Linglong’s sleep had never been good.
Every night, when darkness fell, she couldn’t help but worry that the terrifying presence lurking in her heart would awaken the moment she closed her eyes.
On top of that, now that she was in exile, she didn’t know if the organization’s “hounds” were still lurking nearby, making it even harder to fall asleep.
Tonight, the time came again.
The night was deep and quiet, but inside her mind… buzzing.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated.
Linglong’s heart skipped a beat as she quickly grabbed it and saw several pictures had been received.
Had my current identity been exposed?
Was this a threat from the organization?
But the images were just of a cute girl.
She was wearing pajamas, lazily posed as if about to sleep but not quite, one shoulder bare, the curve of her chest partially visible — just a glance enough to stir up desire.
Linglong immediately sent a question mark.
【Nuonuo: Don’t doubt it, just look. I just took these, fresh off the camera.】
Linglong paused for a few seconds before typing: 【Have you run out of money?】
【Nuonuo: Of course not! I’ve been frugal for years. 2000 yuan lasts at least two months, okay? Don’t underestimate me!】
Even through the screen, Linglong could almost see the girl’s “Who’s looking down on whom?” expression.
【Linglong: Then why send me this?】
【Nuonuo: Look, you’re still up so late. You must be having insomnia, right?】
The girl’s message was confident, but she was right.
Linglong curled the corner of her mouth: 【So what if I’m insomniac?】
【Nuonuo: That’s why I’m sending you this insomnia remedy. Use it and you’ll have sweet dreams.】
【Linglong: Really?】
【Nuonuo: Can’t fool you, try it and see!】
That’s why succubi are also called nightmare demons — do you understand the value of adding “magic” to dreams?
【Linglong: Fine…】
After a few seconds, Linglong added: 【You should sleep early too, it’s so late already.】
【Nuonuo: I don’t have class tomorrow, of course I’m staying up playing on my phone, then I’ll sleep in — that’s called enjoying life.】
Linglong twitched her lips, thinking that was just torturing herself while calling it enjoyment.
Casually glancing at the time displayed at the top of her phone screen, it was already 1 a.m. At this late hour, to have a girl caring whether you’ve slept or not, and even sending so-called “insomnia remedy” — this feeling was… quite strange.
The hotel windows were sealed tight; not a trace of wind could get in, yet she felt a faint ripple stirring in her heart.
Linglong sat up lightly, bending her slender white legs, and saved the photos one by one to her device before opening her gallery.
Might as well try.
…………
Bai Xiaonuo slept until noon the next day, waking up groggy.
Her ancestor had stayed up with her until after two in the morning and was still asleep now.
Rubbing her pitiful little belly, she was a bit hungry.
Time to go eat.
In the living room, Bai Xiaonuo only saw Xiaoyu sitting alone on the sofa, hugging her handheld console and playing.
“You’re up?” Xiaoyu glanced at her without looking away from the game, speaking while playing, “If you’re hungry, the dishes are ready. Sister already put them on the stove to keep warm.”
“So thoughtful.” Bai Xiaonuo sighed subconsciously, then realized something was off. “Where’s Linglong? Not eating with us?”
“We had breakfast already, not hungry,” Xiaoyu replied. “Besides, the elders have something to discuss with her and are on a video call.”
“I see.”
Bai Xiaonuo didn’t think much of it.
Two beautiful young women away from home — the elders would naturally worry and check in from time to time by video chat.
It was normal.
Better to eat first; feeling exhausted after sleeping.
…………
In fact, Yulinglong had been woken early by the clan elders for a video call, which indeed related to Bai Xiaonuo.
Sitting upright in front of the computer screen, Yulinglong looked like a middle school student called in by parents for punishment.
On the screen, three video windows showed one person — or rather, one spirit — each.
Top left was an old man with a stern gaze, roughly of the age to know the destiny of heaven, called Huangdaxian.
Top right was a kindly-looking old woman, about the same age, called Fortune Granny.
Her true form was a toad.
Below was a beautiful and charming woman named Qingsi, whose true form was a snake — the elder Qingsi Yulinglong often mentioned.
“Foolishness. Linglong has only been away from home a short time, and already entangled with a human. How can that be good?” Huangdaxian began with a scolding tone. “Qingsi, you too — the child doesn’t understand, and you’re no better, encouraging her nonsense!”
After last night, the elders all knew that Yulinglong had found someone in human society she was planning to date, with Qingsi advising her.
“Oh dear, what’s so bad about it? The short time just means love at first sight,” Qingsi covered her mouth to laugh. “Life is short; we must seize the day.”
Fortune Granny only smiled, making no comment.
“Bah! Love at first sight? Wanting to date just after one look? That’s lust at first sight!” Huangdaxian blew his beard in anger and glared. “Linglong, those human men can’t be trusted — one after another…”
“Grandpa Huang, it’s not what you think,” Yulinglong hurried to explain. “She’s a girl.”
“A… girl?”
Huangdaxian was slightly stunned.
“Yes, a girl,” Yulinglong lowered her head slightly, hiding the blush on her face. “A pretty, cute girl, just started her freshman year at university.”
Qingsi had known this since yesterday, so she wasn’t surprised, but Huangdaxian and Fortune Granny both froze.
One looked up, the other looked down, as if they were staring at each other across the internet cable.
A pretty, cute girl?
That meant the lust at first sight was probably Linglong’s own.
And if she was just a freshman girl, a young maiden, then if things went to the bedroom later, Linglong would be the one at a disadvantage.
In other words, it wasn’t the clan’s little cabbage being “taken,” but the little cabbage was preparing to “take” someone else?
“Well…” Huangdaxian’s tone changed. “Since you yearn for the splendors of the mortal world, then love is naturally part of it. It’s understandable.”
Yulinglong’s face brightened.
Even the most stubborn Huangdaxian had spoken, meaning the elders had agreed.
She had initially planned to be honest, saying she did this for the legendary Tianhu Spring, the fox spirit’s cultivation water.
But after last night’s heart-to-heart chat with Bai Xiaonuo, planning the date, she felt good — experiencing a kind of anticipation she had never felt before.
So she didn’t want to mention the real reason.
“Thank you, Grandpa Huang,” Yulinglong smiled gently, but a few traces of worry appeared on her face. “But I know nothing about this kind of thing. Even though Elder Qingsi gave some guidance, I’m not confident.”
“Hmph, Qingsi is barely older than you, a snake who’s never been in love. What can she teach you?” Huangdaxian snorted disdainfully.
Qingsi was displeased at that: “Old Huang, I’ve never eaten pork, but have you never seen a pig run?”
“How many have you seen, and how many could you really understand?” Huangdaxian replied slowly. “This kind of thing still needs Fortune Granny. Back when she lived in those villages, whenever there was a wedding, they always invited her to witness. No one has seen more than her.”
Fortune Granny in the top right corner smiled and spoke cheerfully: “That’s right, little Linglong, let Granny teach you. I guarantee you’ll bring home a beauty.”