Shen Qingqiu’s face turned green. She, who had been listless all this time, rolled her eyes and sneered, ” ‘They suggest you take this to the recycling station?’ It’s mocking me. How did they manage to include something that should be recycled in a prize draw?”
Xiao Muyu held the card, finding it unbelievable and feeling that something was off. She activated the card, and instantly, a rusty bronze sword appeared in front of her.
The sword was covered in rust and dirt. Xiao Muyu grabbed the hilt, almost breaking it, and quickly put it away.
“This really is just a piece of junk.”
Su Jin and Zuo Tiantian exchanged glances, mumbling.
Referee No. 004 cleared her throat, “The next instance will be in a month. You will receive a notification then. For now, you can rest.”
Xiao Muyu nodded, “Alright, let’s all go rest.”
The scene changed, and Xiao Muyu and Shen Qingqiu found themselves back in the Tianwang world. It was already night there.
This time, they weren’t dropped on the street. Since Xiao Muyu and Shen Qingqiu had entered the instance from home, they now stood in the living room.
The room was dark but not pitch black. In the Tianwang world, the moon was full tonight. Moonlight poured in through the balcony windows, casting a translucent glow and creating a play of light and shadow.
Shen Qingqiu gazed outside and couldn’t help but say, “Though this ghostly world is never peaceful, the scenery is undeniably beautiful. I’ve never seen such a moonlit night outside.”
In reality, with the advancement of technology and environmental issues, it was rare to see the moon in the city. Even when it was visible, the soft and tranquil moonlight struggled to compete with the city’s neon lights.
Her voice was soft, stirring an unusual feeling in Xiao Muyu.
“Indeed, I haven’t seen such moonlight for a long time. Before, I was too preoccupied to appreciate it. It’s a shame to waste the few good things left in this world. But we just got back; you must be tired. Let’s rest first.” She turned on the room lights as she spoke.
The bright incandescent light instantly swallowed the moonlight, clearly illuminating Shen Qingqiu’s weary and pale face.
“What’s wrong?” Back here, Xiao Muyu didn’t hold back and asked directly.
Shen Qingqiu just stared at the balcony, “What could be wrong? I’m just tired. It’s a pity about the moonlight.”
She looked at her clothes and smiled, “I’ll go shower. I feel sticky all over.”
Xiao Muyu said nothing, her eyes following Shen Qingqiu until she entered the bathroom.
In the bedroom, Xiao Muyu’s phone rang. She found it and answered.
“Captain Xiao, you’re back, right? Come over for dinner with Miss Shen. I’m preparing food now.”
Listening to the water running in the bathroom, Xiao Muyu thought for a moment and replied, “No need, we’ll eat something simple at home. We’re tired and need rest. I’ll treat everyone to a meal tomorrow.”
“Okay, bye.” Xiao Muyu hung up and knocked on the bathroom door. “I’m going out to get some things.”
The water stopped, and Shen Qingqiu’s muffled voice came through the door, “Alright, but…”
With a soft click, the bathroom door opened. A wave of steam and the scent of shower gel rolled out, and Shen Qingqiu’s voice became clearer.
“Before you go, could you grab my clothes? I forgot to bring them in.”
She poked her head out, revealing a bare shoulder and her white arm gripping the doorknob.
Clearly, she wasn’t done showering. Her hair was wet, and water droplets slid down her arm’s smooth lines.
Her thin frame made her collarbones stand out, and the hollow seemed capable of holding water.
Her eyes, seemingly washed by the water, sparkled enticingly. Xiao Muyu’s heart raced, and she quickly looked away, frowning, “I saw you take your clothes.”
Shen Qingqiu raised an eyebrow, then smiled, looking embarrassed, “I forgot my underwear. You tidied up earlier, and I forgot.”
Xiao Muyu’s face didn’t change, but her ears turned redder than Shen Qingqiu’s just after a hot shower. Usually smart, her brain slowed down, “Nonsense, you took your underwear.”
“Yes, I did, but can you grab it? It’s in the drawer. You know where it is.” Her voice was soft and sweet.
Shen Qingqiu’s voice matched her appearance—charming and alluring. Usually firm and cold, her tone now lacked coldness and exuded charm, making Xiao Muyu’s skin tingle.
“Speak properly. I…” Xiao Muyu couldn’t stay any longer. She quickly went to Shen Qingqiu’s room, opened the drawer, and grabbed the top item without looking. She rushed back to the bathroom door and tossed it inside as if it burned her hands.
“I’m leaving.”
“Bang!” The door closed, but Shen Qingqiu’s laughter echoed.
Outside, Xiao Muyu’s cheeks burned. She took a deep breath, feeling Shen Qingqiu was a real enchantress.
As she waited for the elevator, she suddenly closed her eyes, frustrated with herself. What was she thinking?
She had said she was leaving, and no one else was home. Why couldn’t Shen Qingqiu get her own underwear? Why did she fall for such a simple trick?
Even knowing it was deliberate, she couldn’t refute it and still fell for it.
The more Xiao Muyu thought about it, the angrier she became. She had been worried about Shen Qingqiu, but seeing her acting so carefree, she must be fine.
Despite her frustration, Xiao Muyu still bought groceries to cook for that troublesome person.
When she got home, she didn’t see Shen Qingqiu anywhere, and her bedroom door was closed.
Xiao Muyu, still feeling uneasy, decided not to bother her. After putting the groceries in the fridge, she cleaned the kitchen and planned to cook some noodles.
The handmade noodles were freshly bought. Although raw ingredients were not cheap in the Tianwang world, they were much more cost-effective than ready-made meals.
After slicing the meat and marinating it, Xiao Muyu couldn’t help but glance at Shen Qingqiu’s room. She still hadn’t come out.
A vague sense of unease crept in. From what she knew of Shen Qingqiu, she wouldn’t stay quietly in her room at this time. Normally, she’d come out to tease her.
The more she thought about it, the more something felt off. That nagging worry from when the mission ended resurfaced. She quickly washed her hands and walked briskly to Shen Qingqiu’s door, knocking. “Shen Qingqiu?”
There was no response. Xiao Muyu’s heart skipped a beat, and she knocked harder. “Shen Qingqiu, Qingqiu?”
Still no answer. Panic set in. She stepped back a few paces, ready to kick the door down.
But just as she lifted her foot, the door suddenly opened. She almost lost her balance and stumbled into the door.
The person who opened the door moved slowly at first, but upon seeing Xiao Muyu about to fall, quickly stepped forward to support her.
Xiao Muyu’s heart raced, but being held by Shen Qingqiu, she calmed down slightly. However, she immediately sensed something was wrong. She felt Shen Qingqiu wobble.
For an ordinary person, a wobble would be normal. But not for someone with Shen Qingqiu’s skills.
Moreover, with Shen Qingqiu half-holding her, they were almost pressed against each other. She could feel a damp heat emanating from her body. Shen Qingqiu had just showered; she should feel fresh, not sweaty.
Thinking of this, Xiao Muyu steadied herself, locked eyes with Shen Qingqiu, and asked seriously, “Shen Qingqiu, what’s wrong with you?”
Shen Qingqiu took a breath, smiled, and leaned against the door frame. “What’s wrong?”
Xiao Muyu didn’t speak, just frowned at her.
Her expression was so serious, her eyes piercing, making Shen Qingqiu unable to evade.
“I’m just very tired. I fell asleep after my shower. I didn’t hear you knocking because I was sleeping so soundly.” She spoke earnestly, as if that was the whole truth.
But Xiao Muyu coldly replied, “Do you think I’d believe that?”
Shen Qingqiu stiffened, staying silent. Xiao Muyu wasn’t trying to force her; she genuinely looked unwell, so she lowered her head, took Shen Qingqiu’s hand, and led her into the room.
The bed was clearly used, messy. Shen Qingqiu sneaked a glance and didn’t argue further.
It was too hard to hide anything from Xiao Muyu, her previous struggle had been in vain.
“Lie down and rest.” Xiao Muyu suggested.
Seemingly giving up the pretense, Shen Qingqiu pressed her hand to her abdomen, weakly sat down, and said tiredly, “It’s really nothing serious, just an old problem. Severe stomach pain. I felt unwell when I got back, then after showering, it got worse. I fell asleep from the pain, so I didn’t hear you knocking.”
“Stomach pain?” Xiao Muyu was skeptical.
“Really, just stomach pain. I didn’t take care of my body before and damaged my stomach, which is why I can’t handle spicy food.” This explanation made her story more credible.
Xiao Muyu quickly turned to get her a glass of hot water. Handing it to Shen Qingqiu, she couldn’t help but ask, “After we left, did you get hurt in your room?”
Shen Qingqiu paused, then laughed. “You all saw me come out, didn’t you? I wasn’t really hurt. After you left, the room caught fire, smoke was everywhere, I was suffocating. When I woke up, I was in Liu Ya and the others’ room.”
“That’s it? No other injuries?”
Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but laugh. “You think I got hurt in the mission? You’re confused. Injuries from the mission heal. My problem is with my body, not something I got from the mission.”
She drank some water, then frowned, pressing her abdomen. It was indeed her stomach.
“Then why didn’t you tell the truth earlier?” Xiao Muyu was puzzled, feeling something was off.
Shen Qingqiu blinked, sitting up, leaning closer to Xiao Muyu, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Because I thought you’d worry. If I said I felt unwell, you’d be concerned, right?”
So close, Xiao Muyu could see Shen Qingqiu’s face clearly, her skin flawless, white and tender, not showing her age.
Except for the pale complexion and sweaty forehead, her grey eyes still sparkled, full of mischief.
After a moment, Xiao Muyu frowned, quickly looked away, and stood up.
“If your stomach hurts, rest well. Drink the water, I’ll make some noodles. Eating might help.” She hurried out, her steps rushed.
Shen Qingqiu watched her leave, then relaxed heavily against the bed.
She frowned, clutching her chest, then after a while, sighed and reached for the cup.
As she brought the cup to her lips, her hand trembled, spilling some water.
Putting the cup down, her phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, Shen Qingqiu answered.
“I heard you got into trouble. Are you alright?” The voice sounded concerned, but the tone was clearly gloating.
“Xiao Shen, you can’t be too arrogant. You may be capable, but don’t forget your status. He isn’t someone you can fool. No matter how smart you are, you’re still human, and humans have weaknesses. How could you possibly win against him?”
Shen Qingqiu let out a low laugh, her eyes focused outside as she lowered her voice, “I can’t win against him, and I won’t overestimate myself. But that doesn’t mean you can flaunt yourself in front of me. So, don’t push it. If I get upset, I can still deal with you.”
“You—”
Before the other person could continue, Shen Qingqiu had already hung up the phone.
Bending down, she bit her hand to muffle any sound. When she looked up again, her grey eyes were filled with a deep gloom and a hint of a twisted smile.
The punishment came because she had indeed crossed his bottom line. So, let’s keep playing.
Author’s Note: Ahem, back to Tianwang where the fun can begin.
