so quickly, and her worst fear had become a reality.

    She only had two family members left: Kailun and her grandfather. Fox, Carol, and the others were her friends.

    Just as she couldn’t let go of Kailun, Dragon King Bolton couldn’t abandon the Abyss. She understood his choice.

    Kailun, now with free hands, patted Bella’s head. “Don’t worry, we’ll find a solution.”

    Phils, Vivian, and the others exchanged glances and tactfully left, leaving Kailun and Bella alone.

    Back at his manor, Kailun’s turbulent emotions calmed down.

    He had done everything he could. The rest depended on Afra and the others.

    As long as they could reach Portland, he would have a chance to disrupt Fate’s plan.

    Based on his previous estimation, Fate’s capture of Portland was probably related to the construction of special magic formations.

    He might not understand them, but Carol and Ottovia definitely would.

    Moreover, with Fox and Isabella assisting them, it shouldn’t be a problem.

    As for the old Dragon King Bolton, Kailun could only take it one step at a time.

    “Come, let’s have a chat.”

    Kailun pinched Bella’s cheek and led her towards a small grove in the manor. It was a secluded place, usually deserted, offering a peaceful environment to relax.

    Chrissy and Illusion, who had returned with Kailun, didn’t disturb him. They knew he would be busy during this time.

    Soon after entering the grove, Kailun received a special magic letter. He looked at the signature at the end: Fate’s name stood out.

    “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

    Bella, walking beside him, tugged on his sleeve and tried to peek at the letter.

    “It’s nothing, just a common scam letter.”

    Kailun smiled and crumpled the letter, stuffing it into his pocket.

    “The world will return to its rightful order. What was stolen will be returned to its rightful owner. You will die. You were supposed to die. That is your destiny. But I believe you deserve a better ending. If you bring little dragon Bella to the Abyss and meet me, I might make you my most loyal follower. You will gain the entire world, just like Galina. I won’t interfere with your life. You can even have that fool Time as your slave. All I want is your loyalty and faith. How about it?”

    These were Fate’s words. It sounded tempting, but Kailun wouldn’t believe it.

    There was no such thing as a free lunch. This was a scam.

    Empress Galina was indeed delectable, but he had not only “tasted” her but also “taken her home.” He could enjoy her anytime he wanted.

    As for loyalty and faith?

    Kailun thought about it. He didn’t have any faith. That useless thing couldn’t save him.

    He would never take Bella to the Abyss.

    Remembering Bella’s “destined” death and its connection to his past life, taking her to the Abyss was no different from sending her to her death.

    “A scam letter?” Bella looked at him with confusion.

    “Yes, a scam letter. Someone thinks they can seduce me with mere beauty. What a joke. It’ll take a lot more than that.” Kailun chuckled.

    “Ah… oh.” Bella, in a bad mood, seemed listless.

    Kailun sighed helplessly. “Think about something happy. Aren’t you happy to see me?”

    Bella forced a smile. “Of course I’m happy. But I’m still worried about Grandpa. I’m sorry, I was being inconsiderate. You’re busy, and I’m being unreasonable, making you accommodate me. I…”

    Kailun interrupted her. “Why are you apologizing? You can rely on me more, you can lean on me and pour out your heart. I should be the one apologizing. I could have done better, but I made some mistakes. I should have anticipated her attack on the Abyss and prepared accordingly.”

    “No, it’s not your fault!”

    Bella stood on her tiptoes and shook his shoulders. “I think you’ve done your best. It’s Grandpa who couldn’t let go of the Abyss and didn’t listen to your advice.”

    This was Bella’s true feeling. Kailun had taken great care of her. He had done everything he could.

    He was also human. He had already shouldered too much. She couldn’t burden him with everything.

    She didn’t want to ruin his mood because of her. He didn’t deserve that.

    Instead of becoming a burden, Bella wanted to offer him comfort.

    She had a lot to say, but she couldn’t articulate her thoughts. So she impulsively closed her eyes and kissed Kailun’s lips.

    She explored his mouth with her tongue, hoping to soothe him and prevent him from being angry with her.

    Bella poured all her emotions into the kiss, her arms tightly around his neck, as if trying to merge with him and become a part of him. Her slender tail wrapped around his waist, binding them together.

    Kailun was stunned by Bella’s passion, then wrapped his arms around her waist.

    He quickly took control, pushing back her tongue and dominating the kiss.

    Bella was still sweet today, but with a hint of bitterness.

    …….

    “Awaken the past Popes and Emperors of the Temple of the Celestial God. It’s time for them to contribute.”

    Fate, deep within the Abyss, issued a new order to her subordinates.

    She stood in the Abyssal plaza, her beautiful face hidden behind a golden veil.

    Hundreds of white coffins were arranged in front of her, each containing a ninth-rank mage who had reached the end of their lifespan.

    They had all lost their ninth-rank combat power, only their vast mana remaining.

    The power of the Popes and Emperors wasn’t directly inherited. It was the Holy Sons and Saints of each generation who had nurtured them to the ninth rank. And now, they had become Fate’s consumables.

    Using the mana of hundreds of ninth-rank mages to power three super magic formations, Fate wanted to correct the “mistakes” in the fate lines.

  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c27

    27. Catapult Launch!

     

    Her speed was incredible, far beyond what a Core Formation cultivator should be capable of.

    Even the Flame Python, using its full speed, could barely keep up.

    How… how was this possible!?

    However…

    Miss Gong wasn’t in a good state either.

    Because she desperately needed to pee—no, she felt like she had absorbed too much spiritual energy again, her entire body incredibly sensitive and on edge. Any slight touch could make her scream.

    Running at supersonic speed in this state was… an experience. The sensations were probably intense enough to kill a lioness.

    But she had no choice.

    She had to keep running. If she stopped, the Flame Python would crush her without hesitation.

    Fortunately, she had absorbed the python’s concentrated venom, and her six-times-larger-than-average meridians were now filled with its true essence, giving her a temporary speed boost comparable to the python’s.

    The human and the snake engaged in a high-speed chase through the forest, and this chase was actually advantageous for Miss Gong.

    She just needed to reach the outer area and escape the python’s pursuit.

    However, just as she saw the barrier, about to use another dispelling talisman, she slammed into something.

    And it wasn’t a solid object, but something… bouncy.

    She crashed into it at supersonic speed, the impact creating a dent several hundred meters wide.

    Then…

    She was launched back in the opposite direction at almost the same speed.

    “Holy shit!”

    Gong Yiling was dumbfounded. She had become a human cannonball.

    In a panic, she quickly held up the remaining Flame King Soft Hedgehog Armor like a matador’s cape, colliding with the oncoming Flame Python.

    “Boom!!!”

    The impact was like a meteor striking the Earth, though she was more like a tiny satellite.

    However, this tiny satellite hit the python’s vital point, its seventh inch. The force of the collision was immense, and the Flame King Soft Hedgehog Armor was as tough as the python’s scales.

    So, like a sharp sword, Gong Yiling pierced through the python’s body and crashed into a nearby mountainside.

    Although the impact was lessened, Miss Gong still landed face-first, her arms apparently broken in the collision, a searing pain shooting through them whenever she moved.

    But it wasn’t all bad.

    The collision seemed to have expended about seventy percent of the excess energy in her body, relieving the strange sensation.

    But the question was—where was the Flame Python?

    She had felt the impact, and it was a direct hit to its vital point.

    She struggled to lift her hands and put a healing pill in her mouth. After her arms recovered slightly, she climbed out of the crater she had created and looked around for the giant python.

    What she saw shocked her.

    The python’s body was originally as thick as a giant tree.

    And this giant tree now had a massive hole in it, courtesy of her human cannonball act.

    Imagine the force of that impact.

    If it were an ordinary python, it would have been cut in half, and its survival would be a miracle.

    As for how such a lucky creature ended up here, perhaps it was karma for accumulating too much good fortune, forced to work overtime until it died from exhaustion.

    Anyway…

    While wondering about the bouncy thing she had hit, Gong Yiling cautiously approached the spot where the Flame Python seemed to have landed.

    And she actually found it.

    Striking a snake at its seventh inch wasn’t easy, but it was the location of its heart.

    Miss Gong’s human cannonball had obliterated the python’s heart.

    Now, the python was lying on the ground, its body contorted, letting out pained hisses.

    Clearly, it was severely injured.

    Gong Yiling’s lips twitched, and she rubbed her forehead in disbelief.

    Was this a lucky accident?

    A truly accidental accident.

    Using a strange bouncy device, a disposable set of Flame King Soft Hedgehog Armor, and the python’s own venom…

    She had managed to cripple a Heavenly Venerable beast.

    No wonder the girls and Shangguan Lingyue never believed her when she told the truth.

    Who would believe such a story?

    “It’s… you…”

    The Flame Python, enduring the excruciating pain, gritted its teeth. “You… were you waiting for this moment? Did you plan this all along!?”

    “Plan?” Gong Yiling muttered, puzzled. “I didn’t just use my hands; I used my feet too.”

    Wait… was this Flame Python also starting to think she was some kind of mysterious expert?

    Why was everyone overthinking things?

    This was strange.

    “To maintain your composure, even pretending to be weak…”

    The Flame Python stared at Miss Gong, but its gaze was different from before.

    Before, it was the look of a predator eyeing its prey, confident in its inevitable victory.

    But now, it wasn’t just a predatory gaze.

    She could even sense a hint of fear.

    “If I said I didn’t do anything, what would you say?”

    Gong Yiling shrugged.

    “Heh.” The Flame Python struggled to its feet. “Do you think you can still fool me?”

     

     

  • Back to Three Years Old: Crushing Scumbags on a Parenting Reality Show 139

    Chapter 139

    Many years later, Wen Dongyu had celebrated his birthday many times, but when asked which birthday was the most memorable, he would always think of the day he turned six.

    At that time, he was still on the variety show “Where’s Baby Going,” his dad used all his saved Daddy Coins to exchange for a large plate of mini cheesecakes for him. The little cakes were piled up like a small mountain, a small aromatherapy candle in the shape of a disc was lit on top, and his dad sang him a Happy Birthday song in a low voice.

    It was supposed to be a secret birthday, a special intimacy between father and son… with a slight regret that he couldn’t celebrate with his friends.

    However, just as Wen Dongyu took his first bite of the cheesecake, before he could even taste it, there was a knock on the bedroom door.

    Years later, Wen Dongyu could still clearly remember how his mind went blank when he heard the knock, how guilty he felt, and how, after his dad asked who it was and Shen Zilin’s voice came from outside, he foolishly shoved the entire cheesecake into his mouth… Then he choked, his eyes rolled back, he almost died at the age of six.

    Here, he had to mention his dad.

    Wen Xiang, a famous singer, after singing a truly beautiful Happy Birthday song to his six-year-old son, less than three minutes later, when unexpected guests arrived at the door, he panicked like a startled rabbit, carrying the plate of cakes and frantically searching for a hiding spot. He completely forgot about his earlier words, saying that they could share these individually packaged mini cheesecakes with the other children as ordinary cakes. And he… didn’t even notice that his foolish son, who had just swallowed a whole cheesecake, was choking and about to meet their ancestors.

    And so…

    The son was outside, clutching his chest and jumping around, while the father hid the cakes in the bathroom.

    No matter how much time passed, Wen Dongyu wanted to give his six-year-old self a thumbs up. If he hadn’t quickly given up on relying on his unreliable dad and decisively crawled to open the door, he might not be here today.

    His Boss, his CEO, they were always the most reliable people in the world!

    One saw at first glance that he was choking and gave him the correct instructions and demonstration, the other immediately took action and performed the… oh no, not violence, but first aid.

    Who would have thought, by the time the Heimlich maneuver took effect, his dad finally came out of the bathroom, panicked, and was accurately hit by the cheesecake he spat out…

    Being late and being absent made no difference at this point.

    As for how he, after surviving this ordeal, hugged the birthday gifts his friends gave him and cried like a fifty-pound piglet… Ahem, he wouldn’t mention it anymore.

    What was the point of a smooth-sailing life? It was the ups and downs, the near-death experiences, that made life precious.

    “From today onwards, we’re sworn siblings, closer than blood brothers! Brother, sister, sister! Thank you for your love! I will love you forever!” The six-year-old Wen Dongyu said, hugging his pig-themed gift set, tears streaming down his face, his heartfelt words loud and clear.

    Wei Maomao, a bit dizzy from the forceful demonstration, was knocked into Cheng Tingyan’s arms by the thunderous cry.

    Putting aside the fact that half-siblings couldn’t be “closer than blood brothers,” who would want to be sworn siblings with this unlucky child who almost choked to death on a cheesecake!

    Anyway…

    Shen Zilin didn’t want to.

    “You’re my employee, this…” Shen Zilin said, pointing at the Lego pig that Wen Dongyu was clutching tightly. “This isn’t love, it’s your employee benefit. Call me Boss, not Brother.”

    “Ahem, he watched some TV dramas with me last night, he’s just using some new words…” Wen Xiang said weakly, explaining.

    But his voice, weak as it was, didn’t match the strength of his arms as he hugged his son tightly.

    Words of gratitude, he had already said them countless times after figuring out what that cake splattered on him was about. Wen Xiang couldn’t even imagine, if Wen Dongyu hadn’t opened the door, if… After all, he didn’t even know the Heimlich maneuver!

    Even now, Wen Xiang, holding his son, still felt a sense of unreality, facing his son’s saviors, he was naturally humbled.

    The incident happened suddenly, although it was resolved quickly, the aftermath was still strong.

    The little babies, huddled together, sat in a row on one bed, watching the scene on the bed across from them, an adult holding a child, the child clutching his toys, a heartwarming sight.

    Overall, there wasn’t much birthday joy, only the relief of surviving a near-death experience.

    Cheng Rongrong barged in at this moment.

    Damn it… The alarm clock she had gotten from Su Li last night, she clearly placed it on the bedside table before bed, but when she woke up this morning, it was on the floor! She didn’t even hear it go off, it was obvious who knocked it down while sleeping!

    Thankfully, she didn’t manage to go downstairs on time, but she still caught up.

    “Wen Dongyu, happy…” Cheng Rongrong’s words caught in her throat as Wen Dongyu looked up at her.

    His eyes were red and puffy from crying, there was no trace of happiness.

    Wasn’t he… celebrating his birthday?

    Cheng Rongrong looked at the pig toys piled up in front of Wen Dongyu, suspicious.

    Could it be… he didn’t like pigs?

    That’s right, Wen Dongyu, who was still obsessed with collecting dinosaurs in the original novel, even in his twenties, with a whole wall filled with limited-edition dinosaur toys, how could he easily fall in love with some stupid pig?

    Thankfully, she was prepared.

    “This is for you.” Cheng Rongrong said, handing the limited-edition Lego dinosaur to Wen Dongyu, she glanced at the pig toys in front of him and chuckled. “They all gave you pigs, I couldn’t find any good ones, so I got you this dinosaur, happy birthday!”

    “Thank you.” Wen Dongyu said politely.

    But after taking the dinosaur, Wen Dongyu placed it among the pig toys and looked at them… Mmm, as expected, only his sworn siblings were true family!

    Cheng Rongrong, unaware of the earlier incident, and unaware of Wen Dongyu’s current thoughts, felt proud of herself for getting a 100% while everyone else only got 59%. Looking at the listless little babies, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of superiority.

    If it weren’t for Shen Zilin’s meddling and suggesting they celebrate Wen Dongyu’s birthday, she would be the only one celebrating his birthday, the special one he would remember! But now, it didn’t matter, only her carefully prepared gift was truly what he wanted!

    At this moment, Cheng Rongrong was full of ambition, completely unaware that in the future, Wen Dongyu would have a whole wall filled with pig toys.

    Cheng Rongrong’s smugness, the others might not have noticed or didn’t care, but Wei Maomao… couldn’t help but think a bit more.

    This Lego dinosaur… Wei Maomao didn’t remember seeing Cheng Rongrong bring it back from the night market. They were still sharing a room at that time, she couldn’t possibly have missed such a large toy. And that day at the amusement park, they were all together, she shouldn’t have gotten it then either. Which meant, she must have prepared it before Shen Zilin mentioned it that night.

    Of course, every family had received Wen Dongyu’s information, it was normal for the Cheng family, like Shen Zilin, to convert the solar calendar date to the lunar calendar.

    Then… Cheng Rongrong might have also brought this Lego dinosaur to Wen Dongyu’s birthday in her previous life.

    Speaking of which, in the show in her previous life, Cheng Rongrong had a good relationship with Wen Dongyu and Shen Zilin from the beginning, but thinking about it carefully, it seemed to have stayed at the level of ordinary friendship between children for many episodes, then later, at the end of the third or fourth location, it was Wen Dongyu who first became her “right-hand man,” then Shen Zilin… Ah, she couldn’t remember clearly, although she had watched the third season of “Where’s Baby Going” many times in her previous life, it was only to watch Cheng Tingyan, those who weren’t very nice to Yan Yan… she didn’t like them, let alone analyze them in detail.

    In the show in her previous life, Wen Dongyu, Shen Zilin, and Cheng Rongrong had a good relationship, but they were quite distant at the beginning, at least not as close as the current stable… employer-employee relationship. And Wen Dongyu didn’t have that miserable period of wandering…

    Based on Shen Zilin’s personality, would he have gathered all the babies to celebrate Wen Dongyu’s birthday in her previous life?

    Wei Maomao thought it was very unlikely.

    Then… if it was just Cheng Rongrong…

    When a group of people were playing together, and only one person secretly remembered your birthday, secretly disobeyed the assistant director to celebrate with you, for a child…

    She understood.

    That was a true half-sister!

    If that was the case… it wasn’t surprising that Wen Dongyu became Cheng Rongrong’s right-hand man later.

    Of course, this was just Wei Maomao’s speculation. No matter what happened in her previous life, in this life… Wei Maomao glanced at Wen Dongyu, who was playing with the Lego pig again, he definitely loved pigs more in this life. And if he didn’t, then see ya!

    The little babies didn’t stay in the Wen family’s room for too long, they came right before the live broadcast started, Zeng Huanian soon came up to remind them, and they dispersed.

    Shen Zilin hurried back to his room, but he was a step too late, Shen Jianghe’s cameraman was already in position, filming…

    Was it Shen Jianghe who told Wen Dongyu not to celebrate his birthday… He, who never wanted to mention his mom…

    He had already drawn cards with Mom for him, but… was it still… not enough…

    Shen Zilin’s eyes darkened.

    He could only… ask him later.

    Some things could be asked later. But some things couldn’t be delayed.

    On the monitoring wall, many screens were showing the hall on the first floor of the guest villa.

    On this morning when the live broadcast hadn’t started early, the guests had just finished breakfast, and the host was announcing the activities for the morning.

    Zeng Huanian, squatting in a corner outside the group of staff, received a phone call at this moment, then ran back to the villa next door.

    “Just you? Where’s Director Qin?” Zeng Huanian asked, pushing open the door of the monitoring room, only Jin Youliang was inside.

    Just you? Just you? One after another, they all said this when they barged in, what, was he, Jin Youliang, not worthy of being in charge here?

    Jin Youliang’s hand, gripping the armrest of his chair, tightened, he suppressed his annoyance and didn’t answer, instead, he picked up the water bottle next to him and asked with concern, “Why are you in such a hurry? Have some water first…”

    “No, thanks.” Zeng Huanian said, glancing around, the empty monitoring room, there was no Qin Sichao to be found, it was truly just him and Jin Youliang now. “The laser tag place we booked, they said they have a large, private booking, they can’t accommodate our small group.”

    “What!” Jin Youliang said, seemingly furious, he stood up abruptly. “We already announced the activity schedule on the live broadcast, and now there’s a problem with the location? How can they break the contract!”

    “They said they’re willing to compensate us according to the contract…” Zeng Huanian said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. “They even asked us to pity them, saying it’s not easy for them to do business, not to attack them online…”

    “Heh…” Jin Youliang sneered. “Are we that kind of unscrupulous variety show? Attacking them online just because the collaboration fell through? It’s their loss for losing us! They have no foresight.”

    Zeng Huanian looked down at his phone. “I’ve already asked the team to look for other laser tag places nearby, anyway, we have our own equipment, we just need a small space for the babies to play, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a replacement. The key is his phone call, even if it had come a few minutes earlier! As long as the host hadn’t announced it, we would have had more time to make arrangements.”

    How could it come a few minutes earlier…

    Jin Youliang looked at the monitoring wall, this timing was perfect.

  • Second Time Around, the Villainous Daughter Decides to Indulge First 65

    Chapter 65: Blood-Red Crimson

    The deal was struck.

    Before leaving, Lena admired Vanessa’s long, dark blue hair, clicking her tongue. “Such beautiful hair, it’s a pity it was cut…”

    Vanessa: “What do you mean?”

    Lena: “Nothing, just don’t forget our agreement. Everything is for our sister.”

    “My sister, not yours,” Vanessa corrected, frowning.

    “Fine, let’s try again. For your sister, and for my wife.”

    Lena dodged the flying teacup, but not the splashing tea. Wiping her face, she remained unfazed, smiling brightly. “Girls shouldn’t resort to violence.”

    “But violence often solves most problems, including you.”

    Vanessa exhaled, shifting her seated position, rubbing her numb feet.

    Talking to Lena was truly exhausting… or rather, infuriating…

    “Very beautiful.” Lena hadn’t left yet, poking her head back in, her gaze drifting towards Vanessa’s skirt. “Lovely shape, just like your sister’s.”

    “Where are you looking?!” Vanessa snapped, her ample bosom heaving beneath her robes.

    A true example of “baby face, giant breasts,” Vanessa was a testament to natural talent.

    “Don’t be angry, beautiful bookworm. You can look at mine too. I believe in reciprocation.”

    Lena lifted her skirt slightly, revealing her long legs in thin, patterned black stockings, a ruler leading to a forbidden territory, hinting at her promiscuous nature. “If you’re interested, you can come find me anytime. I’m happy to help any girl with an adventurous spirit. Of course, it would be even better if you came with Angel…”

    “Get out of my room! Now!!”

    Vanessa couldn’t tolerate it any longer.

    “What kind of reciprocation is this?! Angel must be blind to like someone like you!!”

    This time, Lena truly left the Cavendish residence.

    Looking at the unfamiliar streets outside, Lena thought she should ask that little beauty to teleport her back.

    But three strikes and you’re out. Lena gave up.

    Taking a stroll was nice, a way to relax and clear her mind, and she could wait for Mines to pick her up…

    …

    “A name for the organization? Master wants her own forces?”

    “Indeed.”

    Sitting in the carriage, Lena leaned against Mines’s shoulder, asking for her opinion. “I need to create a hidden blade to help the Falmouths escape the Eye of the Empire’s surveillance. Any ideas?”

    Her eyelids felt heavy, a pleasant citrus fragrance filling her nostrils.

    “I can’t help you with that… but Master, can you please stop sniffing my hair while making puppy-like panting sounds?”

    Lena’s hot breath made Mines blush. She then expressed her true intentions, “Master can just push me down right now, rip my stockings, I’ll do everything to satisfy your desires…”

    She unbuttoned her feather dress, revealing her pale, almost translucent skin, her ribs visible beneath her flat chest, strangely alluring in the dim light of the carriage.

    “You can try it, Master, I’m quite delicious, no worse than Miss Angel…”

    Lena: “…”

    Good heavens, did Mines know what she was saying?

    The drenched dove from yesterday had transformed into a bold bird. Lena’s reason was crumbling…

    “Ahem, we’re getting off track, Mines,” Lena said, flustered by Mines’s directness. “We have more important things to do. How about we save the ‘serving’ for tonight?”

    “But that’s not what Master said. Last night, I saw Master lost in passion, while I, out of fear, became a cowardly lizard.”

    Mines blamed herself for her timidity. She should have seized the opportunity and become Lena’s outlet.

    Not only to forge a connection with Lena, but also to repay her kindness.

    She couldn’t live without Lena’s gentleness anymore…

    The Master who provided her with food and shelter, who forced her to eat, who resisted her desires and hadn’t resorted to violence, and the incredibly gentle Master before her…

    This was her Master, hers alone.

    At least for now…

    Mines sat on Lena’s lap, her hands clasped over her slightly protruding chest, her expression conveying her heartfelt emotions despite her lack of eloquence, her shyness making her even more adorable.

    “No matter what others think of you, Master, no matter how much they hate you, I will always be by your side, so…”

    “So you want to offer your first time here?” Lena frowned. “Don’t you think it’s too hasty?”

    Sunshine, beaches, neon lights… Mines could choose a much better location, not the cramped confines of a magic carriage.

    “My body may be ugly compared to others, but if Master doesn’t mind, I don’t mind. My dear Master, would you take my humble virginity, which I have kept for eighteen years?”

    Mines swallowed, gazing intently at Lena, her red eyes clouded, like a bottomless abyss.

    “I’m willing to offer you everything, you just need to say the word, any word…”

    Lena’s hand traced Mines’s smooth, slender back. She didn’t answer immediately, her gaze fixed on the heart shape Mines had formed with her hands. Lena leaned forward and kissed the center of it.

    Like a vacuum, her lips sucked at the scarred skin, a strange, almost erotic sight.

    Pop~

    Lena licked her lips, a satisfied smile on her face. “Has anyone ever told you you’re very seductive?”

    “Eh…!”

    Mines gasped, her eyes closing tightly as Lena pulled away, as if enduring great pain.

    “Mines, that was the most beautiful confession I’ve ever heard, I swear it on the demons.” Lena lifted her head. “And because of your confession, I’ve thought of a name for our organization…”

    “Our.”

    Mines savored the word, her heart filled with joy.

    “Yes, you’ll also join the ‘Dove’s Flock.’ Doves symbolize unity, loyalty, family harmony, freedom, and equality.” Lena nodded, picking up the red feather dress and helping Mines put it on. “From now on, consider the ‘Dove’s Flock’ your home. I’ll be the lead dove, and you’ll be my second-in-command, understand?”

    The carriage rattled along, its wheels rolling.

    As they went over a bump, Mines fell into Lena’s arms, her tongue slipping past Lena’s lips, tentatively exploring her heart for the first time.

    “I like you so much… Master… more… please…”

    Her soft, almost sickly voice echoed in the carriage, the crimson flower in her hair seeming to respond to her emotions, its color deepening, becoming even more alluring.

    A blood-red crimson, as if about to devour the endless gray haze.

  • Inferior A After Having a Baby with the Top Boss 47

    Chapter 47: Not Enough, Don’t Leave

    What should she do?

    Both before and after transmigrating, Ming Fei’s life was always faced with this question. She had no one to rely on, no roof to shelter her from the rain, and no support to hold her up.

    All the “what to do’s” had to be answered by herself.

    Before transmigrating, for minor decisions, she used to flip a coin. For major life choices, she would carefully consider all possibilities, anticipating the best outcomes and the worst consequences.

    After transmigrating, her situation gradually improved. She no longer had to be so cautious and gradually learned to weigh options and make decisions quickly.

    Now—

    Ming Fei’s mind was a little muddled after the recent pheromone guidance.

    The lingering woody fragrance, like playful flower buds, bloomed on her fingertips, every second telling her through its state:

    [Like.]

    [Not enough.]

    [Don’t leave.]

    Because of the unusual joy expressed by the pheromones, Ming Fei even began to suspect… had Zhu Yiqiao tricked her?

    She thought, it hadn’t been like this last time at the hotel in Taiya.

    No matter how she looked at it, it seemed like the premonition of an impending heat cycle.

    But—

    Zhu Yiqiao had given a negative answer.

    Ming Fei pursed her lips, wanting to release a little more of her pear scent to appease the lingering woody fragrance. But she didn’t do so directly, instead politely asking Zhu Yiqiao’s opinion first.

    “Jiejie, I think your…”

    She carefully chose her words, but Zhu Yiqiao, as if sensing something, quickly withdrew all her pheromones.

    “Are you feeling unwell anywhere?” Zhu Yiqiao asked.

    Ming Fei shook her head: “No.”

    “Get some rest.”

    The implication was clear, and Ming Fei, who had been working for more than two years, understood. But worry overshadowed caution, and she asked again,

    “Then are you alright, Jiejie? Are you feeling unwell?”

    During the previous gland checkup, Zhu Yiqiao had been wearing a black nightgown, like a dark rose blooming in the snow. This time, she was only wearing a simple white shirt, but Zhu Yiqiao exuded an irresistible nobility.

    Every button was fastened to the top, her shirt sleeves rolled up to her elbows, making her look less meticulous and more casual and relaxed. When she stood up, her half-tied long black hair cascaded down like a silken waterfall.

    Her beautiful, aggressive face still showed no change in expression, consistent with Ming Fei’s memories of her.

    She said, “I’m fine.”

    Just as Ming Fei breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that everything was over for tonight, Zhu Yiqiao suddenly changed the subject.

    “It’s just that my pheromones are very reluctant to part with you.”

    Ming Fei’s ears felt hot.

    Although she had already known this from the interaction between their pheromones, hearing the aloof Zhu Yiqiao say it so directly still made her blush.

    She didn’t know how to respond.

    In this brief moment, Ming Fei chose to throw the question back to Zhu Yiqiao. After all, Zhu Yiqiao was Party A, and she had to hear Party A’s thoughts first before she could know how to improve her performance.

    Therefore, she asked softly, “Then what should we do?”

    Large predators, before hunting, seemed to give their targeted prey some kind of warning. Whether the prey could sense the danger and avoid or escape it depended entirely on their vigilance and survival experience.

    But the deer in the flower bush was too innocent.

    Asking such a question meant that it had surrendered the initiative, not only unable to sense the danger but even actively approaching it, gently nudging it with its small antlers, innocently inviting the hunter to its habitat in the forest.

    Because of this pure, unguarded innocence, the air in the room seemed to slow down, and the woody fragrance that had just been withdrawn began to tentatively emerge again.

    The flat branches and leaves of the cedar trees stretched in from outside the window. Just as they were about to touch the sweet pear, Zhu Yiqiao simply raised her eyes, and all the probing disappeared.

    Zhu Yiqiao silently looked out the window, suddenly remembering that the Tree of Mystical Jade from many years ago had been just as innocent.

    At that time, Tree of Mystical Jade was still a thirteen-year-old girl.

    162 centimeters tall, ten centimeters shorter than her, with a gentle tone of voice, and she even used emojis.

    According to her expectations, Tree of Mystical Jade should have differentiated into a kind and lovely omega, who liked handicrafts, reading, and chatting with her about the vast world.

    She had once thought that after her plan succeeded, if Tree of Mystical Jade had time, perhaps she would bring gifts and meet her. After all, this little girl, three years younger than her, always worked day and night to ensure she received the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum before her seventeenth birthday.

    But life was unpredictable.

    They lost contact during a blizzard, and neither of them received the gifts they had prepared for each other.

    Now, meeting again, Tree of Mystical Jade, who was three years younger than her, had grown taller than her, and those deft hands that often crafted orchid drums could now make more and more kinds of handicrafts.

    Not only that, but Tree of Mystical Jade’s differentiation was completely different from what she had expected.

    Not an omega or a beta.

    But an alpha.

    An alpha whose pheromones smelled like pears.

    An alpha whose pheromones made her own feel joyful and reluctant to part.

    Thinking of all this, the now powerful Chief Judge still didn’t take advantage of the former little girl, but asked directly,

    “The online friend you mentioned, did you know her before you transmigrated?”

    Ming Fei almost didn’t follow Zhu Yiqiao’s train of thought, because the topic changed too quickly.

    She nodded: “Mm.”

    Zhu Yiqiao asked, “You’re a supporter of the Mehertaer faction, so you met on ‘Supporters of the Rose’?”

    Ming Fei admitted honestly: “Yes, when I was thirteen.”

    Their eyes met. Zhu Yiqiao’s tone was light, but ripples spread through her heart.

    “Then why didn’t you contact each other again later?”

    At this moment, Ming Fei felt a little strange, because she thought these questions had nothing to do with pheromone guidance, let alone Zhu Yiqiao’s or the Trial Court’s work.

    In her understanding, Zhu Yiqiao was completely uninterested in irrelevant matters, and it was even more impossible for her to ask so many questions.

    But perhaps because it was late at night, the snow scenery outside the window was beautiful, and because of the recent pheromone guidance, Ming Fei’s guard was lowered again and again. Without thinking too much, she revealed the reason.

    “…She suddenly deleted her account.”

    Her voice was low, her lowered eyelashes hiding her clear eyes: “I don’t know why, but it shouldn’t… be because of me. In our last conversation before she deleted her account, I didn’t make her unhappy.”

    At that time, she cherished One Raccoon Hill as a friend and wouldn’t say anything to make her unhappy, let alone do anything that would cause her resentment.

    But she didn’t elaborate on these details, just mentioning her only friend: “She was my only friend on ‘Supporters of the Rose.’ I couldn’t use my communicator anymore at the time, and because she wasn’t there, I just deleted my account.”

    Zhu Yiqiao couldn’t describe how she felt at this moment.

    She caught the clues in the story and asked, “Why couldn’t you use your communicator anymore?”

    The snow outside the window grew heavier, and long-sealed memories, like a rolling snowball, instantly broke through the door Ming Fei had closed on them.

    Growing up, she hadn’t actually felt inferior because she was an unwanted orphan.

    But before transmigrating, if others asked about her childhood, she still couldn’t talk about those experiences without any emotional fluctuations. No matter what, there would still be some ripples in her heart.

    But after transmigrating to the Independent State of Yi Meng, and after working hard step by step to get where she was today, she no longer felt any sadness when talking about the past.

    Her gaze shifted to the window, looking at the boundless snow, and she explained the key reason behind this story.

    “Jiejie, I’ve always told you that I’m an orphan, but before transmigrating, I was actually adopted three times.”

    “I won’t talk about the first two times. When I connected with this… friend, it was during my third adoption. But due to some unavoidable reasons, my third adoptive parents sent me back to the orphanage a year later.”

    Zhu Yiqiao’s gaze froze, the frost in her eyes deepening.

    And Ming Fei, as if telling someone else’s story, smiled faintly: “That communicator was bought for me by my third adoptive parents. It was very expensive for me at the time, and I felt it would be impolite to take it back to the orphanage, so I left it there.”

    “To ensure a good experience for the next user, I deleted all the information before leaving, including the ‘Supporters of the Rose’ account.”

    Ming Fei wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but when Zhu Yiqiao spoke again, she detected a hint of hoarseness in her voice.

    “When you sent her the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum, were your adoptive parents already planning to send you back?”

    Since they had already talked so much, Ming Fei didn’t mind satisfying Zhu Yiqiao’s curiosity further, explaining the complicated situation in more detail.

    But she wasn’t complaining. She had never complained, and wouldn’t allow herself to complain to anyone. The only time she had expressed her sadness and distress was in the two messages she sent to One Raccoon Hill before leaving.

    [Tree of Mystical Jade: I’m a little sad.]

    [Tree of Mystical Jade: …Jiejie, today has been awful.]

    That single instance of honest vulnerability, and her only friend hadn’t replied, directly deleting her account the next day.

    Therefore, when telling Zhu Yiqiao, Ming Fei omitted all the tears and sadness.

    “Probably. Actually, they were very good to me. Sending me back was… only natural.”

    “I was preparing a birthday gift for my friend at the time, the Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum that both Jiejie and Zaozao like. One night, I accidentally overheard my adoptive parents’ plan and realized they were preparing to send me back.”

    The faded woody scent began to surge, but Zhu Yiqiao suppressed it with an impassive expression and asked the question she most wanted answered.

    “How much time passed between your friend deleting her account and you being sent back?”

    “About a day.” Ming Fei paused. “Actually… it was the same day.”

    She cut to the chase, her simple words like a sharp sword: “I only learned about my adoptive parents’ plan a few days before she deleted her account. The Grape-faced Bellflower Orchid Drum was only half-finished at the time. After learning about their plan, I worked very hard to finish it and send it out before the agreed-upon time.”

    “The day I sent the gift was the day I had to leave.”

    “Actually, I sent her a message before sending the gift, but she didn’t reply. When I logged in the next day before leaving, I found that she had deleted her account.”

    After a pause, Ming Fei smiled faintly: “My situation with her is a bit complicated, so when Jiejie asked me about our relationship today, I couldn’t give you an answer immediately.”

    “Because I don’t know if a one-sided friendship counts as a friendship.”

    She spoke naturally and casually, but her words stirred a blizzard in Zhu Yiqiao’s heart.

    This blizzard came too late, much later than the snowy night thirteen years ago when they lost contact. The current snowstorm was quieter, but also more turbulent, like the repeated torment of a guilty conscience.

    After a long silence, Zhu Yiqiao suddenly said,

    “…I’m sorry.”

    Ming Fei looked at her, confusion and surprise in her eyes.

    She asked, “Why are you apologizing, Jiejie?”

  • Captivating Beauty 69p1

    Chapter 69 p1

    The Alpha’s crude scent, like a cockroach lurking in a sewer, made Shen Shu’s stomach churn. She couldn’t scream, couldn’t even gag, her throat constricted by a rough hand.

    Panic seized her, the suffocating grip triggering a flashback to a past trauma.

    Her body trembled uncontrollably, her hands and legs shaking.

    The Alpha’s other hand shoved her roughly against the car, her back hitting the door handle, the impact strangely painless as she struggled frantically, a choked gasp escaping her lips.

    The hand tightened around her throat, silencing her.

    She felt like she was drowning, the world turning dark, a wave of despair and helplessness washing over her.

    Xu Jinnan.

    Her mind clung to the name, a lifeline in the suffocating darkness.

    Xu Jinnan, where are you?

    —

    The secluded corner of the parking garage, hidden behind a van, offered a measure of privacy.

    It wasn’t quite quitting time, nor was it late enough for those working overtime to be leaving.

    The few cars that passed by didn’t notice what was happening.

    Shen Shu’s face was flushed, her body struggling against the suffocating grip, desperate to break free.

    She hadn’t given up, her muffled whimpers echoing in the enclosed space as she clawed at the Alpha’s arm, her nails digging into the rough skin.

    But the difference in strength between an Alpha and an Omega, compounded by her recent illness, made escape almost impossible.

    “I love the way you struggle. It excites me, just like that time,” the Alpha whispered, her face close to Shen Shu’s neck, inhaling the intoxicating scent of her pheromones.

    Even in this precarious situation, the Alpha wasn’t worried, her eyes gleaming with a perverse excitement.

    The corners of her eyes crinkled as she smiled, revealing yellowed teeth. “Darling, you have no idea how long I’ve waited for this opportunity… you’re so cautious, you and your little wife. I was so angry when I heard about your marriage. How could you betray me like that? How could you give yourself to someone else?”

    “Such purity shouldn’t be tainted. It’s a shame you’re not a virgin anymore, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t mind. Even if you’ve been with someone else, I still love you… See? I love you so much.” She pressed her fingers against Shen Shu’s throat, the touch almost tender.

    Shen Shu’s nails dug deeper into the Alpha’s skin, the repulsive scent of her pheromones filling the air, suffocating her.

    She felt like she was dying.

    The Alpha winced at the pain, tightening her grip on Shen Shu’s throat. “I’ve never forgotten you, not after all these years. I almost marked you back then, but… it doesn’t matter. I’ve waited so long for this opportunity, and now it’s finally here.”

    “Let me mark you.”

    “I’ve been dreaming of this for so long.”

    Shen Shu’s vision blurred, her lungs burning.

    Perhaps sensing she was about to lose consciousness, the Alpha loosened her grip slightly.

    Shen Shu gasped for air, then, seeing the Alpha’s leering face approaching, she screamed, the sound echoing through the parking garage.

    With a surge of adrenaline-fueled strength, she punched the Alpha in the face.

    The Alpha instinctively closed her eyes, and Shen Shu, seizing the opportunity, shoved her away and ran.

    But the Alpha reacted quickly.

    As Shen Shu turned to flee, she tripped and fell, her knees and elbows scraping against the rough concrete floor, the pain a sharp contrast to the earlier numbness.

    Then, she heard the sound of a car approaching.

    Tears streamed down her face as she cried out, her voice muffled by the Alpha’s hand covering her mouth.

    The Alpha dragged her back, her voice cold and emotionless, like a true psychopath. “You’ve been a bad girl.”

    Shen Shu saw a box of grapes, the ones Xu Jinnan had given her earlier.

    “Mmm…!” she whimpered, tears streaming down her face.

    The Alpha placed the box on the floor, opened it with one hand, and picked through the grapes. “I was looking for the one you touched, but I couldn’t find it, so I took them all. You have no idea how much trouble I went through…” She took a grape, rolled it against Shen Shu’s tear-stained cheek, then popped it into her mouth.

    “Let me mar—”

    The screech of tires echoed through the parking garage as a car came to a sudden stop.

    The Alpha turned around, startled, just as a fist connected with her nose, the bone cracking, blood spurting out, her face instantly covered in crimson.

    Then, she felt a sharp tug on her hair, her body lifted off the ground and slammed against a car.

    Bang!

    The impact made the car shudder.

    Xu Jinnan’s face was a mask of fury as she slammed the woman against the car again, then, as she fell to the ground, kicked her hard in the chest.

    A scream echoed through the parking garage.

    Tong Jia, approaching from a distance, saw the scene and her blood ran cold. She ran towards them.

    “Shu Shu!”

    But before she could reach them, the Alpha scrambled to her feet and ran.

    Tong Jia, seeing her attacker fleeing, instinctively wanted to stop her, her fear momentarily forgotten.

    But a hand grabbed her wrist.

    Viola, running towards them, pulled Tong Jia aside. “Stay back,” she said, then, with a swift kick, sent the Alpha sprawling to the ground.

    Xu Jinnan, after a brief glance at Viola, rushed to Shen Shu’s side.

    Shen Shu was slumped against the car, her hands on the ground, her body shaking, coughing and gagging, flinching at Xu Jinnan’s touch and instinctively recoiling.

    “Shu Shu,” Xu Jinnan whispered, her hand hovering over Shen Shu’s shoulder, her brow furrowed, her breath catching in her throat.

    Hearing her voice, Shen Shu’s ragged breathing slowed slightly.

    Xu Jinnan gently touched her shoulder, then pulled her into a hug.

    Shen Shu collapsed against her, sobbing softly, her body trembling.

    It wasn’t a loud, dramatic cry, but it tore at Xu Jinnan’s heart, a wave of anger and protectiveness washing over her.

    She gently patted Shen Shu’s back, her voice soothing. “It’s okay. I’m here.”

    Shen Shu clung to her, her fingers digging into Xu Jinnan’s back, her body still trembling, her voice hoarse and barely audible, but she still whispered Xu Jinnan’s name, as if seeking reassurance, or perhaps just instinctively seeking comfort.

    “I’m here,” Xu Jinnan murmured, her face buried in Shen Shu’s hair, the close contact a silent promise of protection. “I’m here,” she repeated.

    Viola had apprehended the Alpha, pinning her arms behind her back.

    Tong Jia rushed to the van, her eyes filling with tears as she saw Shen Shu in Xu Jinnan’s arms.

    She bit her lip, her heart heavy with guilt.

    She shouldn’t have been so careless.

    She had thought it would only take a few minutes to retrieve the keys, hadn’t anticipated the delay, or the missing grapes.

    She couldn’t imagine what Shen Shu had endured during those few minutes alone.

    Seeing Shen Shu’s trembling form and the blood on the ground, she couldn’t bear to think about it.

    And Xu Jinnan had warned her not to leave Shen Shu alone…

    She was consumed by guilt.

    Xu Jinnan held Shen Shu tightly, her attention focused solely on her, feeling her trembling subside slightly. She gently cupped Shen Shu’s face, wanting to see the extent of her injuries.

    Her fingertips brushed against Shen Shu’s tears, and she flinched… If only I had arrived a few minutes earlier.

    “Shu Shu,” she whispered, her voice gentle but firm, “let me see if you’re hurt.”

    Shen Shu shook her head.

    Xu Jinnan’s lips brushed against her hair. “Just let me see, okay?” she murmured.

    The familiar, comforting scent of her pheromones, like warm sunshine, eased Shen Shu’s fear, and she slowly lifted her head, her eyes red and swollen, her face streaked with tears, her long eyelashes wet.

    Her face was flushed, the redness a lingering effect of the Alpha’s chokehold.

    Xu Jinnan’s gaze fell on the dark red marks on Shen Shu’s neck, the imprint of five fingers, like the scars of a knife, a painful sight.

    She took a deep, shuddering breath, suppressing the rage that threatened to consume her.

    Her thumb gently wiped away Shen Shu’s tears. “I’m sorry I’m late,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

    Shen Shu’s eyes fluttered, her throat tight and sore.

    “Xu Jinnan, let’s go home,” she whispered, her voice hoarse.

    The sound tore at Xu Jinnan’s heart. “Okay, let’s go home,” she replied, helping Shen Shu stand, then, seeing her legs buckle, scooped her up into her arms.

    Shen Shu, seeing Tong Jia standing nearby, her face pale and her eyes filled with tears, coughed, trying to catch her breath. “Jia Jia, I’m fine,” she said, her voice raspy.

    Tong Jia looked like a child who had been caught doing something wrong.

    Hearing Shen Shu’s attempt to comfort her, her guilt intensified.

    “Tong Jia, open the door,” Xu Jinnan said.

    The van was more spacious and comfortable than her car.

    Tong Jia immediately opened the back door, and Xu Jinnan gently placed Shen Shu on the seat, brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead.

    “Wait here for me,” she said.

    Shen Shu’s eyes, still red and swollen, met hers, her silence a clear sign of her fear and anxiety.

    “I’ll be right back. I promise,” Xu Jinnan reassured her, touching her hair gently, then, leaving Tong Jia with her, got out of the van.

    The door closed.

    The gentle warmth in Xu Jinnan’s eyes vanished, replaced by a chilling coldness.

    As she walked towards the woman Viola was restraining, her heel crunched on a stray grape, and she glanced down, remembering seeing this woman before.

    The one who had barged into Shen Shu’s dressing room. She had assumed it was a mistake, but now, it seemed like a deliberate act.

    She reached the woman and gestured for Viola to pull her into a more secluded corner.

    As the woman struggled, her glasses fell to the ground, and Xu Jinnan, without a second thought, stepped on them, the lenses shattering, the frames twisting beneath her heel.

    As she stood over the woman, a wave of powerful Alpha pheromones, like a tsunami, filled the air.

    The woman screamed, collapsing to the ground, her body trembling.

    Even Viola, despite being an Alpha herself, felt a surge of fear, the instinctive recoil of a lower-ranking Alpha in the presence of a dominant one.

    The woman’s mind reeled from the psychic assault, but she wasn’t afraid, her eyes still wild and frantic, her voice shrill. “Let me go! She’s mine! Shen Shu is mine! I almost had her back then! Let me go!!!” She didn’t seem to comprehend the danger she was in.

    Hearing her words, Xu Jinnan finally understood the depth of Shen Shu’s fear. This wasn’t just a random attack; this woman was a ghost from her past – the Alpha who had assaulted her, the one Cai Ying had mentioned.

    The one who had triggered Shen Shu’s aversion to Alphas.

    Xu Jinnan’s eyes narrowed, her fingers curling into a fist. “CEO Xu, should I call the police?” Viola asked.

    Xu Jinnan unclenched her fist, her voice devoid of emotion. “Call an ambulance first.”

    Viola paused, then, understanding Xu Jinnan’s intentions, her eyes widening slightly.

    Xu Jinnan, wearing a beige trench coat, the sleeves secured with cuffs, unbuttoned them, freeing her wrists.

    A few seconds later, a bloodcurdling scream echoed from the corner of the parking garage.

    —

     

  • Female Lead Was Coaxed Away by the Villain Again [Quick Transmigration] 128

    Chapter 128: Money is Really Tempting (1)

    Jiang Zhiyan opened her eyes, a smile still lingering on her face, but it vanished after she received the plot information.

    Xie Liaoyi in this world was actually married! And that scumbag of a husband was constantly cheating on her. The plot was a cliché “rake turns over a new leaf, marriage before love” story. Tsk, someone who still flirts around after getting married, disgusting!

    “Host, calm down,” the System said soothingly.

    Jiang Zhiyan sat up in bed and looked for the female lead’s contact information. The female lead in this world was named Jin Shuang. “Does she know about his affairs?”

    “Yes.”

    “Then why doesn’t she get a divorce?” Jiang Zhiyan gritted her teeth, although she knew it was part of the plot, she was still very annoyed.

    “How would I know? The author didn’t say, but it’s a business marriage,” the System said. “Calm down, this is a society ruled by law.”

    Jiang Zhiyan sat cross-legged on the bed, studied the plot, and then sent Jin Shuang a message.

    In the original plot, the female lead was hopelessly lovestruck. She hoped this version, who had a fragment of Xie Liaoyi’s soul, wasn’t, or she would truly go crazy.

    [Jiang Zhiyan: Are you free tonight? Let’s have dinner.]

    [Jin Shuang: ?]

    “Host, you’re being too aggressive, is it possible that your relationship isn’t good, that you’re not even close?” the System reminded her.

    “I know, if I don’t take the initiative in this situation, I’m doomed,” Jiang Zhiyan said, nervously clutching her phone.

    [Jin Shuang: Is there something you need?]

    [Jiang Zhiyan: Something very important.]

    [Jin Shuang: What time? Where?]

    Jiang Zhiyan quickly chose a restaurant, sent the location, and set the time for 6 pm.

    She got out of bed and started getting ready, looking at herself in the mirror.

    In this world, she had just graduated from university and was basically unemployed. Because she liked the male lead, Mu Chen, she disliked the female lead, Jin Shuang. However, Jin Shuang was a few years older than the original owner and usually ignored her.

    It was their first meeting in this world, and Jiang Zhiyan was excited. She arrived half an hour early, sat in the private room, and hearing the door open, immediately looked towards the entrance.

    Jin Shuang entered, pushing open the door, and glanced at the time: “Have you been waiting long?”

    “Not really,” Jiang Zhiyan said, her gaze fixed on Jin Shuang.

    Jin Shuang put her bag aside and sat down opposite Jiang Zhiyan.

    Jiang Zhiyan looked at Jin Shuang: “Mu Chen has cheated on you so many times, are you really not considering divorce?”

    System: ???

    “What a direct approach,” the System was shocked, so straightforward?

    Jiang Zhiyan observed Jin Shuang’s expression. Jin Shuang was stunned for a second, looked at Jiang Zhiyan, her expression remarkably calm.

    “You’re not still planning to stay in this marriage, are you?” Jiang Zhiyan frowned at Jin Shuang. “Don’t be so lovestruck.”

    “Host, how can you even say that?” the System was speechless, it had never seen anyone more lovestruck than Jiang Zhiyan.

    “I’m not human,” Jiang Zhiyan said matter-of-factly.

    Jin Shuang looked at Jiang Zhiyan and still didn’t speak.

    “Get a divorce first, only after losing you will he realize your worth,” Jiang Zhiyan said earnestly.

    “Okay.”

    Jiang Zhiyan: ???

    She had just said that casually, why did Jin Shuang agree so readily?

    The System was also shocked, was she that casual about it?

    Jiang Zhiyan couldn’t tell if this person was lovestruck or something else.

    “Let’s order,” Jin Shuang said.

    “You just agreed like that?” Jiang Zhiyan hadn’t expected to succeed today, she thought she would have to persuade her for at least ten days or half a month.

    Jin Shuang nodded: “I think you’re right, but it’s a business marriage, the process might be a bit complicated.”

    “I don’t think it’s that difficult, I’ll help you gather evidence of his infidelity, so you can get more compensation in the divorce,” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Jin Shuang.

    “Thank you,” Jin Shuang nodded.

    Jin Shuang and Mu Chen were still maintaining a loving image in public. If Jin Shuang made a fuss, it would severely damage Mu Chen’s reputation and might even affect the company’s stock price.

    Fortunately, in this world, the Jin family was on Jin Shuang’s side. After Mu Chen’s infidelity was discovered by the Jin family later, they kept persuading Jin Shuang to get a divorce, so there was no need to worry about them obstructing it.

    “You can order,” Jiang Zhiyan handed the menu to Jin Shuang.

    Jin Shuang looked at the menu and said casually: “Honestly, I didn’t expect you to care about my matters.”

    “I’ve always been concerned about you,” Jiang Zhiyan said.

    Jin Shuang glanced up at Jiang Zhiyan, then lowered her head and ordered a few dishes.

    Since they were leaving anyway, Jiang Zhiyan decided to use her remaining points to obtain evidence of Mu Chen’s infidelity, no point in wasting them.

    The two weren’t close, and Jin Shuang didn’t talk much, she was also very polite, responding to Jiang Zhiyan’s words courteously, but not warmly.

    It was normal, after all, their relationship wasn’t good.

    Halfway through the meal, Jin Shuang’s phone rang, she picked it up, glanced at it, and frowned.

    “Hello?”

    Jiang Zhiyan looked up at Jin Shuang.

    “I’m having dinner outside.”

    “Just send him back, don’t send him to my place.”

    “I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

    “I’m busy, I’m hanging up now, you handle it.”

    Jiang Zhiyan, listening to Jin Shuang’s cold tone, suddenly felt that she was very amiable when talking to her.

    “Mu Chen?” Jiang Zhiyan asked.

    “His assistant,” Jin Shuang put down her phone and smoothed her hair. “Sorry.”

    “Hm?”

    “I shouldn’t answer calls during dinner.”

    Jiang Zhiyan pursed her lips: “No need to be so polite, it’s fine…”

    “I thought you liked Mu Chen,” Jiang Zhiyan asked tentatively.

    “Who knows,” Jin Shuang said, twitching the corner of her mouth.

    Jiang Zhiyan felt there was a hidden meaning in her words.

    “So what time are you going home tonight?” Jiang Zhiyan continued to ask.

    “I’m not going back,” Jin Shuang said. “We don’t live together most of the time, only when he’s drunk outside does his assistant try to send him to my place.”

    Jin Shuang wiped her fingers: “Thankfully I locked my bedroom door before leaving.”

    Jiang Zhiyan raised her eyebrows, her delight evident: “I see, so your relationship really isn’t good.”

    “Then where are you going after dinner?”

    “To another apartment,” Jin Shuang said.

    Jiang Zhiyan felt a little disappointed: “I thought you meant we could go out for a while when you said you weren’t going home tonight.”

    Jin Shuang thought for a few seconds: “That’s fine too, where do you want to go?”

    Jin Shuang wasn’t working now, so she had plenty of time.

    “Let’s walk around to digest our food, then watch a late-night movie?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Jin Shuang.

    “Okay,” Jin Shuang nodded.

    The smile on Jiang Zhiyan’s face brightened, and Jin Shuang, seeing her smile, also felt her mood improve, she smiled back.

    After dinner, Jin Shuang paid the bill first.

    “We agreed that I was treating you,” Jiang Zhiyan sighed softly.

    “You can treat me next time,” Jin Shuang said, swiping her card.

    Jiang Zhiyan: !!!

    There would be a next time!!!

    What did this mean? It meant that she didn’t mind having dinner with her! And even wanted to interact with her further!

    Jiang Zhiyan smiled faintly and followed Jin Shuang out of the restaurant.

    A long silence followed, Jiang Zhiyan racking her brains for a topic of conversation, she glanced at a billboard, would it be too stupid to comment on its color?

    “What do you want to do after the divorce?” Jiang Zhiyan asked.

    Jin Shuang fell into deep thought.

    “I don’t know,” Jin Shuang frowned slightly. “There are many things I don’t know, I can’t even remember why I married him in the first place, I even gave up my job for him, I seemed to be very much in love with him.”

    “Then focus on the divorce lawsuit and use his money to make a comeback,” Jiang Zhiyan paused. “I don’t know about other things, but I’m certain you don’t love him.”

    “Really? Actually, I didn’t have a career to make a comeback from before, it was just an ordinary job,” Jin Shuang said seriously.

    Jiang Zhiyan was stunned for a second, then laughed: “You’re actually making jokes now.”

    “I’m serious.”

    Jiang Zhiyan, looking at Jin Shuang’s serious expression, wanted to laugh even more, it was rare to see Xie Liaoyi’s face with such a serious expression, it struck her funny bone.

    Jin Shuang looked at Jiang Zhiyan, puzzled, then looked away, also chuckling.

    The two wandered around the mall, which was still open, and bought some small items.

    “I’ll pay,” Jin Shuang said, stopping Jiang Zhiyan, who was about to pay.

    “That’s too embarrassing.”

    “His card,” Jin Shuang said, taking out a card from her bag. “I suddenly remembered this, it’s a pity I didn’t remember it during dinner.”

    “Buy more,” Jin Shuang added. “Might as well use it.”

    “I think she definitely doesn’t love Mu Chen,” Jiang Zhiyan said. “How can she say such things with a straight face?”

    System: …

    In the plot, the female lead was always reluctant to spend Mu Chen’s money, mostly using her own, sometimes even giving him money. But this one, after discovering she had Mu Chen’s card, wanted to buy the entire mall.

    Now Jiang Zhiyan could see more of Xie Liaoyi in her.

    The drunk male lead was lying on the floor of his living room, his phone buzzing constantly with transaction notifications.

    He struggled to get up, opened his phone, and looked at it: ?

    Was he seeing things? Why didn’t he recognize the numbers? How many digits were there?

    He tried to count, but his arm went limp, and he collapsed, falling asleep again.

    “It’s a pity it’s so late, I could have bought a car too,” Jin Shuang sighed softly.

    Jiang Zhiyan could tell she was truly regretful, thinking about the things Jin Shuang had bought for her just now, she felt like they could fill her entire living room.

    “Let’s go shopping again tomorrow during the day,” Jin Shuang said, judging by Mu Chen’s personality, he probably wouldn’t ask for the money back. “Let’s go get some custom-made dresses.”

    “What movie do you want to watch?” Jin Shuang looked at Jiang Zhiyan. “I’ll buy the tickets.”

    Jiang Zhiyan opened her phone, casually picked a newly released romance movie, and Jin Shuang glanced at it and went to buy the tickets.

    “This feeling is really strange,” Jiang Zhiyan said, looking at Jin Shuang’s retreating figure, feeling emotional.

    “Indeed…” the System said hesitantly.

    “How much did she just spend?” Jiang Zhiyan asked.

    “Eight figures,” the System glanced at the amount.

    Jiang Zhiyan twitched the corner of her mouth, she hadn’t looked at the prices at the time, but it was probably around that amount, after all, Jin Shuang was basically trying to empty the stores. “I wonder how the male lead is reacting right now.”

    “He’s drunk, passed out drunk.”

    “The male lead is really rich,” Jiang Zhiyan said, opening her own account balance and taking a look, six figures was also a lot, but it was nothing compared to the male lead.

  • I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets! 218

    Chapter 218: More Married Pet Beasts???

    —Moon Soul World, Tai Yin Kingdom—

    “Boom, boom, boom, boom!!!”

    Under the watchful eyes of several powerful beings, silver threads flickered like sparks in the sky, the silver rabbit relentlessly pursuing the Fallen phoenix. Wherever they went, Pet Essence and air turned to nothingness, mountains and rivers crumbling into dust, mushroom clouds rising into the sky. The landscape of the Tai Yin Kingdom was constantly being reshaped, only to be instantly restored by Sumeru. The countless dead were like NPCs respawning in a video game.

    Tai Yin, the First Guardian and orchestrator of this chaos, reclined lazily on her moon ship, watching the battle with amusement, her shimmering silver hair cascading down her body, clipping through the ship’s model.

    A Fallen Species, not yet an Emperor, had arrived in her territory with Death Sentence and the white silk stocking.

    Such good fortune before the Lunar Divine Festival…

    Tai Yin would do everything in her power to push this Fallen Species to its final evolution.

    Not only did she not stop the destruction, but she even sent Dao Yao, the fifth-ranked Legend, to “dance” with it.

    Having spent countless years in other Soul Worlds, Dao Yao had mastered the art of suppressing her power, feigning an even match with the phoenix, her movements filled with feigned enthusiasm.

    “…”

    “…”

    “Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”

    After another clash with the silver rabbit woman, the white phoenix, struggling to maintain its balance, unleashed a barrage of fiery feathers, like a meteor shower.

    Dao Yao, below the clouds, didn’t even bother dodging, charging straight into the fiery rain.

    Her graceful form, like a silver sword, pierced through the feathers, appearing instantly before Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan’s forehead.

    “Swish—”

    A fatal blow.

    But Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan wasn’t thinking about the battle, her mind drifting to the past.

    She remembered the white-stockinged girl with twin buns and her promise.

    The girl had said that even though she had mistakenly entered the Transcendent evolution path, she would find a way to make her the strongest Pet Beast in the game.

    She had also said that after the Moonlight Rabbit evolved, she would focus on evolving her.

    Finally, she had excitedly shown her a Shining combat skill card, muttering about selling several apartments in the capital to buy it.

    Within the Divine Machine’s Beast Taming Evolution Duel, Pet Beasts’ consciousness was suppressed, and they couldn’t communicate with their Beast Tamers through words or text.

    Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan didn’t know the value of “several apartments in the capital.”

    But she knew…

    …

    Her master hadn’t lied.

    But she probably wouldn’t live to see that day…

    As Dao Yao’s silver hair, like needles, neared her forehead, Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan opened her eyes.

    Despite her resentment, she let it go.

    After all, Death Sentence and White Silk Weaver Girl had trusted her…

    As Dao Yao’s eyes burned, a Shining light erupted from the white phoenix.

    “—Shining Combat Skill, Hidden Fire—”

    “…”

    “…”

    “BOOM!!!!!”

    Under the disbelieving gazes of Tai Yin, Sumeru, and the other Legends, a massive, white-hot explosion sent Dao Yao flying, crashing through countless mountains and nations before finally stopping.

    A dazzling, flowing phoenix tail materialized behind the Fallen phoenix.

    Though its Fallen body wasn’t large, the magnificent tail stretched for over fifty million kilometers, covering half the sky above the Tai Yin Kingdom.

    Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan had finally used that woman’s combat skill.

    If she had used it during her battle against Snow Flower on Drought’s back, Golden Leaf and Snow Flower wouldn’t have stood a chance.

    Seeing the massive phoenix tail, Sumeru and Mountains and Seas were stunned.

    Tai Yin stood up from her moon ship in disbelief.

    “How…?”

    “The completion level of this Shining combat skill…”

    “No, more importantly, it’s just a Monarch-Tier Fallen Species! Even with multiple transcendences, how could it enhance a Shining combat skill to this level!?”

    “…”

    “…”

    “Whoosh—”

    Before Dao Yao could even get up from the ruins, countless dazzling phoenix feathers rained down, grabbing her ears and dragging her through the mountains.

    Under the feathers’ terrifying onslaught, nations and mountains crumbled, the surrounding landscape collapsing.

    Dao Yao, struggling to protect her head, was flung away again, her body like a tiny ant, crashing through the kingdom’s edge.

    The shockwaves sent even the distant Legends flying.

    Mountains and Seas, Sumeru, even Tai Yin herself, fell silent.

    This phoenix…

    Though not an Emperor, nor one of the Four Great Calamities…

    Once it reached Emperor-Tier, its destructive power would likely rival theirs!

    Tai Yin heard Dao Yao’s voice in her mind.

    [Tai Yin, something’s wrong with this one. I suspect its transcendence count is unprecedented.]

    [I think it entered Transcendent evolution in its juvenile stage…]

    “J-Juvenile stage? How…?”

    “What luck is that?” Tai Yin was incredulous.

    Who would keep a Pet Beast that entered Transcendent evolution at Mid-Tier, even evolving it to such a terrifying level?

    That Beast Tamer must be insane!

    Yes, such a Beast Tamer did exist…

    Lian Xing, having just started the game and knowing nothing, had seen the double affix on the little phoenix and assumed it was a rare species, capturing it.

    And so, she had inadvertently reached this point.

    A childish mistake, a playful whim…

    [Regardless, I’ve found a treasure.]

    [I’ll fight her with my full strength. If I accidentally kill her, have Sumeru revive her.]

    [And those two support Pet Beasts… they shouldn’t be easily defeated.]

    A brilliant light erupted from the ruins where Dao Yao lay.

    Sand, gravel, even the entire mountain range, were blasted away by her aura, like a meteor shower.

    Dao Yao’s silver hair swirled like needles, her eyes burning with fiery intensity as she stepped out of the ruins.

    ***

    At the center of the Tai Yin Kingdom battlefield, Dao Yao saw clearly that the phoenix hadn’t actually used the white silk stocking.

    It was simply tied to a feather, fluttering in the wind.

    Why possess a treasure and not use it?

    Did the stocking belong to someone else…?

    With a puzzled expression, Dao Yao’s body radiated a silver, moonlit aura as she raised a paw towards the white phoenix in the sky.

    As she clenched her paw, the sky began to crack.

    Even the dazzling feathers around Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan shattered, a cry of pain escaping its beak.

    An invisible rabbit paw seemed to crush everything in its path, all matter disintegrating.

    Seconds later, the battered Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan shrieked, its millions of kilometers of feathers shooting outwards like a billion stars.

    But the closer the feathers got to Dao Yao, the faster they disintegrated.

    Yet, the phoenix continued its attack, relentlessly clashing with the invisible pressure.

    Finally, the feathers accelerated beyond Dao Yao’s expectations, the compressed world unable to keep up.

    A massive feather struck Dao Yao.

    “BOOM!!!!”

    An explosion. Dao Yao gritted her teeth, taking the hit head-on, her body partially sinking into the ground, blood flowing from her head.

    But the compressed air continued to crush the space around Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan.

    The phoenix finally gave up.

    “Death Sentence, I can’t win! Retreat!!!”

    [Understood.]

    “Clang!!!!!”

    Just as a black, crescent-shaped guillotine descended upon the phoenix, a strange sound echoed.

    Dao Yao, covered in blood, stood at the phoenix’s tail, gripping the corner of the white silk stocking like a vengeful ghost.

    “…”

    “…”

    In the tense silence, Death Sentence deactivated its ability.

    If this enemy was willing to shield the white silk stocking’s user, then the stocking couldn’t be retrieved.

    Dao Yao, seizing the opportunity, launched a final attack.

    Her three-jointed rabbit paw slowly clenched.

    Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan’s life force began to fade.

    “A Moonlight Rabbit! Another Moonlight Rabbit! Damn it…”

    “Moonlight Rabbits! Just stay away from me next life!!!!!”

    “…”

    “…”

    “BOOM!!!!”

    Suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, a deafening thunderclap echoed across the Tai Yin Kingdom.

    As Tai Yin and the others watched in disbelief, a golden figure plummeted from the sky.

    And as she fell, two Moonlight Rabbits tumbled from her head, screaming as they fell towards Dao Yao’s compressed aura.

    To Dao Yao’s shock and confusion, the two Moonlight Rabbits passed through her aura unharmed, landing behind her.

    What… what was going on?

    So many…

    So many plump Moonlight Rabbits!

    Dao Yao’s gaze was fixated on the two Moonlight Rabbits, like a love-struck fool, even forgetting to attack.

    Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan, after a moment of stunned silence, looked past the two Moonlight Rabbits at the falling golden-haired girl, realization dawning upon her, her heart pounding.

    “Bang!!!”

    The golden-haired girl landed precisely on the white phoenix’s fluffy feathers, spreading her limbs out lazily.

    Before Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan could react, the fluttering white silk stocking and a small black blade approached the golden-haired girl, staring intently as if sensing something.

    Lian Xing beckoned them closer.

    After a moment of hesitation, the black blade and White Silk Weaver Girl leaped into Lian Xing’s arms, licking her body like puppies drawn to… something unpleasant.

    Tai Yin watched this bizarre scene, dumbfounded.

    Was this their Beast Tamer…?

    Had the original owner come to claim them?

    But she had never seen this woman before…

    Meanwhile, with Dao Yao…

    Normally, powerful Pet Beasts, though protective of lower-ranked members of their species, wouldn’t be particularly interested in two Low-Tier ones.

    But now, she instinctively reached out with both paws, intending to catch the falling Moonlight Rabbits.

    But the moment they landed in her paws—

    “Bang!”

    Her priestess robe’s sleeves were torn, and her paws were pulverized.

  • Shion’s Notes 140

    Chapter 140: The World’s Malice

    Arriving home at seven o’clock, Ye Zhiyun felt a pang of emptiness, despite it being her usual arrival time. She often worked late, negotiating deals and signing contracts, sometimes even staying overnight at hotels.

    But before, no matter how late she returned, someone was always there, waiting for her. Now, the apartment was dark and silent, the kitchen lights off, the stove unused.

    She switched on the lights, illuminating the apartment, dispelling the darkness, but not the loneliness. She turned the lights off, plunging the living room back into darkness, then switched them on again, the light reaching every corner, but no one stood there to greet her.

    “Sigh…”

    Ye Zhiyun sighed.

    What was she thinking? Yu Linna had moved out; what was she expecting?

    It was a pointless expectation.

    Something was definitely wrong with her.

    She tossed her bag onto the sofa and collapsed onto it, her weight sinking into the cushions. She felt exhausted. She had recently scaled back on her projects, delegating work to her studio, wanting to focus on her upcoming gaokao. She was less busy than before, yet she felt more tired.

    Was it because something was missing?

    She had grown accustomed to Yu Linna’s presence, her absence making life feel dull and monotonous. When Yu Linna was here, no matter how tired she was, she felt happy, knowing she had a place to return to, someone waiting for her.

    Now, there was nothing.

    “Na… Nana…”

    That girl, initially her rival, their feud starting over two yuan on the bus, now… what were they? Their transformation from rivals to… this… was strange.

    Seeing Yu Linna happy brought her joy; seeing her cry brought her sorrow. What were these feelings? And her gaze, lingering on Yu Linna, becoming increasingly intense… it wasn’t like her. Could she be…?

    No, no, impossible. She loved Li Muqing, there was no doubt about it, even after being rejected. She loved him, undoubtedly.

    Undoubtedly…

    Ye Zhiyun’s mood was unusually somber.

    Meanwhile, Yu Linna continued her discussions with the illustrator, his provocative style clashing with her vision. Despite her insistence, Zhiqiu’s revisions failed to satisfy her. Zhiqiu, a proud artist, his patience wearing thin, finally snapped.

    “Shion-sensei, don’t think you can do whatever you want just because you won the Gold Award! My art is recognized in the industry! If you don’t like my style, find someone else!”

    Zhiqiu had his pride. He was a renowned illustrator, having worked with numerous Wenqing authors. To have his style criticized by a newcomer… he had been remarkably patient.

    Yu Linna wasn’t inherently stubborn, but she felt his provocative style didn’t suit her novel, a story focused on plot and character development, not fanservice.

    Their disagreement escalated into an argument.

    “Sister Chen, I heard Zhiqiu and Shion are having a disagreement. The illustrations aren’t finished yet.”

    Rabbit Princess, aka Qian Jiaxuan, reported the issue to Chen Xi.

    Though a newcomer to the editorial department, Qian Jiaxuan was capable and had earned Chen Xi’s favor. She mostly managed male authors, often receiving unwanted private messages, and longed to work with a female author.

    “What happened?”

    Chen Xi, working late, pushed up her glasses, her annoyance evident. The publication date was approaching, and the illustrations weren’t finished yet.

    “Well, you know Zhiqiu’s style… it’s… fanservice-oriented. Shion-sensei doesn’t like it. She insists on a less revealing style, and Zhiqiu is furious. So, a week has passed, and there are no finished illustrations.”

    “That girl…”

    Only a few people in the editorial department knew Shion was female; most assumed she was male. Her dislike of fanservice was likely seen as incomprehensible.

    “Sister Chen, what should we do?”

    “I hired Zhiqiu; I can’t just let him go. I’ll talk to Shion.”

    She wanted Yu Linna’s book to attract readers, and in this market, an eye-catching cover was essential, especially for an unknown author. Though a Gold Award winner, she was still a newcomer.

    “By the way, are Bai Chen’s illustrations done?”

    “Yes, they’re finished, ready for printing.”

    “That’s Young Master; make sure there are no problems. Resolve any issues immediately.”

    Bai Chen, the Silver Award winner, the author of The Cross-dressing Young Master Doesn’t Want to be Served, though officially a newcomer, was using a pen name. He had published before, though only short stories.

    More importantly, he was the chief editor’s…

    So, there couldn’t be any problems.

    The next morning, Yu Linna dragged herself to school, exhausted from another late-night argument with the illustrator, their disagreement unresolved. She disliked his style, but asking him to change it seemed unrealistic. She considered finding a new illustrator.

    “Linna, are you okay? I called the police yesterday. Zhiyun told me you were safe, but I was so worried! Did those men do anything to you?”

    Fang Jiangning, arriving early, fussed over her, checking for any injuries.

    “I’m fine. Perfectly fine.”

    “I’m so sorry, Linna. I shouldn’t have left you alone. I’m glad you’re okay.”

    “It’s fine.”

    If it weren’t for Ye Zhiyun, things might have turned out differently. She was grateful for Zhiyun.

    “Let’s not talk about that. We have a quiz today. Did you study?”

    “Um… is it too late now?”

    “Come here, I’ll help you with the key points.”

    “Heehee, you’re the best.”

    The pressure of senior year was relentless. Yu Linna, sitting down, pulled out her notes, reviewing for the upcoming quiz. Her distinctive blonde hair stood out in the classroom. Huo Ningning, sitting to her left, could still see her, even with several students between them.

    Yu Linna was as beautiful as ever.

    She still wanted to get closer to her.

    “Linna.”

    With that thought, Huo Ningning stood up and walked over to her, determined to be more proactive today.

    “I…”

    “Not today.”

    “Huh?”

    The swift rejection caught her off guard.

    “W-wait! Don’t reject me so quickly!”

    “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

    Yu Linna wouldn’t go out with her, absolutely not. That introverted, unpredictable girl… who knew what she was thinking? Huo Ningning was attractive, but Yu Linna felt no connection to her, no desire for a closer relationship.

    Going out with her was out of the question.

    “Class rep, Yu Linna, the homeroom teacher wants to see you in the office.”

    “…Fine.”

    Going to the office together didn’t count as going out, right?

    Huo Ningning, unexpectedly, had a chance to be alone with Yu Linna. Though Yu Linna looked displeased, they had to go to the same place, so they walked together.

    Their homeroom teacher, Li Lexuan, was waiting for them.

    “Ningning, Linna, I wanted to talk to you about something. The gaokao is approaching, and everyone’s feeling the pressure. Ningning, your grades are decent, and you’re the class rep. I expect a good score from you on the next mock exam. Look at Fang Jiangning; her grades have improved significantly. You need to step up your game. Also, I’m planning to conduct home visits for some of the top students soon. Inform the class president and have him make an announcement during the class meeting.”

    The words “home visit” made Yu Linna’s blood run cold.

    What the fuck?! Another home visit?

    And this time, it was for the top students. She was definitely on the list. They had already done a home visit last semester; why another one? Would she have to find someone to impersonate her parent again? That trick wouldn’t work twice!

    “And you, Linna, though you’ve been much better this semester, not skipping classes for work, I still want to remind you to focus on your studies. You’re a valuable asset to our liberal arts program; the school is counting on you to achieve a high score. Don’t disappoint us.”

    “Oh… okay…”

    “Why do you sound so unenthusiastic? Show some youthful energy!”

    “Okay.”

    “This child…”

    Li Lexuan sighed. This girl was excellent in every way, except for her occasional disobedience. With her academic abilities, she could easily surpass the students from the Experimental High School. She had even outscored them on several tests, though she remained the top student at their school.

    The principal had recruited her from the Experimental High School, waiving her tuition fees; she couldn’t afford to slack off. The principal had high hopes for her.

    “Also, I’ll be visiting your home soon. How’s your mother doing?”

    “Huh?”

    Yu Linna recalled asking Ye Zhiyun to impersonate her mother, a memory she wasn’t fond of.

    Would she have to ask her again?

    It wouldn’t be easy.

    “My mom… she’s… in another city. Can we skip the home visit?”