The Adhesive Predicament

“So… how about we deal with this troublesome thing first?” Bai Qiao asked, a dark line appearing on her forehead as she lifted her hand, which was firmly stuck to Bai Chen’s. “Surely, it can be undone with spiritual energy, right, no matter what?”

With that, Bai Qiao tried to channel her spiritual energy.

Spiritual energy…

What the hell?! What *is* this thing?! It actually… it actually couldn’t be undone by spiritual energy!

Beside her, Bai Chen silently shook his head.

He was in the same predicament; it wouldn’t come undone.

“This thing…” Bai Chen furrowed his brow. “It’s Heiyao’s…”

“Heiyao? You mean Black Sha’s brother? The one who broke up the fight?”

“Yes… that was the previous Black King. This is likely the Black Kingdom’s secret royal adhesive. It’s not something easily undone. Without an antidote, it might be quite difficult to remove.”

“Huh? Then why would Mom have it…?” Bai Qiao exclaimed in surprise.

That guy was actually the Black King, but the main point was… this thing couldn’t be undone without an antidote! Wahhh! Did this mean they would truly be stuck together all day?

“Hmm, perhaps Heiyao gave it to her the last time he visited. But why would Heiyao give this to your mother?”

“Hey! You two! Aren’t you going to move, or do you plan to keep your hands glued together?” Bai mother’s voice suddenly cut through their discussion, bringing them to an abrupt halt.

****

Looking at the myriad of amusement park rides before them, Bai Chen, surprisingly, harbored a genuine curiosity.

Though he didn’t voice it, his expression betrayed his thoughts.

The first ride at the park was a roller coaster. For Bai Qiao, this ride was a lifelong nightmare. She had been dragged onto it once before by her friends, and it was that experience that finally gave them something to hold over her. The mere thought of it made her head ache.

However, Bai Qiao’s mind was now occupied with something else entirely.

Since Bai Chen was just like her, then… then… hehehe. Plus, Bai Chen knew nothing about these rides, so the situation was bound to get even worse for him.

“Hey, let’s go on that one!” Bai Qiao declared, pulling him towards the roller coaster.

Though Bai Chen had no idea what it was, with their hands still fused, he had no choice but to follow.

Sitting in the surprisingly soft seat, it felt as though she were perched on a hard rock.

As the warning bell chimed, Bai Qiao found herself trembling slightly, her heart lodged in her throat. Yet, she maintained a façade of forced calm, subtly glancing at Bai Chen beside her.

‘It’s all because… because you don’t know what this is. Just you wait, I’ll make you pay for this later!’

“Ugh…” Bai Qiao was utterly limp after the ride, forced to lean over the railing and dry heave.

During that terrifying descent, it truly felt as if her heart was about to leap out of her mouth.

“Hey… you… why are you fine?” she asked weakly, gazing at Bai Chen, who seemed completely unfazed.

“…” Bai Chen stated calmly, “This level of intensity is quite mild, much smoother than when I fly on my own.”

“…” Damn it! She had completely forgotten about that! A miscalculation, a grave miscalculation indeed.

“Young man, hold onto your girlfriend. Next time, don’t play such a thrilling game,” a kind uncle nearby advised them.

!! Bai Qiao felt a critical hit of ten thousand points to her heart. What?! Who was his girlfriend?! Though she desperately wanted to retort, Bai Qiao simply couldn’t find the strength to stand.

Sitting on a bench, each holding an ice cream cone in their free hand, they exuded an indescribable sense of harmony.

Yet, this adhesive truly was remarkable. After all this time, it had absorbed all their sweat, both cold and hot, leaving their hands completely dry. The adhesive itself had no discernible texture, making it feel as though their hands were directly clasped together. What a… what a god-damned adhesive!

“…” If not for a certain physiological necessity, this rare moment of warmth might have lasted for a long time. However…

“Hey… that…” Bai Qiao’s face flushed slightly. She opened her mouth but no words came out.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?” Bai Chen turned to look at her.

“…” Bai Qiao averted her gaze, whispering, “I need to use the restroom…”

“…” Bai Qiao and Bai Chen simultaneously looked at their still-connected hands, and the atmosphere instantly grew heavy.