Two days later, Xinghai called Fan Li. The person who had commissioned her assassination had been found, and he told her to come to the Black Crocodile Guild immediately.
Fan Li never would have imagined that this person had placed the hit at the very place where she worked. Even more unthinkable was the person tied up with ropes, curled into a corner of the black market—it was Teacher Yinbeier.
“Teacher Yinbeier, why would you…” Fan Li started, her mouth hanging half-open in awkward shock, unable to finish her sentence. She looked at Xinghai, unsure of how to proceed.
“You didn’t wrong her. She just confessed everything to me. She was the one who placed both commissions to have you killed.”
“If you two hadn't pulled this stunt today, I wouldn't have known Xinghai was so deeply devoted to you.” Although Yinbeier was lying on the ground, her gaze was icy, devoid of any fear. “He squats here every day eavesdropping on commissions and just happened to hear me making a call. Truly perverted behavior.”
“But why?” Fan Li found it difficult to accept. Although Yinbeier was her mentor, in her heart, Yinbeier had always been more like a kind and beautiful older sister.
“Because you were the first person to see Luweiya’s body.”
“I didn’t kill Miss Bubble!”
“Of course I know you didn't kill her. You wouldn't have the ability even if you wanted to. But you saw what she left behind.”
“You mean…” Fan Li froze, forgetting even to blink. “That letter?”
“Yes.”
“That letter has something to do with you?”
“Nonsense. If it had nothing to do with me, why would I take such a huge risk to get rid of you?”
“I haven't told anyone about it. And I won't.”
“Yes, I noticed. You seem very afraid of others knowing you were the one who found Luweiya’s body. I don't know why, but I didn't know how long you would keep that fear hidden. I’ve been living in constant anxiety every day, terrified that you might accidentally let it slip.”
Fan Li smiled helplessly. “Then perhaps you didn't know that I’ve also been living in anxiety, afraid you would let others know I was the first to find her. Our interests aren't in conflict here. Let’s just stop.”
Xinghai remained silent for a long time before finally looking at Yinbeier, shaking his head with a cold laugh. “I’ve never seen a woman as crazed as you. You wanted to kill your own student just because you were afraid someone would discover your affair with Bukeni? Is there something wrong with your head?”
Lying on the ground, Yinbeier struggled to lift her head and glared at him. “That’s because you don't know how much I would lose if that secret were ever made public!”
“Teacher Yinbeier and Bukeni?” Fan Li asked in shock.
“Yes. If I hadn't overheard her on the phone with Bukeni, she never would have told me that Luweiya’s suicide note mentioned their affair. Yinbeier, you really are a lunatic.”
“Heh, what do you children know of worldly suffering?” Yinbeier rolled over, twisting awkwardly and kicking her legs. “Can you let me go now?”
Xinghai crouched down and untied her ropes. With a face full of resentment, she rubbed her reddened wrists, brushed the dirt off her skirt, and stood up to look at Fan Li. “You promise you won't tell anyone about that suicide note or the secret between me and Bukeni?”
Fan Li closed her eyes and nodded heavily. “I promise. I don't want to be involved in this case at all.”
“If you threaten Fan Li’s safety again, regardless of whether she’s harmed, this entire matter will be known to all of Metropolis,” Xinghai said, raising an eyebrow provocatively. “Of course, you could also try to hire someone to assassinate me.”
“I know you’re a champion at running away! You’re hard to kill!” Yinbeier snapped.
“Teacher Yinbeier,” Fan Li said suddenly, “what exactly was written in Miss Bubble’s suicide note?”
“I’ve already destroyed it, and I don't remember the specifics. But it was generally something like, ‘I hate you all, every one of you just wants to use me to achieve your filthy deals.’ It was very vague. I think she wrote it while she wasn't in her right mind.”
“Wait, you mean the contents of that red envelope really were a suicide note?”
“It was a suicide note.”
“You’re lying.” Fan Li looked at Yinbeier again. “If it really was a suicide, why would her family demand a continued investigation?”
“I’m not lying! I didn't kill her, so why would I be afraid of the murderer being exposed?”
“Because you didn't want that suicide note to be found.”
“By the Great God Buken!” Yinbeier said in exasperation. “If the red envelope Luweiya was holding wasn't a suicide note, may I be swept into a private ship’s propeller by a tsunami the moment I step out tomorrow! Expose me if you want, but I’m telling the truth!”
Seeing the lingering distrust in Fan Li’s eyes, she let out a long sigh, donned her fallen black cloak, pulled up the hood, and turned to walk away quickly. She stopped abruptly after a few steps, her shoulders shrinking as she trembled slightly. After about ten seconds, she turned back, her head bowed, letting her long hair and the black brim of her hood hide her beautiful face.
“Fan Li, I’m sorry for what I did to you. But I truly had no other way out.” Her voice trembled. “I came to Luo Ya as a country girl and achieved everything I have today because I completely gave up on love. I learned not to give too much to a man—to take what I wanted and get out quickly. But I tripped up at the final hurdle.”
“I won't forgive you, and I won't pity you, but I can understand you.”
“Thank you for your understanding…” Yinbeier looked up, her eyes red and brimming with tears. “Have you ever loved someone?”
Fan Li glanced at Xinghai, her voice softening involuntarily. “Of course.”
“Then you should understand me.” Yinbeier lowered her head again, a large tear falling onto her cloak. “I wish I didn't have such a past. But if I didn't have that past, I wouldn't have been qualified to stand before that person… I’m so tired, truly.”
This time, she left slowly and silently, her head hanging low as she wiped away tears, her feet seemingly weighing a thousand pounds.
Fan Li sighed and whispered, “The person she’s talking about is Professor Bukeni, right?”
“Professor Bukeni doesn't love her.”
“Ah, how can you be sure?”
“I don't know, a man’s intuition. I’d find it more believable that Professor Bukeni likes you than her.”
“Haha, then he really doesn't like her.”
“You have that little confidence in yourself?”
“It’s not a lack of confidence, it’s just impossible. I’m just one of his many students, and besides having a decent brain, I don't have many strengths.”
“That’s because you don't see your own worth,” Xinghai said calmly. “In my eyes, it wouldn't be strange for any man to fall in love with you.”
*Oh no.* Her heart began to race, and the tips of her ears felt hot. Xinghai would surely sense it and tease her again. Just as she was thinking of how to handle his "straight-man" interrogation regarding her heart rate, he patted her shoulder and smiled. “Let’s go. Back to Luo Ya.”
His voice was so gentle, and his gaze… just looking at him made her feel like she was melting. She shook her head, trying not to let her "romance-brain" take over. “By the way, how did you find out Teacher Yinbeier was the one who placed the hit?”
“I got some clues from the Holy Capital Red Guard and then kept watch here. I finally caught her today.”
“Wow, you really went all out.” Fan Li tilted her head. She wanted to ask more serious questions, but seeing Xinghai made it impossible to think logically. Finally, she gave up and simply lunged at him, hanging onto his neck and nuzzling him.
“What is it?” Xinghai kissed her forehead.
She rubbed against his neck, openly absorbing the pheromones he released, and shook her head, saying softly, “Nothing.”
“Mm…” He lowered his head slightly, murmuring in her ear, “Li Li, I love you.”
*So embarrassing…*
*Love really does get in the way of business…*
*But if it keeps getting in the way like this, it doesn't seem so bad.*
Aside from the time spent being affectionate with Xinghai, Fan Li maintained her previous pace of studying and researching potions. Finally, after another two weeks, she successfully concocted two bottles of soul-swap potions: one for reverse soul-swapping, and one for reverse time-space soul-swapping.
The ingredients for the latter were expensive and hard to find; she’d only managed to get them with Mr. Ada’s help. And once again, she was broke.
Whether these two potions would be successful or if they were suitable for her remained unknown. Fortunately, reverse swapping was much less difficult than the initial swap, otherwise she wouldn't have finished so quickly. Moreover, since the potions were made by her own hand, she was certain they were safe. As long as she drank it the day before taking "Styx Heart No. 3," there was a certain probability she could return.
To that end, she even wrote a note at home:
*Suyi,*
*1. I’ve really gone back. Feel free to treat this body—the one that’s supposed to take "Styx Heart No. 3" tomorrow—as your own. Don't be polite. After all, it was yours to begin with.*
*2. I’ve already passed your message to Su Shiye. You’ll kill him again in 2271 years. He wasn't very calm about it and wanted to kill you right now, so I’m doing him a favor by summoning you back.*
*3. No need to drink the transformation potion today. Try to survive first, then drink it. Heh.*
*The person whose name you need to know: Your Sister Li.*
After writing it, she felt a great sense of relief. However desperate she had been when she first arrived last year, she felt that much vindication now.
But after venting her emotions, she suddenly realized she wasn't happy.
Before finishing the potions, she had been full of drive, working herself to the bone to get them done. She had even spent her spare time writing a formula for a potion that granted immunity to soul-swapping and gave it to the Dean to retaliate against Suyi’s misdeeds.
But now that the reverse potion was actually ready, she was terrified of the day’s arrival—so scared she suffered from insomnia every night. The fear of the unknown and the reluctance to leave Xinghai were agonizing.
However, someone else was even more miserable than her: Yinbeier.
Although Xinghai and Fan Li had let her go, once she returned, she felt terrified whenever she was on campus or saw a police officer on the street. After taking several days of leave, she finally made her ultimate decision—to bet her entire future on true love.
After submitting her resignation, Yinbeier happened to run into Yejia on campus. She pulled him into the seagrass meadow and said nervously, “Yejia, I’m finally done being a coward. I want to be braver and choose true love.”
“Oh?” Yejia blinked, his innocent look making him appear a hundred and fifty years younger. “How so?”
“I know it’s difficult for a descendant of the Sea God to marry outside the race, but I’m willing to face it with you. I won't back down anymore.” Her hands trembled, and tears shimmered in her eyes. “I’m sorry it took me so long to give you an answer. Forgive me for being so hesitant before.”
“Marry?” Yejia tilted his head. “Did I say I wanted to marry you?”
Yinbeier froze for several seconds, but she quickly forced a smile and waved her hand. “No, no, I’m not in a rush for you to marry me. I just mean I want to be with you. Marriage can come slowly.”
“But I don't want to be with you.”
It felt as if a giant boulder had dropped onto Yinbeier’s head. She said in disbelief, “You’re joking, right? I’ve already resigned because you said you didn't mind if the woman you loved had a child, and you didn't mind raising it for her…”
“That’s true. But I never said that person was you.”
“Are you… playing with me?” Yinbeier’s voice shook. “If you don't like me, then why have you been so good to me, hinting that you liked me, and appearing with me as a couple in front of so many people on so many occasions? Was it just to flirt?!”
“Why did you think I was hinting at you? Because you have a half-breed daughter?”
“You clearly knew everything, so why did you play with me?!”
“Yes, I knew everything.” Yejia’s smile was no different from usual. But it was that perfect mask that made him look far more terrifying than usual.
“Fan Li told you, didn't she?” Yinbeier’s voice was like a ghost’s.
“Told me what? That you were sleeping with Bukeni?”
“It really was her! I knew it! She acts like she’s so in love with Xinghai in front of everyone, but her real target was you! I shouldn't have let my guard down around her!!” At this point, Yinbeier’s emotions collapsed. She swam forward, grabbing Yejia’s collar and looking at him humbly. “Yejia, don't believe her. Bukeni and I ended a long time ago… Back then, I was just too desperate for money. The one I love is you. From beginning to end, I’ve only ever loved you…”
“Teacher Yin, this has nothing to do with my grand-uncle, and it has nothing to do with Fan Li.” Yejia smiled and shook his head. “You have a half-breed daughter, right?”
“Is it… because of my daughter? You can't accept that I have that past? I can explain!”
“No, the reason I approached you was precisely because of your daughter. Because she is the child of my dearest friend.”
“What do you mean… are you talking about Xiaoshi…?”
Seeing Yejia nod, Yinbeier finally fell completely silent.
Like Yinbeier, Xiaoshi was born in Matai Ice City, a hybrid of the Shark and Silverfish tribes. At fifteen, he moved to Luo Ya with his parents to serve the Buken clan. After university, Xiaoshi returned to Matai Ice City to study Matai Military Arcana and became Yinbeier’s boyfriend. He was like her—a rare, devoted hybrid.
Thirty-three years ago, the uranium bombs dropped by the Holy Capital Party crushed Luo Ya’s dignity and economy. Every time he saw such news, Xiaoshi felt righteous indignation and wanted to do something for the Red Moon Sea. The following year, when he learned that Luo Ya was in desperate need of uranium bomb experts, he took her to the Luo Ya University Military Arcana Institute to participate in the Red Moon Sea’s uranium bomb research.
Uranium research released massive amounts of radiation, its principles very similar to fel energy, which is extremely harmful to the bodies of the Light Sea races. At first, Yinbeier was very opposed to him taking the job, saying that once they were married, she couldn't bear him dying young, and a child couldn't be without a father. Xiaoshi was also seriously considering whether to change jobs after another two years.
Later, through Xiaoshi, she met the honorary principal of Luo Ya University, Bukeni. Bukeni was exceptionally attentive and generous with his money. Sparks flew, and the two of them soon hooked up.
Yinbeier’s mother had worked in a profession somewhere between public relations and a high-end prostitute, drifting between several men for years. Under her mother’s influence, Yinbeier didn't believe Xiaoshi had enough ability or responsibility to support her; she preferred to believe in what Bukeni could give her right then. She knew Bukeni loved her, but at that time, it was impossible for a Sea God race and a Marine race to marry. Therefore, she wasn't willing to leave Xiaoshi for Bukeni either.
Her original plan was to save enough money from Bukeni to marry Xiaoshi, or find an even better man—preferably the latter. So, she stopped discouraging Xiaoshi from his dangerous work, even brainwashing him occasionally by saying that dying for one's country was greater than living a life of failure. While Xiaoshi was working hard, her passion with Bukeni grew uncontrollable until one day, she felt extremely unwell and asked Xiaoshi to take her to the hospital.
In a twist of fate, that same night, the doctor discovered she was pregnant and also diagnosed Xiaoshi with cancer, caused by his work.
Nineteen months later, Xiaoshi passed away. Before he died, he entrusted Yejia to take good care of his fiancée, Yinbeier, and their child.
Xiaoshi was usually a man of few words and kept a low profile; even with Yinbeier, he rarely mentioned his close ties to the Buken clan. It wasn't until today that she realized every time Xiaoshi mentioned "going to see a very good friend," he meant Yejia. And at this moment, she also realized she had never mentioned her daughter to Yejia.
She didn't even dare to think about when Yejia had discovered her affair with Bukeni. She simply gripped Yejia’s lapels weakly and desperately, crying, “I’m sorry for what I did to Xiaoshi, but I don't love him, and I don't love Bukeni. I only love you, Yejia, truly…”
“You didn't even love the man you had a child with. How can you convince me that you love me?” Despite his words, Yejia maintained his poise and didn't push her away.
“I can die for you right now.” A look of resolve appeared on her tear-streaked face. “I’m willing to die for you, as long as you believe me.”
“Don't, don't be so dramatic.” Yejia laughed. “Please rest assured, Teacher Yin, I’m not here to avenge Xiaoshi. I’m not as obsessed with brotherly friendship as you think. I initially approached you out of curiosity—curious how you could have a child and still maintain such a youthful aura, and how you could sit on my grand-uncle every day while still being so proactive with me, telling me you’d never been in a relationship.”
“I had no choice! I had to survive!”
“Does Fan Li not have to survive? She works so hard she looks like a panda every day, but I don't see her crawling into an old man’s bed. A life of a million Fu has its way of being lived, and a life of one Fu has its own way. You didn't have ‘no choice.’ You were just born with the fate of one Fu but didn't want to live a one-Fu life.”
“I know you care about my past. You can lecture me however you want now. But I don't believe you don't love me at all. If you didn't love me, why would you play dumb for so long?”
“I’ve seen too many women. No matter how high-level a ‘green tea bitch’ is, they can't pretend to be pure in front of me for more than a day. You really are quite impressive, because you even managed to fool so many other girls. You should know that women are most sensitive to how ‘bitchy’ another woman is. So, I was only good to you because I was bored and wanted to see just how far you could take it. Don't be angry, Teacher Yin, I’m actually complimenting you. You’re still young. After you leave Luo Ya University, you can change circles and continue your hustle.”
“How can you humiliate me like this?!” Yinbeier flew into a rage, but her tears continued to fall uncontrollably. “You clearly said you didn't care about a woman’s past!!”
“As expected of Teacher Yin, who understands men and my tastes. I do like queens. But a Teacher Yin who just resigned and wants to use me as an ATM—do you think you’re a queen?” At this, Yejia smiled and gently brushed her hands away.
Time passed quickly. There were only four days left until she had to take "Styx Heart No. 3." Fan Li worked her last half-day shift at the Black Crocodile Guild, planning to leave all the money she’d earned to Dangdang. That way, whether she remained by Dangdang’s side or not, the girl could still manage for a while. In this way, she wouldn't fail Dangdang’s mother’s entrustment.
The guild was exceptionally busy that day; Mr. Ada was so overwhelmed he could have used eight arms. Seeing Fan Li pass by, he handed her a document. “Take this to the top-floor office and put it on the desk. Remember, once you’re inside, don't touch anything. Lock the door when you come out.”
This was Fan Li’s first time on the guild’s top floor. Entering the office Mr. Ada had mentioned, light spilled from a massive, hollow circular skylight, illuminating the room’s somewhat vintage decor. The glass windows on both sides were stained in blue tones, and the marble pillars had scallop carvings at their bases. Arcane energy lamps hung on the pillars, currently unlit. The marble floor was polished to a mirror-like shine. Mosaics adorned the ribbed vaults of the dome, the style dating back ten million years…
It immediately reminded Fan Li of the Temple of Memories beneath the Wind-Moving Palace, the place where she first met Su Shiye. She didn't know what architectural style this belonged to.
She walked softly to the marble desk and placed the document on it. Just as she was about to leave, a portrait on the wall caught her attention.
It was a bust of a white-haired boy, about twelve or thirteen years old. He wore a toga and sat upright in a high-backed chair, his expression indifferent. His hair was pure white, his golden eyes cold and clear, his face small, and he had a beauty mark on one side of his nose.
Fan Li thought she was seeing things and rubbed her eyes, but when she looked again, the boy’s portrait was still there.
Wasn't this the transfer student from her middle school class? The one who looked like a young version of Xinghai!
Looking closely at the photo, she felt the boy didn't quite look like either of them. The transfer student had been full of mischief, and Xinghai was overly gentle. This boy possessed a natural nobility inherited from those in high positions; even with a faint smile, he looked extremely difficult to approach.
However, aside from the hair and eye color, this face was exactly the transfer student’s face.
“Fan Li, what are you dazing off for?” a voice sounded behind her.
“Ah!!” Fan Li jumped in fright, clutching her chest. “Don't do that, Mr. Ada! You scared me to death!”
“Didn't I tell you not to linger here?” Mr. Ada said impatiently. “What are you doing staring at Lord Su Shiye’s portrait?”
*Su Shiye?!*
“Huh?” Fan Li rubbed her ears, thinking she’d misheard. “Th-this is Lord Su Shiye?”
What was going on…
Could it be that Xinghai and Su Shiye were blood-related? Impossible. They had appeared in the same place twice, and they didn't seem to know each other at all. Moreover, when she’d talked to Su Shiye about the transfer student before, he had been surprised by the idea of future sea races going onto land. At the very least, in this timeline, he didn't know who the transfer student was… This was giving her a massive headache…
“This is Lord Su Shiye’s office. Although he rarely comes here, it holds many of his personal items. If something goes missing, will you take responsibility? Get out, quickly.”
Fan Li hurried out with him. But as she reached the door, she turned back to look at the portrait once more. “Don't you think Lord Su Shiye looked different as a child? His features are very sharp now, but he looked quite soft and cute when he was little.”
“Could you look sharp when you were a kid?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. Don't you think this little boy looks more like someone else?”
“Like who?”
“My… my boyfriend?”
“That hybrid kid Xinghai looks like Lord Su Shiye?” Mr. Ada sneered. “Only in your dreams.”
***4.3 Theater***
Fan Li: “A reader gave Xitian a nickname. It’s perfect.”
Xitian: “What?”
Fan Li: “The Chastity Man.”
Xitian: “…”
Yejia: “Hahahahahahaha, I’m dying! That’s even better than ‘Censored Official’ or ‘Boxed-in Official’!”
Su Shiye: “Your sense of humor is truly bizarre.”
