The Witch in Armor
"Sure!"
"I know this request is a bit excessive… but if it's really not possible, I can pay…"
Sonya stopped mid-sentence, realizing with shock that Wanda had actually agreed. She had only asked half in desperation, thinking the request unreasonable. After all, she'd been informed a month ago that the villa's owners were returning, and she had more than enough time to find another place.
But fate had interfered — the landlord of the house she had arranged to move into changed his mind at the last moment. Left without options, she had asked anyway.
"What! You mean… you agreed?"
Wanda smiled and nodded.
"Of course. And not just for a few days — you can stay here as long as you like. My husband won't be living here most of the time. I'll be alone in this villa, so I'd prefer it if you stayed."
Relief and gratitude flooded Sonya's face.
"Thank you! But… shouldn't you ask your husband first? I don't want to cause conflict between you two."
"Don't worry, he won't object."
Still, Wanda went upstairs and told Xu Mo.
"Of course I have no objection," Xu Mo said calmly. The caretakers were carefully screened by his company. If Sonya had been an unknown stranger, he would have refused immediately — but knowing she had already passed strict vetting, he allowed it.
Wanda, delighted, rewarded him with a kiss.
"I knew you wouldn't refuse!"
Xu Mo put his arm around her waist, his tone soft but firm.
"My dear, kindness is a virtue, but it can also invite danger. Next time, I want you to discuss this with me first. If this were someone we didn't know, it could be dangerous having them in the same house."
Wanda lowered her head, realizing she had been reckless.
"Okay, I understand. I won't do it again."
Seeing her downcast expression, Xu Mo gently stroked her head.
"Alright. Just be careful next time. Now come — I have something to show you."
---
They greeted Sonya on their way out, then Xu Mo drove Wanda to a quiet lake half an hour away.
After parking, Xu Mo held out a small red box.
"Open it."
Wanda smiled with curiosity and opened the box. Inside was a diamond ring.
"Wow!" she gasped, covering her mouth in delight. "Why today? What's the occasion?"
Xu Mo didn't answer with words. He slipped the ring onto her finger, replacing her old wedding band. Then, pricking her finger lightly, he let a drop of her blood fall onto the jewel.
"Wait—what is this, some kind of witchcraft?" Wanda asked in confusion.
"Of course not," Xu Mo said with a wry smile.
The ring shimmered as it absorbed her blood, binding itself to her. Suddenly, Wanda felt an expansive space within her mind.
A blue suitcase appeared in her hands, then vanished just as quickly.
"Oh my God… it's a storage ring!"
Excited, Wanda experimented — until she accidentally stored the entire Ferrari. Both she and Xu Mo collapsed into the grass where the car had been.
"Sorry!" she squeaked, flustered.
Xu Mo waved it off.
"How's it feel? Do you like it?"
"Of course. Anything you give me, I'll love," Wanda said softly, blushing.
She didn't ask how he had obtained something so rare — she knew it must be extraordinary.
---
Xu Mo then guided her to take out a sleek, metallic case from the ring. He pressed her hand to a button.
A synthetic female voice spoke:
"Master's identity confirmed. Activate armor?"
Wanda's eyes widened. "Armor?"
"Yes. Try it."
At her command, the case unfolded and transformed, attaching piece by piece until Wanda was encased in a full suit of powered armor. She screamed at first, startled, but Xu Mo calmed her.
For the next two hours, Wanda trained with the AI system's guidance. She crashed into trees, fell into the lake, and even tumbled headlong into the dirt — but the armor protected her perfectly. Gradually, she learned to fly steadily.
Finally, flushed with exhilaration, she landed before Xu Mo, her helmet opening to reveal a radiant smile.
"It's late," Xu Mo said gently. "Time to head back."
Wanda reluctantly disengaged the armor, returning it to its compact case and tucking it into her new ring.
"When you have free time, come here to practice. If you're ever in danger, this will help protect you."
Tears welled in Wanda's eyes. She hugged him tightly.
"Thank you…"
With a mischievous smile, she recalled the Ferrari from her ring, opened the door, and pushed Xu Mo inside. Moments later, the car roared to life — its suspension about to endure its harshest test yet.
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