Muning sat quietly beside them. Xiangyi also felt the atmosphere was awkward, and instinctively tried to protect her friend Muning.
Zhang Mou wasn't paying any attention to the three of them. She tentatively asked about what the two of them had done in the villa yesterday.
"We just cooked a meal and watched a movie. If you don't believe me, Auntie, you can check the footage." Xiangyi's tone was still stiff, revealing a temperament and manner of speaking completely different from her other identity, Hua Linglong.
Zhang Mou naturally felt somewhat at odds with Xiangyi, but remembering what mattered, she didn't take issue with Xiangyi's sharp tone.
"Got it. Keep tidying up. Shuxuan, let's go to the room. It's too hot here." Hearing that the two hadn't encountered anything supernatural, Zhang Mou was even more puzzled and decided to investigate for herself.
Shuxuan hesitated, then turned to Xiangyi. "You're both tired, too. Why don't we have some drinks and chat? This is my first time meeting Muning, and there's so much I'd like to talk about."
As she spoke, Shuxuan straightened her back, naturally feeling a competitive spirit. Muning wasn't about to back down either. "Sure. I'd like to have a good chat with you, Sister Shuxuan."
For a moment, the two of them seemed to be in some kind of love-triangle standoff. Unfortunately, it was just a pointless rivalry between them. Xiangyi looked helpless. She'd thought Zhang Mou would refuse, but not only did she agree, she even prepared drinks for them herself. Apparently, her fear of ghosts and the like far outweighed her pride.
But as they drank, neither adult was really paying attention, and Muning was even less interested in staying.
For one thing, Muning knew Xiangyi's relationship with Zhang Mou was strained. For another, Muning wasn't particularly outgoing. Unless she was around people she knew well, she tended to be quiet.
Xiangyi didn't want to stir up trouble with all three Flower Fairies present, either. She downed her drink in one go, quickly made an excuse, and left with Muning to keep tidying up the little wooden house.
Another hour passed before the butler, Little Grass, showed up and called them to dinner. Muning wanted to refuse even more, but accepted for Xiangyi's sake.
Fortunately, the cleanup was basically finished after dinner. Aside from the books, there was so little stuff that they didn't even need a car to carry it away.
Seeing everything was done, Shuxuan eagerly offered to drive Xiangyi and Muning home.
Xiangyi had also finished everything she needed to do at the Qin family's home. She reminded the butler, Little Grass, to delete the footage of her and Muning sitting in the empty lot the previous night. Only after making sure there was nothing left to worry about did she get into the car.
On the way, Muning said nothing, just lowered her head and chatted with Xiangyi on WeChat.
WeChat — Muning: She really seems to hate me.
WeChat — Xiangyi: You didn't see your own expression. You seemed to hate her, too.
WeChat — Muning: Was it that obvious?
WeChat — Xiangyi: I thought you were doing it on purpose. Turns out you weren't even aware of it.
WeChat — Muning: What should I do? Could this cause trouble for you? I really do hate her, though I don't know why.
WeChat — Xiangyi: It's fine. You won't have another chance to meet her anyway.
WeChat — Muning: ???
Muning looked at Xiangyi in confusion, as if she couldn't understand what Xiangyi meant.
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Xiangyi thought it over and decided to tell Muning the truth, so things wouldn't get awkward if they ran into each other in Heaven City.
WeChat — Xiangyi: Do you know why I was packing?
WeChat — Muning: I know. You're moving in with Shuxuan long-term.
WeChat — Xiangyi: No. I was packing because I'm moving, but not into Shuxuan's home.
WeChat — Muning: Then where?
WeChat — Xiangyi: I'm a Chosen One now, so naturally I'll be going to Heaven City.
As she said this, Xiangyi sent a blushing emoji.
She knew this would be the best news Muning had received in a long time. She thought Muning would burst into tears of joy again, but instead Muning suddenly smacked her hard.
Muning's face flushed red, as if she thought Xiangyi was a liar who had taken advantage of her and was now doubling down on being shameless.
Shuxuan, who was driving in front, jumped at the sudden movement. But when she saw there was no further interaction in the back, she simply continued driving.
WeChat — Muning: You big liar!
Muning sent an angry emoji, unable to control her emotions. Her face grew redder and redder, as if she'd remembered all the embarrassing things she'd done the previous night.
Because she'd cared so much, she'd overlooked a lot of details. Looking back now, Muning even suspected Xiangyi had deliberately groped her.
WeChat — Xiangyi: Don't be mad. I was going to tell you last night, but you spoke first.
Xiangyi sent a kneeling, begging-for-forgiveness emoji, pleading for Muning to calm down.
WeChat — Muning: Forget it. At least this is better than really having to part ways. So does this mean we can see each other every day from now on?
WeChat — Xiangyi: I don't know yet. That's why I didn't dare tell you. I was afraid the higher your hopes, the greater the disappointment.
WeChat — Muning: It's fine. As long as we can see each other often, that's enough.
Muning's eyes grew damp with excitement, but with Shuxuan there, she quietly reached out and laced her fingers through Xiangyi's. Xiangyi was warmed by the girl's gesture and didn't resist.
Or perhaps Xiangyi had her own selfish reasons. She wanted to stay in touch with Muning.
This world was indeed false, but Xiangyi still needed an emotional connection to something real. She could get angry and sad, and she needed support. Muning, who represented healing, clearly fit the bill.
"Okay, we're here."
Shuxuan's voice suddenly broke into that moment. Muning jumped, pulled her hand away, and looked out the window. Once she confirmed they were near her home, she thanked Shuxuan and hurried out.
She ran quickly, her steps full of joy, as if the world had brightened again. Xiangyi watched her go with a smile, but when she turned around, she saw Shuxuan staring at her sternly, looking ready to give her a serious talking-to.
Xiangyi immediately sat up straight, pretending to reflect very seriously. Shuxuan was about to say something when a horn sounded behind them. She could only say, "I'll deal with you when we get home!"
This time, Shuxuan didn't hide her feelings. Her emotional intelligence was exactly why she wouldn't embarrass Xiangyi in front of Zhang Mou or Muning. But it was also because of that emotional intelligence that she realized Xiangyi had changed.
Xiangyi seemed to be heading in a direction Shuxuan couldn't predict, and it left her extremely unsettled. So, during the drive home, Shuxuan didn't say another word.
Xiangyi continued sitting ramrod straight as she called out to Hua Nu and the others.
Hua Nu: Flower Master, I'm busy.
Xiangyi: What about Shaoyao?
Shaoyao: Master, I'm busy too.
Xiangyi felt speechless. According to the Flower God Ring, only a few days had passed, but the Flower People had suddenly spent a long time inside it.
As for Oleander, she'd only just been born and was the size of a palm. Judging by her temperament, she wasn't suited to getting involved in trouble with Xiangyi, either.
Still, Xiangyi couldn't give up. She thought that with the appearance of a Top-tier Flower Person, the Flower God Huangquan might also be able to leave the Flower God Ring.
After thinking it over, she called out Huangquan's name.
Xiangyi: Huangquan, can you come out now?
She looked around for a long time, but didn't see Huangquan anywhere. Huangquan didn't seem to have any intention of responding, either. Xiangyi decided she'd need to have a serious talk with her soon.
Xiangyi: Huangquan?
Hua Nu: Flower Master, stop calling. If Lady Huangquan comes out now, the world will descend into chaos.
Xiangyi: ???
Xiangyi was even more confused. Hua Nu had suddenly gone silent, as if the Flower God Ring's space had lost its signal.
If the circumstances hadn't made it impossible, Xiangyi would have gone to see what was happening inside the Flower God Ring right away.
She did her best to control her curiosity, but after returning to Shuxuan's home, she felt there was no way she'd find time to enter the Flower God Ring today.
Not only was Shuxuan off today, she was keeping a very close eye on Xiangyi.
"This is the second time. I still haven't settled things with you over the hotel, and now you've actually chosen to lie to me? Give me a reasonable explanation, Xiangyi, or I really won't be able to keep covering for you!" Shuxuan looked serious, frustrated that Xiangyi wouldn't listen.
Xiangyi immediately gave her first explanation. "Because you seemed to dislike Muning before, I instinctively hid it from you."
Shuxuan analyzed her answer. "That explanation makes sense, but the logic doesn't hold up. I know you need help, and I wouldn't get angry with you over something this trivial. And yet you slept with Muning and still lied, saying she wasn't there. You made me think the place was haunted, and I spent the whole night worrying and unable to sleep!"
Shuxuan's voice was full of resentment. She could hardly believe Xiangyi had chosen to lie to her.
What she couldn't understand most of all was Xiangyi's reason for lying. It was as if she were still hiding something else.
"No, it really is just that simple. Sister Shuxuan, I'm not going to do anything bad with Muning." Xiangyi answered helplessly, glad she'd asked the butler, Little Grass, to delete the video before leaving, so no one would discover the footage of them embracing.
Not only would Zhang Mou find out that she was Hua Linglong, but Shuxuan would also discover the intimacy between them and misunderstand Xiangyi even more.
Most importantly, Shuxuan was also a Flower Fairy, and Xiangyi's goal was to obtain her flower seed. So she absolutely couldn't let any misunderstandings arise before she got two one-minute kisses from Shuxuan.
In the end, Shuxuan sighed. "All right. I'll believe you for now... But you should know that you're going to Heaven City soon. Whatever relationship you two had before, there won't be any future between you."
As she said this, Shuxuan realized she might have gone too far, so she added, "The world in Heaven City isn't as simple as you imagine. I asked a friend, and she's having a really hard time there."
Xiangyi knew better than anyone that Heaven City was full of dangers—a real-life version of eight million ways to die. That was why she was pushing herself so hard. It was only natural that Shuxuan didn't understand her methods, though.
"I know, Sister Shuxuan. I was just saying goodbye to Muning." Xiangyi continued reassuring her, and Shuxuan finally stopped asking questions. Seeing that it was already past seven, they ate dinner together.
Life returned to its usual routine, but the time to leave for Heaven City was drawing ever closer. That night, Shuxuan didn't sleep. Instead, she stayed up watching documentaries.
She made Xiangyi watch them with her. They were about the history of the Chosen Ones and the culture of Heaven City. Shuxuan also told her about all the places she mustn't go, as if she'd done a great deal of research.
Xiangyi listened carefully to all the things she'd soon need to know, grateful that she'd met nothing but good people since arriving in this world.
Another day passed like that. Just when Xiangyi thought it would be peaceful, she received another WeChat message from Zhang Mou, asking when they could meet.
WeChat — Xiangyi: ???
WeChat — Zhang Mou: I'm going to Heaven City this Monday. Tomorrow is your last chance.
Zhang Mou was candid about what she wanted. Since Xiangyi's future accommodations hadn't been settled, she'd have to stay there for a while longer, too.
WeChat — Zhang Mou: So, what do you think? Will you meet me or not?
Zhang Mou was assertive, and completely confident she could keep Xiangyi under her control.
Xiangyi studied the message. Beside her, Shuxuan thought it was from Muning again, so she gave a slight cough to remind Xiangyi to pay attention to the TV.
"It's a message from Auntie." Xiangyi quickly silenced Shuxuan with a single sentence. Besides, she really was chatting with Zhang Mou.
She was simply using another WeChat account to talk with Zhang Mou about things completely unrelated to their identities.
Xiangyi thought of the Top-tier Flower Person she'd created, Oleander. She still didn't know what use she'd be, but her appearance alone suggested she was an attacker. That would bring the Flower People she had now into a three-person team.
Though Zhang Mou had only evolved into a Flower Fairy later on, Xiangyi felt that such a special being would surely produce an even better Flower Person. Xiangyi was torn, but all she could do right now was kiss, hug, and lift her up high.
Anything beyond that was unnecessary, and she wasn't in the mood for it anyway.
Xiangyi wrestled with herself, but in the end, the temptation of another Flower Person won out. She sent an OK emoji, and Zhang Mou sent her a location. Xiangyi tapped it open and saw that the address was Zhang Mou's home.
WeChat — Xiangyi: Do you often bring people home?
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