Lin Shu had a dream.
In the dream, Lia stood not far away, her golden hair cascading down her back, dressed in a lavish gown.
The surrounding scenery made her realize she was at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, in Lia’s camp.
Lin Shu couldn’t make out Lia’s expression, only seeing that her posture was as proud as ever.
Why am I here? Didn’t I already choose to leave?
Facing Lia, Lin Shu felt none of the grievances or sorrow she once had—her heart was calm, without the slightest ripple.
Lin Shu turned away from Lia and began to walk off.
Behind her came Lia’s shout: “Lin Shu!”
She didn’t look back. As she opened her lips, she felt a brief resistance, but she still said those words:
“The contract is broken. We’re over, Lia.”
After that, there was endless darkness.
Lin Shu slowly awoke, opening her eyes to a familiar ceiling.
…So it was that kind of dream.
Even though she’d returned to the time before separating from Lia in the dream, she still calmly chose to turn and leave.
From that day on, Lin Shu had long since cast away the self who was infatuated with Lia.
Lin Shu got out of bed and found herself in her own room.
She only remembered that last night at the tavern, she drank a bit with Sephina and Daphne, then… it was all a blank.
She had absolutely no memory of how she got back, or what happened afterward.
Lin Shu glanced out the window. Judging by the light, it was almost time for Sephina to get up.
She quickly rolled out of bed and hurried to tidy up her clothes.
*****
When she arrived at Sephina’s bedroom, Lin Shu, as usual, helped her put on her outer garment and brushed her hair.
Today, Sephina was very quiet.
She sat in silence, her gaze falling on a corner of the vanity mirror, as if lost in thought.
Lin Shu observed her expression through the mirror.
Sephina’s eyes, which usually carried a smile, now revealed a rare trace of confusion.
She didn’t seem to be in a good mood?
Lin Shu’s hands slowed. Nothing special had happened this morning. Was it something from last night?
“Master?” Lin Shu called softly. “Did I… do something wrong last night?”
Sephina met Lin Shu’s gaze in the mirror and returned to her usual smile:
“No, little cutie.”
She seemed to recall something, her tone light and bright: “Last night, you fulfilled your duties as my personal maid very well.”
Lin Shu looked at her, growing suspicious.
Really? She had totally blacked out last night—did she really not do anything foolish?
Since Sephina said nothing was wrong, maybe she was just worried about the upcoming trip to the Underground Jungle?
Lin Shu decided to change the topic; maybe sharing some important points for preparation would improve her mood.
“Master, regarding the Scarlet and Flower Stamen collection mission, I have a few suggestions.”
“The environment in the Underground Jungle is unique—both spores and vegetation are poisonous. We should bring more antidotes.”
“Also, the maps of the Underground Jungle sold in the capital are incomplete. It’s best to have a party member with scouting abilities.”
Lin Shu organized her thoughts and shared each point in turn.
Sephina nodded: “Daphne said last night she’ll support this expedition. She’ll hire more members to join us.”
Lin Shu set down the comb: “I suggest we set out today, because…”
“That’s also Lia’s goal. It’d be best to get the materials before she does.”
Sephina lowered her eyes, falling into thought.
Lia.
She was indeed an important variable in this mission.
If Lia got the materials first, it would be a big problem—taking them back wouldn’t be easy.
And…
Sephina leaned her head back slightly, resting against Lin Shu, and closed her eyes.
“Master, is something wrong?” Lin Shu asked in confusion.
Sephina didn’t reply.
Remembering how Lin Shu had called out someone’s name in her sleep last night, Sephina’s heart ached with a dull pain.
If only she could give little cutie something better…
She wanted the family to become stronger as soon as possible, so Lin Shu could stay by her side with peace of mind.
And the key that little cutie always carried—Daphne’s words proved it was no ordinary object.
Once they returned from this mission, she’d have to urge her informants to speed up the investigation.
“Let’s depart today, then.” She opened her eyes and spoke calmly.
*****
At the same time, Lia woke in her bedroom.
The room was in chaos—clothes strewn across the carpet, the heavy curtains blocking out all light, leaving the space shrouded in darkness.
She had deliberately made a mess of the room, hoping that each morning when she woke, she’d find it clean again—because that was what Lin Shu used to do.
“Creak—”
The door was pushed open, letting a sliver of light into the darkness.
“Lin Shu…” Lia called out instinctively.
But the one who entered wasn’t the familiar figure.
A maid timidly approached, carrying a tray. Red blood swirled gently in the glass on the tray.
“Miss, your breakfast…”
“Leave it,” Lia said coldly. “Get out.”
The maid quickly set down the tray. Her nerves got the better of her, and the tray landed with a louder than usual thud.
Annoyance surged within Lia, and she unconsciously radiated a formless pressure.
“I’m very sorry, Miss…”
“I said get out!!”
The maid bowed hastily, then fled the room.
The same routine, the same surroundings—so why did everything feel so wrong?
Lia closed her eyes, Lin Shu’s face surfacing in her mind.
“Miss.” The butler’s voice came from outside the door. “Are you awake?”
“…” Lia didn’t respond.
“You’ve been inside for half the day already. Your father is very worried about you.” The butler knocked and added, “And the clan heads are asking about the progress of the mission.”
Lia’s hand clenched the blanket tighter.
The butler paused before continuing: “If I may speak frankly, Miss, the family’s mission should take priority over personal feelings right now.”
“Also, suppressing the Drago Family does not conflict with your own goals.”
Lia’s heart skipped a beat.
According to the plan, the next step in the family’s mission was to lead a team into the Underground Jungle to obtain the Scarlet Flower Stamen.
This wasn’t just for the family’s benefit—it was for herself, too.
If she succeeded, her position in the family would be even more secure, bringing her closer to becoming the most outstanding heir.
That way, Lin Shu would clearly see the reality, and regret it.
Once the family matters were settled, she’d have more time for Lin Shu, so she would never leave her side again!
The room was silent for a long time.
Just as the butler thought Lia wouldn’t come out, the door suddenly opened.
Lia stood behind it, hand on the doorknob. Her golden hair draped down her back, and her expression was calm.
“Tell them to prepare all the supplies and have everyone gather at the manor gate tomorrow.”
Her crimson eyes glowed with unwavering determination.
“Tomorrow, we head for the Underground Jungle.”
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.