novelraw Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Linmen, Luoqiao District, An Le's home.
An Le had changed into her pajamas and returned to her room, looking at the neatly folded clothes on her bed. They were newly bought—not the one that had cost over a thousand, but a budget replacement she'd picked up afterward. In both style and fabric, it was obviously inferior to the one Xiao Muzi had liked so much, yet An Le felt perfectly content.
She spread the new clothes out for a careful look, smiled warmly, and decided to wash them before wearing them tomorrow. After folding them again, she turned to the white snake lying on her bed in utter despair and called softly, "Xiao Muzi?"
". . ."
Xiao Muzi gave her a feeble glance, then let its head droop and released a colossal sigh. It said nothing, yet somehow managed to say everything.
An Le climbed onto the bed and tapped the snake's head with a finger. Normally Xiao Muzi would bristle at being poked, but now it lay like a soulless husk, motionless, letting her do as she pleased.
Thinking it might be sick, An Le asked with genuine concern, "Xiao Muzi, can you even get sick? You really don't look well."
". . ."
The comment finally made Xiao Muzi lift its head and stare at her with eyes that clearly said, Are you serious?
An Le's worry didn't waver—she clearly meant it. The sheer innocence in her gaze was the last straw; Xiao Muzi's defenses crumbled entirely.
"Waaah—why is my life so miserable?! Why? Why did I pick you as my host, waaah—!"
"Huh?"
An Le pressed her lips together, finally understanding why Xiao Muzi was upset. She glanced at the snake now head-butting the mattress and asked carefully, "But . . . didn't you say you wanted to grant my wishes? Why are you unhappy when I act on them?"
"That's bull! You wanted that gorgeous dress too—wasn't that your wish? You're betraying your own wish!"
An Le blinked and replied softly, "That was my wish, but not wanting the shop assistant to lose money because of me is also my wish. I don't think that breaks our agreement."
Xiao Muzi's mouth hung open, utterly stunned. An Le continued, "Besides, it just didn't feel right. Once I've saved a bit more and asked Mom for some help, we'll go back and buy that dress."
Xiao Muzi inhaled several times in a row, nearly passing out on the spot.
"You're invincible."
Dear gods, why? First host ignored me and smacked me away. Second host is on another level entirely. Other players get their cheat and immediately go full "I don't eat beef," while you're here playing model citizen. What's the difference between this and stopping at red lights in a racing game? At this rate, when will I ever reach my final form? Why is brilliant me stuck with such rotten luck? Why?!
"Don't worry, Xiao Muzi. The new clothes are pretty too~ Today I did my hair, bought new clothes and . . . underwear. I'm completely ready. My biggest, biggest wish is to reunite with Xiao Huan. With this much preparation, it'll definitely work!"
An Le couldn't stand to see anyone disappointed—not even Xiao Muzi. She didn't treat the serpent as a mere spirit or tool, but as a friend. Whether cheering herself up or comforting the snake, she clenched her fists, cheeks flushed, and spoke with determination.
Xiao Muzi only rolled its eyes so hard they nearly spun out of its skull.
Oh, thank heavens.
That Yan Huan is absolutely being hunted by other Fingers. He's prime desire-fuel. With a soft-hearted host like you who hasn't even laid the groundwork, how are you supposed to beat powerhouses like Index or Thumb? Get real—first learn what a Modifier even is! Trash like Park Seo-mun pushes you around, and you still needed Spencer to bail you out. Explain that to me. The great and brilliant Xiao Muzi's reputation is ruined because of you—utterly disgraced!
Overcome, Xiao Muzi collapsed on the bed, twitching as if on the verge of fainting. An Le, thinking it wanted to sleep, leaned in and whispered, "Going to bed, Xiao Muzi?"
". . ."
"You rest first. I'm going to play on the computer a bit."
". . ."
This time Xiao Muzi didn't even twitch. Might as well be dead.
An Le got off the bed and walked to her computer, opening the browser. She planned to browse the gal-game forums for something new to play. She didn't find any games, but she did spot an interesting post:
"Sunday's Linmen Game Expo will have White Horse Studio's new release Bound Dragon! Any big shots on site willing to proxy-buy a copy?"
White Horse Studio—specialists in niche, adult otome games, and An Le was a devoted fan. She clicked the thread and scrolled through the replies:
"Where'd you get tickets? Scalpers jacked them past a grand—enough for ten games!"
"Guess we'll wait for the digital release on their site."
Linmen Game Expo, huh. White Horse is really going?
An Le blinked and searched the expo's official site:
"Linmen GL Game Expo, sponsored by Golden Lion Group, annual mega ACG convention. This year is the largest ever, featuring the most vendors and doujin circles! One main venue, twelve satellite halls, bringing the most comprehensive cultural celebration to all Linmen citizens."
Wow, sounds amazing, but—
Tickets are so expensive!!
The four-digit price killed her interest instantly. She moved to close the browser, but her cursor accidentally clicked on "Golden Lion Group." The page jumped to their official site.
Against a lavish gold backdrop, a snarling lion's head in golden mane served as both logo and namesake for the corporate titan. The gleaming icon caught An Le's eye—she'd heard of the world-famous conglomerate.
She stared at the page, watching the lion in the icon rear its head and roar—
"Roar!"
The animated lion slowly distorted until it overlapped with the marble lion mural on the wall of a luxury penthouse somewhere in Jinghe District.
The mural's lion gazed serenely across the vast room, toward a blonde girl lying on the sofa at the far end, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The lighting was dim, but her golden hair still shone brilliantly. She wore a sports T-shirt and shorts, long pale legs propped straight against the wall. Her head hung over the sofa's edge, face tilted to the ceiling, mouth wide open as if preparing for something.
The next second, she tossed a candy into the air. Her open mouth beneath was like a net; she thrust her head forward and caught the falling candy with perfect precision.
"Gulp~"
Aria Spencer crunched the stray candy she'd found, the sweetness blooming across her tongue as boredom settled over her face.
"So boring."
Her voice echoed through the vast luxury penthouse; no one answered.
She swallowed the candy, sat up, and pulled out her phone. Scrolling through a video site, she hunted for something—anything—to watch on the projector. Nothing felt right; each swipe only sharpened her irritation.
Peppa Pig was already finished, and every other cartoon felt pointless.
Spencer's mood had been sour all day.
Sky-blue eyes—clear as glass—drifted to the 115-inch screen where a golden-maned lion head stared back at her. It was Mother's AI butler, which had delivered a message earlier:
"Miss, the President has received feedback about your recent conduct at school. She is extremely displeased."
Spencer narrowed her eyes, tore open a bag of chips, and stuffed a handful into her mouth.
"You are requested to attend classes diligently, complete all assignments on time, and join the study group the Student Council has arranged. Should you require assistance, contact me at once; I will keep the President informed."
"Tch." Spencer clicked the smart remote.
On-screen, the lion spoke again. "How may I be of service, Miss?"
"When is she coming back?"
"I have no access to the President's itinerary. Based on the last reply you received, I estimate her return to Linmen within two months for a two- or three-day stay."
Spencer gazed out at the Linmen nightscape, expression resigned. She raked her fingers through her long golden hair and snapped, "I'm bored this weekend. Find me something fun."
"I recommend the library, the gym—"
Ugh, stupid AI.
Veins throbbed at Spencer's temples. She hugged her arms and barked, "I want to go out! Somewhere fun! Tell me what's happening in Linmen this weekend, or I swear I'll go smoke, drink, and find a boyfriend!"
"Understood. Please wait, Miss."
The lion paused, then brightened.
"I suggest the Linmen GL Game Expo on Sunday—a major cultural event under our sponsorship."
"Linmen GL Game Expo?"
Spencer blinked, sat straighter, and tapped her chin. Interest flickered; the boredom eased a fraction.
"Huh..."
Mother, when exactly are you going to ask Xiao Huan to stay?
In a luxury hotel suite in the South District, Ye Shiyu lifted a morsel with her own chopsticks and pondered.
Across the table, Yan Huan and Ye Lan were chatting. Shiyu weighed her options.
Should I just ask first?
"Auntie Ye, were you already in the South District today?"
"Yes. I'm in talks with Linmen's departments about EV-charging infrastructure; the South District is a representative case. The current environment is... less than ideal."
"The South District is tricky, true."
Perfect!
Shiyu set down her chopsticks and turned to Yan Huan.
"Xiao Huan, you're still working in the South District. Since the area's so tough, why don't you come stay at our house? Then you won't have to work so hard."
Yan Huan startled, meeting her gaze.
Surprising—she'd taken the initiative. Sakuramiya's afternoon pep talk had clearly worked.
Yet a faint unease stirred. Should I accept?
The benefits were obvious. Ye Lan's status was... unparalleled. Accept and poverty, part-time jobs, a lifetime in the South District—gone in an instant.
But would moving in help solve Shiyu's Modifier problem?
"Meow~"
Under the table, translucent Meow-chan nosed the paper bag beside Yan Huan's chair, pawing at something inside.
"Meow!"
Found something?
He glanced at the bag—Shiyu's returned laundry—and watched Meow-chan rake a uniform with her paw, meowing insistently.
"What do you want me to see, Meow-chan?"
He studied the fabric but saw nothing, so he asked silently.
"Yan Huan, look at the collar—really close. It's hidden."
He didn't act at once. Instead he glanced at Ye Lan; her face showed quiet thought.
Casually, he nudged his spoon off the table.
Clatter.
"Sorry."
Smiling, Yan Huan bent to retrieve the spoon—really to peer into the bag. Now he saw it.
Inside the collar, in stitches so fine they were nearly invisible, someone had embroidered three minuscule characters. Without Meow-chan, no one would ever notice.
Guess what the three characters say?
"Ye Shiyu."
He swallowed hard; pressure clamped his chest.
"It's not just the uniform, meow. Other clothes too, in different places."
"..."
And here he'd been dithering, thinking Shiyu's condition had improved.
This wasn't improvement—it was terminal.
She'd marked him as hers; he'd been too close to notice.
Thank the stars for Meow-chan. Otherwise tonight would've unlocked the Bad Ending.
"Meow-chan, I love you."
"Meow?"
Spoon in hand, Yan Huan straightened, smile bright while his mind raced for an excuse—any excuse—to keep from moving into the mansion.
Wealth is nice, but survival and solving the Modifier come first.
Auntie Ye, I'm afraid I'll have to refuse.
Yet after a moment Ye Lan sighed and shook her head.
"Shiyu, I did say spending time with Xiao Huan would make you more cheerful. But before we came, I thought it over. I realized I'd been too impulsive."
"Eh?"
Both Shiyu and Yan Huan froze.
Ye Lan offered Yan Huan an apologetic smile.
"Xiao Huan has lived in Linmen for over a decade; he's nearly an adult. Yet I treated him like a child.
"We'd never even met, yet I tried to force him to abandon a life he's used to just to satisfy my expectations. That was wrong."
She turned to Shiyu.
"This week I had someone learn more about Xiao Huan's life. He's already a mature man who can take care of himself.
"So here's what I propose: we give him more financial support to make life easier, but we won't insist he live with us. What do you think, Shiyu?"
Auntie Ye!!
To Yan Huan, Ye Lan suddenly looked haloed, wings spread wide—pure, radiant motherhood.
He nearly closed his eyes in grateful worship.
Not only had he saved himself from having to endure Ye Shiyu's lethal hypnosis that night, he was now being offered unconditional financial backing.
Auntie Ye, you're my goddess!
"Xiao Huan, recite the prayer to your merciful goddess—Auntie Ye."
"Auntie Ye, I don't want to work hard anymore."
"Hehe, adorable~"
While Yan Huan had already converted to the Church of Ye Lan, Ye Shiyu was still reeling.
Mommy?!
Her eyes went wide. After a long pause she managed, "But—"
"We simply won't be living under the same roof every day; that doesn't mean our relationship has to cool. You and Xiao Huan will still go to school together every day, and on weekends I can invite him over. Isn't that even better?"
Ye Shiyu looked at her mother, then at Yan Huan, who was nodding vigorously, and tried again.
"But... the South District is chaotic. I've even heard about gang shoot-outs. I'm worried—"
Seeing the worry flash across Ye Lan's face, Yan Huan hurried to reassure her.
"It's fine, Shiyu sis. I've lived there for over ten years—I can take care of myself. And thanks to Auntie Ye, the neighborhood will only get safer."
"Thanks to me? Why?"
Yan Huan smiled. "If the Linmen government is partnering with you to roll out infrastructure, they'll have to clean up public order. After all, that's real money on the line. If thugs smash everything every other week, it won't be Auntie Ye taking the loss, right?"
Ye Lan lifted a hand to hide her laugh; she clearly hadn't thought of it that way.
"That does make sense. Whether the South District improves or not, we certainly won't lose money. Worst case, Xiao Huan, you can always move somewhere else—you don't have to stay there forever."
She reached into her bag and produced a crisp white card, sliding it across the table.
"This is a credit card I had made for you. The PIN is six ones. Use it for everything from now on; Auntie Ye will pick up the tab~"
Yan Huan blinked at the gleaming card, then looked up at Ye Lan—who, in his mind, now wore angel wings and a halo of maternal warmth—and blurted, "Tha—"
"Shh. No thanks to Auntie. Just take it, Xiao Huan."
"Got it, Auntie."
Across the table, Ye Shiyu watched this touching tableau of "motherly love and filial piety" and found herself with no room to maneuver. Bringing Xiao Huan home tonight was suddenly off the table.
Ye Lan's masterstroke had caught both of them off guard.
Still...
Ye Shiyu, phone in hand, studied her mother's and Yan Huan's smiling faces, and an unexpected calm settled over her.
Mom had talked about Xiao Huan for so long, and Xiao Huan himself clearly craved the warmth of a family.
Perhaps this moment was perfect.
If she insisted on taking him home tonight, she might do something rash and shatter this fragile happiness.
They'd see each other at school every day anyway, and she could invite him over on weekends.
No rush.
Reason reasserted itself over impulse. She exhaled, quietly accepting her mother's arrangement.
Between her fingers the phone screen lit up of its own accord, swirling with a dim violet vortex—then flickered violently, as if losing signal, dissolving into static snow. A second later it went dark, melting into the gentle atmosphere of the room.