Chapter 139

Kiana uttered those words with a hint of annoyance, then helped the swaying Shen Gonglin to sit up. At the same time, the girl brought over some dried slippers and put them on him. The dry, warm slippers immediately soothed Shen Gonglin's icy feet. Kiana's face beamed with a clear smile. Sure enough, she could always rely on Shen Gonglin. If it weren't for him, who knew what would have become of her reckless, stinky old man? She had stopped him from unleashing the Tengu no Haikyuu, thus indirectly saving her mother, Cecilia's, energy. Shen Gonglin, that guy, was indeed very useful!

Kiana and Shen Gonglin have such a great relationship.

Standing behind, Cecilia watched Kiana and Shen Gonglin's smooth, natural interaction and couldn't help but smile. Their relationship was obvious to everyone. Shen Gonglin, and Shen Gonglin didn't seem uncomfortable at all. It seemed Kiana really did take care of Shen Gonglin often. Beautiful things are pleasing to the eye; Kiana was beautiful, and Shen Gonglin was even more beautiful. This couple was just too adorable! At least Cecilia thought so. Didn't you see her unable to resist a maternal smile? Theresa probably felt the same way... Wait, why was Theresa biting her handkerchief with such envy and jealousy?

Originally seeking common ground, Cecilia focused her attention on Theresa beside her. She had assumed Theresa would share her attitude, but to her surprise, the legal little girl was showing her white teeth and biting her handkerchief with a very strange expression. What was going on? Why was Theresa making such an expression? She rarely saw her like this. No, she had to take a picture.

"Reward? What reward? Let's get this straight, if I don't like the reward, can I have it in cash? Look how well I've performed, how about I ask you for a hundred or two hundred thousand?"

Sitting on the steps, Rin let Kiana put her slippers on for her. Then, Shen Gonglin reached out and let Kiana pull her up. As soon as she woke up, she started being mischievous again, as usual. What good reward could Kiana possibly give her? She might as well just give her money.

"Why is money always on your mind? Can't you be a little more serious? There are many things in this world that money can't buy. You're obsessed with money, you money-grubber!"

Kiana glared at Shen Gonglin, annoyed. That's just how he is. She didn't know why he liked money so much. She didn't think he was short of money at all. Look, Bronya thought she was going to die and gave all her things to Shen Gonglin as her inheritance. Kiana knew Bronya had a lot of money. She gave Shen Gonglin all her stocks, funds, and other strange things, and he wasn't very excited. So why does he want money now? Does he think the rewards she gave him can be measured in money? What a shallow Shen Gonglin.

"Really? So what's your reward? Let me make it clear beforehand, if it's something like a kiss, forget it. After all, I feel like that's a reward for you, not for me... Hey, why are you making that face? You don't actually really want that, do you? No way, no way? You actually think that's a reward for me? Kiana, don't even think about it."

Shen Gonglin casually chatted with Kiana, but after seeing Kiana's unnatural expression, Shen Gonglin's face also became unnatural. Where did Kiana learn this from? How did she become so shameless? Or does she really think this is a reward for her? How arrogant! Shen Gonglin felt that Kiana was clearly rewarding herself.

"Who, who would think of such nonsense! Only an idiot like you, Shen Gonglin, would think such irrational things. I never thought of such a thing. You... you bastard, you'd better die first!"

Kiana was furious. The girl grabbed Jingu Shen Gonglin and pinched her hard. This idiot, doesn't he know how to save face in front of his mother? Can't he be serious and make a good impression on her? Kiana really wanted to act serious and reliable this time, but why can't Shen Gonglin do what she wants? Shen Gonglin shouldn't even be alive. She should just be killed. Keeping her around is such a waste of air.

"Hey, hey, hey, you two, have you had enough? Be serious! The Honkai energy extremely strong. The Herrscher must be inside. I can't let you two go into the battlefield with this attitude... Hey! Kiana, I'm talking to you. Let him go right now! And Shen Gonglin, stop causing trouble! Seriously, do you two even take the battlefield seriously?!"

Chapter Thirty-Five: What to Say

Unlike Cecilia, who was getting more and more excited, Theresa couldn't stand it anymore. What were these two doing flirting like that? Did they even realize they were on the battlefield? As the most reliable one in the group, Theresa ran out and separated Shen Gonglin and Kiana. Couldn't these two just give each other a break? Pulling and tugging at each other like that was just inappropriate!

"Theresa, don't be so serious. Relax. Even if there's Herrscher inside, it's not a big deal. Relaxing before a battle is very important... But Shen Gonglin, don't relax too much. You don't look like you're preparing for a battle, but rather like you're about to go on vacation."

Cecilia stepped forward to soothe the angry Theresa. She was just too serious. She found it quite amusing to Shen Gonglin and Kiana bickering, but Theresa's insistence on separating them... Hehe, so Theresa has reached this age too. Cecilia's eyes darted around, lost in thought. Just as she suspected, Shen Gonglin really was popular with girls. However, even Cecilia was speechless when she saw Shen Gonglin. She had told him to relax, but she hadn't let him relax this much.

Shen Gonglin's relaxed, "Ge You slouch" posture perfectly embodies his "laid-back" attitude towards life. Looking at Shen Gonglin like this... Cecilia almost wanted to punch someone.

"Oh, I thought you wanted me to relax a bit more... So what do we do now? Should we go in and find that Herrscher? I've figured out her fighting style this time, and I definitely won't let her escape so easily again."

Shen Gonglin looked up at the towering black tower before him, the Babylon Laboratory. With his Honkai energy, he could sense a strong Honkai energy reaction within the tower. There was no doubt that the Second Herrscher was inside. Having fought the Herrscher before, Shen Gonglin had gained some experience. Moreover, with Cecilia and Theresa present this time, there was even less of a problem.

As for Kiana... she can just be a mascot, although in Kiana's eyes, Shen Gonglin is also just a mascot.

"Okay, let's go in. Theresa, Kiana, and Shen Gonglin, get ready. We absolutely cannot let our guard down... Kiana, keep a close eye on Shen Gonglin. We absolutely cannot let him out of our sight."

Cecilia gave the order, and looking at the eager Shen Gonglin, Cecilia thought for a moment and added this sentence. She had already vaguely noticed Shen Gonglin's terrible sense of direction, and this girl also seemed to have a bit of a willful and reckless problem. She had to be on high alert for the upcoming battle and couldn't let Shen Gonglin run wild.

"Received! I will definitely keep a close eye on Shen Gonglin... Hehe, Shen Gonglin, it hasn't been long and you've already shown your mother how terrible you are with directions. You're just like me."

Kiana confidently assured Cecilia that she could fight alongside her mother, which made her incredibly excited. She leaned close to Shen Gonglin and whispered in his ear that even her mother knew about his terrible sense of direction. Shen Gonglin was truly something else; he was exactly the Shen Gonglin she knew, never disappointing her in this regard.

"Say one more word and I'll pinch your ass!"

Shen Gonglin's face darkened. All she did was accidentally take the wrong turn on her way here, and Cecilia dragged her back. It's not like she's only been bad at directions for a short time. Did they think she didn't want to go? But Shen Gonglin really couldn't handle her sense of direction. She was bound to get lost whenever there was a fork in the road. There was no way to fix that. But even though she was bad at directions, it was Kiana's fault for saying it. Shen Gonglin, revealing her white teeth. This girl had become exceptionally arrogant ever since they met. Did she really think that just because Kiana had an adult with her, she wouldn't dare to teach her a lesson?

"Hey, you're still thinking of pinching me? Believe me or not, I'll spit on you... Ptooey! Shen Gonglin, let me tell you, you didn't hear anything! It's all because of the nonsense Mei wrote in those rubbish books... Anyway, do you dare? My mother is right here, and Theresa is here too. Do you dare to act like you usually do?"

Fighting alongside Cecilia made Kiana so happy she almost flew away. In her excitement, Kiana's brain couldn't keep up, and she unconsciously blurted out a scene from a book she'd secretly read in Mei's room. Her face flushed red as she quickly changed the subject, realizing she'd been too arrogant. How could she have said such things so carelessly? "Ughhhhh, I want to die! Shen Gonglin... she probably didn't understand!"

Kiana's little head was so hot it felt like it was steaming. She couldn't help but think of the scene from a long time ago when she and Shen Gonglin went to headquarters for a mission. The scene she saw when she rushed into the restroom on the train suddenly rushed back to her mind. She had finally managed to forget that image, but now it was back all of a sudden. No, could she die for once? Why did she have to think of that scene? It was all Shen Gonglin's fault!

And Mei, why did she put those kinds of books in her room? Doesn't she feel embarrassed when she sees them?

In short, it's really pitiful for Mei. She secretly hid the book in her room, but it seems like everyone knows about it. However, even if they know, they can't tell Mei. If she finds out that they already know, that girl will definitely explode on the spot.

"What are you slurping for? Rice noodles? I don't eat spicy food. And do you really think I won't bully you just because there are other people around? Kiana, it seems you still don't know me well enough. When have I ever considered the occasion when I bully others? If you dare to be arrogant again, I'll pin you to the ground and beat you up. I'm serious, I'm not joking!"

As it turns out, Shen Gonglin was still a pure and good boy. He didn't have any strange associations when Kiana said that. He was more puzzled as to why Kiana's face was so red. Was she afraid that he would do something to her? Sure enough, he still had a lot of authority. Shen Gonglin nodded with satisfaction. Seeing how scared Kiana was, he thought to himself, "Tsk tsk tsk, if she were well-behaved, I would never bully her like that."

"Oh... oh, then I won't be arrogant anymore."

Thankfully, Shen Gonglin didn't realize what she was saying. Kiana lowered her head sheepishly. Luckily, he didn't understand, and thankfully Theresa and Cecilia didn't hear either, otherwise... she would really be facing certain death.

Chapter Thirty-Six: The Babylon Tower

Without delving into Kiana's strange behavior, Shen Gonglin took the lead and entered the interior of the black tower. The Babylon Laboratory, huh? He wondered what had been researched here in the past. As soon as he entered the laboratory, Shen Gonglin inexplicably felt a sense of oppression. Although Shen Gonglin wasn't very emotionally intelligent, he still had empathy. He could almost feel the thick resentment in this space. It couldn't be his imagination, could it? Something bad must have happened here... at least in the past.

"Wow, the space inside is huge! Theresa, and Lady Cecilia, what should we do now?"

Following closely Shen Gonglin, Kiana also saw the interior of the tower. The steel beams created a gloomy and cold scene, but even so, Kiana's mood was exceptionally high. Since arriving here, everything seemed to be going in a good direction. Not only did she stop her father from activating the Tengu no Haikyuu, but she also met her mother and was now able to fight alongside her, especially with Shen Gonglin... The only third wheel was Theresa. Hehe, although she felt a little bad about her period, Kiana really wanted to be alone with her mother at times like this. It didn't matter if Shen Gonglin was there, but with Theresa around, she felt she couldn't be as affectionate with her mother as she pleased. Also, whenever Kiana and Shen Gonglin got close Theresa would always inadvertently separate them.

If we split up, we can at least get Theresa away for now.

Kiana thought this to herself, while observing her surroundings. Finally, she and Shen Gonglin met eyes and nodded slightly. This time, they were on the same page. This place was less like a laboratory and more like...

"This place feels a bit like a prison. What kind of research is being conducted here?"

Placing his hand on the wall, the cold, heavy feeling inexplicably weighed on Shen Gonglin's heart. Just touching the wall made him feel depressed. His head, which had been relieved after resting, started to ache again. Shen Gonglin looked around. The slightly dark space gave off a very oppressive feeling. With the bars on the walls of the rooms next to him, this place definitely felt more like a prison.

"I don't know either. The Babylon Laboratory is a project personally managed and overseen by Bishop Otto. I don't know the specifics here, but I have a feeling that something is off about the atmosphere. You two be careful. You don't know what's going on here yet. Stay close to me and don't wander off."

Cecilia shook her head. The atmosphere here also felt very strange to her. But there must be something fishy going on. It seemed that she had to be a little more serious this time. She walked to the side of Shen Gonglin and Kiana and kept an eye on the surrounding situation. She had a very good feeling about these two little ones and had to protect them well.

"Hmm? Lady Cecilia thinks so too? Me too!"

Being able to share the same feelings as her mother made Kiana happy again. Whenever she was with Cecilia, she felt joyful no matter what she did; she just wanted to stay by Cecilia's side. She hadn't had this opportunity before, but now that she finally could, Kiana had so many things she wanted to do with Cecilia: eat together, go shopping together, play games together... In short, Kiana wanted to do everything with Cecilia, and sharing the same feelings about certain things excited her.

"Alright, even if the atmosphere here is strange, that's not what we should be concerned about right now. Our top priority is to catch up with the Second Herrscher as soon as possible. Who knows what might happen if the Herrscher goes unpunished? Let's go."

Why didn't she sense anything strange? Was it because she was too slow to react? Why did the other three feel the same way, making her feel like an outsider? Theresa was very unhappy. She was eager to find the Herrscher to vent her frustration. The legal loli wanted to unleash her full power, so she took the lead and pushed her way through Shen Gonglin and Kiana, not allowing herself to be excluded. Besides, the mission came first!

"You're right. We still need to find the Herrscher first. Theresa, you're becoming more and more reliable."

Cecilia nodded approvingly and followed Theresa. Seeing the little girl's obviously upright posture, it was clear she was very pleased with Cecilia's praise. Cecilia was truly impressive; she felt she could learn from her how to handle women. Whether it was Kiana or Theresa, they were both obedient to her. Meanwhile, she herself couldn't even manage a Class President properly. Shen Gonglin was quite troubled by this. Perhaps she could learn some experience from Cecilia?

"Honestly, Theresa always does unnecessary things. I finally get a chance to talk to my mother, but she interrupts me again... Shen Gonglin, don't you think so?"

Following behind, Kiana whispered to Shen Gonglin, "Theresa is so stupid. There's no one with a lower IQ than her. Even Shen Gonglin is smarter than her. It's so infuriating. Can't she give herself and her mother a chance to spend time together?"

"Huh? What did you say?"

Trying to learn some ways to make girls obedient from Cecilia's words and actions, Shen Gonglin was completely oblivious to what Kiana was saying. Currently, the only one who could be considered truly obedient around her was Bronya. Rita was also obedient, but Shen Gonglin always felt she wasn't like Bronya, and Shen Gonglin strongly suspected she was lusting after her. So, Shen Gonglin's mind wandered again. Actually, this also helped her avoid paying attention to her surroundings, which helped relieve the pain in her head. As soon as she entered this tower, Shen Gonglin felt the burden on her brain was even heavier; she simply couldn't help but try to distract herself.

"It's okay! Shen Gonglin, can you stop acting like those hard-of-hearing harem anime protagonists? Listen to me properly and tell me that Theresa is an idiot. Come on, say it."

Kiana glared angrily at Shen Gonglin, feeling quite annoyed at not getting a response from Shen Gonglin. This guy always managed to irritate people. She didn't believe Shen Gonglin hadn't heard her; he just didn't want to cooperate properly. How awful!

"No, why would I say such a thing?"

"No, tell me now!"

"Theresa, Kiana is forcing me to curse you, and she even said she'd die if I didn't. What should I do?"

"?????? Shen Gonglin, you're a real dog! I'll strangle you to death!"

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Scumbag

"What are these two doing again? Honestly, don't they have any sense of seriousness when carrying out a mission? They're driving me crazy."

Kiana sighed helplessly. The relationship between Theresa two of them was really strange. They had only been separated for a short time before, and Kiana had been talking about Shen Gonglin the whole way. And now that they had met again, they were fighting again. Theresa felt like she was turning into a kindergarten teacher. These two really didn't take the mission seriously.

"Alright, Theresa, be more lenient with them. Let's handle the mission ourselves... This should be the elevator to the upper floor. It's a pity that we can't start it without the electronic key."

Cecilia was much more tolerant of the subsequent bickering. She watched the two start fighting again with great interest. She had to say it again, Kiana and Shen Gonglin really had a good relationship. Look at how affectionate they were; Cecilia wouldn't believe they weren't a couple. They were such a perfect match! After enjoying the farce for a while, Cecilia turned her attention back to the mission. They could joke around, but she had to focus on the mission. Soon, Cecilia and Theresa found the elevator; the only way to get up was through there.

"The key might be nearby, let's look for it. And you two, if you keep hitting me, get out! Now, help me out. If we find the key... wait, the bishop's message tells me to go back immediately. Why now?"

Just as they were preparing to move, Theresa ran to Shen Gonglin and Kiana and separated them before receiving this communication. Theresa was very confused. It was a crucial moment in the mission, so why would her grandfather call her back at this time? If she went back, Cecilia would be left alone. As for Shen Gonglin and Kiana ... Theresa didn't consider them useful at all. Maybe they both had combat abilities, but whenever they were together, nothing good ever came of it!

"Alright, since that's the case, you should hurry back. I'm sure His Holiness the Bishop has his own plans. Don't worry, I'm not alone here; there are two of them too."

Cecilia comforted the complaining Theresa, saying that despite the complaints, the bishop's orders still had to be obeyed, even for Theresa. Cecilia smiled at Theresa, knowing that Theresa was worried about her, but it was alright, after all, she wasn't fighting alone.

"It's because of those two that I'm even more worried about you... Shen Gonglin, and Kiana, you two must help Cecilia well, don't cause her any trouble, and protect her well. Also... and you must also protect yourselves."

There was no other way but to obey the bishop's orders. Theresa muttered under her breath as she looked up at the two unreliable people in front of her. She had fought alongside Kiana before, so she believed in Kiana's strength. As for Shen Gonglin, she had even fought against Herrscher and had not been defeated. So if the two of them didn't cause any problems, they would indeed be a great help to Cecilia. This made Theresa feel a little more at ease, at least Cecilia wouldn't be fighting alone.

"Don't worry! I will definitely protect Lady Cecilia!"

Kiana patted her chest and made a promise, while the ripples caused by her well-developed figure made Theresa's eyes twitch. What good luck! Theresa was actually called away, so it meant that only she and her mother were left here. As for Shen Gonglin, Kiana didn't even consider him. He was just a mascot, and it was better with him around. With him and her mother by her side, Kiana felt that she could do anything.

"Okay, then you all need to be careful."

With a soft sigh, Theresa turned and left decisively. The bishop's orders had to be obeyed, and with Shen Gonglin and Kiana here, there shouldn't be any major problems. Relieved, Theresa prepared to return, while Kiana waved at her with a sly smile. How lucky! The third wheel Theresa was gone, so this meant some alone time with her mother and Shen Gonglin.

"Alright, let's split up and start working separately. But don't stray too far from me. You two go together and look for the elevator key."

Theresa left, Cecilia assigned tasks to the group. Kiana smiled happily; things seemed to be going in the direction she hoped for. She grabbed Shen Gonglin and ran off to the other side, determined to help her mother this time so that her mother could praise her more.

"Hey, why am I paired with Kiana? I wanted to be paired with Cecilia."

With his wrist held, Shen Gonglin wasn't in a very good mood. If he could, he would really like to be in a group with Cecilia, since he really liked Shen Gonglin's type. As for Kiana, who was like a husky... well, he could like her occasionally.

"What? You think being with me is beneath you? Shen Gonglin, you'd better think this through before you speak. Every time we've been on a mission, haven't I been the one taking care of you? Now you're complaining about me? Let me tell you, this is... this is fickleness! In Mei's Book, you're a total scumbag!"

Kiana led Shen Gonglin into a prison cell to begin their search. Upon hearing Shen Gonglin's words, Kiana bared her teeth at him unhappily. What was wrong with being in a group with her? Why did he want to be in a group with her mother? She clearly wanted to be in a group with her, but she only reluctantly agreed to take care of Shen Gonglin. After all, the situation here was unclear, and who knew what would happen if Shen Gonglin was left to act alone? As everyone knew, Shen Gonglin was the epitome of unreliability. Even Kiana knew that she couldn't let him act alone. Without any other mechanisms, a fork in the road would be enough to kill Shen Gonglin.

"What scumbag? How am I a scumbag? And what about being fickle and tired of the old? If you don't know how to use idioms, don't talk nonsense. You make me want to complain... Speaking of which, Kiana, you also peeked at the books in Mei's room. Tsk tsk tsk, I really didn't expect that. Kiana, you are this kind of person. The world is going to the dogs."

Having successfully made Kiana blush, Shen Gonglin smiled smugly. Let her be arrogant, thinking she wouldn't dare bully her just because her mother was here? Dream on.

Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Promise

"I, I didn't... I saw it, laugh if you want."

Kiana was suddenly exposed for what she had done, and she instantly became shy and embarrassed. This kind of thing was supposed to be very private, and just thinking about how her face flushed and her heart raced back then made Kiana feel a little unbearable. Now, Shen Gonglin had even discovered that she had been peeping at her... Would he think she was some kind of shy girl now? Kiana felt dejected.

"Oh, well, there's nothing funny about it. It's perfectly normal for someone your age to have a boyfriend, let alone do something like this. It's perfectly normal, there's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Seeing Kiana like this, Shen Gonglin felt it was time to show his warm and caring side. He tiptoed and patted Kiana's head. Kiana was a young girl, Mei read this kind of book, so why couldn't she? It was perfectly normal. After all, he read it himself, so how could Shen Gonglin laugh at Kiana? It was normal, perfectly normal.

"Boyfriend or anything like that... I don't need that. As for Shen Gonglin... since you think it's normal... you meant the same thing just now, that you also secretly looked at it, right?"

Kiana muttered to herself, glancing up at Shen Gonglin. What did he mean by saying that? Was he implying something? Couldn't he just be more direct? Who could understand such subtle hints? It was really frustrating. Taking a deep breath, Kiana finally mustered the courage to meet Shen Gonglin's gaze. Since he thought it was normal, then she had nothing to be afraid of. If he had also been peeping, then she and he were accomplices.

"Well, but I wasn't peeking. I was openly admiring and appreciating Mei on Mei bed."

As always, Shen Gonglin was perfectly justified. How could someone as dignified as the eldest son of the Jingu family do something like peeping? Of course, peeping is a man's romance and doesn't count. He wasn't peeping at those books; he was appreciating them purely for enjoyment. Unlike Kiana, who blushed and felt her heart race while secretly reading, Shen Gonglin had a sophisticated aesthetic.

"...Sometimes I really envy people with your personality. Anyway, I don't care. Since you've seen it too, then we're the same. If you don't think it's weird...then let's watch it together when we get back. No refusing allowed!"

Kiana's lips twitched at Shen Gonglin's frankness. Sometimes she really admired this girl's personality. This was Shen Gonglin for you. Kiana's eyes darted around, and she couldn't figure out what she was thinking. In the end, she said something that shocked Shen Gonglin. After all, it was too exciting for a beautiful girl like her to invite her to appreciate forbidden books together.

"Huh? This isn't a good idea..."

Shen Gonglin feigned reluctance, but inwardly she was overjoyed. After all, Kiana was an absolute beauty, tall, long-legged, and with a great figure. Reading that kind of book with a girl like that... who knows, maybe something even more embarrassing would happen? Just thinking about it made it seem very likely. Shen Gonglin subtly glanced at Kiana. She had to admit, while Kiana might have some issues with her brain, as for other parts of Kiana... Shen Gonglin was still somewhat capable of getting aroused.

But he'd always considered Kiana a brother. Could he really do something like this...? Could Shen Gonglin really bring himself to sleep with his own brother? This question weighed heavily on Shen Gonglin's mind. But just because he couldn't do it didn't mean Kiana couldn't. Just think, if Kiana got into the mood, with his light and easily pushed-over body, and Kiana's strength, if she forced herself on him, he definitely wouldn't be able to handle it.

I'm getting more and more excited, can I fast forward a bit?

"There's nothing wrong with it. If you don't watch it with me, it means you lied to me before. You just say it's normal, but you actually despise me in your heart. Shen Gonglin, you decide what to do!"

Kiana crossed her arms and snorted coldly. She was going to force Shen Gonglin like this. If he thought it was normal for him to be like this, then he should say nothing and watch with her. Kiana would only feel at ease after he really became an accomplice. That way, they would both have something on each other. Otherwise, Kiana always felt insecure in front of Shen Gonglin. This was the only way.

"Ah... Since you've put it that way, it would be a bit awkward if I still disagreed. Okay, I agree, but Kiana... let's not tell anyone else about this. Let's just keep it between the two of us. You understand, after all, it's not easy to say something like this."

Shen Gonglin reluctantly agreed to Kiana's request, but he added a condition. After all, it's easy to talk about deceiving idiots, but it doesn't sound good. If others knew, they would definitely say that he was deceiving mentally challenged. Shen Gonglin still had his pride.

"Do you think I'm stupid? Of course, this kind of thing can't be known by others. If Mei or Auntie finds out, I'll have to drag you into the river with me. I haven't told you yet, so you have to keep it a secret. You can't tell the Class President or Bronya either. If you dare to tell, I'll still drag you into the river with me."

She threatened Shen Gonglin like a fierce but adorable kitten. Did she really need to say that? Wasn't it obvious? She just wanted Shen Gonglin to become her accomplice, not to commit suicide. This was a secret between her and Shen Gonglin, the kind of secret that absolutely couldn't be known by a second person. Even if Shen Gonglin didn't tell her, Kiana would warn Shen Gonglin. This guy was so close to Bronya and the Class President; she was afraid he would be exposed.

"Sure, sure, let's pinky swear. This is something only the two of us know about. If either of us is exposed... we'll jump off a plane from 10,000 meters in the air."

Shen Gonglin extended his finger. The fact that he could make such a vow meant he was serious. Although Kiana was his good brother, that didn't stop him from lusting after her. Shen Gonglin was a normal boy, living in an all-girls school like St. Freya all day long. Those who know, know.

"Wow, I didn't expect you, Shen Gonglin, to make such a solemn vow. I can see your sincerity. If you really break your vow, then I'll jump off a plane from ten thousand meters in the air. Pinky promise, one hundred years, no change."

Kiana truly believed Shen Gonglin this time. The fact that he would say such a thing given his fear of heights proved everything. The girl reached out her small hand and took Shen Gonglin. Thus, the vow was made.

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Role Playing

Two delicate white hands clasped together, thumbs touching. Shen Gonglin and Kiana exchanged a smile, realizing they now shared a secret. Unlike simple secrets about sneaking together in the middle of the night, this shared secret made Shen Gonglin and Kiana very happy, especially Kiana, who couldn't stop smiling. It was true, she and Shen Gonglin got along very well.

"Shen Gonglin Mei, which of Mei's books do you like the most? Tell me about it."

Kiana nudged Shen Gonglin with her elbow, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Indeed, doing a hundred good deeds together couldn't compare to doing one bad one. Having already agreed to do something naughty with Shen Gonglin, Kiana couldn't resist discussing it with Shen Gonglin. She rarely had the chance to talk about this with anyone, not even Mei. But now that she'd made a promise with Shen Gonglin, Kiana wasn't afraid. Actually, the girl really wanted to confide in someone.

"Ah, if I had to pick a favorite, I'd say the chapter where the male lead pins the female lead down on the bed and does something naughty, the one where the female lead is shy after the confession and the male lead steps in to help her."