Chapter 198

Chapter 198: Changing Bodyguards (Two-In-One)

Uncle Humpback Whale really had it tough—stuck in Sunshine City just to clean up Mi Xiaoliu’s mess.  

But to make sure the Red Prince was dead, she’d even stabbed the knife through his eye socket and into his brain.  

In modern times, a pierced heart still had a sliver of a chance for resuscitation, but brain damage had always been the most fatal of injuries.  

Yiwen opened the case files Humpback Whale had sent her. Honestly, she hadn’t looked too deeply into the Red Prince case before.  

It wasn’t just disappearances—there were also many accidental deaths. All the cases seemed to lack any trace of outside interference.  

The victims all came from well-off families and exhibited strange behavior before vanishing.  

One ten-year-old boy had even swallowed a small folding craft scissors before disappearing—at that age, he should’ve known better than to put something like that in his mouth.  

A copycat killer?  

The western district was a bit far, but since it was the same city, they still needed to be careful. Mi Xiaoliu also fell into the “child” category—the kind who could wander into Flower Mom’s sunflower field and still come out alive.  

Yiwen absentmindedly stroked Mi Xiaoliu’s head. Mi Xiaoliu leaned into her touch, perfectly synchronized.  

The practiced ease of it made Yiwen furious. Who else has been petting Mi Xiaoliu besides me? Lu Mingxue?  

That was the first name that came to mind. Yiwen immediately pulled Mi Xiaoliu into a selfie and sent it to Lu Mingxue.  

Bet you didn’t expect this—even though Mi Xiaoliu’s a girl, we’re still this close.  

Lu Mingxue: “??”  

Once again inexplicably provoked, Lu Mingxue had had enough. She sent back a photo: Mi Xiaoliu biting into a chicken leg, her hands resting idle because Lu Mingxue had shoved it into her mouth.  

It looked like she was being hand-fed.  

Yiwen was angry. She was going to duel Lu Mingxue when she got back.  

AndMi  Xiaoliu—since when was hand-feeding something “just friends” did?  

She turned to glare at Mi Xiaoliu, her gaze drifting downward.  

Mi Xiaoliu: “White.”  

Yiwen: “I don’t believe you.” She had to check for herself.  

What the—isn’t this the same pair from yesterday?  

Even Mi Xiaoliu was starting to brush her off.  

Still, she felt the need to remind her: “Xiaoliu, make sure to wipe properly after peeing. Don’t skimp on toilet paper.”  

Mi Xiaoliu: “Mmm.”  

Yiwen kept scrolling through the files and realized the Red Prince she’d killed was way more notorious than she’d thought. His shadow stretched across nearly the entire Federation—like some kind of ghost.  

The victim list was horrifyingly long.  

One name stood out: Misha Lasvedo.  

Wasn’t that the little pseudo-human girl from before?  

Yiwen tapped for details.  

Place of Death: The meteorite crater in Lankamduo Forest.  

Wait, isn’t that where Mi Xiaoliu and I were trapped?  

At the same time, one of the ESP officers who’d investigated the Red Prince caught her attention.  

Strange Grass.  

Wasn’t that Mi Xiaoliu’s bodyguard?  

Just thinking about him put Yiwen in a bad mood.  

Mi Xiaoliu got bullied right under his watch.  

She dialed the Chairwoman. “It’s me. Yiwen.”  

Facing people like this—those usually out of her reach—always made Yiwen a little nervous. But the thought of Mi Xiaoliu being wronged steeled her resolve.  

One of Yiwen’s old criteria for boyfriends: Never back down. Stand your ground when it matters.  

Chairwoman: “Have you decided on your wish?” That was the only reason she could think of for Yiwen calling.  

Yiwen: “Why did you hit Xiaoliu?” The moment she asked, the nervousness vanished.  

Chairwoman: “Xiaoliu?” It took her a second to place the name.  

Without the surname, “Mi Xiaoliu” wasn’t particularly memorable.  

The Chairwoman replied coldly, “Do you know what he did? He tried to steal my daughter’s memento.”  

Yiwen: “He told me your dog gave it to him. Xiaoliu would never steal, and he doesn’t lie.”  

At the same time, Yiwen recalled the second time she’d seen the Black-Clothed One—stealing the Mona Lisa’s Smile—and how Mi Xiaoliu had acted suspiciously in her room before they entered the forest.  

Those were special circumstances! Normally, Mi Xiaoliu’s a good kid. The first time she stayed over, she even asked my mom for permission before drinking tap water.  

The Chairwoman seemed to chuckle—Yiwen’s naivety was almost amusing.  

Chairwoman: “Little girl, the word absolute should never describe a person. No one sticks to a single character setting like a robot.”  

Yiwen: “Check the cameras then. Or test the doll for your dog’s saliva.” I trust my girlfriend completely.  

Yiwen said firmly, “But you hit him. We demand an explanation and an apology. Not retaliation—just an apology. Because my Xiaoliu is civilized and reasonable. He wouldn’t do something so barbaric.”  

(Really, fighting back wasn’t practical. But Yiwen had to verbally claim the high ground.)  

Chairwoman: “Is that your wish?” Her tone remained calm, unprovoked.  

Hearing the conversation circle back to “wishes,” Yiwen understood: Reasoning with her is pointless.  

Yiwen: “You once said you’d grant me one wish within your capabilities. So tell me—does apologizing to Xiaoliu in person, sincerely and formally, fall within those capabilities?”  

She emphasized “capabilities” deliberately.  

If possible, her ideal solution would’ve been letting Mi Xiaoliu slap her back. But for now, this was the most dignified option. With anyone else, Yiwen would’ve just ambushed them in a back alley.  

Mi Xiao tugged Yiwen’s sleeve and shook her head.  

She doesn’t want to see the bad woman.  

Yiwen patted her head reassuringly. “It’s okay. No one will bully you while I’m here.”  

(Even though she couldn’t even beat Mi Xiaoliu in a fight.)  

The line was silent for so long that Yiwen almost thought the call had dropped.  

The Chairwoman replied finally, “Think carefully. That wish could’ve set you up for life.”  

Yiwen: “Mmm. A formal Apology.”

Mi Xiaoliu might not have to accept it, but the other party must lower their head and apologize.  

What’s money compared to making sure Mi Xiaoliu gets justice?  

Chairwoman: “Tomorrow.” She still honored her promises.  

Even if reluctantly.  

Kids will be kids.  

After hanging up, Yiwen thought for two seconds, then called Uncle Humpback Whale back.  

“Uncle Humpback Whale, I want to request a bodyguard change for Xiaoliu… That bodyguard just feels off.”  

Besides, Mi Xiaoliu had been back for so long, and he still hadn’t shown up. She hadn’t even seen him once.  

—  

At Night Time.  

“Xiaoliu, you do know what’ll happen if you lose this time, right?” Yiwen propped her chin on her hand, staring seriously at Mi Xiaoliu.  

Mi Xiaoliu nodded.  

“Good.” Yiwen took a deep breath and turned to the laptop in front of her.  

She’d reclaimed it from her brother. Honestly, even though their relationship had improved, she still resented her mom for making her hand it over in the first place.  

Then there was the desktop computer Mi Xiaoliu was using.  

All the valuables in their old house had been stolen during the break-in. Did her hot-tempered mom just let it slide? Of course not. She’d even taken a month off work, pulling strings to gather evidence and sue every last one of them—zero tolerance.  

The case had trended online, and Yiwen almost ended up back in the media spotlight too.  

But back to the point—this new computer was bought with the compensation money. Mom had seen Toby glued to his screen, so she got another one, hoping Mi Xiaoliu would play with him. Instead, it conveniently ended up in her hands.  

And then—five kills stolen again! Yiwen was furious.  

This solo match came with a cruel punishment for the loser.  

Yiwen shamelessly peeked at Mi Xiaoliu’s champion pick.  

Lucian.  

Yiwen smirked.  

And locked in Yuumi.  

—  

Yiwen lost to Mi Xiaoliu.  

Her expression was a perfect mix of shock (10%) and acting (90.5%).  

She knelt on the floor, righteous and solemn: “Go ahead, Xiaoliu.”  

The loser’s punishment: getting stepped on the head—barefoot—by the winner.  

Mi Xiaoliu stood motionless, hands behind her back.  

“Hurry up and take off your shoes!” Yiwen urged, then coughed and switched to a tragic expression.  

…Honestly, after accepting it internally, it wasn’t so bad.  

She even found herself reminiscing about the forest—just the two of them, alone together.  

The sweet taste of naturally processed water.  

Mi Xiaoliu: “No punishing Yiwen.” She shook her head.  

An actual angel.  

“Quit stalling.” Yiwen scooped her up and tossed her onto the bed, yanking off her shoes in one motion.  

9 PM—Mi Xiaoliu’s “most obedient” hour.  

Cute little feet, round toes, neatly trimmed nails…  

A light touch, and Mi Xiaoliu giggled, pulling her foot back. Too adorable.  

And then—what next?  

Mi Xiaoliu: “Yiwen?” She tilted her head, confused by Yiwen’s antics.  

Jade-like radiance.  

Infinite shimmering variations.  

Graceful rivalry.  

QQ Dance Dance Revolution.  

Conclusion: Slightly salty.  

Afterward, Yiwen tried to steal a kiss.  

Mi Xiaoliu refused—this time, not even her cheek was allowed.  

A bit discouraging. So many days, and still no lips.  

Once business was settled, Yiwen wrapped her arms around Mi Xiaoliu and closed her eyes, planning to stay the night.  

Mom won’t check anyway.  

Mi Xiaoliu lay perfectly still.  

Heli had said boys weren’t allowed to take advantage.  

But she never mentioned girls.  

—  

West District, Children’s Playground.  

After school, even as night fell, this place—usually bustling—was empty except for one boy on a swing, backpack still on, fiddling with his phone.  

These days, even elementary kids have smartphones.  

“Kid, head home early. Haven’t you seen the news? There’s been a child-snatching villain around lately.”  

The boy looked up.  

An ordinary-looking middle-aged man with white hair.  

Boy: “Are you the villain?”  

The man replied chuckling, “Villains don’t admit they’re villains.” He sat on the swing beside him, smiling warmly. “If there’s nothing else, go home. Your parents will worry.”  

Boy: “Not going. I failed my test. Going back means getting hit again.” He shook his head.  

Man: “Then…” He rested a hand on the boy’s shoulder.  

Suddenly—CRASH!  

A traffic accident erupted nearby. A truck carrying steel pipes was hit out of nowhere.  

Hit by… the air?

Without any warning, the front of the car suddenly collapsed with a loud bang, the headlights shattered, and the driver inside was in a horrifying state.

Three meters away from the scene, a green-haired girl with her hands in her pockets tilted her head and frowned, turning her gaze toward the disguised Rutherford.

“It was you who attacked me, wasn’t it?”

“Oh?” Rutherford stood up and looked at her from a distance.

The little boy, frightened, didn’t run away. Instead, he took two steps back and started recording with his phone.

A habit etched into the DNA of Sunshine City residents.

“How rare. Even when an attack directed at me has already arrived, you’re still sitting there perfectly fine. That’s never happened before. Not even once,” the girl said calmly, looking at Rutherford.

“Although he’s in disguise, if nothing goes wrong, this person is the Red Prince.”

A voice over the earpiece reported the information.

“That scumbag who specializes in killing children? He’s not dead yet… I see.”

The girl seemed to understand something.

Clearly, he hadn’t been killed, yet false news had been deliberately released to boost the police’s reputation. The Federation’s paranormal police… heh.

“I remember this person used to be one of our collaborators, right?”

“Sort of, but he didn’t complete the mission. The server’s still missing.”

“Single server. If I recall correctly, he also took that commission about ‘Stars’ on Night Hawk Network, didn’t he?”

“We don’t lack ‘Stars’ anyway.”

“Then before capturing Mi Xiaoliu, killing someone first doesn’t break the rules, right?”

The girl pulled a laser gun identical to the ones from the Third Fractal out of her pocket.

“Do as you please. The Little Demon King is being held off by our people for now, but I don’t know how long they can last. Just a heads-up, the Red Prince might be one of the hardest ability users to kill.”

————————

At that moment, Okulet, whose steps had been delayed.

He stepped down from his old, beat-up car that still had hand-crank windows, and quietly looked at the elderly man lying in front of it.

The twisted leg didn’t look fake, and the air was filled with wails.

“Young man, you can’t leave. Even if you don’t give me a hundred thousand or so, you still have to send me to the hospital and cure all my illnesses today.”

The old man clung tightly to his leg, while the crowd pointed and whispered.

Okulet didn’t say a word. He quietly lit a cigarette and stared at his beat-up little car.

He suspected someone was messing with him, but there was no evidence.

He swore he had been driving extremely carefully.

This was already his fourth trip to the hospital today due to hitting someone—back and forth.

The old men all had chronic illnesses, and together they had cost him nearly four million. Naturally, his personal savings were long gone.

His wife had called, saying she’d found Gloria, but Gloria wouldn’t listen to him, so she told him to hurry over. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and ask her for money, firmly cementing his status as a “kept man.”

Sure enough, once in the hospital, another whole pile of ailments was discovered in this old man.

Okulet braced himself and called his wife again for money.

He could already imagine what her bodyguards would say.

“Look, the man of the house is asking the boss for money again. Is he cheating on her?”

“Using the woman’s money to keep a mistress? Shameless!”

Ever since his boat was stolen, he had been plagued by bad luck.

Someone even leaked his identity online.

After thinking it over, Okulet called Old Chen: “I’ve got time on my hands lately. I can help you clean out some rats.”

But it would cost money.

Mainly because constantly asking his wife for money was too humiliating.

“Aren’t you in Sunshine City?” Officer Chen replied.

Fair point.

“Running short on cash?” Officer Chen hit the nail on the head.

Having an overly capable wife wasn’t exactly a blessing for a man.

“I’ve had a streak of bad luck. I suspect someone’s targeting me.”

“Explain in detail,” Officer Chen’s tone turned serious.

Okulet told him all the unlucky incidents.

“Hmm. I’ll notify the Sunshine City team to keep an eye out… Seems there’s indeed a job over there. A long-term protection mission for someone. Pretty easy, but pays well. You can get the relevant info from the former bodyguard—he probably compiled a lot. The person in question is apparently your cousin.”

Long-term…

Might as well give it a try. After all, with the Red Prince dead, he didn’t have anything else to do.

When he got back, he’d write a novel called “The Campus Belle’s Soldier Bodyguard.”

Okulet got in touch with Nikita and asked for the files.

After a long while, Nikita finally replied.

“Mi Xiaoliu, gender male…”

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

[https://ko-fi.com/golden_dragon]