An Unexpected Return

Bai Muya had hurried back, feeling anxious. Firstly, she thought there was no need to stay out longer than necessary, and secondly, it was because of Yu Lian. Yu Lian becoming emotional once was tolerable, even twice was within her limits, but at noon today, it had happened for the third time. Having it occur once a day was simply too much.

Bai Muya felt a distinct shade of green loom over her head, unable to comprehend who had seduced Yu Lian during her absence. Someone had dared to meddle with her prized possession, or perhaps someone had succumbed to Yu Lian’s allure, unable to resist her charm.

Regardless of the reason or who had initiated it, Bai Muya would not tolerate such behavior continuing.

Yu Lian was hers and hers alone. Anyone who dared to touch Yu Lian would face her wrath and punishment.

Bai Muya first ruled out Yixiya, her childhood friend who loved her to the point of obsession. Yixiya was devoted only to her, and no one else existed in her eyes. The probability of Yixiya seducing Yu Lian—or being seduced by her—was practically zero.

As for her own steward, Bai Lingyi, it was even more impossible. Bai Lingyi had accompanied her on her journey to find beauties and was not even at the Bai residence. Moreover, Bai Lingyi would never develop feelings for Yu Lian.

So, who could it be?

Bai Muya shifted her suspicion to the maidservants guarding the bedroom door, as they were the only ones with daily access to Yu Lian.

‘Tomorrow morning, I must interrogate them thoroughly. Even if there are no results, at least I’ll gain some leads,’ Bai Muya decided. She grasped Yu Lian’s chin, baring her teeth in a fierce grin that looked both ferocious and adorable.

“You naughty woman, not adhering to your duties. Just wait till tonight—no, tonight and tomorrow night, even the night after, you’ll stay with me, pleasing me. Otherwise… I’ll bite you to death!”

A skirt, still damp with raindrops, fell to the ground along with a pair of warm leggings that had just been removed.

Bai Muya wasn’t trying to do anything untoward; she simply enjoyed sleeping naked. If she were alone, she might remove everything, but for now, she kept her top on.

Lying on her side, Bai Muya embraced Yu Lian, drawing strength from her scent before reluctantly letting go. She wrapped her legs around one of Yu Lian’s, gently rubbing against it.

Under the dim, warm light, it seemed her face had turned quite red.

If asked why she took a concubine, Bai Muya would answer, ‘Of course, it’s for aesthetic pleasure and for someone to sleep with at night.’ She had previously stated that their relationship wouldn’t progress further, but who said they couldn’t cuddle? She loved to snuggle with beauties, and the more beautiful they were, the more she enjoyed it. She was superficial; she was simply a sucker for good looks.

***

Outside the door, Bai Lingyi still leaned against it, but her expression had darkened. Her hands were clenched tightly, making a creaking sound.

She had overheard the mutterings of the Second Young Miss but hadn’t paid much attention. However, the last sentence—”pleasing me”—almost drove her to barge into the room and disrupt their “intimacy.”

She adored the Second Young Miss, treating her like a beloved younger sister, and her feelings were evident. But due to her position as a steward, she couldn’t show her affection openly, not even through a confession or expressions of love.

The Second Young Miss was perceptive and insightful. Although Bai Lingyi didn’t say anything, her thoughts were clear to her, just like that day when she said, “You are the steward, and I am the Second Young Miss. From the beginning, we never had a chance.”

Bai Lingyi understood this, so she didn’t interfere with the Second Young Miss’s search for a wife or concubine. Instead, she assisted her, believing she wouldn’t mind even if the Second Young Miss married and consummated her marriage with someone else. She thought she could remain composed and unconcerned.

But now, hearing the Second Young Miss’s suppressed breaths from the room, Bai Lingyi felt a sharp pain in her heart—a mixture of sorrow, loss, and resentment. Her legs gave way, and she slid down the wall to the floor.

Hugging her knees, Bai Lingyi hung her head, her hair disheveled and obscuring her true emotions.

If Yu Lian woke up and saw this, she would undoubtedly notice a dense red aura emanating from Bai Lingyi’s head. Unlike the last time, this red aura, much like Yixiya’s black aura, began to take the shape of a clear human face—not a sickly, murderous expression, but a half-smile, half-cry.

Much later, inside the room, Bai Muya clung to Yu Lian’s arm, using it as a pillow, and fell into an exhausted sleep, her legs still wrapped around Yu Lian’s. She seemed to treat Yu Lian as a large pillow, her sleeping face utterly relaxed.

***

The next morning, as soon as it was light.

Bai Lingyi had not slept all night, but her face showed no signs of fatigue. She looked as refreshed as if she hadn’t spent the night leaning against a door. She entered the room with a tray of breakfast, looking vibrant. This task was usually performed by the maidservants, but now she had taken it upon herself, her purpose clear.

“Hmmm—”

Yu Lian felt a heavy weight on her shoulder, causing her to lose feeling in her arm. She couldn’t lift her hand, feeling limp and weak.

Opening her eyes and coming to, Yu Lian saw a familiar face. ‘I must still be dreaming,’ she thought. ‘How could I wake up to see the Second Young Miss? This is impossible. Even if she woke up, she couldn’t have returned so quickly.’ With this thought, she closed her eyes, ready to drift back to sleep.

“Yu Lian, it’s time to get up. Breakfast is ready.”

Hearing Bai Lingyi’s voice, Yu Lian turned her head to see her smiling from the bedside.

‘What? What? What? What?’

It was really Bai Lingyi! How could this be…?

Yu Lian was utterly stunned. How could she wake up to see both the Second Young Miss and Bai Lingyi? This dream was too real, especially Bai Lingyi’s gentle, captivating smile.

“Yu Lian, still not awake? Should I go get some water to splash on your face?”

Bai Lingyi said it with a smile, but Yu Lian felt a chill, as if the words held a sinister intent.

‘Was it just my imagination? Bai Lingyi has always been kind to me. Why do I have such strange thoughts about her?’

“Bai Lingyi, am I dreaming? How did you both return so early?”

Yu Lian tried to sit up but couldn’t because of the weight on her shoulder. Her arm had gone numb, making it impossible to move.

When did the Second Young Miss get into her bed?

Yu Lian looked to Bai Lingyi for help, pouting. “Bai Lingyi, please help me up. I can’t move.”

Bai Lingyi sighed and smiled, gently moving the still-sleeping Bai Muya before helping Yu Lian sit up.

“Eeek!”

“Where are my clothes?”