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  • Reborn to Stew Soup (GL) 117

    Chapter 117: Reality Show

    Mi Hongdou spent two whole days trying to process her conversation with Qiao Rubai. And the secret Qiao Rubai revealed filled her with endless what-ifs. Like, what were her own feelings when she first approached Ji Junxin in her previous life? And Ji Junxin’s? And had Ji Junxin ever liked her? If Ji Junxin had been open to same-sex relationships in her previous life, did that mean… she wasn’t completely straight in this life? …

    These thoughts ultimately led nowhere. The past was the past, some answers would forever remain unknown.

    Mi Hongdou spent these two days in a daze, her replies to Ji Junxin’s messages filled with complex emotions.

    When she first realized her feelings for Ji Junxin, her first thought had been that Ji Junxin was straight, that she shouldn’t have any unrealistic expectations. She had then resolved to remain just a friend, carefully hiding her feelings, her restraint and effort… all based on the assumption that eventually, a good, reliable man would appear and give Ji Junxin a happy future.

    But after Qiao Rubai’s revelation, the question was, should she be waiting for a good, reliable woman instead?

    And wasn’t she, Mi Hongdou, the best, most reliable, and most devoted woman who loved Ji Junxin?

    Although Qiao Rubai claimed not to know Ji Junxin’s true feelings in their previous life, or whether Ji Junxin’s refusal of the blind date and her subsequent trip abroad suggested an openness to same-sex relationships, Mi Hongdou still saw a glimmer of possibility in Qiao Rubai’s words.

    After two days of agonizing over it, Mi Hongdou decided… she could try.

    According to Qiao Rubai, Ji Junxin’s relationship with Jiang Duo in their previous life began around the time “Imperial Secrets” wrapped up. And since filming for “Imperial Secrets” had been longer in her previous life, it meant that now was roughly the time when Ji Junxin’s romantic feelings started to develop.

    Mi Hongdou was glad that, because of her strong dislike for Jiang Duo and Zhang Zijing’s relationship in her previous life, she had been cold and distant towards Jiang Duo in this life, besides preventing Zhang Zijing from getting close to Ji Junxin. Whenever Jiang Duo tried to talk to Ji Junxin on set, Mi Hongdou would glare at her and chase her away. And in this life, Ji Junxin had overheard the conversation between Lu Gaoshi and Jiang Dingyi at Nan Tian, so she probably didn’t have a good impression of Jiang Duo. And with Jiang Duo’s terrible performance in “Imperial Secrets,” Mi Hongdou thought there was no way for Jiang Duo to catch Ji Junxin’s eye in this life.

    But she couldn’t be too optimistic, there was always a chance…

    Mi Hongdou decided that she still had to be wary of Jiang Duo during this filming. And she also hoped to repair her relationship with Ji Junxin, which had become strained after “Imperial Secrets” wrapped. Once they regained their closeness, she would subtly hint at her feelings, she couldn’t be too direct, in case Ji Junxin wasn’t ready yet, scaring her away would be a disaster.

    Learning from Qiao Rubai that Ji Junxin wasn’t completely straight, Mi Hongdou’s suppressed feelings resurfaced. If Ji Junxin was open to it, then the person by her side had to be her! Thinking this, she started planning elaborate meals, preparing for her “Operation Bring the Foodie Home.”

    Mi Hongdou didn’t know that while she was still planning her careful approach, someone else was becoming impatient.

    Ji Junxin had thought that after “Divorce, So Be It 2” wrapped, Mi Hongdou would have more time for her. But that wasn’t the case!

    After the wrap-up party, Mi Hongdou had disappeared for the entire afternoon, only replying to her messages that night. And for the next two days, although Mi Hongdou had returned to Jiang City after finishing her work in Shudian, their conversations felt… distant.

    Distance, besides creating beauty, also created anxiety. Ji Junxin was increasingly eager to return to China, to see what was going on with Mi Hongdou.

    During the filming of “Imperial Secrets” in Shudian, they had spent their days and nights together, filming, eating, sleeping, sharing everything, that was how she had managed to maintain the boundaries of friendship, although… she had almost crossed the line several times. And after filming wrapped, to detach from the role, she had had to cut off contact with Mi Hongdou, a painful decision. And then, before she could even recover, she had gone to Japan…

    Being in Japan had its perks, the food, the mature yuri culture. But it also made her more impatient. She wanted to know what Mi Hongdou was doing, wanted to share their lives, even feared that the distance would make them strangers. And then Jiang Lingling went to Shudian… Ji Junxin was like a cat on a hot tin roof. She tried to calm down, but her anxiety only intensified.

    By the time “Reality Online” started filming, and the crew arrived in Japan to pick her up, she really… didn’t want to film the packing scene! She had packed days ago! Couldn’t they just go back to China already!

    The filming location was Wenlong Mountain, on the other side of the country.

    Mi Hongdou left Jiang City early in the morning, a five-hour flight followed by a three or four-hour drive, arriving at the county near Wenlong Mountain around 7 PM.

    By then, she hadn’t contacted Ji Junxin for almost a day.

    The reality show, “Reality Online,” advertised 24/7 filming and live streaming, a complete detachment from reality. This detachment included no access to modern communication devices. So, the night before, when the crew came to film her packing, her phone had already been confiscated.

    When she signed the contract for “Imperial Secrets,” she had also signed a preliminary agreement for “Reality Online.” The details hadn’t been finalized then, just a non-binding agreement of intent. The official contract arrived halfway through filming.

    Seeing the program’s format – “24/7 filming, live streaming, complete detachment from reality” – Mi Hongdou had panicked. She had imagined Qiao Rubai abandoning them on a deserted island… Fortunately, the contract also stated that basic necessities would be provided, and although the conditions wouldn’t be luxurious, their safety and health would be guaranteed. But the specific content of the show, the details, were all omitted.

    She had asked the person from Qiong Yu who brought the contract, but… he had just said that the project was being handled by a new team, it was highly confidential, he didn’t know the details.

    So, all Mi Hongdou knew was that about a month after the release of “Imperial Secrets,” she would go to Wenlong Mountain for twelve days to film a reality show called “Reality Online,” 24/7 filming, live streaming…

    When Qiao Rubai first mentioned the reality show, Mi Hongdou had known that with Qiao Rubai’s personality, it wouldn’t be like the other reality shows, with scripts, NGs, and reshoots, all for dramatic effect. But she hadn’t expected that Qiao Rubai would not only not provide a script, but also describe the show’s content with just one vague sentence: “Striving for a better life!”… Keeping the celebrities completely in the dark, 24/7 filming, live streaming, how could anyone sign such a contract!

    Even the reborn Mi Hongdou hesitated.

    She had even asked Ji Junxin about it. Ji Junxin said she had already signed. When asked about the show’s content, Ji Junxin had been clueless… She had just said that since Qiao Rubai asked her to sign it, she signed it, flipping to the last page and signing without reading the details, Qiao Rubai would take care of everything.

    Such blind trust! Mi Hongdou had been so shocked that she almost choked.

    Later… she had signed, of course.

    An opportunity to spend more time with Ji Junxin, even if it was a dragon’s lair or a tiger’s den, she had to take it.

    Mi Hongdou hoped that the reborn Qiao Rubai would be more reasonable. Even without a script, for a 24/7 live stream, they should at least know the general format or content. But she waited and waited, from the beginning of “Imperial Secrets” to its wrap-up, even after the film’s release, there was no further information.

    At the wrap-up party for “Divorce, So Be It 2,” Qiao Rubai had revealed Ji Junxin’s secret, leaving Mi Hongdou in a daze. And although they had talked for a while, even as fellow time travelers, when Mi Hongdou asked about “Reality Online,” Qiao Rubai had just said that she would find out in two days, that she should just be herself, no preparation needed.

    Although Mi Hongdou hadn’t gotten any specifics, she had gleaned one piece of information.

    Around the time “Divorce, So Be It” premiered, another reality show, a licensed adaptation of a popular foreign program, featuring an all-male cast competing in outdoor challenges and puzzles, had also aired. It was an instant hit, igniting the nascent reality show market in China. Mi Hongdou, filming “Divorce, So Be It 2” in Shudian at the time, had been surprised. In her previous life, this show hadn’t aired until two years later, its popularity further boosting the growing reality show market. But then it was exposed for being heavily scripted, with retakes and manufactured drama to make the male cast appear more intelligent and capable… She hadn’t understood why a show from two years later was airing now. But soon, like in her previous life, at the peak of its popularity, the show was exposed for its fakery. At the wrap-up party, she had mentioned this to Qiao Rubai, wondering if there were other time travelers. And Qiao Rubai had calmly admitted that she was the one who had orchestrated the show’s early arrival, its purpose being its eventual exposure as fake and scripted.

    Mi Hongdou had been stunned. She had thought Qiao Rubai was trying to get ahead in the reality show market, why help a competitor? And Qiao Rubai had said proudly, “Let them go first, to hype up the market, to create interest and anticipation for the real thing. And their eventual exposure will highlight our authenticity. After all, we’re filming 24/7, live streaming, a direct contrast to their fakery. Comparison highlights the difference. And they were going to be exposed anyway, I just sped things up a little.”

    A businessman’s heart was truly unfathomable.

    Qiao Rubai was candid about her business tactics, but when Mi Hongdou asked about her death in their previous life, she avoided the topic again, saying that there were still some loose ends, and she would tell her when the time was right.

    Mi Hongdou knew Qiao Rubai was hiding something, but… she didn’t have the right to demand full disclosure. After all, they were just friends, employer and employee, not as close as she and Ji Junxin. But she knew that Qiao Rubai always had Ji Junxin’s best interests at heart, they were on the same page on that, and that was enough.

    But even though she understood Qiao Rubai, when the “Reality Online” crew entered her life, confiscating her phone, cutting off contact with Ji Junxin for a whole day and night, Mi Hongdou was still frustrated.

    And the most frustrating part was that after a long day of travel, arriving at the county near Wenlong Mountain, the crew told her that to maintain a sense of novelty, the participating celebrities were staying at different hotels and would only meet at the filming location tomorrow…

    What novelty! Mi Hongdou was speechless! Most of them were from “Imperial Secrets,” they had filmed together for months!

    But facing the cameras, she had to smile and express her understanding and anticipation.

    A reality show, even without a script, can’t be completely unscripted, she thought, not realizing how wrong she was.

    Not staying at the same hotel, unable to contact each other, she didn’t even know if Ji Junxin had arrived. Mi Hongdou, who had hoped to see Ji Junxin tonight, was disappointed.

    Fortunately, although it was 24/7 filming and live streaming, the crew still had some sense of decency. For example, no cameras in the bathrooms… and when they weren’t filming, the cameramen wouldn’t follow them into their rooms, just using the fixed cameras. And at night, the cameras would only record video, no sound, and without lights, it would just be darkness, no night vision. After all… broadcasting a celebrity’s snoring or sleep-talking wouldn’t be very nice.

    So, Mi Hongdou, no longer feeling the need to pretend, went to wash up and went to bed.

    24/7 live streaming, how stupid, she thought, glancing at the cameras in her room before falling asleep.

    Mi Hongdou, without her phone or access to the internet or TV, didn’t know that even though the cameras in her room only showed darkness, on the live stream page, which had opened last night, many people were constantly switching between the different camera angles for her room, watching the different yet similar darkness. And the comments section was filled with complaints about her going to bed so early.

    Ji Junxin’s live stream also had similar complaints… After learning that they weren’t staying at the same hotel, she had also quickly washed up and gone to bed, even earlier than Mi Hongdou. And her fans, having only seen her on the plane and in the car, not even her packing, were unsatisfied!

    Ji Junxin had many more fans than Mi Hongdou, so the complaints on her page were even louder. But… without access to the internet, the celebrities, isolated from the outside world, couldn’t see them.

    However, besides the complaints about their early bedtime, there were also a few different voices in both comment sections, stubbornly proclaiming, “Support the CP! Reversible, but inseparable!” demanding that the show reunite them quickly.

    Yes, those different voices were from the mysterious “Sweet Red Bean Soup” group!

    The comments kept coming all night. If Mi Hongdou could see them, she would be amazed by the fans’ dedication, watching darkness all night. More accurately, she would be amazed by the influence of “Reality Online.”

    But she didn’t know.

    Early the next morning, Mi Hongdou sleepily got up and got ready. Soon, there was a knock on the door. The crew arrived, bringing a cart laden with breakfast.

    Chinese-style porridge with youtiao and steamed buns, Western-style milk with toast, eggs, and bacon.

    Although the contract didn’t specify the show’s content, Mi Hongdou, having seen a few reality shows in her previous life, knew that the usual format was to torture the celebrities. This extravagant breakfast and the crew’s cheerful demeanor were suspicious.

    Mi Hongdou, wary, didn’t even touch the food.

    Then, the staff member spoke: “Please enjoy this last meal before filming officially begins! Eat more!”

    What the… Mi Hongdou looked at the cart full of food, a sense of foreboding washing over her.

    After cautiously trying a spoonful of porridge, confirming there were no strange ingredients, she ate more than usual.

    Both her own intuition and the crew’s attitude suggested… she was about to be abandoned on a deserted island! Mi Hongdou nibbled on a steamed bun, glancing at her suitcase, hoping they wouldn’t confiscate her things.

    The crew said they could choose what they wanted to eat, and the rest would be eaten by the staff, no waste. So, Mi Hongdou took milk, toast, eggs, bacon, and a meat bun, returning the rest. Western-style breakfast had more calories, and the meat bun… well, if she was stranded on a deserted island, she would definitely miss the taste of meat.

    Worried about the upcoming filming, she took a little extra. But she overestimated her appetite and was already full by the last bun. But… she still finished it. Firstly, for energy, and secondly… facing the cameras, she still cared about her image. I wonder how Ji Junxin is doing… she thought as she ate.

    Meanwhile, the comments on Ji Junxin’s live stream were exploding.

    Although the celebrities were staying at different hotels, the crew’s arrival time, the food, and their words were the same.

    When the crew told Ji Junxin to choose her food and they would take away the rest, she said, “No need to take anything away.”

    Although unsure about the show’s format, as Qiao Rubai’s friend, she had received some advice before joining, one of which was “Eat everything, eat as much as you can.”

    Combined with the staff member’s earlier words, “Please enjoy this last meal,” Ji Junxin decided to take everything.

    After she said this, the crew kindly reminded her not to waste food… But Ji Junxin, seemingly oblivious to the hint, started eating calmly and methodically.

    By the time she finished the Western-style breakfast, the comments on her live stream were filled with amazement. After all, in their minds… celebrities didn’t eat. And Ji Junxin’s speed was incredible. While Mi Hongdou, on another live stream, had only finished two-thirds of her Western-style breakfast, Ji Junxin was already having porridge…

    A bowl of porridge, two youtiao, two meat buns… after the Western breakfast disappeared, Ji Junxin elegantly finished the Chinese breakfast as well, not leaving a single crumb.

    The comments section exploded with disbelief, many wondering if they were still dreaming, their goddess couldn’t possibly eat so much… And those who woke up late or were watching other celebrities missed the entire spectacle, begging for recordings.

    When Ji Junxin finished eating and got into the car heading towards the filming location, the comments were filled with people saying they were now hungry after watching her eat, that they had to get out of bed and find food! Porridge, youtiao, and steamed buns, please! Milk, toast, bacon, and eggs too! This is a reality show, why are we hungry! Crew, come out, we promise not to hit you!

    The legend of Ji Junxin devouring a double portion of breakfast spread online, and those who missed it begged for recordings, but the only available ones were low-quality, filmed on phones, incredibly unsatisfying!

    “Reality Online” was trending because of a breakfast. Qiong Yu’s staff asked Qiao Rubai if they should upload the footage. Qiao Rubai said no, the scarcity would only increase the hype and drive traffic to the live stream, which would be beneficial for future online and offline interactions. After the twelve days of filming, the edited version would be broadcast on TV, which would attract even more viewers.

    When Qiao Rubai first proposed the 24/7 live stream format, there had been strong opposition within Qiong Yu. The cost of the location and the equipment alone was exorbitant. And the audience also had jobs, who would watch a 24/7 live stream? But even before filming started, just the journey to the location, the number of viewers online proved them wrong.

    This novel approach had piqued the audience’s curiosity, and Ji Junxin’s breakfast had made the show a trending topic.

    Compared to the excited Qiong Yu staff, Qiao Rubai, the mastermind, was much calmer. She was confident in the show. 24/7 filming, live streaming, then edited episodes for TV broadcast, that was just part of the plan. The most interesting part was just beginning.

    The official website for “Reality Online” had been launched a few hours before the crew arrived at the celebrities’ homes. The celebrities, still with their phones and internet access, had seen the website. At that time, it was just a simple introduction and individual live stream pages for each celebrity, with five camera angles to choose from. Of course, the camera placements would change during filming. The live stream allowed viewers to watch up to four different feeds simultaneously, either four different angles of the same celebrity, or different celebrities. But they could only hear the audio from one feed.

    As the celebrities arrived at Wenlong Mountain, the website changed.

    The individual live stream pages remained, but the main page now had three new camera angles: the main cameras for when all the celebrities were together. This was just a minor change. The biggest change was a strange, table-like… system at the top of the main page.

    “Real-Time Online Game Data Statistics System.”

    At first, many viewers were confused by this, but then, after examining it, they were stunned. Qiong Yu has gone crazy… that was the consensus.

    In this system, each participating celebrity was treated as a game player.

    Each player had a skill bar, an equipment bar, an inventory bar… as if they were characters in a game. There was no experience bar, but there was a “goodwill” value. And several hidden bars without labels, probably for future content. The final line, “More interactive elements coming soon, join us!” was intriguing, making them want to constantly refresh the page.

    And some observant viewers noticed that the system… updated in real time!

    Initially, all the players’ bars were empty, their goodwill value zero.

    But two minutes later, someone refreshed the page, and while the others were still empty, Ji Junxin’s skill bar now had one word: “Eating.”

    Unbeknownst to Ji Junxin, Weibo was now flooded with discussions about “Eating” as a skill.

    This skill had exceeded the audience’s expectations for a reality show.

    And the word “Eating” drove the number of online viewers to a new high.

    Ji Junxin, on her way to the filming location, had forgotten all about breakfast. She was thinking about what the staff member had told her earlier: “Because your hotel is the furthest from the filming location, you might arrive a little later, but it’s okay, they’ll wait for everyone to arrive before starting.”

    Why is it okay! It’s not okay! If they wait for everyone, then filming starts as soon as I arrive! I won’t have time to talk to Mi Hongdou! Unhappy!

    Regardless of her feelings, when she arrived, the first person she saw was Mi Hongdou… and Jiang Lingling, chatting next to her.

    Hmph! Haven’t you talked enough in Shudian! Ji Junxin didn’t approach, just watched from afar, and then… the two, engrossed in their conversation, didn’t even notice her!

    Unhappy!

    As the staff member had said, she was the last to arrive. Just as she hesitated, about to approach Mi Hongdou, the director’s voice boomed through the loudspeaker.

    “Everyone’s here! Line up, line up, yes, by the small yellow flag, line up. We’re about to start filming!”

    Ji Junxin slowly walked towards the flag. Before she could reach Mi Hongdou, a clear voice called out to her.

    “Sister Junxin.”

    She turned and saw Bao Yueqiao from Qiong Yu, smiling at her.

    Right, besides the “Imperial Secrets” cast, a few from “Promise in Troubled Times” were also here.

    “Yueqiao…” Ji Junxin was about to greet her when the director’s voice boomed again.

    “Okay, everyone’s here, let’s begin!”

    Wait! Ji Junxin glanced at Mi Hongdou, several people away. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to her! She mentally reached out, but then reason stopped her.

  • The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated 503

    Chapter 503: “You’ll Pay for This.”

    When Shien finished dressing, Millu, holding Lid, came to him.

    “Airi, Airi…”

    The little girl with immense magic power tugged at Shien’s clothes repeatedly, her face anxious, as if urging or worried about something.

    “This…”

    Shien didn’t know what she wanted and looked confused.

    “Alright, don’t worry, Airi won’t run away.”

    Lid comforted her in a casual tone, and although Millu still looked anxious, she didn’t say anything more.

    Seeing this, Shien had a thought.

    “Could she be wanting to see Airi?”

    Shien asked the little beast on Millu’s head, a strange expression on his face.

    “Well, haven’t you guessed it already?” Lid yawned, looking at the puzzled Shien, a glint of intelligence in its eyes. It chuckled and said, “This girl likes Airi the most. Whenever she sees Airi, she’ll cling to her until Airi gets annoyed. If we hadn’t heard you mention Airi’s name when passing by, we might not have even noticed you.”

    In short, if it weren’t for the mention of Airi, Shien might have been ignored by them.

    To this pair, Shien’s only value seemed to be “knowing Airi.” Besides that, he didn’t seem to have anything they were interested in.

    …He felt an urge to ruffle that child’s hair and eat a roasted beast leg.

    “You want to see Airi, right?” Shien said with a forced smile, “Fine, I’ll take you to her.”

    He would deal with their arrogance later.

    However, as Shien thought this, Lid said,

    “Before that, do us a favor first.”

    Lid actually said this.

    “A favor?”

    Shien raised an eyebrow.

    “That’s right.” Lid pointed outside the barrier. “It’s in that direction. Let’s go.”

    Without waiting for Shien’s response, Lid tugged at Millu’s hair.

    “Let’s go, Millu. Let’s finish this quickly so we can go see Airi.”

    Lid’s words instantly changed Millu’s aggrieved expression.

    “See Airi! See Airi!”

    The little girl’s face lit up, and she ran outside.

    Surprisingly, the barrier of the Elven Homeland seemed to have no effect on her.

    The little girl with the mysterious creature on her head passed through the barrier silently, as if walking through water, completely unaffected.

    “What the hell…”

    Shien was dumbfounded.

    The barrier that the Elven Homeland was so proud of, and which was possibly set up by the Goddess of Nature herself, was actually ignored by her so easily. It was truly shocking.

    If she had broken the barrier with force, Shien wouldn’t have been so surprised.

    If he hadn’t guessed wrong about her identity, then her power could only be greater than that of the Goddess of Nature. Being able to break the barrier set up by the Goddess of Nature wasn’t strange.

    But she didn’t break the barrier, but directly ignored it, as if nothing in the world could stop her, completely unaffected.

    This was quite impressive.

    Shien hadn’t intended to follow.

    After all, being ordered around like this, what did that make him?

    But now, Shien was interested in this pair.

    What did such a strange duo want to do here?

    “Let’s go and see.”

    Shien couldn’t suppress his curiosity.

    Shien followed them.

    Lid, as if knowing Shien would follow, said casually to Millu,

    “Bring him out of the barrier, Millu.”

    Millu didn’t hesitate at all, walked through the barrier, took Shien’s hand, and pulled him out, as easily as if they were taking a stroll.

    “Airi! Airi!”

    Millu, holding Shien’s hand, kept chanting this name, then pulled Shien forward impatiently.

    “Where are we going?”

    Shien couldn’t help but ask.

    But…

    “You’ll know when we get there.”

    Lid’s casual tone made Shien narrow his eyes.

    This little guy needed to be taught a lesson.

    He would find a chance to mess with her.

    It had been a while since he had some fun. He didn’t know if his skills had deteriorated.

    …

    Meanwhile, Carol was still waiting boredly some distance away from the hot spring.

    “Why is he taking so long?” Carol complained. “A man, taking longer to bathe than a woman.”

    Carol was getting impatient.

    If she wasn’t afraid of being caught red-handed, accused of spying on him while he was bathing after promising no one would go in, she would have already barged in.

    “I’m the vice-commander of the Elven Corps, a level eighty-nine archmage, actually acting as a lookout for a man from another race, I must be crazy.”

    Carol muttered to herself, either in self-mockery or helplessness.

    “Hmm?”

    At this moment, Carol noticed something and looked up in surprise.

    In the distance, under the beautiful night sky, a stream of evil aura and a dragon’s shadow were rapidly approaching.

    “That is…?”

    Carol tensed up.

    She felt a suffocating threat from that evil aura and dragon’s shadow.

    The next moment, the evil aura and the dragon’s shadow arrived, hovering in mid-air for a moment, then descended.

    Their target was her.

    “What?”

    Carol’s expression changed.

    But before she could react, the evil aura and dragon’s shadow landed before her, revealing their forms.

    It was Lilith and Airi.

    “Dragon… Dragon Demon Princess…!? And Goddess Lilith…!”

    Carol held her breath.

    But Airi and Lilith clearly weren’t in the mood for small talk.

    “Where’s Shien?”

    Airi asked directly.

    “Shien?” Carol was stunned for a moment, then reacted and said quickly, “V-Viscount Buztout is currently bathing inside.”

    “Inside?” Airi gave Carol a deep look, making her feel uneasy, then said calmly, “He has already left the Elven Homeland and is outside the barrier.”

    “Wh-what!?” Carol’s eyes widened in shock. “Impossible! The Elven Homeland’s barrier is still active. Unless one of us opens the entrance, no one can freely enter or exit!”

    This was a barrier set up by the Goddess of Nature, utilizing the power of nature and the environment. Without knowing the method, even level limit experts couldn’t freely enter or exit, and transcendent beings could only break through with force.

    Since the barrier was still active, logically speaking, unless an elf guided him, Shien should still be inside the barrier.

    Now, Airi was saying that Shien had already left. It was no wonder Carol was shocked.

    But this was a fact.

    “It’s precisely because he left the barrier that the magic power I placed on him is no longer detectable, and even the connection between Lilith and her [True Mark] has become blurred, making us unable to find his location.” Airi murmured calmly, as if talking to herself. “However, if it’s them, they can indeed easily enter and exit this barrier and block our senses, preventing us from finding Shien.”

    Airi seemed to have guessed the reason.

    Beside her, the evil aura around Lilith fluctuated continuously, showing that her mood was unstable, making even Carol apprehensive.

    Carol was worried that Lilith would cause trouble in the Elven Homeland.

    If that happened, it would be a big problem.

    Fortunately, their savior arrived quickly.

    “Your Highness Airi, Lady Lilith.”

    With this call, an emerald green light descended from the sky, transforming into the graceful figure of the Elven Queen.

    “Sophie?” Airi wasn’t surprised by Sophie’s arrival and asked directly, “You sensed it too, right?”

    “Yes.” Sophie sighed and nodded seriously. “Such magic power, it’s indeed those two, isn’t it?”

    “It can only be them.” Airi said with dissatisfaction. “Besides them, who else would wander around in this ancient forest filled with monsters?”

    “Then…” Sophie said with worry, “Since those two have appeared here, does that mean something happened in the Tegor Forest again?”

    “Who knows?” Airi said coldly, “I just want to know why they took my person and what they’re planning to do.”

    “Viscount Buztout?” Sophie said hesitantly, “Isn’t it because of Your Highness Airi that he was taken away?”

    Airi glared at Sophie, making her chuckle awkwardly.

    She knew that she had exposed the truth, making it impossible for Airi to keep up her pretense.

    “Should I send someone to look for him?”

    Sophie could only suggest this.

    “…Forget it.” Airi’s face was still filled with displeasure, but after thinking for a moment, she said, “If it were before, I would have been worried that Shien would be toyed with by those two. Now, with his increased strength, he should be able to handle them… as long as they don’t go too far.”

    Towards the end, Airi finally showed a troubled expression.

    Lilith immediately tugged at Airi’s clothes, seemingly objecting to her decision.

    “Don’t worry.” Airi comforted Lilith. “He’s still safe. Otherwise, even with their interference, you would be able to sense his location through the [True Mark].”

    Once the bearer of the [True Mark] was in danger, the owner would immediately sense it and, through the connection of the [True Mark], instantly arrive at their location.

    Since Lilith couldn’t sense Shien, it meant he wasn’t in danger.

    Thinking of this, Lilith calmed down.

    Only Airi remained, looking towards the depths of the forest ahead, a menacing glint in her eyes.

    “If you don’t bring him back safe and sound, you’ll pay for this, Millu, Lid.”

    Airi murmured.

    The night continued.

  • Reincarnated as a Holy Nun, I Refuse to Lose! v2c33

    Volume 2: Witch Kingdom Arc

    Chapter 33: Lost in Paradise?

    Luo Yuxi looked out the window, marveling at the divine realm, the place the Church devoted their lives to reaching, a place she had arrived at so easily. She closed the window, realizing the beautiful scenery wouldn’t speed up her resurrection.

    “Not admiring the view anymore~?”

    “Ah!! You scared me! Goddess, can’t you make any noise when you walk…?”

    Luo Yuxi was startled by the girl who had appeared behind her. Not only was she silent, but it was as if she had teleported. But seeing the plate of pastries she was carrying, Luo Yuxi’s annoyance vanished. Divine pastries weren’t something ordinary people could enjoy.

    “I brought you some snacks, in case you were bored~”

    “Sob, you’re so kind, Goddess. I didn’t expect to have pastries even after death…”

    “It’s just some pastries. Eat up. If you get tired of them, tell me, and I’ll bring you something else~”

    Luo Yuxi took a bite, and the sweet flavor captivated her. The aroma of milk and the sweetness of some unknown ingredient filled her mouth. She was instantly hooked.

    “Mmm… this is so delicious~”

    “If you’re tired, you can lie down on the bed and rest. Just ring this bell, and fresh tea will appear~”

    The girl demonstrated, ringing a bell on the table. A delicate tea set appeared. Luo Yuxi poured herself a cup of milky white liquid, which, despite its appearance, tasted like black tea.

    “So amazing!”

    “There are many amazing things in the divine realm. You can experience them all before you’re resurrected~”

    The girl clapped her hands, and four or five beautiful girls with wings and halos entered the room. Luo Yuxi stared at them, confused.

    “These are my angels. They’ll take good care of you~”

    “Th-That’s too much trouble! You’re already helping me with my resurrection!”

    Although she protested, Luo Yuxi couldn’t tear her eyes away from the angels. Although angels existed in the game, they rarely appeared, and they were usually fallen angels or half-angels born from the union of humans and angels.

    “I didn’t expect to see pure-blooded angels!”

    Before Luo Yuxi could finish, the Goddess pulled her onto the bed and offered her a lap pillow. The soft touch of the Goddess’s skin and hair was intoxicating. The angels surrounded her, massaging her legs and shoulders, peeling grapes and feeding them to her. Luo Yuxi felt like royalty.

    “Goddess, th-this is too much…!”

    Luo Yuxi sat up, almost succumbing to the comfortable sensation. She had initially thought the Goddess was just being kind, but this was excessive.

    “Don’t you like it? Is my lap pillow uncomfortable? Or are my angels not attractive enough~?”

    “Th-That’s not it… it’s just…”

    Luo Yuxi couldn’t bring herself to dislike it, she had almost become addicted. The Goddess, seeing her troubled expression, stood up and whispered in her ear,

    “If you don’t dislike it, why not enjoy it~?”

    “!!!”

    “Just kidding, just kidding. If you don’t like it, I won’t force you. I just wanted you to relax~”

    The Goddess waved her hand, and the angels lined up obediently. She walked towards the door.

    “I’ll go prepare for your resurrection. It’ll take some time, so just relax, it’ll be fine~”

    Luo Yuxi, relieved, watched her leave. Even a simple touch from the Goddess was intoxicating. So this is the being who created me.

    “That was terrifying, I almost lost control. Good thing I had special training…”

    Luo Yuxi looked at the angels, their long legs and fair skin incredibly alluring. She felt her mouth go dry.

    “Maybe the Goddess is just being kind. Just a little bit of relaxation won’t hurt…”

    Luo Yuxi stood up and approached the angels. Meanwhile, the Goddess, who hadn’t gone far, watched through a crystal ball. The white figure inside was the Time Witch, who had killed Luo Yuxi.

    “These witches can be useful sometimes. The unstable elements are under control. My play should begin~”

    The Goddess looked at the crystal, the entire world seemingly under her surveillance. She saw the figure chained to a bed in the Church, her bare feet resting on a pillow. The girl on the bed seemed to sense the Goddess’s gaze.

    “My protagonist doesn’t need unnecessary things. It’s time for the plot to begin~”

    The Goddess crushed the crystal, infusing the fragments with her power. In a luxurious church, the Word Spirit Saintess knelt before a statue, praying, until a golden divine message appeared.

    “Praise be to the Goddess…”

    “You are permitted to use your lowly life to perish alongside the Time Witch. The position of Saintess is no longer needed…”

    “As you will…”

    The Word Spirit Saintess received the divine message, knowing her time had come. She turned, her staff tapping the ground, her eyes empty. She was just a pawn in the Goddess’s game.

    “Relay the divine decree, commence the Holy War. The witches, abandoned by the Goddess, must be purged…”

    A single decree mobilized the Church’s forces. 700,000 soldiers of the Divine Punishment Army gathered at the border, a sea of armor, their movements like thunder. Healing nuns and Punishment Nuns were also mobilized.

    “Senior… I wonder what her expression will be when we meet…”

    The Word Spirit Saintess flew towards the border, followed by bishops, even former bishops, five 2nd Order powerhouses, 18 3rd Order, 40 4th Order, 76 5th Order, and countless lower-ranked individuals.

    “Let’s see how well my sacrificial lamb can perform~”

    The Goddess looked towards a nearby room, as if everything was going according to plan. She heard Luo Yuxi’s moans of pleasure and smiled darkly.

    “Where are you, my pretty little angels? Hehe…”

    “Come and catch me, customer~”

    “Oh my, that was close, almost caught~”

    “Customer, don’t just chase them, I’m here too~”

    …

    The Goddess opened the door and saw Luo Yuxi, blindfolded, playing hide-and-seek with the angels. Her smile widened, imagining Luo Yuxi’s eventual corruption. She composed herself and approached.

    “How are you enjoying your relaxation~?”

    “G-Goddess!”

    Luo Yuxi ripped off the blindfold, and the angels instantly lined up, as if nothing had happened. Luo Yuxi was mortified.

    “If I offered you resurrection or continued pleasure, which would you choose~?”

    “Which one?”

    “Well, the preparations for your resurrection are almost complete~”

    “I’m quite happy here, there’s no need to rush my resurrection…”

    Luo Yuxi sat back down, practically radiating contentment. The Goddess smiled gently.

    “If you don’t want to leave, then stay~”

    “Okay…”

  • Reincarnated as a Holy Nun, I Refuse to Lose! v2c32

    Volume 2: Witch Kingdom Arc

    Chapter 32: Game Over (Global End)

    Long, snow-white hair, a pristine white witch’s hat, clothes of pure white, as if any other color would be a stain. Even having seen her picture before, Luo Yuxi was captivated, unable to look away.

    “The river of time has shown me my insignificance. But a nun from the Church seeks time itself…?”

    “The Pure White Saintess…”

    “Hmm?”

    Luo Yuxi blurted out the name, and the girl before her seemed lost in thought for a moment. Luo Yuxi knew she was in trouble.

    “It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that name. Ailan… no, is the current Saintess well…?”

    “Are you referring to the Word Spirit Saintess…?”

    Luo Yuxi carefully chose her words. She had no way to deal with this character from the game’s backstory, a being who controlled time itself.

    “Yes, so she’s called the Word Spirit Saintess now…”

    The girl looked down, as if pondering, while Luo Yuxi was on high alert. This was a First Order being, after all. Even Second Order witches could move mountains and shatter space. Although the girl looked young, her eyes held an ancient wisdom.

    “It seems you’re not fit for the position of Saintess. Time is precious, it shouldn’t be wasted…”

    “So you’re going to let me go?!”

    “No, I’m going to kill you.”

    “???”

    The girl raised her hand, clearly not intending to waste any more time. Luo Yuxi panicked, breaking free from Doris’s embrace and jumping down. Since time was frozen, Doris remained suspended in midair.

    “Only a fool would wait to be killed!”

    [Divine Art: Flash!]

    Luo Yuxi cast the spell as she jumped, but it didn’t activate. She couldn’t even slow her fall and crashed into the forest.

    Thud!

    “Cough!! Ouch! Ouch, ouch…! Eh? I don’t feel any pain?”

    “In my domain of time, everything is still. Your divine art was cast, but it has no time to take effect…”

    Luo Yuxi looked at the girl before her, wanting to cry. She was just an ant compared to this powerhouse. She had tried to escape, why was she still being pursued?

    “C-Can’t you just let me go…?”

    “Perhaps I’ve wasted some time, but letting you go would waste even more…”

    The girl raised her hand, her expression unreadable. Luo Yuxi, in a desperate attempt, punched her, but without access to her divine arts, her punch was weak and ineffective.

    “Futile struggles. Let me show you the difference in our power…”

    The girl didn’t even bother defending, simply watching as Luo Yuxi’s fist approached, but instead of hitting her, Luo Yuxi’s hand cupped her breast.

    “What are you doing…?”

    “So breasts don’t get hard when time is stopped?”

    Luo Yuxi squeezed gently, thinking, Might as well take advantage before I die. She used her other hand as well.

    “…”

    “Can I touch your stomach too…?”

    “Go to hell.”

    [Unique Magic: Time Vortex]

    The girl raised her hand. Luo Yuxi closed her eyes, thinking, I’ve tasted a witch before, maybe I’ll return to my original world after I die. But she felt a pang of regret, remembering the witches and girls from the Church.

    “I’ll miss them, I haven’t even tasted all the bishops yet…”

    The world resumed its flow. Doris, who had been carrying Luo Yuxi, suddenly felt her arms empty. She looked down, and Luo Yuxi was gone. She stopped abruptly.

    “Master! Wait, where is she?! Luo Yuxi!!”

    Doris frantically looked around and saw a white-haired witch standing in the forest. Her instincts told her Luo Yuxi’s disappearance was related to her.

    “Was it you?!”

    [Unique Magic: Full Enhancement]
    [Unique Magic: Specific Enhancement]
    [Unique Magic: Will Enhancement]
    [Unique Magic: Crushing Blow]
    [High-Level Wind Magic: Razor Wind]

    Doris charged, her fist shattering the forest, creating a lake. But when she looked up, the witch was gone.

    “Damn it! Give her back!”

    “She’s dead.”

    “Then you die too!”

    Doris, her voice filled with rage, forgot all about asking for the witch’s identity. Thus, at the border between the Witch Kingdom and the Church, the world’s largest lake system was formed in a single day, drastically altering the local ecosystem. Meanwhile, Luo Yuxi, scattered into fragments by the time vortex, slowly opened her eyes.

    “Ugh… where am I? I think I died, am I back in my original world?”

    Luo Yuxi sat up in bed, looking around. This wasn’t her room from before she transmigrated. But then again, her old apartment was probably a crater now. If she went back, she would probably be dissected.

    “So I’m not back. Where is this? Wait, could it be…?!”

    Luo Yuxi jumped off the bed, touching the soft mattress, looking at the luxurious furniture, then out the window at the clouds below, as if she were in the sky.

    “*Did I transmigrate again? What kind of game is this? It looks like a peaceful retirement simulator. Great, a new life!~”

    Luo Yuxi cheered, then saw her reflection in a nearby mirror: her familiar pink hair and eyes, her alluring figure, her lewd nun’s habit.

    “Wait, shouldn’t I have a new character after transmigrating? Why do I still look the same?!”

    “Oh, you’re awake~”

    “What?! Someone’s here!!”

    “Don’t worry, you didn’t transmigrate, you just died~”

    Luo Yuxi looked at the girl sitting in a chair, her white clothes glowing with divine light. She looked like a powerful being.

    “Goddess! Help me!!!”

    “Oh my, you recognized me before I even introduced myself?”

    Luo Yuxi prostrated herself, thinking, With your statues everywhere, how could I not? But was this the same Goddess who had sent her here? She seemed different.

    “Your body was torn apart by time magic, that’s why your resurrection magic didn’t work. I’m quite busy lately, so please stay here for a few days. I’ll resurrect you~”

    “All hail the Goddess!”

    Luo Yuxi looked at the Goddess’s gentle smile, thinking, So I know a god. When she returned to her original world, not only could she be resurrected, but she would also have divine protection. She would be invincible!

    “Alright, wait here, I’ll prepare for your resurrection. Be careful next time, don’t die~”

    “Yes, yes!”

    Luo Yuxi nodded eagerly, already planning her revenge on the Time Witch. She would not only grope her breasts but also “educate” her thoroughly. Die, resurrect, and then repeat. As she fantasized, she didn’t notice the Goddess’s expression darken after closing the door.

    “Her followers are so easy to deceive~”

    Author: 

    Time Witch image inspiration:

  • You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration] 52p1

    Chapter 52 p1

    “Mom, where are we going?” the girl in the wheelchair asked, bundled in a black down jacket, her face hidden behind a mask and hat.

    Her mother, pushing the wheelchair, looked tired, her eyes red-rimmed.

    “Just getting some fresh air. It’s not good for you to stay cooped up inside all day.”

    Jian Ru’yin opened her mouth to protest, then closed it, falling silent.

    She let her mother push her towards the small park near their home.

    As they reached a bench, her mother suddenly seemed nervous, glancing around.

    “Ru’yin, are you thirsty?”

    “No, I’m not.”

    “What? You are thirsty! Okay, okay, I’ll go buy you a bottle of water. Wait here.”

    Jian Ru’yin: “Mom, I really don’t…”

    But her mother had already dashed off, faster than she ever moved when rushing to the supermarket for a sale.

    Jian Ru’yin sat there, alone, a puzzled expression on her face.

    She had no choice but to wait.

    She sat there in the chilly winter air, looking at the small, familiar park.

    She was growing weaker each day, her body failing her, even breathing becoming a struggle.

    It was winter, the snow melting and refreezing, the trees bare, their last few leaves falling in the wind.

    Like her, their life was fading.

    But Jian Ru’yin didn’t want to go back to the hospital.

    She knew her illness was terminal, that there was no hope of recovery. Why prolong the suffering?

    Her family had sold their car and borrowed money for her treatment, but she only had a few years left. Why burden them further with false hope?

    So, despite their pleas, she had left the hospital, locking herself away in her room.

    Today, her mother had tricked her into coming outside.

    Jian Ru’yin sat there, watching the wind rustling through the bare branches of the trees, her thoughts filled with images of her father’s worried face, her mother’s tears, her own eyes welling up.

    The cold wind made her tears flow faster, until she was sobbing uncontrollably, her hands covering her face.

    People passed by, their curious glances a silent acknowledgment of her distress.

    But few stopped to offer comfort.

    But tonight…

    As Jian Ru’yin sat there, overwhelmed by her emotions, a flower suddenly appeared before her eyes.

    A bright red rose.

    Its vibrant color, a stark contrast to the bleak winter landscape, its petals in full bloom, a symbol of life’s resilience in the face of adversity.

    The flower, held by a gloved hand, was gently placed on her lap.

    Jian Ru’yin looked up, her vision blurry with tears, and saw a person dressed in a fluffy white cat costume.

    Probably a girl, judging by her small stature, the cat’s cheerful face a stark contrast to Jian Ru’yin’s sadness.

    Jian Ru’yin, embarrassed by her public display of emotion, wiped her tears and tried to refuse the gift.

    “Thank you, but I’m fine. I don’t need the flower.”

    Beauty only amplified her pain now.

    But the cat, surprisingly persistent, shook its head, placing the flower firmly on Jian Ru’yin’s lap.

    Then, it rummaged through its pockets, pulling out a small packet of tissues and placing it beside the flower.

    Jian Ru’yin, unable to refuse such kindness, her tears subsiding, took the flower and the tissues, her voice soft.

    “Thank you.”

    The cat tilted its head, then, after rummaging through its pockets again, pulled out a small white sign and held it up for Jian Ru’yin to see.

    Jian Ru’yin looked down, the elegant handwriting clear in the soft light of the streetlamp.

    [Spring will come soon.]

    The words pierced her heart, a sudden ache in her chest.

    But the pain quickly faded, replaced by a strange sense of hope.

    She looked up, about to speak, but the cat, putting away the sign, simply waved and skipped away, disappearing into the night.

    Jian Ru’yin watched her go, her gaze following the small, fluffy figure as it ran towards a tree.

    A tall figure, dressed in black, a black baseball cap and mask obscuring their face, stood waiting beneath the tree.

    As the cat approached, the figure reached out, pulling the cat into a warm embrace, their hand gently stroking its head.

    Just then, Jian Ru’yin’s mother returned, holding a bottle of warm water, her gaze falling on Jian Ru’yin’s distant, unfocused stare.

    “What’s wrong?”

    Jian Ru’yin looked down at the flower and the tissues in her hand.

    “Someone gave me a flower. They were so kind.”

    Her mother glanced towards the tree, her lips twitching slightly before she spoke.

    “They were indeed kind. Look, they’re walking that way. Shall we go for a stroll?”

    Jian Ru’yin hesitated, her fingers tightening around the stem of the rose, then nodded, finally agreeing.

    She had often visited this park when she was healthier, its small size and familiar paths a comforting presence.

    Following the paved path, they rounded a corner, and a small grove of cherry trees came into view.

    In spring, the trees would be covered in blossoms, a beautiful sight.

    But it was winter now.

    The deciduous trees were bare, their branches reaching towards the sky, waiting for the warmth of spring.

    Jian Ru’yin didn’t understand why her mother had brought her here, especially on such a cold day.

    Then, as they rounded the corner, entering the small grove, Jian Ru’yin, looking down at the bright red rose in her hand, felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere, a strange energy in the air.

    And a cacophony of sounds, voices chattering, cameras clicking, people rushing towards them.

    Confused, she looked up.

    And as she saw the scene before her, she was stunned, her surprise even greater than when the cat had given her the flower.

    Because spring had arrived.

    The cherry trees, their branches usually bare in winter, were now covered in blossoms.

    Red, pink, white, roses, camellias, a riot of color, tied to the branches with green ribbons, transforming the bare trees into a magical, otherworldly spectacle.

    The colorful blossoms, illuminated by the park lights, swayed gently in the breeze, a sea of flowers stretching as far as the eye could see.

    Jian Ru’yin sat there, her eyes shining brighter than the neon lights, the sweet fragrance of the flowers filling the air, her heart swelling with a sudden joy, as if she had been transported to spring.

    And then she saw the person in the cat costume again, her gaze drawn to the small, fluffy figure amidst the crowd.

    The cat stood beneath a tree, the tall, black-clad figure beside her.

    Sensing Jian Ru’yin’s gaze, the cat stood on tiptoe, waving excitedly, then bent down and picked up a neon sign, holding it up for Jian Ru’yin to see.

    [Let’s come see the flowers together next year.]

    Tears streamed down Jian Ru’yin’s face.

    And as she cried, the cat handed the sign to the person in black and ran towards her, its movements clumsy and unsteady, almost stumbling.

    The figure in black reached out instinctively, as if to catch her, then, seeing that she was okay, stood there, watching her approach.

    The cat, weaving through the crowd, its fluffy white fur a stark contrast to the dark winter coats of the other visitors, finally reached Jian Ru’yin and bent down, its breath coming in short gasps, lifting the head of the costume.

    Xin Yao’s face, slightly flushed and damp with sweat, her hair a little messy, was revealed in the soft light, her smile bright and warm.

    And the gentle breeze she brought with her, the scent of spring, washed over Jian Ru’yin, like a swarm of butterflies, their wings brushing against her skin, their beauty a balm for her wounded heart.

    Tears streamed down Jian Ru’yin’s face, her voice a choked whisper. “Jiejie Xin Yao…”

    Seeing the young woman’s tearful eyes, Xin Yao’s own heart ached.

    The falling tear, like a raindrop, splashed onto Xin Yao’s cheek, triggering a memory—

    Crash!

    A glass shattered on the floor.

    A thin, frail girl, her voice filled with despair, had cried out, “Jiejie! I don’t want to live anymore! I’m just a burden! Let me go!”

    Xin Yao, her usual good nature replaced by a sudden anger, had grabbed her by the collar.

    “Xin Ruyue! Are you crazy?! How can you say such things?!”

    Xin Ruyue had clung to her, sobbing uncontrollably.

    “I’m sorry, Jiejie! I’m so sorry!”

    “Don’t apologize, A Yue! You’re sick! Why are you apologizing?” Xin Yao had held her close, her voice gentle. “It’ll be okay. Just hold on a little longer. You’ll get better.”

    The tears in her memory mingled with the tears in Jian Ru’yin’s eyes, then, as reality reasserted itself, the memory faded, replaced by Jian Ru’yin’s tear-streaked face.

    Xin Yao smiled gently, wiping away her tears.

    “Winter isn’t forever. It will pass.”

    “Just hold on a little longer. Go back to the hospital, take your medicine, and get better. Spring will come.”

    “And next spring, we’ll come see the real flowers together.”

    Jian Ru’yin nodded, her sobs intensifying.

    Her mother, standing behind her, also on the verge of tears, was relieved. Her daughter, so sensible, so strong, had finally agreed to return to the hospital.

    It wasn’t that Jian Ru’yin had suddenly changed her mind. It was this moment, this unexpected miracle, that had given her hope.

    She had simply written a letter, expressing her feelings, offering a few words of encouragement.

    And her favorite celebrity had come to her, in the middle of the night, bringing her a taste of spring.

    Even if it was just for tonight, even if it was just this small, artificial spring, it was enough to give her the strength to keep fighting.

    Xin Yao, understanding her thoughts, smiled and shook her head.

    “Your words meant a lot to me. They were like a ray of sunshine in my darkness.”

    Xin Yao’s understanding of the entertainment industry had been superficial.

    She had thought that actors simply acted, and idols simply sang and danced.

    But now, she realized it was more than that.

    Standing on stage, or in front of the camera, loved and admired by so many, their adoration a source of strength and inspiration, she wanted to give back, to share her light with those who had given her so much.

    That was the true meaning of fame, of being in the spotlight.

    The original Xin Yao, who had helped Jian Ru’yin up at the fan meeting, had also been a kind and compassionate person, remembering the young girl who had almost cried from embarrassment.

    So, when she received Jian Ru’yin’s letter, she had known she had to do something.

    Fortunately, the letter had included an address, and Jian Ru’yin lived nearby. They had easily contacted her family.

    And learning that Jian Ru’yin was refusing further treatment, Xin Yao had offered to visit her.

    Jian Ru’yin’s family, desperate, and knowing how much she admired Xin Yao, had agreed.

    Then, Xin Yao had contacted Liu Nuan Nuan, asking for help in creating this temporary spring.

    It was Xin Yao’s gift to Jian Ru’yin, a small miracle she had performed with all her heart.

    Jian Ru’yin looked at the beautiful flowers, wiping away her tears.

    “Thank you, Jiejie Xin Yao! I will! I’ll take my medicine and get better! I’ll keep fighting!”

    “And next spring, we’ll come see the flowers together.”

    Xin Yao smiled and nodded. “Yes!”

    Xu Jingyu, dressed in black, her face hidden behind a mask, stood beneath a nearby tree, watching as Xin Yao bent down, her smile warm and gentle, talking to the young woman.

    The soft glow of the streetlights illuminated her face, her eyes shining with a gentle light.

    How could Xu Jingyu not be captivated by such a sight?

    She had been touched by Xin Yao’s warmth and kindness countless times, and she cherished her smile, her gentle nature, everything about her.

    But sometimes, she wished Xin Yao wasn’t so kind, so generous with her affection.

    Because that smile was too precious, too beautiful to be shared with others.

    She often wondered: Why can’t that smile be just for me? If only I could keep it all to myself.

    But such thoughts were dangerous, a possessive darkness she had to keep hidden, a secret Xin Yao couldn’t know.

    As the night drew to a close, the temporary spring dismantled, and Jian Ru’yin, her heart filled with hope, returned home with her mother, Xin Yao and Xu Jingyu finally remembered they hadn’t eaten dinner yet.

    It was late, so they opted for a simple meal.

    They sat at a small wonton stall by the side of the road, the street quiet and deserted, the warm glow of the streetlights illuminating their faces.

    Xin Yao, having discarded her cat costume in the car, eagerly stirred her wonton soup, the steam rising to meet her face, then took a sip.

    The warm broth and the savory filling filled her mouth, a comforting warmth spreading through her body.

    She swallowed, then spoke, her voice slightly apologetic.

    “Sorry, I get carried away sometimes. I completely forgot about dinner.”

    Xu Jingyu shook her head. “You don’t have to apologize. And I should be thanking you.”

    “My life is so dull and predictable. I wake up at 6 am every day, eat at 6 pm, like a machine.”

    “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t experience such interesting things.”

    “Hmm?” Xin Yao tilted her head, looking at her. “Eating dinner this late is interesting?”

    “Perhaps you find it strange, but it is,” Xu Jingyu’s eyes softened. “Eating this late, at a small street stall, it’s different, unconventional.”

    “It’s… life. Real life.”

    “Since meeting you, I’ve finally started living, experiencing the world.”

    “Ooh,” Xin Yao drawled, teasing her gently. “Xu Jingyu, you’re getting quite good at this whole romantic thing!”

    Xu Jingyu thought for a moment. “I don’t think I can compete with you.”

    “Okay,” Xin Yao smiled. “Then, as a reward for my romantic efforts, I’m having another bowl!”

    “Grandma, one more bowl of wontons, please!”

    The elderly woman running the stall smiled, her voice cheerful.

    “Coming right up!”

    They sat there, huddled together at the small table, the warm light illuminating their faces, the steam from their wonton bowls rising to meet them, their shared meal a simple yet intimate moment.

    The next morning…

    Xin Yao woke up in a good mood, having received a message from Jian Ru’yin’s mother. Jian Ru’yin had agreed to return to the hospital for treatment.

    Xin Yao, of course, would cover the expenses. She just wanted Jian Ru’yin to focus on getting better.

    So, as she got ready for work, a smile played on her lips.

    Just as she stepped out of her room, she saw Xu Jingyu walking towards her.

    Dressed in black, her long hair pulled back in a high ponytail, her expression cool and aloof, her aura powerful and intimidating, she looked stunning in the morning light.

    My girlfriend is so beautiful, Xin Yao thought.

    But Xu Jingyu seemed to be heading straight towards her, and as she reached Xin Yao, she grabbed her wrist, taking her phone and putting it in her own pocket.

    Xin Yao: “Hey, what are you doing with my pho…?”

    Xu Jingyu’s fingers tightened around her wrist, then slid down, intertwining their fingers, her hand warm and firm in Xin Yao’s.

    “Let’s go out.”

    Xin Yao: “Huh?”

    She was surprised, twice in the span of a minute.

    “So suddenly? Where? What are we doing? We have to film today. The director didn’t say anything about a day off.”

    Xu Jingyu, already pulling her towards the elevators, replied, “I’ve already spoken to Director Gao.”

    “And she agreed?”

    “I informed her.”

    This woman was so domineering!

  • Malicious Female Lead’s Guide to Causing Trouble [Quick Transmigration] 59p2

    Chapter Fifty-Nine p2

    After getting rid of these two rotten peach blossoms, Bo Chi and Yu Zhao received good news – “Rise of the Phoenix” had finally finished filming and post-production, and the premiere time and channel had been set. As soon as the time came, the drama starring Yu Zhao could officially enter everyone’s sight.

    But correspondingly, there was also bad news – publicity was very important for a drama, and Director Wei had already spent all the budget in order to make this drama perfect. If he still wanted to keep up with the publicity, Bo Chi would have to continue to invest a large sum of money.

    Before the drama aired, and no one knew whether it was good or bad, continuing to invest obviously had a great risk, so for Director Wei and the others, this was obviously bad news.

    Bo Chi didn’t think so. She didn’t even differentiate between herself and Yu Zhao, let alone money?

    But just as she was about to spend money, the familiar operation came again – Yu Zhao was on the trending topics again, exposed for having a sponsor.

    But this time was different from last time. This time, the person behind it obviously had a lot of funds to back them up. Bo Chi tried to suppress it for a long time, but couldn’t suppress this trending topic.

    And unlike the last time’s empty words, this time’s exposure also included a photo of the contract Bo Chi and Yu Zhao had signed – a sponsorship agreement.

    Yu Zhao’s new drama was about to air, and such a big incident happened at this time. Director Wei was already going crazy, and even Yu Zhao frowned, not knowing how to solve it for a while.

    Bo Chi, however, worked overtime in the office all night, and finally gave a decisive order: “If you can’t suppress it, then don’t suppress it. Buy another trending topic for me, and say that the sponsorship is just role-playing, and Yu Zhao and I are getting married next month!“

    The assistant was stunned, but Yu Zhao’s eyes lit up, and she said excitedly: “Really?!“

    Bo Chi smiled: “Yes, I was worried that the exposure would affect your career before. Since this matter can’t be hidden, it’s better to just make it public, and announce it to everyone openly.“

    Yu Zhao sincerely thanked the person behind the scenes at this time, otherwise, with Bo Chi’s personality, she probably wouldn’t have made it public with her before she became a top actress.

    And how many years would it take for her to become a top actress?

    She would probably have to wait until the end of time before she could marry her beauty!

    Now that happiness had come so quickly, she couldn’t help but laugh, instantly forgetting about Director Wei and the others, who were jumping anxiously, and excitedly prepared for the wedding.

    While she was busy, the assistant was also doing public relations. After buying the trending topic according to Bo Chi’s instructions, netizens immediately went from boycotting and cursing to being confused.

    [What’s going on? I thought it was a dark unspoken rule, but you’re telling me it’s role-playing? And they’re getting married next month?]

    [Oh my god, a domineering sponsor and a forced little celebrity, tsk, tsk, tsk, rich people really know how to play.]

    [What’s going on? I’m confused, the male lead in ‘Rise of the Phoenix’ was involved in an unspoken rule? It’s good, it’s good, I’m a fan of the second male lead, my house hasn’t collapsed.]

    [Didn’t anyone notice… that this sponsor CEO is a cute little sister?]

    [Wow, is it that exciting?!]

    As soon as the news of the marriage was released, the online situation immediately reversed. The previous negative attention instantly turned into positive traffic, and “Rise of the Phoenix” didn’t need to spend money on publicity anymore. After this incident, everyone knew that the female lead of the upcoming “Rise of the Phoenix” was Yu Zhao, and she had a playful sponsor wife.

    Director Wei, whose mood had gone through ups and downs, quickly called, his tone respectful: “We just talked about the lack of publicity for the drama before, and now this happened, could it be that all of this was planned by CEO Bo?“

    Bo Chi couldn’t help but laugh, and casually explained a few words. As for whether Director Wei believed it or not, that was not up to her…

    With this farce, on the day “Rise of the Phoenix” premiered, the views soared, and even Yu Zhao’s Weibo followers increased rapidly.

    After just a few days of brewing, “Rise of the Phoenix” became a complete hit. Countless viewers were immersed in this cool and refreshing drama, and began to dig into the plot and content, and the more they dug, the more they discovered that this drama had more connotations and highlights.

    As the actress playing the female lead, Yu Zhao was also invited to participate in some programs, and after a few programs, she was edited into a video by netizens.

    [Host: Yu Zhao looks very happy today, is it because ‘Rise of the Phoenix’ lived up to your expectations and became a hit?]

    [Yu Zhao: No, it’s because I’m getting married.]

    [Host: When filming this drama, who is the person Yu Zhao wants to thank the most?]

    [Yu Zhao: First of all, I want to thank our investor, yes, that is, my wife…]

    [Host: Okay, this is the end of the interview. Yu Zhao, what do you want to say to everyone?]

    [Yu Zhao: Thank you everyone for your support, and also thank you to my wife who is watching the video in front of the TV. Without you, there would be no me today…]

    After watching the video, netizens left countless comments.

    [Okay, we know you have a wife, shut up!]

    [This is outrageous, I have to eat dog food even when watching an interview video?]

    [Hahaha, Baby Canghua said that I, who am watching the video in front of the screen, am her wife (confused)]

    The internet was bustling with noise and excitement, but Bo Chi in real life welcomed two uninvited guests.

    The first one was Ming Songrui. She frankly admitted that putting Yu Zhao on the trending topics was her doing: “I just accepted Xu Zhidie’s suggestion, and wanted to separate you two. Because after you said those words to me last time, I thought for a long time, and finally came to an answer – it wasn’t unwillingness, it was my belated sincerity.“

    “I was too arrogant before, always immersed in your pursuit and pampering, and never thought that you would give up on me.” Ming Songrui lowered her eyes, and said with a bitter smile: “When you first left, I also thought that you were just trying to attract my attention in a different way. It wasn’t until you were really going to marry Yu Zhao that I realized… I can’t live without you, Bo Chi, I like you.“

    Bo Chi looked at her speechlessly, and said tactfully: “Miss Ming, it’s too late to say these things now.“

    Whether it was now or in the plot, the original owner had given up on Ming Songrui and pursued other people. The two of them were destined to have no result.

    Ming Songrui understood Bo Chi’s implied meaning, her eyes reddened slightly, and then she showed a relieved and calm smile: “In that case, I wish you happiness. In the future, we’ll meet again if fate allows.“

    Bo Chi raised her eyebrows, and after she left, she asked the assistant, and as expected, she got the news that Ming Songrui had already bought a plane ticket for the afternoon and was about to go abroad again.

    She shook her head, didn’t say anything more, and then asked someone to let Xu Zhidie in.

    As soon as Xu Zhidie came in, she started crying. Bo Chi originally wanted to scold her, but her head hurt from her crying, so she could only say coldly: “Do you know where Tao Su is now?“

    Xu Zhidie sobbed: “J-Jail.“

    Bo Chi said angrily: “You clearly know that I’m ruthless, and you still privately posted the contract between me and Yu Zhao online. Xu Zhidie, do you think I won’t do anything to you?“

    Xu Zhidie raised her face, her eyes fixed on Bo Chi: “I don’t care, it was Yu Zhao who drove me away from you, even if I go to jail, I will make her pay the price!“

    This kind of thing could be big or small, and at worst, it was just detention for a period of time. Although Bo Chi was angry, she didn’t intend to send Xu Zhidie to jail as well. The reason why she brought up Tao Su was to scare Xu Zhidie and make her stop being so crazy.

    But the facts proved that Xu Zhidie was even crazier than she imagined, and didn’t care about these things at all.

    Bo Chi was numb, and said with a headache: “Forget it, you should be detained and calm down.“

    Anyway, without Ming Songrui, Xu Zhidie wouldn’t have the chance to appear in front of them again.

    Xu Zhidie also knew this, and refused to leave. When she was dragged away by the bodyguards, she said with red eyes: “CEO Bo! Bo Chi! I won’t bless you and Yu Zhao! You will never have a good ending together, she’s not worthy of you!“

    As her cries gradually faded away, Bo Chi sighed, and muttered with renewed energy: “It’s time to work, I still have a date with Ah Zhao in the park tonight…“

    On the day she and Yu Zhao got married, the wedding was extremely grand. Guests came and went, congratulating them with champagne, Director sat below with a relieved and kind look, and reporters were setting up live broadcasts in the corner.

    Bo Chi and Yu Zhao looked at each other with smiles under the gaze of thousands of people, and said to each other: “I do.“

    **

    In the first year after their marriage, they were often apart.

    Bo Chi was busy with work, and Yu Zhao was filming outside.

    In the fifth year after their marriage, they were still often apart.

    Bo Chi was expanding her business overseas, and Yu Zhao had just won the Best Actress award.

    In the seventh year after their marriage, the semi-retired actress, who was guarding an empty house, finally couldn’t take it anymore, and took Bo Chi to the orphanage where she lived as a child, and chose a smart and clever little girl as their adopted daughter.

    There was nothing wrong with the little girl. The only reason she became an orphan was because she was a girl.

    Bo Chi and Yu Zhao didn’t care, they doted on this child very much, and then when the little girl grew up – they decisively handed over the company to her.

    The dumbfounded girl couldn’t get through to her two elders, and when she came home angrily, she saw that the house was empty, with only one sentence left – On a date, do not disturb.

    Little girl: “???”

    With the assistance of a loyal assistant and the care of shareholders with good relationships, Bo Chi and Yu Zhao left home with peace of mind, finally putting aside all trivial matters, and enjoying their world together.

    Their footprints covered the whole country, they saw and experienced all kinds of novel and interesting things, and finally returned home when their daughter got married, and settled down.

    On the day they passed away, they were sitting on a bench in the park downstairs, holding hands and admiring the autumn scenery. When the golden leaves fell on them, they closed their eyes, and made a promise that in the next life, they would also… fall in love at first sight.

    **

    Bo Chi closed and opened her eyes, and came to a new world.

    She was stunned for two seconds, and hurriedly asked the system: {Why didn’t you let me go back to the space?}

    System: {What are you going back for?}

    Bo Chi paused: {To ask how many points I’ve accumulated…}

    System: {You have 378, Yu Zhao has 400.}

    Bo Chi: {…}

    The system asked in return: {Anything else?}

    Bo Chi held her forehead: {No.}

    The system hummed, and before leaving, encouraged her: {Work hard.}

    Bo Chi, who was encouraged, was speechless, and could only look at her surroundings.

    She seemed to be in a simple and deserted dilapidated temple. Straw and wooden boards were scattered on the ground, the red paint on the big red pillars was mottled, and there were cobwebs on the roof, with a hairy spider crawling on them.

  • Back to Three Years Old: Crushing Scumbags on a Parenting Reality Show 133p2

    Chapter 133p2

    Wei Chengli put on a kind expression, hoping Yan Yan’s answer would be her true thoughts.

    And Cheng Tingyan, without hesitation, just glanced at the little chubby bunny next to her, then nodded at her dad. “Mmm, I don’t want to.”

    “Okay. Then I have a small suggestion, a suggestion is just an idea, you can choose to follow it or not, it’s entirely up to you.” Wei Chengli said, trying to make himself clear, then lowered his voice again. “I initially thought we could handle the custody issue slowly after the show. But last night… I now think you were right, we should try to resolve it during the show. We have two problems to solve. One, whether your mom is willing to take back your custody. The other, how to make your dad give up your custody. So here’s my small suggestion, Yan Yan, are you willing to… tell one more person about your desire to leave your dad and live with your mom?”

    As Wei Chengli said this, he noticed that Cheng Tingyan took a small step back the moment she heard his last sentence. And… Wei Chengli looked at the little girl’s tightly clenched fists, he quickly softened his voice and explained, “That person…”

    “Are you talking about Uncle Shi?” Wei Maomao asked, looking at Wei Chengli, but she leaned closer to Cheng Tingyan, her chubby paw covering Yan Yan’s cold fist.

    “Mmm… I’ve known Uncle Shi for many years, he’ll keep it a secret. And he’s the head director of this variety show, he can help us with many things. For example, we can ask him to subtly probe if Yan Yan’s mom is willing to take custody of her. And also… mmm, like those scenes where Yan Yan’s dad is being unkind to her, the program team definitely has the most complete footage.” Wei Chengli said, glancing at the little chubby dumpling. “Didn’t you want everyone to see that Uncle Cheng is a bad person? With Uncle Shi’s help, we can… do it better.”

    Wei Maomao felt that Wei Chengli was being quite tactful, considering he was talking to two children.

    Communicating with Yan Yan’s mom in advance was indeed a good idea. As for the “most complete footage,” Wei Maomao felt that judging from the lively comments she saw on Liu Ming’s phone, there were probably many edited videos online already. If Shi Dingshan was truly willing to help, just providing video materials would be a waste of his talent.

    Reality shows were different from filming, the script, the content of the tasks, it was all in the hands of the director team, and they could change it anytime. Just like Jin Youliang did in her previous life, he could completely control the final character portrayal and content. Of course, now it was a live broadcast, it couldn’t be as one-sided as in her previous life. But if the director team was willing to subtly guide certain segments and tasks, maybe Cheng Feiying would show his even worse side. Like during the two days when the babies were playing the role of their dads, she was able to provoke Cheng Feiying several times with cilantro. And Shi Dingshan, he had reputation and status, if they ended up in court, maybe he could be a witness, testifying that Cheng Feiying was a terrible father… Oh, maybe he wouldn’t be that kind.

    But a head director was indeed a great help in creating drama in a variety show.

    Wei Maomao had also imagined this possibility. But she didn’t trust Shi Dingshan as much as she trusted Wei Chengli. After all, this was Shi Dingshan’s project, and what they were doing might ruin it.

    But now… After the baby-dad role swap, Wei Maomao felt that the hammer in their hands was like a toy compared to the one in Shi Dingshan’s hands. If the show was ruined, it would definitely be the director team’s own doing.

    And last night’s fall also gave Wei Maomao a bargaining chip.

    Wei Chengli had explained the benefits of having Shi Dingshan’s involvement, but the little girl in front of him remained silent, she even took two steps back.

    Okay.

    “It’s okay, Yan Yan, don’t be nervous. I just said it’s a suggestion, we can still try our best without Uncle Shi.” Wei Chengli said, giving up on recruiting her, he comforted her instead.

    “Yan Yan, Uncle Shi will keep it a secret for us.” Wei Maomao said, gently squeezing the cold little fist in her hand. “If he doesn’t, I’ll tell the whole world during the live broadcast that I fell because of Cheng Rongrong, and Uncle Shi and the others wouldn’t let me talk about it.”

    Cheng Tingyan: “… “

    Wei Chengli: “… “

    “Dad, if I say that, will Uncle Shi be scared?” Wei Maomao asked, looking at Wei Chengli innocently.

    “Hehe, he’ll be terrified.” Wei Chengli said, patting his chest. He didn’t know if Shi Dingshan would be scared or not, but he could already imagine his heartbroken expression.

    Cheng Tingyan bit her lip, she looked at the little chubby bunny and said softly, “Maomao, do you think… we should tell that… Uncle Shi?”

    Wei Chengli: “Yan Yan, it’s your decision, why ask her, a three-year-old little…”

    “Little what?” Wei Maomao asked, puffing out her cheeks and glaring at Wei Chengli. Seeing him raise his hands in surrender, she turned to Cheng Tingyan and said in a steady voice, “Yan Yan, we need an adult to help us. My dad will tell Uncle Shi, if he doesn’t keep it a secret, I’ll go on the live broadcast and say the program team wouldn’t let me talk about Cheng Rongrong making me fall, he’ll keep it a secret. Cheng Rongrong did that yesterday, if we get injured, the show can’t be filmed, it’s Uncle Shi’s show, if it can’t be filmed, he’ll be sad, so he won’t like Cheng Rongrong, he won’t help them.”

    “Right, he should help us. Even if he doesn’t help us, I’m sure he won’t help them.” Wei Chengli added.

    Actually, he felt that Shi Dingshan didn’t just dislike Cheng Rongrong, he probably hated her. Who would want to be sabotaged right before achieving success?

    And… the video Qin Sichao showed them.

    One of the reasons Wei Chengli wanted to involve Shi Dingshan was because of that video. The program team definitely had more information than they did. Maybe there was more than just that one video. Based on Wei Chengli’s understanding of Shi Dingshan, if necessary, he wouldn’t hesitate to use it as compensation for the little chubby dumpling’s fall.

    It was a competition, whether they would use it or not was another matter, but they could never have too many bargaining chips.

    8 AM, the live broadcast screens, which had been black all night, lit up on time.

    “My CEO Mao, my Tutu baby! I finally see you again, is the porridge delicious? Let me cool it down for you, my poor baby!”

    “Oh my god, it’s finally live again. I heard a woman shouting that Maomao fell on Director Wei’s live stream last night, then all the live broadcast screens went black one after another, I’ve been anxious until now, I was so worried.”

    “I was truly worried, although they quickly posted an explanation saying CEO Mao was fine on the black screen, but without seeing her, I was worried all night!”

    “Three-year-old baby, stop being so independent, let the staff help you shower next time, my heart can’t take it if you slip again!”

    “Thankfully, thankfully, CEO Mao’s appetite seems good, she’s taking a big bite of the egg pancake, aww.”

    “… Am I the only one who feels like something’s wrong? CEO Mao slipped and fell, it’s nothing serious, but all the live broadcast screens were turned off for the entire night. This has never happened since the show started. At night, they usually turn off the cameramen’s feeds and the cameras in the rooms, but the cameras in the common areas are on all night. Yesterday, they were all turned off for the entire night, it’s making people think.”

    “Yes! I feel like the atmosphere at the breakfast table is also strange, is it my imagination? Although they’re talking, and the dads are all concerned about CEO Mao, but… something feels off.”

    “I also feel like something’s off, it doesn’t seem like a small matter, like a baby falling and being fine. After all… They didn’t even turn off the cameras in the common areas when our CEO Mao wet the bed last time… Yan Yan carrying the wet sheets out to wash was even filmed, and the map on the unwashed bed sheet fluttered in the wind for the whole morning… How can this minor fall be a bigger deal than the bed-wetting incident?”

    “This! Although I also think it’s suspicious that they turned off the live broadcast, but our CEO Mao didn’t do anything wrong! Why bring up the bed-wetting incident after she just fell! It’s truly heartbreaking!”

    “Right! Our CEO Mao is so cute, she even went in front of the camera before dinner and reassured her mom, her childish voice was so adorable! How can they be so mean, bringing up the bed-wetting incident every day! Three times a day is the limit!”

    “Hahaha, enough! I can see that we all love CEO Mao, but! There’s a limit!”

    …

    In the live broadcast room, the viewers’ love might have a limit.

    But in the villa’s hall, Wei Chengli’s love was running out.

    “Adding a little bit of this makes it more delicious.” Wei Maomao said, her chubby paw hovering over Cheng Tingyan’s boiled egg, carefully adding sesame oil.

    Wei Chengli had already watched, with a cold expression, as this little rascal added soy sauce to the boiled egg with the same carefulness.

    What, did she think he didn’t have a boiled egg?

    Wei Chengli poked at the egg in his small bowl, indifferent.

    Wei Maomao, after adding what she deemed an appropriate amount of sesame oil to Cheng Tingyan’s boiled egg, was about to sit down when she met a pair of resentful eyes.

    “Dad, should I pour some for you?” Wei Maomao asked, looking at the ugly, fragmented egg in Wei Chengli’s small bowl, she kindly lifted the small bottle in her hand.

    “Mmm.” Wei Chengli nodded, trying to appear reserved.

    Wei Maomao, without any perfunctory, added the same amount of sesame oil and soy sauce to his egg as Cheng Tingyan’s.

    Before coming downstairs for breakfast, Cheng Tingyan had agreed to let Wei Chengli find an opportunity to talk to Shi Dingshan. To ask for help, good food and good treatment were a must. She couldn’t provide good food and good treatment now, but helping to add some seasoning was also good.

    Wei Chengli, happily eating the boiled egg enhanced by his daughter, completely unaware of her little scheme, suddenly thought of Cheng Tingyan, who had finally agreed after being urged by the staff to go downstairs.

    “I’ll listen to Maomao, Maomao said we can go find that Uncle Shi, so we can go.”

    At that time, Wei Chengli had analyzed a lot, but after hearing Cheng Tingyan’s simple answer, he felt the little girl was a bit indecisive. But now, after eating this fragrant egg enhanced by the little chubby dumpling, his heart was warm and soft, he felt there was nothing wrong with listening to that little rascal, indulging her.

    What was being decisive?

    Could he eat it?

    After eating, he had to get things done. Wei Chengli, after finishing the last bit of egg yolk in his bowl, wiped his mouth and thought he had to have a good talk with Shi Dingshan, he had to get him on their side, otherwise, this egg would be wasted.

    It had to be said, a father and daughter were truly… strangely in sync.

    Wei Chengli, thinking about finding Shi Dingshan, looked around the hall, at the large group of staff, and as expected, he didn’t see the person he was looking for.

    The public restroom, right… Was there one here…

    Speaking of which, where was the meeting point in this villa?

    But Wei Chengli didn’t know that while he was racking his brains about how to meet with Shi Dingshan without being caught on camera, the person he wanted to see was being loaded into an ambulance at the entrance of the villa next door, quietly leaving the area.

  • Second Time Around, the Villainous Daughter Decides to Indulge First 57

    Chapter 57: A New Nest? A Love Nest!

    Soft sounds came from the bathroom, the frosted glass revealing the slender silhouette of a girl.

    Lena sat on the bed, the King of Narcissus back on her finger.

    Without any cost, the newly adopted little dove had retrieved her treasure, as if it were only natural.

    There was no surprise of recovery, Lena simply rubbed the ring with her fingertip, her gray eyes calmly watching Mines cleaning herself in the bathroom… ah, the soap slipped… it seemed the little dove wasn’t quite used to her new nest yet.

    “Master, I’m finished washing.”

    Mines emerged from the bathroom, holding her feather dress. She had cleaned herself and the soiled dress, so now she stood naked before Lena, unsure what to do.

    Lena’s gaze swept over Mines’s body.

    Truth be told, Mines was truly beautiful, her natural fragrance the most alluring Lena had ever encountered on a woman.

    Aside from her short stature and the scars on her back, she was practically flawless.

    Her skin was delicate and radiant, flushed with a healthy glow, her knees and elbows particularly enticing, and her eyes, always downcast with a hint of sorrow, resembled a pet dove, dependent on Lena for survival.

    Such people often evoked a strong protective instinct in others, compelling them to serve her…

    “Master, should I get dressed?”

    “I usually don’t wear clothes at home.” Lena chuckled, like a rogue without a rogue’s demeanor. “If you’re not comfortable, do as you please.”

    Mines nodded, putting on her still-damp feather dress, shivering slightly.

    “Master’s home is so comfortable, with warm water and a nice bathtub… I hope to see you again tomorrow morning…”

    “Have you made up your mind?” Lena stared into Mines’s blood-red eyes, her gaze drawn to the artificial flower headband.

    A spider lily in perpetual bloom, just like the girl herself, captivating, disastrous, carrying an ominous beauty of death and separation.

    This was the red spider lily, the flower of the other shore, blooming brilliantly, waiting for me, and waiting for you.

    “Yes.”

    Mines replied softly, bowing to Lena.

    Just as she was about to leave, a languid voice stopped her.

    “You’re leaving just like that?”

    “Ah, Master…”

    Lena scooped Mines up into her arms, as light as a feather, even lighter than Lena had imagined.

    “How long did it take you to get here, half an hour?”

    “Twenty minutes… Master, please don’t do this.”

    Mines’s trembling voice betrayed her nervousness, but the expected aversion didn’t come. Even Mines was surprised.

    She was sensitive to any physical contact, a fact long established, but Lena’s embrace brought her a strange sense of peace. She hadn’t been treated like this since leaving Cabaliga.

    Lena set her down on the soft bed.

    “You’ll get it wet!”

    “I’ll change the sheets.”

    Lena’s assertive tone made Mines hesitate.

    After a moment, she chuckled softly. “Are you trying to corrupt me, Master?”

    Who are you?!

    Lena was startled. The black-haired girl before her seemed like a different person. Lena leaned closer, but it was the same nose, the same eyes, what had changed?

    It must be an illusion brought on by lust.

    Mm-hmm.

    “I mean, at least wait until the rain stops. You just took a bath, running back out into the rain is foolish.” Lena wanted to have sex, but she wasn’t indiscriminate. Being picky was a necessary step. “If you really don’t want to stay, I can have someone send you back.”

    “It’s not necessary, Master, I can go alone.”

    “Alone? And get drenched again?”

    Lena stared intently into Mines’s eyes, as if searching for something.

    Mines averted her gaze, backing away until her back pressed against the cold headboard, a soft moan escaping her lips.

    Unexpected.

    Given Mines’s personality, this wasn’t the kind of sound she would normally make. “I really want to know your profession, what are you hiding?”

    “I don’t understand… Master.” Mines blocked Lena’s advance, her slender fingers trembling. “Is my profession really that important to you, Master? I promise I won’t harm your interests, please don’t…”

    “Since you won’t tell me, I’ll have to use my own methods.”

    Lena must have seemed like a predatory landlord forcing a girl into prostitution, at least that’s how she felt.

    Oh ho ho, poor little dove, if you don’t speak up, you’ll be at the mercy of this creepy older woman~

    Mm, I can’t wait to see you cry tears of regret while calling me Master~

    Click—

    The scene froze, as if time had stopped.

    Lena slowly moved the gun barrel away from her forehead with one finger, her expression calm and serious…

    Can’t we talk things out?!

    Don’t you know guns hurt?!

    Even at Lena’s current rank, facing a magic gun at such close range would result in serious injury.

    So, a strategic retreat was necessary. Lena acknowledged Mines’s quick draw.

    “Master… please don’t force me…”

    Mines shook her head; she didn’t want to shoot Lena.

    Once she fired, there would be no turning back. Pulling out the gun was more of a self-defense mechanism than a threat.

    She hadn’t even released the safety…

    “What did I force you to do?”

    Lena swatted the Desert Eagle-like magic gun away, her voice turning cold. “I hate it when people point guns at me.”

    Yes, any kind of gun.

    “I’m sorry.”

    Mines’s voice was soft and sorrowful. She was reflecting, but she didn’t know if Lena would forgive her.

    She would definitely be fired…

    Please no…

    “My Master…” Mines clutched her chest dramatically, like a sickly maiden on the verge of a heart attack. If one looked closely, they would see that her eyebrows were always slightly downturned, her dignity placed so low that it was hard to dislike her.

    “If you’re truly sorry, you should have apologized when you were about to kiss me.”

    Lena released her, letting her lie on the pillows to catch her breath.

    The fire of lust had died down, Lena’s desires vanishing the moment Mines pulled out that weapon.

    “Idiot,” Lena scolded.

    “Master.” Mines didn’t know how to face Lena, her long, black eyelashes casting shadows on her face, bracing herself for Lena’s reprimand.

    “But since you returned my ring, I forgive you.” Lena flicked Mines’s forehead.

    “Ah! Master…” Mines winced, her cheeks flushing, much to Lena’s amusement.

    “I barely touched you, don’t act like I bullied you.” Lena rubbed her fingers, leaning against the headboard, now level with Mines. “Are you going back?”

    “Yes, my siblings are waiting for me at home, I have to take care of them…”

    “Oh? Siblings?”

  • The Saintess Has A Showdown 169-170

    Chapter 169: Sacred Water (Lover)

    –Snow Fairy Mansion, Snow Plume City

    A vast expanse of snow stretched for hundreds of kilometers, a boundless icy plain, glittering snow dust drifting through the air.

    This was the upper district of Snow Plume City, similar to the Ice Plains of the Sea Concubine Palace, but larger and open to the public.

    Girls in revealing outfits strolled about, not only Spirit Masters but even ordinary mortal women.

    While the outer factions of the Sea Region had strictly separated the mortal and immortal realms for cultivation purposes, the Snow Fairy Mansion still maintained a mixed community.

    Thud!

    Thump, thump, thump!!

    A massive Snow Bear lumbered across the snowy plain, its enormous paws creating tremors with each step, drawing the attention of passersby.

    An ornate palanquin was strapped to its back. This was the so-called Snow Bear Carriage, a common sight in the Snow Fairy Mansion.

    Gong Lianyue had to admit, the Snow Fairy Mansion was quite business-savvy.

    A low-rank Snow Bear cost less than 50 spirit crystals, while a single ride on a Snow Bear Carriage cost one spirit crystal.

    A Snow Bear could earn back its purchase price in just a few days. Quite a profitable investment.

    If the Nine Great Factions didn’t only count new recruits from their subsidiary forces, the Snow Fairy Mansion, with its relaxed atmosphere and focus on leisure, would probably be the most popular destination.

    [Ding, ding, ding, ding!!]

    [Arriving at Loving Heart Spring Station.]

    A strange, androgynous voice, emanating from a spirit artifact attached to its throat, announced their arrival.

    As the four Snow Fairy Mansion girls stood up, Gong Lianyue also rose and slid down from the Snow Bear’s back.

    Amidst the snowy landscape, a heart-shaped, pink lake shimmered, heart-shaped bubbles rising to the surface.

    Nearly ten thousand visitors, mostly couples, crowded around the lake.

    Loving Heart Spring, a high-rank spirit beast. It was said that making a wish to it would grant one true love.

    Some came to pray, others to attempt to subdue it.

    After all, it was a high-rank spirit beast. Subduing it would bring fame and recognition within the Snow Fairy Mansion!

    Among the visitors, the most eye-catching was a girl kneeling before Loving Heart Spring, her body barely covered by two scraps of cloth.

    The Pure Saintess of the Snow Fairy Mansion!

    It was said she had been kneeling here for three years, her clothing becoming more revealing each year, now almost completely naked.

    “Loving Heart Spring, please hear my plea!” The girl clasped her hands together, a holy, white light emanating from her body.

    “I was orphaned before I was even born, my family scattered, diagnosed with over a hundred split personalities, suffering from depression and autism, my entire body covered in fractures, my face horribly disfigured, my cerebellum missing, my kidneys only thirty percent the size of a normal person’s, afflicted with a malignant uterine tumor, infertile, and having had sixteen abortions.”

    “I…”

    [But your appearance is only moderately above average. That makes it difficult for me.]

    A strange voice, seemingly emanating from the depths of Loving Heart Spring, interrupted the Pure Saintess’s lament.

    The Pure Saintess sighed. This was the same response she received every time, but she hadn’t given up.

    “I am considered a beauty within the Snow Fairy Mansion. If I don’t meet your standards, then no woman in this world possibly could.”

    Besides the Pure Saintess, other Spirit Masters who attempted to subdue Loving Heart Spring also received comments on their appearance.

    They knew Loving Heart Spring’s rating system consisted of three tiers: low, mid, and high.

    Each tier was further divided into four levels: below average, average, above average, and peak.

    The highest rating for a mortal woman was “low-tier peak.” After all, their genes hadn’t been enhanced by spirit energy. There was a limit to their beauty.

    For Spirit Masters, however, few were rated “low.” Most were “mid-tier.”

    “Mid-tier above average” was already considered incredibly beautiful, beyond the comprehension of mortals, let alone the incredibly rare “peak” rating.

    As for the “high” tier, it had never been given. People suspected it was a biased rating reserved for spirit beasts…

    So, the Snow Fairy Mansion sent a group of their most beautiful spirit beasts for evaluation, but they all received “mid-tier” ratings.

    This confused everyone. Just what level of beauty was required for a “high” rating?

    [I can’t help it. I’m afraid of being constantly disgusted by your ugliness if we’re together.]

    “…”
    “…”

    Hearing Loving Heart Spring’s words, the Pure Saintess’s eye twitched. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself.

    A mere high-rank spirit beast, and yet so picky!

    Just as she was about to continue, she was interrupted by a commotion nearby.

    Several shocked gasps came from the opposite side of the lake, and the Pure Saintess frowned, turning to look.

    A conservatively dressed, blue-haired girl was… feeding Loving Heart Spring…

    These ignorant, uncultured village girls were so annoying!

    Everyone here wore short skirts that barely covered their backsides, and yet she was wearing a dress that reached her knees, tossing peaches into Loving Heart Spring.

    Loving Heart Spring never accepted offerings. Anyone who threw something in would have it thrown back at them.

    Just this morning, someone had poured a bucket of milk into the lake, only to be drenched in it.

    The Pure Saintess waited for the inevitable, but after more than ten seconds, the blue-haired girl continued feeding Loving Heart Spring, and the spirit beast, instead of retaliating, remained calm, as if digesting the offerings.

    This strange phenomenon drew gasps of surprise. What was she feeding it? Why wasn’t Loving Heart Spring spitting it out?

    “How is this possible…!?” the Pure Saintess gasped, her eyes wide with shock.

    ….

    “Phew, it seems to be working~~~”

    Kneeling opposite Loving Heart Spring, the blue-haired girl breathed a sigh of relief and continued tossing peaches into the lake.

    Water Tangerine Peaches, Sacred Water (Lover)’s favorite food.

    She had bought ten thousand of them, stored in her spatial bracelet, and was now methodically feeding them to the spirit beast.

    Ignoring the surprised looks and curious whispers around her, Gong Lianyue continued, as if trying to fill Loving Heart Spring with peaches.

    After feeding it more than a hundred, figuring the Snow Fairy Mansion higher-ups must have been alerted, she finally stopped and looked at Loving Heart Spring, her expression calm.

    [Young lady, although these peaches are delicious, I can’t help it. Your appearance is only mid-tier…]

    [Mid-tier… mid-tier… mid-tier—mid-tier… high!!!?]

    Loving Heart Spring’s voice was filled with shock.

    Chapter 170: Gong Lianyue’s Beauty Rating

    [Young lady, although these peaches are delicious, I can’t help it. Your appearance is only mid-tier…]

    [Mid-tier, mid-tier… mid-tier—mid-tier… high!!!?]

    Loving Heart Spring’s voice was filled with disbelief. It couldn’t believe what it was seeing.

    After a long pause, it finally stammered its revised assessment.

    [High-tier, below average.]

    At this moment, the important thing wasn’t the specific rating, but the fact that a human had actually reached the “high-tier” level!

    Hearing the assessment, Gong Lianyue smiled faintly, not particularly surprised.

    Although confident in her own beauty, she knew she couldn’t compare to the most stunning of the legendary spirit beasts.

    High-tier, below average, wasn’t bad. It was a level beyond the reach of ordinary humans.

    Whether there were even a hundred beings in existence rated “high-tier average,” “high-tier above average,” or “high-tier peak” was debatable.

    “So, what do you say? Want to come with me?” Gong Lianyue tossed another Water Tangerine Peach into the lake.

    Plop~~

    The pink, succulent peach disappeared beneath the surface, eliciting another round of gasps.

    Judging by the girl’s confident tone, did she actually have a chance of subduing Loving Heart Spring?

    [No. I sense a repulsive aura. I won’t go with you.]

    Loving Heart Spring refused without hesitation.

    Its earlier surprise had simply been due to seeing a high-tier human for the first time.

    Gong Lianyue had changed her appearance and discarded anything carrying the Sea Concubine Palace’s aura, but she had still been recognized. How frustrating.

    Could it be because she and the Water Emperor shared a connection to the Sea Concubine’s Love Tablet…?

    “Fine, suit yourself. But I’m curious about what a peak high-tier beauty looks like. Could you give me some examples?” Gong Lianyue changed her tone and switched to telepathic communication, preventing the other visitors from overhearing.

    [No. Why should I tell you?]

    Oh, this little thing was quite stubborn.

    Gong Lianyue’s eyes darted around as she held up a finger, making a promise. “I have over nine thousand more of these peaches. If you tell me what a peak high-tier beauty looks like, I’ll give them all to you.”

    [The Sea Breath Cradle, ranked seventh among the Ten Sacred Waters. Tsk~~ That figure… and that face… truly something else.]

    [The Jade Concubine of the Waterfall Lake. No need to mention her. Everyone knows she’s a beauty, though her personality is a bit… vulgar.]

    [The Heavenly Fan Maiden, the Snow Monarch, the Illusion Sea Concubine, the White Moon Lord, the Crimson Calamity… those are the ones I can think of right now…]_

    “Wait, you’ve seen the Snow Monarch’s true face?” Gong Lianyue gasped, dumping more than a thousand peaches into Loving Heart Spring.

    [Not exactly, but I can judge beauty just from their aura. I’m never wrong.]

    “I see…” Gong Lianyue nodded as if suddenly understanding, then her expression hardened, her tone turning cold.

    “Sacred Water, Lover, come with me. What are you waiting for?”

    The blue-haired girl stood up, a powerful wave of spirit energy radiating from her body.

    The dense, sea-blue spirit energy spread for several kilometers, sending the nearby visitors tumbling, their gazes fixed on her in shock.

    [???]

    [Heh, so you knew my true identity all along, pretending to be ignorant. You’re with that woman, aren’t you?]

    [Well, give up. I will never follow a Sea Concubine Palace Spirit Master.]

    [Do you think I can’t see? Your spirit beast slots are full. You just want to use me as a tool. You’re even worse than that woman!!!]

    [She was at the peak of the Nether Traverse Stage when she came here, and you’re just barely at the Dead Sea Stage. Finally, a chance for revenge!!]

    [Acting so arrogant just because you’re rated ‘high-tier below average.’ I’ll beat you down to ‘low-tier below average’!!]

    As Sacred Water, Lover, seethed with childish rage, the entire lake began to tremble violently, churning like a whirlpool.

    A graceful, pink, watery figure, riding a pink, heart-shaped droplet, rose from the lake.

    Sacred Water, Lover. Its body was only the size of a human thumb, like a fairy, its delicate form endearing.

    Two pairs of small, shimmering butterfly wings fluttered behind it, a beautiful and captivating sight.

    “Loving Heart Spring has revealed its true form!?”

    “Who is that girl? Her beauty has captivated Loving Heart Spring?”

    Hearing the shocked cries, the Pure Saintess felt a pang of jealousy. This spirit beast, which she had been unable to subdue for three years, had been won over by this blue-haired girl in minutes.

    And her appearance was only average…

    The Pure Saintess continued to stare, unable to look away.

    Mm, indeed average, average enough to… make one want to… remove her skirt… average.jpg (The Pure Saintess’s thoughts)

    Meanwhile, facing Sacred Water, Lover’s furious outburst, the blue-haired girl’s hair danced wildly in the wind, her expression remaining calm.

    “You misunderstand. I intend to contract with you as soon as I reach the Samsara Stage,” Gong Lianyue said, her tone flat and emotionless.

    Weapon-type spirit beasts could be used without a contract, like the Water Element and the Shadowlurking Blade.

    “If you agree, I promise to let you beat up that woman one day. However, if you continue to act like a spoiled child, I’ll have to discipline you first.”

    A tense silence. The blue-haired girl’s indifferent tone infuriated Sacred Water, Lover.

    A mere human Spirit Master… who did she think she was, speaking to a Saint-rank spirit beast like this?

    Who was at the Samsara Stage, and who was at the Dead Sea Stage…?

    And she had promised to let it beat up that woman, the Water Emperor of the Sea Region, the one it hated so much!

    [Empty words, meaningless promises.]

    The next second, a chilling aura erupted from the tiny pink figure, knocking unconscious all the mortals within a radius of several kilometers, their bodies scattered on the ground.

    Even many of the Illumination and Dawn and Dusk Stage Spirit Masters collapsed, their faces filled with terror.

    The Pure Saintess, barely able to stand, stared in disbelief at the clashing auras of the pink figure and the blue-haired girl.

    Pink and blue spirit energy collided, dividing the world into two swirling masses of color.

    Such power… how was this possible?

    Even the current Palace Master of the Snow Fairy Mansion wasn’t this powerful!!!

    Could this truly be the spirit energy of Loving Heart Spring, a mere high-rank spirit beast?

  • My Evil God Girlfriend (gl) 98

    Chapter 98: Return

    The wind roared in the helicopter as An Yue and the others rushed to Xiang Er, draping a blanket over her torn clothes, their gazes fixed on the scene below.

    None of them had ever witnessed anything like this.

    A swarm of grotesque monsters, like ants to their queen, surged towards a single, massive figure at the center.

    And that massive figure, wielding countless thick, dark red tentacles, grabbed the monsters, one by one, and pulled them into its body, its movements smooth and effortless, a gruesome feast.

    And the monsters, no matter how large, how ferocious, were helpless against the tentacles, their screams and wails echoing as they were lifted, devoured, absorbed into the black, monstrous form.

    An Yue and the others watched in stunned silence, a new recruit, his voice filled with awe, asking:

    “What… is that?”

    An Yue was about to answer when Xiang Er, her gaze fixed on the window below, suddenly spoke, her voice soft:

    “That’s the Evil God, Akhe.”

    Her voice was clear, steady, yet strangely gentle, as if filled with a dreamy affection.

    She looked down, her eyes clear, the frantic, manic look gone, not a trace remaining.

    Within minutes, the monster army, led by several Class S+ monsters, had been completely devoured by the Evil God.

    The ground below, now clean, the monsters gone, the fleeing humans stopping in confusion.

    The helicopter descended, and Xiang Er, her excitement growing, fidgeted restlessly.

    She looked at her reflection in the helicopter window, her face gaunt and pale, almost ghostly, and she touched her cheek, her voice urgent:

    “Does anyone have any foundation? Lipstick, anything?”

    But the helicopter was full of investigators, prepared for battle, not makeup, and they exchanged confused glances, shaking their heads.

    Xiang Er, close to panic, looked at her reflection, then, with a sigh, she started patting her cheeks, biting her lips, trying to force some color into her face. She adjusted her clothes, the white dress torn and tattered, the blanket they had given her ugly and shapeless…

    The helicopter landed on the roof of a shopping mall.

    Beside the mall, a massive, dark tentacle monster, taller than the six-story building, stood silently. A tentacle gently reached out, carefully lifting the helicopter, like a toy, and placing it on the rooftop.

    Several of the newer investigators jumped out.

    A black tentacle, its movements gentle, extended towards the helicopter door, waiting.

    Finally, An Yue helped Xiang Er out of the helicopter.

    The tentacle, like a black and red carpet, lay before them. Xiang Er extended a pale foot and stepped onto it.

    The tentacle trembled slightly, and Xiang Er’s body trembled as well, as she walked forward, step by step.

    She was like a child learning to walk, her steps unsteady, yet determined, as she approached the only person, the only being, that mattered to her.

    Her torn white dress fluttered in the wind, her long, neglected hair swirling around her, the wind, carrying the scent of time and space, of distant stars, and yet, her eyes saw only that one being.

    That being, terrifying and monstrous to others, a source of madness and fear.

    Yet to Xiang Er, the sweetest honey, the source of her greatest joy.

    She stumbled forward.

    And suddenly, a figure in a red dress appeared.

    The woman in the red dress, without hesitation, ran towards her.

    It was the form Akhe had crafted for her, for Xiang Er.

    Akhe would never let Xiang Er come to her alone, she, too, would run, with all her might, towards Xiang Er!

    Red dress and white dress, finally meeting.

    Xiang Er’s throat tightened, her vision blurring, her mind blank, her arms reaching out, her unsteady legs almost giving way, yet still she reached…

    And this time, her hands were caught, held firmly.

    Those hands, delicate and smooth, slightly larger than hers, grasped hers, pulling her forward.

    Xiang Er instinctively tried to steady herself, but she couldn’t, and she fell into a warm embrace.

    It was so warm… warmer than her wildest dreams, softer… she sank into it, her eyes closing involuntarily, her hands held captive, her body relaxing, surrendering to the embrace…

    “You… you’re back…”

    Xiang Er felt like she was floating in a warm spring, or on a cloud of cotton candy.

    A deep, magnetic voice, a cello’s resonance, the voice she had chased in her dreams, the most beautiful voice in the world, the voice that had been etched in her memory since their first encounter, replied:

    “Yes, I’m back… I missed you so much, Little Ears, so much…”

    Xiang Er closed her eyes, her face pressed against the woman’s chest, inhaling the familiar, yet also strangely unfamiliar, sweet fragrance.

    Tears silently traced paths down her cheeks.

    She sighed and said:

    “You… jerk. I didn’t miss you at all.”

    A deep chuckle rumbled in the woman’s chest, its vibrations echoing through Xiang Er’s body. A thick tentacle, from behind, gently caressed Xiang Er’s hair, a tender, loving touch.

    Then, a soft kiss on her forehead.

    Akhe, in her red dress, as if unable to contain herself, repeated over and over:

    “I love you, I love you… I love you, Xiang Er, I love you.”

    Xiang Er suddenly covered her forehead with her hand, turning her face away, muttering about wanting to leave:

    “No… don’t touch me, I haven’t showered… I… I don’t look good…”

    Two tentacles gently but firmly held her in place, and Akhe lifted her chin.

    Xiang Er’s gaze met Akhe’s, her face flushing, her heart pounding, a wave of panic.

    She gasped for air, her gaze fixed on Akhe’s eyes.

    Those familiar, beautiful eyes, usually so serene and composed, were now filled with tears, a burning intensity in their depths, as if looking at a lost treasure, rediscovered.

    Akhe looked at Xiang Er, tears streaming down her face, like pearls on her cheeks and chin, her voice hoarse with emotion:

    “You’ve suffered…”

    Xiang Er wanted to say no, but her voice betrayed her:

    “It was… it was hard, without you… so hard.”

    But then she smiled, her hand gently wiping away Akhe’s tears, her voice soft:

    “Now that you’re back, it’s not hard anymore.”

    Akhe’s body trembled, and Xiang Er, her hands cupping Akhe’s face, a fervent, almost reverent gesture…

    Kissed her god.

    Their lips met, their tongues intertwined, like thirsty fish finding solace in each other’s waters.

    They kissed, passionately, until the sky darkened, until the end of time.

    To avoid the wind, they took the helicopter back to the city.

    Xiang Er clung to Akhe, her arms wrapped around a tentacle, refusing to let go, the other investigators in the helicopter watching them nervously, not daring to make a sound.

    Only An Yue looked on with a satisfied smile, she knew, as long as they were together, the planet would be safe, this wasn’t just a relationship, it was a matter of global security!

    An Yue tried to discuss the situation with Akhe, but after a few words, Akhe put a finger to her lips, silencing everyone.

    Xiang Er had fallen asleep in Akhe’s arms.

    Akhe, to make her more comfortable, had conjured several tentacles, forming a small nest around Xiang Er.

    Xiang Er, who had been unable to sleep without medication, now, like a small kitten, curled up contentedly, her face pressed against a tentacle, her arm around Akhe’s, slept soundly.

    Akhe looked down at her, her gaze lingering on Xiang Er’s thin face, as if looking at her own reflection.

    The moment felt eternal, and on the Evil God’s monstrous face, a human expression, the look of someone willing to sacrifice everything for the one they loved.

    Her gaze filled with a profound love, she watched over her sleeping lover, the world silent, nothing more important than the person in her arms.

    She was a monster, feared and loathed by humans.

    But her love was pure, undeniable.

    Akhe, carrying the sleeping Xiang Er, returned to their old apartment, the place where it all began, their shared home, carefully built and nurtured.

    This old apartment had witnessed so much, the creation of the human facade, the blossoming of their love, the shattering of their trust, their mutual destruction.

    And tonight, they returned home.

    Xiang Er was carried to her bed, and after a while, she was awakened by a gentle kiss.

    Akhe’s lips, her tentacles, caressed her, a gentle, intimate touch, like a small animal nuzzling its beloved, an expression of affection, not lust.

    “Mm…”

    Xiang Er stirred, a muffled sound, she seemed to have caught a cold. The constant exposure to the wind in the helicopter, her previous manic state masking the symptoms, now catching up with her.

    “Little Ears, wake up and have something to drink.”

    Akhe’s voice was soft and gentle.

    “Hmm?”

    Xiang Er opened her eyes, a sudden wave of anxiety, her hand reaching out, touching Akhe’s face, as if in disbelief.

    Akhe, a loving smile on her face, let her touch, her hand in Xiang Er’s. Xiang Er, after a moment, her voice hesitant, asked:

    “I’m… dreaming again, aren’t I?”

    So she had been… dreaming of her return…

    Akhe’s smile vanished, as if her heart had been ripped out, a pain so intense it almost broke her.

    Her voice trembling, she said:

    “No, it’s not a dream, I’m back, Little Ears, I’m really back.”

    She pressed her face into Xiang Er’s hand, turned on the light, even offered her tentacles, wanting to show Xiang Er, to prove to her…

    This wasn’t a dream! None of this was a dream, and from now on, she wouldn’t have to dream anymore!

    Xiang Er opened her eyes, her gaze slowly focusing, taking in the scene before her.

    Akhe’s body, Akhe’s face, Akhe’s thin nightgown, and her tentacles, the tentacles she had once loathed, and then… loved.

    Everything.

    Real, tangible, undeniable.

    After a long moment, Xiang Er finally realized:

    “Ah… so it’s not a dream…”

    She raised her arm, her hand gently caressing Akhe’s neck, her gaze lingering on her beautiful face.

    She said:

    “I had… a very long dream… in the dream, you said you were going to fight… another one like you, and you left me all alone, I was so lonely… I wasn’t that lonely before, it’s your fault, why did you stay with me? Why did you make me get used to you, then leave, it’s all your fault!”

    She lightly punched Akhe’s neck with her trembling hand. Akhe didn’t flinch, just endured it, her eyes filled with pain.

    Akhe wrapped her arms around Xiang Er’s waist, pulling her close.

    She held her like a child, carried her to the living room, and sat down on the sofa, gently feeding her snow fungus soup with a small spoon.

    After finishing the soup, neither of them wanting to let go, they lay down on the sofa, holding each other tightly, as if afraid that the other would disappear.

    Akhe’s black and red tentacles wrapped around Xiang Er, gently caressing her skin.

    Akhe held Xiang Er captive, and Xiang Er, in that embrace, felt a profound sense of peace and happiness.

    Xiang Er’s body was entwined with Akhe’s, her chest pressed against the soft, yielding tentacles, her eyes gradually glazing over.

    To distract herself, she asked, a sigh escaping her lips:

    “So… when you went to fight… what… happened?”

    Akhe’s tongue gently caressed Xiang Er’s earlobe, her voice low:

    “It’s a long story… but it’s not the right time…”

    A tentacle gently wrapped around Xiang Er’s waist, and Xiang Er shifted slightly, her arms tightening around Akhe’s neck:

    “Then what is… the right… ah!”

    A wave of intense pleasure washed over Xiang Er. She felt like she was losing her mind, only in this complete surrender, this total merging, could she truly feel…

    That Akhe was really back.

    And that they would never be apart again.