Month: July 2024 (Page 3 of 6)

Chapter 3 – I want to end my relationship with you.

July 18, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Chapter 3 – I want to end my relationship with you.

 

Rong Tang certainly knew Jiang Bao’er was just playing along, but he didn’t expect that even the dog emperor could see through it. These days, he had been teetering between life and death, mostly in a muddled state, but he could feel that the dog emperor seemed different from before. Although still detestable, the way he was detestable had changed.

 

“Your Majesty knows quite a lot.”

 

“Of course,” Zhao Qi said with an inscrutable look. “I also know who gave you that poison.”

 

Surprised? Caught off guard? Quickly show me a dumbfounded expression.

 

Rong Tang’s expression remained unchanged. He coughed lightly and said, “I told you before, this matter is my doing alone.”

 

“No, no,” Zhao Qi waved his finger. “You brought nothing when you entered the palace. The eunuchs and palace maids here wouldn’t dare to give you poison. So where did your poison come from?”

 

Rong Tang said, “Please continue, Your Majesty.”

 

“I thought long and hard. The only person who could give you poison and has the motive to do so is my brother—Prince Huai, Zhao Tong.”

 

Rong Tang’s gaze darkened slightly, and he looked at Zhao Qi with a bit more scrutiny.

 

Prince Huai, Zhao Tong, the absolute protagonist of “The Boundless Great Jing,” was the dog emperor’s half-brother. Zhao Tong had lived in the shadows of the dog emperor and the Empress Dowager Wen since childhood. To survive, he pretended to be foolish, claiming he was impotent and unable to have children, which earned him the Empress Dowager’s reluctant mercy and a poor fief in the north. Zhao Qi in the north bided his time, winning people’s hearts. When the time was right, he raised an army, swept southward like a storm, stormed the capital, and replaced the dog emperor.

 

Zhao Tong, as the protagonist, was constantly exuding his damned charm. In “The Boundless Great Jing,” any handsome and talented man was subdued by him, and Rong Tang was one of them.

 

Zhao Tong and Rong Tang had been close since childhood, as close as brothers. When Rong Tang was taken into the palace by the dog emperor, Zhao Tong had not yet gone to his northern fief. He knelt outside Yonghua Palace, begging the dog emperor to rescind the order. The dog emperor, truly a dog, not only ignored him but also gave him thirty lashes, sending him away quickly.

 

Zhao Tong left the capital wounded. Before leaving, he risked his life to see Rong Tang once more and gave him the poison.

 

Zhao Tong said, “Brother Rong, I know that serving others with your looks is more painful than death for you. But I hope you can wait for me to return. But if you can’t bear it any longer… keep this poison with you.”

 

Rong Tang was deeply moved and said, “I will wait for you.”

 

At that moment, Zhao Qi, who witnessed this scene, was confused: ???

 

I really can’t understand the affection between you ancient people.

 

Zhao Qi, full of confidence, said, “Judging by your reaction, I guessed right.”

 

“Wrong.”

 

“Huh?” Zhao Qi was dumbfounded. “Impossible! That’s exactly what the book says!”

 

Rong Tang said calmly, “Since Your Majesty is so sure, why bother asking me?”

 

Only then did Zhao Qi realize he had almost been misled by Rong Tang. Teasingly, he said, “You and Prince Huai have such a deep relationship. If I let you out of the palace, you’d probably pack your things and head straight to the north to find him, wouldn’t you?”

 

Rong Tang looked at him. “But Your Majesty won’t let me go.”

 

That was true. Zhao Qi couldn’t let Rong Tang go to Zhao Tong’s side unless he wanted to die sooner. Actually, to secure his throne, the best way was to kill Rong Tang and send assassins to kill Zhao Tong before he grew stronger and economically developed.

 

But Zhao Qi just transmigrated into a tyrant; he didn’t really become one. Whether it was Rong Tang or Zhao Tong, both were righteous characters with great talent and ambition. Zhao Qi simply couldn’t bring himself to do it.

 

“Indeed, I won’t let you go,” Zhao Qi said.

 

Rong Tang closed his eyes. “Why?”

 

Zhao Qi lied through his teeth. “Because I like you.”

 

After talking for so long, Rong Tang seemed a bit exhausted. His face was pale as paper, and his lips had no trace of blood. “There are countless beauties in the world. Why is Your Majesty so fixated on me?”

 

“Because you are beautiful.”

 

Rong Tang laughed lightly. “Beautiful… Everyone says Prime Minister Xiao is the most handsome man in Great Jing. Why doesn’t Your Majesty like him?”

 

Because it’s necessary for the plot, the author set it this way.

 

“Of course, I don’t just like your face,” Zhao Qi bluffed. “Your writing is excellent. I especially like it.”

 

Rong Tang lowered his eyes. “Oh.”

 

Zhao Qi was exasperated. “You keep saying ‘oh’ all the time. I forbid you from saying ‘oh’ anymore!”

 

Rong Tang started coughing again, a fit so severe that Zhao Qi feared he might cough up his lungs. He ordered someone to take Rong Tang back to rest. Then Zhao Qi went to Mingcui Palace where Jiang Bao’er was.

 

Jiang Bao’er was lying in bed drinking medicine. When he saw Zhao Qi, he coughed even more violently than Rong Tang. “Your Majesty… cough, cough…”

 

Jiang Bao’er was eloquent and loved to act, and he slightly resembled Rong Tang in his features, which endeared him to the original emperor. Now, with tears in his eyes, he looked pitifully at Zhao Qi. “Your Majesty, it was Bao’er’s own carelessness that caused me to fall into the water. It has nothing to do with Lord Rong. Please don’t blame him.”

 

“Don’t worry,” Zhao Qi cooperated with his performance. “Not only did I not blame him, but I also comforted him. Are you happy?”

 

Jiang Bao’er’s big eyes showed even bigger confusion. “Uh?”

 

Zhao Qi held back a laugh, sat by the bed, and asked, “Baby, I’ve been busy recently and haven’t had time to see you. Are you very bored?”

 

Jiang Bao’er shook his head. “Not bored, just missing you so much that it hurts. Now that I see you, Bao’er…”

 

Jiang Bao’er leaned his head on Zhao Qi’s shoulder, but Zhao Qi discreetly moved away and said, “You can’t think about me all the time, twelve hours a day. If you’re bored, find something to do. For example, count how many bricks there are in Mingcui Palace and which ones have cracks.”

 

Jiang Bao’er was so frightened that his face turned pale. “Your Majesty, are you saying you don’t want Bao’er anymore?”

 

Jiang Bao’er was originally a courtesan at a male brothel in the capital. The dog emperor noticed him during a secret outing and brought him into the palace as a male concubine. Although he had never spent the night with the emperor, he often accompanied him for entertainment. Now that Zhao Qi no longer needed male or female concubines, what should be done with all the men and women in the harem? Take Jiang Bao’er, for instance—without family, frail, and unable to take care of himself. If he were expelled from the palace, he would probably return to his old profession just to survive. But keeping them in the palace would be a significant expense.

 

Zhao Qi found it very unfair. Why should he spend money on them without even holding their hands?

 

Zhao Qi glanced at Jiang Bao’er’s “delicate jade hands”—holding them would be more of a loss for him!

 

Seeing Zhao Qi’s delayed response, Jiang Bao’er was on the verge of tears. “Your Majesty, please tell Bao’er what he did wrong, and Bao’er will change immediately! Please don’t send Bao’er away—”

 

Zhao Qi, having had enough of his whining, decided to play the scoundrel. “To be honest with you, I am fickle and have grown tired of you. I want to end our master-servant relationship.”

 

Jiang Bao’er’s eyes widened. “Master-servant relationship?”

 

“It means you are no longer my male concubine.”

 

Jiang Bao’er’s tears began to fall. “Your Majesty… Is it because of Lord Rong that you no longer want Bao’er?”

 

Zhao Qi asked in return, “Do you want to stay in the palace?”

 

Jiang Bao’er nodded fervently. “Yes, Bao’er wants to stay in the palace and by Your Majesty’s side forever!”

 

“But the palace does not keep idle people.”

 

“Bao’er is willing to be a servant, to serve Your Majesty!”

 

Zhao Qi scrutinized Jiang Bao’er from head to toe. “Besides serving people, you can do other things too. For example, you love acting, so why not become an actor?”

 

Jiang Bao’er looked confused. “Your Majesty means performing in opera?”

 

“Something like that.”

 

“Bao’er can perform, I guess…”

 

Zhao Qi waved his hand repeatedly. “I don’t understand that… forget it, we’ll discuss this later. You rest for now, I’m leaving.”

 

Jiang Bao’er looked pitiful. “Will Your Majesty come again?”

 

“I don’t know,” Zhao Qi said. “If you’re bored, find something to do. Besides counting the bricks, you can learn to swim—both breaststroke and freestyle—so you won’t need rescuing next time you fall into the water.”

 

Jiang Bao’er: ???

 

As soon as Zhao Qi returned to Yonghua Palace, a maid from Cian Palace came to invite him, saying the Empress Dowager wanted to have dinner with him. Zhao Qi changed his clothes and rushed over, only to find the Empress Dowager still discussing state affairs with the ministers.

 

The head maid of the Empress Dowager, Yunxiu, asked, “Your Majesty, would you like to enter or wait outside?”

 

Zhao Qi glanced inside. “Who is Mother discussing matters with?”

 

Before Yunxiu could answer, a deep male voice came from the front. “Me.”

 

Yunxiu hurriedly turned and bowed to the person behind her. “Lord Xiao.”

 

In Zhao Qi’s mind, a barrage of thoughts flashed—Prime Minister Xiao Shiqing, who held power over the court, the most handsome man in Great Jing, and the Empress Dowager’s trusted minister.

 

The officially recognized most handsome man truly had otherworldly looks. Unlike Rong Tang’s fresh and breezy demeanor, Xiao Shiqing had inky sword-like eyebrows, brilliant eyes, and an innate noble air. Frankly, this prime minister looked more like an emperor than he did.

 

Xiao Shiqing performed a customary bow. “Your Majesty.”

 

Zhao Qi felt somewhat oppressed by his presence. “Rise.”

 

Xiao Shiqing looked at Zhao Qi with a hint of a smile. “I just heard some good news from the Empress Dowager.”

 

“What is it?”

 

Xiao Shiqing’s gaze shifted slightly downwards. “Your Majesty’s dragon…”

 

Zhao Qi almost lost his mind, blushing. “Stop talking about that, there are so many people here!”

 

Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by Zhao Qi’s reaction. “Is Your Majesty shy? That’s not like you. Could it be that the ‘dragon’ has changed, and Your Majesty’s personality along with it?”

 

Zhao Qi: …

 

Jiang Dehai kindly reminded Xiao Shiqing, “Prime Minister, the emperor has decreed that no one is to mention those words again. Otherwise, they will have their tongues cut out!”

 

“Is that so?” Xiao Shiqing smiled. “So does Your Majesty plan to cut my tongue?”

 

Zhao Qi glared at him. “No, I’ll keep your tongue for now; it’s still useful.”

 

“Oh?” Xiao Shiqing said nonchalantly. “What use does it have?”

 

Zhao Qi: ???

 

Something seems off?

T/N: Yay! A new novel?! If you’re wondering if it’s a good idea to take on 4 novels at the same time; my answer – “Probably not…”

 

But after reading a few chapters of this, I just HAD to snatch this project up. I haven’t done transmigration with a true-doomed villain start so I want to try this one! ANYWAY, there is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

 

Chapter 16 – Bald?

July 17, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Chapter 16: Bald?

 

Despite the teasing, Su Muluo still took the little black dragon out of his pocket and coaxed it properly.

 

“You’re my favorite. Don’t be mad, okay?”

 

The little black dragon hummed, curling up in Su Muluo’s palm with its little head held high, flicking its tail.

 

“Kiss me and I’ll forgive you.”

 

“No kisses, go away,” Su Muluo responded.

 

He was just teasing the little black dragon, and the dragon knew it, not really angry but seizing the opportunity to be coaxed by its phoenix.

 

The little black dragon liked when the phoenix smiled at it, spoke sweetly in a gentle tone, and wanted to hold the phoenix tightly, keeping him close always. Of course, the latter part was just a small fantasy of the dragon’s. If it truly tried to confine the phoenix, the phoenix would surely be unhappy.

 

Thinking of this, the little black dragon let out a “roar,” turning its head away in a pouty manner, as if saying, “If you don’t kiss me, I won’t pay attention to you.”

 

“……”

 

Kissing was out of the question, so Su Muluo stroked the little black dragon from head to tail like petting a cat, making the little dragon hum and wag its tail.

 

“Happy now?”

 

The little black dragon lay limply, hugging Su Muluo’s finger and snuggling against it.

 

With a slight smile, Su Muluo patted its small head and then turned his attention to the red umbrella on the ground.

 

He hadn’t expected the fox demon to hide in the umbrella, but it didn’t matter. Now that the umbrella was in his hands, the fox demon had effectively cut off her escape route.

 

On the other side of the room, the woman in white stirred and slowly opened her eyes.

 

Her body still ached from the separation of her soul. She struggled to sit up and looked up, seeing a very handsome young man sitting in front of her.

 

“What’s your name?” Su Muluo asked directly.

 

“…” The woman in white was silent for a few seconds before softly saying, “Hu Xiao.” Before Su Muluo could ask further, she added, “The one just now was my sister, Hu Yan.”

 

“You’re both fox demons. Haven’t you registered with the Extraordinary Beings Bureau?” Su Muluo inquired.

 

Hu Xiao shook her head. “My sister and I mostly live in the mountains. We only come out during this time of the year…”

 

She glanced at Su Muluo as she spoke, and he made a “please” gesture, prompting her to continue.

 

“In a while, it will be the seventh day of the ninth lunar month, the death anniversary of my sister’s lover. During this period, she comes to human settlements to find a suitable skin for her lover.”

 

Su Muluo raised an eyebrow. “So that’s why she attacked me.”

 

Hu Xiao did not deny it. “She initially chose that dog demon, Yu Haozhi, because his affectionate behavior with his girlfriend reminded her of her lover. But soon she set her sights on you, so I went to your café.”

 

Su Muluo’s pocket moved, and he calmly pressed down on the little black dragon inside. He didn’t want to expose his dragon to this fox demon—so far, neither Hu Xiao nor Hu Yan knew he had a real dragon, and there was no need for them to know.

 

“So, you and your sister are accomplices in murder?”

 

“…” Hu Xiao was silent for a few seconds before saying, “I’ve never killed anyone. I went to your café to delay her from attacking you.”

 

This was an unexpected answer. Su Muluo looked at Hu Xiao, who continued, “All these years, I’ve tried to stop her, but she is stronger than me. Many times, I’ve been powerless and couldn’t save anyone.”

 

“Even so, the Extraordinary Beings Bureau may still hold you accountable,” Su Muluo noted. After all, living together for so many years, Hu Xiao was likely seen as complicit in her sister’s actions.

 

Hu Xiao showed little reaction to this, calmly stating, “I know. Because she’s my sister, I lacked the courage to report her. Sometimes, I even helped cover for her… For the past two hundred years, I’ve enabled her killings, letting her go further down this path.”

 

“You’ve anticipated this day for a long time,” Su Muluo observed, noting the calm in her eyes.

 

“Yes, I knew the truth would come out eventually. I don’t regret it. The moment I chose to hide her actions instead of reporting her, there was no turning back.”

 

Su Muluo was silent for a few seconds, then asked, “Where is your sister’s lover now?”

 

Hu Xiao’s expression remained calm throughout, but a clear hatred flashed in her eyes at this question.

 

“He’s dead,” she said. “Killed by my sister.”

 

Unsurprised, Su Muluo asked, “Can you tell me his story?”

 

“There’s nothing much to say,” Hu Xiao coldly replied. “He was a merchant who deceived my sister, saying he didn’t mind her true nature and would marry her if she helped him reach the capital. But after she did, he married another woman and tried to kill my sister, intending to skin her and use her bones to become a cultivator… Then he died.”

 

She remembered the rainy day when her sister knelt in the mud, holding a skeleton, and turned back to her.

 

“It’s wonderful,” Hu Yan had said softly, a satisfied smile on her face. “Sister, look, he’s still with me.”

 

Hu Xiao had stood frozen, seeing her sister’s face covered in blood, a shocking red. The merchant had found other cultivators, and they had skinned Hu Yan’s face, nearly killing her.

 

But Hu Yan survived, clutching the skeleton in the rain for a long time. Since then, every year around the ninth lunar month, she would hunt for a new skin for her lover.

 

“She turned the merchant’s flesh and bones into an umbrella, infusing it with her fox tail, half of her power,” Hu Xiao said softly. “She believed that way, they could be together… Maybe I should have told her sooner that it was all a delusion, just her own fantasy.”

 

Su Muluo was silent for a while after hearing the story. Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the room. He looked up and saw people from the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings arriving.

 

Hu Xiao remained unresponsive. Su Muluo glanced at her and said, “It’s all over now. I’ll tell them you helped me, which might lessen your punishment.”

 

No matter what, Hu Yan could not be forgiven, but Hu Xiao still had a kind heart. She came to his café hoping to help him—unaware of Su Muluo’s strength—just thinking that her presence might deter her sister from harming the café owner.

 

Hu Xiao shook her head at his words, giving Su Muluo a faint smile. “No need. I deserve punishment; it’s my just deserts… and also the release I’ve been waiting for many years.”

 

“And, my sister is hidden inside the umbrella. If you want to find her, I can take you in.” Her expression was weary, yet somewhat relieved. “After all these years, we must face this day… At least in the final moments, I want to be with her and have a proper conversation.”

 

As Hu Yan’s older sister, she undoubtedly loved her dearly, not wanting to see her harm others or fall into the hands of the Bureau. Initially, she tried to stop Hu Yan from killing. When that failed, she covered her tracks instead.

 

For a century, Hu Yan had blood on her hands, betrayed by her lover, while Hu Xiao lived in torment, haunted by her conscience. When the truth was finally revealed and their crimes exposed, she found her release, able to breathe easier at last.

 

“Mr. Su,” Liu He entered with the Bureau agents, scanning the room before focusing on Hu Xiao. “Is this the culprit?”

 

“No,” Su Muluo picked up the red umbrella from the ground, feeling the overwhelming aura of blood on it. “The culprit is hiding inside this.”

 

Liu He eyed the red umbrella, frowning slightly. “Quite a weapon, no wonder it can hide its presence… So, we need to go inside to find it?”

 

Su Muluo replied, “Let me handle it. I want to end this personally.”

 

If the Bureau took Hu Xiao inside, she might not get the chance to speak to Hu Yan.

 

Liu He was surprised, about to protest, but seeing Su Muluo’s determined look, she held back. 

 

Mr. Su’s mind was made up; it wasn’t wise to oppose him, especially since it also benefited them.

 

She said, “Alright, but first we need to take her back for questioning and figure out the details. Can you wait a bit?”

 

Su Muluo agreed, “No problem, I need to go back for a bit too.”

 

He had to close his café, as he had left Qiansui impersonating him there.

 

Liu He nodded and ordered her men to take the red umbrella and Hu Xiao back to the Bureau. Su Muluo left as well, returning to the café with the little black dragon.

 

Inside the café, someone who looked exactly like Su Muluo stood stiffly at the counter, a dark expression as if someone owed him five million.

 

The café was empty of customers. Su Muluo stepped inside, and Qiansui instantly reverted to his orange cat form, grabbing a cat food can and scurrying away.

 

Su Muluo laughed, closed the door, and took the little black dragon out of his pocket, sitting at the counter to tally the past two days’ earnings.

 

Due to the fox demon sisters, he had barely opened for business these past two days, resulting in pitifully low income, not even enough to cover daily expenses, let alone the monthly rent.

 

Of course, he wasn’t broke; he had millions in his bank account. Still, looking at the meager earnings was disheartening.

 

The little black dragon, lying in Su Muluo’s palm, suddenly felt its scales itching and started rubbing against his phoenix hand.

 

Su Muluo, glancing between the earnings and the oblivious little dragon rubbing its scales, scratched its scales and said, “If your scales fall off, you’ll become a bald little dragon.”

 

Little Black Dragon: “?”

 

Su Muluo: “So grow up before you go bald, instead of just eating all the time.”

 

Little Black Dragon: “??” When did it ever just eat all the time!

 

And it wasn’t bald!

 

The little black dragon grumbled, hugging Su Muluo’s finger for an explanation. Su Muluo, eyes filled with laughter, said, “You always itch, feels like you’re going bald.”

 

Little Black Dragon: “Aoo!”

 

Annoyed, the little dragon wanted to grow big and wrap itself around him. But it was too itchy, so it kept rubbing its scales against his fingers.

 

Su Muluo laughed, petting the irritated little dragon’s head, then held it up and scratched its itchy scales.

 

As he scratched, a feather suddenly fell.

 

Little Black Dragon: “?”

 

The soft white feather landed on its head, and it sniffed it, recognizing the phoenix’s scent, hugging it tightly.

 

Another feather fell.

 

Then another.

 

Su Muluo: “…”

 

After a century, he was losing feathers again.

 

But this time was different. He usually lost one, at most two feathers. Now, he lost three.

 

Three whole feathers!!

 

Su Muluo stared at the feathers, then at the happy little dragon hugging them, suddenly filled with a horrifying thought—

 

Could he be going bald because of this little dragon??

T/N: Hello hello! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

Chapter 35

July 16, 2024 / / 1 Comment

       After breakfast, Zhan Pengcheng drove his family to Guiyuan in the western suburbs.

       There was a wetland park there, and a tourist project had been artificially developed. Most people who lived in the city went there to play and relax with their families on weekends.

       Today being the National Day holiday, there were unusually many tourists at Guiyuan, and they arrived quite late. Zhan Pengcheng finally managed to find a parking spot and then helped Grandma out of the car in her wheelchair. They took a short walk around and it was almost time for lunch.

       The restaurant for lunch was next to a small river. After lunch, everyone lazily sat on the rattan chairs and didn’t want to move.

       Zhan Xiusong touched his round belly and said, “Uncle, let’s play mahjong.”

       Zhan Pengcheng was pouring water from a kettle for Zhan Weiyang to drink. Hearing this, he looked at Zhan Xiusong and said, “You are a high school student. You can’t gamble.”

       Zhan Xiusong said, “No, it’s not a gamble if we don’t pay money.”

       Zhan Weiguang leaned sideways on the chair, holding a clean toothpick in his hand, flicked it towards Zhan Xiusong and said, “Who will play with you if we don’t pay money?”

       Zhan Xiusong quickly said to Zhan Pengcheng, “Uncle, Guang ge gambles every day at school.”

       Zhan Weiguang was too lazy to pay attention to him.

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “Can you young people be more energetic? There are people riding bicycles over there. Do you want to go ride?”

       Zhan Xiusong heard him and held his head with his hands and said, “Uncle, spare me, will you? Are you kidding me?”

       Zhan Weiyang heard Zhan Pengcheng talking about riding bicycles, and his eyes lit up. He was about to say that he wanted to go, but before he opened his mouth, he heard Zhan Xiusong’s words and immediately dared not speak for fear of being called stupid.

       Pei Qing noticed Zhan Weiyang’s expression, sat up straight and said to Zhan Xiusong, “I don’t play mahjong.”

       Zhan Xiusong looked at him with disappointment, “Qing ge, you don’t play?”

       Pei Qing stood up and said, “I ate too much. I’ll go for a walk.”

       Zhan Pengcheng agreed, “Go on, you should move more.”

       Pei Qing lowered her head and asked Zhan Weiyang, “Does Yangyang want to go?”

       Zhan Weiyang immediately stood up and said impatiently, “Yes.” After saying that, he was still very anxious and wanted to tell Pei Qing to hurry up and go. It would be best if it were just the two of them.

       But then, Zhan Pengcheng grabbed him, looked at Zhan Weiguang and Zhan Xiusong, and asked, “Are you guys not going?”

       Zhan Weiguang was originally sitting on a chair with one leg crossed. He looked up at Pei Qing and Zhan Weiyang, stood up slowly, and said, “Let’s go.”

       Zhan Xiusong, who was left, heard that even Zhan Weiguang said he was going, so he could only stand up reluctantly.

       Zhan Pengcheng and Auntie Luo stayed to chat with Grandma.

       Zhan Weiyang was very disappointed. He followed Pei Qing and the others outside, walked along the river for a while, and then walked to the road along the lake.

       Zhan Xiusong walked between Pei Qing and Zhan Weiyang, chattering with them all the time. His mouth was rarely idle.

       Zhan Weiyang walked a little behind Pei Qing on the other side. He also wanted to talk to Pei Qing, but he couldn’t get a word in. Moreover, regarding the topic Zhan Xiusong was talking about, Zhan Xiusong would show a disdainful expression as long as he expressed a little opinion, so Zhan Weiyang didn’t dare to continue talking.

       Zhan Weiguang glanced at him and said, “Don’t go to Qing ge’s side. Come here.”

       Zhan Weiyang didn’t want to go over. He was a little unhappy. He slowed down his pace and saw the small light blue wildflowers blooming by the lake. He couldn’t help but stop and squat by the lake to take a closer look.

       Just when he was about to reach out, Zhan Weiguang suddenly shouted at him fiercely and loudly, “Zhan Weiyang!”

       Zhan Weiyang was startled. One of his feet stepped on the soft mud, and he fell forward. Pei Qing quickly came up and grabbed his wrist, and Zhan Weiguang reacted very quickly, grabbing his other wrist and pulling him up.

       He was pulled back by two people, but Pei Qing just prevented him from falling. Zhan Weiguang pulled him up, but he also pulled him in hard, almost causing him to lose his balance and sit on the ground. Fortunately, Pei Qing did not let go of his hand.

       Pei Qing frowned and looked at Zhan Weiguang.

       Zhan Weiguang seemed a little angry and yelled at Zhan Weiyang, “I told you to stay away from the lake!”

       Zhan Weiyang was a little confused by the yelling and subconsciously turned to find Pei Qing, grabbing Pei Qing’s arm and hiding behind him.

       Pei Qing said to Zhan Weiguang, “He was just startled just now. Don’t be so fierce. It will scare him.”

       Zhan Weiguang took a deep breath as if trying to calm down and then said to Pei Qing, “He just won’t listen to what he’s been told countless times.”

       Pei Qing turned his head to look at Zhan Weiyang. He then saw Zhan Weiyang staring at Zhan Weiguang in a daze, so he said, “It’s okay. Talk to him nicely, and he will understand.”

       Zhan Weiguang’s eyes were still a little sharp, but he didn’t speak loudly to Zhan Weiyang anymore. He just walked forward silently.

       Zhan Xiusong stood by and didn’t dare to interrupt. Now that Zhan Weiguang had left, he hurried over and whispered to him, “Guang ge, don’t be angry.”

       Pei Qing remained standing in place. He asked Zhan Weiyang, “Wasn’t it scary?”

       Zhan Weiyang’s face was a little pale. He said, “No.”

       Pei Qing lifted his hand but felt Zhan Weiyang hug him tightly. He sounded somewhat resigned as he lowered his head and asked, “Didn’t you say it wasn’t scary?”

       Zhan Weiyang let go of his hand and explained, “No, it was Zhan Weiguang who scared me. I’m not afraid of falling into the lake.”

       Pei Qing asked him to stand on his other side before continuing to move forward.

       Not far ahead was the place to rent bicycles, with options available for two-person, three-person, and four-person bikes.

       Pei Qing asked Zhan Weiyang, “Do you want to ride a bicycle?”

       Zhan Weiyang was embarrassed to answer and secretly glanced at Zhan Xiusong.

       Pei Qing said, “Why are you looking at him? Look at gege and answer whether you want to ride or not?”

       Zhan Weiyang looked up at Pei Qing and nodded happily.

       Pei Qing rented a bicycle for two people, with seats side by side. The two rode on the left and right and caught up with Zhan Weiguang and Zhan Xiusong, who were walking in front.

       They stopped. Pei Qing got off the bike and said to Zhan Xiusong, “Go ride a bicycle with Yang ge for a while.”

       Zhan Xiusong’s eyes widened, and he said, “I won’t go!”

       Zhan Weiyang looked at them, his feet on the pedals, panicking and almost nowhere to put them.

       Pei Qing said to Zhan Xiusong, “Go and help me take care of Yang ge. I have something to say to Weiguang.”

       Zhan Xiusong was stunned when he heard Pei Qing say this. He couldn’t refuse again, but he couldn’t help looking at Zhan Weiguang.

       Zhan Weiguang said to Zhan Xiusong, “Tell Zhan Weiyang to stay away from the lake.”

       Zhan Xiusong turned around helplessly and walked towards Zhan Weiyang. He climbed on the bicycle and rode forward unwillingly with Zhan Weiyang.

       Zhan Weiyang was still looking at Pei Qing.

       Pei Qing said, “I’ll come over later.”

       Zhan Weiyang felt a little relieved and nodded to him, indicating that he would wait for him.

       Zhan Weiguang looked at them, and after a while he said to Pei Qing, “Do you want to ask me about Weiyang?”

       Pei Qing let out an “hmm’, “Do you think I can resist asking?”

       Zhan Weiguang gave him a somewhat puzzled look, “I thought you would be curious, but I didn’t think you would get along with him so well.”

       Pei Qing smiled and said, “Yangyang is like a little child. It’s easy to get along with him.”

       Zhan Weiguang looked at Zhan Weiyang’s back and said, “He is like a little child, but he is not obedient at all, very annoying.”

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Chapter 15 – The Master of Shifting Blame

July 15, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Chapter 15: The Master of Shifting Blame

 

The afternoon streets were bustling with people. Su Muluo cast an invisibility spell on himself and trailed the woman in the white dress with long black hair.

 

She walked quickly, navigating through the crowded streets without being hindered. From the reactions of the people around, it seemed they hadn’t noticed her.

 

After an hour of walking, Su Muluo stopped by the street and watched the woman enter an old residential building. The stairs were exposed, so he could clearly see her ascend to the fourth floor and enter her apartment.

 

These buildings were very old, likely the type of rental where no contract was needed. This suggested the woman was a demon who wasn’t registered with the supernatural bureau and didn’t have an ID.

 

With this in mind, Su Muluo didn’t rush to follow her. Instead, he stood across the street from the building and revealed himself.

 

“Roar?”

 

The little black dragon, curious why its phoenix had stopped, looked up and called out. Su Muluo looked down at it and said, “Let’s wait a bit.”

 

He planned to observe the surroundings and test the woman.

 

A few minutes later, the curtains of her apartment were drawn open. Su Muluo saw her standing by the window for a while before she turned and went back inside.

 

Had she noticed him?

 

Su Muluo still didn’t move. The woman wouldn’t leave the building in front of him, and he wanted to see her reaction to his presence—would she choose to attack or flee?

 

The little black dragon lazily flicked its tail, idly resting on its phoenix’s fingers as it waited… After a while, it suddenly turned over, rubbing its back against Su Muluo’s palm.

 

Su Muluo: “?”

 

He looked down at the little dragon, seeing it wriggle against his hand with its soft scales as if it was itchy. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable?”

 

Little Black Dragon: “Squeak.”

 

Its scales were itchy.

 

Su Muluo found this odd. “Did you get something dirty on you?” He bent his finger to scratch the little dragon’s back scales.

 

The little dragon’s dark gold eyes squinted in comfort, purring contentedly. Su Muluo continued scratching it, running his fingers from head to tail—except for the tip, which the little dragon clung to, refusing to let him touch it.

 

After a while, the little dragon seemed less itchy. It chirped at Su Muluo and rolled affectionately in his palm.

 

Su Muluo petted it, still a bit worried. “So, what was wrong just now?”

 

The little dragon shook its head, indicating it didn’t know either.

 

Su Muluo thought for a moment. “Are you going to shed your scales?”

 

He wasn’t very knowledgeable about dragons and wasn’t sure if little dragons shed their scales shortly after birth. As a young phoenix, he hadn’t experienced anything like molting.

 

The little dragon continued shaking its head. Seeing its confused expression, Su Muluo smiled.

 

“I see, your scales are about to fall off,” he teased. “You’re turning back into a little mud eel.”

 

Little Black Dragon: “?”

 

Su Muluo: “A little mud eel spirit.”

 

Little Black Dragon: “??”

 

The little dragon lifted its head in anger, chattering at Su Muluo.

 

Su Muluo remained calm. “I can’t understand you. You’re noisy, just like a mud eel.”

 

Little Black Dragon: “…”

 

Frustrated, the little dragon flopped onto its side in Su Muluo’s hand, wriggling furiously.

 

Unlike last time, it didn’t tie itself into a knot. Su Muluo watched it for a moment, then couldn’t help but laugh, petting its head again.

 

The little dragon grabbed onto his finger and wouldn’t let go.

 

“Roar!”

 

“Alright, alright,” Su Muluo chuckled. “I was just kidding. You’re not a little mud eel spirit. You’re my little dragon, okay? Don’t be mad.”

 

Little Black Dragon: “Roar roar!”

 

Su Muluo: “I’m not going to kiss you. Kiss yourself.”

 

Little Black Dragon: “Roar roar roar!”

 

Su Muluo put it in his pocket.

 

Little Black Dragon: “…”

 

Its phoenix was bullying it!

 

Too much!!

 

Curled up angrily in his pocket, the little black dragon sulked while outside, Su Muluo looked up to see the woman in white at the window again.

 

With his excellent vision, he saw her pale face staring straight at him—completely different from her previous expression.

 

“…”

 

Su Muluo didn’t wait any longer and walked toward the residential building. As he reached the fourth floor, he saw a girl standing in front of the woman in white’s door.

 

“Open the door! Is anyone inside?”

 

The girl in the red dress banged on the door. She had long black hair down to her waist and a strikingly beautiful face, a stark contrast to the delicate and reserved look of the woman in white.

 

Su Muluo watched her knock for a while and asked, “Are you her neighbor?”

 

“Who?!” The girl in red jumped in surprise, turning to look at him warily. “Who are you?!”

 

Su Muluo replied, “I’m her friend.”

 

“…Really?” The girl in red scrutinized him from head to toe, her gaze finally settling on his face for a few seconds. “Can you contact her?”

 

Su Muluo wouldn’t say no and reveal he was lying. Instead, he asked, “What’s wrong with her?”

 

The girl in red pointed to the window beside the door. “I saw her standing still at the door with a terrifying expression. When I asked what was wrong, she turned back inside. I felt something was off and wanted to check on her, but no one responded to my knocking. It’s too strange.”

 

The window faced the hallway; it was the same window Su Muluo had seen earlier. Before he went upstairs, the woman had stood by it, but now she was gone, and the curtain was drawn.

 

Su Muluo thought for a moment, then stepped forward and said to the girl in red, “Step aside.”

 

The girl in red looked at him expectantly. “Do you have a key?”

 

Su Muluo politely replied, “No.”

 

Then he kicked the door open.

 

Girl in red: “…”

 

With a loud bang, the door slammed against the wall, stirring up a small cloud of dust, and the interior of the apartment was revealed.

 

It looked like a one-person residence, sparsely furnished and not very large. From the entryway, they could see the living room and kitchen, both empty, with no sign of the woman in white.

 

The girl in red called out softly, “Is anyone here?”

 

There was no response.

 

She cautiously peeked inside, but Su Muluo had already stepped in, heading straight for the rooms after confirming the living room and kitchen were empty.

 

The girl in red hurriedly followed him. “Wait! Are you really her friend? How can you just enter a girl’s room… Ah!”

 

Her last words turned into a scream as she froze at the room’s entrance, eyes wide with horror.

 

The ceiling fan creaked as it turned, a woman hanging from it. Her long black hair dr4p3d down, and her neck twisted unnaturally to one side. Her pale face bore wide-open eyes, staring blankly at the door.

 

“Ah—someone’s dead—ah!!!”

 

“…”

In the midst of the red-dressed girl’s continuous screams, Su Muluo remained motionless.

 

“Are you blind?! What are you doing? Call the police! She’s hanging herself! Can’t you see?!”

 

Ignoring her, Su Muluo observed the woman in white for a few seconds, then calmly said, “If a demon could be strangled by a rope, that would be too funny.”

 

“What? What are you talking about?”

 

The girl stared intently at Su Muluo. He slightly lowered his head, glanced at her, and then laughed, “The fox’s tail is showing.”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, the red-dressed girl’s face suddenly changed.

 

Whoosh!

 

In the next moment, a cold wind arose, and the red-dressed girl disappeared, enveloping the entire room in shadows, turning it dark and somber.

 

The body of the woman in white gently swayed. Su Muluo turned around and saw the red-dressed girl standing in the shadows, holding a blood-red umbrella. Her once beautiful face was now smooth and featureless.

 

Her red umbrella opened, and the painful face of a woman— the woman in white—kept appearing on it.

 

Su Muluo immediately recognized this as the fox demon that had previously attacked him. The woman in white was not dead; her soul was trapped in that eerie red umbrella.

 

“You’re not her neighbor at all,” Su Muluo said. “Let me guess, are you sisters?”

 

The fox demon, though faceless, sneered and touched the face of the woman in white on the umbrella. Her voice was sharp and filled with hatred, “Yes, she is my dear sister. She lured you here and pretended to persuade me to run away… But this is better. I don’t even have to come to find you.”

 

“Oh,” Su Muluo replied. “It seems like I have no grievances with you.”

 

The fox demon giggled, pushing the red umbrella downward. Seductive eyes emerged on the umbrella, staring directly at him.

 

“We have no grudge, but you have a pretty face.” Her laughter rang like a bell, filled with sweet malice. “Such a beautiful face, even more beautiful than my lover’s. If I could swap it onto his face, he would love it.”

 

As soon as she finished speaking, something in Su Muluo’s pocket moved. He calmly reached in and held down the restless little black dragon.

 

“Is your lover here too?”

 

“…” The fox demon did not answer, instead raising the umbrella, causing the eyes to disappear from its surface. “Are you trying to trick me? How mean. If you’re waiting for the Special Abilities Bureau idiots to come, I suggest you—”

 

Before she could finish, she suddenly threw the red umbrella.

 

The umbrella opened, revealing a huge, toothy mouth. From the mouth spewed thick, foul-smelling blood, rushing towards Su Muluo—

 

Su Muluo’s face remained calm, though inwardly he sighed, thinking how dirty this was. Nowadays, demons fought so messily?

 

He then slightly bent his slender fingers. A flash of cold light, like white feathers, thundered through the blood tide. It was so fast that it touched the fox demon’s brow in an instant.

 

Her pupils contracted. In that moment, she almost unleashed her peak reflexes, twisting her head to avoid it—but the target wasn’t her. The sharp line of attack sliced through the umbrella’s handle, severing it in two.

 

Half of the red umbrella fell to the ground, the blood tide vanished, and simultaneously the fox demon let out a piercing scream, convulsing on the floor.

 

She was defeated, in a single move.

 

“……”

 

Su Muluo looked at the fox demon writhing in pain, raising his eyebrows slightly. He hadn’t expected that cutting the umbrella would provoke such a strong reaction. It seemed the umbrella was not just her weapon, but deeply connected to her.

 

As the umbrella was destroyed, the face of the woman in white began to protrude, and her entire soul was released, slowly drifting back to her body.

 

Su Muluo had already taken down the woman in white from the ceiling fan. Seeing her eyes closed but her breath restored, he knew she was alright.

 

He had also contacted the Special Abilities Bureau, and they would arrive soon. Once they captured the fox demon, they could unravel the events that had transpired.

 

In previous battles, the fox demon had used human skins to fight him, abandoning them to escape if things went wrong. But now, her true form was here, and she couldn’t escape no matter what.

 

Just as Su Muluo was thinking this, he noticed blood seeping from the faceless fox demon, splashing heavily onto the umbrella. In the next second, she turned into a pool of thick blood, merging with the umbrella, disappearing completely.

 

“……”

 

Su Muluo stared at the unmoving red umbrella on the ground, silent for a moment.

 

He poked the little black dragon.

 

“It’s all your fault.”

 

The little black dragon, inexplicably blamed: “?”

 

Su Muluo righteously said, “You didn’t remind me.”

 

Little black dragon: “??”

 

The little black dragon couldn’t believe its phoenix not only bullied it but had now done so twice in one day. Feeling it was intolerable, it angrily raised its head and roared at Su Muluo.

 

“Roar!”

 

I’m upset! I want a kiss and a hug! And at least two kisses!

 

Su Muluo stared at it for a few seconds and said, “I won’t kiss you, little mud eel.”

 

Little black dragon: “???”

 

Su Muluo: “Turn into a human, then I’ll kiss you.”

 

Then he quickly poked it again and stuffed it back into his pocket.

 

Little black dragon: “……”

 

Too much!!

 

It’s Fuming to the point of tying itself in knots.

T/N: Hello hello! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

Chapter 2 – I smell the scent of drama

July 15, 2024 / / 2 Comments

Chapter 2 – I smell the scent of drama

 

Zhao Qi followed Jiang Dehai’s gaze and finally felt relieved.

 

It seemed that the original owner’s body had no issues; the previous symptoms might have been due to psychological reasons. While Zhao Qi remained calm, Jiang Dehai was already sobbing uncontrollably, making Zhao Qi worry that he might faint any moment.

 

“Heaven blesses our Great Jing, Your Majesty!” Jiang Dehai stammered, “The dragon vein of the emperor has risen. From now on, Great Jing will rise too!”

 

Zhao Qi was momentarily speechless and awkwardly said, “There’s no need to say it like that…”

 

“To see the emperor rise in my lifetime, I have no regrets, Your Majesty! If the Empress Dowager learns of this…” Jiang Dehai suddenly came to his senses and called to the young eunuch behind him, “Quick, go to Cian Palace and report the good news to the Empress Dowager! Your Majesty, please maintain the current state so the Empress Dowager can witness the hope of Great Jing with her own eyes!”

 

Zhao Qi: “…” Just try to keep it up for me?

 

Not long after, a noble and elegant lady arrived at Zhao Qi’s palace. Zhao Qi barely had time to see what his mother looked like before Empress Dowager Wen pulled him into her arms.

 

“Qi’er, my dear Qi’er!” Tears streamed down Empress Dowager Wen’s face, falling onto Zhao Qi, “You’ve finally grown up!”

 

The faint fragrance on Empress Dowager Wen made Zhao Qi feel uncomfortable. He patted her hand and rolled his eyes, saying, “Mother, mother, you’re strangling me…”

 

Empress Dowager Wen quickly released her son and wiped her tears with a handkerchief, “I was too emotional. You must know that I have waited for this day for eighteen years!”

 

Zhao Qi rubbed his neck and muttered softly, “I’m only eighteen this year. Could it be that mother has been thinking about this since I was born?”

 

Empress Dowager Wen laughed through her tears and gently said, “Come, let mother take a look.”

 

Zhao Qi stiffened and said in panic, “Look at what?”

 

Empress Dowager Wen replied, “What do you think?”

 

Zhao Qi jumped up, “Mother, stop joking!”

 

“Joking? This is a serious matter. How can I be at ease without seeing it with my own eyes? Come over here.”

 

Zhao Qi shook his head vehemently, “No—I refuse!” Can this kind of thing be casually looked at? He feared developing a psychological shadow from it.

 

Empress Dowager Wen looked puzzled and turned to Jiang Dehai, “Did you see clearly? Has the emperor really risen?”

 

Jiang Dehai nodded repeatedly, “I saw it very clearly. The emperor’s dragon vein was upright and vigorous, like the peak of Mount Tai!”

 

Zhao Qi was mortified, “Stop talking already!”

 

Jiang Dehai whispered to Empress Dowager Wen, “Empress Dowager, could the emperor be feeling shy?”

 

“Shy?” Empress Dowager Wen said, “Impossible. Qi’er is my son. I know him well. He doesn’t even know how to write the word ‘shy’.”

 

Zhao Qi: “…” Can’t you lower your voices when whispering?

 

After a moment of contemplation, Empress Dowager Wen said, “This is no small matter. It’s best to have the imperial physicians take a look. Issue my decree: all the imperial physicians from the Imperial Academy of Medicine must come to Yonghua Palace immediately without delay.”

 

Jiang Dehai replied, “Yes, Your Majesty!”

 

Zhao Qi reached out, trying to stop her, “Wait, mother, I…”

 

Empress Dowager Wen grabbed his hand and interrupted, “If your illness is really cured, I will grant amnesty to the world and celebrate nationwide!”

 

As dawn broke, Zhao Qi lay on his bed, filled with despair.

 

Around ten imperial physicians surrounded him, their expressions serious as they whispered among themselves. Zhao Qi, dressed in his clothes and pants, accepted their examination as his last act of defiance. Fortunately, these physicians only checked his pulse and examined his face. After some analysis, they concluded, “Congratulations, Empress Dowager! The emperor’s condition ensures the continuation of the royal lineage. Great Jing’s reign will last for millennia, generation after generation!”

 

Empress Dowager Wen was overjoyed, “Qi’er, did you hear that? Our Great Jing will have heirs for generations to come!”

 

Zhao Qi covered his face with his hand, “I heard, I heard.”

 

Empress Dowager Wen, with tears in her eyes, said, “It must be the spirit of the late emperor protecting us. Qi’er, mother is looking forward to holding a grandson!”

 

One imperial physician said, “Empress Dowager, the emperor has just recovered. In my opinion, he needs to be cautious and take good care of himself. The emperor is young and has a long future ahead; there is no need to rush.”

 

Empress Dowager Wen calmed down and thought for a moment, “I understand.” She turned to Zhao Qi and said, “Qi’er, listen to the physicians and rest well. I know you’ve been holding back for a long time, but those people in the harem…”

 

In the past, Empress Dowager Wen turned a blind eye to the emperor’s behavior, knowing he kept many people in the harem. But now things were different. Since the emperor was healthy, the priority was to choose an empress and consorts from reputable families to bear legitimate heirs. The emperor’s dragon vein, once raised, should not be wasted on unworthy individuals.

 

“Qi’er, bear with it for now. Mother will choose a virtuous, beautiful, and understanding empress for you!”

 

Zhao Qi yawned, “Thank you, mother.”

 

Empress Dowager Wen chatted with Zhao Qi for a while longer before it was time for the morning court session. Empress Dowager Wen said, “It’s time for court. Rest well, Qi’er. I’ll visit you later.”

 

From her tone, Zhao Qi felt like a child. He hesitated, then said, “Have a good session, mother.” He had no idea how to govern and thought it best not to involve himself in state affairs for now.

 

Zhao Qi slept until late morning, then was attended by Jiang Dehai as he dressed and washed. Zhao Qi looked at Jiang Dehai and said, “Why do you keep staring at my pants? Pervert!”

 

Jiang Dehai chuckled, “The imperial physicians told me to note the time of vigor of the emperor’s dragon.”

 

“Stop!” Zhao Qi snapped, “Never mention those words in front of me again, or I’ll cut your tongue out.”

 

Jiang Dehai shivered, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

Being a tyrant has its perks, at least you can easily scare people.

 

“Also, I don’t need palace maids to attend to me anymore. Replace them with eunuchs.” Before Zhao Qi entered this book, he had never even held a girl’s hand, let alone been in a relationship. He wasn’t used to close contact with women.

 

Jiang Dehai realized, “Understood. I’ll take care of it. By the way, news from the Drunken Book Pavilion: Lord Rong fell into a coma last night. The imperial physicians can’t identify the poison and are trying different antidotes. If they can’t find a cure within two days, I’m afraid…”

 

Zhao Qi’s eyelid twitched, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

 

Jiang Dehai looked innocent, “You didn’t ask, Your Majesty. Besides, the imperial physicians said Lord Rong refused to name the poison before falling unconscious. He’s seeking death, Your Majesty.”

 

In the book The Boundless Great Jing, Rong Tang is an important supporting character. The poisoning incident involving him and the dog emperor was detailed, and Zhao Qi had a vague memory of the poison’s name.

 

“Tell the physicians the poison’s name has ‘San’ in it. Something-something San.”

 

Jiang Dehai wiped his sweat, “Your Majesty, that’s hardly helpful.”

 

“Nonsense, it’s a crucial clue! Now hurry and inform the physicians.”

 

Zhao Qi’s hint did indeed shorten the trial-and-error process. The next day, the imperial physicians found the antidote. Rong Tang narrowly escaped death but was left weakened. The physicians said he would always be frail and needed careful nursing to live longer.

 

Zhao Qi silently lit a candle for Rong Tang in his heart. In the original story, Rong Tang became a frail beauty, bedridden from the slightest chill due to the poisoning.

 

Rong Tang was a year younger than the original owner, only seventeen. If Zhao Qi had transmigrated earlier, he might have been able to change Rong Tang’s fate.

 

Zhao Qi sighed. “Forget it, just have the physicians take good care of him.”

 

“Yes.” Jiang Dehai replied, then added, “Your Majesty, there’s another matter. Jiang Gongzi personally prepared some snacks and invites you to Mingcui Palace to taste them.”

 

Zhao Qi asked, “Jiang Gongzi…who?”

 

Jiang Dehai reminded him, “Jiang Bao’er, Jiang Gongzi.”

 

Zhao Qi remembered. Jiang Bao’er, one of the emperor’s male consorts and a minor character doomed to fail spectacularly. He was always causing trouble for Rong Tang, the emperor’s favorite. After the emperor was dethroned, Rong Tang took revenge, disfiguring Jiang Bao’er and using all the aphrodisiacs seized from the emperor on him. Ultimately, Jiang Bao’er died a gruesome death, bleeding from all orifices—a truly miserable fate.

 

“Isn’t the food from the imperial kitchen good enough?” Zhao Qi said. “Why should I go eat his? I’m not going.”

 

After lazing around in the palace for a few days, Zhao Qi finally adjusted to his role as the emperor. Taking advantage of the good weather, he had Jiang Dehai lead him on a stroll in the imperial garden. The garden featured a large pond filled with ornamental koi fish. As Zhao Qi basked in the sunlight and watched the fish scramble for food, he suddenly heard a commotion.

 

Startled, Zhao Qi asked, “What’s going on? Is it another assassin?!”

 

Jiang Dehai chuckled. “Your Majesty, not even a fly can get into this palace. How could there be an assassin?”

 

Zhao Qi, still nervous, said, “You don’t understand. Send someone to check it out right away.”

 

Soon, a young eunuch came to report, “Your Majesty, it’s Jiang Gongzi and Rong Gongzi arguing ahead.”

 

“Really? I don’t believe it,” Zhao Qi said. “Rong Tang doesn’t seem like the type to argue with Jiang Bao’er.”

 

“Your Majesty is wise,” the eunuch replied. “It’s mainly Jiang Gongzi talking. Rong Gongzi hasn’t said much.”

 

A prime opportunity to witness the downfall of a minor character—too good to pass up.

 

“I’ll go have a look,” Zhao Qi said. “Guards, follow closely.”

 

By the pond, Rong Tang sat on a stone bench, his face pale and gaunt, as if the fire in him had been extinguished. Beside him stood a fair-skinned young boy who looked about fifteen or sixteen. This must be Jiang Bao’er.

 

Jiang Bao’er was chattering incessantly while Rong Tang, visibly irritated, tried to leave. But Jiang Bao’er grabbed his sleeve, causing Rong Tang to yank it back forcefully. Jiang Bao’er stumbled and fell into the water with a splash, crying out, “Your Majesty, save me!”

 

Zhao Qi, who witnessed everything, thought, “I smell a drama queen.”

 

Jiang Dehai was alarmed. “Your Majesty, Jiang Gongzi fell into the water!”

 

“I’m not blind,” Zhao Qi said, looking at Rong Tang, who quickly averted his gaze.

 

Zhao Qi approached the pond. Jiang Bao’er was floundering in the water, turning from a well-dressed boy into a wet mess. “Your Majesty! Your Majesty, save Bao’er…ah!”

 

Leaning over, Zhao Qi asked, “Can you swim?”

 

“Your Majesty, Bao’er…glub…”

 

“What? I can’t hear you.”

 

“Glub glub glub…”

 

Suppressing a laugh, Zhao Qi motioned for the guards to rescue him.

 

When Jiang Bao’er was pulled ashore, he had already fainted. Zhao Qi suspected he was pretending but didn’t expose him. “Take him back and have the physicians check on him.” Then he turned to Rong Tang, “You…”

 

Rong Tang covered his mouth with a fist, unable to stop coughing. Zhao Qi waited patiently, but the coughing only worsened, leaving Rong Tang unsteady and on the verge of collapse.

 

Instinctively, Zhao Qi stepped forward to support him, but Rong Tang recoiled. “Don’t touch me.”

 

Zhao Qi retorted, “I didn’t want to touch you anyway. I still remember you tried to poison me.”

 

“Perfect. Old grudges and new grievances,” Rong Tang scoffed. “What are you waiting for, Your Majesty?”

 

“New grievances? What new grievances?”

 

Rong Tang gave him a peculiar look. “Your favorite pet fell into the water because of me. That’s a new grievance.”

 

“Oh, that,” Zhao Qi laughed. “Jiang Bao’er fell in on purpose. Didn’t you notice? You’re not very bright, are you? How did you pass the imperial exam as the top scholar?”

 

Rong Tang: …

T/N: Yay! A new novel?! If you’re wondering if it’s a good idea to take on 4 novels at the same time; my answer – “Probably not…”

 

But after reading a few chapters of this, I just HAD to snatch this project up. I haven’t done transmigration with a true-doomed villain start so I want to try this one! ANYWAY, there is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

 

Chapter 175 – Let's Go Home

July 15, 2024 / / 2 Comments

Chapter 175 – Let’s Go Home

 

When Jian Luo approached the corner of the garden, he saw them: three well-behaved children standing obediently. Standing in the middle was a tall man, his back straight, clad in a dignified military uniform. His legs were long and powerful, his mature and handsome face carried a hint of seriousness. Even standing there quietly, he captivated every gaze.

 

For a moment, it felt like a lifetime away.

 

Jian Luo looked at Lu Shifeng, who stood motionless, unable to move or take a step forward. His mind was strangely blank.

 

Suddenly,

 

Long Aotian looked up and wanted to run towards Jian Luo, but hesitated as his father was present, so he weakly called out, “Dad.”

 

Jian Luo snapped back to reality.

 

Lu Shifeng seemed to notice too. He turned his head slightly, locking eyes with Jian Luo. His face was nearly unchanged from before they entered the illusion, yet somehow different, more mature and exuding a composed confidence.

 

Seeing Jian Luo still unmoving, Lu Shifeng frowned slightly, stepped forward, and stopped in front of him, step by step.

 

“Why aren’t you coming over?” he asked.

 

Jian Luo’s throat felt dry. “Traffic on the road.”

 

A hint of amusement flickered in Lu Shifeng’s eyes. “Who asked you that?”

 

Jian Luo looked at his familiar smile and listened to his familiar voice. A sense of reality returned, but he still hesitated, afraid this might all be a dream, easily shattered.

 

Lu Shifeng noticed the bag of cloud fruits in Jian Luo’s hand, knowing they were for the children. He gestured to the three behind him. “They behave properly, no eating allowed.”

 

The three children were thunderstruck.

 

Feeling more grounded, Jian Luo chuckled. “Actually, we’ve got an etiquette teacher for them.”

 

“Yet they’ve learned so little,” Lu Shifeng seemed somewhat disdainful. “They won’t have any tomorrow.”

 

Long Aotian looked like he was about to cry.

 

Jian Luo wasn’t sure if he should defend the children further. He wisely chose to stay silent, pondering in his mind how to handle the snacks. Who should he share them with?

 

As he contemplated, Lu Shifeng stepped forward, took the bag, took one for himself, and handed another to Jian Luo. “Try it.”

 

Jian Luo hesitated for a moment, then mechanically took a bite. The cloud fruit tasted deliciously sweet. He remembered their first date years ago, in a shopping mall, when Lu Shifeng first treated him to these fruits. Back then, he had been cautious and reserved, not fully enjoying the taste.

 

Lu Shifeng ate a few bites in front of the children and asked Jian Luo, “Is it good?”

 

“Sweet,” Jian Luo replied.

 

“Hmm,” Lu Shifeng nodded. “Haven’t had anything from outside in a long time.”

 

Suddenly, Jian Luo remembered Lu Shifeng had spent nearly a year in the illusion. He felt a pang of sympathy. Taking another bite of the fruit, he said softly, “When we get back, I’ll cook something nice for you.”

 

“No need,” Lu Shifeng replied.

 

Jian Luo looked up.

 

“I’m not in a rush for food right now. If my wife cares about me, she should pay more attention to other matters.” Lu Shifeng’s handsome face began to turn slightly serious and his tone less playful.

 

…

 

After their chat, they entered the children’s classroom.

 

This school was an exclusive academy for nobility, bustling with children. Many parents had a change of mindset and were now actively participating in parent-child activities. When they entered, most people were already present.

 

Seeing Lu Shifeng’s figure, the entire classroom gradually fell silent. Someone stood up first, uncertain: “Greetings, Your Excellency.”

 

With one person leading, the others soon followed:

 

“Good day, Your Excellency.”

 

“Marshal, welcome back.”

 

“It’s an honor to see you.”

 

Their voices overlapped, but Lu Shifeng remained expressionless. “I’m here for the parent-child event. No need for formalities.”

 

Only then did the others nervously sit back down. They all knew the young prince of the Dragon Clan attended school here and were prepared to meet him, but they hadn’t anticipated seeing Lu Shifeng, especially without any news of the Dragon King’s return. It was unexpected and somewhat overwhelming.

 

The teacher was taken aback upon seeing Lu Shifeng and Jian Luo enter. Both were renowned figures.

 

“Um,” the teacher coughed lightly. “Thank you all for accompanying your children to our parent meeting.”

 

Lu Shifeng and Jian Luo glanced at the slightly nervous teacher.

 

Pointing to the tables, the teacher continued, “There are letters on the tables written by the children for you. Please open and read them, then write a reply to each child.”

 

There were three letters in front of Jian Luo and Lu Shifeng. They began reading, Jian Luo taking Long Aotian’s letter while Lu Shifeng read the first letter, from his younger sister. 

 

The child’s letter was brief, clearly not serious. Jian Luo quickly finished it and moved on to the second letter. Initially expecting little from the typically quiet second child, he was surprised to find a full page upon opening it.

 

Jian Luo paused, slightly stunned, before settling in to read. Though the handwriting was immature, the words were unexpectedly mature for the child’s age. It read: “Dad, don’t work too hard. Even without dad here, my brothers and sisters will take care of you in the future. We won’t let anyone bully you.”

 

“The Dragon Clan is your backing.”

 

“If not, we will be.”

 

“You took care of us before, and now it’s our turn to take care of you.”

 

Every word touched deeply, and it was hard to believe this was written by the usually reserved child. Jian Luo’s hand trembled as he held the paper.

 

After Lu Shifeng finished reading his sister’s letter, he asked Jian Luo, “What’s wrong?”

 

Jian Luo shook his head.

 

Lu Shifeng handed Jian Luo his sister’s letter, his crimson eyes staring at the young man’s slightly thin face for a moment before saying, “You’ve worked hard.”

 

Jian Luo paused, then took the letter from Lu Shifeng.

 

The little girl had written a lot, acknowledging Jian Luo’s hardships over the past year and expressing her determination to grow up quickly to help alleviate his burdens. Each word was sincere and heartfelt, melting hearts.

 

The teacher interjected, “Please write a reply to the children after reading.”

 

Jian Luo hesitated on what to write, but Lu Shifeng set aside the letter and found a clean sheet of paper. He wrote a single line: “He doesn’t need your care. He’ll live his own life. I’ll take responsibility for his life.”

 

The words reflected his character, bold and confident, evoking respect.

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo paused, then burst into laughter.

 

He watched as the three children nearby received their replies with astonished expressions, feeling deeply fulfilled. Indeed, he felt incredibly fortunate and satisfied now. His children were growing up well, and his husband had returned. Life’s path might not always be smooth, but being able to stay with his family and take it slow was a form of completeness.

 

…

 

The next day,

 

Today was the day for dismantling and constructing in Paradise. The old-fashioned houses were being torn down to make way for new office buildings. As business expanded, human industries such as clothing, food, medicine, and tourism were spreading further.

 

Some eyed the pie and sought to cause trouble, but the powers behind humans were too formidable. The Moon was the largest shareholder, and the Dragon Clan was not to be trifled with. As a warlike race, they typically didn’t mince words.

 

“Bro, everything should be dismantled over here today.”

 

“Most people have moved. The light rail installation from Dark Star to Earth is complete. It takes about an hour by light cruiser now. Everyone moved in last night.”

 

“Our home is also empty. The demolition team will be here soon.”

 

Jian Luo stood in the small courtyard. “Okay, you go greet them. I’ll stay here for a while.”

 

Jian Sheng hesitated. “Bro, if you can’t bear to, we can keep this place.”

 

Years had passed. The young man who once feared sleeping alone had grown up. Jian Sheng was almost as tall as Jian Luo now and could lead a team independently, decisive in making decisions.

 

Jian Luo glanced at the courtyard and smiled. “Mom, call her over for a photo.”

 

Jian Sheng’s eyes lit up. “Okay.”

 

Not far away, Su Liang, managing the construction of the office building, heard the call and walked over. “A photo? I’m not dressed up nicely today, Mom.”

 

“No, you’re always beautiful.”

 

Jian Sheng spoke the truth. Su Liang was indeed becoming more beautiful, or rather, confident. A confident mature woman’s air changed her entirely. With a successful clothing brand, she ventured into luxury items this year and employed thousands, making a fortune.

 

Sometimes, when Jian Luo had financial trouble or funding issues, Su Liang no longer worried or shed tears. Instead, she supported him and became a pillar for him. After women started businesses, their entire personalities changed.

 

Su Liang gave him a sidelong glance and smirked, “Always just trying to please your mom.”

 

The three of them stood in the courtyard. Although the small yard was still somewhat dilapidated, it had witnessed their hardest days, through thick and thin. Under the trees stood the swing that Jian Luo had assembled back then. At the courtyard entrance was the stone stool where they used to sit during tough times.

 

The photographer called over to them, “Alright, three, two, one, look at the camera!”

 

Jian Luo and Jian Sheng stood beside Su Liang, smiling at the camera. “Cheese.”

 

The photo captured a beautiful moment. Su Liang and Jian Sheng waited for the photo to be sent over, while Jian Luo went to his nearly empty room to check on things.

 

Inside the room, there was a worn-out sofa filled with memories. Jian Luo sat on it for a while, reminiscing about the awkward moments when he first arrived, recalling how Su Liang had advised him to distance himself from Lu Shifeng back then.

 

Scene after scene replayed in his mind, as if it were just yesterday.

 

*Creak*

 

The sound of the door being pushed open came from outside.

 

Jian Luo looked up and saw a tall, straight figure standing at the doorway. Lu Shifeng gazed at him and walked over. “I knew you’d be here,” he said.

 

Jian Luo smiled. “Not busy? Why did you come over?”

 

“They’re going to demolish this place,” Lu Shifeng said. “They’re moving everyone back to Earth at night.”

 

Jian Luo nodded. “It’s convenient to go back now, though it’ll take some time. Most industries have moved to Earth, and there’s hardly anyone left here. Even Mom’s clothing factory has moved.”

 

“What about you?” Lu Shifeng asked.

 

“As for me?” Jian Luo suddenly understood what he meant and couldn’t help laughing. “Where would I go? My home is here.”

 

Lu Shifeng looked at him, his gaze deepening, and sat down beside him. “Earth is your mother planet too.”

 

“What should I do then?” Jian Luo leaned against him. “Should I go back?”

 

Lu Shifeng held his hand firmly.

 

Jian Luo giggled. “Are you coming to pick me up?”

 

Lu Shifeng paused for a moment before saying, “Yes, to take you home.”

 

Home.

 

Such a beautiful word. Jian Luo had never had a home before; he was an orphan without a place to belong or any relatives. But now, standing here after all these years, with the man beside him coming to take him home, he finally had a place to return to.

 

Happiness, it seemed, could be so simple.

 

Jian Luo tilted his face up and smiled. “Lower your head a little.”

 

Lu Shifeng lowered his head, his handsome face close to his.

 

Jian Luo kissed him softly on the lips. “Alright, let’s go home.”

 

Author’s Note: The main story has officially concluded. Starting today, I will begin updating the side stories.

T/N: And…. CUT! This is the last chapter for this series! Whether you’re a new reader, or have been with me since the beginning, thank you for your support and comments! Some of them really got me through my darkest times. Anyway, fear not. It’s not the TRUE end yet. There are a couple of side stories to go, and I’ll take my time this time to translate them as I’ve been going crazy with these updates lately. They’ll be sporadically released once a week (?) But there’s not a lot of them so you won’t have to wait long!

(Also, I’m not ready to let go of this baby just yet…. aaaahhh… I can’t believe it’s really over- not really! Side stories left!)

Anyway, hope you’re having an amazing day! And stay hydrated!

 

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I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

and many, many more!

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

Chapter 41 – Winning an Award

July 15, 2024 / / 0 Comments

       Time flew by, and by the time the annual Silver Star Awards online voting concluded, it was already spring of the following year. This time, Zhuo Yue was nominated for Best Actor in a TV Drama for his outstanding performance in ‘So I Love You’.

       On the day of the awards ceremony, Lin Hui was driving on the way to the studio. He looked out the window at Zhuo Yue and sighed, “The last time I came here, I was so afraid of those cameras; I just wanted to run away. Winning awards, performing, becoming famous, making money—I didn’t want any of it. Now, looking back, it all feels like a dream.”

       “You’re not afraid anymore?” asked the man next to him.

       “With you by my side, I’m not afraid of anything.” He rested his head on Fang Mingyan’s shoulder.

       The man smiled silently and covered his hand with a warm palm. Zhuo Yue turned his palm over and intertwined his fingers. The two wrists hidden in the sleeves of the suit wear identical silver bracelets, with each other’s initials engraved on the inner rings that were invisible to others.

       This was a pair of bracelets designed and customized by Xia Ran for them.

       He couldn’t say how expensive they were, but they were the only pair in the world.

       This time, Zhuo Yue walked on the red carpet with Lu Chenyang. The two people’s dresses were black and white, forming a strong contrast.

       “Why did you choose black this time?” Lu Chenyang asked as he walked.

       “It looks calmer this way,” he replied.

       “Calm?”

       “Well, if I really have a chance to win this award, I want to do something very special. So, at least, I have to look calm. After all, this is a serious matter…” He stopped and graciously stopped to smile for the cameras.

       Over the past year, he participated in stage plays, shot commercials, engaged in charity work, appeared on reality shows, and acted in TV dramas and movies. Through continuous experience and accumulation, his presence in front of the camera became even more remarkable. It seemed that he didn’t need to look at the camera intentionally, but he could know the direction and angle of the camera precisely. From grand gestures to subtle glances, everything he did was filled with confidence and an exceptional demeanour, commanding people’s attention effortlessly.

       The spotlight flashed in front of his eyes, and the screams sounded in his ears. Everything was the same as a year ago.

       The time and space seemed to overlap.

       Zhuo Yue still clearly remembered how he had clumsily walked down that long red carpet back then. He remembered the ‘talisman’ the man had given him, the words the man had silently spoken behind him, and the tears that welled up in his eyes when he heard the words ‘for me’.

       He wrote his name neatly on the signature board and then walked into the awards hall.

       Fang Mingyan was standing in the corner inside the door, waiting for him. He was wearing a black suit with exquisite workmanship and just the right cut. One hand was stuck casually in his pocket, and the other was fiddling with his cell phone boredly. As if feeling his gaze, the man raised his head and slightly raised the corners of his lips towards him, with a bit of warmth in his eyes.

       “It seems like it’s time for me to retire.” Lu Chenyang smiled and left first.

       Zhuo Yue walked up to him and asked, “Are you waiting for me, Sir?”

       Fang Mingyan asked, “Have you thought about your acceptance speech?”

       “I did.” He looked at the other person with his dark eyes, “Do you think I have a good chance of winning?”

       “If I were a judge, I would choose you.”

       “Purely from a professional point of view?”

       “Of course, you are a good actor.”

       “If I win the prize, can you grant me a wish?”

       There was a smile in the man’s eyes, “Where did you learn this trick of raising prices on the ground?”

       Zhuo Yue raised his eyebrows and said, “Don’t you dare?”

       Such a clumsy provocation made Fang Mingyan couldn’t help laughing, and said leisurely, “Okay, I promise you.”

       Before the awards ceremony officially started, the two entered the venue one after another and took their seats. When the award presenter announced the shortlist for Best Actor in a TV Series, Zhuo Yue greeted the camera with a smile, and the light melted into a crystal-like hue under his eyes.

       Then the guest of honour read out a name.

       The applause was thunderous.

       Zhuo Yue, who was wearing a formal black suit, stood up, thanked the colleagues around him who congratulated him, and then walked steadily toward the stage with his head held high.

       Fang Mingyan looked at his figure and curled his lips silently.

       When they first met, Zhuo Yue was like a desperate little animal, stubborn and obstinate, but he had to put down his pride to please himself in order to make a living. After that, he gradually began to bloom in his hands, and the sudden accident almost completely destroyed him. He became a puppet relying on drugs to survive, with only endless fear and emptiness in his eyes. At last year’s awards ceremony, he ran to himself like a frightened deer through a hail of bullets. And in the end, he became such a dazzling being.

       Gentle, confident, elegant and humble.

       So beautiful.

       When did he start falling in love?

       That kind of emotion, slowly fermenting over time, had now become difficult to delineate clearly. However, replacing it was a more intense and passionate feeling within his chest—one of wanting to accompany, share, and become each other’s closest person.

       This should be love.

       Zhuo Yue took the trophy, thanked the guest of honour and looked around the audience. “Thank you, everyone. Receiving this award today is a recognition from the audience and the judges, and I feel very proud. I want to thank everyone in the ‘So I Love You’ crew—without all of your collective efforts, I wouldn’t have achieved today’s success. And to my fans, I know you’ve been voting for me, cheering me on, and I am very grateful to all of you.” He paused and said, “Actually, apart from my acceptance speech, I have also prepared a statement on my temporary break from the acting profession.”

       Such sudden and explosive news caused a commotion in the audience. Everyone was whispering to each other. The reporters focused all their cameras on this artist who was at the top of his game. Fang Mingyan frowned slightly and sat in his original position without moving.

       “I love acting very much. During this year, I tried many different roles and performance methods, did a lot of things I wanted to do, and gained a lot. Today, I won another award that I had dreamed of. This made me very satisfied, and in the following time, I decided to leave my acting career temporarily to spend time with the people I love deeply.”

       “Who is it?” A shout came from the audience. Such explosive news that came one after another made all the reporters as excited as chicken blood.

       Zhuo Yue smiled slightly, his black eyes full of brilliance. He raised his face and said calmly, “The person I love is not a woman.”

       The audience was stunned. When everyone came to their senses, they all asked each other, “What did he mean just now? Is he coming out?”

       “Did I hear that right?”

       “Oh my God! He’s gay!”

       A few veteran actors glared, exclaiming, “This is outrageous!” “Does he have no shame?”

       Chaos erupted as journalists crowded around the stage past the security guards.

       “So you love a man?”

       “Who is that man?”

       “Is it true that you’re in a relationship with Huasheng’s boss?”

       “Is this your declaration of coming out?”

       At this moment, a figure walked straight to the centre of the stage, grabbed Zhuo Yue’s hand, and quickly pulled him out.

       “It’s Fang Mingyan from Huasheng!” Someone shouted. Reporters swarmed in and blocked the way, countless cameras were shaking, and the continuous flashes made it difficult for Zhuo Yue to keep his eyes open.

       However, he didn’t have a trace of fear because someone was holding his hand.

       Fang Mingyan wrapped him in his coat, blocked the approaching cameras with his hands, held his waist tightly, and led him through all the hustle and bustle. A large number of reporters had not dispersed until the security personnel escorted them into the car and left. The news of ‘Zhuo Yue coming out as gay’ even overshadowed all other award-winning news and steadily appeared at the top of the hot search list.

       The silence in the carriage was a little depressing.

       Fang Mingyan was silent, Zhuo Yue didn’t dare to speak, and Lin Hui didn’t even dare to speak out, focusing on pretending to be an unattended driver.

       “Don’t you think I should be informed of this kind of thing in advance?” After a moment of silence, the man spoke.

       “I originally thought…I didn’t expect you to come up…” Zhuo Yue fiddled with the trophy in his hand awkwardly and muttered in a low voice, “You promised before that if I win the prize, you will grant me a wish.”

       “What do you want?”

       “I hope you won’t be angry.” His eyes were bright in the night.

       Fang Mingyan looked at him with a half-smile. “Your little plan is quite flawless.” He now understood why Zhuo Yue had worked so hard this past year. The kid had planned everything from the start, doing everything he wanted to do and then dropping a bombshell before coming back to live with him. Keeping it a secret and causing such a stir, this slave’s courage had grown immensely.

       Seeing him looking at him so indifferently, Zhuo Yue was so nervous that his throat went dry, and he said aggrievedly, “You promised me…”

       “I will fulfil your wish. I won’t be angry or punish you for this. Are you satisfied?” There was a dark light in the man’s eyes.

       Zhuo Yue laughed happily.

       However, soon, he regretted today’s act of acting first and thinking later.

       Fang Mingyan did not punish him for this matter. Instead, he found an excuse to tie him to the execution frame and whip him and then tossed him over and over again for a long time in the next bed. He cried so much that he almost fainted. He was forced to moan and admit his mistake and said a lot of words begging for mercy. The next day, he didn’t even have the strength to get out of bed, so he lay softly on the pillow while the man rubbed his sore lower back.

       After Zhuo Yue came out publicly, public opinion showed two extreme trends. Some people expressed their disgust towards homosexuality, while others openly expressed their support. What surprised Zhuo Yue was that the number of his fans on social networks did not decrease but actually increased. Fang Mingyan’s rarely-used account suddenly gained tens of thousands of followers.

       Some people hurled insults at his state, and many fans left tearful messages asking him to come back to acting quickly.

       After asking for the man’s consent, he retrieved the account that was originally kept by the company and would often post something he was eating or something fun. Occasionally, he would secretly take pictures of Fang Mingyan, but he didn’t dare to take pictures of the front, only blurry figures from behind. Once, he was caught by the man and his cell phone was taken away.

       Zhuo Yue thought he would delete it. Unexpectedly, Fang Mingyan sat down next to him, turned on the selfie mode, then took his head with one hand, kissed him on the cheek, took the picture neatly, and sent it to the phone. He then threw it to him and said, “If we’re going to show affection, we might as well make it grandiose.”

       Zhuo Yue sat dumbfounded on the sofa, blushing after a long moment.

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Chapter 51 – Double Cultivation in the Sea of ​​Consciousness

July 14, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Chapter 51

 

　　Si Lan was taken aback for a moment, then moved towards the bed…

 

　　Was this too fast?

 

　　His face reddened even more, lips trembling. Lost in his thoughts, he was suddenly lifted by Haowei, who held him around the waist. Instinctively, Si Lan reached up and touched Haowei’s neck, his gaze piercing through the darkness to Haowei’s face.

 

　　He could only see half of Haowei’s profile: a strikingly deep brow, eyes as black as ink, under a daring nose, lips slightly pursed, exuding a hint of nobility.

 

　　Si Lan couldn’t help but speak up, “Is this too fast?”

 

　　”Hmm?” Haowei placed Si Lan on the bed, his gaze intense as he looked at him. The night wind caused the windows to rattle softly, stirring ripples in their hearts. Circles of ripples enclosed them, already in a chaotic state.

 

　　Haowei’s hand rested on Si Lan’s waist, causing him to pause in his breath. Si Lan involuntarily swallowed and reached to stop Haowei’s hand, but he felt a faint warmth emanating from Haowei’s palm, carrying spiritual energy that entered his body.

 

　　Instantly, he felt warmth spread through his organs, his whole body relaxing. A muffled groan escaped his chest, one of comfort. Enveloped in spiritual energy, he felt as if he were floating among the clouds, limbs and thoughts soft.

 

　　Haowei’s voice sounded above Si Lan’s head, “What did you just say was too fast?” After speaking, Haowei’s breath moved downward, brushing against Si Lan’s nostrils, their breaths intertwining instantly.

 

　　Si Lan’s mind was hazy, murmuring, “I… I feel like our progress is too fast…”

 

　　Although the Demon Realm was liberal and enjoyed timely pleasures, Si Lan felt that moving straight from confession to intimacy was too indulgent. It might be better to proceed gradually and let the two of them get more familiar with each other.

 

　　Haowei’s hand slowly moved up Si Lan’s waist, each touch bringing him a sense of ease, reminding him of when he first broke through his cultivation barrier, feeling as comfortable as he did now.

 

　　”Too fast? I meant for you to come to bed so I could heal your injuries,” Haowei deliberately played with words, smiling. As his palm lightly grazed Si Lan’s chest, Si Lan’s body tensed for a moment.

 

　　Haowei’s voice in his ear became indistinct, his heartbeat quickening. Dizzy and flushed, Si Lan stuttered, “Wh-who heals injuries in bed… You… you’re misleading me…”

 

　　”…” Haowei.

 

　　Faint white light seemed to appear out of nowhere, enveloping them both, blurring their faces. After a long silence, Haowei finally spoke hoarsely, “Earlier, I transferred some of my cultivation to you. It improved your condition significantly, but the root cause is still not healed. There’s a method… that can instantly restore your cultivation…”

 

　　Si Lan felt Haowei’s breath gentle yet assertive, like a warm current enveloping him. Soft and gentle on the surface, yet impossible to evade, he murmured hazily, “What method?”

 

　　”Close your eyes.”

 

　　Si Lan closed his eyes but muttered, “You didn’t have to transfer your cultivation to me. I…”

 

　　”Seal off your five senses.”

 

　　Si Lan moved his lips but seeing Haowei so determined, he obediently sealed off his senses. However, being unable to hear, see, or feel anything made him even more nervous.

 

　　What kind of method did Haowei have? Why was it so strange?

 

　　At this moment, Haowei’s voice echoed in his consciousness.

 

　　”Focus your spiritual consciousness.”

 

　　Si Lan concentrated hard, forming a humanoid figure that floated in the void of his consciousness. In the next moment, he was suddenly swept away by a current of energy, and when he came to, he found himself in another realm of consciousness.

 

　　This was Haowei’s consciousness.

 

　　Si Lan saw a tranquil pond with wisps of mist floating above it. Walking barefoot along its edge, he looked around but saw no sign of Haowei. Just as he was about to call out, a claw emerged from the pond, grabbing his ankle and pulling him in.

 

　　Startled, he tried to scream, but the water muffled his voice. After struggling to surface, he found he couldn’t.

 

　　What appeared to be shallow and ordinary water now seemed unfathomable, as if it had no bottom.

 

　　After a while, Si Lan realized he could breathe underwater. Tentatively opening his eyes, he unexpectedly met two huge golden eyes. Terrified, he turned to flee, only to be pulled back by the dragon.

 

　　The dragon’s claws tightly grasped him, and realizing he was now naked, he hurriedly covered himself, but the dragon seemed to chuckle at his embarrassment.

 

　　Moving its claws, the dragon touched his forehead. Suddenly, Si Lan transformed into his true form, his red feathers buoyed by the water pressure, floating upwards before being caught by the dragon.

 

　　The dragon seemed to adjust to him, shrinking in size but still two to three times larger than his “Jia Yu.” Its tail hooked around his wings, inching up slowly.

 

　　Facing the dragon’s golden eyes, Si Lan’s mind grew hazy. He forgot to breathe, whispering, “I…”

 

　　He didn’t know what he wanted to say, feeling only a vague fear. He gently folded his wings to cover his body, but the dragon’s claws gradually parted them.

 

　　Despite being covered in feathers, he inexplicably blushed, his gaze lowering in embarrassment.

 

　　What kind of method was this? It felt so strange.

 

　　His body became completely relaxed, so soft that he couldn’t control it.

 

　　The dragon leaned down, its breath spreading through the water, enveloping him completely. In an instant, countless streams of light surrounded him, some gently entering his body.

 

　　His consciousness completely collapsed, his body soft and delicate, brown feathers gathering as he intertwined with the dragon. The dragon’s scales brushed against his feathers, its body slightly moving, seemingly encouraged, intensifying their entanglement.

 

The surface of the pond was calm, with wisps of clouds rising. Beneath the water, turbulent currents surged, and light darted like arrows, swiftly flowing.

 

In his dazed state, Si Lan heard the deep, gravelly voice of the dragon beside his ear.

 

Rustling, tinged with a magnetic depth.

 

“In fact, there is another one, hidden beneath the dragon scales.”

 

Another one? Hidden beneath the dragon scales?

 

Just as he was puzzled, he felt more pain in his body. Where it had been seamlessly mended, it was now forcefully split open again.

 

Accompanying the warm water rushing in, there was another strange “current”…

 

Pain.

 

It was truly painful.

 

Si Lan’s consciousness blurred, lips murmuring silently in pain.

 

Wasn’t he supposed to be healing him?

 

Why was it hurting him so much?

 

Si Lan felt like he was fighting a battle underwater, an especially difficult one. Sometimes appearing in his true form, sometimes in humanoid form, he was always at a disadvantage, unable to match the opponent, letting them tear into him, bullying him.

 

In his dazed state, gritting his teeth, he muttered a curse in the opponent’s ear.

 

“Bastard.”

 

He said he would restore his cultivation, yet he bullied him like this in his consciousness.

 

Si Lan thought he had just “fought a battle” in his consciousness, slept a bit, and when he woke up in the real world, he realized this battle had lasted for three days and three nights.

 

Fortunately, he felt nothing physically, unlike the pain in his dreams. However, he was extremely mentally exhausted, feeling as if he was getting more tired the more he slept. Though he had just woken up, he felt too exhausted to open his eyes.

 

He breathed softly, turning to see a stern face lying quietly beside him.

 

It was the person who had fought him for three days and nights in his consciousness, Emperor Haowei.

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

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Chapter 34

July 14, 2024 / / 1 Comment

       Zhan Weiyang locked himself in the bathroom. He felt as if the smell of Pei Qing was still lingering in the air. He couldn’t help but raise his head and smell it everywhere before he buried his head in front of the sink to wash.

       After hanging the towel back on the towel rack, Zhan Weiyang looked down at Pei Qing’s coat he was wearing and gently said, ‘Oh’—he found some oil stains on the collar. He stood in the bathroom and thought about it, took off the coat, carefully wet only that small area with water, applied some soap and scrubbed it, and finally wiped it clean with a wet paper towel with difficulty.

       Zhan Weiyang put the coat back on. Except for the area on his chest, other places were still warm.

       He came out of the bathroom and went back to his room. He saw Zhan Xiusong still sleeping on his back, occupying most of the bed.

       Zhan Weiyang walked over, opened the quilt, slept on the remaining one-third of the bed, and reached out to turn off the light.

       The surroundings fell into darkness, and Zhan Xiusong’s presence became stronger.

       Zhan Weiyang secretly pushed his arm, trying to push it a little, but as soon as he let go, Zhan Xiusong’s arm stretched out again.

       How annoying!

       Zhan Weiyang thought that if Zhan Xiusong and Zhan Weiguang hadn’t suddenly come back, Pei Qing could have accompanied him for a whole day today.

       The more he thought about it, the more he found Zhan Xiusong annoying. He was really unhappy. He sat up sullenly and stared at Zhan Xiusong’s slightly undulating outline in the dark for a long time.

       Later, Zhan Weiyang got off the bed, hugged his pillow and quilt, and quietly left the room and went to the next door.

       He twisted open Pei Qing’s room door and peeked inside. Hearing no sounds, he tiptoed in so quietly that his footsteps were almost inaudible. He closed the door, then climbed onto the bed, carefully placing the pillow and spreading the blanket over himself before lying down flat.

       The familiar sense of security instantly enveloped Zhan Weiyang. He almost closed his eyes and fell asleep. The moment before falling asleep, he thought to himself that he had to get up and go back to his room before Pei Qing woke up tomorrow so as not to let Pei Qing and Zhan Xiusong know.

       Then, Zhan Weiyang slept so deeply that he was completely unaware of his surroundings. When he woke up, there was no chance of getting up before Pei Qing; in fact, Pei Qing was already out of the room.

       Zhan Weiyang sat on the bed in a daze. After the confusion of waking up passed, he rubbed his eyes and thought it was bad.

       Pei Qing’s quilt was folded and placed on the head of the bed. He reached out and touched the bed sheet. It was already cold.

       Zhan Weiyang got out of bed, picked up his pillow and quilt and left. He still secretly opened the door of his room but saw that the quilt on the bed was still spread out, but Zhan Xiusong was not there.

       “Zhan Weiyang!” Someone suddenly shouted his name behind him and patted his back hard.

       Zhan Weiyang stumbled forward two steps, turned back nervously, and saw Zhan Xiusong standing at the door, looking at him strangely.

       Zhan Xiusong said, “Where have you been?”

       Zhan Weiyang didn’t say anything. He silently put his things back on the bed and then opened the cabinet to find clothes to change.

       Zhan Xiusong followed in, yawned loudly, and walked to the bed as if he wanted to continue sleeping. However, he never lay down; he just stared at Zhan Weiyang and asked him, “Did you sleep with your father last night?”

       Zhan Weiyang turned his back to Zhan Xiusong, changed into a long-sleeved T-shirt and a shirt-like jacket, and bent over to change into jeans.

       Zhan Xiusong said, “You are already eighteen years old.”

       Zhan Weiyang turned his head to look at him, “I am seventeen years old.”

       Zhan Xiusong said, “You are technically eighteen. Aren’t you embarrassed to sleep with your father at the age of eighteen?” He smiled as he spoke as if he was teasing Zhan Weiyang.

       Zhan Weiyang changed his clothes and said, “I’m going to eat.”

       Zhan Xiusong yawned again, stood up from the bed, and said, “Then I’ll go eat too.”

       When he went to the dining room on the first floor, Zhan Weiyang found that Zhan Pengcheng, Pei Qing, and Zhan Weiguang were all there.

       He didn’t know what Zhan Pengcheng and Pei Qing were talking about. Pei Qing was listening humbly while peeling an egg.

       Pei Qing moved slowly, and his fingers were slender, which looked very good against the peeled egg.

       Zhan Weiguang first noticed Zhan Weiyang and said to him, “Are you up? Come and have breakfast.”

       Only then did Zhan Pengcheng and Pei Qing turn their heads towards him, and Zhan Pengcheng raised his hand to call him over.

       Zhan Weiyang walked over and sat next to Pei Qing. Pei Qing reached out and put the freshly peeled egg into Zhan Weiyang’s bowl.

       Zhan Pengcheng saw it and said quickly, “You eat it yourself. I will peel some for him.”

       Pei Qing took another egg and said, “Isn’t it the same?”

       Zhan Pengcheng then said to Zhan Weiyang, “Why don’t you thank Qing ge?”

       Zhan Weiyang said quickly, “Thank Qing ge.”

       Pei Qing smiled and said nothing.

       Zhan Pengcheng immediately got up and went to the kitchen, asking Auntie Luo to heat milk for Zhan Weiyang.

       At this time, Zhan Xiusong also came down from the upstairs. He walked to the dining table and sat down. He first said, “Good morning Qing ge, good morning Guang ge.” Seeing Zhan Pengcheng coming out of the kitchen, he called out, “Good morning, uncle.”

       Zhan Pengcheng sat down and said to them, “Eat first. I’ll take you out to play after breakfast.”

       Zhan Xiusong immediately asked, “Where are we going?”

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “I’ve already booked lunch and dinner at Guiyuan in the western suburbs. We can spend the whole day there.”

       Zhan Xiusong was not very interested, but he nodded and said, “Okay.” He reached out and took a bun, and before he put it in his mouth, he suddenly said, “We can play mahjong in the afternoon.”

       Zhan Pengcheng smiled and said nothing.

       Zhan Weiguang heard this and said, “That’s going to cost money. Do you have money to pay if you lose?”

       Zhan Xiusong said, “Do you have the nerve to win money from me? I’m the youngest in the family, alright.”

       Zhan Weiyang listened to them quietly, holding a bun in his hand and chewing it slowly.

       Zhan Xiusong suddenly turned the topic to him and asked Zhan Pengcheng, “Uncle, did Zhan Weiyang sleep with you last night?”

       Zhan Weiyang suddenly became nervous and secretly glanced at Pei Qing but did not see any change in Pei Qing’s expression.

       Zhan Pengcheng replied, “No. Didn’t he sleep with you?”

       “No!” Zhan Xiusong said, “He took away his pillow and quilt and didn’t sleep in his room.”

       Zhan Pengcheng was a little surprised and looked at Zhan Weiyang.

       Zhan Weiyang lowered his head and ate the buns in panic.

       Zhan Pengcheng then looked at Zhan Weiguang and said, “Weiguang—”

       “I don’t know,” Zhan Weiguang said before Zhan Pengcheng finished speaking, “He didn’t sleep at mine.”

       Pei Qing spoke at this time, “Uncle, Yangyang slept in my room last night.”

       “Huh?” Zhan Xiusong couldn’t help but make a sound of surprise.

       Zhan Weiyang grabbed a tissue in his hand and nervously scratched it with his fingers.

       Pei Qing said calmly, “I ran into Yangyang in the bathroom at night. He said the bed was too small for him to sleep, so I asked him to sleep in my room.”

       Zhan Weiyang and Pei Qing’s rooms both have double beds, but Zhan Weiyang’s bed is 1.5 meters wide, while Pei Qing’s room has a 1.8-meter-wide bed, so two people sleeping were not crowded.

       Zhan Xiusong didn’t expect Zhan Weiyang to sleep in Pei Qing’s room for a night, and he pouted his lips in displeasure.

       Zhan Pengcheng looked at Zhan Weiyang, “Yangyang, is it not good to sleep with Songsong?”

       Zhan Weiyang raised his head and said ‘En’ softly.

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “Is that so? Then come and sleep with Dad tonight.” After that, he said to Pei Qing, “I’m sorry, xiao Qing, Yangyang must have disturbed you last night.”

       Pei Qing said, “Uncle, there’s no need to be so polite with me. We’re family, and Yangyang is my brother. If Xiusong doesn’t mind, he can come and sleep with me tonight, and Yangyang can sleep in his own room.”

       Zhan Weiyang immediately looked at Pei Qing, thinking to himself that it wouldn’t work; he minded. He wanted Pei Qing to look at him.

       But Pei Qing didn’t look at him. Zhan Pengcheng said, “It’s okay, you all sleep well. I’ll take care of Yangyang.”

       Zhan Weiyang was a little anxious, and he went down from the table to pull Pei Qing’s hand.

       Pei Qing sensed it and suddenly held his hand, lightly scratching his palm with his fingertips. Then he said to Zhan Pengcheng, “Let’s talk about it tonight. Let’s see where they want to sleep.”

       Zhan Pengcheng nodded, “That’s okay too.”

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Chapter 50 – After the Emperor's Confession

July 13, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Chapter 50

 

Si Lan pursed his lips, looking at Haowei’s icy expression, and instinctively said, “Naturally, this is how they usually break people in, uh, I mean, train them. Last year, Xue Wu picked a few people who couldn’t endure shortly after starting their duties and nearly got them killed.”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

The atmosphere in the room instantly became silent, not even the sound of a falling pin could be heard. Haowei slowly curled his fingers, unbelievably asking, “You almost got several people killed last year?”

 

“Ah… It’s not entirely my fault…” Si Lan hurriedly denied. “After the peak masters selected the candidates, they all had to undergo training in various places. Only those who succeeded in the training could assume the responsibilities of a demon general.”

 

Although he had participated in the demon general training plan, he wasn’t responsible for specific matters, so he continued, “To be precise, Xue Wu is in charge, and I assist.”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Could this kind of thing still be divided into primary and secondary responsibilities?

 

Seeing Haowei’s strange and dark gaze, Si Lan misunderstood his curiosity and lowered his head, flipping through the book, saying, “If you’re curious about this, I can take you to see it another day.”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Bang!

 

Haowei slammed his palm, shattering a corner of the table. He stood up, his tall figure blocking the candlelight behind him, casting a huge shadow that enveloped Si Lan, who was as small as a chick.

 

Si Lan was taken aback. The book fell to the ground, and he saw the tall figure approaching step by step like it carried a cold frost. Quze was about to step forward to stand in front of Si Lan but was directly swept away by a breath and thrown out of the door.

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

Si Lan widened his round “chicken eyes,” not understanding what had gotten into Haowei.

 

Had Lingxu’s divine injury relapsed?

 

“What are you doing?” Si Lan’s wings were lifted up. He was frightened and quickly kicked with both claws, but his claws were too short to reach Haowei at all.

 

Haowei lifted him up, squinting his eyes and saying each word slowly, “Besides the three wives you originally married, how many more do you have?”

 

“What does that have to do with my wives?”

 

“Aren’t you going to give them status?” Haowei gritted his teeth.

 

“I don’t have any wives!” Si Lan was half frightened and half helpless. “By the way, what does this have to do with my wives?”

 

“Weren’t you just selecting wives?” Haowei spoke through clenched teeth, seeing Si Lan’s current demeanor, thinking he was pretending to be crazy and stupid.

 

Si Lan suddenly understood everything. It turned out that Haowei had mistaken his selection of demon generals for selecting consorts. He couldn’t help but be speechless, tapping Haowei’s hand lightly with the tip of his wing. This person really had an overly imaginative mind.

 

At that moment, Quze, clutching his injured chest, pale-faced, entered the hall. Seeing this, Si Lan immediately asked Quze with indignation, “Quze, can you tell him what I was just doing?!”

 

Quze’s usually calm face showed a hint of amusement at first, but he quickly composed himself, approached Si Lan’s side while maintaining a sword-drawing posture, and said in a clear voice, “Your Majesty, you were just selecting consorts.”

 

“Right, I was just selecting…” Si Lan’s voice abruptly stopped. He turned his small head, looking shocked at Quze. “Selecting what?”

 

“Consorts,” Quze paused and continued, “This is the third round of candidates selected by the Left and Right Guardians, totaling thirty people. You will choose the final eighteen consort candidates.”

 

Si Lan was momentarily speechless after hearing this, exchanging a glance of disbelief with Haowei.

 

Haowei merely narrowed his eyes slightly, a smile on his face that carried a hint of intimidation and eeriness. It seemed as if in the next moment, he could swallow this little chick whole.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but swallow nervously, finally understanding why he and Haowei had been talking at cross purposes just now. He forced a smile and asked Quze with difficulty, seeking confirmation, “Selecting consorts. When did you all secretly start selecting consorts for me?”

 

As the person involved, he shouldn’t have been kept in the dark about this.

 

Quze replied, “Didn’t the two Guardians inform Your Majesty?”

 

“No!” Si Lan gritted his teeth, still not moving in Haowei’s grasp, he turned in a circle, facing Quze with an aggrieved look. “How many times have I said that if you want to increase the fertility and bond formation rates in the Demon Realm, use normal methods instead of frightening everyone with consort selection for me.”

 

“Your Majesty, this time… the two Guardians truly intended to select consorts for you, not for the sake of increasing fertility and bond formation rates in the Demon Realm.”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

Sensing that the person behind him was getting closer again, warm breath falling on his head, intimidating him, Si Lan awkwardly spoke up, although addressing Quze, he was explaining to the person behind him, “What exactly are you all up to? Why are you selecting consorts for me without my knowledge?”

 

He deliberately emphasized “without my knowledge” to create some distance from these subordinates who had done something foolish.

 

“If you didn’t know, why were you so interested?” Haowei clearly didn’t believe him, coldly questioning.

 

Si Lan chuckled awkwardly twice, “I thought those were the documents Song Cheng and Song Ye sent over for selecting demon generals. After all, they mentioned to me recently about wanting to reselect demon generals.”

 

Haowei remained silent upon hearing this, unsure whether to believe him.

 

However, Si Lan felt the pressure around him easing slightly and tentatively pushed against Haowei’s palm with his wing, crawling out of his grip. He spoke firmly to Quze, “Stop the matter of selecting consorts quickly. I’ve never liked doing such things.”

 

Quze glanced at Haowei and nodded, “Understood.”

 

As Quze turned to leave, Si Lan couldn’t help but ask, “Were all those documents just now about people coming to participate in the consort selection?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Why are there so many people participating in the consort selection this time?” After all, in the past, as soon as news of his consort selection spread, the males and females of the Demon Realm of all ages would cower in fear and stay indoors. Why were they so enthusiastic this time?

 

Quze looked somewhat embarrassed, his lips moved hesitantly, seeming a bit embarrassed, “Your Majesty, the Left and Right Guardians released the news that anyone participating in the consort selection would receive Hot Fruits and have the opportunity for dual cultivation with you.”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

Hot Fruits can change the physique of cultivators. Even those who follow the ruthless path, if they consume Hot Fruits, their bodies and minds can undergo changes suitable for dual cultivation. Moreover, the more Hot Fruits one consumes, the more peculiar and lascivious their body becomes, hence it has always been considered a forbidden fruit. However, this substance is fatally attractive to demons.

 

Si Lan sighed inwardly upon realizing this. He hadn’t expected Song Cheng and Song Ye to be so audacious, openly promoting this without his consent.

 

Suppressing his aura, Si Lan spoke coldly, “Where are Song Cheng and Song Ye now?”

 

Quze glanced at Haowei, expressionless. “During this afternoon’s consort selection by the two Guardians, a sudden strong wind blew in and swept them away. They have not returned yet.”

 

“…” Si Lan paused, finding it hard to believe. “Swept away by a strong wind?”

 

Their cultivation levels were quite renowned in the Demon Realm; how could they be swept away by a mere gust of wind? What kind of strange wind was this?

 

Si Lan’s neck stiffened as he glanced briefly at Haowei behind him. Meeting Haowei’s seemingly amused eyes, Si Lan instantly understood something.

 

“Heh, they… they deserve it for choosing consorts for me without authorization.” He quickly added, “Quze, take away those documents. Seeing them only disturbs me.”

 

Being disturbed was a minor issue; his main concern was that if he wasn’t careful, his life could be in jeopardy. With his cultivation greatly reduced and transformed into a helpless chick-like form, his life and death were entirely in Haowei’s hands. If Haowei became unhappy and decided to end him, what could he do?

 

After all, when the Heavenly Emperor killed an Immortal Lord, he was only punished with three cups of wine. But if the Heavenly Emperor killed him, the Demon Sovereign, it would probably be celebrated throughout the Six Realms.

 

If he died, perhaps only a few in the Demon Realm would mourn him, while the entire Six Realms would praise the Heavenly Emperor for his bravery and power in unifying the realms at such a young age.

 

Hmm.

 

Quze acknowledged and took the documents away, closing the doors carefully as he left.

 

Inside the hall, Si Lan felt a sense of relief, exhaling deeply and smiling at Haowei.

 

Haowei’s expression had softened from its earlier gloominess, but it still wasn’t entirely pleasant. His cold eyes quietly held a flickering flame as he gazed at Si Lan.

 

When Si Lan met his gaze, his heart suddenly trembled. Thoughts raced through his mind as he tried to find a topic, but instead, he found himself dumbfounded, unable to come up with anything.

 

Everything that needed explaining had been explained, and all that needed clarification had been clarified.

 

Now, he needed… He needed to explain to Haowei why he was so angry.

 

The relationship between them seemed to be veiled by a thin layer of gauze. Though they could clearly see each other through it, they pretended not to, not understanding each other.

 

Rather than seeing that gauze as an obstruction, it seemed more like a protective layer.

 

No need to ponder whether behind this protective layer lay joy or sorrow.

 

Si Lan felt uncertain. He preferred to act calmly, mastering everything behind the scenes before making a move. But Haowei’s presence was a variable, an unpredictable one. He didn’t want to gamble, sometimes choosing to bury his head in the sand like an ostrich, pretending not to understand anything.

 

But today, the ostrich seemed compelled to raise its head and face the storm.

 

“Si Lan.”

 

Haowei’s voice echoed in the dim hall, deep and slightly magnetic, his dark eyes fixed unwaveringly on him.

 

Si Lan’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.

 

“Xiao Qi, it’s you.”

 

Si Lan wasn’t particularly surprised, having vaguely guessed at something over these days of interaction. Besides, after he had fallen into a deep sleep following the blood extraction incident, he had dreamed of many scenes he had no memory of, as if they were events from a previous life.

 

He had thought afterwards that it must have been Haowei’s tribulation, and what happened while he was unconscious in the mortal realm.

 

“Yeah,” he replied softly, folding his wings discreetly, seeming somewhat nervous.

 

“When I was undergoing my tribulation in the mortal realm, I had an encounter with you. But after the tribulation, I didn’t retain memories of that time in the mortal realm, so I didn’t come looking for you.”

 

Haowei’s words were few, and even his phrasing was not ambiguous, but Si Lan understood quite well what was being implied. His mind couldn’t help but recall the words of the fortune teller, leaving him at a loss.

 

What exactly constitutes a fated bond?

 

After assuming that what existed between him and Haowei was merely a mistake, he realized that their entanglement had occurred long ago.

 

Si Lan fell silent, saying nothing more, and Haowei didn’t speak either, just quietly watching him.

 

Time passed unnoticed, until the oil lamp burned out, plunging the hall suddenly into darkness.

 

Outside the window, a beam of moonlight seeped through the cracks.

 

Apart from the rustling of leaves in the night wind, there was nothing else around them.

 

Haowei reached out and pulled him close. In that moment of embrace, spiritual energy surrounded him, causing him to transform into a human form. His forehead lightly rested against Haowei’s chin.

 

Instinctively, he wanted to step back, but Haowei held onto his waist, forcing him to lean against him.

 

The tranquil moonlight seemed to flow between them, their breaths gently intertwining in the silent ambiguity of the night. Si Lan could almost hear Haowei’s heartbeat, steady and strong, transmitted through the thin fabric of their clothes.

 

Surprisingly, he didn’t think about anything at all; he simply quietly savored the moment.

 

Haowei lowered his head, his lips brushing innocuously against Si Lan’s earlobe. His body momentarily stiffened, and Haowei murmured, “When you were in the mortal realm, you liked to lean against me like this.”

 

After a moment, Si Lan hoarsely whispered, “Oh.”

 

Why say so much when he doesn’t remember any of it?

 

At that time, he had been shattered by Lord Chushan, his soul torn apart. The resulting puppet was likely a simpleton who understood nothing and naturally leaned on Haowei.

 

“Si Lan, I did go back to look for you afterwards, but couldn’t find you. I left those two puppets in the house, hoping that when you returned and saw them, you’d understand that I had come looking for you.”

 

But neither Si Lan returned, nor did Haowei.

 

Haowei took out the two puppets. In the darkness, Si Lan couldn’t see their features clearly. Haowei took Si Lan’s hand and guided him to feel the contours of the puppets.

 

Suddenly, an image flashed through Si Lan’s mind: in a dim cave, Haowei held his hand, teaching him how to carve a puppet.

 

And then, he held up the two puppets, touching foreheads, noses, and then… lips against lips.

 

An indescribable sadness and bitterness surged through Si Lan’s heart. It wasn’t his own emotions; it was the emotion of that strand of soul within him, influencing him.

 

So, deep down, he still remembered Haowei.

 

At this moment, a multitude of emotions overwhelmed him. His eyes reddened silently, lips parted as if to speak, but only tears fell soundlessly.

 

Chong Ying.

 

Haowei.

 

Chong Wei.

 

Round and round, it all pointed to this person before him.

 

He gripped the puppets tightly, buried his head in Haowei’s embrace, and reached out to tightly hold Haowei’s back. Suddenly, he felt that things like the Kaojue Mountain Fortune Teller and destined soulmates no longer mattered.

 

What mattered was that he recognized this person as the one.

 

He liked Haowei, a realization that had eluded him until now. He had thought his feelings towards Haowei stemmed from a desire to leverage Haowei’s abilities and background to avenge his mother.

 

But now that the veil between them had been lifted, he realized that beyond those utilitarian motives, he genuinely wanted to be with Haowei.

 

Though their time together had been short, Haowei had always been a steadfast pillar for him in times of helplessness, confusion, and despair. He found himself trusting Haowei more than he trusted himself.

 

Feeling Si Lan embrace him, Haowei’s breath caught. Lowering his head, he used a special technique so even in the darkness, he could see clearly.

 

He saw that Si Lan’s earlobes, face, and neck were all flushed red. His determined eyes met Haowei’s, and Si Lan’s delicate nose nestled against Haowei’s heart, their breaths mingling.

 

When Haowei finally spoke, his voice hoarse beyond measure, “Si Lan, let’s go to bed.”

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

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