Chapter 23: Shameful yet Thrilling
The air hung heavy with silence.
Assistant Xu stood to the side, his hands white-knuckled as he gripped the handles of the two suitcases. He wished he had the power to sink into the earth; never had he felt so trapped in such an excruciatingly awkward position. Even taking a breath felt like a transgression.
*Just go inside, for heaven's sake,* he pleaded silently. *What are you waiting for? Are you trying to kill us all?*
Song Yin was indeed lost in thought. Lou Yizhou seemed to possess an endless store of patience.
***
Chen Meng did not return to his own quarters that day, nor did he check into a hotel. Instead, he took a roundabout route to Brother Biao’s house and pounded on the door until it rattled in its frame.
***
Having regained his composure, Li Xiaoyao settled his mind. He was utterly baffled; the game did not have a hunger mechanic, so where was this feeling of starvation coming from?
"Damn it, they wouldn't dare!" Jian Feng roared, his fury erupting as he moved to charge forward. President Lin Feng stepped in to block him immediately, resulting in the scene that unfolded before them.
***
That evening, everyone gathered around a single table for a meal. The two children, now fully recovered, ate ravenously; in their weakened state, their bodies craved protein.
Ultimately, Mu Chenghuan could not withstand Sister Huang’s tearful entreaties—the pleas that she would have her pay docked or be fired if she didn't watch Mu finish the medicine. Softening, Mu pinched her nose and downed the strange-tasting decoction.
***
"It seems the Dragon Realm here isn't exactly overpopulated," Li Xiaoyao muttered to himself.
***
Lips lingered, tasting of wine, as the flavor spread between them. Clothes and dresses fell to the bedside. The wine on their lips grew more intoxicating and potent with every answering touch.
The audience held their breath, not daring to show the slightest lapse in focus; they were even more agitated than the people on the stage.
***
Bai Liuli cradled Mianmian, while Mo Xize pulled Bai Liuli into his arms. The chubby cat’s face was a mask of utter disdain.
Jian Mo and Yan Xiao often witnessed the volatility of this love triangle on the road. Whenever they were free, they would bicker until both were left with bruised eyes.
***
Shen Jiawei woke earlier than expected. He had thought he would surely die that day, yet he found himself unharmed upon waking. It seemed he had escaped disaster once again. But when he caught sight of Gao Yuan, he knew that Gao Yuan must have learned everything he had done.
"Innocent? Do you really take me, Xiao Siwen, for a fool? You spent all that time together in that teahouse—do you expect me to believe it was just a platonic friendship?" Xiao Siwen spat with venom.
***
"Don't be so gloomy," a voice remarked from beside him. Gintoki turned to see the ghost clad in armor.
When Gintoki and his companions reached the top of the stairs, they were shocked to find themselves surrounded by a dense throng of Hyakka troops.
***
Number 2, Li Junming, was busy with his new album. Because of the scandal involving Kim Taeyeon the day before, there was an unusual influx of people—reporters and fans alike. Although there was no shortage of gossip, Li Junming handled it all with deft grace. It was nothing, really; he simply told the truth.
***
Consequently, he ordered the replacement of several commanders who had failed to lead effectively, even venturing to the front lines multiple times to beat the war drums and boost the morale of the siege.
Jie Zimei recalled that whenever he kissed Yun Duoduo, she would resist, though never with true conviction—or perhaps, in the face of his absolute dominance, she simply lacked the strength to fight back.
***
"Treat me to a meal, the most expensive kind," Im Yoona demanded, bold as a lion. She had been bumped into the moment she walked through the door; just as she was about to flare up, she realized it was an acquaintance. She decided she might as well fleece him for a meal.
***
Only when the silhouette of Lan Huang had nearly vanished did Chen Tian finally exhale. He steadied the puppet, intending to infuse it with his essence at that very moment.
***
Gold and purple—two jarringly brilliant colors. The addition of the violet hue lent the seed of spiritual energy a newfound air of mystery.
Driven by a burning desire for the immortal treasure, the group of seven pushed forward through the flesh and blood of the Yang Fei. The scent of dried gore permeated the eerie darkness, while the night-luminescent pearls cast a vast, diffuse glow as they threaded through the creature's veins.