Sunlight slanted through the gaps in the leaves outside the window, casting dappled patterns on the bed.
In Lin Feng's arms, Qian Renxue stirred and opened her sleepy eyes.
Rubbing the corners of her eyes, she glanced at Lin Feng—who still had his eyes closed—and with a slightly exasperated look, leaned in and pressed her red lips to his.
Her lilac tongue gently stirred, blending the sweetness in their mouths.
The strange sensation in his mouth woke Lin Feng. Half-asleep, he responded instinctively, opening his eyes.
Seeing Qian Renxue's teasing gaze as she smiled with squinted eyes, Lin Feng couldn't help but be amused.
He wrapped his arm around her slender waist, swiftly taking back control.
"Mmm—"
Qian Renxue's body softened, and she collapsed onto his chest from her upright position on the bed.
"Phew—"
As their lips parted, Qian Renxue's breathing grew slightly heavier.
Lin Feng pinched her dainty nose and teased as he looked at her flushed cheeks:
"Still so bad at this, and yet you love playing—why sneak into my bed again?"
Qian Renxue nuzzled into his chest.
"Sleeping alone just feels like something's missing. It's warm and cozy next to you."
Lin Feng's gaze softened as he gently tidied her messy hair.
"Today's our last day in Spirit City. Anything you want to do?"
Qian Renxue thought for a moment.
"Let's go shopping. Let's bring Sister Lingyuan too. Other than Heaven Dou City, we've never really explored here."
After washing up, they stepped out of the room—only to find Lingyuan had already prepared breakfast and was giving Qian Renxue a slightly resentful look.
Avoiding her gaze, Qian Renxue tugged Lin Feng over and sat down to eat, sending Lingyuan an apologetic look.
And so began their silent conversation.
Lingyuan, exasperated: "We agreed no one would sneak into Lin Feng's room last night. Xiao Xue, how could you break the pact?"
Qian Renxue grinned: "I couldn't resist, okay? Sister Lingyuan, you can go tomorrow."
Lingyuan blinked: "No, I'm mad you didn't invite me."
Qian Renxue's eyes widened: "No way!"
Lin Feng, puzzled by the strange glances and expressions between them, had no idea what silent conversation was unfolding.
Shrugging, he finished the last bite of his bun.
The three of them then headed hand in hand toward the Spirit City market.
In a luxuriously decorated, purple-hued bedroom, soft violet lighting from crystal lamps embedded in the walls bathed the room in a dreamlike glow.
A plush lavender velvet bed stood at the center, sheer curtains lightly swaying.
Yet upon the dreamy and serene bed, a beautiful figure twisted restlessly in discomfort.
Bibi Dong tossed and turned, her brows tightly furrowed.
Ever since returning from the forest cabin with Lin Feng and the others, she had gone to seek Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Lowering herself, she had earned ten minutes to look at the immortal herb compendium.
To her surprise, the very first thing she saw was the entry on the Lovesick Heartbroken Red.
Its tragic, beautiful tale and the incredibly strict conditions for bonding completely captivated her.
Her eyes locked onto the first page, unable to move on.
Time passed. Only when Chrysanthemum Douluo took the book away did Bibi Dong snap out of her trance.
She asked to borrow it again—but was firmly refused.
But Bibi Dong no longer cared. The rest of the herbs no longer held value for her.
Knowing the story of Lovesick Heartbroken Red, the king of all flowers, was enough.
Since then, she had been plagued by unease.
Did Lin Feng and the others obtain the Lovesick Heartbroken Red among their herbs?
If so—did Qian Renxue receive it? Could she have picked it?
She harbored a sliver of hope, but rationality told her Qian Renxue most likely had.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have shouted "Get out" at her for the first time that day she and Hu Liena visited the cabin.
Lin Feng's place in Qian Renxue's heart had already far surpassed her own as a mother.
Frustrated, Bibi Dong sat up. The light fabric on her body fluttered, unable to hide her heaving chest.
"Even if she picked it, she likely hasn't consumed it yet. The compendium was clear—it grants a major surge in soul power.
Once bonded, the flower remains active, almost sentient.
Given her personality, it's more likely she carries it with her."
Bibi Dong knew that once Lovesick Heartbroken Red bonds with someone, it never accepts another. Even if she stole it, it'd be useless.
But its effects would still remain. She still had one last hope—she wanted to test her feelings, confirm her heart.
Even though Yu Xiaogang was already on her kill list, she still wanted to know: what did she love about him back then?
After all these years, she still hadn't found the answer—only vague hints surfacing now and then, pushing her to obtain Yu Xiaogang.
"They're leaving tomorrow. If I want to ask, it must be today."
Bibi Dong took a deep breath. In her current position, if she wanted Qian Renxue to allow her to test the Lovesick Heartbroken Red, she would have to humble herself beyond imagination.
It might very well end in humiliation.
"I don't care anymore. I have to find the answer."
Her voice was hoarse as she dressed properly and disappeared from the room.
—
Morning in Spirit City was peaceful and lovely. The commercial streets echoed with vendors' calls and the chatter of passersby.
Qian Renxue and her companions strolled through the marketplace, happily picking out items they liked.
Lin Feng placed elegant hairpins into the hair of both Qian Renxue and Lingyuan.
Their already stunning faces now carried an extra grace and dignity.
The two women exchanged glances, each seeing surprise in the other's eyes.
Smiling, they pulled Lin Feng toward the clothing street.
In the shadows, watching the harmonious trio, Bibi Dong clenched her fists. The scene reignited the jealousy in her heart.
But she reminded herself—they needed time. She couldn't disturb them now. If she affected their mood, she might not get Qian Renxue's agreement.
Bibi Dong paused. Had she really lowered herself this much?
Always thinking about Qian Renxue's feelings… to the point of utter humility.
Was this how Qian Renxue used to be? Constantly worrying whether she'd be disliked if she did something wrong?
"…Heh."
Bibi Dong let out a self-deprecating laugh, holding the Fragrant Delicate Silk to regain some clarity.
"It's different now. She's already let go of me. She has Lin Feng."
That realization hit suddenly, and once it did, something felt missing inside her—leaving a bitter tinge at the corners of her lips.
She shook her head, looked one last time at the three laughing joyfully, and faded into the shadows.
She would come again at dusk.
That was all she could do now—everything had to revolve around their feelings.
There was no space left for her.
T/N: For up to thirteen chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle