The next day.
After a hurried dinner, Wu Li prepared to leave for the Ouyang Manor.
While he was eating, Chai Xiaomi asked a few questions and learned that the preliminary preparations for soul-summoning were far less simple than she had imagined.
A slight misstep could easily summon all sorts of unwanted things from the surroundings, which would be a huge trouble.
Therefore, he had to go early to help set up the array.
In his words, he couldn't trust the brains of Jiang Zhiyu and the White Cat.
She could understand not trusting Jiang Zhiyu's strength, but the White Cat was the protagonist's strongest support. If Wu Li, as the villain, had carved out his own path, then Jiang Zhiyu's protagonist halo was entirely thanks to the White Cat's blessing.
If they could build a closer relationship with him and the White Cat, it would bring nothing but benefits to Wu Li.
Unfortunately, Wu Li did not agree to let her tag along.
Chai Xiaomi decided on a whim to take Sister Yao to have hot pot with Hongxiao.
Having freeloaded so many rabbits from Hongxiao, she ought to treat her to a meal. Once they left Qianwu Town, there probably wouldn't be another chance.
Before leaving, Wu Li specifically followed the list she wrote and prepared all the hot pot ingredients one by one. Only then did he carry the basket of ingredients and escort her to Song Yueyao.
He unceremoniously handed the heavy basket to Song Yueyao.
Chai Xiaomi reached out, I can carry it.
Wu Li blocked her hand, No, it's too heavy for you. She's different; martial artists have inner energy.
Song Yueyao choked on her words.
Inner energy... wasn't supposed to be used like this, right?
But seeing the way Wu Li looked at Xiaomi, as if she were a precious treasure he was afraid to drop from his hands or melt in his mouth.
...That's right, Song Yueyao nodded resignedly, I have enough inner energy.
Actually, even without Wu Li asking, she would have volunteered to carry it.
She always subconsciously doted on Xiaomi like an elder.
Finally, Wu Li solemnly requested, Please take good care of her for me. I'm troubling you.
Song Yueyao was flattered and surprised.
This was the first time Wu Li had spoken to her in such an entreating tone, slightly lowering himself.
It was completely different from the hidden indifference he had when he previously pretended to be innocent and harmless while calling her Sister.
At this moment, the arrogant pride in his eyes was completely gone, leaving only a paranoid level of earnestness.
Chai Xiaomi was like a temporarily fostered kitten, solemnly entrusted to Song Yueyao by Wu Li.
However, after walking a few steps away, he felt uneasy and turned back. When you see that fox, remember to hold back your tears. Don't cry anymore.
Chai Xiaomi was unconvinced. Do I love crying that much? Don't worry, I've already cried them all out. I definitely won't cry.
He lowered his eyes, staring at the faint redness at the corners of her eyes. She had cried hard last night, and the slight lingering traces looked like a layer of makeup powder, adding a touch of fragile beauty.
A normal person's eyes would stay swollen for a long time after crying, but hers recovered quite quickly.
Just like her personality, her temper often came and went quickly. That was why he had been so fearless before, loving to tease her and make her angry, because she didn't hold grudges. Like a gust of wind, it left no trace once it passed.
It's best if you don't cry, he pursed his lower lip slightly, his voice casual with a hint of teasing. Saves you from having nowhere to wipe your tears.
Somehow, she had developed a weird habit now: whenever she cried, she loved to wipe her tears on him.
If he wasn't there, in her own words, she would hold the tears back.
At this thought, his heart felt a pulling ache, strand by strand.
Suddenly, the image of her trapped in the bubble of the Qiankun Bag flashed in his mind, curling herself into a small ball and sobbing softly.
It was already so pitiful that she didn't even dare to cry out loud. Holding it back must be so uncomfortable.
He couldn't help but pinch her cheek, saying softly, If you really can't hold it in, just call my name in your heart. I'll come over immediately to let you wipe your tears.
She remembered he had said the same thing last time, and he really did arrive in time to save her. She didn't know what spell he had cast on her; it was as if an invisible thread was tied around her wrist. With just a gentle tug, he would rush to her from the ends of the earth.
Chai Xiaomi acted as if she had grabbed hold of some incredible leverage, showing off to him:
Then you'd better be careful. I'll call you in my heart a thousand times a day, no, ten thousand times, and make you run until your legs break!
He looked at her and smiled gently:
Happy to be of service.
Chai Xiaomi and Song Yueyao walked side by side on the suburban path.
The basket of ingredients was heavy, and naturally, she couldn't let Sister Yao carry it alone. So, they each reached out a hand and held the same basket handle.
The difference was: one was neither flushed nor panting, while the other was going heave-ho, heave-ho.
Song Yueyao looked sideways and caught a glimpse of the fine sweat on Xiaomi's forehead. She couldn't help but find it funny and cute. She clearly had so little strength, yet she insisted on being brave, pretending to be capable and fighting to carry it.
She didn't say anything, just quietly lifted the food basket a bit more toward her side.
The weight silently shifted over, taking on the majority of the burden.
As they walked, she remembered the riddle Wu Li and Xiaomi had just played out, which had left her dumbfounded.
Song Yueyao couldn't help her curiosity, turning her head to ask, Xiaomi, does Wu Li know some kind of Gu sorcery? Like, being able to find a person just by them calling his name in their heart?
He probably... does. Actually, she didn't know how Wu Li managed it either, but with his abilities, it shouldn't be difficult.
As soon as the words left her mouth, she suddenly realized something.
Sister Yao was never the type to pry. Asking about Gu sorcery suddenly probably meant there was another reason.
She followed up and asked, Sister Yao, are you looking for someone?
It's all because of the sins committed by that damn Ouyang Huai. Song Yueyao narrowed her eyes, a cold light flashing in them. I wish I could stab him into a hornet's nest!
Whenever she thought of the mineral vein matter Jiang Zhiyu had told her about, she burned with rage.
Especially upon learning that the Ouyang Manor was secretly selling Red Fire Sand to the barbarians, she had wanted to grab her sword and hack him to pieces on the spot. If Jiang Zhiyu hadn't desperately stopped her, saying that the matter involved evil energy and wronged souls and that they couldn't act impulsively, she wouldn't have resentfully let it go.
After letting out her fierce words, she suddenly realized that the person standing next to her wasn't Jiang Zhiyu, but Xiaomi.
Song Yueyao hurriedly withdrew the fierceness in her eyes and gave an awkward smile for her careless words:
Did I scare you, Xiaomi?
Stabbing someone into a hornet's nest did sound quite terrifying.
Before leaving, Wu Li had specifically reminded her to take good care of Xiaomi.
If she scared Xiaomi into a bad state, he definitely wouldn't let it go.
The more Song Yueyao thought about it, the guiltier she felt, her face full of embarrassment.
Unexpectedly, Xiaomi beside her spoke faintly: A hornet's nest? How is that enough to vent the anger? For this kind of person, we should first force-feed him three pounds of croton beans until he gets diarrhea so bad his legs go soft and he can't run. Then, we use an embroidery needle to trick him into being pricked for eighty-one days. We only prick him once a day, making him hope every day that there won't be a prick tomorrow, but then tomorrow brings another prick, until he breathes his last.
Song Yueyao: Xiaomi, calm down a bit...
Chai Xiaomi: It would be best to find a Granny Rong to do the pricking. The effect would be even better.
Song Yueyao: ?
What kind of bizarre idea is this now?
