Who is being conquered?

"That's right, that's right. Your words are naturally understood and kept in mind."

"Hehehe, then I can rest assured. I was originally worried you'd do something foolish like have your sister read books at Sanyou Bookstore, but clearly, you're not that kind of idiot, are you?"

A bead of cold sweat trickled down Bai Jun's forehead. He felt a sense of powerlessness, as if his innermost thoughts had been exposed. He subconsciously glanced around, and only after confirming Cold Crow wasn't nearby did his suspended heart slowly relax.

"What's wrong?"

Xue Yi, who had noticed Bai Jun's odd behavior, closed the manga she was reading and asked.

"It's nothing... What do you want to eat?"

Bai Jun had intended to quickly change the subject, but the moment the words left his mouth, he wanted to slap himself. He knew perfectly well that a puppet's body couldn't eat like a normal person, yet he still managed to hit a nerve.

However, Xue Yi's answer was somewhat unexpected. She nodded and replied, "I'm fine with anything."

"Can a puppet's mechanical body eat normal food?"

This was the first time Bai Jun had heard of such a thing. Amidst his shock, he confirmed again, just in case Xue Yi was just pretending.

"It's no trouble. The Crafting Department's mechanical bodies have many types of energy supply methods, and normal food is among them. It's just that the replenishment efficiency is too low, and the five senses of a puppet's body are generally very weak, making it difficult to taste even food. So, it's usually not necessary to use it."

Xue Yi stood up and extended her hand to Bai Jun, who was sitting on the bench. "But your words reminded me. It has indeed been a long time since I last ate normal human food. If possible, I would like to taste the flavors of my memories with you again."

"Of course."

Bai Jun took her hand. Although it was a little cold, he could still feel a slight warmth from the mechanism.

When it comes to the delicacies of Changle Heaven, Jiren Alley's fame is undeniable. Xue Yi had been here before, but only as part of her daily work as a judge for the Ten Lords Bureau. Therefore, her impression of Jiren Alley was limited to it being a crowded and noisy place, inconvenient for carrying out official duties.

Now, with a brief return to life, she had been granted the status of freedom. Upon returning here, she watched the hurried pedestrians, the serene and content smiles on their faces, the loudly hawking vendors, and the steaming stoves. She felt a hint of the human world's vibrancy.

But the more it was like this, the more she felt out of place. After all, she was a sinner burdened with grave transgressions, whose karma was too heavy to atone for even in three lifetimes.

Moreover, what right did a puppet, devoid of warmth and life signs, have to enjoy the same treatment as normal people... Even happiness was not something she should expect.

"It's lively here at night, isn't it?"

Bai Jun led her to a small stall and asked the vendor for two ice creams. He turned to look at the dazed Xue Yi, thinking she was unaccustomed to the noise.

"It is indeed lively. I..."

"Try this first, it's delicious."

Knowing that Xue Yi's sense of taste was weak, Bai Jun handed her a cone with three scoops of ice cream, while he ate a cone with a single, less sweet scoop. However, even after just one bite, he found the sweetness to be overwhelmingly strong.

Xue Yi held the cone motionlessly and took a bite, just as Bai Jun had. However, she overlooked that Bai Jun's cone had only a very small scoop of ice cream, while hers had three large scoops.

So, after the first bite, her face was inevitably smeared with ice cream, though fortunately, her clothes remained clean.

"Eat slowly. This won't melt that quickly."

Seeing her dazed and cute expression, Bai Jun couldn't help but recall the scene of taking care of a certain girl in the past. He subconsciously reached out to wipe the ice cream from the corner of her mouth and naturally brought it to his own lips.

Xue Yi froze in place, her eyes wide, so much so that she forgot to swallow the ice cream in her mouth.

"Is it good?" Bai Jun asked, puzzled.

"It's good." Xue Yi slowly lowered her head and slowly swallowed the ice cream in her mouth. Although the sweetness was almost cloying for Bai Jun, the mechanical body of the puppet still couldn't taste much. But no matter what, she could feel a sweetness that seeped into her heart. She took another bite and mumbled, "I, I like it very much."

"I'm glad you like it... Be careful, why did you get it on your face again?"

--- Meanwhile, on the other side, Cold Crow was in a state of chaos.

Hidden in the shadows, she was as shocked as if struck by lightning, finding the intimate interaction between the two unbelievable.

An indescribable emotion washed over the stunned Cold Crow.

If she had to describe it, it was like the aloof cat she had raised herself was now showing affection to someone else so easily, bringing about a sense of loneliness.

Was this still the same straightforward Bai Jun? And her sister's smile... why did it look so happy?

Even though everything was developing for the better, her heart felt as if it had plunged into an ice cave.

ps: Chapter 56 has been optimized. Those who have already read it can click to refresh the chapter and read it again.

Also, check out my new book, "I Became the Nightmare of the Tsundere Girl in Mygo."

I'm an old author, so feel free to check it out if you're interested.

Chapter 58: Each Hesitating (4.5k)

"It's still too sweet. Even this much is a bit unbearable..."

After finishing the ice cream with Xue Yi, Bai Jun leaned against the wall, covering his mouth with a pained expression. While it wasn't enough to make him vomit, the overwhelmingly sweet taste made him feel a bit physically uncomfortable.

"Are you alright? Don't push yourself next time. Just leave it to me."

Xue Yi stepped forward and gently patted his back, reminding him with concern.

"You have the nerve to say that..."

Bai Jun looked resentfully at Xue Yi, the culprit – or more accurately, at the ice cream smeared on her face.

He reached out and wiped the ice cream from Xue Yi's face again. This time, however, he didn't eat it himself. Instead, he offered his finger to her, saying, "If I hadn't been constantly cleaning ice cream off your face, I wouldn't be in this state."

"My apologies. It has been too long since I last consumed food, and I am somewhat unfamiliar with the process of eating."

Xue Yi gathered the strands of hair from her forehead, then cupped Bai Jun's hand. She then lowered her head slightly and took his finger into her mouth.

"W-what are you doing!?"

The soft sensation on his finger startled Bai Jun, and he hastily withdrew it from the girl's mouth.

However, the beautiful girl in front of him remained expressionless. She merely darted her eyes away and wiped a lingering strand of saliva from the corner of her mouth. "Didn't you say it was too sweet? The law states that food cannot be wasted, so I had to deal with it myself."

"You, you... Sigh, forget it. Don't do that next time."

Finally, faced with Xue Yi's cool, unreadable expression, Bai Jun reluctantly conceded. Knowing it might have been an unintentional act, he simply waved his hand and turned away, looking towards the bustling street.

"Is there anything you'd like to do?"

"I don't know. I haven't considered it."

"Uh, then what did Cold Crow usually take you to do on your Return to Life days?"

Bai Jun was taken aback by Xue Yi's crisp and direct answer. He rested his finger against his chin, pondered for a moment, and then asked.

"My little sister? Don't let her gloomy demeanor fool you. She takes me around everywhere. Sometimes we go to the market, sometimes we read novels, or we watch illusion plays... She says these were my many hobbies from before I died."

Mentioning Cold Crow seemed to soften Xue Yi's expression. She said softly, "Although my emotions have long since faded, as long as my little sister is with me, I am happy wherever I go."

"Is that so... In that case, shall I take you to try some other snacks? You should try sweet flavors, and other flavors too. That's what it means to be well-rounded."

Uttering a phrase of unclear meaning, Bai Jun took her wrist and led her through the crowd.

Xue Yi didn't understand the "meow," but she knew it was fine to follow Bai Jun.

Amidst the clamor of diners, Bai Jun led Xue Yi to a familiar food stall. Each table was set with a script for storytelling and crosstalk. Blue humanoid phantoms on them chatted about ancient and modern times, occasionally drawing the attention of diners who would glance up at them when the story reached its most exciting part.

Bai Jun spotted the busy figures at a dining table and called out, "Two guests."

"Ah, welcome, welcome! Just pick a seat you like, and call me when you've ordered."

Aunt Gao, who was clearing plates from a table, responded without turning her head. She then quickly realized the familiarity of the voice and immediately turned around in surprise, spotting Bai Jun at a glance. "Oh my, isn't that A-Bai? A rare visitor! Bringing the Dragon Lady here to eat again?"

However, her expectant gaze swept around Bai Jun, failing to find the adorable Bailu. Instead, she saw a black-haired beauty with exquisite features and a remarkable aura.

As if struck by a thought, Aunt Gao's face lit up with a teasing expression, adopting the air of someone who knew better. She jested, "Oh, oh, oh~ A-Bai, you've finally opened your eyes! You know to bring your girlfriend out shopping now."

Upon hearing Aunt Gao's words, Xue Yi made no move to explain. Instead, she lowered her head slightly and edged closer behind Bai Jun. This cute reaction seemed to confirm Aunt Gao's speculation, making her expression even more delighted.

"What are you talking about? We're not like that," Bai Jun denied Aunt Gao's guess, his face darkening.

"A-Bai, you don't have to be shy with Auntie. It's not a bad thing. You're a well-known handsome young man in this area of Changle Heaven. Because we know each other, many wealthy families have come to me wanting to build connections with you."

"?"

Before Bai Jun could speak, Xue Yi tugged at his sleeve.

"Ah, is this youth? It's truly enviable..." Watching the girl assert her claim over the young man, Aunt Gao felt her own youth returning, almost letting out a mischievous chuckle.

"Let's go, Xue Yi. Let's eat somewhere else."

"Hey, hey, hey! Don't go, don't go! Auntie won't joke anymore!"

Seeing Bai Jun actually pulling Xue Yi away, Aunt Gao quickly called out to stop them. Her original intention was just to tease Bai Jun, and going too far would be problematic.

Fortunately, Bai Jun wasn't angry. After hearing Aunt Gao's assurance, he led Xue Yi to a clean table, picked up the menu, and ordered three dishes: Hakka Stuffed Bitter Melon, Dry Pot Spicy Stir-fried Lotus Root Slices, and a bowl of Hot and Sour Soup, perfectly encompassing the flavors of bitter, spicy, and sour.

While Aunt Gao went to the kitchen, Bai Jun suddenly took Xue Yi's arm, felt her wrist, and measured her forearm. Amidst her slightly stiff expression, he asked, "Speaking of which, do you have any requirements for armguards? For example, in terms of material, do you prefer lightweight or heavy?"

"Armguards?"

Seeing her blank, dazed look, Bai Jun nodded in confusion and let go of her hand. "Yeah, didn't I promise to craft a suitable pair of armguards for you a couple of days ago? Did you forget about it?"

"Indeed, I did. My apologies, I had forgotten..."

"It's fine, as long as I remember. The equipment the Crafting Department provided you is barely usable, except for that staff. Their defensive capabilities are practically mud. Moreover, your fighting style doesn't require secondary weapons like shields or armor. Armguards are essentially your only means of defense when you take damage. Getting a better quality pair could save your life at a critical moment."

As Bai Jun spoke, he took out the seal-engraving brush he carried with him, intending to find a piece of paper to record Xue Yi's forearm and wrist measurements. Unfortunately, he couldn't find any. In the end, he had no choice but to use the small notebook Cold Crow had given him as a temporary substitute.

He casually flipped open a page, but the content made his expression stiffen.

[Today I brushed Huo Huo's fox ears. They're super soft, I love them. Too bad I can't brush her tail.]

[Huo Huo's fox ears are so soft. I must take the opportunity to pet them again when I can.]

Not daring to read further, Bai Jun abruptly closed the notebook, his expression one of solemn reverence.

Dude, what are you writing in this notebook? Is this meant for outsiders to see?

Bai Jun's mind suddenly flashed back to Yelena's strange behavior that morning. She had just finished reading this notebook... Could it be!?

Recalling Yelena's expression at the time, and what he had said, Bai Jun's face gradually turned pale. It was a sense of powerless despair.

"What's wrong? Why did your face suddenly turn so pale?" Hearing Bai Jun's voice trail off beside her, Xue Yi noticed his abnormality and tenderly poked his cheek.

"It's nothing... Ah, the food is here."

Bai Jun covered his face, not wanting to speak. Just then, Aunt Gao arrived with the dishes. He put away the notebook and handed Xue Yi a pair of chopsticks.

But after tasting the three dishes on the table, he prepared to ask Xue Yi how they tasted, only to find her gripping the chopsticks with very clumsy movements, her exquisite face etched with confusion. "I remember... it should be used like this..."

Perhaps it had been too long since she last ate normally; her memory of using chopsticks had long since faded. Now, the sensation of holding them felt even more foreign than tasting anything.

"Don't force yourself. Let me feed you, ah—" Seeing this, Bai Jun took her chopsticks, picked up a slice of lotus root, and brought it to her mouth.

Xue Yi froze for a moment, then, urged on by Bai Jun, opened her mouth and ate it.

"It's delicious, right?"

"It's, it's delicious..." Xue Yi nodded slightly at Bai Jun's question.

"As long as it's delicious, come on, open your mouth again, ah—"

Unbeknownst to them, Aunt Gao, standing nearby, witnessed it all. She sighed at the beauty of youth, unable to suppress the smile on her lips.

With Bai Jun's feeding, all the dishes on the table were quickly devoured. Due to the unique energy consumption mechanism of her mechanical body, Xue Yi's condition after eating was no different from before. The only change was a bit of soup on her lips. Bai Jun handed her a tissue, gesturing for her to wipe it herself, then got up to pay Aunt Gao.

"Oh, no need for money! And I haven't settled the score with you for secretly slipping me money last time you brought the Dragon Lady here to eat!"

"I know, I know, so I won't pay."

Aunt Gao raised her eyebrows, pushed back the money Bai Jun offered, and declared that if he dared to slip her money again, she'd put him on the blacklist. Seeing this, Bai Jun obediently put his wallet away and surrendered with his hands up.

As they were leaving, Aunt Gao suddenly pulled Xue Yi aside. When she returned, she had a bunch of fragrant, verdant white flowers in her hand.

"Goodbye! Come visit often when you have time~ Also, Ah Bai, you need to be careful tonight," Aunt Gao said, waving a handkerchief as she cheerfully bid them farewell.

"Stop talking nonsense..." Bai Jun looked helplessly at Aunt Gao, who was full of teasing, feeling like he was hitting cotton—light and ineffective.

Xue Yi looked down at the white flowers, a gentle smile appearing on her face. She waved back, bidding Aunt Gao farewell, "Goodbye, Auntie. We'll be back."

This rare gesture surprised Bai Jun so much that he momentarily overlooked Aunt Gao, who was even more animatedly shouting for them to get married from a distance.

The "Return to Life" granted by the Ten Lords Bureau only lasted for half a day. After finishing their meal, it was almost time for Xue Yi to return.

"Thank you, I had a really happy day today..." After leaving Jiren Alley, Xue Yi, who was walking ahead, stopped and suddenly said.

"As long as you're happy, that's all that matters. It's a rare day off, you should naturally relax," Bai Jun replied casually.