Linn, Luoqiao District, Anle’s Ho
Having changed into her pajamas, Anle returned to her room and looked at the neatly folded clothes on her bed.
The outfit was new but not the one from earlier that had cost over a thousand yuan. Instead, it was a budget-friendly alternative she had bought after leaving the previous shop.
Though the fabric and style couldn’t compare to the snake-approved dress, Anle was still content.
She spread the clothes out on her bed, studying them with a warm smile before deciding to wash them tomorrow for wear. Folding them again, she turned to the dejected white snake lying lifelessly on her bed.
“Little Finger?”
The snake listlessly glanced at her, then lowered its head again with a long, drawn-out sigh.
It said nothing, but its silence spoke volus.
Anle climbed onto the bed, reaching out to poke its head. Usually, Little Finger would throw a fit at such antics, but now it lay motionless, as if its spirit had departed.
Anle, growing concerned, asked softly,
“Little Finger, can snakes get sick? You don’t look well...”
The snake raised its head and gave her a look that plainly said, Are you serious?
Anle’s concern remained genuine, her innocent gaze breaking through the snake’s defenses.
“Why is my life so miserable?! Why did I have to pick you as my host?!” it wailed, slamming its head into the mattress repeatedly.
“Eh?”
Understanding dawned on Anle, and she timidly asked,
“Is it because... I didn’t do what you wanted? But didn’t you say your goal was to help
fulfill my wishes? Why are you upset when I acted according to my wishes?”
“Don’t give
that! You wanted that dress, didn’t you?! That was your wish, and you denied it! You betrayed yourself!”
Anle blinked and said quietly,
“That was one of my wishes, but not wanting the store clerk to suffer because of
was also my wish. Doesn’t that still align with what we agreed on?”
Little Finger was stunned into silence, its mouth slightly agape.
Anle continued,
“Besides, it didn’t feel right. I’ll save up so money and ask Mom for a bit more. Then, we can go back and buy it properly.”
Little Finger gasped dramatically, nearly keeling over in frustration.
“You’re unbelievable!”
The snake lanted to the heavens, questioning why it had been saddled with such misfortune.
First, it had been sent flying by its previous host without so much as a second glance. Now, it was stuck with soone who had a cheat ability but insisted on playing by the rules.
This was like soone in a racing ga stopping at every red light!
How long would it take to fully unlock its potential with a host this slow?
“You worry too much, Little Finger. The clothes I bought today are nice, too! I got my hair done, bought new clothes, and even... um... new undergarnts. I’m fully prepared.
“My greatest wish is to reconnect with Xiaohuan. Now that I’ve prepared so early, it’s bound to work this ti!”
Anle couldn’t bear seeing anyone upset, not even the snake. She didn’t see it as a tool or entity but as a friend. Blushing, she clenched her fists and cheered herself on, perhaps more for the snake’s benefit than her own.
Little Finger, however, rolled its eyes so hard it nearly strained them.
Oh, please!
Yan Huan was undoubtedly already on the radar of the other fingers—pinky, index, and thumb. A pri source of desire, he would be irresistible to them.
And what could a timid, kind-hearted host like Anle do when pitted against the likes of the thumb or index finger, who wielded far greater powers?
This was like sending a lamb to fight lions.
Frustrated, the snake flopped onto the bed, nearly fainting from despair.
Seeing this, Anle tilted her head and whispered,
“Are you going to sleep now, Little Finger?”
“...”
“Okay, then. I’ll let you rest. I want to use the computer for a bit.”
“...”
With the snake silent and unmoving, Anle assud it had given up and walked to her desk. Opening her browser, she navigated to a galga forum to look for new gas.
She didn’t find any gas but ca across a thread that piqued her interest:
“Linn Ga Expo on Sunday will feature White Horse Studio’s new release, Dragon Bound! Anyone going to pick it up?”
White Horse Studio, known for its niche oto gas with mature thes, was one of Anle’s favorites.
She clicked on the thread and skimd the replies.
“Where’d you even get a ticket? Scalpers are charging over a thousand yuan for one! That’s enough to buy several gas!”
“Just wait for the digital release on their website later.”
Linn Ga Expo... and White Horse Studio would be there?
Anle’s curiosity grew. She searched for more details and found the event’s official page:
“Linn GL Ga Expo
Sponsored by the Golden Lion Group, this annual ACG event is the largest ever this year, featuring the most exhibitors, vendors, and fan creators in its history! With one main hall and 12 sub-halls, it promises to be the most vibrant cultural celebration in Linn!”
It sounded incredible, but...
The tickets are so expensive!
Seeing the four-digit price tag, her excitent quickly waned.
Disheartened, she was about to close her browser when her mouse accidentally clicked on the na Golden Lion Group.
The screen redirected to the company’s hopage, where a golden lion logo roared proudly against a luxurious backdrop.
The logo caught her attention montarily. Golden Lion Group was a household na, a corporate giant known across the country.
Her focus lingered on the roaring lion, its image slowly overlapping with a lion mural in a luxurious flat in Jinghe District.
This grand apartnt housed a single occupant: a blonde girl sprawled on a couch, her head hanging off the edge as she tossed candy into the air.
The candy landed squarely in her open mouth.
“Mmm!”
Chewing the sweet treat, Aria Spencer let out a bored sigh.
“Ugh, this is so dull...”
Her voice echoed in the massive, empty apartnt. She grabbed a bag of chips from the table and munched, her piercing blue eyes glancing at the AI assistant on her giant screen.
Earlier, the AI had relayed a ssage:
“Miss, the Chairman has received reports of your recent behavior at school. She is very upset.”
Aria clicked her tongue in irritation, recalling the scolding emails.
The AI continued,
“She insists you focus on your studies, complete assignnts, and participate in the student council’s study group as requested. If you need assistance, I am here to help and will update her on your progress.”
Annoyed, Aria snapped,
“When will she be back?”
“I cannot confirm her schedule, but based on prior inquiries, I estimate she’ll return to Linn in two months for a short stay.”
“Of course,” Aria muttered, glaring at the night skyline outside her window.
She tossed her hair back and grumbled,
“I’m bored. Find
sothing fun to do this weekend.”
The AI hesitated before suggesting,
“Miss, I recomnd the Linn GL Ga Expo on Sunday. It’s a major cultural event sponsored by us.”
“Linn GL Ga Expo?”
Aria Spencer sat up straight, rubbing her chin as she stared at the TV screen. For the first ti in days, a flicker of interest broke through her boredom.
“Hmm~”
South District, a luxury hotel suite.
When will Mom finally suggest Xiaohuan stay with us?
Ye Shiyu twirled her chopsticks, deep in thought, while picking at her food. Across the table, Yan Huan and Ye Lan were engaged in light conversation.
Maybe I should take the initiative instead?
She glanced at her mother and Yan Huan before speaking up.
“Ye Aunty, were you already in the South District today?”
“Yes, I was here for discussions with Linn’s local authorities. We’re working on providing infrastructure like charging stations and other facilities. The South District is a typical area in need of improvent... the conditions leave much to be desired,” Ye Lan replied.
“The South District certainly has its challenges,” Yan Huan added casually.
This is my chance!
Putting down her chopsticks, Ye Shiyu looked at Yan Huan and said,
“Xiaohuan is still working here in the South District. Since the environnt is so rough, wouldn’t it be better for him to co live with us? That way, he wouldn’t have to work so hard.”
Yan Huan froze, his gaze snapping to Ye Shiyu.
He hadn’t expected her to invite him ho so openly. Her ntion of his tiring job also showed that Ying Gong Tong’s remarks earlier had clearly left an impression.
But despite her sincerity, sothing about her suggestion sent a chill down his spine.
Should he return to the Ye family ho?
The benefits were undeniable. With Ye Lan’s status and influence, moving back would be a complete turnaround for his life—no more struggling in the South District, no more years of hardship as an orphan.
But there was another side to consider. Would moving back help resolve Ye Shiyu’s fixation and her Modifier?
Beneath the table, ow-chan pawed at the paper bag containing the clothes Ye Shiyu had returned earlier.
“ow~”
“Hmm? What is it, ow-chan?” Yan Huan asked in his mind, noticing the cat’s insistent focus on the bag.
“Look closer, inside the collar of your uniform. There’s sothing hidden,” ow-chan urged.
Feigning clumsiness, Yan Huan deliberately dropped his spoon.
“Oops, sorry about that.”
He bent down to retrieve it, using the mont to inspect the uniform in the bag.
There, in a nearly imperceptible spot on the inner collar, he found tiny, ticulously embroidered characters. If not for ow-chan’s sharp eyes, he would have never noticed them.
The embroidery read: Ye Shiyu.
And it wasn’t just this uniform—ow-chan confird that other pieces of clothing bore similar markings, each in a different hidden location.
Yan Huan’s breath caught.
So much for thinking her condition had improved... this is terminal.
“ow-chan, I love you.”
“ow?”
Sitting upright again, Yan Huan smiled brightly, his mind racing for an excuse to avoid moving back to Jinghe District.
Yet before he could respond, Ye Lan spoke, surprising them both.
“Shiyu, I told you that spending ti with Xiaohuan would make you more outgoing. But... I’ve realized I’ve been too impulsive about this whole situation.”
“Eh?” Ye Shiyu and Yan Huan both looked at her in confusion.
Smiling apologetically, Ye Lan rested her chin on her hand.
“Xiaohuan has lived in Linn for over a decade. He’s almost independent now, but I treated him like a child, expecting him to abandon his familiar life for my own expectations. That wasn’t fair of .
“This past week, I had people learn more about his life. Xiaohuan is mature and capable of taking care of himself. So instead of forcing him to live with us, I think it’s better to provide him with financial support to make his life easier.
“What do you think, Shiyu?”
Ye Lan’s words lit up Yan Huan’s mind with heavenly light. In his eyes, she now had angel wings and a divine glow.
Ye Aunty, you’re a saint!
Not only had she saved him from falling victim to Ye Shiyu’s hypnosis tonight, but she was also offering him financial assistance without conditions.
“Xiaohuan, offer a prayer to our rciful goddess!” ow-chan quipped.
“Ye Aunty, I don’t want to work hard anymore,” Yan Huan said playfully.
Ye Lan laughed softly. “You’re adorable.”
But while Yan Huan basked in gratitude, Ye Shiyu was reeling.
“Mom?!”
Her eyes widened in shock. After a pause, she managed to stamr,
“But...”
“Just because you’re not living together doesn’t an your bond will weaken,” Ye Lan reassured her. “You and Xiaohuan see each other every day at school, and he can visit us on weekends. Isn’t that enough?”
Ye Shiyu glanced between her mother and Yan Huan, who nodded enthusiastically.
“But the South District is dangerous. There have been reports of gang violence—what if sothing happens to him?”
Ye Lan’s face clouded with worry at this, but Yan Huan quickly intervened.
“Don’t worry, Shiyu-jie. I’ve lived here for years and can handle myself. Besides, thanks to Ye Aunty’s partnership with the Linn governnt, the South District is bound to improve.”
“Why’s that?” Ye Lan asked, intrigued.
Yan Huan smiled.
“With the governnt and Ye Aunty working to install infrastructure, improving public safety would be a natural priority. After all, damaged property would an financial losses, and I doubt Ye Aunty would allow that.”
Ye Lan chuckled behind her hand. “You’re quite sharp. True, we won’t allow losses on our investnts. At the very least, we’ll ensure better security around key areas.”
She reached into her bag and handed Yan Huan a white credit card.
“This is for you. The password is six ones. Use it for any expenses—Aunty will cover them.”
Yan Huan blinked at the card, then looked up at Ye Lan, her smile glowing with motherly warmth.
“Thank you, Aunty,” he started to say, but she raised a finger to her lips.
“No need for thanks. Just take it, Xiaohuan.”
“Okay, Aunty.”
While Yan Huan basked in this maternal grace, Ye Shiyu sat silently, her plan to bring him ho completely derailed.
She watched her mother and Yan Huan smiling at each other, then sighed, her rationality finally overtaking her desires.
Maybe it’s for the best. If he ca ho, I might end up ruining this peace.
As she clutched her phone, the screen flickered ominously, displaying a swirling purple vortex.
But just as quickly, the screen began to glitch, static overtaking the image until it faded entirely, blending into the warmth of the room’s atmosphere.
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