Chapter 91

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 91: The Taste of the First Kiss

Tang Liuli was a genius, that much was clear.

Though her natural talent had always been evident, it had been buried under the weight of endless scripts and the pressure of a demanding acting career, obscured from the world.

But after Chu Yuanqing helped her overcome some past emotional burdens, her talent began to shine through, and her sensitivity to acting and lies became sharper.

Chu Yuanqing’s lies might fool others, but not Tang Liuli.

She had a keen ability to pick up on the smallest of expressions, body language, and subtle details. With her extensive acting experience, she could detect even the faintest trace of deception and quickly uncover loopholes in a story.

First of all, the location for the music video shoot was supposed to be a grand space for “Dazzling Stage.” It made no sense for Honey Qing to be in a coffee shop restroom, looking a mess.

Secondly, the makeup artists Honey Qing knew were limited to those she met while on stage. Their schedules were always a bit later than the contestants’, and the nearest film crew was three kilometers away, making it impossible for them to have done her makeup in time.

Thirdly, Tang Liuli remembered the fake blood formula used on set: syrup, water, red coloring, and cornstarch. When she was ten, she acted in a horror film and had to use fake blood, a mixture that tasted sweet, but with an almost bitter edge. She remembered the taste vividly.

But the fake blood Chu Yuanqing used was different. It not only tasted like blood but also carried a hint of rose fragrance, like a strange and refreshing juice.

Despite all the variations in fake blood recipes over the years, there was no reason for the props department to intentionally craft fake blood that smelled like real blood, let alone add floral or fruity scents.

And the fake blood on the ground—it glittered, as though it contained fluorescent powder. But the taste didn’t match the usual fluorescent aftertaste, which was completely unreasonable!

How did she even taste it?

Tang Liuli’s pretty face was smeared with ketchup-like fake blood, making her look like a little flower cat. Though her expression was serious, she looked quite comical. Discreetly, she licked the fake blood off her lips, confirming the strange taste once again.

Now, the most suspicious part was about to begin.

This was the biggest flaw.

No matter how high-end the services, it was almost impossible to find a wig and colored contacts that could match the main character’s features perfectly, without any flaws. This wasn’t just about trying out a new style.

And if “Dazzling Stage” had this level of makeup, why would they bother creating a girl group with billions of followers? Why not just invest in technology to enhance other girl groups and make money effortlessly?

Tang Liuli studied the person in front of her carefully.

Chu Yuanqing’s hair felt like silk, its flawless white color purer than winter snow. Her eyes shimmered with a divine beauty—both solemn and gentle, radiating an otherworldly clarity.

With just one glance, her talent shone so brightly it made Tang Liuli feel at ease and light-hearted.

Tang Liuli had always thought Chu Yuanqing was incredibly beautiful—almost like a supernatural being. But now, after just one look, her cheeks flushed with warmth. She quickly looked away, afraid of losing her composure and getting lost in Chu Yuanqing’s dazzling charm.

This charm was more overwhelming than what she had felt when she almost formed a cult before.

Even Tang Liuli couldn’t help but fold her hands together, imagining that Chu Yuanqing was a deity descended to Earth.

Now, having just been saved and filled with maternal love, feeling the enchanting presence of Chu Yuanqing, it was as if all her abilities had been amplified, making her abandon reason and spiral into madness.

According to basic logic, Tang Liuli had already given up or simply didn’t want to use it when facing Chu Yuanqing.

Could such a wonderful being like Chu Yuanqing really be human?

No, I don’t believe it. Humans can’t be this perfect!

It must be something like a succubus, a deity, an angel, or even a magical girl shining from within—beings that don’t exist in the world but are imagined by people.

When it came to supernatural beings, many of the questions in her mind now had answers.

For example, the reason why Chu Yuanqing lies.

For example, the alluring posture with white hair and golden eyes.

For example, the ability to vomit so much blood and still live, the scent of flowers in the blood, and even the sweet, fruity taste.

For example, how one’s natural talent can easily sense much stronger positive emotions in others than usual.

Could there be a more reasonable explanation than magical girls? No, there couldn’t!

Tang Liuli’s remarkable wisdom, using a unique logic, had figured out the truth for the first time.

And unlike her earlier belief that Chu Yuanqing was a divine being, now she thought that perhaps the magical girl was just an imagination, but one that could be confirmed.

Chu Yuanqing, unaware that her identity as a magical girl had been figured out, quickly changed the subject, trying to distract Tang Liuli:

“By the way, Liuli, I remember locking the door. How did you get into the bathroom?”

Tang Liuli’s emerald eyes showed confusion. After a moment of thought, she reached for the key hanging on a rope around her neck and let it fall, saying confidently:

“This is my shop.”

“Seven or eight years ago, I shot many scenes here. For convenience, I bought this place and even built a few bedrooms upstairs. Of course, I have the keys to the place. I was surprised to see you, Honey Qing, here.”

Chu Yuanqing was stunned. Her mind raced as she quickly calculated the cost of the whole coffee shop based on her years of experience working in Sea City. The approximate size of the café and the land price in the film and television base made her pause in thought for a moment.

16.37 million?

No, if it was a few years ago, the price should have been much lower, but still, several million.

Wow, I didn’t know Little Liuli was this rich!

Unable to contain her curiosity, Chu Yuanqing blurted out the question:

“So… is the property deed in your name?”

“Yes, I also have a villa in Sea City. Would Little Qing like to come visit?”

Tang Liuli calmly admitted, not seeing herself as particularly wealthy.

Her father had taken all her assets, leaving only those frozen by her mother as a precaution. Most of those were overseas, like the castle in Bordeaux and the art pieces locked in a private vault.

Even when Tang Liuli grew older and unfreezed some of the assets, she couldn’t access or auction them for five more years.

After signing a competition contract with “Dazzling Stage” at 17, she sold off her company and agent, making some money before heading back to Gloria alone to continue working on her dream.

So, in terms of accessible assets in the country, Tang Liuli only had this coffee shop and a few houses. With only a few million left in her hidden bank account, she felt poor and a bit inferior.

With such limited funds, how could she possibly afford Honey Qing? How could she compete with other bad women?

Her complicated understanding of wealth was due to her upbringing.

Chu Yuanqing held her breath and restrained the urge to ask for financial support. She sighed quietly and stood up, glancing at the large pool of blood slowly dissipating with magical energy. Her pupils dilated, and she felt a sharp tightness in her chest.

Oh no, I need to get Liuli out before the blood completely disappears.

With that thought, Chu Yuanqing stood up, casually patting her skirt, hiding her anxiety and replying calmly:

“If I get the chance, I’ll visit.”

“Shall we go for a walk now? I heard there are many interesting places around here.”

Tang Liuli seemed not to hear, her gaze locked on every part of Chu Yuanqing.

From the plump, swaying fruits as she stood up to the slender waist that seemed perfect for an embrace, and the round thighs… to the knee with a scraped wound.

The young girl lowered her eyes, gently sliding her finger over the skin near the other person’s knee, sending a teasing sensation through the air. The movement was suggestive, slow and deliberate.

Chu Yuanqing instinctively wanted to step back but was held by a hand on her calf. The sensation of hot skin under her fingertips stopped her movement. She felt confused, unsure of what was happening.

“Liuli?” she asked, puzzled.

Tang Liuli lowered her eyes to the fresh redness oozing from the knee wound. She smelled the fragrance of blooming flowers carried by the summer breeze. It was as if, after many years, she had truly felt the essence of summer.

The girl’s fingers sank into the soft flesh of the thigh, feeling the abundant collagen. She moved closer, bringing her face near the knee, puckered her lips, and gently exhaled on the wound.

“Little Qing, your knee is hurt.”

Chu Yuanqing was blown away. Her eyes shimmered with gold, and she pressed her lips together, sensing something wasn’t right in the atmosphere. But she couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong and could only reply honestly:

“Yes, I bumped it, but it’ll be fine soon.”

Tang Liuli’s eyes were misty, her expression light-hearted yet slightly confused, as if she had taken a deep breath of catnip in her owner’s arms. She was lightly tracing her leg with delicate fingertips, and her breath became more intense.

Honey Qing, with her white fur and golden eyes, was extraordinary. In the past, Tang Liuli had needed special occasions—like with Chu Wang Shu and the stage—to experience warmth and joy.

But now?

As long as Chu Yuanqing stood there, she absorbed all the brilliance of human nature.

Tang Liuli could feel more than just maternal love and the sparkle of the stage. She sensed virtues like purity, generosity, and gentleness—qualities akin to the knights’ eight creeds.

It was like… the person in front of her was a convergence of all the beauty of living beings. Once she shed her external shell, she would naturally shine.

Having seen the darkness of human nature in her family, Tang Liuli now felt truly grateful to be alive after meeting Chu Yuanqing.

Her legs rubbed together as rationality slipped away. She felt herself teetering on the edge of madness. The current Honey Qing was like a walking aphrodisiac.

“I can’t… go out right now. At least… we should disinfect, right?”

Her voice was hoarse, mixed with rapid breaths. She lowered her beautiful face, kissed the wound on Chu Yuanqing’s knee, and gently ran her tongue over the bloodstains.

The taste of blood lingered at first, but as she licked more, the fragrance of flowers became stronger. A hint of sweetness filled her senses as the blood became more fragrant on her lips.

In that moment, Tang Liuli confirmed that the blood on the floor was not fake, but the result of Chu Yuanqing’s own coughing up.

Her theory that Chu Yuanqing was a magical girl was now far more convincing.

But at that moment, she didn’t care about theories—she just wanted to “disinfect.”

Chu Yuanqing froze in shock, her soul shaken, her body in pain. What she saw left her mind reeling.

Disinfecting?

Is this how you disinfect?

Annoyed, Chu Yuanqing thought to herself, Who told this child such wrong information!?

While the amylase and lysozyme in saliva do indeed have digestive and antibacterial properties, they are only meant to maintain daily oral hygiene. Injuries on the skin should not be disinfected with saliva, okay?

She was about to educate the girl on this important piece of common knowledge when something strange caught her attention—the diminishing resistance to magic.

Before she could even revel in the small victory, she felt it: the witch’s senses heightened, spreading across every inch of her skin as a strange magical flow coursed through her body, bringing a tingling sensation.

Tang Liuli’s legs trembled, and she collapsed onto the ground. Her pale face flushed with a tempting coral color. Her normally cold, serious demeanor gave way to one of confusion and dazed surprise.

It didn’t take long for her to realize the terrifying truth, and that realization made her skin itch with frustration.

The magic had transferred through the saliva when she licked the wound, appearing in Tang Liuli’s pendant before circulating through her entire body.

In short, it was a magical exchange through saliva.

Chu Yuanqing’s embarrassment and anger surged. She wanted to pound the floor in frustration.

Darn it, magical girls aren’t supposed to be like this!

Where is the blessed designer? Delete this strange setting, now!

At that moment, the confused Liuli Cat, her emerald eyes misty, crawled instinctively toward Chu Yuanqing. She nuzzled into her arms, tightly clutching her waist, and whispered softly in her ear:

“Qing Qing, are you tired? You can’t even stand steadily. Why don’t you come sit in my bedroom for a while?”

Chu Yuanqing’s heart raced, and she felt like she was on the edge of losing control.

First, the aftermath of the unleashed curse.

Next, the meeting with her daughter.

Finally, the crisis of the magical girl’s identity.

Her headache worsened with every thought.

No, I can’t give up now.

Upon reflection, as long as no abnormalities occurred, this body was indistinguishable from a regular person. Even if taken to a hospital for examination, no flaws would be found. It was okay even if some oddities were uncovered.

Moreover, her identity was now corrected by her own causality, and her lifespan was limited to a few months. As long as she didn’t expose herself in public or during live broadcasts, there was no need to worry too much about these details.

Thus, Chu Yuanqing’s resolve strengthened. She quietly pried Tang Liuli’s hand off her waist, hoping to disregard the situation and escape, leaving this clingy green-eyed cat behind.

Just as she prepared to leave, a menacing whisper echoed in the room:

“Little Qing, you wouldn’t want Little Shu to find out about you secretly coughing up blood in the bathroom, right?”

Chu Yuanqing froze, completely taken aback.

Haha, it must be a trick of the mind. How could the sweet, shy Little Liuli say something so cold?

Tang Liuli understood human nature.

Her mother, in her quest for the perfect “masterpiece,” had embedded the symptoms of schizophrenia into her soul, allowing her to effortlessly switch personalities and portray any role like a great actress.

Her father, in pursuit of an immortal masterpiece painting, had sacrificed his wife and daughter. He had watched them die in the castle, joyfully painting their deaths, spending years and money building his reputation through endless art exhibitions.

These two were driven by their obsession with art and fame.

And Chu Yuanqing? She was gentle yet resolute, with a clear sense of right and wrong.

Because of this, there was no need for real threats or deliberate disguises. All that was required was to reveal the softness in her heart.

Tang Liuli no longer hid her inner fragility. Hot tears welled up in her eyes, cascading down her cheeks and shattering against Chu Yuanqing’s neck.

She was crying silently, her expression one of deep aggrievement. Then, suddenly, she smiled, as if she’d just pulled off a great prank. With a smug voice, she whispered softly:

“Fooled you, scared you, didn’t I?”

“Little Qing is the nicest person in the whole wide world to me.”

“Whatever I guess, whatever I know, I won’t tell anyone.”

Chu Yuanqing’s body relaxed, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave. She was less concerned about her secret being discovered and more worried about the shadows she had inadvertently unearthed within Liuli’s heart. What had made this child so fragile, so sensitive?

Guilt overwhelmed her.

How despicable. How irresponsible am I? Wanting to run away just because of this little matter…

No, she needed to show responsibility as an adult.

With that thought, Chu Yuanqing decided that since Liuli, this beautiful girl, couldn’t hurt her, she might as well arrange to meet her daughter at the coffee shop without issue.

After confirming the details, she hesitated for a moment and then said:

“How about… I accompany you upstairs for a while?”

Tang Liuli’s face lit up with joy, nodding eagerly.

The two of them made their way upstairs to a private bathroom, where they used disposable towels to clean the bloodstains from their bodies.

While doing so, Chu Yuanqing sent a text to her daughter with the meeting address set at the café. Then, she followed Liuli into a long-unused bedroom.

The room was very clean, as though it had been regularly maintained. The wooden floors had a fresh feel to them, and the European-style furniture was carefully chosen. The bed was piled high with a mix of old teddy bears.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting shadows that mingled with the breeze stirring the curtains.

The bookshelf was large, filled with both primary school homework and textbooks. There were also books like “Actors’ Self-Cultivation,” “Respect for Performing Arts,” and “Acting Training Manual”—quite different from primary school math books—and many notebooks with unreadable covers.

In front of the bookshelf was a large table and chairs, where one could almost see the silhouette of a girl who had studied there years ago.

“Can I take a look at this?” Chu Yuanqing asked.

“Feel free,” came the reply.

Chu Yuanqing took an old, worn book from the shelf and flipped through its pages. The familiar scent of years gone by filled the air, and the pages were marked with childish notes and interpretations on sticky notes.

After putting it back, she took out a few more books and discovered interpretations about the actor Marlon Brando. They appeared to be assignments given by a teacher, and among them were analyses of The Godfather and other classic films.

Surprisingly, there were also character sketches Tang Liuli had made when she was 9 or 10 years old. It was clear that, even at such a young age, she took acting very seriously and showed a maturity beyond her years.

Tang Liuli stared at the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings, her expression a mixture of nostalgia, resentment, sorrow, and loneliness.

Sea City… I haven’t been here in many years.

When she joined Dazzling Stage, she was fully immersed in it until Dream Weaver Rabbit mentioned there was free time. Feeling lonely, she remembered this forgotten café.

Under Chu Yuanqing’s watchful gaze, Tang Liuli walked over to the largest teddy bear on the bed. Just as Chu Yuanqing thought the child would cherish it like any normal girl, Liuli silently reached out and ripped off one of the onyx-like eyes in frustration.

She pulled out a hidden camera from inside the teddy bear and casually tossed it into the trash, murmuring:

“My mom is very controlling.”

“All these teddy bears were gifts from her. Almost every pair of eyes hides something like this.”

“I never really liked toys, you know? They weren’t meant to please me. They were just a way for my mom to control me better.”

Tang Liuli spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, with no change in expression, as if she were stating a simple fact. There was no sadness in her voice.

Chu Yuanqing didn’t feel the need to respond right away. Together, they pulled the eyes off several more teddy bears, dismantling the room as if their sole purpose was to take it apart.

Half an hour later, the room was in disarray. The two of them stared blankly at the mess.

For some reason, Tang Liuli suddenly started laughing, kicking over the trash can. It was as if she were venting frustration, or perhaps finding amusement in the situation. She laughed so hard that her stomach hurt.

Chu Yuanqing, a great listener, didn’t speak but expressed her presence with her eyes.

As Tang Liuli released her emotions, her laughter faded. Her long eyelashes drooped, and her emerald eyes became lost as tears spilled uncontrollably.

The sunlight outside the window illuminated her tears.

With a slightly teary voice, Tang Liuli asked:

“Little Qing… Can you be my mom for five minutes?”

Chu Yuanqing felt embarrassed, but the pitiful look in the girl’s eyes made it hard to refuse. She reluctantly nodded, saying stiffly:

“I may not do very well, but I’ll try my best.”

Tang Liuli stretched out her arms, her gaze fixed on Chu Yuanqing as she said seriously:

“Can you give me a hug?”

Chu Yuanqing had hugged Tang Liuli many times before, but this time, it felt different. Liuli was like a sensitive little kitten—tentative and trembling with unease, as if ready to flee at any moment. Then, sensing the warmth, she clung to her tightly.

The hug lasted for three minutes.

It felt both short and long.

When Chu Yuanqing let go, she had the odd sensation of abandoning a little cat in a bustling city where thunderstorms occasionally rumbled. A mix of unease and compassion swirled in her heart.

Tang Liuli’s eyes were red from crying, her freckles standing out against her tear-streaked face. She looked both adorable and pitiful, her fragile smile making her seem like a lost child.

Then, she softly made her next request:

“Can you give me a kiss? On the forehead, please.”

Chu Yuanqing hesitated. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to give her first kiss, but the situation felt a bit strange. It seemed like something was being overlooked. But… kissing on the forehead shouldn’t be a big deal, right?

Tang Liuli closed her eyes obediently, her lashes still damp from tears. She looked innocent and vulnerable, just like a good child longing for motherly love.

Chu Yuanqing let go of her last doubt. She slowly leaned forward, the scent of violets filling the air. She pressed her lips against Liuli’s forehead, intending to quickly end it.

However, the moment her lips touched her skin, she felt a soft, jelly-like sensation that was oddly enticing. The sharp scent of lemon toothpaste mixed with sweetness and freshness flooded her senses, awakening her completely.

It was too late to realize something was wrong.

Liuli gently pressed her head against Chu Yuanqing’s, then released her. Her emerald eyes were clouded with mist, her breath shallow as she smiled shyly, her cheeks flushed with joy.

She pointed to her lips with a finger and blinked, saying:

“Little Qing, remember this move. Don’t let other bad women use it on you in the future, okay?”