But right now, in the young master's room, she wasn't the only one there.
And…
Dugu Bo's face changed, but in the end, he swallowed his words. Forget it, you'd better see for yourself.
"You've worked hard, Elder Dugu."
Bibi Dong nodded to him and vanished from the rooftop of the hotel.
When she reappeared, she was already on the ninth floor.
Yet the moment she stepped onto the corridor, she froze, her heart filled with complicated feelings. Nine years… If I owe anyone the most, it's Xiaoxue.
Because of Qian Xunji, all these years, she hadn't known how to face Qian Renxue.
She had never even gone to Heaven Dou to see her—not once.
Not because she didn't want to.
But because she couldn't.
Now, after freeing herself from the will of the Rakshasa God, her emotions had become more delicate. These past few days, she had secretly watched Qian Renxue from the shadows, yet never dared to get close.
Tonight, she had summoned all her courage—coming to the Spirit Hall Hotel, determined to see her.
Even if they didn't speak, she wanted to look at her up close.
Finally, Bibi Dong took a deep breath and arrived before Qian Renxue's room. She gently knocked.
Inside the room—
Su Linfeng: "?!!"
Who?! Who would come knocking in the middle of the night at the Heaven Dou Empire crown prince's room? It can't be Dugu Bo—he wouldn't dare. Damn! We were so close just now!
Qian Renxue, who had been letting Su Linfeng act as he pleased, was already breathing heavily. Her heart pounded wildly—thump, thump, thump—the sudden knock almost scared her soul out of her body.
She grabbed Su Linfeng's hands tightly.
Someone's here!
Forcing herself to be calm, she instantly resumed her male voice. Staring nervously at the door, she barked: "Who's there!"
That sharp tone startled Bibi Dong outside.
But she steadied herself and replied, "It's me. May I come in?"
Bibi Dong? Elder Sister?
In that instant, both Su Linfeng and Qian Renxue turned pale as if their souls had fled.
Su Linfeng's heart lurched. Why is she here?! If we're caught like this, it'll be beyond awkward.
"Don't open the door! I'm not convenient right now!" Qian Renxue snapped.
Bibi Dong: "?!"
Why the hostility? Does she still resent me so deeply? Otherwise, why this attitude? But since she had come this far, she wouldn't give up.
Bibi Dong adjusted her tone. "What is it? Do you not want to see me, or is there someone inside?"
"N-no one!"
Qian Renxue's voice trembled slightly. "I've already gone to bed. Wait outside!"
Ah… so that's it!
Already asleep? What's there to be shy about? We're both women…
Bibi Dong sighed helplessly. Still, she turned away, reminding softly, "Alright, tidy yourself first and then come out. I'll wait in West City."
With that—
She moved toward the corridor window.
Leaving by the door was impossible. After all, she had come in secret—no one could know. Just like Su Linfeng, ignoring doors in favor of windows.
Hearing her mother leave, Qian Renxue pressed both hands to her face.
Heavens!
What did I just say? I actually agreed to meet her. This is all Su Linfeng's fault!
Su Linfeng: "Big Sis?"
"You little brat, enough already!"
Her face crimson, Qian Renxue pushed Su Linfeng away. "Go back to your own room. I—I need to go out."
"Can't we wait a little longer?"
Su Linfeng muttered, "But I haven't even—"
"Haven't what?!"
Her voice was shy yet angry. She didn't dare meet his eyes, murmuring, "Do you really want to make a mistake? I'm your sister. I shouldn't have spoiled you earlier."
As she spoke—
Her head spirit bone glowed faintly.
She resumed the form of Xue Qinghe.
Su Linfeng had no choice but to rise reluctantly. So close… She would've completely been mine.
But he didn't dare linger until Qian Renxue returned.
Bibi Dong was here tonight. Surely not only to see Qian Renxue, there was also the matter of his not eliminating Elephant Armored Academy as she had instructed. She'd definitely come for answers. Hopefully, she hadn't gone looking for him yet.
Thinking this, Su Linfeng quickly straightened his clothes, then slipped out the window the way he came.
—
Spirit Hall, West City.
Bibi Dong stood still, gazing at the round moon above, her heart a storm of emotions.
"Hey!"
A voice called behind her.
Qian Renxue had arrived, face slightly flushed with embarrassment.
"Ah—"
Bibi Dong trembled, turning her head toward her. The atmosphere instantly became awkward.
Qian Renxue's cheeks were still tinged red, her body weak, but she forced herself to say: "You came just to see me, right? Then you'd better not say anything else."
"O-oh, of course, I didn't plan to say much…"
Bibi Dong fumbled slightly, but still asked, "That… Su Linfeng is also on the Spirit Hall Academy team. Did you recognize him?"
Qian Renxue: "…"
Recognize him? More than that.
That brat… My legs are still trembling!
—
Behind the hotel.
Su Linfeng glanced up at Qian Renxue's room, stretching his sore body.
Seems Big Sis really does care about me. What sister would indulge her younger brother like this?
The only regret was that her stay in Spirit City was too short. After the finals tomorrow, she'd be returning to Heaven Dou the day after.
I really can't bear it.
He sighed bitterly and slipped back into the hotel.
Originally, he planned to wait in his room. After meeting with Qian Renxue, Bibi Dong would surely come find him.
"Ahh—!"
Thud!
A soft cry.
Just as he rounded the corner to his room, he bumped into someone pacing back and forth—Hu Liena.
"Nana? Why are you here?" Su Linfeng was startled, thinking he'd run into Bibi Dong.
"Ah, Brother Su, you went out?"
Hu Liena's pretty face turned red. She looked shy. "I… I thought you were resting, so I didn't disturb you."
"Ah… I just went out for something." Su Linfeng forced a guilty smile. "How long have you been here? Did you need me?"
"A little while…"
Her face grew redder. Stammering, she asked, "Um, Brother Su, can I ask you something?"
"Hm?"
Su Linfeng frowned in confusion, staring at her.
Why's she so nervous? Touching her cloak this way and that…
Hu Liena's eyes flickered hesitantly. Her cheeks burned as she whispered, "Zhang Ping said… If a girl really likes someone, she has to do things only the two of them can do. Adult things. Brother Su, do you know what that means?"
Su Linfeng: "…"
Completely stunned!
Hu Liena, you're not just a lovesick fool—you're brainless too? How can you ask this out loud?!
Didn't Bibi Dong teach her?
Of course not.
Su Linfeng grimaced. Bibi Dong just gave me "the talk." Hu Liena's an orphan—who would teach her about adolescence?
"Uh… Nana!"
Su Linfeng's own face flushed red. Awkwardly, he stammered, W-what are you saying just now…?