The Price of a Reunion

It would be better to force Su Xiaoxiao to relinquish it willingly.

Xiyue gazed at Su Xiaoxiao, who sat by the bed, slender and small, yet with a prominent bust, her expression utterly despondent. Xiyue’s lips curved into a faint smile as she spoke softly, “In two days, Elder Yunli, whom you’ve been longing to see, will be arriving with her people.”

Upon hearing this, Su Xiaoxiao immediately lifted her head to look at Xiyue.

In that instant, cold sweat broke out on Su Xiaoxiao, terrified that Xiyue would once again threaten her with the lives of her clansmen.

The previous incident was still vivid in her memory, leaving her uncertain of Xiyue’s intentions this time.

A pang of bitterness welled up in Su Xiaoxiao’s heart. The little fish-spawn was not something she could create alone, so why was Xiyue, as the other mother, so ruthless towards it?

If Xiyue intended to do *that* again, what was she to do?

If Xiyue threatened her with her clansmen’s lives to make her abandon the little fish-spawn, what then?

If Xiyue…

Su Xiaoxiao’s mind raced, and in that short span, she had already made up her mind: if Xiyue truly dared to go through with it, she would protect her clansmen, then die alongside her little fish-spawn.

Yet, Xiyue said no such thing. Instead, she reached out, gently wiping the tear streaks from Su Xiaoxiao’s face with her thumb, and whispered, “Rest well these two days. Afterwards, you’ll accompany me to meet your clansmen.”

Xiyue was not one to beat around the bush; what, then, could her true intention be now?

Immediately after, Xiyue continued, “Since you’re so determined to keep this little bastard, then keep it. But I must make one thing clear: you are a captive I brought back, so never imagine that having my child will elevate you to a position of power second only to me.”

Su Xiaoxiao looked up, a hint of confusion in her gaze, not quite understanding Xiyue’s words.

Xiyue pressed on, “You know well what the situation of a captive should be, how they should serve their master. You demonstrated it clearly in the past few days. Don’t think for a moment that your pregnancy will exempt you from these duties.”

Su Xiaoxiao nodded, her mind already buzzing with Xiyue’s promise to let her see her clansmen, leaving no room for further thought.

Finally, Xiyue added, “Drink your daily medicine on time.”

It wasn’t just Su Xiaoxiao; even Gu Yan, standing nearby, was utterly bewildered, wondering if Xiyue had been possessed. ‘How could she suddenly come to her senses and change her ways so completely?’

Su Xiaoxiao was overjoyed.

Upon hearing that she could keep the little fish-spawn and see her clansmen, Su Xiaoxiao, who had moments ago seemed ready to fight Xiyue to the death, instantly softened. She gently asked Xiyue, “From this moment on, must I s-serve you?”

She clutched her lower abdomen, her expression troubled. “The little fish-spawn is too young. When you… when you come in, it becomes very restless, and my stomach hurts. It’s truly…”

“Cough, cough, cough.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Yan choked on her own saliva, coughing violently.

‘What is she getting at? Is this still Su Xiaoxiao? Has she been possessed again?’

Xiyue: “…”

Xiyue felt a mix of speechlessness and helplessness. What on earth was this little fish thinking?

At times, she was as pure as a white magnolia; at others, she transformed into a brazen hussy.

Ultimately, Xiyue was left speechless. Her face darkened, and she flicked her sleeve before departing.

****

The two days passed agonizingly slowly. Xiyue had disappeared somewhere, and Su Xiaoxiao kept thinking that once she met Elder Yunli, the elder would surely not bear to see her humiliated in the demon realm by Xiyue. She would undoubtedly find a way to return her to the South Sea.

Her mood was exceptionally good. Even the two turtles Xiyue had given her seemed much more pleasant, and she even threw some small shrimp to those two “Xiyues” to eat.

The rest of the time, apart from eating, sleeping, and taking her medicine, she sat under the veranda, gazing at the begonia tree in the courtyard, hoping the day she would see her clansmen would arrive quickly.

These two days, Xiyue had not attempted *that* and had not deceived her.

Ever since Su Xiaoxiao was captured from Shanghua Heaven, the Merman Clan had sent envoys numerous times, hoping to negotiate with Xiyue for the return of their young kin.

However, Xiyue had always disdained them, refusing even to meet with them.

Nevertheless, each time, the elders of the Merman Clan would come in person, offering increasingly generous terms, even promising an alliance with the Demon Clan. Yet, Xiyue consistently ignored them.

It wasn’t until last month that the Ghost Clan sent an invitation, offering to become vassals to the Demon Clan and fight alongside them against the Immortal Clan.

The Ghost Clan had always maintained neutrality, so it was unexpected that they would involve themselves this time.

Xiyue traveled to the Ghost Realm for the appointment, and unexpectedly, during the negotiations there, she encountered an elder from the Merman Clan.

Xiyue immediately asked the Ghost King, “How significant was the Merman Clan’s offer? Enough to make you willing to wade into these troubled waters?”

The Ghost King remained silent, but Yunli of the Merman Clan kept her composure, politely stating, “Your Highness Demon Venerable, I bear no ill will. I merely wish for our young kin to return home.”

Xiyue’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Is that so? What if she refuses to return on her own?”

Yunli clearly hadn’t expected such a statement. She frowned slightly and declared decisively, “Impossible! Xiaoxiao has always been well-behaved; how could she refuse to go home?”

Xiyue sat down, poured herself a cup of wine, and lazily remarked, “She’s pregnant with my child. Of course, she must stay with me.”

Yunli had certainly considered what might befall Su Xiaoxiao after being captured by the demoness Xiyue. However, she had never imagined that Su Xiaoxiao would already be carrying a child.

“You must have forced her! Today, I will take your life!” Though Yunli was an elder, her temper was far from gentle. Su Xiaoxiao was so young, and bearing a child now would multiply her hardships.

Just as a fight seemed imminent, the Ghost King intervened. “Demon Venerable, it is only natural for Elder Yunli to be concerned for her clan’s young merman. Regardless of whether this young merman wishes to stay in the demon realm, it is only right to let Yunli and her people see her, wouldn’t you agree?”

Xiyue frowned slightly, about to speak, when the Ghost King continued, “If, as you say, this young merman is pregnant, then that is a joyous occasion. The Merman Clan would be even more willing to ally with the Demon Realm, wouldn’t they?”

This old fox, seemingly acting as a mediator, was clearly biased towards the Merman Clan in every word.

If Xiyue refused to let Su Xiaoxiao meet her elder, it would prove that none of her previous statements were true—neither the pregnancy nor Su Xiaoxiao’s unwillingness to leave—all would be exposed as Xiyue’s fabrications.

Xiyue’s expression was grim. The atmosphere in the hall grew tense, and Yunli was already prepared for battle. Yet, to her surprise, Xiyue merely smiled, saying casually, “Very well. It’s just seeing the little fish, isn’t it? Whether she wants to return with you then, you can ask her yourself.”

****

Finally, the two days had passed. Xiyue had not lied; she had sent clothes early, instructing Su Xiaoxiao to change into them upon waking, and then to accompany her to the main hall.

Su Xiaoxiao’s heart was already soaring. She didn’t even want to eat; she just wanted to see them as quickly as possible.

Xiyue stood to the side, arms crossed, like a formidable door guardian. She watched Su Xiaoxiao coldly, expressionless and silent.

Under Xiyue’s piercing gaze, Su Xiaoxiao felt a pang of guilt. In the end, she obediently finished her meal and drank her medicine.

As Su Xiaoxiao changed into the clothes Xiyue had brought, she realized that the attire for today was highly unusual, making her feel as though it wasn’t meant to be worn at all.

It was a nearly transparent gauze dress, made of light blue and white sheer fabric. While it fully showcased Su Xiaoxiao’s figure, it was also exceedingly revealing and provocative, allowing one to see her skin beneath at a glance.

Su Xiaoxiao frowned and asked Xiyue, “Why must I wear this?”

“To meet your elder, one naturally dresses well.”

Su Xiaoxiao held it up, feeling insulted. “You want me to wear this out?! You might as well have me wear nothing at all!”

“If my clansmen see me dressed like this, I’ll be mortified!”

“It’s not up to you whether you wear it or not. If you’re going, change quickly, or you won’t go at all,” Xiyue said, teasing Su Xiaoxiao.

“That’s not what I meant!” Su Xiaoxiao quickly retorted.

She stared at Xiyue, feeling utterly helpless. With her clansmen on one side and her dignity on the other, she pondered for a moment before deciding on one last resort.

Su Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth and declared, “After I see my clansmen, I’ll wear this dress for you in bed, later.”

“Can I wear something else? Xiyue, you wouldn’t want to see your own possession’s body seen by others, would you!”

“Please…” Su Xiaoxiao’s voice was already laced with a sob as she spoke. This was the first time she had ever pleaded with Xiyue, especially with the one who was her greatest tormentor.

“Fine, I agree. I’ll keep this dress for you, to be used next time.”

Observing Su Xiaoxiao, who was on the verge of tears, Xiyue paused, considered, and then agreed.

The body of her possession was for her eyes alone. The mere thought of anyone else seeing it ignited a primal urge to claw out their eyes.

After a short wait.

Su Xiaoxiao saw the same dress as before; it was still somewhat revealing, but much thicker. Without hesitation, she immediately put it on.