Chapter 28: Who are you looking down on?

The whole night.

Poor little Zhibai’s consciousness was in a complete state of chaos the entire time.

At times, it felt like heaven, and at other times, it was hell.

When Zhijun could talk things through properly, slowing down and taking her time, it felt like heaven.

But when, even after Ye Zhibai’s defenses had already been overrun, that sly Zhijun still launched forceful assaults on the already undefended Zhibai, the stormy waves made it feel like hell!

Ye Zhibai couldn’t withstand the onslaught at all!

If you ask why— It’s because Zhijun had a powerful tool; she was

well-prepared, well-equipped, and ready for battle!

On the other hand, poor Zhibai had nothing, facing Zhijun’s superior position with no choice but to watch herself being conquered.

It was a war with no suspense.

Too… too brutal.

Amid the alternations between heaven and hell, and Ye Zhibai’s occasional feeble counterattacks from the battlefield, this long night finally came to an end with the breaking dawn.

The sun rose, but that didn’t mean the two young ladies of the Ye family had to wake up.

They were too exhausted.

They slept until noon!

Diligent and fearless, the war goddess Ye Zhijun was already humming a joyful tune as she went to prepare a loving breakfast for Ye Zhibai… Ahem, at this point, it should be called lunch, right?

As for Ye Zhibai, who had just been dressed in a new nightgown by Guang Yu after being completely bare moments ago, she still lay sprawled on the freshly changed bed sheets.

She didn’t feel like talking.

Her hair, more brilliant than the stars, was spread out across both sides of the pillow.

The girl buried her head in the soft velvet pillow.

Just thinking about last night’s battle… Ye Zhibai reflexively curled her legs up under the thin blanket.

—This was a futile defensive posture.

Last night, this defensive posture had been broken by Zhijun countless times.

Ye Zhibai felt both ashamed and angry, though her face remained expressionless.

She had only one thought in her mind. From now on, I never want to see anything with spikes or sharp edges again! Natural and eco-friendly artifact,* huh… Why does something like that even exist?!  

[*”神器 (Shénqì)” – Literally “divine tool” or “artifact,” this refers to any highly effective or powerful tool or weapon. In this context, it’s used humorously to refer to the item Zhijun uses to her advantage during the night.]

Ye Zhibai said, “Guang Yu, I don’t like the cactus on the table, move it out to the yard, let it get some sun.”

Guang Yu replied, “Oh, sure. Should I water it with cold water or boiling water?”

Ye Zhibai answered, “Do as you please… but it’s best to spare its life. Oh, and that ruler on the shelf, it’s got too many sharp edges; it’s kind of scary, take that away too.”

“So much fuss! Ugh, fine, you want me to toss this one in the yard too, huh?”

“Yes, thanks, Guang Yu. Oh… and your tail, when the fur stands up, it’s spiky too…”

“You can’t expect me to chop off my tail! It’s not just decoration, you know!”

“No, I mean, go outside and use the ruler to comb your fur, it’ll look fluffier that way.”

“You…! Ugh, whatever, I’m too lazy to argue with you. Look at you, so pathetic! Heh… But last night, when you two were all clingy, I think I regained some divine power! I have to be grateful for that!”

“…”

Yeah right, that little bit of divine power will be gone soon, used to chase butterflies or something.

But as for the first part of Guang Yu’s statement, Ye Zhibai couldn’t argue with it.

Ye Zhibai’s physical endurance, it seemed, was even worse than she had imagined when it came to intense activity.

Look at Zhijun, she was still weak and didn’t want to get up in the morning.

But at least now she was hopping around lively!

Meanwhile, Ye Zhibai, even though it was already noon, still wanted to stay glued to the bed, with no intention of moving at all. Her whole body still felt so tired.

Ignoring Guang Yu’s taunts, the clever little Zhibai rolled over, facing the wall, and returned to her state of apathy.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Heh, though I may have seemed pathetic last night, it’s not like I didn’t achieve any results.

Even though Ye Zhibai’s counterattacks were weak compared to Zhijun’s torrential offensive, what could she do when Zhijun’s defense seemed incredibly low?

If Zhijun hadn’t been so dominant, keeping Ye Zhibai pinned down and maintaining control, there might have been a chance for Zhibai to turn the tables.

Little Zhibai looked at her own hands; after all, they were the ones that had made Zhijun beg for mercy, even if just briefly, last night!

That C-grade marshmallow sure was sweet to bite, wasn’t it?  

Just as Ye Zhibai was about to close her eyes again for a little nap to recharge, the door creaked open gently.

Then, from behind Ye Zhibai came Zhijun’s concerned and apologetic voice, soft yet sweet to the ear.

“Sister…? Are you awake? Um… sorry about last night, I think I… might have overdone it a bit.”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s fine.”

This is a famous quote from a classic: The Stubborn Duck That Refuses to Admit Defeat.

Ye Zhibai thought long and hard, and these were the only two words she could come up with.

Zhijun walked closer to the bed, the guilt in her voice was evident, but so was her stubbornness!

Ye Zhijun said, “But… but it’s also your fault for showing me that expression! How could I possibly control myself after that…”

“!?”

Hearing that. Ye Zhibai didn’t have the face to turn around and look at Zhijun! The expression from last night—this was the one thing Ye Zhibai least wanted to recall!

Though it was only for a moment, Zhijun had indeed achieved her final goal last night.

When Ye Zhibai was teased to the point just before she was completely overwhelmed.

The normally expressionless girl let out a soft, melting cry that could make anyone’s heart flutter, and the scene Zhijun had most looked forward to finally came.

Ye Zhibai’s expression, even she could feel it herself.

Indeed, for a few seconds, she couldn’t control her face from falling apart.

Her brows trembled uncontrollably, her lips quivered with her breath, and an expression of shame and frustration appeared.

But it only lasted a few seconds, and the shameful expression faded away.

She slowly returned to her usual calm.

But those few seconds of facial change…! It was truly a moment of great shock for Ye Zhijun!

Such a rare expression from Ye Zhibai was like some sort of potion for Zhijun, one that could inspire and drive her forward, filling her with renewed energy!

Sadly… even though Zhijun gave it her all, she only got to witness that fleeting change in expression once throughout the whole night.

Ye Zhibai: Limited trigger, random chance, don’t push your luck! And no harm done!

Seeing that her sister didn’t want to respond to her, Zhijun couldn’t help but feel a bit wronged inside.

Even if she felt wronged, she knew she was in the wrong and still had to give her sister what she had brought.

Zhijun carefully balanced the glass in her hands and sat on the edge of the bed. She freed one hand to gently stroke Ye Zhibai’s silky silver hair. Overflowing with both affection and apology.

Yun’er said, “Sister… I… I made you some goji berry and red date tea.* Could you get up and drink some? It’ll help you feel better.”

[*”枸杞红枣茶 (Gǒuqǐ hóngzǎo chá)” – Goji berry and red date tea, a traditional Chinese drink known for its health benefits, especially in replenishing energy and blood.]

Ye Zhibai responded, “Hmm?!”

She continued, “Goji… red date tea?!”

“A big supplement, huh?”

“If you put it another way—  “

“Isn’t she implying that I’m weak?!”

Hearing this comment, which wasn’t too hurtful but carried a heavy insult, Ye Zhibai couldn’t keep lying there in silence!

She sat up suddenly, her half-asleep eyes staring at Zhijun and the tea in her hands, her silver hair still messy and tangled.

This beautiful, dreamy, lazy morning image made Zhijun gulp again.

This freaked little Zhibai out!

She hurriedly and silently took the glass from Zhijun’s hand!

Ye Zhibai said, “Don’t gulp.”

“You’re scaring me!”