“I’ll think about it.”
Ning Chuxue sank her body into the water, completely submerging. After a while, bubbles began to gurgle from where she had disappeared.
Ning Chuxue hadn’t made a decision yet. She didn’t know much about this world. With such limited information, making a rash decision could easily put herself in danger.
Mu Wannuo wasn’t in a hurry either. Whatever choice Ning Chuxue made was her freedom.
Even if Ning Chuxue didn’t come, it didn’t matter. With her connections, even if Ning Chuxue wanted to go to school somewhere else, it was just a word from her.
Mu Wannuo didn’t urge Ning Chuxue, just soaking quietly in the bath. Because of the additives, the water was very mild, with a faint rose scent.
Not only her, but Ning Chuxue also enjoyed this brief bathing time. Of course, for her, it would be even better if Mu Wannuo weren’t there.
Maybe because she had soaked too long, Mu Wannuo felt a little uncomfortable. She stood up from the bath, and the splash of water landed right on Ning Chuxue.
“Chuxue.”
“What is it?” Ning Chuxue was about to step forward and argue, but Mu Wannuo interrupted her, and the words stuck in her throat turned into something else.
“If you want to go out, remember to report it. When you go out, you need to be accompanied by your sisters.”
After getting Ning Chuxue’s attention, Mu Wannuo reminded her while lifting her foot to leave the bath. The news that Ning Chuxue wanted to go out tonight had been told to her by Wen Yasheng in advance. That was why she added this rule for Ning Chuxue.
Ning Chuxue didn’t think much about it. With her weak body, it was normal for her sister Mu Wannuo to worry.
“I know, I know.”
Ning Chuxue replied perfunctorily, closing her eyes and turning her head. Why close her eyes? Once bitten, twice shy. She didn’t want to repeat the awkward mistake of staring blankly from last time.
Although she wasn’t held accountable that time, if it happened again, she might have to pay for both times together.
Thinking of that, she suddenly shuddered and quickly submerged into the water, trying to avoid Mu Wannuo’s gaze.
Watching her flustered actions, Mu Wannuo just smiled faintly, picked up the towel hanging nearby, and wiped her body.
“You look more like a little cutie than a little pitiful thing right now.”
Mu Wannuo mused inwardly. She had completely seen through Ning Chuxue’s thoughts, but Ning Chuxue hadn’t realized it yet.
For Mu Wannuo, prey should be toyed with bit by bit. By the time the prey realizes it, it will find itself completely trapped in the carefully prepared snare, with no chance of escape.
“Little pitiful, remember to dry yourself after soaking. Be careful when you get out of the bath, don’t slip.”
After wiping herself dry, Mu Wannuo turned to remind Ning Chuxue, then headed toward the changing room.
“Got it.”
Ning Chuxue cautiously poked her head out of the water, then immediately ducked back in after replying.
After Mu Wannuo left, the vast bath was left with only Ning Chuxue.
A quiet environment, an empty place. Emptiness was Ning Chuxue’s first impression.
Accompanying the emptiness came a complex question.
Did she miss her previous life?
This question, Ning Chuxue only thought about for half a minute before giving her answer: No.
An alcoholic mother, an abusive father, a brother who got caught up in gang life, and herself, who had worn herself out for family and studies without any gratitude.
With such a family background, Ning Chuxue didn’t want to go back no matter what.
It was precisely because of this that a new idea popped into her mind.
‘Maybe it wouldn’t be bad to try accepting my current identity?’
The thought was there, but everything here was unfamiliar to her. She couldn’t yet bring herself to accept that idea.
While she was lost in thought, Mu Wannuo had already changed clothes and came out of the changing room.
She wore a set of light cyan pajamas, and the collar of her top was “deliberately” pulled down a bit.
Mu Wannuo noticed that Ning Chuxue was still soaking, and a mischievous idea occurred to her.
She silently approached Ning Chuxue.
“Little pitiful.”
Before reaching Ning Chuxue’s position, she made no sound at all.
Because of that, Ning Chuxue was startled by the sudden voice. She instinctively jerked, sending ripples across the water.
“Such a big reaction, little pitiful?” Mu Wannuo’s calm expression wrinkled a few lines, like a teacher angry during school days.
Ning Chuxue’s buried fear from her student days was pulled out, and the second time she tried to protest, the words were swallowed back.
“Don’t be nervous, don’t be nervous.” Mu Wannuo realized she had teased too much and hurriedly tried to ease the atmosphere.
“Soaking too long is bad for you. Come out now, little pitiful, I’ll dry you off.”
With that, she reached for the towel next to Ning Chuxue.
Ning Chuxue grabbed the towel first.
“I can do it myself.”
Though she was still a bit scared by Mu Wannuo’s earlier intimidation, she stubbornly refused.
Ning Chuxue felt that if she let Mu Wannuo dry her, something strange would definitely happen.
“Alright. Don’t force yourself alone, little pitiful. If you need your sister, just say so.” Mu Wannuo withdrew her hand.
If she pushed further, it would alarm the “prey,” which wasn’t her style.
‘Seems I need to hold back a bit,’ Mu Wannuo reminded herself.
Ning Chuxue had just lost her memory. If she overdid it, it would only raise the other’s guard infinitely, making it hard to handle later.
Seeing her pull her hand back, Ning Chuxue let out a complete sigh of relief, and her lingering fear disappeared.
“Little pitiful, be careful. I’ll go first.”
After her final reminder, Mu Wannuo left the bathroom.
The moment Mu Wannuo left, Ning Chuxue also began to feel unwell. She felt dizzy, and if she didn’t leave soon, she might be in danger.
So she decisively stood up and left the bath, using that embarrassing towel to dry herself until there was no trace of water.
***
After changing into the ill-fitting pajamas, Ning Chuxue returned to her room. Only when the door was completely shut did her chaotic thoughts calm down a little.
She hadn’t seen Mu Wannuo or Wen Yasheng on the way back. That was fine, saving her the energy to bluff her way through.
Even though her activity tonight was minimal, she felt deeply exhausted lying on the bed now. Both physical and mental fatigue.
Her physical condition was just too poor—so poor that moving even a little left her panting.
Just as she was still thinking about school, the door suddenly opened.
“Are you going to sleep?”
A figure half a head taller than her appeared behind the door. The shadow’s voice was cold and emotionless.
Ning Chuxue looked over and recognized her “Third Sister,” Shen Ruqing.
Ning Chuxue wanted to get off the bed to greet her, but Shen Ruqing refused.
“You rest well. I just came to check on your condition.”
Then, under Ning Chuxue’s bewildered gaze, she closed the door and left.
Her behavior was puzzling, and Ning Chuxue didn’t react in time.
Shen Ruqing walked down the hallway, her eyes fixated on a few photos on her phone. Without exception, every photo was of Ning Chuxue.
“Nice collection.”
Her steps were light.
Shen Ruqing returned to her room’s door, reached out and turned the lock, and the scene inside was fully visible.
Various photos hung on the walls in exquisite frames. Below some photos were small shelves with all sorts of strange items.
But they all had one thing in common—every single item was something Ning Chuxue had used.
“Where should I put today’s haul?”