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WTMC Chapter 8

Koi Spirit

Bai Tang reached out to cover his head, and his fingertips touched the trembling little green shoot on top. That green shoot was a part of his body, like his hair. It lacked sensation, but pulling it would cause pain.

“What’s going on?!”

This was the first time Bai Tang encountered such an unexpected situation. He frantically questioned the system. After contemplating for a while, the system, with a scholarly attitude, observed the small green shoot. After careful consideration, the system boldly hypothesized, “It should be an excess of energy and nutrients due to recent energy consumption.”

“Really?” Bai Tang was somewhat skeptical.

“No, not really,” the system calmly said, “I was just making things up. After all, it’s just grass growing on your head, not a new set of limbs. Why bother about it so much.”

Bai Tang had barely thought of a rebuttal when he felt his head being gently touched again. This time, it also brushed against the little green shoot. However, Bai Tang had an illusion that the focus of the caress seemed to be on the little green shoot, and the hair was just incidental.

His eyeballs moved upward. Due to the angle, his originally almond-shaped eyes looked more like peach blossom eyes. Confusion was visible in his watery eyes.

“Very cute,” Su Siyuan couldn’t help but express his inner thoughts under this almost pure gaze. Aware of his slip of the tongue, he quickly shifted the topic, saying, “Many little monsters, when they first transform into human form, retain some features of their original form. After a while, they will disappear.”

Bai Tang had transformed into a human form before, so Su Siyuan’s words didn’t provide much comfort. Additionally, this time the transformation was energy-consuming. Thus, Bai Tang was busy negotiating with the system, seeking compensation. “Look at what you’re selling. It’s a subpar product!”

“I’m not asking for unreasonable after-sales service. If you can’t retract the green shoot, then compensate me with some energy points.” Bai Tang argued confidently.

While Bai Tang and the system were engaged in their back-and-forth, Su Siyuan perceived a different scene.

The youth, upon discovering the flaw in his human form, immersed himself in melancholy, even losing focus in his eyes.

Su Siyuan sighed silently, his heart softening. What a little monster, he thought.

He took Bai Tang’s hand, and as Bai Tang widened his eyes in confusion, Su Siyuan lowered his head, placing the young man’s hand in his hair. “Try touching it.”

The youth’s fingertips pressed against a small and round ear. The round ear twitched, and the fluffy gray-brown fur brushed against the young man’s fingertips.

Bai Tang subconsciously withdrew his hand, staring at the man in front of him in bewilderment. A smile blossomed from the corners of the man’s eyes, reflecting his face in those amber-colored eyes. “I originally had beast ears,” he gently consoled. “There’s nothing embarrassing about it.”

“If it’s really bothering you, just cover it with a hat,” Su Siyuan suggested, reaching out his hand. For a moment, Bai Tang thought the man was going to touch his head again. He subconsciously held his breath but saw the man gesturing with his palm instead. “After all, it’s so small, not even as big as a palm. It can be easily covered.”

“Yes, yes, it can be easily covered,” the system desperately agreed. “Why make such a fuss about it?”

For the first time, Bai Tang didn’t argue with the system. He quietly listened to Su Siyuan’s comforting words. Su Siyuan was very adept at consoling people. His speaking pace was neither fast nor slow, and his voice was gentle and deep. When he spoke in a soft and soothing tone, it seemed even stones would bloom with joy.

Su Siyuan spoke at length, and when he felt a bit thirsty, he poured himself a glass of water. Then, he poured another glass for Bai Tang. “It’s almost eight, and I should rest.”

Bai Tang held the cup obediently, looking at Su Siyuan with moist and clear eyes. Su Siyuan’s fingers moved slightly, resisting the urge to touch Bai Tang’s head. “Now that you’ve become human, you can’t sleep in the same room with me anymore. Come, I’ll take you to the guest room.”

Bai Tang had no luggage. In his left hand, he held a water cup, and in his right hand, a jade bottle containing golden sand. Barefoot, he followed behind Su Siyuan.

When Su Siyuan reached the living room, he noticed that Bai Tang was barefoot. Moonlight bathed the young man’s feet, which were as white as jade. Bai Tang was delicately beautiful, even his ankles were exceptionally exquisite. Perhaps because the floor was slightly cool, his toes curled slightly, revealing a somewhat pitiful look.

Su Siyuan half-knelt on the floor, placing his palm on Bai Tang’s feet. “Very cold.”

Bai Tang, somewhat startled, arched the top of his foot, meeting eyes with Su Siyuan who raised his gaze. “Let me carry you.”

“…Huh?” Bai Tang looked at Su Siyuan with a slightly bewildered expression. Su Siyuan’s expression was gentle, deceptively gentle. He stood up, one hand encircling Bai Tang’s waist, and the other lifting Bai Tang’s legs, effortlessly lifting him up.

The snow-white robe trailed slightly on the floor, and the slender legs swayed gently in the air. Bai Tang had never been carried by someone in his human form. He carefully adjusted his posture, his hands encircling Su Siyuan’s neck, and then quietly pressed his cheek against the man’s chest.

Thump, thump, thump.

That was the sound of Su Siyuan’s heartbeat as if merging with Bai Tang’s heartbeat.

Countless pure energies surged from the area near the left chest, confirming Bai Tang’s earlier speculation. He felt extremely good for a moment, and the little green sprout on his head swayed happily.

Bai Tang even wished to be held by Su Siyuan forever, even if it meant never letting go. When Su Siyuan carried him to the guest room, Bai Tang reluctantly withdrew his hands.

Su Siyuan placed Bai Tang on the soft bedding. His gaze was drawn to the patterns on Bai Tang’s robe, intricate and delicate patterns of verdant vines taking shape.

His gaze shifted upwards, and Su Siyuan stared at the jade bottle containing golden sand before speaking, “It’s inconvenient for you to carry it around in your human form.”

“I know of a temple where there’s a Koi Spirit. It can bring good luck. Someday, go to the temple and let it make a pouch for you. You can carry the golden sand with you in that small pouch.” Su Siyuan whispered.

Bai Tang nodded obediently at the suggestion. When he nodded, his black hair slid off his shoulders, as smooth as fine silk.

As it was nearing eight o’clock, Su Siyuan’s eyes showed signs of weariness. He stood up, walked to the door, and placed his slender hand on the doorknob. He turned his face slightly and whispered, “Goodnight.”

Just as Bai Tang was about to bid him goodnight, the system suddenly chimed in, “What ‘goodnight’? Did you forget about the otter spirit?” The system, which had been silent until now, startled Bai Tang with its sudden remarks.

“Wait, don’t go.” Bai Tang quickly stopped Su Siyuan. Seeing him turn back, Bai Tang noticed that his eyes, which had been tired just moments ago, were suddenly bright as if anticipating something.

Unable to comprehend this anticipation, Bai Tang whispered, “Tell the otter spirit for me, I’ll depart in the middle of the month.”

Bai Tang didn’t know if it was an illusion, but when he finished saying this sentence, something sparkling in the man’s eyes seemed to be extinguished by something called disappointment. Su Siyuan nodded in acknowledgment.

The door was slowly closing again. Bai Tang hesitated for a moment and spoke up again, “Um, that…”

Su Siyuan looked over calmly. He saw the youth sitting on the bed raising his hand, waving it like a beckoning cat, “Goodnight.” The voice was soft and delicate, concealed in the night like the gentle murmur of a kitten in a dream.

The door gently closed, but Su Siyuan remained silently at the doorway, staring at the door panel. After a while, he covered his face with his hands, and a smile involuntarily curved his lips.

Even though he hadn’t touched the little head, why did he feel so happy?

It’s really strange.

Bai Tang sat cross-legged on the bed, silent as if contemplating life.

“Is it springtime?” the system asked.

The little green sprout on Bai Tang’s head angrily exploded, “What nonsense are you talking about?!”

“I really wish I was just talking nonsense. Sweetheart, you must remember, you are the best grass in the world, and only the best cow dung is worthy of you,” the system earnestly advised, “Even when looking for cow dung, you should compare and choose wisely. You can’t just spot a pile by the roadside and foolishly believe it’s the right one.”

Bai Tang’s face was full of black lines, “What are you talking about?”

“I noticed that you were quite straightforward in rejecting others before,” the system earnestly lectured, “You should maintain your previous style.”

Bai Tang: “???”

Bai Tang: “When did I reject anyone before?”

System: “???”

System: “The Pope of the Church of Light in the first world, the Martial Arts Alliance Leader in the second world, and the Hell Messenger in the third world. Didn’t you squash their confessions in the bud?”

Bai Tang was full of question marks, “Are you saying they liked me?”

The system exclaimed in disbelief, “Isn’t that obvious? Even someone with no vision can see it!”

Bai Tang listened with confusion, “Why do they like me?”

“Because you’re good-looking, sweetheart!” The system almost wanted to shake Bai Tang’s shoulders vigorously, “You have the most beautiful face I’ve ever seen!” After taking a deep breath, the system shouted, “You know how good-looking you are, right?!”

“Then, what about Su Siyuan?” Bai Tang asked hesitantly.

“Isn’t that obvious too?” The system responded without hesitation.

Bai Tang dared not speak and walked into the bathroom. Standing in front of the mirror, he earnestly scrutinized himself. After a long while of self-examination, Bai Tang commented, “Hmm.”

“Hmm? What kind of reaction is that? If I looked like you, I’d strut around everywhere.” The system mumbled.

Bai Tang splashed some water on his face and, at the same time, scooped a bit into his hands. The system, which was previously incessantly nagging, stuttered for a moment, “What are you doing?”

Bai Tang pointed at the small green sprout and said casually, “Give it some water.”

The system covered its face in agony, “No, please. Your brain has already taken in enough water.”

Feeling that the system was on the verge of collapse, Bai Tang quieted down, not daring to provoke it further. He climbed onto the bed, covered himself with a small blanket, and slowly closed his eyes.

The incessant voice of the system gradually faded away, leaving a lingering question in Bai Tang’s mind—

Is it too shallow to fall for someone just because of their appearance?

Ah…

So, is Su Siyuan… could he be that superficial?

‘Even if he likes me, it should be for my adorable soul. No, no, it’s summer now; I’ll ponder this question in the spring.’

 

Author’s note:

No, I can’t indulge in sweetness anymore. I have to stick to the plot (frowning).

Short Scene:

Bai Tang: Are you shallow?

Su Siyuan: No.

Su Siyuan (pointing to his gray-brown fur): I’m deep-skinned.


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