Chapter 25

Tang Xiaoyu returned to the bookstore alone. Since she hadn’t started investigating yet, Ming Yue didn’t follow immediately, though she had brought Ming Yue’s belongings with her.

As she approached, she saw Ming Jiao practicing something under the ancient tree near the bookstore. Her movements followed a clear pattern, though they appeared somewhat soft and lacking in strength.

Tang Xiaoyu didn’t know much about ancient martial arts and couldn’t discern the intricacies.

Ming Jiao seemed to quickly notice her approach and turned her head. “Oh, the busy bee is back.”

She had changed into an uncommon ash-white tracksuit for ease of movement, her hair tied in a bun. For once, her beauty wasn’t so aggressive or overbearing.

Yet she remained strikingly vibrant, with an added sweetness to her radiance.

These two seemingly contradictory impressions blended perfectly within her.

Fine beads of sweat dotted her smooth forehead—she must have been practicing for quite some time.

Tang Xiaoyu ignored her teasing and said, “One of my teammates is available now. She’ll take turns with me overseeing your safety.”

Ming Jiao guessed this new teammate was likely Ming Yue—a cool-looking girl with a steady personality and sensitive nature.

The original host hadn’t just hurt her badly, but later would deceive, use, kidnap, and threaten her to lure Tang Xiaoyu into a rescue.

Since Ming Yue was an ability user, the original host probably didn’t rely on force to abduct her—drugging was more likely.

She really lowered the whole street’s moral standards. The only advantage over Aunt was having slightly higher principles.

Ming Jiao said, 【Maybe it’s better not to meet. She avoids secondary trauma, I dodge the awkwardness—a win-win situation.】

System, 【Host, I meant to ask last time. Do you even feel embarrassment? You handle the protagonist—your biggest victim—with such ease and composure, spouting smooth lines by the dozen. You’re even completely unruffled facing Shi Yan.】

Ming Jiao’s voice trembled, 【How… how dare you tarnish my innocence…】

Then followed some excuses like “I was just forcing myself to survive,” making the System chuckle silently, filling the air with merry vibes.

Naturally, Tang Xiaoyu couldn’t hear their banter. She only saw Ming Jiao nod and fall into thought before saying, “I’ll go cook,” and turning toward the house. Ming Jiao snapped back to attention and followed.

Eagerly, she asked, “What are you carrying? Your new friend’s luggage? Let me help.”

Ming Jiao felt her morning training was sufficient—she’d continue in the afternoon. Gradual progress was key.

Tang Xiaoyu avoided her outstretched hand, her dark eyes calmly fixed on her. Though she said nothing, her gaze clearly conveyed, “You just recovered and can’t wait to cause trouble?”

“I’m fully healed.”

Tang Xiaoyu didn’t argue, instead asking, “What were you practicing earlier?”

“Tai Chi.” Ming Jiao smiled, brimming with delight and confidence. “Don’t judge me for not even being able to kill a fish now. I actually learned quite a few self-defense techniques before—just got lazy and forgot most. With the world so dangerous now, practicing is better than not.”

Tang Xiaoyu knew she had learned self-defense. All the Ming children did—in fact, most heirs from ultra-wealthy families received some training.

However, Tai Chi still somewhat exceeded Tang Xiaoyu’s expectations. Although she didn’t understand Tai Chi well, she knew its primary purpose was to strengthen the body and improve health. Those who could truly cultivate offensive power from it were already masters of the art.

But it was quite suitable for Ming Jiao in her current state.

Ming Jiao thought so too. “Don’t underestimate it—it’s very powerful. I practiced all morning, and my hands are still warm.”

As she spoke, she grasped Tang Xiaoyu’s free hand.

Tang Xiaoyu fell silent for a moment. How could one feel cold after exercising?

Ming Jiao felt the hand in her palm was as smooth and warm as fine jade, and she was somewhat surprised. “Your hand is warm too.”

She had assumed an ice-cold beauty would have cold hands.

Tang Xiaoyu wasn’t very inclined to speak with her. She hadn’t yet experienced the benefits of practicing Tai Chi, but she felt its negative effects had already descended upon Ming Jiao.

However, the slight chill from Ming Jiao’s fingertips soon made her frown. “If you’re unwell, you should go to the hospital.”

Ming Jiao shook her head. “No need.”

She knew her own condition well—her body had long recovered, but the depleted vitality needed time to restore.

She remembered something else: she had already asked Shi Yan to investigate her aunt, so Tang Xiaoyu needn’t divert her attention. All she wanted was for her to stay vigilant.

Moreover, her intuition told her that Xie Chu was not an easy opponent to deal with.

“Nightingale, please don’t concern yourself with my aunt’s matter for now. At least, don’t let it distract you.”

Tang Xiaoyu’s dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes as deep and dark as a cold pool. “Have you ever considered…”

“Hmm?” Ming Jiao waited for her to continue.

“If your aunt truly did something that crossed moral boundaries and broke the law, what would you do?”

Ming Jiao felt her aunt had already stepped over both lines, but she also knew that with so little evidence, even if it were brought to light, it wouldn’t lead to any significant punishment.

So, if her aunt continued down this wrong path, what could be done? Of course, she would have to obediently send her to prison, ensuring she had a roof over her head and food to eat for the rest of her life.

But she couldn’t say such blunt words to Tang Xiaoyu. After all, her aunt had always been her exclusive aunt. For a vicious antagonist like her to suddenly have an epiphany and turn against her own family would be neither reasonable nor believable.

Tang Xiaoyu then saw a flicker of struggle on her face, the sunflower-like brightness replaced by a haze of light sorrow.

“I hope she doesn’t continue down this wrong path. I hope those malicious thoughts are just fleeting shadows in everyone’s heart, not something she truly intends to act upon,” Ming Jiao said. “As for what I would do if she really committed an irreparable wrong… I can’t imagine it right now.”

“But if that day ever comes, I believe I will make a decision.”

She sighed softly and released Tang Xiaoyu’s hand. “Are you a little disappointed in me?”

She said “a little” and not “very” because she felt Tang Xiaoyu had never held high expectations of her in the first place.

Tang Xiaoyu didn’t respond immediately. Under the dazzling sunlight, she resembled a piece of high-quality jade, impervious to any warmth.

Her beautiful, profound dark eyes shimmered with emotions difficult to decipher.

Yet, before the hand could fully withdraw from hers, she grasped back at the slightly cool warmth. “I won’t be disappointed in you now.”

In the end, she couldn’t escape the curse of placing expectations on Ming Jiao.

So… please don’t let me down in the future.

Ming Jiao looked at her with some surprise. They stood very close, and when the breeze carried the faint fragrance from her hair, Ming Jiao suddenly realized she wasn’t an untouchable piece of expensive jade, nor was she that intensely cold.

After all, she was vibrant and alive.

·

In the days that followed, Ming Yue began taking over Tang Xiaoyu’s role in protecting Ming Jiao’s safety. However, her resentment and aversion toward Ming Jiao ran deep, so from the day she arrived, Ming Jiao hadn’t actually seen her—though she could confirm Ming Yue was hiding nearby.

Similarly, Ming Jiao hadn’t seen Tang Xiaoyu again either. The other party was clearly busy investigating Xie Chu and the Xie family through various channels.

The bookstore often felt so quiet it seemed like she was the only one living there.

On this particular day, with gentle breezes and warm sunshine, it was still a time that demanded diligent practice.

The System observed for a while and noticed its host was inexplicably in high spirits, which struck it as odd.

After careful consideration, it asked, 【Host, did you buy a lottery ticket behind my back and win?】

Ming Jiao was quite astonished, 【What are you thinking? How could someone as unlucky as me ever win the lottery?】

Having been killed on the very first day she transmigrated into this book, she estimated there were few in the transmigration community as unfortunate as her. With luck like that, if she couldn’t even claim the title of “non-chief” (extremely unlucky person), she’d openly protest.

【Then why do I feel like you’re especially happy?】 the System asked, puzzled.

【Well, haven’t you noticed…】 Ming Jiao’s eyes sparkled, brimming with laughter, 【Tang Xiaoyu hasn’t been as annoyed with me lately. She’s been a little gentler.】

The System responded, 【Has she?】

It wasn’t deliberately arguing with its host; it genuinely hadn’t noticed any change in Tang Xiaoyu’s attitude. From the start, Tang Xiaoyu hadn’t been verbally hostile—just cool and detached, yet thorough in her care. That hadn’t changed.

【Of course she has,】 Ming Jiao stated firmly.

【So that’s why you’re happy?】

【Isn’t that reason enough to be happy?】

The System couldn’t say it wasn’t. It felt it was beginning to understand, though not completely—but the day of full comprehension probably wasn’t far off.

While Ming Jiao was mentally communicating with the System, her physical movements didn’t pause in the slightest. She completed a full set of exercises before slowing to a stop.

Glancing at the sky, she said, 【No time like the present. Let’s go check out the studio today. I can come back in the afternoon and continue practicing.】

The System replied with sincere admiration, 【Host, you’re the most diligent host I’ve ever seen.】

If Ming Jiao didn’t clearly remember this was only her third day of recovery training—not her thirtieth year—she might have been fooled by its tone. 【Exactly how many hosts have you had?】

The System tactically fell silent for a moment before answering, 【You’re the first.】

Ming Jiao was silent, then suddenly exclaimed, 【Monster, give me back the little system that cried after being late on its first day!】

【It can’t come back. It’s no longer the youth it once was; it’s full of changes now,】 the System sang deeply.

The host and system bantered with such enthusiasm that even as Ming Jiao went inside to change clothes, the energy didn’t fade.

Since she was going to a workplace, she didn’t dress too casually. She chose a beige women’s suit jacket, paired with a snow-white blouse, and matching suit pants of the same color as the jacket.

Standing in front of the mirror to check if her attire was neat, she asked the System, 【So, how do I look? Totally has that domineering CEO vibe, right?】

The System: 【…】

This wasn’t what it had expected. After all, this was an important place that would determine where she’d be having her meals in the future. It thought the host would be at least somewhat nervous—or at least pretend to be—and ask whether she looked good or appropriate.

Unexpectedly, the host remained as confident and composed as ever, her aura practically overflowing from the screen.

Well, aside from matters related to the protagonist, which made her a bit conflicted, when had the host ever panicked?

So it seriously offered a suggestion, [Put your hair up and put on a deep red lipstick to really make it pop.]

Ming Jiao, [I suspect you’re a spy planted here by my enemy.]

In the end, she didn’t go for any extra makeup or styling. She chose a pair of beautiful tassel earrings as an accessory, changed into them, and packed the bag containing the glass bottle Tang Xiaoyu had given her. Feeling properly prepared, she was ready to head out.

Just before stepping out, she paused but didn’t turn back or say anything. She knew her silent little bodyguard would follow shortly.

Still, she was a bit curious: if she didn’t come out and ride in the same car with her, how would she follow? By taxi, or could ability users travel a thousand miles in the blink of an eye?

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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