You said you hated men, why are your eyes now full of love?
Ch. 116 - "Oh, It's Fox Lady!" (Part 13)

The bedroom light was bright, yet not harsh.

Two faint shadows swayed gently on the curtains.

The soft whoosh of the hairdryer blended well with the pitter-patter of raindrops tapping against the window, creating a harmonious melody.

"You silly goose. Should I tell Aunt Ruan once the rain lets up a bit?"

Fingers wove through long strands of hair, adjusting the angle of the hairdryer again and again to avoid damaging the girl's hair.

"Should we ask someone to come pick you up?"

Ruan Qingqing sat comfortably in the chair, enjoying the luxury of having her hair dried.

When she heard that, a hint of displeasure crossed her face.

"Mu Mu, are you trying to send me away?"

Her tone was playfully coy, tinged with a hint of grievance.

Ji Mu quickly explained, "That's not what I meant. It's just that it's not safe for a girl to be out late at night. Aunt Ruan would worry, too."

After thinking it over, the considerate girl nodded in agreement.

"Then I'll talk to Mom myself in a bit."

"Alright."

Ji Mu stood behind the girl as the temperature and airflow of the hairdryer gradually decreased.

The warm air swept past and dried the last strand of hair. Her waist-length, jet-black hair returned to its soft, voluminous state.

"I put your clothes in the dryer. They'll be ready to wear in a bit."

After unplugging the hairdryer and placing it back in the drawer, Ji Mu casually asked, adjusting the cooling patch on her forehead, "Would you like something to drink? There's still some drink… huh? Silly goose?"

The girl's delicate, makeup-free face flushed as red as a freshly steamed crab.

"Mu Mu, did you put my underwear in the dryer too?"

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's hum and barely audible.

Ji Mu's fingertips twitched slightly.

He couldn't help but recall the moment before tossing the wet clothes into the dryer, when he accidentally caught a glimpse of the matching black, sheer lace lingerie.

Hmmm.

Who would have thought that such a seemingly pure and obedient girl would have such bold taste in underwear?

Truly, appearances can be deceiving.

"I just tossed it in with everything else."

Trying to keep his tone light and teasing, Ji Mu countered, "What, were you planning to go commando?"

"...Mm-hmm."

"Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you." The girl shook her head, her face still flushed.

"Mu Mu..." After a brief pause, she hesitated before asking, "When are you leaving?"

Ji Mu was momentarily stunned.

It took him a few seconds to realize what she meant. "Once summer break is over, I'll be transferring to Jiangcheng."

The girl replied softly, "Mm."

Noticing the visible drop in her mood, Ji Mu thought for a moment, then brought up the suggestion he'd mentioned before.

"Are you really not willing to come with me? I could talk to the principal. Adding one more student wouldn't be a problem."

The girl seemed tempted but declined gently.

"Grandpa already made arrangements. Mom and I have to stay with him for a while."

"I see."

As a close friend, Ji Mu understood her decision.

After all, it had taken so long for their family to reunite. Of course, she'd want to spend time with her loved ones first.

Besides, her grandfather would surely want to bring the mother and daughter back and make up for all the hardships they'd endured over the years.

"Beijing isn't so bad either."

Her tone shifted as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Mu Mu, why don't you want to come with me?"

"Hm?"

Ji Mu was momentarily speechless.

If I go to Beijing, how will I complete the second mission?

"There are some reasons I need to be in Jiangcheng," he said vaguely. He couldn't share the real reason with her.

"I see."

The girl smiled faintly.

Her thoughts were hidden in the shadows cast by the warm light, and she said nothing more.

...

The rain gradually subsided.

A low-profile yet luxurious business vehicle pulled up in front of the apartment building.

Two bodyguards with sharp, composed demeanors stepped forward in unison and bowed respectfully.

"Miss, the family head sent us to bring you home."

Ruan Qingqing nodded slightly, turned to the boy who had walked her downstairs, and softly said goodbye: "I'll be going now, Mu Mu."

Ji Mu didn't try to stop her. Just before she left, he reminded her, "Send me a message when you get home."

"Mm-hmm."

Surrounded by bodyguards, Ruan Qingqing descended the steps into the night.

Just before stepping into the car, she suddenly turned around.

"Mu Mu, there's a new amusement park that just opened in the North District. It's been getting great reviews online."

The streetlamp cast a soft halo of light that illuminated the girl's long, curled lashes. Her clear, elegant eyes shimmered like deep, bottomless springs rippling with emotion.

"I heard there's going to be a fireworks festival at the end of August."

The evening breeze lifted the ends of her hair as if sensing every subtle shift in the human heart. Guided by that feeling, Ji Mu understood the unspoken meaning behind her words.

"When the time comes, let's go check it out together."

"Okay."

…

Ji Mu stood downstairs until the last trace of the car's taillights disappeared into the distance. With his hands tucked in his pockets, he turned and walked back into the apartment.

The end of August, huh?

That's just a few days before I leave Tianhua City.

Well, that works out. After spending time with that silly goose, I'll pack up and head to the next place.

…

Outside the window, the city lights blurred into fleeting scenery.

Sitting quietly in the backseat, the gentle expression the girl had carefully maintained began to crumble. A pale hue crept onto her face, and her lips lost their usual rosy color.

[How does it feel to use the Authority?]

A teasing, androgynous voice echoed in her mind.

[You get to enjoy that dreamy little heartthrob of yours. Once the fun is over, you won't have to worry about him growing distant.]

[Pretty sweet deal, isn't it?]

Ruan Qingqing pressed her lips tightly together, one hand clutching her chest.

It was satisfying, yes, but...

"Why are the side effects so severe after using it?"

A crimson glow flickered in her pupils as she fought to suppress the overwhelming weakness and discomfort surging through her.

Rewinding time by two hours had already drained more than half of the mystic fox blood within her.

[Didn't I already tell you?]

[Your body isn't strong enough yet to wield this power,] Fan Ling pointed out the issue with sharp precision.

[Even your stomach needs time to digest food, let alone a tenth of an Authority drawn from the world's origin.]

Ruan Qingqing's expression remained blank.

"So..."

She turned her head to look out the car window, and her tone was flat and devoid of emotion. "So, how long will it take?"

[Half a year.]

Noticing the slight furrow of her brows at the mention of the timeframe, the voice in her mind immediately understood and added:

[Challenge 3 (Ding~)

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...

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