Chapter 132

Chapter 132: My Family

At home, Mi Xiaoliu sat across from Heli, carefully observing her expression through the “Magic Eye Killer” glasses.  

But Heli’s expressions had always been limited to just a few—frowning, raising an eyebrow, downturned eyes, squinting… The upper half of her face summarized a lifetime of emotions.  

“Something’s off here.” Heli held Mi Xiaoliu’s composition notebook, pointing to a paragraph in the middle.  

Unless she was particularly exhausted, she would occasionally check Mi Xiaoliu’s homework before bed. Of course, she wouldn’t bother with math problems or poetry, fill-in-the-blanks—those could be left to Gloria. 

But short essays, the kind that required careful savoring, were obviously not something to entrust to Gloria.  

Gloria’s grades were actually decent, but her writing skills were still stuck at the level of “The hardworking Sun Grandpa” or “Her cheeks were as red as apples.”  

The assigned topic for this essay, printed at the end of the worksheet, was “My Family.”  

Elementary school essays were simple—as long as the content was plausible, sprinkled with a few elegant phrases or poetic lines, or even just two uncommon idioms dug out from a dictionary, high marks were practically guaranteed. 

Most of the time, ninety percent of the content didn’t reflect reality. After all, what life experiences could a grade-schooler possibly have to match the given themes?  

Heli had reminded Mi Xiaoliu of this when she first started teaching her how to write.  

Even so, when she read the essay describing a doctor for a mother, a father who spent all day gaming, and even a sister who had once been bitten to death by a venomous snake, Heli couldn’t help but feel a little speechless.

The little girl’s intentions were far too transparent.  

Heli pinched her cheek firmly as punishment for her reckless cursing of others.  

“Look at this part—‘Suddenly, my sister’s ghost appeared and fought with my brother over my snacks.’ But you never mentioned a brother before this. Where did this brother come from? It’s too abrupt.” Heli patiently explained the issue to Mi Xiaoliu.  

She handed the notebook back and watched as Mi Xiaoliu made revisions.  

Mi Xiaoliu inserted a line before the problematic section: “I took my brother out of my pocket.” This perfectly justified the brother’s sudden appearance.  

Heli’s frown only deepened as she read it.  

Then came the real issue.  

After guiding her through the elementary-level essay, Heli pulled out her phone and showed Mi Xiaoliu a message Gloria had sent her.  

“What were you doing running off again? And getting chased by the police?”  

Not long ago, Heli had gone through some personal channels to register an account on the Night Hawk’s Network. After a series of complicated steps, she’d found the account of the freelancer known as “Multitool” and sent him two million to set up a long-term task—to keep an eye on Mi Xiaoliu, who had stumbled into a den of thieves. 

No special requests, just let her loiter on the sidelines.  

Though there were no chat records, the task showed that the other party had indeed accepted it. So why was there trouble again? And worse, Gloria had noticed.  

Mi Xiaoliu didn’t answer. Instead, she leaned forward, offering her forehead for a flick.  

Heli didn’t hold back, expressionlessly delivering two sharp “thoks.” Then, as if unsatisfied, she added two more. “Did you think volunteering would make me go easy on you?”  

“…”  

Her little scheme had been seen through.

The Chinese textbook said that well-behaved children who actively accept criticism will be praised.  

She got two extra flicks.  

Not happy.  

“Have you started cross-dressing lately?” Heli had found women’s clothing in Mi Xiaoliu’s room—brand-name stuff, too—but none of it was bought by her.  

Mi Xiaoliu shook her head.  

“Hmm… If you ever feel like dressing up, let me know. I’ll do your makeup.” Heli knew a bit of basic makeup. After all, with her ethereal, ghostly complexion, going out without any would be… questionable.  

If she stepped outside with dark circles under her eyes, MI6 might just expand their roster based on her alone. The stray dogs on the street would probably get interrogated for not barking at her.

“Let the adults handle things. Tomorrow morning, you’re having stir-fried celery with bell peppers.” With that, Heli pushed her back into her room and logged into the Night Hawk Network to message Multitool directly.  

Celery and bell peppers were among Mi Xiaoliu’s least favorite foods—a fitting punishment.  

But even after returning to her room, Mi Xiaoliu couldn’t sleep peacefully.  

The moment she stepped inside, she was caught off guard and pinned down. Gloria pressed her arms behind her back, sitting on top of her, then delivered two sharp smacks to her rear with a mix of suspicion and surprise. “You little brat, how are you this weak?”  

Heli had given Gloria a spare key to Mi Xiaoliu’s room but specifically warned her not to barge in without reason, citing that “as a teenage boy, he might have some private habits.”  

It was a little gross to think about.  

Besides, Gloria had more suitors than she could count. Why would she ever pay attention to some scrawny, unremarkable kid?  

She let go of Mi Xiaoliu, watching as the girl scurried to the corner and crouched down. Gloria narrowed her eyes.  

This timid, easily bullied demeanor—where was the “wolf in sheep’s clothing” protagonist energy?  

Instead, it felt like if she picked her up and splat—dropped her on the floor, she’d just cry for hours.  

“Use your spatial ability to store this.” Gloria pushed out the suitcase she’d once stuffed Mi Xiaoliu into, testing her powers.  

Mi Xiaoliu complied.  

“Oh ho?” Gloria raised an eyebrow. “Now try the wardrobe.”  

Mi Xiaoliu stored the entire wardrobe in her system space.  

That actually surprised Gloria. Being able to store something that large meant his (her) ability was at least Level 3—and spatial abilities were rare to begin with.  

“Hopefully, you can fit ‘The Star’ too… I remember its container was pretty huge. Think you can manage?” Gloria pressed a hand on Mi Xiaoliu’s head skeptically.  

Mi Xiaoliu nodded.  

“Good. If this works, I’ll treat you to a hamburger.” Despite Gloria’s rock-bottom credibility in Mi Xiaoliu’s mind, she made the promise with full confidence.  

—  

Blue River, a waterway at the edge of Fanzui City, flowed straight into the sea. Legend had it that a century ago, a Level 5 ability user had carved it into existence.  

Many men dreamed of owning a cozy RV—a fantasy rooted in childhood dreams of secret hideouts.  

For those without money, it remained just a dream. And for those who eventually became wealthy, the desire often faded. But some still chased it, though by then, a mere RV might no longer satisfy them.  

A luxury yacht—this was Little Demon King, Okulet’s current residence after separating from his wife.  

What seemed like an extravagant splurge had actually drained half his life’s savings. Spending most of his assets on something like this was borderline irresponsible, but no one would dare call him out on it.  

Because his family was loaded.  

And his now-estranged wife? Even richer.  

On lazy days, he’d lie on the deck, staring at the endless water, fishing while reminding himself of his own insignificance—the only way he ever found peace.  

“Long time no see.” A voice came from the second person now on the deck.  

He didn’t have the spare cash to hire staff, and the yacht was supposed to be in the middle of the river.  

Glancing sideways at the newcomer, he confirmed it had indeed been a while.  

White hair shaved into a prison-style buzz cut, exposing a face sharp enough to slice steel. A summer T-shirt clung to his frame, arms lean but solid. Handsome, but with an intentional, fox-like squint that made him look perpetually scheming.  

“Here to turn yourself in?” Okulet reeled in his line, pulling up a fish no bigger than his thumb.  

“Don’t kid yourself. I know you quit the police force.” The man flicked a finger toward the water. A thirty-pound yellow croaker leaped onto the deck, flailing helplessly, unable to flip back in.  

Okulet side-eyed him, hooked the fish’s mouth onto his line, and snapped a photo for his social media.  

The buzz-cut man’s eye twitched. “Heard you’ve had a rough few years.”  

“If you’re here for drinks, save it. I quit.” After posting the pic, Okulet messaged Gloria to like his post.  

He got chewed out instead.

He felt a little hurt inside.  

“How about a smoke, then?” The buzz-cut man offered him a Huazi cigarette. “Remember back in the day when we’d pass one around the whole dorm?”  

“Quit that too,” Okulet shook his head.  

“I’m really sorry about what happened to your youngest daughter.” The buzz-cut man opened his usually narrowed eyes, revealing rare gray irises. “So, what’s the deal… You’ve been staying in Fanzui City lately—planning to reconcile with your former wife? Or are you here tracking the Red Prince?”  

“Don’t act like we’re close. You didn’t even show up to my wedding,” Okulet said flatly.  

“I told you, I got lost. Do you have any idea how hopeless it feels circling the same block for hours?” the man sighed.  

“Whatever. Your family drama’s none of my business—shouldn’t have brought it up. But since you haven’t noticed yet, I’ll break protocol and clue you in.” He stood up, leaning in as if sharing a secret.  

“The Red Prince is in Fanzui City. His mission? To locate the Dream Game servers… and the Star in your possession.”  

Okulet’s gaze sharpened.  

“Don’t tell anyone it was me who told you, ‘okay?” The buzz-cut man lifted off the deck, hovering mid-air.

[Translator’s Note: See the index page for this Novel if you want to see the Amazon Link for the eBooks.]