VBNWDW - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Xi Zhoulu only stayed in the hospital for three days before requesting to be discharged, using the excuse that her mental power had temporarily stabilized.

Although Dr. Ling believed she still needed to rest quietly, he couldn't overcome Xi Zhoulu's insistence.

Besides, when it came to issues of mental power, there wasn't much the hospital could actually do to solve the problem.

Xi Zhoulu had found a highly compatible Mental Guide for herself, so regular guidance sessions would suffice. After all, this ailment wasn't considered a major issue in the modern world; it was only because Xi Zhoulu had delayed treatment for so long that the situation had spiraled out of control.

Thus, Xi Zhoulu was discharged that evening. The very next day, she appeared at her company, burying herself in a mountain of accumulated work and not stopping until late at night.

Clouds parted for the rising moon. At this hour, the city was at its most boisterous, a clamor of neon lights and nightlife everywhere, as if trying to vent all the frustrations of the day.

A black sedan, completely out of place amidst it all, drove calmly out of the bustling center and turned onto a small, nearly deserted road.

Xi Zhoulu sat in the back, her cool face reflected in the dark window.

As if remembering something, she suddenly asked, "Where is Dr. Luo?"

The person beside her was prepared and answered in the next second, "Dr. Luo is already asleep."

Hearing this, Xi Zhoulu paused, a rare flicker of confusion in her eyes.

The person continued, reporting on Luo Yueqing's entire day. It wasn't that Xi Zhoulu had sent someone to follow or monitor her; rather, the previous evening, Luo Yueqing had, of her own accord, offered to move into the Xi residence temporarily to facilitate the upcoming treatments.

Xi Zhoulu had no objection and even arranged for the butler to help her move her things. Luo Yueqing had been very proactive, calling at eight in the morning to hurry them along, appearing as if she couldn't wait to move in.

Scenes from the past few days flashed through her mind, from Luo Yueqing's bold and transgressive touch during their first meeting to the marriage proposal two days ago.

To be honest, Xi Zhoulu had seen all sorts of strange people, but she had never met anyone quite like Luo Yueqing.

On one hand, she would tease and flirt with a light laugh, saying things that could easily be misunderstood. On the other, she acted completely unconcerned, more carefree than Xi Zhoulu herself, the person at the center of it all.

"She went out this afternoon?" Xi Zhoulu broke free from her tangled thoughts, seizing on the key phrase.

"Yes. At three o'clock this afternoon, Dr. Luo took a car to an old apartment building in the North District to perform a mental guidance session for a family's child. She left about two hours later."

Xi Zhoulu lowered her head slightly. Unlike most people, she didn't like receiving brief, general information. Instead, she required her secretary to state the time, place, and even the background of the people involved with absolute clarity.

Old Master Xi had criticized her for this, saying she made things too complicated and wasted mental energy, but Xi Zhoulu was convinced that important information could be hidden in the details and always had her secretary recite the full report.

"The family's background is clean. They only had contact with Dr. Luo online."

Xi Zhoulu nodded slightly in understanding. After all, the contract didn't stipulate that Luo Yueqing had to stay in the manor and treat only her during this period.

Besides, given her family background, Luo Yueqing had to find ways to earn more money.

Xi Zhoulu rubbed the bridge of her nose. Remembering something else, she said, "She called me earlier?"

"Yes, at eight in the evening. Dr. Luo called to ask when you would be back and urged you to return for your guidance session. However, you were busy with work and declined."

Although the other person spoke clearly, Xi Zhoulu could only recall a vague impression. She searched her memory but could only think of the contents of the contract she had been holding at the time.

Still, this proved that Luo Yueqing hadn't waited up for her without reason; she had only gone to bed after being rejected.

Yet Xi Zhoulu felt a strange sense of unease, a peculiar awkwardness. She couldn't figure this person out. She would be flippant and flirtatious one moment, but at a critical juncture, she would abandon the perfect opportunity and go to bed early. It was impossible to tell if she was doing it on purpose or was simply too tired to stay up.

Was an S-Class Alpha's stamina really that poor?

Xi Zhoulu found it hard to believe. At least among the Alphas she knew, none were as lazy and lacking in perseverance as Luo Yueqing, giving up after a few glib words. Even the lowest-ranking Alpha wouldn't behave like that.

The report continued. Without Xi Zhoulu at home, Luo Yueqing was clearly enjoying herself immensely. She had chosen a large lobster for dinner, her late-night snack was also quite lavish, and she had even asked someone to prepare a glass of milk for her before going to her room.

She certainly knew how to live well.

Xi Zhoulu thought again of the marriage proposal and couldn't help but speculate that this person was smarter than she had imagined. If they were to marry, the Xi family would naturally take care of her debts, and her mother's illness would be a non-issue. On top of that, she would secure a high-quality meal ticket that came with room and board.

It was indeed a much better deal than simply making a single request. Xi Zhoulu believed she had figured out the woman's true objective.

She wasn't particularly angry. She was used to people throwing themselves at her, and Luo Yueqing was at least more straightforward than the others. She didn't try to hide her intentions behind clumsy acting, approaching with a fear of being seen through that was simply repulsive.

Besides, Xi Zhoulu had other considerations. This was the main reason she wasn't angry.

A faint smile touched Xi Zhoulu's lips, but it didn't reach her eyes, making her look somewhat somber in the half-lit car.

But she quickly waved her hand, signaling the secretary to end the topic and move on to official business.

---

On the other side of the manor, Luo Yueqing turned over, the thin blanket rustling with the movement.

This room was much more spacious than her old one. Even in the darkness, she could make out the exquisite yet not overly ornate furnishings. The mattress was incredibly soft, which made it difficult for someone who had slept on a hard bed for several days to fall asleep.

Luo Yueqing turned over again, this time lying flat on her back and staring at the ceiling. The System's voice appeared once more.

"Xi Zhoulu is almost back."

Having avoided the topic for half the day, Luo Yueqing answered wearily, "So what if she's back? Why do you keep reminding me over and over?"

The System's voice was urgent as it repeated, "This is a crucial turning point!"

"I know, I haven't forgotten," Luo Yueqing drawled, sounding helpless.

"At this point in the original story, the original host would leave the lights on and wait in the living room for Xi Zhoulu to come home. Although Xi Zhoulu acts cold on the surface, deep down she's a poor, pitiful thing who lacks love and longs for the warmth of a family."

Luo Yueqing paused, then continued, "The moment she gets home, she sees the original host curled up pitifully on the sofa, head bowed, dozing off. While she keeps up her icy facade, she can't help but be moved. This event is the beginning of Xi Zhoulu's affection for her, right?"

Though Luo Yueqing's tone was tinged with bored sarcasm, the System still subconsciously hummed in agreement before continuing, "So you should get up now, turn on the lights, and wait for Xi Zhoulu."

"No, I choose to sleep," Luo Yueqing said, turning over and pulling the blanket tighter to prove her resolve.

Faced with such a stubborn host, the System couldn't help but grow anxious, snapping directly, "This is a great opportunity to win over Xi Zhoulu."

"Not for me, it isn't," she replied lazily.

"Then what are you going to do?! Just give up this golden opportunity?"

Perhaps tired of the nagging, Luo Yueqing sat up abruptly. Her messy hair cascaded over her pale neck, and the strap of her silk nightgown slipped down, revealing a hint of a gentle curve. Below, her slender waist and long legs were perfectly and exquisitely proportioned.

"Fine, I'll go, alright?" she grumbled, swinging her legs off the bed. Too lazy to even put on slippers, she walked out barefoot. Perhaps from the chill, the blue veins on the arch of her foot became more pronounced, like a bold stroke of ink on porcelain.

The elevator's display changed from three to one, and then the cold metal doors slid open.

An angry figure was about to step out, her footsteps heavy.

Just then, Xi Zhoulu was preparing to go upstairs. Hearing the sound, her hand on the wheelchair tightened, and she looked up.

For a moment, she froze, unable to react.

To be honest, Xi Zhoulu was like a doll kept in a glass sphere. With financial power in her hands, everyone she met was impeccably dressed, practically waxing every strand of hair to prove they belonged to high society.

But the person before her was different. Not only did she lack any self-awareness about being in someone else's home, but she also looked rather grumpy, as if someone had offended her. Her peach-blossom eyes were filled with annoyance, making the small mole at the corner of her eye seem even more distinct.

Her unkempt nightgown was even more disheveled. The wine-red silk was wrinkled, clinging tightly to her slender waist. The strap hadn't been pulled back up; in fact, as she walked, it seemed to be slipping further down…

Xi Zhoulu frowned slightly, unsure whether she should push her wheelchair into the elevator or back up and let the woman out first.

However, Luo Yueqing quickly made the choice for her. She walked out and stood before Xi Zhoulu.

The elevator doors slid shut.

Xi Zhoulu opened her mouth. "You…"

But before she could finish, she was interrupted. She heard the other woman declare huffily, "Xi Zhoulu, why is the bed in your house so soft!"

She emphasized each word, "So soft I can't sleep!"

People always said roses were beautiful, but though Xi Zhoulu had seen all kinds of them, she had never been pricked by the small thorns beneath. It seemed she was finally getting the experience.

Xi Zhoulu didn't speak for a moment, tilting her head slightly to look at the woman.

The house was always quiet at this hour. The servants had gone home to rest. The main lights in the living room were off, leaving only the wall sconces lit, casting a weak and gentle glow.

The light fell on the woman's swaying hemline. When a breeze came, it looked like petals unfurling, rising and falling with the wind.

Xi Zhoulu's gaze flickered away for a second. She wanted to look down to avoid it, but that only revealed more.

Perhaps from the cold, the woman's rounded toes curled inward, hiding in the plush carpet, half-concealed, a stark contrast to her grumpy expression.

Xi Zhoulu pulled her gaze back. Her voice was still laced with the fatigue of overtime as she said, "All the mattresses here are the same. I can't change your room. Just bear with it for one night, and I'll have someone change it for you tomorrow."

Compared to Luo Yueqing, she seemed more like a butler. Her suit jacket was draped over the armrest of her wheelchair, and she wore a white shirt and vest. The ebony cane she never parted with lay across her lap. The light reflected off her delicate features, pale and weary with a deep-seated gloom.

Luo Yueqing was grumpy from lack of sleep. Now that the other woman had yielded, she decided to push her luck, determined to make a scene. If one thing didn't work, she'd find fault with another. "There's a problem with your food, too."

Xi Zhoulu was surprisingly good-tempered and played along. "What problem?"

"It's too delicious. It made me eat too much, and now I'm stuffed," the Alpha declared with utter self-assurance.

Xi Zhoulu was so exasperated she almost laughed. She was strangely curious to see what this person would come up with next. "Should I get a new chef tomorrow?"

"No way. I still want to eat his cheese and lobster baked pasta," Luo Yueqing immediately shook her head, firmly protesting.

"This won't do, and that won't do. What exactly do you want?" Xi Zhoulu was like someone teasing a cat. She even leaned her head back against the chair, a hint of a smile in her pale, grayish-blue eyes.

It was strange. She wasn't usually a patient person, yet at this very moment, she couldn't bring herself to be cold. But…

But the scene before her held the so-called warmth of a home. Even if the other woman had only come downstairs because she couldn't sleep, there was finally another person in the vast house. It was like a little bird had been added to a golden cage, filling the space with its chirping.

So she was happy to play along, even deliberately dragging out the moment to make it last a little longer.

"Then you can warm up a glass of milk for me," Luo Yueqing said, her eyes darting around as a smile spread across her face. "Milk helps you sleep. Maybe I'll fall asleep then."

After ordering her servants around, she was now starting to give her orders. This Alpha certainly knew how to take a mile when given an inch.

Xi Zhoulu rubbed her brow and couldn't help but remind her, "You already had a glass of milk not long ago."

"I can drink another," Luo Yueqing insisted.

Xi Zhoulu reminded her faintly, "But you just said you were too full to sleep."

Caught in her lie, Luo Yueqing gave a sheepish smile, but her tone was no less bold. "Just tell me if you'll heat it or not."

Xi Zhoulu: "…I'll heat it."

A helpless sigh echoed in the room before being carried away by the breeze, disappearing without a trace.

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