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  • Transformed into a Female Villain, But Captured by My Beautiful Girl Disciples v2c45

    45. The Origin of the Suggestion

     

    Rewinding to Gong Yiling’s first visit to the palace, when she diagnosed Emperor Shangguan Long’s poisoning:

    “This poison… are you certain it’s unique to the demonic sects?” Shangguan Long didn’t want to suspect those he was reluctant to suspect.

    Although the young eunuch was dead, and no clues could be found from him, and Head Eunuch Gao’s story about the Baiyao Dynasty spices was a lie…

    If this poison truly came from the Myriad Demons Palace, then only a few could have access to it.

    Either this was a plot set up by the Young Palace Master during his visit to Yanlie City, but Shangguan Long couldn’t believe he would act alone.

    It was simple. What would the Myriad Demons Palace gain from his death?

    The one who would benefit directly was his own son, who had been consolidating power and acting increasingly arrogant.

    So, the first person Shangguan Long suspected was his own son.

    “Other demonic sects and the Four Kingdoms might also be able to obtain this poison, but Your Majesty, compared to your death, wouldn’t Shangguan Lingyue be a greater threat to them?”

    Gong Yiling’s words were blunt.

    Simply put—did you think your life was more valuable than the general’s? They wouldn’t waste so much effort just to kill you.

    But the Emperor understood.

    He took her words to heart, slamming his hand on the table. “That rebellious son!”

    “And Ziyuan’s disappearance must also be his doing! By eliminating me and Ziyuan, does he think he can secure the throne?”

    “I have no evidence to prove whether the First Prince is the mastermind, and I wouldn’t presume to influence Your Majesty’s judgment.”

    Gong Yiling took a sip of tea. “However, I do have a way to make the fox reveal its tail.”

    “What do you mean…?”

    “The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Whether it’s the First Prince or someone else, or perhaps both, Your Majesty can set a trap to expose them.”

    Gong Yiling put down her teacup, a thoughtful expression in her eyes.

    —She had a cheat, after all.

    Of course, this cheat wasn’t the useless system. She still didn’t understand its purpose, whether it was to give her strange items or just to annoy her to death.

    Her cheat was her omniscience.

    She knew who the traitor within the Shangguan family was, the locations of the demonic sects’ hideouts in Yanlie City, the identities of the twin spies, the Myriad Demons Palace’s plans, and Shangguan Yaochang and Shangguan Qingyun’s schemes.

    This was the advantage of being the “protagonist.” She knew about the upcoming bloodshed in this city and how to prevent it, how to lay her traps, and how to turn the tables on them.

    And her knowledge was something Shangguan Yaochang couldn’t defend against.

    Later—

    “Your Majesty actually agreed to this plan.” The Grand Elder said, concerned, “But Immortal Master, isn’t this too dangerous? The Myriad Demons Palace is not to be trifled with. Isn’t this leading the wolf into the house?”

    “If it doesn’t lure the wolf in, what’s the point?” Gong Yiling said confidently. “The demonic sects have been lurking in the shadows for too long. If you don’t force them out, the empire will crumble from within. Grand Elder, do you intend to be a sinner alongside His Majesty?”

    Yan Chuyue and Gong Yiling’s final treatment for the Grand Elder was on the day before the competition.

    While Yan Chuyue treated him, Gong Yiling found Emperor Shangguan Long in the back garden and asked directly, “Your Majesty, are you thinking about Shangguan Ziyuan?”

    Shangguan Long paused, then chuckled. “Can you even see through my thoughts, Immortal Master?”

    “A father’s gaze is unique. I recognize it.” Gong Yiling said, “Do you still believe she’s safe?”

    “Her life token is still intact. Although she might be suffering somewhere, at least she’s still alive.”

    He then looked at Gong Yiling thoughtfully.

    Muttering,

    “If Qingyun is the mastermind, he will lose the throne.”

    “Then, to whom shall I entrust the command of the Southern Eleven States?”

    Miss Gong understood his meaning.

    The only expert near the forest at the time was Gong Yiling. If Shangguan Ziyuan was rescued, then the one who saved her…

    It was practically spelled out for her.

    “I believe General Yan’s daughter would be a good choice.” Gong Yiling, undeterred, brought up a sensitive topic. “That girl isn’t having a good time at the Yan Estate. Doesn’t Your Majesty care?”

    Shangguan Long was speechless.

    If it weren’t for Gong Yiling being their savior, and possibly his daughter’s savior, plus her mysterious background with the Great One Engineering Sect, his attitude wouldn’t be so polite.

    “Old Yan was indeed my most trusted advisor, but I can only grant Chuyue the title of princess, allowing her to leave the Yan Estate. I can’t entrust her with military command.”

    “Is that so?” Gong Yiling said pointedly, “It seems Your Majesty is concerned not about Chuyue’s competence, but about the Yan family’s influence.”

    This struck a nerve.

    The Heartflame Empire valued martial prowess, evident from their admiration for Shangguan Lingyue.

    Although the Shangguan family held absolute power now, in the past, especially when General Yan was still alive, Shangguan Lingyue’s influence wasn’t as great.

    Every soldier in the empire, even if they didn’t know the Shangguan family, knew of General Yan’s reputation. Even Shangguan Lingyue could be said to have lived under his shadow.

    Shangguan Lingyue, a martial arts fanatic, didn’t care, but others did.

    Did Shangguan Long truly want the Yan family’s influence to surpass the Shangguan family’s?

    Only he knew the answer.

     

     

     

  • The Grotesque Miss’s End Story v2c75p2

    Chapter 75: She Died p2

    Screams, cries of children, and panicked shouts filled the air. Anyone who fell would be trampled to death in an instant, and even those moving with the crowd risked being injured.

    In stark contrast to the surrounding chaos, the young man stared intently at the cathedral, a look of regret appearing on his face only when the terrifying aura within showed no signs of dissipating.

    “Sigh, not even one death.”

    He lowered the giant axe in his hand, its impact on the ground causing tremors like an earthquake.

    Several terrifying cracks appeared on the ground, greedily swallowing the blood-soaked flesh and debris, staining the giant axe crimson.

    “Let’s try again… this time, closer.”

    The young man’s expression darkened as he gripped the axe and dragged it towards the cathedral.

    His eyes, filled with bloodshot veins, exuded a bloody aura. His heart pounded like thunder, another bloody storm brewing.

    Meanwhile, inside the cathedral.

    The Anglican choir’s singing abruptly stopped, almost everyone frozen in place, the scene before them too unbelievable.

    Not only the Archbishop on the pulpit, but also the followers below, anyone in a straight line between the cathedral’s entrance and the pulpit, had been reduced to bloody mist, staining the central hall crimson.

    …Too terrifying.

    So terrifying that almost everyone was paralyzed with fear.

    Or rather… everyone was caught in this bloody scene, unable to escape.

    They stared blankly ahead, their eyes filling with bloodshot veins, their expressions turning vacant.

    Thud.

    Thud…

    In the silent scene, clear footsteps echoed, accompanied by the screeching sound of an axe dragging across the ground, gradually approaching the cathedral.

    The shattered doors were slowly pushed open, and the handsome young man walked in.

    His gaze immediately fell upon the pulpit, but seeing the mangled remains of the Archbishop, a look of surprise flashed across his face.

    “Hmm? Why is Archbishop Johnson on the pulpit? Isn’t this the Church of Light’s territory?”

    The young man then shifted his gaze slightly, finally noticing the blindfolded nun in the wheelchair behind the Archbishop’s body.

    …His target.

    “Unexpectedly, Saint Alyssa, you are so courteous. My respect,” the young man said, bowing slightly, but he quickly raised his axe, a violent aura surging forth. “But… my apologies, I need your life.”

    This sudden turn of events also caught Luo Ling off guard. She hadn’t expected the Boy to attack so soon after Educator’s departure.

    And the surrounding followers…

    Luo Ling could sense something was wrong with them, and a strange, bloody scent lingered in the air, different from the murderous aura emanating from the Boy.

    A suspicion formed in her mind.

    Stasha, her legs trembling, cowered behind the wheelchair, clutching her head in terror.

    What was that just now?

    How… had the Archbishop been split in half so quickly?

    Why was there blood everywhere?

    Gruesome images flashed through Stasha’s mind, an urge to vomit overwhelming her.

    She wanted to stand up and push her sister’s wheelchair to escape, but her legs trembled uncontrollably. She couldn’t even stand in front of her sister to protect her.

    At the same time, Luo Ling couldn’t worry about the trembling Stasha behind her. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead, her vision rapidly fading.

    …The Spores scattered around her, replacing her lost sight, were being killed. The Boy was holding his axe, not preparing to attack, but already attacking.

    This was the second time Luo Ling’s Spores had failed, the first being against Educator.

    These Awakened Ones at the pinnacle of humanity, although unable to directly perceive the Spores, could still eliminate these omnipresent eyes in their own way.

    In just a few breaths, Luo Ling’s vision was completely engulfed in darkness. She was blind again.

    “Actually, I know, Saint Alyssa, you’re not the White Witch’s Apostle,” the Boy suddenly said.

    “But I can’t gamble, hehe… whether the Harbingers have truly collaborated with the White Witch. Although it was important before, it doesn’t matter now.

    “In any case, killing one more or less makes no difference. Enough people have died already.”

    As his voice fell, the Boy’s bloodlust intensified.

    The next moment, another bloody storm erupted, tearing apart countless followers within the cathedral, a heavy killing intent descending upon Luo Ling.

    In a split second, Luo Ling stood up, scooping up Stasha at an almost imperceptible speed and dodging the attack with an ungainly roll, crashing to the ground.

    The wheelchair shattered, along with the statue behind it, splintering into pieces.

    The wall was completely breached, cracks spreading rapidly, shards of stained glass raining down from the cathedral’s dome, as if it was about to collapse.

    The Boy didn’t seem to mind the missed attack.

    Although his gaze remained fixed on the fallen Saint, he seemed to be constantly scanning his surroundings.

    “S-sister…”

    Stasha’s weak, tearful voice echoed, her trembling hands trying to help her sister up, but shards of falling glass struck her head, blood instantly flowing.

    But she seemed to feel no pain, continuing to frantically support her sister’s arm, blood covering her face.

    “I’m alright…”

    Luo Ling sat up, supporting herself. In her briefly restored Spore vision, she saw Stasha, her face covered in blood, her expression filled with terror and confusion.

    “Stasha, you’re hurt…”

    Luo Ling’s Spore vision vanished again. She reached out blindly, gently touching Stasha’s head, healing her wounds.

    “Sister…”

    Stasha was in shock. The scene before her was beyond her comprehension, making her instinctively cling to her familiar sister.

    Luo Ling turned to “look” towards the Boy, whose presence she could still faintly sense, her expression calm.

    Luo Ling knew she couldn’t escape.

    More accurately, Alyssa… couldn’t escape.

    The Boy had come here with the intent to kill, and this wasn’t an avatar, but his main body.

    Educator’s strength was terrifying, but the Boy seemed even stronger. He was clearly holding back, his attention not fully focused on her. Even so, he was an existence Alyssa couldn’t possibly contend with.

    Even if Luo Ling descended personally, it would be difficult to save Alyssa.

    But at least… she could protect Stasha.

    “If it were you, Alyssa, you would make the same choice, right?” Luo Ling asked silently in her heart.

    The answer… was obvious.

    Alyssa loved her sister, just like her own sister loved her.

    This emotion, even within Alyssa’s dead body, was an unstoppable instinct.

    A strange sensation on her cheeks. Luo Ling reached up and touched them. They were wet.

    Alyssa’s tears.

    Not hers.

    The next moment, Alyssa’s lower body was completely replaced by fungal threads, and she stood up, supporting herself.

    The Boy seemed to notice, his attention finally shifting to Alyssa’s legs.

    “This… is?” The Boy’s pupils constricted, his previously vague perception suddenly becoming clear. He murmured, “Unexpectedly… it’s true…”

    His grip on the axe tightened.

    “Your target… is only me, right?”

    Luo Ling said softly.

    “Correct,” the Boy nodded slightly.

    He wasn’t bloodthirsty, but to kill the Saint efficiently, he would inevitably harm others in the process. That was all.

    Unlike the Harbingers, after this battle, he would pray for the souls of those he had killed and observe three minutes of silence.

    Three precious minutes for a Company director.

    “Alright,” Luo Ling nodded. “I’m ready to die.”

    She walked towards the Boy step by step. The Boy felt a surge of respect for the Saint’s willingness to face death. He could see that she was trying to protect the ordinary person cowering behind her.

    Such righteousness deserved a swift death.

    The Boy had heard that the Saint was very protective of her sister. If he could use her sister as a hostage to increase his chances of killing her, he wouldn’t hesitate.

    Loyalty and love were admirable, but that wouldn’t stop him from exploiting them to complete his mission.

    “If you weren’t the White Witch’s Apostle, I would personally invite you to join the Company,” the Boy said softly, raising his axe. “But now, Saint Alyssa, please make your way to the underworld.”

    The Boy slightly adjusted the angle of his attack to avoid hitting Stasha.

    If he could kill the Saint directly, there was no need to harm her sister, causing unnecessary casualties.

    “Stasha,” her sister’s gentle voice echoed, as familiar as ever.

    Stasha looked up blankly, seeing only her sister’s back.

    “…Live.”

    Before she could finish her words, the axe descended with a bloody slash.

    But… the eternal Silent Demise Luo Ling expected didn’t come.

    As the Boy struck, as if waiting for this very moment, all the followers within the cathedral exploded, turning into bloody figures, blood spraying everywhere.

    Along with the blood already on the ground, it surged towards the Boy.

    At the critical moment, the Boy held back his strength, using his axe to block the attack, but he was still sent staggering back.

    At the same time, a small, childish figure appeared at the cathedral entrance, a look of disappointment on its blood-stained face.

    “As expected!”

    The Boy swallowed a mouthful of blood, exclaiming softly.

    He knew Educator had been lurking nearby, which was why he had held back, reserving some strength to counter him.

    “But unfortunately, I couldn’t inflict any significant injuries on you,” Educator said calmly.

    The bloody figures all stood up, staring intently at the Boy, a terrifying sight.

    Because the Boy had held back his strength, Alyssa’s body was only sent flying, bisected at the waist, not a fatal wound.

    After a moment of shock, Luo Ling regained her senses, supporting herself.

    Her first thought wasn’t about her own well-being, but whether Stasha would be traumatized by this horrific scene.

    “Stasha, Stasha… where are you…”

    Alyssa murmured, her instinct driving her to find and protect her sister.

    But there was no response.

    …No sound at all.

    Within the domains of two peak-level Awakened Ones, Luo Ling pushed Alyssa’s body to its limits, releasing a brief burst of Spores.

    Through the Spores’ fleeting vision, Luo Ling finally saw Stasha.

    And she understood why Stasha hadn’t responded.

    …She was just like the followers in the cathedral.

    All the blood vessels in Stasha’s body had ruptured, her form barely recognizable, turned into a gruesome, bloody mess.

    Her internal organs were mangled, mixing with her flesh and blood, flowing towards…

    Educator’s hands.

    —She was dead.

    Silently, without a sound.

  • Captivating Beauty 75

    Chapter 75

    The sharp crack of Cai Ying’s slap echoed through the room, making everyone gasp.

    Most of them didn’t recognize Cai Ying, but everyone knew Han Wenling.

    At least, everyone at this banquet did.

    Han Wenling had been slapped before, as a child, by both her parents.

    A few incidents stood out in her memory.

    Once, when her parents were divorcing, her mother, drunk, had slapped her.

    Another time, when Han Wenfang had fallen and hit her head on a flowerpot, their father, assuming Han Wenling had pushed her, had slapped her. Her stepmother had been there too, holding Han Wenfang, her face impassive. Han Wenling had been only nine years old.

    Both times, the burning sting on her cheek, the tears streaming down her face, had been an involuntary reaction to the physical and emotional pain.

    But she hadn’t cried since she was nine.

    She had become like the moss-covered stone in the garden she had seen that day, cold and unyielding.

    It wasn’t the stone that had injured Han Wenfang.

    It was the stone that had broken her heart.

    Now, looking down at Cai Ying, she felt a strange warmth spreading through her chest, her heart, usually cold and still, beating slowly, then quickening as a tear traced a path down Cai Ying’s cheek.

    A burning sensation.

    “Cai Ying,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, lost in the noise of the banquet hall, a sound only she could hear.

    “Are you crazy?!”

    The woman beside Han Wenling, reacting first, shoved Cai Ying.

    Cai Ying stumbled backward, caught by Shen Shu, who instinctively stepped in front of her, shielding her protectively, her anger flaring at the woman’s aggressive behavior.

    Xu Jinnan also reacted instantly, stepping forward to stand in front of Shen Shu and Cai Ying.

    He Qing, the He family heiress, recently returned from abroad, wasn’t familiar with these people.

    She only sensed a dangerous aura emanating from the woman in front of her, a subtle dominance, especially in her sharp, almond-shaped eyes, that made her instinctively wary.

    She had already lost this battle.

    “Nan-jie!” Chen Bo exclaimed nervously.

    There was only one person in North City who was addressed with such deference. He Qing paused, the words “Miss Xu” still forming on her lips.

    Xu Jinnan glanced at her coldly, then turned to Han Wenling.

    Chen Bo, seeing this, hurried over, his voice low and urgent. “Nan-jie, calm down! Don’t do anything rash!”

    He was genuinely afraid of what she might do.

    This wasn’t on the same level as Cai Ying’s slap.

    This was a public place, with too many people, too many prying eyes. It wasn’t the time or place for a confrontation.

    Han Wenling, looking at Xu Jinnan’s cold, impassive face, her thoughts racing, then her gaze shifted to the person behind her.

    Cai Ying stepped forward, tears streaming down her face, her eyes red and swollen.

    She blinked, trying to hold back the tears, then stood directly in front of Han Wenling, her hand, still stinging from the slap, trembling slightly.

    She looked at Han Wenling for a long moment, her gaze unwavering, then lowered her head and tried to unclasp the bracelet on her wrist, the sparkling diamonds now like icy shackles, a cold weight on her skin.

    But she couldn’t unclasp it.

    Shen Shu reached out to help, but Cai Ying, with a sudden surge of anger, ripped the bracelet from her wrist, a single pink diamond, the most beautiful one on the delicate silver chain, flying off and disappearing into the crowd.

    “Han Wenling,” she said, her voice trembling, the name, both familiar and unfamiliar, a bitter taste on her tongue, “I was blind.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “From now on, I wouldn’t look at you even if you were a dog.”

    “I swear.”

    —

    Cai Ying turned and walked away, her head held high, the crowd parting slightly as she passed.

    Xu Jinnan glanced at Han Wenling, then, without another word, followed Shen Shu and Cai Ying.

    That single glance was enough for Chen Bo to sense the shift in the atmosphere.

    “This isn’t good…” he muttered, watching the three women leave, then turned to Han Wenling and He Qing. “Miss Han, that Miss Cai is the only daughter of the Cai family.”

    Not only was she the apple of her father’s eye, but Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu’s protectiveness towards her was also a clear sign that this wasn’t a trivial matter.

    And that look in Xu Jinnan’s eyes…

    While the Han family was almost equal in status to the Xu family, it wasn’t quite there yet.

    And Xu Jinnan’s own influence was considerable. If she decided to retaliate on Cai Ying’s behalf, combined with the Cai family’s own power, Han Wenling would be in serious trouble.

    He was certain of it.

    Han Wenling didn’t reply, her gaze following Cai Ying’s retreating figure, her eyelashes fluttering slightly.

    “What just happened? I thought I was helping you avoid trouble, but now it seems like I’ve caused even more,” He Qing said, pulling her hand away from Han Wenling’s arm.

    —

    Outside the hotel, Cai Ying’s tears flowed freely, her face wet and streaked with mascara.

    Hearing Shen Shu call her name, she stopped, then turned and threw herself into Shen Shu’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

    Images of her time with Han Wenling flashed through her mind – their first meeting at the studio, their first tutoring session at the library, their first date at the mall, holding hands, their first kiss at the movie theater.

    Han Wenling had always been kind, gentle, and patient, her occasional moments of introspection only adding to her allure. Cai Ying had never suspected she was being deceived.

    Even her name was fake.

    Every word, every gesture, a carefully crafted lie.

    And she even had a fiancée… Did that make Cai Ying the “other woman”?

    The thought made her cry even harder, Han Wenling’s confession a knife twisting in her heart.

    She had been betrayed again.

    “Shu Shu, do I look that easy to fool? I’m so heartbroken…”

    Shen Shu’s heart ached, her anger flaring. She wanted to go back inside and slap Han Wenling again.

    “They’re the ones who are messed up,” she said, her voice tight with anger, gently patting Cai Ying’s back.

    Xu Jinnan stood beside them, sighing inwardly. While she usually enjoyed teasing Cai Ying, seeing her cry like this made her feel strangely protective, especially noticing Shen Shu’s worried expression.

    After a while, Cai Ying pulled away from Shen Shu’s embrace, her eyes meeting Shen Shu’s. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice choked with sobs. “It’s not like I haven’t dealt with scumbags before. I’ll be over it in a few days.”

    But her heart ached, a heavy, suffocating pain, like a balloon inflated to its bursting point.

    Giving your heart to someone, only to have it trampled and discarded…

    It was a disgusting feeling.

    She never wanted to see Han Wenling’s face again.

    Shen Shu’s heart ached even more, and she was about to turn around and go back inside when Xu Jinnan gently grasped her arm.

    “You two go wait in the car,” she said, her thumb gently caressing Shen Shu’s wrist. “I’ll handle this.”

    While Cai Ying and Han Wenling hadn’t been together for very long, Xu Jinnan could tell Cai Ying had been deeply invested in the relationship.

    Despite her claims of wanting to “seduce” her tutor, Cai Ying was a genuine and passionate person, the type to give her heart freely and without reservation.

    Shen Shu wouldn’t let this go.

    And besides their connection through Shen Shu, Xu Jinnan also considered Cai Ying a friend, almost a younger sister.

    “Where are you going?” Shen Shu asked.

    Xu Jinnan glanced at Cai Ying, whose eyes were still filled with tears, then said, “Mr. Cai is inside. He must have heard the commotion. You two shouldn’t get involved in this.”

    Cai Ying, wiping away her tears, seemed to realize the implications of slapping Han Wenling, the eldest daughter of the HP Group.

    “Did I cause trouble for my dad?” she asked, fresh tears streaming down her face, her heartbreak still raw.

    “You didn’t cause any trouble,” Shen Shu said softly.

    “Shu Shu’s right,” Xu Jinnan said, her fingers toying with the pearl and gold necklace, which suddenly felt too tight. “With me here, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

    She watched as they got into the car, telling Viola to stay with them, then turned and reentered the hotel.

    —

    Chen Bo, unsure if Xu Jinnan would return, had been waiting at the entrance after informing his father of her arrival.

    Seeing her now, his eyes lit up, and he hurried over to greet her.

    Without a word, Xu Jinnan had him lead her to the VIP area.

    It was a lavishly decorated room, filled with North City’s business elite. Chen Bo’s father, the guest of honor, sat at the head of the table.

    Xu Tao sat on one side, the Han family on the other.

    The remaining guests included the matriarch of the HL Group, Director Song, Han Fu’s mother, and a few other prominent figures.

    As Xu Jinnan entered, she saw Cai Ying’s father, his face grim, walking towards the exit.

    “Mr. Cai, please wait a moment,” she said, her voice calm and clear. “Shu Shu is waiting for her in the car.”

    Mr. Cai, his hair streaked with gray despite being only 48, his face pale, nodded at Xu Jinnan, his tone grateful. “I know you’re protecting her. Thank you.”

    “Now, now, Mr. Cai, don’t jump to conclusions. There might be a misunderstanding,” the matriarch of the HL Group said.

    Xu Jinnan smiled faintly. “You’re right, Mrs. He. It was a misunderstanding. But the one who caused it was Miss Han.” She turned to the Han patriarch. “With your impending merger, I thought it best to clarify things, to avoid any unpleasant rumors.”

    She briefly explained the situation, starting with Han Wenling’s fake identity as a tutor.

    “I have to say, Miss Han’s deception was quite impressive. Even I was fooled,” she said, looking at CEO Han.

    Mr. Cai scoffed. “How dare she! I’ve heard about your daughter’s reputation, Mr. Han, but I never thought she would target my family. Does she think the Cai family is easy to bully?”

    “Mr. Han, you owe me an explanation! Or should I seek it myself?”

    “Mr. Cai, please calm down,” Xu Jinnan said, her voice soothing. “Cai Ying is Shu Shu’s friend, and my friend.”

    Her stance was clear.

    Xu Tao, who had been silent, finally spoke. “While it might seem like a trivial matter between children, Miss Han’s actions were inappropriate.”

    Xu Jinnan wasn’t surprised by his intervention. He enjoyed seeing the Han family lose face, and he always supported her in public, especially now.

    Chen Bo’s father, his attitude towards Xu Jinnan having changed considerably, also spoke up, despite his position as the host, wanting to maintain a neutral stance, but also wanting to show respect for Xu Jinnan and Xu Tao.

    “I think it’s best to clarify things. Why don’t we have Miss Han explain herself? Mrs. He, Mr. Han, what do you think? We’re all friends here. Let’s not let this create any unnecessary conflict.”

    Mrs. He was speechless. Most of the influential figures in the room were siding with Xu Jinnan. What could she do?

    She suddenly regretted agreeing to the engagement with Han Wenling, which had seemed like a strategic alliance, considering Han Wenling’s promising future. Now, she was trapped.

    The Xu family alone was a formidable opponent.

    What had Han Wenling done?!

    Mr. Han, his face pale and his breathing labored, slammed his hand on the table. “That ungrateful wretch! Bring her here!”

    Han Wenling was quickly summoned. She had a feeling she knew what this was about.

    Slap!

    Mr. Han, his hand trembling, stood up and slapped her hard across the face, her lip splitting at the impact.

    —

    Half an hour later, Xu Jinnan and Mr. Cai left the hotel and returned to the car.

    Mr. Cai woke Cai Ying, who, seeing his face, immediately clung to him, her voice choked with tears. “Dad…”

    He patted her back gently. “It’s okay. Daddy’s here.”

    Cai Ying tried to speak, but he stopped her. “It’s not your fault. It’s my fault. I didn’t even know you were dating. I’ve been too busy, too neglectful.”

    Seeing her tear-streaked face and red, swollen eyes, his heart ached, and he forced himself to calm down, soothing her before turning to Xu Jinnan and thanking her.

    Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu shook their heads. “It was nothing, Mr. Cai. You should take her home now,” Shen Shu said.

    “Indeed. There’s no need for further thanks,” Xu Jinnan added. Shen Shu had always been kind to Cai Ying, encouraging her and supporting her, even inspiring her to focus on her studies, along with Xu Jinnan’s own words of encouragement.

    Mr. Cai looked at Xu Jinnan. “Xiao Xu, words can’t express my gratitude. From now on, the Cai family is your ally. No matter what.” Xu Jinnan had risked offending both the Han and He families with her actions tonight.

    He could tell it wasn’t just a strategic move to gain the Cai family’s support; she genuinely cared about Cai Ying.

    Besides, after decades in the business world, he had a keen sense for these things – Xu Jinnan was a rising star, a force to be reckoned with.

    —

    Viola drove Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu back to Xingcheng International.

    Shen Shu remained silent during the drive, her calm demeanor masking her anger.

    Xu Jinnan moved closer to her, taking her hand, and didn’t speak until they were back in the apartment, then whispered, “I promised you, if it was Han Wenling, I would rip her head off.” While it was meant as a joke, there was a steely undertone to her voice.

    “Don’t worry, Han Wenling will be paying for this for a long time,” she continued.

    She had expected a fight, but Mr. Han, without even asking for an explanation, had publicly slapped his daughter, a clear message to everyone present.

    He had then announced that Han Wenling was being relieved of all her duties, further solidifying her downfall.

    Actions had consequences.

    Xu Jinnan briefly explained what had happened.

    Her calm, soothing voice, her warm breath, slightly tinged with alcohol, eased Shen Shu’s lingering anger.

    “Cai Ying has her own path to walk. Perhaps this is a necessary step in her growth,” Xu Jinnan said.

    “I’d rather she didn’t have to grow up,” Shen Shu replied softly, her voice full of a wistful longing for Cai Ying’s continued innocence.

    It was a selfish thought.

    She knew Cai Ying, as the sole heiress of the Cai family, would eventually have to face the harsh realities of the business world, even with professional managers to assist her.

    Cai Ying’s father, Shen Shu, and Xu Jinnan could protect her for now, but not forever.

    “At least not like this,” Shen Shu said.

    Xu Jinnan wasn’t sure how to comfort her. Life wasn’t fair, and she herself had experienced more in the past few months than most people did in a lifetime.

    You could only learn from your experiences and become more discerning.

    She gently stroked Shen Shu’s hair, her fingers brushing against the back of her neck, untangling a strand of hair caught in the lace of her dress.

    “I understand,” she murmured.

    The light touch on her neck, and the faint scent of alcohol on Xu Jinnan’s breath, drew Shen Shu’s attention.

    “Have you been drinking?”

    “A couple of glasses,” Xu Jinnan replied.

    Her lips, slightly dry from the alcohol, looked like parched leaves.

    With so many important figures present, especially Chen Bo’s father, who had shown her considerable respect, she had to make an effort.

    Achieving her goals sometimes required… social lubrication.

    But the thought was fleeting.

    She bent down to retrieve their slippers from the shoe rack, the fitted dress clinging to her slender frame.

    As she stood up, the pearls and gold chain around her neck swayed gently.

    “Aren’t you cold?” Shen Shu asked.

    “I didn’t notice until you mentioned it,” Xu Jinnan replied, rubbing her arms, a slight shiver running through her.

    “Go take a shower then,” Shen Shu said.

    Xu Jinnan, seeing Shen Shu’s insistence, nodded and retrieved a two-piece silk pajama set.

    —

    After their showers, neither of them felt like watching TV, so they sat on the bed, one with her phone, the other with a book.

    Xu Jinnan was typing on her phone, while Shen Shu was reading The Ferryman.

    Xu Jinnan scrolled through the messages in her work group chat. They were discussing the team-building event again.

    Designer Qi: [CEO Xu, about that camping trip with hot springs… should we start planning?]

    HR: [Raises hand emoji]

    Finance Director Nana: [Raises hand emoji]

    Admin Liu: [Hot springs!!!]

    The company had been performing well, exceeding their KPIs for the first half of the year in just two weeks, and after a period of intense work, they deserved a break.

    Xu Jinnan: [Okay.]

    Xu Jinnan: [@Admin Liu Look into it early next month. Find a suitable location and date.]

    Admin Liu: [Roger that! Thank you, boss!]

    Designer Qi: [Thank you, boss!]

    Finance Director Nana: [CEO Xu, we can bring our families, right? Grinning emoji]

    Xu Jinnan immediately replied, “Yes,” then, as they asked if she would be bringing her wife, she paused, glancing at Shen Shu.

    Shen Shu, her dark hair in a messy bun, looked up, sensing her gaze.

    “What?” she asked, her mood still slightly subdued after the Cai Ying incident.

    Xu Jinnan showed her the messages, then, after a moment, asked, “Are you going?”

    “Do you want me to go?”

    “Of course I want you to go,” Xu Jinnan replied without thinking.

    Then, she reconsidered. Camping and hot springs… both presented opportunities for… activities. She had thought about this when they had first suggested it, but she had completely forgotten just now.

    Shen Shu, a flicker of amusement in her eyes, nodded. “I’ll check my schedule,” she said, turning a page in her book, her voice calm. “I’ll try to make it.”

    Xu Jinnan’s ear tingled at her tone.

    “Is it good?” she asked. “The book, I mean.”

    Shen Shu closed the book, the cover showing a bright yellow sun breaking through dark purple clouds, its reflection shimmering on the surface of the ocean, a small boat silhouetted against the horizon.

    The title: If I Stay.

    “It’s good,” Shen Shu replied.

    “Dylan is sent to the afterlife by Tristan, but then she realizes what she truly wants and decides to return, despite the dangers. Tristan, however, is now like Dylan was at the beginning, cautious and afraid of breaking the rules… I haven’t finished it yet, but I think it has a happy ending,” she explained.

    Xu Jinnan, looking at the title, felt a pang of emotion. “It sounds… hopeful.”

    —

    Time passed, and at 11 p.m., Shen Shu put down her book. “Aren’t you going to sleep?”

    “Soon. You go ahead,” Xu Jinnan replied.

    She turned off the living room lights, leaving only the bedside lamp on.

    A few minutes later, hearing Shen Shu shift on the bed, she quickly finished replying to her messages and turned off the light.

    The room was plunged into darkness.

    Xu Jinnan lay down, feeling drowsy after only two glasses of wine. “Good night, Shu Shu,” she murmured.

    Shen Shu didn’t reply, and Xu Jinnan turned to her, her eyes still adjusting to the darkness, about to speak, when Shen Shu’s blanket shifted, the warmth of her body followed by a sudden coolness as she moved closer, then the warmth returned as she snuggled against Xu Jinnan, her arm wrapping around her waist.

    Xu Jinnan’s heart skipped a beat, a pleasant flutter in her chest.

    “Xu Jinnan.”

    “Yes?”

    “Your heart is racing.”

    “…It is,” Xu Jinnan replied, thinking, Because you’re holding me so tight, your ear pressed against my collarbone, that’s why my heart is racing.

    Shen Shu’s fingers gently poked her side.

    Xu Jinnan opened her eyes, chuckling softly. “Where did you learn that habit? Poking people’s sides?”

    “From you,” Shen Shu replied.

    Xu Jinnan’s throat tightened.

    …Touché.

    After a moment, she gently disentangled herself from Shen Shu’s embrace, cupping her face in her hands and kissing her softly.

    “Go to sleep,” she murmured, her breath warm against Shen Shu’s cheek, then took Shen Shu’s hand, her fingers interlaced with hers, as if afraid she would move again.

    Xu Jinnan’s skin was warm and clean, the faint scent of alcohol still lingering.

    A subtle, intoxicating fragrance.

    “Just one?” Shen Shu whispered.

    Xu Jinnan took a deep breath. Here we go again.

    Since that night, these… tests had become more frequent. And Shen Shu seemed bolder now, her touch more deliberate, her words more suggestive.

    It made Xu Jinnan feel strangely passive.

    Her eyes darkened as she leaned in, their foreheads touching.

    As they pulled away, their breathing slightly ragged, the only sound in the room the gentle rustling of the wind outside, like a soft melody accompanying their silent symphony.

    Xu Jinnan’s lips, no longer dry, glistened in the darkness.

    “Shu Shu, only puppies do that,” she murmured, her voice husky.

    Shen Shu’s face burned in the darkness, and she leaned in again, gently biting Xu Jinnan’s lower lip.

    Xu Jinnan winced, a soft hiss escaping her lips.

    Shen Shu pushed her away, then, when Xu Jinnan didn’t resist, simply lay back down, a chuckle escaping her lips. “See? I told you.”

    “You’re annoying,” she murmured.

    “Yes, I am,” Xu Jinnan replied, accepting the accusation with a smile.

    Shen Shu, hearing the amusement in her voice, playfully slapped her arm, the light touch a subtle caress.

    She turned over, her back to Xu Jinnan. “Go to sleep,” she said.

    Xu Jinnan also turned over, her gaze lingering on Shen Shu’s bare shoulder, then she pulled the blanket higher, covering her.

    “Good night,” she whispered.

    —

    The peaceful silence of early morning was shattered by a vibrating phone.

    Xu Jinnan reached for it, glancing at Shen Shu, who had also been woken by the noise. She picked up her own phone; it was Li Lan.

    Li Lan wouldn’t call at this hour unless it was important.

    Unless there had been a breakthrough in the stalker case.

    Xu Jinnan was instantly wide awake, sitting up in bed. “She confessed,” Li Lan said.

    Xu Jinnan waited for the name.

    “Zhou Pei.”

  • My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty 68

    Chapter 68: Restless Without Xue

    The trio had dinner at Old Cat Noodle Shop again. This time, as soon as Xiao Luohan finished ordering, she went to compliment the owner’s cat.

    The owner had seen plenty of “cat-obsessed people.” She knew what Xiao Luohan wanted just from the first few words, chuckled, and stepped aside, watching as Xiao Luohan walked towards the still-pretending-to-be-asleep dairy cow cat.

    Xiao Luohan hadn’t expected that the first cat she petted in the new world wouldn’t be Xie Xitong’s Xixi.

    She cautiously extended her hand towards the dairy cow cat, slowly lowering it until it rested on the cat’s gently rising and falling back.

    A warm, fluffy sensation immediately spread through her palm. The dairy cow cat didn’t even open its eyes, just rolled over, turning its back to her, but its tail twitched.

    Xiao Luohan became bolder, spreading her fingers and stroking the cat from head to tail.

    The cat purred contentedly, but it still wasn’t as clingy as Xixi. It simply stood up, turned, and climbed to a higher level on the cat tree.

    Clearly enjoying it, yet still avoiding the kindness…

    This made Xiao Luohan want to touch it even more.

    She wanted to pull it down, hold it in her arms, and pet it until it meowed in protest, yet continued to snuggle against her contentedly.

    But just as she raised her hand, the dairy cow cat suddenly opened its eyes, its pale yellow eyes glaring at her warningly.

    Xiao Luohan hesitated, then wiggled her finger towards it and, as expected, saw the dairy cow cat hiss, its gaze turning fierce.

    “It’s not familiar with you yet. Come more often, and it’ll change its mind,” the owner said with a smile. “It’s always like this, but it doesn’t bite. If you get any closer, it’ll just run away.”

    Xiao Luohan withdrew her hand, looked at the slightly bristling dairy cow cat, and fell into thought.

    Should she bring some “cat treats” next time? She remembered seeing many cat treats in the videos she had watched: treat sticks, freeze-dried snacks, canned food…

    She mentally added this to her shopping list and continued thinking about it while eating her noodles.

    Seeing this, Jiang Xue couldn’t help but say, “Xiao Luo, if you have any problems, you can tell us, and we’ll help you find a solution. You…”

    She had wanted to say, “You’re not alone anymore,” but felt it was presumptuous, so she stopped there, putting down her chopsticks and looking at Xiao Luohan intently.

    “It’s not a problem, it’s just that I don’t know much about this,” Xiao Luohan finally looked at them. “It’s strange, that dairy cow cat clearly doesn’t like being close to people, but I want to gain its trust, hoping that one day it will come and rub against me.”

    Jiang Xue: …

    This was beyond her knowledge, so she looked at Xie Xitong for help.

    “So, I was thinking, should I bring some ‘cat treats’ next time?” Xiao Luohan continued. “But what kind of cat treats should I buy?”

    “Just ask me!” Xie Xitong said generously. “I have a cat, so I always have various treats at home, brands that Xixi has been eating for years. I probably have whatever you want to try.”

    “But the ‘lure’ of treats varies from cat to cat. Some cats can’t resist the smell of treat sticks, but some cats ignore even the most expensive canned food.”

    Hearing this, Jiang Xue whispered, “Then I’ll ask the owner what Mian Mian likes. It would be a waste to open the treats and have no cat eat them.”

    It wasn’t like they were trying to lure a stray cat. Mian Mian had been raised by the owner for many years, so it shouldn’t be difficult to cater to its tastes.

    The dairy cow cat, continuing to pretend to be asleep on the high perch of the cat tree, was completely unaware of the plans being made for it.

    After dinner, Xiao Luohan returned to the classroom to pack her bag and prepare to leave.

    Her health wasn’t good, and Jiang Xue didn’t want her to stay for evening self-study. At least for the next few months, Xiao Luohan would go home and rest at this time.

    Jiang Xue walked her to the school gate, familiarizing her with the route to and from school once again.

    “I’ve memorized it,” Xiao Luohan suddenly turned around before leaving the school gate. “There’s no need to see me off like this tomorrow.”

    Jiang Xue wasn’t surprised. After observing her for a day, she found that Xiao Luo was adapting to the new world much faster than she had expected.

    “So fast? That’s great!” she praised with a bright smile, then explained, “But I’m seeing you off because I want to, not just to show you the way.”

    She waved to Xiao Luo, watching as she walked towards Sister Cheng, who was standing tall and straight as always, and got into the silver car, slowly driving away.

    Xiao Luohan also watched her through the window, not turning away until she was out of sight. She then sat up straight, replaying Jiang Xue’s words in her mind.

    —”I’m seeing you off because I want to.”

    How could she say such things? Where did she learn them?

    “Third Miss, I’ve moved the plum blossoms to the rented apartment. You can see if you want to adjust their position later,” Sister Cheng said apologetically as they approached the apartment. “Madam Wei always says that plants should be placed where people can see them, and I agree, so I took the liberty.”

    “Not at all! I also think it’s a good idea!” Xiao Luohan quickly agreed. “Being able to see the buds bloom is truly a delight.”

    She and Jiang Xue hadn’t told Sister Cheng about Elder Sister’s soul being attached to the plum blossoms yet. Firstly, the buds hadn’t bloomed yet, and secondly… if these plum blossoms withered like ordinary flowers, it would only add to the sadness.

    The Sister Cheng of this world was similar to the Shizhu she knew in many ways. She seemed serious on the surface, but was easily moved and sentimental about such small, everyday things.

    When the car stopped near the rented apartment, it was already completely dark.

    Xiao Luohan followed Sister Cheng, watching as she turned on the lights on each floor, stomping her foot on a certain floor.

    “This is an old building. Some of the lights were installed later and are voice-activated. Clapping or shouting can also turn them on,” Sister Cheng explained as they walked. “This is the emergency exit. In case of a power outage or fire, use this, don’t take the elevator. Look, this black and green sign is for the emergency exit.”

    Xiao Luohan obediently agreed, but her mind started to wander.

    She remembered Jiang Xue saying that she usually took the elevator to and from the apartment, but as soon as she arrived, Sister Cheng had taken her through the emergency exit, and Sister Cheng had also mentioned “fire”… Could it be that the Sister Cheng of this world had also experienced a similar accident?

    Since Sister Cheng wasn’t the real Shizhu, she decided to wait until Jiang Xue returned to ask.

    Arriving at the rented apartment, and especially after entering Jiang Xue’s bedroom, Xiao Luohan felt a sense of familiarity.

    Last time, she had slept here, not very soundly, but fortunately, Jiang Xue had been with her. Returning here again, she felt like she was “returning to a familiar place.”

    Although it was dark, it wasn’t bedtime yet, so Xiao Luohan went to look at the plum blossom branches Sister Cheng had moved.

    Including the one Shizhu had initially given her, there were now four branches in total, all placed in a beautiful, transparent glass vase.

    She didn’t know if it was because it was the right season, or because it was warm here, but the buds seemed to be about to bloom, perhaps in the next few days.

    Thinking of this, Xiao Luohan’s already good mood brightened even more.

    After looking at the plum blossoms, she thought of the succulents she had liked today.

    She would arrange them on the sunny windowsill, or perhaps buy a shelf and arrange them like in the gardening club’s glass room.

    At the thought of “buying,” Xiao Luohan took out her phone, turned it on, opened the shopping app, and searched for shelves, then recorded the budget price in the notes app.

    She kept track of every expense since arriving in the new world, planning to repay them all after she had the ability to earn money.

    She also remembered Jiang Xue’s words today, knowing that she wasn’t doing this out of “obsession,” but setting main goals for each stage of her future.

    Both to integrate into the new world and to improve herself day by day, to reach a higher place and see the scenery of this new world.

    At 7:00 PM, feeling sleepy, Xiao Luohan said goodnight to Sister Cheng, washed up, and got into bed.

    After learning that she also wanted to sleep in the rented apartment, Sister Cheng had thoughtfully prepared a set of bedding, with her favorite pillowcases and duvet cover, placing them next to Jiang Xue’s.

    Xiao Luohan’s quilt was placed on the outside, but she moved it to the inside, closer to the wall, so that when Jiang Xue came back at night, she could lie down directly without having to climb over her.

    After doing all this, she turned off the lights and closed her eyes.

    She was surrounded by the familiar, comforting fragrance. In this peaceful atmosphere, she tried to fall asleep.

    But for some reason, when she woke up groggily and checked the time, she found that only half an hour had passed.

    Puzzled, she turned off her phone screen and tried to sleep again, but soon woke up again.

    After this happened three or four times, Xiao Luohan simply turned on the light, sat up in bed, and grabbed her phone.

    She first opened WeChat, skillfully navigating to her chat with Jiang Xue, but after typing a few words, she felt it was inappropriate, deleted them, and opened the notes app, creating a new, unnamed category.

    She recorded her situation tonight and added a preliminary guess:

    【Restless sleep in the new world, waking up repeatedly, feeling a sense of loss. Compared to the past, tonight, without Xue by my side… This conclusion needs further observation and confirmation.】

    Because she mentioned Jiang Xue, she password-protected this category and its contents.

    Since she couldn’t sleep, she needed to find something to do. Xiao Luohan hesitated between “reading textbooks” and “watching anime,” then chose anime.

    Textbooks could be read anytime during the day, but anime could only be enjoyed during free time.

    Since both her elder sister and Jiang Xue wanted her to learn to relax, she should do more relaxing things.

    So when Jiang Xue returned home from school, she found the bedroom light on as soon as she entered.

    “…Xiao Luo, you’re not asleep yet?” she asked in surprise, sitting down at the dining table and addressing Sister Cheng, who brought her a late-night snack.

    “She said goodnight to me around 7:00 PM,” Sister Cheng said, looking at the bedroom worriedly. “But for some reason, the light in her room turned on again around 9:00 PM and has been on since.”

    Jiang Xue was even more puzzled. After taking a couple of bites of her snack, still feeling uneasy, she carried the bowl and knocked on the bedroom door.

    “Xiao Luo? I’m back. Is it okay if I come in?”

    After waiting for a full ten seconds and receiving no response, Jiang Xue panicked, put the bowl on the cabinet beside her, and opened the door.

    Fortunately, Xiao Luohan was sitting on the bed, wearing earphones and staring intently at the screen. She must have turned up the volume and hadn’t heard the knocking.

    Jiang Xue breathed a sigh of relief, turned around, picked up the late-night snack, walked to the bedside, sat down, and handed her the bowl. “Do you want some? It’s sweet osmanthus fermented rice balls.”

  • Second Time Around, the Villainous Daughter Decides to Indulge First 74

    Chapter 74: The Traveling Hat-Wearing Merchants

    “Don’t be angry, I was just kidding. You’re such a grown-up, you shouldn’t be so petty with a child like me.” Diana didn’t want to lose her current support, so she had to lower her proud head…

    Wait, Lena didn’t have any magic power now, why should she lower her head?

    How strange?

    “Hey! I’m tired!” Diana stopped, spreading her arms, and whispered, “Carry me…”

    “What?” Lena turned around.

    “I said carry me! I’m the Imperial Princess, and you’re just a noble. You wouldn’t want to miss such a flattering opportunity, right? I’ll let you take advantage of me, even though you’re just a weakling! Hmph!” Diana puffed out her cheeks, raising her arms, waiting for Lena to bend down so she could jump on her back.

    But Lena didn’t obey, instead holding out her hand, refusing coldly. “Sorry, I can’t.”

    “Why, why, why, why?! I’m the Imperial Princess!”

    “Right now, you’re just a brat, it’s that simple.”

    Lena continued walking, finally finding the colorful mushroom house at the end of the night market.

    This was the territory of the Hat-Wearing Merchants. These foreigners had access to goods that other merchants couldn’t match, and Lena was looking for something specific.

    “You want to buy a spatial scroll?”

    A red mushroom poked its head out from the dark mushroom house. “We do have those, but do you have enough money? You can also trade with mushrooms, but it has to be Golden Mushrooms from the Vassa Rainforest. One Golden Mushroom for ten scrolls, a great deal, do you have any?”

    The Hat-Wearing Merchants loved mushrooms; even their houses, bodies, and lifestyles were intertwined with mushrooms.

    They were originally Spore Mushroom people, living in humid rainforests, but they loved traveling and seeing new sights, so they carried their mushroom houses and embarked on journeys around the world.

    To resupply, they would purchase local specialties at each destination and sell them in other countries. Over time, their mushroom houses became filled with rare items, quickly sold out upon arrival, earning them favor in many isolated countries, where they were affectionately known as the “Hat-Wearing Merchants.”

    They were a relatively neutral race.

    And the one Lena encountered now was just one of many, let’s call him Red Mushroom Head.

    “He’s asking you, do you have any money?” Diana whispered. “If you try to steal, the Hat-Wearing Merchants will cut off your little finger, it’s super painful!”

    As if reliving a traumatic experience, Diana’s face scrunched up, looking adorable.

    “I don’t have any money on me,” Lena shrugged. “Who carries around a bunch of cash? It’s too troublesome…”

    “Ah? Then what do we do?” Diana was disheartened; she desperately wanted to go home, her feet aching from walking so much.

    “Use your Word Spirit Magic.” Lena offered a mischievous suggestion, a wicked smile on her face. “Command him to hand over the spatial scrolls, then we use them to escape. Even with all their abilities, they can’t chase us back to the empire…”

    “Good idea!”

    Diana eagerly rolled up her sleeves, ready to act.

    Lena quickly stopped her, sighing and rubbing her forehead. “I was just kidding, you’re actually going to do it…? Can we even afford to offend the Hat-Wearing Merchants?”

    “Why not?”

    Diana clearly didn’t realize the gravity of the situation, her large eyes blinking innocently. “Aren’t they just a bunch of smelly mushrooms?”

    “Quiet, you little devil!”

    Lena’s heart almost leaped out of her chest. She hurriedly pulled Diana aside.

    “Do you even know their average rank before saying such things? Each one of them is rank four or above, and they have connections with each other. If one is harmed, all the Hat-Wearing Merchants within a thousand miles will know. Do you want to be targeted by an entire race and placed on their blacklist?!”

    Not only that, the Hat-Wearing Merchants also spread deadly spores that clung to objects and people. If someone tried to rob them, the spores would activate, resulting in mutual destruction.

    The finger-bone necklaces they wore, made from various races, served as a warning…

    “So, why would we break a rule that has stood for centuries? Stop your nonsense, this isn’t the Imperial City.”

    Lena’s tone was slightly harsh, revealing information Diana had never heard before.

    She comforted the almost-crying Diana. “Don’t worry, I don’t have any money, but I have something else to offer.”

    “What is it?”

    Diana rubbed her red eyes, the darkness of the night making her instinctively lean closer to Lena, hugging her arm. “Senior Weakling, don’t disappear on me, what if you get lost? You’re so unreliable…”

    “Silly, just say you’re scared.”

    Lena chuckled, holding up a shimmering crystal card, her lips curving into a smile. “This is a Gemstone Obsidian Card, issued by the Falmouth family. It’s accepted worldwide, with a maximum credit limit of two hundred thousand gold coins. There are only thirty in circulation, and as the heir to the Falmouth family, my father gave it to me as a birthday present.”

    “So pretty!”

    Diana was captivated by the card’s crystal-like appearance.

    A translucent black, intricately crafted with magic runes and engravings.

    Exquisite, like a work of art!!

    Was the designer a genius?!

    Diana forgot her fear, toying with the Obsidian Card, seemingly mesmerized. “How did the Falmouth family get this?”

    Lena chuckled. “It seems Your Highness is still quite ignorant. The Falmouths are the largest import and export company in the Almeria Empire. Our business isn’t limited to domestic minerals, scrolls, mercenaries, magic technology…”

    As one of the empire’s three pillars, they naturally had some influence.

    If the General hadn’t retired and withdrawn from politics, the Falmouths would have been on the empire’s impeachment list long ago.

    Diana gasped. “Isn’t that monopolization?! You’re so evil!”

    Lena smiled noncommittally. “Don’t say such things, Your Highness. Just understand that money is money, dirty, black, or clean, it’s all the same, no shame in it…”

    Returning to the Hat-Wearing Merchant’s mushroom house, Lena presented the Obsidian Card.

    Red Mushroom Head’s previously indifferent attitude changed instantly. He respectfully accepted the card, placing his business card on it with his cylindrical hand. “One group teleportation scroll, one disposable energy shield. Besides these, do you require anything else, ‘Good Thing’?”

    “Good Thing” was the Hat-Wearing Merchants’ term for valued customers; the opposite was “Bad Thing.”

    “Good Things” were worth befriending, “Bad Things” had to be eliminated!

    The moment Lena pulled out the card, Red Mushroom Head had classified her as a high-value client, his attitude naturally changing.

  • Female Lead Was Coaxed Away by the Villain Again [Quick Transmigration] 137

    Chapter 137: Money Is Really Tempting (10)

    “What’s wrong?” Jin Shuang finally couldn’t help but ask, turning to look at Jiang Zhiyan.

    Jiang Zhiyan gave her a sweet yet unsettling smile: “Nothing, I was just thinking about the novel I read last night, I want to fall in love.”

    Jin Shuang paused: “Let’s talk about that after the banquet.”

    Jiang Zhiyan narrowed her eyes.

    After the banquet, Jiang Zhiyan followed Jin Shuang, neither of them speaking.

    Finally, Jin Shuang broke the silence: “Do you like me?”

    Jiang Zhiyan: ???

    Jiang Zhiyan stared at Jin Shuang, her eyes wide.

    What was this person doing?

    She looked Jin Shuang up and down, reached out, and pinched her cheek. Jin Shuang frowned, confusion in her eyes.

    “Are you serious, or are you playing games?” Jiang Zhiyan asked.

    Jin Shuang took Jiang Zhiyan’s hand: “So, do you like me or not?”

    “I’m still angry,” Jiang Zhiyan said, releasing Jin Shuang’s face and pulling her hand away.

    There was nothing more to say, it was all very clear now.

    “When did you come back?” Jiang Zhiyan glanced at Jin Shuang.

    Jin Shuang blinked at Jiang Zhiyan: “What? When did what happen?”

    “Look, these are all the people who asked me out recently,” Jiang Zhiyan said, opening her friend request list and showing it to Jin Shuang.

    “But you already accepted my friend request,” Jin Shuang emphasized.

    “I have over a thousand friends,” Jiang Zhiyan reminded her. “You’ll have to try harder, CEO Jin.”

    Jin Shuang laughed: “It hasn’t been long, I spent a long time arguing with the world consciousness, it didn’t want to let me in, I wanted to experience the ambiguous atmosphere a bit longer, but I accidentally let it slip.”

    “Ha, what are you talking about, CEO Jin? I don’t understand a word you’re saying.” Jiang Zhiyan looked down at her tablet, changing the subject. “We have a meeting at 8:30 tomorrow morning, and an international conference call in the evening.”

    “Then do you have time for dinner with me tomorrow?” Jin Shuang asked.

    “I’ll think about it,” Jiang Zhiyan replied, smiling.

    Jin Shuang drove Jiang Zhiyan home. Before Jiang Zhiyan got out of the car, Jin Shuang held her back and kissed her.

    “Damn, your grip has gotten stronger,” Jiang Zhiyan frowned.

    “Having weathered so many storms, of course I’ve become stronger,” Jin Shuang said, kissing Jiang Zhiyan’s cheek again.

    Jiang Zhiyan raised a brow. “CEO Jin, please behave yourself, I haven’t agreed to your advances yet.”

    “Sorry, I think I might be a little drunk. And the atmosphere in the car is just so… nice.” Jin Shuang looked into Jiang Zhiyan’s eyes.

    “What a cliché excuse,” Jiang Zhiyan poked Jin Shuang’s chest. “CEO Jin, be sincere when pursuing someone.”

    “I am being sincere,” Jin Shuang said, ruffling Jiang Zhiyan’s hair and hugging her. “Get some rest.”

    “Mm-hmm.” Jiang Zhiyan got out of the car.

    She wanted to watch Jin Shuang leave, and Jin Shuang wanted to watch her enter the house; for a moment, neither of them moved.

    The System couldn’t understand what these two were doing.

    It had expected fireworks when they met, but it was surprisingly calm.

    Or not…

    The System glanced at Jiang Zhiyan’s vitals; the calmness was only superficial. Her heart rate was through the roof.

    “You should go back,” Jin Shuang said, opening the car window and looking at Jiang Zhiyan with a smile. “I don’t get docked pay for being late, but you do.”

    Jiang Zhiyan’s lips twitched: “You’re really good at ruining the mood.”

    She waved at Jin Shuang and turned to enter the house, glancing back repeatedly.

    “Why didn’t you just sleep together?” the System asked, bewildered.

    “Didn’t she say she wanted to experience the ambiguous phase of a relationship?” Jiang Zhiyan said, closing the door and standing by the window, watching as Jin Shuang drove away.

    “But I’m worried your heart will explode.”

    “It won’t.” Jiang Zhiyan placed her hand on her chest and took a deep breath. “It feels like a dream. For a while, I thought I would never see her again.”

    “Indeed. You were… not doing so well for a while there. I was worried you might actually die. But you seem to have bounced back.”

    Jiang Zhiyan lay on the sofa, taking deep breaths: “It really feels like starting a new relationship. I’m already looking forward to seeing her tomorrow.”

    “You’re not angry anymore?” the System asked.

    “I’m still angry,” Jiang Zhiyan admitted. “But being angry and missing her are two different things.”

    Jiang Zhiyan couldn’t sleep well that night, but she still looked refreshed the next morning. Everyone she encountered at work could sense her good mood. Usually, Jiang Zhiyan was like a grim reaper, leaving a trail of misery wherever she went, shattering everyone’s initial impression of her as a “two-faced schemer.”

    “Assistant Jiang, you seem to be in a particularly good mood today. Good news?” someone asked boldly.

    “The person I like is pursuing me,” Jiang Zhiyan replied.

    “Whoa!” Cheers erupted around her.

    Jiang Zhiyan waved her hand dismissively. “So I’m in a good mood today. If you have any bad news, save it for another day.”

    Those who had been planning to deliver bad news while she was in a good mood: …

    System: …

    Jiang Zhiyan hummed a tune as she returned to her office. Upon entering, she saw a vase of red roses on her desk. She raised an eyebrow and pushed open Jin Shuang’s office door.

    “CEO Jin, want some coffee?” Jiang Zhiyan asked.

    Jin Shuang, her chin resting on her hand, yawned: “Didn’t you sleep either?”

    “I don’t need as much sleep as you do,” Jiang Zhiyan walked over to Jin Shuang’s side. “I’ll handle your work, you go get some rest.”

    “We have a meeting in five minutes, just make me some coffee,” Jin Shuang said, looking up at Jiang Zhiyan. “Maybe a kiss would fully revive me.”

    “We’re still in the ambiguous stage, no kissing,” Jiang Zhiyan said, covering Jin Shuang’s mouth with her hand.

    Jin Shuang suddenly regretted saying that yesterday; if she hadn’t, she could have been cuddling with Jiang Zhiyan last night, it would have been very comfortable.

    Jiang Zhiyan made coffee for Jin Shuang, who then went to the meeting room, her steps a bit unsteady, but once the meeting started, she was fully alert.

    “Every time I see her so focused, I just want to cause trouble,” Jiang Zhiyan said, looking at Jin Shuang’s profile and resting her chin in her hand.

    “Huh?” The System was puzzled.

    The next moment, under the table, Jiang Zhiyan hooked Jin Shuang’s leg with her own. Jin Shuang’s grip on her pen tightened, then she discreetly glanced at Jiang Zhiyan.

    System: …

    “Can’t you do something… more productive?” the System asked, exasperated. “What if someone drops something under the table?”

    “No one would think anything of it. It’s perfectly normal for good friends to have playful leg fights under the table,” Jiang Zhiyan remarked, clicking her tongue. “You’re the most perverted System in the world.”

    System: ???

    “No, no, no, with you around, I can hardly be considered the most perverted,” the System quickly backtracked.

    Jiang Zhiyan put her leg over Jin Shuang’s, who remained calm, even casually bumping Jiang Zhiyan’s leg with her own.

    The System couldn’t bear to watch. Whoever invented the mute function for Systems was a genius.

    The meeting proceeded as usual. No one suspected that the two people at the front, with their serious expressions, occasionally frowning and making insightful comments, were engaged in a childish leg fight under the table.

    After the meeting, the others quickly left the suffocating conference room. Jiang Zhiyan smoothed her wrinkled skirt: “CEO Jin, you’re so ruthless.”

    “I barely even moved,” Jin Shuang said.

    Jiang Zhiyan lifted her skirt: “There’s a bruise.”

    Jin Shuang also looked down at her own leg: “I have one too.”

    They both fell silent.

    “Your skin is so delicate,” Jiang Zhiyan said, patting her skirt and standing up. “Go to your office and take a nap later.”

    “I still have a few people to meet. I’ll rest at noon, I should be more alert then.”

    Jiang Zhiyan looked into Jin Shuang’s eyes: “We could actually leave this world now, couldn’t we?”

    “Let’s leave after I catch you.” Jin Shuang hooked Jiang Zhiyan’s pinky finger. “Assistant Jiang.”

    “So cheesy,” Jiang Zhiyan said, laughing.

    “Didn’t you say you liked me no matter what?”

    “Even cheesy, I still like you.” Jiang Zhiyan followed Jin Shuang out of the meeting room.

    After Xie Liaoyi took over, she targeted the Mu family. Taking down such a behemoth within their limited time in this world would be difficult, especially since the male leads in these types of novels usually had plot armor. But causing trouble was still possible.

    Every day that Xie Liaoyi acted as CEO was psychological torture for Mu Chen.

    Even more absurdly, Jiang Zhiyan and Xie Liaoyi had already moved on to another version of the story, while Mu Chen was still stuck with the original script.

    He attempted reconciliation. He hadn’t intended to move so quickly, but who could resist such a capable woman?

    The first thing Jiang Zhiyan did every day upon arriving at the company was to throw the things Mu Chen sent directly into the large trash can by the door. During this period, the Second Uncle and Second Aunt, who wanted to cooperate with Mu Chen, even tried to persuade Jin Shuang, only to lose their positions in the Jin Corporation.

    “If you’re so eager to side with him, then go work for the Mu family,” Xie Liaoyi had said, infuriating the two, they wanted to fight back, but they couldn’t find any allies within the company, most people criticized them for their absurd behavior.

    Seeing how idle they were, Jiang Zhiyan sent the evidence of the Second Uncle’s infidelity, which she had someone investigate, to the Second Aunt, and the two started fighting amongst themselves, finally leaving Xie Liaoyi alone.

    “He actually asked me to dinner, what is he thinking?” Jin Shuang asked.

    “He’s so shameless.” Jiang Zhiyan rolled her eyes, sitting on Xie Liaoyi’s lap. “CEO Jin, don’t fall for a scumbag’s tricks.”

    “Of course not. I only fall for the tricks of our Assistant Jiang,” Xie Liaoyi said, kissing Jiang Zhiyan.

    Jiang Zhiyan glanced at her and leaned against her: “I think we’ve moved beyond the ambiguous stage.”

    “I thought we had already switched to a new script?” Xie Liaoyi hugged Jiang Zhiyan. “Aren’t we acting out The CEO and Her Assistant’s Secret Romance now?”

    “Why are you skipping ahead?” Jiang Zhiyan raised an eyebrow.

  • The Saintess Has A Showdown 203-204

    Chapter 203: A Token of Affection

    Water Heart Stage, Sea Region. Under the watchful eyes of all…

    The falling snowflakes froze mid-air, the flowing spirit energy solidified, as if time itself had stopped.

    This breathtakingly beautiful scene, displayed on the spirit energy crystal, would be forever etched in the history of the Sea Region.

    The Snow Monarch, with a gentle touch, lifted the blue-haired girl’s hand and placed a pure white ring, carved with an ice flower pattern, on her ring finger…

    Gong Lianyue, her body numb from the chilling cold, blinked, her expression dazed.

    The beautiful ring had a strange, asymmetrical design, a single, icy white petal adorning it.

    Wearing the ring, she felt a faint connection to the Snow Monarch.

    Seeing this, You Xinchan, her body trembling, stood up abruptly, her eyes wide with disbelief.

    Not just the Nether Empress, but every Spirit Master who recognized the ring felt a shiver of fear.

    This was… a legendary being’s token!

    Possessing a legendary being’s token granted one a single, unconditional request. But that wasn’t the most important part.

    The token represented the legendary being’s favor and protection. Even across realms, other legendary beings would sense it and avoid the area, unwilling to provoke its owner.

    The Snow Monarch’s aura would tell all other legendary beings: This woman…

    She acknowledges!

    She cherishes!

    She protects!

    Any transgression will be met with the destruction of ten realms.

    The Snow Monarch’s token, a single ice petal, had only been given three times in tens of thousands of years.

    The first, to the Illusion Sea Concubine, a titled legendary White Flower Moon-Treading Deer. Its master, a Samsara Stage Spirit Master, facing an insurmountable foe, had unleashed the Illusion Sea Concubine’s full power, her soul core shattering from the strain.

    The minimum requirement for wielding Saint-rank power was the Dead Sea Stage. For legendary power, it was the Nether Traverse Stage.

    After its master’s death, the Illusion Sea Concubine, its power unleashed, had slaughtered several legendary beings in the surrounding realms, then spent a century unifying those realms, earning the title of Illusion Sea Concubine and receiving a token of the Snow Monarch’s favor.

    The second, to the master of the Ice Antelope Grand Concubine, a girl born with legendary potential in the Nether Snow Domain, one of the Ten Sacred Domains, bestowed with a token by the Snow Monarch at birth.

    Born with legendary potential, in a Sacred Domain, and under the protection of the Snow Monarch, the girl effortlessly reached the Sun and Moon Realm, dying of old age thousands of years later, her spirit beast, the Ice Antelope Grand Concubine, reverting to its wild state and returning to the Snow Monarch.

    Legendary spirit beasts didn’t die when their masters did.

    The third, to the Sorrowful Saintess of the Sea Region.

    The Snow Monarch, for some unknown reason, had been angered by this woman, but in her moment of near-death, she had summoned the Martial Empress, the Jade Concubine of the Waterfall Lake.

    This talent, this courage, had earned the Snow Monarch’s respect, granting her a token of favor and the right to formally contract with the Frost Snow Woman.

    “Wait, the Snow Monarch hasn’t taken anything from her yet!”

    “I heard that some lose an organ, or a part of their soul core, when exchanging tokens with a legendary being. What will the Sorrowful Saintess lose?”

    Legendary beings didn’t take tokens as payment, but to memorize and familiarize themselves with the recipient’s aura and essence.

    As everyone held their breath, the Snow Monarch lifted the blue-haired girl’s hand and gently lifted her veil.

    Gong Lianyue’s heart stopped, her breath catching in her throat.

    Even her perpetually emotionless face couldn’t hide her shock.

    So that was it. The exchange… was her heart!

    Was this… a heart attack? The others thought, suddenly understanding.

    However, less than a millisecond later, the Snow Monarch released the girl’s hand, her mysterious face once again hidden behind the veil.

    [Do you know my true name?]

    With a cold, ethereal voice echoing in the girl’s mind, the Snow Monarch turned and walked away, her white wedding dress billowing behind her.

    A few seconds later, her form flickered, becoming translucent, then dissolving into snowflakes, scattering in the wind.

    As the Snow Monarch departed, the snow within the secret realm began to melt, the frozen figures thawing.

    The ice melted, the sky cleared.

    Even after the chilling aura completely dissipated, Gong Lianyue remained frozen, her heart still, only her teardrop eyes, spinning rapidly, showing any sign of life.

    Sacred Water, Lover, hadn’t been lying. Even just its aura hinted at the Snow Monarch’s breathtaking beauty.

    Her fists… they were hard!

    “Ahem!” Snapping out of her trance, the girl touched the ice flower ring on her finger (a token of affection), her expression complex.

    The Snow Monarch’s parting words confused her.

    [Do you know my true name?]

    If “Snow Monarch” was a title, then she must have a true name or a true species, lost to time, a secret known only to herself.

    How could she possibly know? Gong Lianyue was puzzled.

    What had the Snow Monarch meant? She couldn’t understand.

    Was it related to its earlier anger?

    A moment later, the Frost Snow Woman, freed from the ice, gently nudged Gong Lianyue’s arm, tears welling up in its eyes.

    Although frozen, it had sensed the severing of their contract.

    Gong Lianyue quickly understood and, gently stroking the Frost Snow Woman’s hair, reformed their contract. She would also re-contract with her other spirit beasts once they were outside.

    Meanwhile, on the Water Heart Stage…

    Deafening cheers erupted, while You Xinchan, her head bowed, a bitter smile on her face, stood in stunned silence.

    Her meticulously crafted, 170-step revenge plan had been thwarted at the first stage.

    Gong Lianyue, the 100th Sorrowful Saintess of the Sea Concubine Palace!!!

    This woman was far more monstrous than even she herself, Shui Yuerong of the Sea Concubine Palace, Bing Daohe of the Ice Shield Palace, or any previous Sea Region Alliance leader.

    The Sea Region, now under the Snow Monarch’s protection… what would become of the Pool of Hidden Secrets?

    As the Nether Empress struggled to comprehend the situation, something else happened within the secret realm.

    Several Spirit Masters, realizing they could now withdraw, eagerly shouted “Withdraw!”, relieved to have survived.

    With the Snow Monarch’s arrival, the outcome of the Ranking Battle was meaningless.

    A few seconds later, all fifty Spirit Masters, including Gong Lianyue, vanished from the secret realm.

    However, they didn’t reappear on the Water Heart Stage…

    Chapter 204: The Calm Before the Storm

    The Cangsheng Palace, originally an insignificant, little-known realm, referred to by the surrounding realms simply as the Cang Realm.

    Its order was fractured, its spirit energy chaotic, its Spirit Masters weak, constantly on the verge of being conquered by its neighbors.

    However, just as the Cang Realm faced annihilation, a legendary-rank spirit beast appeared, claiming the realm as its own, vowing to protect it for its beloved for ten thousand years.

    Intimidated by the legendary being’s aura, the invading forces retreated in terror.

    And the Cang Realm, empowered by the legendary being’s protection, expanded rapidly, tens of thousands of wild spirit beasts submitting, transforming into a powerful force in mere decades, renaming themselves the Cangsheng Palace.

    But after that, the legendary being never appeared again…

    Later investigations revealed the truth. The legendary being had been struck by the shockwave from the White Moon Lord’s passing, its body and soul core destroyed, only a fragment of its essence remaining, found by a mortal girl.

    The kind and compassionate girl brought the dying legendary being home and cared for it.

    As time passed, feelings developed, and so began a decades-long companionship.

    But a mortal’s lifespan was fleeting compared to a legendary spirit beast’s. For decades, the legendary being watched as the girl grew, aged, and finally, died. Her life had been simple, never venturing beyond her village, her only companion the legendary being itself.

    If it still had its power, it could have extended her life…

    But at the time, it could barely even maintain its own existence, its spirit energy depleted.

    So, it followed human customs, burying the girl’s body, watching as it decayed, returning to dust.

    Decades later, as the Cang Realm faced another crisis, its power finally returned.

    However, it no longer had the will to fight, only the desire to protect this last vestige of its beloved’s world.

    It didn’t even hate the White Moon Lord. If it weren’t for the White Moon Lord, they would never have met, loved, and shared a lifetime together.

    This was the love story of the Cangsheng Palace’s legendary guardian…

    Cangsheng Palace, 73rd Saint Court

    Bang!

    Within the 73rd Saint Court’s palace, a sudden crash echoed.

    A young woman with a ponytail furiously smashed furniture, tearing apart everything in sight, Blazing Soul Grass and Tyrant Blood Pills scattered like worthless weeds.

    Liu Yin, the Saintess of the 73rd Court, was enraged.

    Ever since that legendary Water Element had effortlessly conquered the First Saint Court a month ago, the balance of power within the Hundred Saint Courts of Cangsheng Palace had been shattered.

    Several high-ranking Saint Courts had immediately surrendered to the legendary being, a humiliating display!

    Liu Yin believed that the great Cangsheng Palace shouldn’t submit to a foreign invader. Since the Wind Realm was mobilizing a force against it, they should join the fight.

    She had passionately declared her intentions during today’s meeting of the Hundred Courts, only to be ridiculed by her own faction, the neutral factions, and even the enemy.

    The opposing Saint Courts, having already surrendered, naturally disagreed. They believed the Water Element would lead them to greater heights.

    The neutral factions were still undecided, likely thinking that even the combined power of the Water Element and the Shadowlurking Blade couldn’t defeat the unseen legendary being protecting it.

    Her own faction, unwilling to submit to a spirit beast, yet also convinced that human Spirit Masters were no match for a legendary being, considered her a fool, a liability.

    “No, there must be other Saint Courts who agree with me! I have to ask them all!”

    Liu Yin, biting her finger anxiously, her face flushed with anger, was determined.

    It was all the fault of that bitch from the Seventh Saint Court! If she hadn’t provoked the Endless Swamp somehow, they wouldn’t be under pressure, and the Cangsheng Palace’s original delegation would have reached the Wind Realm for the Overlord’s birthday celebration. Then the Water Element wouldn’t have been able to steal the Shadowlurking Blade and act so arrogantly.

    The Cangsheng Palace would never be slaves! They had to kill it, that legendary Water Element!

    Unfortunately, more and more wild, water-type Saint-rank spirit beasts, having heard of its power, were now flocking to the Water Element, making a direct assault incredibly difficult.

    The Water God Four Symbols, ranked 24th among water-type Saint-ranks, a Samsara Stage spirit beast, was now the Fifth Commander.

    The Flowing Shadow, ranked 12th, also Samsara Stage, was the Fourth Commander.

    The Variant Water Emperor, ranked 29th, also Samsara Stage, was the Third Commander.

    The Libra Fighting Swallow, ranked 6th, also Samsara Stage, was the Second Commander.

    The Watery Years, ranked 3rd, a Nether Traverse Stage spirit beast, was the First Commander.

    The Five Commanders, each with hundreds of high-rank spirit beasts, thousands of mid-rank spirit beasts, and tens of thousands of low-rank spirit beasts under their command, controlled different territories, their presence a constant reminder of the Water Element’s power.

    “I need help! I need reinforcements!”

    Liu Yin was desperate. She knew that the Wind Realm forces alone weren’t enough.

    Sun and Moon Realm Spirit Masters couldn’t easily travel between realms. Without their support, the remaining Spirit Masters couldn’t even breach the Five Commanders’ defenses, let alone face the legendary Water Element.

    “Saintess! Saintess!”

    A maid rushed in, stammering incoherently, earning a sharp glare from Liu Yin.

    She kicked a nearby table, shattering it, and roared, “Don’t you know how to knock?! Speak clearly! Do you want to be recycled?!”

    Seeing the Saintess’s fury, the maid’s face paled, and she stammered, waving her hands,

    “No, no, Saintess, a group of Dead Sea Stage Spirit Masters have arrived at the gate. They claim to be from the Sea Region, survivors of an encounter with the Snow Monarch in a secret realm.”

    “Pfft! Cough, cough, cough!

    Liu Yin choked on her own saliva, bending over and coughing violently, tears streaming down her face, her expression incredulous.

    What? The Snow Monarch?!

    The Snow Monarch, the titled legendary being that even the White Moon Lord avoided…?

    The White Moon Lord, a being of unrestrained power, had destroyed more realms than any other legendary being.

    And yet, even the White Moon Lord had once been frozen by the Snow Monarch for a week as punishment, never daring to approach the Nether Snow Domain again.

    What was going on with the world lately? The Wind Realm Overlord’s power stolen, the Cangsheng Palace occupied, and now the Sea Region invaded by the Snow Monarch?

    Liu Yin felt a sense of bewildered disbelief.

  • Shion’s Notes 148

    Chapter 148: Unease

    Little Linna, still young, was oblivious to the troubles brewing within the Huo family. She enjoyed her carefree life, happier than she had ever been, content with her comfortable existence, hoping it would last forever.

    Aunt Wu had said she wanted to adopt her, a prospect she initially doubted, but now she believed her. If she was adopted, would she have to call her “Mommy”?

    Having never called anyone “Mommy,” she wondered if it would feel strange.

    “Foreign devil! Come out here!”

    One day, an older boy came to her classroom, shouting her name. Yu Linna stepped outside.

    “That’s me. What do you want?”

    “You’re the foreign devil? Come with me. I need to talk to you.”

    “Okay.”

    What could a little kid possibly want? she thought, forgetting she was a little kid herself.

    The boy was taller and larger than other kids his age, though not as big as an adult, still imposing among his peers.

    What does he want? Yu Linna wondered.

    “Alright, what did you want to say?”

    She followed him to the school playground. The chubby boy, arms crossed, looked smug.

    “You, foreign devil, though strange-looking, you’re pretty. Be my girl. It’ll make me look good. What do you say? Not bad, right?”

    “…”

    Is this kid an idiot?

    So direct, so arrogant, thinking he was some hotshot. Even the president didn’t have this much confidence. Did he think she would just agree to be his girlfriend? In his dreams.

    “Are you done? I’m leaving.”

    “Wait! Foreign devil! You haven’t answered me!”

    “The moment you called me ‘foreign devil,’ I knew I would never agree. If you want respect, learn to respect others first.”

    Yu Linna disliked this arrogant child, especially his use of the derogatory term “foreign devil.” Though she considered herself Chinese, being called that still stung. It wasn’t her fault she looked different; she was born this way. Judging her based on her appearance was unfair.

    “Hmph! I’m offering you my protection, and you dare refuse?!”

    “How generous of you. I’m not worthy. Goodbye.”

    “Don’t you get it? You’re living with Huo Ningning, but you’re not really part of their family! You’re an outsider! No matter how much you try to please them, you’ll never be a Huo!”

    Rejected and frustrated, the boy lashed out, his childish insults revealing an unpleasant truth. Children often spoke without thinking, their words sometimes brutally honest.

    “None of your business!”

    Yu Linna, her temper flaring, retorted angrily.

    “What? Am I wrong? Don’t think I don’t know. Huo Ningning’s family is struggling. Their business is failing. They’re almost bankrupt. If it weren’t for you, a jinx, they wouldn’t be in this mess.”

    “What do you mean?”

    “You don’t know? No wonder they don’t treat you like family. It’s understandable you wouldn’t know. Let me tell you: Huo Ningning’s father lost a lot of money. His studio is about to close down. They’re all going to lose their jobs. It’s all your fault! Ever since you moved in, their family has been falling apart.”

    “None of your business!”

    Though her tone was sharp, Yu Linna felt a growing unease. Since she moved in, about two weeks ago, the Huo family seemed to be struggling. The food had become simpler, the house less tidy, and even Huo Qiulin, Ningning’s father, had started drinking, a constant frown on his face.

    Could she really be a jinx?

    That day, Yu Linna returned home, quietly investigating. Wu Siyu and Huo Qiulin were in the living room. She entered stealthily, unnoticed, her small backpack on her shoulders, hiding behind the door, eavesdropping.

    “I’m sorry, Siyu. I lost it. All of it. The compensation you received for the orphanage… it’s all gone. I was planning to use that money to start a company.”

    Huo Qiulin looked years older, his demeanor defeated, his spirit broken.

    “It’s not your fault. That old woman scammed you! She was perfectly fine, but she insisted on suing! And we had no evidence, so her family extorted us.”

    “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been so kind. It’s all my fault. Now the money is gone, and I’m not getting any clients. If this continues, I’m afraid the studio…”

    “Don’t say that. This is just a temporary setback. We’re struggling now, but it doesn’t mean we’re hopeless. You have to be strong. We can start over.”

    “Start over? Sigh… if only it were that easy. This family needs me. We have two children to support.”

    Yu Linna, hiding behind the door, listened intently, understanding more than they realized. Aunt Wu and Uncle Huo were worried about money. And with the increasingly simple meals, their strained smiles… it all made sense.

    “Honey, is it because of Nana?”

    “I’ve told you countless times, it’s not the child’s fault. What difference does one extra mouth to feed make? Don’t bring this up again. I respect your decision.”

    “But…”

    “No buts. I’ll figure something out.”

    At the mention of Nana, Huo Qiulin quickly changed the subject, afraid of making his wife feel guilty. They could do without many things, but not children. Even if she wasn’t his biological daughter, he had a responsibility to care for her.

    Yu Linna, listening from behind the door, felt a pang of guilt. Since she moved in, Aunt Wu’s family seemed to be struggling even more. The best meal she had had was on her first day. After that, the food had become simpler, and they even turned off the lights and pretended not to be home when the electricity bill collector came.

    The Huo family seemed to be falling apart.

    And it all started when she moved in.

    Was she really a jinx?

    Returning to her room, Yu Linna’s mind raced, unsure what to do. As a child, she shouldn’t have to worry about such things, but she couldn’t ignore it. Just like that chubby boy had said, she was an outsider, not truly part of this family. She was a Yu, not a Huo.

    Though Wu Siyu intended to adopt her, she wasn’t officially a Huo yet. She was still an outsider.

    Suddenly, the door opened, and Huo Ningning entered. Yu Linna, having grown close to her during their time together, quickly brushed aside her worries, relieved to see her friend.

    “Little Linna, Mommy and Daddy are fighting…”

    “N-no way…” Yu Linna said weakly.

    “It’s true! I heard them arguing downstairs. Daddy looked so angry! I’ve never seen him like that before! I’m scared…”

    “…Ningning.”

    “What… what’s going to happen to my family?”

    Little Huo Ningning felt a growing unease. Her family wasn’t wealthy, their life comfortable but not extravagant. With her mother unemployed and Yu Linna’s arrival, their financial burden had increased. And Yu Linna must have noticed.

    Her presence had made things worse.

    “I don’t know…”

    Yu Linna lowered her head, unable to answer. Huo Ningning, finally having her mother home, now faced a potential financial crisis. Even a child could sense the tension; their situation must be dire.

    Aunt Wu still wanted to adopt her, but they were struggling. Taking on another child would only add to their burden. Why would she do that? Aunt Wu must understand the implications.

    “I don’t want anything to happen to my family. Mommy is finally home; I don’t want her to leave again…”

    Little Huo Ningning simply wanted her family to be together, safe and sound. She didn’t ask for much, just for her family to be whole. If money tore them apart, she wouldn’t be able to bear it.

    The two girls peeked into the living room; the argument continued.

    “Siyu, I told you, it’s not about the child. You brought her home, and I accepted her. Can we please not talk about this?”

    “That’s not what I meant! I want you to rely on me! I’m your wife! You don’t have to shoulder everything yourself!”

    “You’re unemployed; what can you do?”

    “Qiulin!”

    They were arguing about money. Every family faced financial challenges; without economic stability, a family couldn’t function.

    Yu Linna’s expression darkened. Perhaps that chubby boy had been right. Her arrival had brought misfortune, like a jinx.

    That day, Yu Linna had no appetite, picking at her food, then putting down her chopsticks after only a few bites. Her mind was in turmoil. She knew Aunt Wu cared about her, but she didn’t want to be a burden.

    “What’s wrong, Nana? Are you feeling unwell? Why are you eating so little?”

    Wu Siyu, worried, came to her room, her concern evident.

    “No, I’m not hungry. I don’t want you to waste food.”

    “Don’t say that. You’re part of our family, my child. There’s nothing wrong with me cooking for you.”

    Those words made Yu Linna recoil. Though seemingly kind, she couldn’t accept them.

    “No, I’m not your family. I can’t be your family. I can’t be a burden.”

    She was afraid, afraid that her presence would destroy their family.

  • Devilish Disciple [Transmigration] 78

    Chapter 78: Why?

    Li Yu had a long dream.

    In her dream, she was walking a red dog on a leash in the familiar streets of her childhood.

    The dog was small, its barks high-pitched, punctuated by occasional howls.

    Its little paws trotted along, its fluffy tail swaying, pausing every few steps to look back at her.

    Familiar faces, blurred by time, smiled and greeted her.

    “Li Yu, since when did you have a dog?”

    “Such a beautiful color, is it dyed? It looks so natural!”

    “So well-behaved, a good temperament is priceless when it comes to pets…”

    Yes, a good temperament was more important than anything.

    The dog was beautiful, quiet, not a picky eater, understood human speech, and its tail wagged happily; it was the perfect dog.

    The only problem was that this dog was actually a wolf, a very…dog-like wolf.

    Outside, it was perfectly behaved, maintaining appearances.

    But once inside, it would become much larger,

    And then pin her down on the bed, the sofa, the table, the wall, the floor, even the bathroom—licking her relentlessly.

    And as it licked, it would transform into a young girl, her slender fingers pinning Li Yu’s struggling hands, demanding her cooperation.

    Its soft fur would become a red dress, loose and revealing, as if a gentle tug would expose everything beneath.

    The licking would turn into biting, the playful barks into soft whispers of “Master, Master.”

    —She had never heard a dog make such sounds; it was absurd!

    But the girl’s voice was beautiful, each whisper like a ripple in her heart…

    Wait, why could she hear silver bells?

    She didn’t have any bells in her house—

    …

    Li Yu opened her eyes to see a small gray ball of fluff curled up beside her, its pink tongue licking the silver bells on her wrist.

    The bells chimed softly with each lick, seemingly amusing the little wolf, whose round eyes sparkled with curiosity.

    Outside, the sky was dark, the wind and snow still howling, but a soft, moon-like light illuminated the room.

    It had all been a dream.

    She wasn’t back in her world, hadn’t brought Mu Tao home… She had even lost Mu Tao.

    But she still had a chance to fix everything.

    The little wolf continued playing with the silver bell.

    The soft chimes and the warm, fleeting touch against her wrist.

    “This is a Harmony Bell,” Li Yu said, gently touching the little wolf’s ear.

    The little wolf looked up at her, its expression uncomprehending.

    “Harmony Bells, they come in pairs.” Li Yu looked into its light brown eyes, a thoughtful smile on her lips. “Two people connected by these bells, no matter where they are, how far apart, can find each other through the sound.”

    The little wolf tilted its head, confused, and gently patted the bell with its paw, as if wondering how it could find the other person.

    Li Yu: “It’s broken, it doesn’t work anymore.”

    “Awooo~” the little wolf whined softly, continuing to play with the bell.

    “I broke it, because if I hadn’t…I wouldn’t have the chance to…finish this journey with her.” Li Yu’s voice was soft, a mix of regret and helplessness.

    The little wolf didn’t understand but sensed her sadness.

    It blinked, then cautiously moved closer, stretched its neck, and licked her lips.

    It then quickly retreated, curling up into a ball, its light brown eyes staring at her innocently, as if afraid of being pushed away.

    Li Yu froze, then, as the warmth on her lips faded, she smiled and gently petted the little wolf’s head.

    “Are you…comforting me?”

    The little wolf whined softly, relaxing under her touch, its paws curling upwards, revealing its soft belly.

    Li Yu couldn’t help but smile, gently rubbing its belly.

    It was soft and warm.

    The strange emptiness and sadness within her seemed to dissipate.

    She pulled the little wolf into her arms, nuzzling her face against its fur, letting it lick her cheek.

    The rough, warm touch seemed to ease her fatigue.

    After a while, she gently grabbed its paws. “Stop, stop!”

    The little wolf stopped licking and tilted its head, looking at her with confusion.

    Li Yu: “Can I…give you a name?”

    The little wolf blinked, its eyes shining.

    It nodded, then shook its head.

    Li Yu: “Do you think…we need Qing Nü’s permission?”

    The little wolf whimpered and nodded.

    Li Yu: “Then let’s go find her!”

    The little wolf nodded happily.

    Just as Li Yu got out of bed and walked to the table, intending to warm some water, the door opened, and the bitter smell of medicine, carried by the wind and snow, filled the room.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu placed a bowl of medicine on the table.

    Looking at the dark liquid, Li Yu’s vision swam, and the spell warming the water in her cup dissipated.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “It’s time for your medicine.”

    Li Yu: “…Don’t you think that’s a bit cruel?”

    He looked confused. “Why is it cruel?”

    Li Yu: “I just woke up, haven’t even had breakfast, and you’re making me drink this bitter medicine…”

    He still didn’t understand. “So?”

    Li Yu: “So my day starts with…bitterness!”

    He was silent for a few seconds, seemingly unable to comprehend her logic, then repeated, “It’s time for your medicine.”

    Fine…

    Li Yu sighed, picked up the bowl, frowned, and drank the medicine.

    Like everything else, even drinking bitter medicine became easier with practice.

    Although the taste was still awful, her resistance had lessened.

    The little wolf looked up at her, concern and curiosity in its eyes.

    Li Yu met its gaze, then, ignoring the pain in her legs, crouched down, lifted the little wolf, and nuzzled its head.

    The little wolf, its face full of smiles, licked her lips happily.

    Then its smile vanished.

    It tilted its head and started licking the back of Li Yu’s hand, as if trying to remove the bitter taste.

    Seeing its pained expression, Li Yu couldn’t help but chuckle.

    They said demons, after gaining spiritual awareness, became more and more like humans.

    Even this little wolf cub must have developed human-like taste buds.

    She wondered if it would ever lick anyone again after this.

    As Li Yu laughed, a thought occurred to her, and she looked up at Weisheng Xuanzhu. “I want to give Little Wolf a name, it would be easier.”

    “Isn’t Little Wolf easy enough?”

    “It’s different!” Li Yu said seriously. “There are so many wolves in the world, it’s just one of them, but with a name, it becomes unique!”

    She released the little wolf, stood up, supporting herself against a stool, and said, “Besides, names are meaningful. Even you, unique in this world, have a name, don’t you?”

    The little wolf whined and nodded, its eyes shining.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu looked at the little wolf and said, “Talking to me is useless, you have to ask Qing Nü.”

    “I was just about to, but your medicine interrupted me.” Li Yu poured herself a cup of warm water, trying to wash away the bitterness in her mouth. “But the path there is difficult, and I’m too weak to fly…”

    Thinking of that long journey, she sighed.

    She was injured; did she really have to walk?

    …Actually, maybe not!

    She looked at the little wolf, which was tilting its head, looking at her.

    “Wei…last night, well, I’m not sure if it was night, but yesterday, Qing Nü made Little Wolf very big!” Li Yu put down her teacup and looked at him expectantly. “Can you…do that spell?”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Yes.”

    Li Yu: “A little help?”

    The little wolf, hearing this, ran to the door, scratched at it, then ran outside, rolled around in the snow, and barked excitedly, as if saying it was ready.

    “It seems eager to carry you,” he said, and with a flicker of white light, summoned the wind and snow, enveloping the little wolf.

    Not stellar energy?

    Was he concealing his true power even in his own territory?

    “Awooo~!”

    A howl from outside interrupted her thoughts, and she quickly stepped out of the house and climbed onto the large wolf’s back.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu also emerged, holding the empty medicine bowl, seemingly not intending to accompany them.

    Li Yu: “Aren’t you coming?”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “I’m going to the kitchen first.”

    Right, it was almost time for a meal.

    Li Yu lowered her voice. “The food yesterday…needed a little more salt, just a little, not too much, otherwise it would be too salty.”

    Weisheng Xuanzhu: “…Alright.”

    Li Yu wanted to say more, but before she could open her mouth, he transformed into a streak of light and disappeared.

    Fine!

    No point in talking to someone who couldn’t communicate.

    Li Yu: “Let’s go, take me to Qing Nü!”

    The large wolf nodded, howled softly, and then, its paws sinking into the deep snow, started running.

    The snow continued to fall, the moon hung high in the sky.

    Once again, she buried her face in the wolf’s thick fur, finding comfort amidst the biting wind.

    Arriving at their destination, Li Yu immediately told Qing Nü about wanting to give the little wolf a name.

    Qing Nü didn’t object, just asked casually, “Have you chosen a name?”

    “Mu Tao,” Li Yu replied without hesitation.

    “Which characters?”

    “‘Mu’ for yearning, ‘Tao’ for intoxicated.”

    Qing Nü crouched down, patted the little wolf’s head, and asked, “Why?”

    Li Yu: “Huh?”

    Qing Nü: “Why that name?”

    Li Yu was momentarily speechless.

    Why did she have to explain choosing a name?

    The little wolf was Mu Tao, and Mu Tao was the little wolf. Calling Mu Tao “Little Wolf” felt strange, so she wanted to give it its proper name.

    The reason was simple, but explaining it to Qing Nü wasn’t.

    After a moment of silence, Li Yu smiled and said, “It sounds nice, no other reason.”

    Qing Nü: “No other meaning?”

    Li Yu: “The name itself is the meaning, why does it need a special meaning?”

    Qing Nü chuckled and looked at the little wolf. “Do you like this name?”

    “Awoo!” The little wolf nodded happily.

    Qing Nü smiled and poked its nose. “Since you like it, that’s what we’ll call you from now on.”

    She stood up and sat back down at the table, not asking any further questions.

    Li Yu looked down at the little wolf and called out, “Mu Tao!”

    The little wolf, overjoyed at finally having a name, wagged its tail and ran towards her, circling her feet excitedly.

    “Stop spinning! I’m getting dizzy!”

    The little wolf whined, then ran into the courtyard and rolled around happily in the snow.

    Li Yu slowly followed, sat down by the doorway, scooped up some snow, and formed a snowball. “Mu Tao!”

    She threw the snowball, hitting the little wolf, which froze, its eyes wide with surprise.

    After a moment, it jumped on Li Yu, its fur covered in snow, and started licking her face enthusiastically.

    “Don’t, mm—don’t lick, stop licking!” Li Yu said, laughing.

    She held the scruff of its neck with one hand and, with the other, scooped up snow and playfully rubbed it on the little wolf’s face and into its mouth.

    The silver bells on her wrist chimed, their sound mixing with her laughter, echoing in the quiet, snowy night.

    The usually quiet courtyard was filled with joyful noises.

    Qing Nü, watching them play, smiled faintly.

    It was time to teach this little wolf how to navigate the human world.

    After dinner, Qing Nü said casually, “Xuanzhu, starting tomorrow, teach Mu Tao how to read and write.”

    A flicker of confusion appeared in Weisheng Xuanzhu’s eyes. “It’s still so young, shouldn’t we wait?”

    “The earlier you start, the faster you learn, the better you remember.” Qing Nü teased him. “You started late, your mind rusty, you were a slow learner.”

    “…”

    Li Yu, suppressing a smile, asked curiously, “So late that his mind was rusty? How late did he start?”

    “About three thousand years ago?” Qing Nü said, then, turning to Weisheng Xuanzhu, asked uncertainly, “Were you…four thousand years old then?”

    He frowned. “I don’t remember exactly, around that age…”

    Four thousand years old, that was indeed a bit late!

    But then again, in a desolate place like the North Sea, who would have taught him?

    But if everything Weisheng Xuanzhu knew was taught by Qing Nü after she arrived, wouldn’t that mean she had been in the North Sea for over three thousand years?

    The North Sea was so barren, why would she stay here for so long? Was there a special reason?

    Li Yu couldn’t figure it out, so she put the question aside for now.

    Three days after regaining consciousness, as soon as she finished her medicine, Li Yu sat by the doorway, watching the little wolf’s reading lesson with amusement.

    There were no writing materials in the North Sea, but the snow served as a blank canvas.

    A pure white light illuminated a small area as the little wolf, looking listless, lay on the snow, clumsily tracing the first character it was learning with its paw.

    More accurately, not the first character, but the first name.

    Weisheng Xuanzhu had wanted to start with something simpler, but Li Yu believed that children should first learn their own names and the names of their loved ones.

    So, the difficulty level of the little wolf’s first lesson was significantly higher.

    The two characters of “Mu Tao,” for a little wolf just learning to write, were far too complex, and its paw wasn’t exactly a precise writing tool.

    As it struggled, the little wolf suddenly became frustrated.

    Li Yu heard a frustrated yelp.

    The little wolf’s paws swiped angrily at the snow,

    Then it lay down, its head on the ground, whimpering and biting at the snow,

    Its round eyes burning with rage.

    Li Yu stared, speechless.

    She hadn’t imagined Mu Tao having such a temper.

    But this outburst was brief.

    As ice shards formed in the air, silently hovering around it, the little wolf flinched and quieted down.

    “Continue.”

    “Awooo…” The little wolf reluctantly resumed practicing, carefully tracing the characters of its name.

    The ice shards hovered menacingly, mirroring its every move, preventing any further outbursts, until it finally mastered the two characters.

    As soon as the stern teacher left, the little wolf whined and ran to Li Yu, complaining in a language she couldn’t understand.

    Although she couldn’t understand the words, the frustrated tone was clear.

    Li Yu patted its head and said gently, “If you’re obedient, and promise not to throw a tantrum like that again, I can ask Qing Nü to let me teach you how to write, then…Xuanzhu won’t have the opportunity to scare you anymore.”

    She tilted her head and winked at the little wolf. “What do you think?”

    The little wolf nodded obediently and licked her hand.

    Qing Nü had no objections to who taught the little wolf.

    “Anyone is fine, as long as it learns.”

    Hearing this, the little wolf happily jumped into Li Yu’s arms.

    Li Yu was patient, coaxing the little wolf through each character.

    But the little fluffball wasn’t very enthusiastic about learning and needed constant encouragement, often resorting to licking and nibbling as a form of persuasion.

    Time passed quickly.

    In the blink of an eye, over a month had gone by.

    During this time, the little wolf learned many characters, and Li Yu’s injuries improved significantly.

    The scabs on her wounds had fallen off, and the chill in her meridians had dissipated.

    Finally, she no longer needed that awful medicine!

    This should have been a cause for celebration, but on the day she stopped taking the medicine, she experienced the most embarrassing moment of her life.

    —Weisheng Xuanzhu decided to test the little wolf’s progress.

    Li Yu swore she had been diligently teaching, and the little wolf had learned many characters!

    But she had overlooked a crucial detail.

    She had taught it simplified characters!

    For a moment, she felt Weisheng Xuanzhu looking at her like she was an illiterate fool, his eyes filled with disbelief.

    Li Yu, with your level of knowledge, you dared to teach Little Wolf? his gaze seemed to ask.

    Of course, he didn’t say it out loud.

    He just sighed deeply after a long silence and said calmly, “Starting tomorrow, you and Mu Tao will study together.”

    Li Yu’s lips tightened into a thin line; she could only nod, not daring to speak.

    The little wolf tilted its head, looking at them with confusion, unaware that its teacher was about to be demoted to its classmate.

    Li Yu wanted to explain—although she had been careless, there was a reason.

    Since arriving in this world, she had either been recuperating at Chaoxi Pond, traveling in the human realm, or on the run; she hadn’t had the time or opportunity to pay attention to the characters used in this world.

    And it wasn’t that she couldn’t recognize traditional characters; whenever she saw shop signs in the human realm, her mind automatically translated them, she just hadn’t memorized their forms!

    Fine, she would learn…

    Knowledge was knowledge; learning more couldn’t hurt.

    From that day on, Li Yu also picked up a twig and started practicing writing in the snow.

    But to prove she wasn’t illiterate, she earnestly explained to Weisheng Xuanzhu, “Just to be clear, I’m learning from you not because I don’t know how to write, but because I’m…adapting to the local customs.”

    “…”

    “That’s how we write in my hometown, it’s a regional difference, not a mistake!”

    “…”

    “Don’t underestimate them, the characters in my hometown are excellent, simple, easy to remember, fewer strokes, just like your name—” Li Yu wrote his name in the snow. “See? Just a few strokes, much more convenient, right?”

    “…”

    “Want to learn? I can teach you!” Li Yu smiled, then, seeing his lack of interest, sighed. “Fine, fine, I’ll adapt to the local customs.”

    She rolled her eyes and continued practicing the “new” characters she had just learned.

    Li Yu, as a student, had a good foundation and learned quickly.

    But Mu Tao, starting from scratch and having learned the wrong characters, was struggling.

    After finally memorizing some characters, suddenly being told they were mostly wrong, the little wolf wilted dejectedly in the snow.

    After a brief moment of despair, it used its paw to write its question in the snow—Why?

    Since it wrote the question in simplified characters, the teacher punished it by making it copy “Why?” twenty times in traditional characters.

    The snow was covered in messy characters spelling out “Why?!”

    It was a beautiful sight, truly.

    And Li Yu, despite her best efforts, couldn’t contain her laughter.

  • Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 90

    Chapter 90

    Qin Qianrou was scheduled for duty during the last two days of the Chinese New Year holiday, so from New Year’s Day to the fourth day of the new year, she had a rare, uninterrupted break to spend with Shen Yiqiu.

    They still had plenty of food left over from their New Year’s Eve feast, and Shen Yiqiu prepared a variety of delicious meals every day. Qin Qianrou helped her in the kitchen, the enticing aromas making her temporarily forget her usual aloofness.

    “I’ll never be able to match your cooking skills.” Qin Qianrou’s hand rested lightly on Shen Yiqiu’s shoulder, her gaze fixed on the braised pig’s feet simmering in the pot.

    “If you like it, I’ll make it for you often.” Shen Yiqiu leaned back slightly, nuzzling her cheek against Qin Qianrou’s. “With me around, you don’t have to learn how to cook.”

    Qin Qianrou’s heart warmed, but she couldn’t resist teasing her, “Then I’ll be completely dependent on you, what if you get angry with me one day, will I starve then?”

    Shen Yiqiu, stirring the sauce in the pot, coating the pig’s feet evenly before replacing the lid, chuckled at Qin Qianrou’s blatant coquettishness.

    “Jiejie, even if I’m angry, I wouldn’t let you starve, besides, why would I ever be angry with you?”

    Qin Qianrou, her heart overflowing with happiness, leaned her head against Shen Yiqiu’s shoulder. This relationship truly made her happy.

    Shen Yiqiu moved aside slightly, checking on the fish steaming on the other stove. She had specifically gone out to buy it this morning, insisting on fresh ingredients, this Chinese New Year coincided with a cold wave, the temperature several degrees lower than usual, and it had been freezing cold outside this morning.

    Shen Yiqiu hadn’t told Qin Qianrou about her early morning excursion, so when Qin Qianrou woke up, she found the bed empty, the lingering warmth already faded. Shen Yiqiu had left a note on the nightstand, saying she had gone to buy fish and would be back soon.

    Qin Qianrou sometimes wondered if this child was a little too obsessed with cooking.

    “Did you learn all this online?”

    “Initially, yes, but now that I’ve gotten the hang of it, I also experiment, try new things.”

    No wonder Li Wan and Wen Shao Ze were always trying to weasel their way into a meal; such culinary skills were hard to come by.

    “What do you want to do in the future?” This was the first time Qin Qianrou had seriously asked her about her future plans.

    Shen Yiqiu pursed her lips, thought for a moment, then said, “I want to be a bodyguard.”

    A faint smile still played on Qin Qianrou’s lips, but she hadn’t expected this answer, she had even mentally prepared herself for Shen Yiqiu wanting to be a chef, but a bodyguard? She had never considered that possibility.

    “With your small frame, you probably wouldn’t even pass the probation period.” Qin Qianrou chuckled, thinking Shen Yiqiu was joking.

    Shen Yiqiu put down what she was doing, turned around, and looked at her earnestly.

    Seeing her serious expression, Qin Qianrou’s smile faded, she straightened up, her hand, however, still resting on Shen Yiqiu’s waist.

    “I’m serious, Jiejie, I want to be your bodyguard, to be with you.”

    Qin Qianrou’s work wasn’t always safe, and only after being with her did Shen Yiqiu truly understand the potential dangers. She had previously just thought Reporter Qin was righteous and fearless, tackling stories others wouldn’t dare to touch, but now she understood the courage and conviction required.

    “I’ve already said I can protect myself, you should pursue your own dreams.” Qin Qianrou hoped Shen Yiqiu, like other young people her age, would choose a career she loved, develop her own skills and expertise.

    “Protecting you is my dream. And it’s not just about protecting you, I want to make your work easier, because your work helps so many people.”

    Qin Qianrou’s eyes reddened slightly, many people cared about her safety, but few truly understood and appreciated her work, her persistence stemming not only from her passion but also from her sense of responsibility.

    “I’ve thought about it, I’ve even discussed it with my classmates, I don’t necessarily have to pursue a traditional career path, I can write scripts, or create a food vlog, and also be your personal bodyguard.”

    Shen Yiqiu was indeed qualified, not to mention her precognitive abilities, just her time-freezing power alone was more effective than any sharpshooter.

    “Jiejie, let me be with you, okay?”

    Qin Qianrou still didn’t agree outright, but she didn’t reject her either. Shen Yiqiu was still young, young people’s minds changed easily, perhaps soon, she would find a new passion.

    “We’ll talk about it later, I don’t need a bodyguard right now, but I appreciate your offer.” Qin Qianrou kissed Shen Yiqiu’s cheek, and the atmosphere eased, returning to its previous warmth.

    After lunch, they decided to go out.

    Qin Qianrou had been away from Meng City for a while, and although Hai City was more bustling and fashionable, shopping alone wasn’t much fun. Shopping was also an excuse for a date; being with Shen Yiqiu, even just a simple stroll, was enjoyable.

    “Jiejie, let’s not drive today, let’s just walk around, wherever our feet take us.”

    “Okay.”

    They didn’t go to the crowded malls, nor the packed cinemas, they went to the arcade.

    “Is it too noisy here?” The constant beeping and ringing sounds created a chaotic atmosphere.

    Qin Qianrou, holding her scarf, looked around, she and Li Wan had also enjoyed coming here during their university days, but with their busy schedules, it had been a while.

    “I like it here.”

    Hearing this, Shen Yiqiu’s slight unease dissipated. She went to exchange for two large boxes of tokens, handing one to Qin Qianrou, keeping the other.

    “Let’s go play on the little train.” She pointed to a slightly secluded corner with two empty machines.

    “You seem familiar with this place.” Qin Qianrou, being led by Shen Yiqiu, felt a little out of place here.

    Shen Yiqiu stuck her tongue out sheepishly, admitting, “I sometimes come here alone.”

    Shen Yiqiu wasn’t addicted to online games, the only games she played regularly were the popular mainstream ones, usually with her classmates. She hadn’t expected Shen Yiqiu to secretly come here alone, and Qin Qianrou gently traced her palm with her finger.

    Her hand itched, her heart even more so.

    Shen Yiqiu had never known Jiejie had such a… childlike side, snuggling into her arms at night after falling asleep, wrinkling her nose adorably in the mornings, complaining about not getting enough sleep, whispering sweet nothings, responding to her kisses with passion.

    Qin Qianrou had fulfilled all her expectations and fantasies about love, and Shen Yiqiu often thought that being able to experience such a love, she had no regrets in this life.

    Shen Yiqiu was quite skilled at the train game, but Qin Qianrou seemed more interested in the claw machines across from them, Shen Yiqiu noticing her gaze drifting over several times.

    She took the thick stack of prize tickets from the machine, combined their remaining tokens into one box, and led Qin Qianrou towards the claw machines.

    “Let me win a cute plushie for my girlfriend, just as adorable as Jiejie.”

    The arcade was noisy, and Shen Yiqiu’s voice wasn’t loud, normally inaudible, but Qin Qianrou’s cheeks flushed.

    Perhaps because of the New Year, the claw machines were stocked with many new and adorable plushies.

    “Jiejie, choose one.” Shen Yiqiu pointed at the glass, her tone confident.

    Qin Qianrou, a playful glint in her eyes, looked at her and asked, her voice calm and teasing, “If I choose one, are you sure you can win it?”

    “Definitely.” Shen Yiqiu thought, no matter how many tokens it took, even if she had to spend the entire day here, she would fulfill Jiejie’s wish.

    Qin Qianrou didn’t hesitate and pointed at a medium-sized, well-made Doraemon plushie.

    “I want that one.”

    She had already set her sights on it while playing the train game, Qin Qianrou had loved Doraemon as a child, yearning for a magical companion like Doraemon, always there for Nobita.

    Only after growing up had she realized there was no such thing as Doraemon, but the desire in her heart had never truly vanished.

    Shen Yiqiu rolled up her sleeves, carefully observed the machine, then inserted the tokens.

    She rarely played claw machines, so her movements were a little clumsy, failing several times, the claw dropping the plushie just as it was about to be lifted. But she didn’t give up, adjusting her position and trying again.

    She stared intently, her gaze fixed on the plushie and the claw, repeatedly adjusting the angle and the force. After each failure, she didn’t get frustrated but calmly analyzed her mistakes.

    Qin Qianrou watched from the side, watching the person she loved trying so hard to fulfill her wish, her heart overflowing with warmth.

    “It’s okay, we can just buy one.” They had used up most of their tokens, and at this rate, they could have bought at least three plushies.

    “Let me try again, I can do it.” Shen Yiqiu turned and smiled at her, then returned to her task, her focus unwavering.

    There was a smaller plushie beside it that seemed much easier to win, and she had even almost grabbed a larger teddy bear a few times, but Shen Yiqiu’s only target was that smiling Doraemon.

    Seeing a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, Qin Qianrou took a tissue from her bag and gently wiped it away. Shen Yiqiu instinctively leaned in to kiss her, then suddenly noticed a small crowd had gathered around them.

    Perhaps drawn in by her persistence, or perhaps simply curious, they all wanted to see if she could win the plushie, after her earlier attempts, it was clear her only target was that Doraemon.

    Qin Qianrou usually disliked crowds, besides work, she preferred not to attract attention. But now, she was just like everyone else, her gaze fixed on Shen Yiqiu, not caring about what others thought of their relationship, or of her.

    Shen Yiqiu glanced at the remaining tokens, not many left, she had already failed countless times, even the onlookers had changed several times, but she was still unwilling to give up.

    She closed her eyes, trying to suppress her frustration, a familiar, slight stinging sensation in her chest, quick as lightning, almost imperceptible.

    But she recognized it,

    Although she couldn’t be certain, she knew her abilities had somehow… changed. She slowly inserted two tokens and waited for the claw to be in position.

    As her hand touched the joystick, her movements similar to before, only she knew, her hand wasn’t entirely under her control now.

    In one smooth motion, the plushie she had been staring at was finally lifted from the machine. Clutching the Doraemon plushie, Shen Yiqiu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

    She didn’t even have time to admire it before handing it to Qin Qianrou.

    “Jiejie, this is for you.”

    Qin Qianrou’s eyes softened as she took the plushie and hugged it close, not at all like a mature woman nearing thirty. But the gentle expression on her face, the smile on her lips, revealed her joy.

    The onlookers gradually dispersed, only a few remaining nearby. Shen Yiqiu, captivated by Qin Qianrou’s adorable reaction, her heart melting, pulled her into an embrace.

    “Jiejie, you looked so beautiful just now when you smiled.”

    “Don’t I usually look beautiful when I smile?”

    “You always look beautiful, but just now, you were especially beautiful.” Shen Yiqiu licked her lips, unsure how to express herself.

    The look on Qin Qianrou’s face just now had made her want to do… outrageous things, like those described in the top posts on the forum.

    Shen Yiqiu’s body felt warm, and she had no interest in playing any other games now. They redeemed their remaining tokens and the tickets they had won from the train game, then happily left.

    “Want to have dinner outside?”

    Shen Yiqiu thought about the leftovers from lunch and shook her head. “Let’s eat at home, we still have a lot of food.”

    Qin Qianrou held her hand as they walked along the street, the arcade had been a little stuffy, and only after leaving did she realize she had been slightly oxygen-deprived, the cold air a refreshing change.

    Shen Yiqiu, glancing at her from time to time, saw Qin Qianrou still clutching the plushie she had won, and although happy, she couldn’t help but complain playfully, “Jiejie, you like Doraemon more than you like me now.”

    Qin Qianrou chuckled, “How could that be possible?”

    “Then why are you always hugging it, not me?”

    Still jealous, Qin Qianrou gestured at their surroundings with her eyes, How can I hug you in a public place like this?

    “Then I’ll hug you when we get home, okay?” Shen Yiqiu whispered in her ear, her voice a seductive murmur.

    Qin Qianrou pursed her lips, not responding, but simply looking at her intently.

    Shen Yiqiu felt a sudden wetness on her face, it had started raining.

    Winter rain in Meng City was a bone-chilling cold, and they quickly hailed a taxi and headed home.

    As they approached their complex, they encountered an unexpected traffic jam, their home just a short distance away, yet they were stuck.

    After twenty minutes, they decided to get out and walk the rest of the way.

    The rain continued, and Qin Qianrou, as usual, was wearing high heels, making it difficult to walk on the slippery sidewalk.

    Shen Yiqiu, seeing her struggling to protect the plushie in her arms, shield herself from the rain with her other hand, and carefully watch her step, felt a pang of sympathy.

    She hurried ahead, then, turning back to Qin Qianrou, bent down slightly, and said,

    “Jiejie, I’ll carry you.”

    Qin Qianrou was startled, then, realizing what she meant, gently patted her back. “Don’t be silly.”

    “I’m serious, it’s not safe for you to walk in high heels in the rain.”

    Shen Yiqiu, like her peers, preferred sneakers, which were more practical in this situation.

    Qin Qianrou hesitated, but the rain didn’t stop, their hair already damp.

    “Jiejie, come on, I can do it.”

    Qin Qianrou felt she must be under Doraemon’s spell today, and biting her lip, she climbed onto Shen Yiqiu’s back. Thankfully, it wasn’t far, and they soon reached their apartment.

    As soon as they got home, Qin Qianrou went to get a dry towel for Shen Yiqiu.

    “Don’t be so reckless next time.” She pulled Shen Yiqiu closer, making her bend down slightly, gently drying her hair as she “scolded” her.

    They had both taken off their coats, Shen Yiqiu in a casual sweatshirt, Qin Qianrou in a fitted sweater, the warmth of the apartment raising their body temperatures. Having held back for so long, she couldn’t resist any longer.

    Shen Yiqiu, ignoring Qin Qianrou’s nagging, pulled her close, expertly finding those soft, alluring lips, and kissed her deeply.

    “Wait… I’m wearing… lipstick…” Qin Qianrou, caught off guard by the sudden attack, forgot to resist, and by the time she recovered, she had already been kissed thoroughly.

    Shen Yiqiu didn’t let go, her voice muffled, “I know, it’s the edible kind.”