The Changsheng Inn was even more spacious than imagined.
In the center area, a small stage had been built, decorated with rockeries and various potted plants. To create a more realistic effect, a flock of birds was even allowed to roam freely within the inn.
They sat in a spot further away because they preferred the peace and quiet.
“What kind of show is it? It seems so grand…” Su Mumu asked.
“It’s a story about sword cultivators. I heard it’s performed once every three years.
It’s called the *Tribulation of Longevity*.” Jiang Mengxin thought for a moment. “Mumu, you’re interested in sword cultivators, right?”
Su Mumu became enthusiastic. “Because they’re cool. It’s the perfect way to show off.”
Suddenly, a waitress stepped forward carrying a kettle. “On this special day, the Changsheng Inn is gifting you some immortal brew. Please, enjoy.”
Jiang Mengxin looked at the pot of wine on the table, dazed for a moment.
“They’re giving away free wine?” Su Mumu curiously poured a small cup. “Not bad.”
“Mumu, maybe you shouldn’t drink…” Jiang Mengxin said, feeling a bit conflicted.
“You’re underestimating my tolerance!” Su Mumu began to drink cup after cup.
This display caused Jiang Mengxin to frown. She reached out and snatched the wine pot away. “In any case, drink less. You were drunk last time, after all. Getting drunk all the time isn’t good for your health.”
“Oh… right. Then I’ll listen to Sister Xin.” Su Mumu’s gaze became vacant.
“Mumu?” Jiang Mengxin suddenly sensed something was wrong.
*Hic!*
Su Mumu narrowed her eyes slightly. Her eyelashes fluttered like cicada wings, and her glassy gaze was filled with endless tenderness as she stared straight at Jiang Mengxin.
“You…” Jiang Mengxin realized what was happening.
Their breaths drew closer inch by inch, and familiar memories flooded her mind, including that jelly-like sweet sensation.
‘This girl, she got drunk for no reason again, just like last time.’
Jiang Mengxin was momentarily at a loss, freezing in place. She waited quietly for something to happen.
The noise in her ears gradually faded until the only thing left in the world was the faint sound of breathing.
However—
Su Mumu stopped a mere two fingers’ distance away. The blurriness in her eyes was replaced by clarity, and a faint smile played at the corners of her mouth.
‘Little Mumu is starting to play tricks again.’
‘Seriously, she’s just like a fox.’
‘Wait, why did I think of a fox?’
“Was Xin Xin scared silly?” Su Mumu made a peace sign, her canine teeth looking quite cute. “Total victory!”
Jiang Mengxin suddenly snapped out of it. “You were faking it?”
Su Mumu shrugged. “They called it immortal brew, but it’s actually just tea.”
“Well, it’s good that you aren’t drunk.” Jiang Mengxin smiled and took a shallow sip. It was indeed tea.
*Clang! Clang! Clang!*
The sounds of cymbals rang out intermittently, and the stage play officially began.
At the same time, a man’s complaint drifted over from the neighboring table. “Sigh! Why is everyone here a couple? Am I the only single dog?”
Su Mumu and Jiang Mengxin looked over at the same time. Their expressions were identical, showing a moment of surprise as they spoke in unison. “Lao Deng?”
At the next table, Old Wu looked over after hearing them. Their eyes met. He was briefly surprised but then showed obvious relief.
“So it’s you two. I was wondering who else would call me that. Please call me Mr. Wu outside of campus.”
“Sure thing, Lao Deng,” they said together.
“You two… fine, fine. Is the mission complete?” Old Wu asked.
“It’s done.” Jiang Mengxin thought for a moment. “We’ll go to the campus tomorrow to hand it in. It just so happens… I have some things I want to discuss with you, Lao Deng.”
“What is it?” Old Wu asked, puzzled.
“It’s quite important. Is it alright if we talk at the campus tomorrow?” For outsiders, Jiang Mengxin’s etiquette was always perfect.
“No problem,” Old Wu said.
This caused Su Mumu, who had been zoning out, to feel her heart skip a beat. She knew Jiang Mengxin intended to talk about the fox demon situation. She started to feel inexplicably nervous.
Perhaps she had slept too comfortably today and let her guard down, but she had actually forgotten about the main business for a moment!
‘I have to find time to investigate why I’m turning into a fox demon.’
‘And… I need to make other sufficient preparations.’
Speaking of which, the monster-suppressing pills were also gone. To be safe, she would go to the alchemy shop later tonight to buy more ingredients.
Suddenly burdened with secrets, Su Mumu lost interest in the live stage play, becoming listless.
Jiang Mengxin glanced at Su Mumu. “Does Mumu seem like she has no energy?”
Su Mumu faked a yawn. “I’m a bit sleepy.”
Jiang Mengxin was confused. “Didn’t you sleep well today?”
Su Mumu let out a couple of awkward laughs. “Maybe I ate too much. A carb coma…”
Jiang Mengxin became even more suspicious, staring at Su Mumu for a good while. It wasn’t until the actors on stage drew a round of cheers from the audience that her attention was pulled away.
Only then did Su Mumu secretly relax and let out a sigh of relief.
***
After finishing the play, they found a small stall and had dinner. It was already around 8:00 PM.
Walking along the forest path, flanked by rows of large Blue Tile Houses, Jiang Mengxin’s cottage was nearby.
When they parted, Jiang Mengxin was still lively and energetic.
“Don’t get lost, Mumu!”
“I won’t,” Su Mumu said.
“Text me when you get home.” Jiang Mengxin stopped outside her courtyard. “Rest early. I had a lot of fun today.”
“Mm-hmm.” Su Mumu didn’t stop, gradually moving further down the path. She looked back and gave a soft smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll text you even if I don’t make it home.”
“Let’s see who responds to messages faster?” Jiang Mengxin showed a competitive expression.
“I’m guaranteed to win, okay?” Su Mumu said.
“I really hate to say goodbye… Such a beautiful day ended so quickly.” Jiang Mengxin looked slightly regretful.
“Yeah,” Su Mumu sighed.
In a few breaths’ time, they were already further and further apart. The final farewell was left to Jiang Mengxin. “Alright, be safe on the way, Mumu!”
Su Mumu waved her hand. At such a distance, the other person probably wouldn’t be able to hear her even if she shouted at the top of her lungs.
After turning a corner, Su Mumu completely left the residential area. Immediately, her heartbeat accelerated in a panic.
An uncontrollable fear grew in her heart like wild grass. Her pace quickened, getting faster and faster.
‘Hurry, I have to hurry and buy the ingredients… I feel like my body is starting to get cold again.’
After what happened last time, Su Mumu had roughly deduced the symptoms before transforming into a fox. They were feeling cold and feeling sleepy.
‘I’ll head back as soon as I finish buying them…’ Su Mumu walked rapidly, ignoring the aching muscles in her calves.
The alchemy shop wasn’t far. At this speed, it would only take about 5 minutes to get there, and then she would buy the materials as quickly as possible and return to her room.
Total time taken… within 10 minutes!
***
On the other side, Jiang Mengxin looked at herself thoughtfully. ‘I forgot to give Mumu her jacket back… What should I do? Should I catch up to her now?’
After thinking for a few seconds, Jiang Mengxin started walking, a slight smile appearing on her face as if she had thought of a fun prank.
‘It would definitely be fun to cover Mumu’s eyes from behind and scare her!’
To make up the distance, Jiang Mengxin broke into a light jog. When she turned the corner and searched through the crowd, she finally found Su Mumu’s back.
‘She’s walking so fast… I guess she’s really in a hurry to get home and rank up?’
Jiang Mengxin maintained a steady speed, following behind Su Mumu.
At this hour, there was still a fair amount of foot traffic on the roads of the Changsheng immortal sect. The lights on both sides were bright, making it quite lively.
After following for a short distance and making several turns, Jiang Mengxin couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
‘Isn’t Mumu’s room on the left?’
‘Why is she going to the right?’
‘Where is she going?’