Chapter 225
Shenhe's serious demeanor looked like she was jealous.
Of course, this had nothing to do with her fondness for sour foods.
Lying on the bed, Xia Zhi "looked" at Shenhe, who was leaning over him. He gently poked her soft cheek with his finger and smiled, "Why so insecure?"
Shenhe pursed her lips and softly said, "I'm scared…"
She was someone who lacked love. Having finally received a little, she cherished it like a treasure, afraid someone might take it away.
This wasn't ordinary jealousy—she wasn't mad at others but rather at herself.
Deep down, her fate as a "Solitary Star of Calamity" weighed on her. She feared she might bring misfortune to Xia Zhi or that he might eventually reject her as her father once did.
Xia Zhi paused for a moment before smiling. He reached out to wrap his arms around her long neck, pulling her closer.
Her lips were so beautifully crafted, so vivid and rosy, even without any lipstick.
And then… nothing else happened.
If there was more to say, it was that Xia Zhi flipped them over, switching their positions. Shenhe found herself pinned beneath him.
Being on the offensive felt pretty great.
After sharing some fruit candies, Xia Zhi gave the exhausted Shenhe a gentle massage.
"It's a sunny day today."
"Mm…"
"The bedsheets haven't been washed in a while. Can you help me wash them later and hang them to dry?"
"Mm."
"What do you want for breakfast?"
"Something sweet."
"Alright, I'll make porridge."
"Okay."
---
After washing up, Xia Zhi headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, while Shenhe diligently washed the bedsheets in the back.
Zhu Zi was tending the stove, feeling puzzled that she hadn't seen Chi Yu that morning.
Normally, the two would compete over who got to tend the fire, and Zhu Zi often lost because she had to go grocery shopping early in the morning.
She kept the fire strong, occasionally standing up to observe how Xia Zhi prepared the porridge.
She wanted to note every detail and include it in her novel.
After watching for a while, she'd sit back down to check the fire. If it wasn't strong enough, she'd add more wood, then go back to watching the cooking process.
A little later, Chi Yu arrived from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor with a bright, cheerful smile, greeting everyone.
When Zhu Zi saw her walk into the kitchen, something felt off.
"Why are you coming in from outside?"
"I went back to the parlor."
"But aren't you supposed to pass through walls? Won't people see you walking outside?"
"It's fine. I'm not a ghost anymore."
"???"
"Here, touch me."
"Uh… Oh! You're warm!"
"See?"
"Wow!"
Everyone was shocked by this revelation—except for Shenhe, who already knew. She glanced at Chi Yu with a peculiar look in her eyes.
"Chi Yu, how did you manage that?"
"Well, you probably won't believe this, but remember yesterday's big battle at Guyun Stone Forest? That white giant who strung up Osial? I saw it while wandering around last night. It glanced at me, and then—bam! I was alive again."
"Amazing!"
Osial was a god, and anyone capable of subduing it was at least of a similar level.
Divine beings had their own mysterious powers. Though the others found this explanation unbelievable, they still accepted it.
Xia Zhi, hearing her nonsense, stayed silent for a moment, his expression a bit odd.
You really are a genius. Even when asked to make up an excuse, you somehow hit the truth.
---
The shop operated normally throughout the morning, with customers still abuzz over yesterday's events.
After lunch, Zhu Zi, Diona, and Chi Yu headed to the tailor's shop to order uniforms.
Now that Chi Yu was a regular employee, she could enjoy standard employee benefits.
In the evening, after closing the shop, Ningguang still didn't stop by.
She was probably too busy handling post-battle matters.
After dinner, everyone went for a walk—this time, with one more person.
With October nearing its end, the weather had grown much colder, and everyone wore extra layers.
Chi Yu wandered through the bustling streets, her eyes filled with nostalgia as she took in the aroma of street food.
It had been so long since she had been in such a lively atmosphere.
Being alive again was truly wonderful.
Chi Yu felt immense gratitude in her heart.
Unlike other ghosts who dissipated after resolving their regrets or staying too long, Chi Yu had lingered. Though her initial worries about her younger brother and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had long faded, she remained, the power of that red feather far stronger than she had imagined.
---
After the walk, Chi Yu returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Now that she was human again, her routine couldn't remain nocturnal; she needed proper sleep.
---
After bathing, Xia Zhi returned upstairs and made two [Divine Wooden Staffs], but then heard a soft knock at the door.
When he opened it, Shenhe stood there, holding freshly washed bedsheets and a quilt cover.
She walked in and carefully made the bed for him.
"All done, Boss."
"Thank you."
"I've bathed. As promised, I'm lying here for half an hour."
"Alright."
Shenhe removed her shoes and lay down on his bed.
The sheets and quilt, freshly washed and smelling of sunlight, lacked Xia Zhi's usual scent.
It felt a bit unfamiliar.
Lying on her side, Shenhe quietly watched Xia Zhi sitting at the desk.
"Boss, what are you doing?"
"Making incense."
"Incense is made with this burner?"
"Yes."
After a while, she softly said, "Boss."
"Hmm?"
"I want candy."
"Eating candy at night isn't good for your teeth."
"I'll rinse my mouth later."
"Alright."
Xia Zhi walked over.
And then… there was no 'then.'
If there was more to say, it was that the mint candy was very refreshing.
Half an hour later, Shenhe tidied the bed, said goodnight, and left satisfied.
She was, after all, someone who was easily content.
---
Back at his desk, Xia Zhi took out the [Enhancement Crystal] and the [Hourglass of Time], beginning his daily enhancement routine.
"Do you want to use the [Enhancement Crystal] on the [Hourglass of Time]? Please note, this is a platinum-tier item, with only a 1% success rate for upgrading its quality."
"Yes."
The crystal shattered, scattering light that merged into the hourglass.
"Enhancement successful. The [Hourglass of Time] has been upgraded to diamond-tier."
Xia Zhi was momentarily stunned before a pleased smile spread across his face.
It had been about two months since he obtained the [Hourglass of Time] during the Moonchase Festival. After hundreds of attempts—five or six each day—it had finally evolved.
Of course, the success today was likely due to his greatly increased luck.
Luck and charm were definitely investments worth making.
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