Chapter 122: Let’s Start with a Cone

Just as Su Mu was hesitating in front of the mirror, the surroundings plunged into darkness again with the sudden snap of a circuit breaker.

“Sigh, the power’s out again.”

Ye Wanqing’s muttered voice came from outside, clearly surprised by the unexpected blackout.

“Let’s talk to the landlord. Looks like the air conditioner won’t be working tonight.”

‘It’s so hot, seriously.’ Grumbling inwardly, Su Mu could only endure the heat and prepare to sleep.

The weather was already stifling, and the sunflower placed by the bedside seemed to radiate even more heat with its burst of sunshine.

Puffing out her cheeks, Su Mu stared at the still-smiling sunflower.

After a moment, she sighed helplessly, too lazy to take off her clothes.

Kicking off her shoes with both feet, she lay on the bed in a spread-eagle position.

Back then, she could joke about lying in a “太” shape instead of a “大” shape, but thinking about the bit she lost made her even more frustrated.

‘If it weren’t for that, I’d definitely be the one on top. Forget it. No use thinking about it now. Just get some sleep.’

She didn’t know how long she had been lost in those random thoughts before finally drifting into a drowsy sleep.

This time, she didn’t enter a lucid dream but was simply caught in some bizarre and surreal visions.

Before her eyes was a clear window, with countless plants and trees rushing past.

‘Right, the high-speed train—I’m on the high-speed train…’

The rapidly passing scenes gradually slowed down, and Su Mu suddenly felt herself lurching forward, as if pushed.

Luckily, she caught the seat in front just in time to steady herself.

‘What’s going on? Are we about to arrive?’

‘But I remember, the high-speed train’s deceleration is usually very gentle.’

Outside the window, fiery sparks erupted, swirling backward in a vortex.

‘It felt so suffocating—I want to get out of here.’

Su Mu’s heartbeat suddenly sped up; her chest felt like a drum being forcefully struck.

A hint of unease crept across her sleeping face.

Suddenly, soft knocks came from the door.

Deep in sleep, Su Mu didn’t respond.

Moments later, the door was gently pushed open a crack, and a tall figure with scant clothing peeked her head inside.

Seeing Su Mu frowning and slightly turning over, Ye Wanqing was momentarily stunned.

‘She actually fell asleep like this? I was just about to get her a little fan.’

“Why are you sleeping like this…”

She muttered softly, but still placed the small fan by the bed and plugged it in.

The cool breeze flowed over Su Mu’s collarbone and into her clothes, quickly easing the tension on her brow.

Reluctantly, Ye Wanqing glanced at her little yellow duck fan, then silently slipped out of the room.

‘I’ll lend this to you for one night, but don’t blame me for wasting electricity when I secretly turn on the AC later.’

***

The next morning, Su Mu struggled to get out of bed, her eyes still a bit dizzy.

She woke up feeling groggy, as if she had dreamed all night.

In the dream, she seemed to have fainted from a train accident?

‘Was it Ye Wanqing who pulled me out?’

What a mess.

The high-speed train ride is just about to start; don’t have such unlucky dreams.

“What’s this?”

Only then did Su Mu realize a coolness was lingering on her arm.

Turning her head, she spotted the little yellow duck fan—more cartoonish than even the sunflower.

No doubt about whose it was.

She actually took care of it.

Checking the time, it was exactly six in the morning.

Time to get going and wake her up.

Might as well prepare breakfast too.

***

Onboard the high-speed train, Su Mu’s heart was heavy with complicated emotions.

She had taken the same G74 train on the way here, and she would take the same one back.

Wearing the same light blue hoodie, kicking the same pair of sneakers.

Only this time, there was no rain.

“Mu, I’m so hungry. Can I make instant noodles now?”

“You just ate a pack of toast, didn’t you?”

Su Mu widened her eyes and covered her snack pack, but looking into Ye Wanqing’s expectant bright red eyes, she couldn’t help but remember the little fan.

She sighed, rummaged through the bag, and pulled out a pack of Wangwang Snow Cake she’d intended to save for herself, tossing it to Ye Wanqing, who instantly beamed with joy.

They sat on the two-person side, which was much more convenient.

Su Mu took the window seat, able to watch the city waking under the morning sun through the clear glass and light drizzle.

The train slowly started, the gentle push against her back not urgent, but enough to make her eyelids twitch.

‘Why do I have this bad feeling? Please don’t let another nightmare come true like before.’

***

“Jialan-chan, you have to smile when facing customers. Don’t look so gloomy; it makes people uncomfortable.”

The Store Manager’s words met Luo Jialan’s expressionless reply, her voice heavy with fatigue.

It wasn’t that she had any complaints about work—it was mainly that Su Mu had left for home, and she didn’t know what to do these past few days.

In the past, she might have watched some TV, or gone hard on Tang Nai, or occasionally called Ye Wanqing out for a stroll.

But now, all she could think about was taking care of Little Mouse.

Of course, not all those thoughts were inappropriate.

Watching that girl exercise or helping her massage wasn’t so bad.

Still, Luo Jialan admitted she was a little greedy—always wanting more and more, never satisfied.

‘Forget it. Best not think about it now.’

The curtain at the entrance was lifted, and the Store Manager immediately straightened, lightly nudging Luo Jialan’s foot.

Through the semi-transparent curtain, Luo Jialan could only make out a tall shadow swaying by the door.

“Welcome…”

Reminded by the Store Manager, Luo Jialan set aside her inner turmoil and returned to work mode.

But when she saw the face peeking through the curtain, her expression froze.

“Long time no see. I’m back.”

“Luo…”

Luo Jialan questioned her own eyes, wondering if she was truly awake.

The woman who appeared every night in her dreams—the one she wasn’t ready to face—stood before her in disbelief.

The same tall figure, the familiar orchid-shaped scar, the breathtakingly beautiful features overlapping with her memories…

All of this told Luo Jialan that this was Luo Linglan.

But her hair color shocked her.

It was the same water-blue as her own, gently swaying in the cold air from the air conditioner.

That woman dye her hair?

Luo Jialan would never believe it, but that was the reality.

After the brief shock, Luo Jialan’s tension skyrocketed, her magic instinctively stirring and surging through her limbs, the aura spreading around her like waves.

“What are you back for?”

“Uh, don’t be so tense. Get me an ice cream cone first, and we’ll talk slowly.”