Chapter 93
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Chapter 93: Punishment, Father and Daughter Meet, Resolving Past Grievances
Tang Liuli stumbled out of bed. After burning away the filth with “Heart Flow,” she finally returned to normal—becoming her timid, gloomy self, overwhelmed by social anxiety.
At that moment, her previous erratic behavior seemed to transform into abstract thoughts in her mind. They turned into a monster that ruthlessly destroyed everything Tang Liuli cherished in her mental world—playing video games, watching cartoons, sleeping, and drinking soda.
Wishing for death. Feeling ashamed. Wishing for death. Feeling ashamed. Wishing for death. Feeling ashamed.
Even without guilt toward Chu Yuanqing, and without extreme self-loathing, the torture of social anxiety was already unbearable. It shattered her self-esteem and soul repeatedly, urging her to end her life immediately.
With these three factors combined, the thought of leaving this beautiful world raced through her chaotic mind, galloping forward, surpassing the peak.
Tang Liuli staggered to her desk, her thoughts a blur. Her trembling hand grabbed a pen from the pen holder, ready to stab her throat.
A cold, angry voice echoed in the room:
“Tang Liuli!!!”
The sound made her freeze. Instantly, memories flooded her mind—being scolded by the director, being hit on the hand by her mother with a ruler, and being questioned by her teacher for not doing her homework. She looked terrified, trembling, and kneeling on the ground in embarrassment, her mind a blank.
So scary. So scary. So scary. Mother Qing… when she gets angry, it’s terrifying!
Chu Yuanqing wiped the blood from her lips. Her expression was calm, but her golden eyes, once loving and gentle, now glowed like flowing lava—consuming all softness, leaving only burning rage.
In that moment, with a core of human brilliance and hidden divine charm, Chu Yuanqing’s captivating allure, intensified by her emotions, restrained all her compassion and radiance. Majestic like a prison. Majestic like the sea.
Her presence was more captivating than a succubus, yet oppressive—subduing the spirit.
Chu Yuanqing was indeed angry. She had always been gentle and easygoing, but that didn’t mean she had no limits.
If the earlier fake kisses and being pinned to the bed had been childish pranks, then the current act of suicide was something far more serious.
Chu Yuanqing didn’t deny that suicide could be a choice. Among her comrades, 60% had sacrificed themselves in the battle against the Disaster Wave and the Calamity God, while the remaining 40% had chosen suicide. Some had lost loved ones, others didn’t want to burden anyone after becoming disabled, some were tired of wandering and wanted to die in their homeland, and some had become desperate about the world due to the Calamity God’s influence. Some were driven to madness by the weight of it all…
This was the helplessness of a grand era. Choosing to live and continue the struggle during such times meant facing far more fears and despair than simply ending it all through death.
Chu Yuanqing didn’t believe that only during such times could one choose the path of suicide. The sufferings in the world are diverse, and for some, suicide is not an impulsive decision.
But for Tang Liuli now, it seemed like child’s play.
Because she was still a child—her emotions fickle and complex, her personality inexperienced and immature, and her choices impulsive and irrational.
What she needed now wasn’t pampering, but a truly meaningful and serious education.
Chu Yuanqing approached the green-eyed cat, threw a cardigan over its head, took the pen from Tang Liuli’s trembling hand, and threw it on the nearby table. She asked, in a distant and calm manner:
“Tang Liuli, please put on your clothes first. Then, calmly tell me why you want to die.”
Tang Liuli was terrified.
People online say that the more gentle and honest a person seems, the scarier they can be when they get angry.
Right now, the love and warmth she once felt from Chu Yuanqing had transformed into a huge wave of anger and disappointment. It was like the bursting veins of a rose—suffocating, hot, terrifying, awe-inspiring.
In that moment, the green-eyed cat, once enjoying stolen motherly love, now faced harsh punishment.
Tang Liuli curled up, shaking, confused, nearly becoming a blob, wishing to escape from this world immediately.
She was too scared to pretend to be dead or to act like she hadn’t heard anything. All she could do was shiver, bury her head into her hood, play with her bangs to cover her eyes, like a frightened cat, apologizing frantically:
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m a worm, a fraud, a pervert. I should have died 76 million years ago as an ancient Cuban solenodon.”
“I didn’t even consider how my death here would trouble Little Qing. I’m so stupid—smarter than a woodlouse! Please forgive me, I’ll do anything. Wear a maid outfit, dance on the edge, bark like a dog, lick shoes… as long as you’re not mad, anything is fine.”
Chu Yuanqing let Tang Liuli keep speaking. She could see what was bothering her and realized that just being gentle wouldn’t work with her right now.
In fact, Tang Liuli might feel so bad that she wanted to die partly because she thought her actions had hurt herself.
Though, from a god’s perspective, aside from that kiss, the other things didn’t really hurt Tang Liuli. In fact, even the kiss had triggered a healing mechanism that reduced the effects of the curse rampage and magic repulsion.
In truth, Chu Yuanqing didn’t feel like she had lost anything. She felt like she gained something subjectively. But Tang Liuli didn’t know that. Being gentle with her would only make her feel more guilty, with the opposite effect.
Thus, she needed a strict, harsh, even cruel lesson.
Chu Yuanqing took out her phone, the screen showing a moving sunflower icon with several incoming messages, including a selfie taken at a coffee shop.
Chu Yuanqing replied to her daughter’s message first, informing her that she had driven near Zhelong Town, would be walking over, and would be there in five minutes. Then, she turned to the green-eyed cat and calmly asked:
“As long as I don’t get angry, will you do whatever I say?”
“Even if it’s something unfair and goes against your personal principles, would you still obey?”
Tang Liuli nodded fearfully. She didn’t dare to call Chu Yuanqing “Honey Qing” anymore.
What Great Devil? What sakura girl? When Mother Qing gets angry, she’s scarier than all bad women combined!
The little girl shivered, tears in her eyes, as she swore:
“I will obey, anything, any request is fine.”
Chu Yuanqing watched the scene with subtle disdain. Even the cutest green-eyed cat would look ashamed after sniffing, and with a flick of her wrist, she threw a pack of tissues at the cat’s head. Maintaining a cold tone, she said:
“Firstly, no suicide allowed.”
Tang Liuli wanted to speak, but was harshly suppressed by Chu Yuanqing’s disdainful look.
Chu Yuanqing continued:
“Don’t you feel sorry for me? Killing yourself won’t solve anything. It will only cause me a lot of trouble.”
“Haven’t you thought about what kind of rumors will spread if the former child star mysteriously commits suicide after a public performance?”
“Once this scandal breaks, even if ‘Dazzling Stage’ is not forced to stop, the show’s popularity will be suppressed by the authorities. All 167 contestants will be affected by your actions. And Kyoto’s ‘Dazzling Stage’ will emerge as the biggest winner.”
“This is just the beginning. Online viewers will scrutinize all contestants—good or bad relationships with you—and suspect if you’ve been bullied or subjected to emotional abuse.”
“And that includes me.”
Chu Yuanqing’s eyelashes drooped, her golden pupils showing a strange coldness, gazing down as if questioning with disappointment and detachment in her eyes.
Tang Liuli’s expression stiffened, as cold as ice.
“Huh? Is me committing suicide hurting Little Qing? Am I… going to be truly disliked by Little Qing?”
“No, absolutely not!”
Every time she thought about Chu Yuanqing possibly disliking her, and how she would never receive her kindness again, a deep fear surged wildly through her body.
The girl’s heart kept falling, a sense of emptiness swallowing her whole. She shook her head frantically in denial, wanting to speak but feeling more and more suffocated, unable to say a word.
Until…
“I will forgive you, as long as you promise to keep your word.”
This statement felt like oxygen—helping her break free from the dark sea and suddenly come alive.
Tang Liuli immediately sat up straight, nodding repeatedly, eager to please:
“Mm-hmm, I will be obedient. I am very obedient.”
Upon hearing this, Chu Yuanqing’s cold little face showed some relief. As if offering a reward, she reached out and patted the green-eyed cat’s head. However, as soon as she noticed the enjoyment on the other party’s face, she quickly withdrew her hand, feeling something was amiss.
No. She definitely needed to give this child a heavy punishment.
Chu Yuanqing thought for a moment, then softly spoke to Tang Liuli, whose face had just lit up with happiness:
“By the way, starting today, your bedtime stories are canceled.”
Tang Liuli felt confused for a moment, like a cat whose food bowl had been taken away. She couldn’t believe it, and her green eyes widened. The smile on her lips gradually faded. She seemed like a frozen abstract painting, slowly cracking apart.
The little girl’s lips quivered, tears welling in her eyes. She couldn’t say anything, but swallowed a sob, nodding to show she was obedient.
Chu Yuanqing wasn’t hesitant at all. She could be indulgent when she wanted to be, but firm when necessary. Without dwelling on the matter, she said directly:
“I need to go out for a while. You stay here and do your homework.”
Tang Liuli blinked, confused:
“Homework?”
Chu Yuanqing picked up the pen on the table, glanced at the ink inside, and gave a devilish reply:
“Yes, it’s about your homework. Reflect on what you did wrong today, write a self-criticism with this pen, then write your recent work plans and intentions. Think deeply about your life and dreams. List your favorite foods and hobbies. Seriously consider your true sexual orientation…”
Chu Yuanqing carefully reiterated her demands for another three minutes before continuing:
“Use this pen you were going to use for suicide. Write until the ink runs out.”
“No condoning word count, no wasting ink from the pen, and definitely no half-hearted efforts.”
“Set up your phone here to record a video. I will come later to inspect and approve each one.”
After speaking, she added a terrifying threat:
“If you write poorly, when I tell bedtime stories to Qingxuan and Xiaoxiao in the future, you must wear headphones and not listen at all.”
Tang Liuli was deeply shocked. She had just comforted herself, thinking that while she might not have the power to choose the stories, at least she could still eavesdrop when Mother Qing told the stories to others!
But how could such a cruel punishment exist in this world?
Wasn’t there a difference between telling your husband that you’d never argue with him again and then threatening to have two little kids shout at you daily if you work less than eighty hours of overtime per week? And on top of that, who cares about that?!
“I… I… I promise to complete the task.”
Tang Liuli dared not object. Trembling, she picked up the round pen on the table, regretting not choosing one with less ink earlier. She swallowed her bitterness and sorrow, obediently sitting at her desk, setting up her phone to record, opening her new notebook, and starting to work on her homework, tears silently streaming down her face.
Behind her, Chu Yuanqing tried to suppress her feelings of guilt. She walked out, went to the bathroom to freshen up, and with a magical gesture, changed the color of her eyes and hair. She sighed, her expression mixed with complexity.
“She may have schizophrenia, and it’s probably related to her family issues.”
“Even so, Liuli was able to suppress the illness with ‘Heart Flow’ back then. She is a pitiful yet strong child.”
It may be despicable to use Liuli’s emotional attachment and dependence to morally constrain her, but for now, it was the best approach.
Still, it’s okay. I believe if she makes more friends and eventually falls in love with something like Miyuki did, she can overcome her psychological shadows.
But for now, I must focus on my precious daughter.
…
A few minutes later, in a coffee shop.
The wind chimes swayed, emitting a crisp sound that gently lifted the weight of summer fatigue.
Chu Wang Shu looked at her father, his tired appearance betraying his age. Nervously, she discreetly hid the gift bag beside her and finally broke the silence:
“Dad… Have you been working hard lately? You look really tired.”
Chu Yuanqing nervously sat in a blind spot at the bar, where she could see her lovely daughter. She had asked Tang Liuli for the password to access the monitoring screen on her phone, making sure everything was set up just right.
The Magic Clone was flawless in every way—appearance, expression, even replicating touch, temperature, and fingerprints perfectly. There were only two things that required special attention:
One, it consumed a lot of magic power.
Two, it couldn’t be too far apart.
In simple terms, this thing needed significant magical energy when separated by distance. The farther it was, the weaker the signal, and the more magic it required to reconnect.
So… Chu Yuanqing hoped her lovely daughter wouldn’t make any strange requests about driving around Zhelong Town!
Chu Yuanqing paused to think. Not wanting to lie to her daughter, she decided to answer indirectly. But as she spoke, she found herself beginning to complain a little:
“Work? Yes, I’ve been feeling exhausted lately. Dealing with clients and their new demands is so different. I have to completely rethink my sales strategy.”
“The tasks they give are odd too. In the end, things don’t go as planned. The planning department is great, but they clash with the sales department’s objectives.”
“The company leaders like to make big announcements. During meetings, they always criticize the sales team, and it’s incredibly annoying.”
Chu Wang Shu was moved.
Even though she didn’t fully understand all of it, she could sense how difficult the adult world was. She now realized how hard it must be for her dad to live in this city and raise her on his own.
Oh, when Dad works, it must be even harder than my own training, right? Maybe he really needs some extra emotional support.
After some inner debate, the little girl overcame her resistance, gathered her courage, and said:
“Dad, actually… I wouldn’t mind if you found a new mom.”
The words hung in the air.
Chu Yuanqing was confused. Why was her daughter bringing this up all of a sudden?
But soon, she realized the answer.
Little Shu had never experienced a mother’s love. And with Chu Yuanqing being busy and unintentionally distant, the child must have been feeling lonely for years. She probably hoped for her father to find a nice stepmother to complete their family.
Chu Yuanqing felt a deep sense of guilt.
Because she knew that it was an impossible task. With her current situation, it was not even feasible to use Magic Clone to fall in love. The sheer lack of time would ruin everything morally.
But still, learning more about Little Shu through this conversation wouldn’t be a bad thing.
“Chu Yuanqing” stirred her latte art with a spoon, then looked up and asked:
“If I had a stepmother, what kind of person would Little Shu want her to be?”
Chu Wang Shu was startled. She had expected a 70% chance that her father would stay silent on this topic. But he seemed interested, so she eagerly answered:
“I hope she’s kind and gentle, good at household chores, cooks as deliciously as you, is a little prettier, younger, and has a better figure.”
“In terms of height, a few more centimeters taller than 1.6 meters would be nice. But the most important thing is her demeanor. She should have a bright smile that can heal hearts and shine like a sparkling aura.”
Chu Yuanqing pondered for a moment. It felt strange, but she didn’t dwell on it and responded sincerely:
“That sounds wonderful. A person like that would surely be loved by many.”
Chu Wang Shu beamed. She felt proud at the thought of Little Qing’s success. After all, Little Qing had earned millions of fans, snatching the lead role among the popular competitors. With over six million Weibo followers, she was bound to be a nationwide sensation.
The stepmother template was bound to be popular!
But unfortunately, even though Little Qing liked older men like her dad, due to her idol’s rules, the show contract, and online bullying, there was no chance.
So, as a compromise, as long as the stepmother resembled Little Qing by at least 30%, she’d happily accept.
Dad, do your best to find me a stepmother like that!
Chu Wang Shu eagerly looked forward to enjoying the “Honey Qing” replacement meal.
Chu Yuanqing remained oblivious, engrossed in chatting with her daughter about mundane things.
Time passed, slowly yet quickly.
The cicadas of summer, along with the occasional flicker of sunlight, streamed through the French windows.
The faint clinking of the spoon against the cup wall blended with the wind chimes, which added to the lightness of the moment.
An elderly man with silver hair and a suit wiped down the bar counter, playing a piece of piano music called “River Flows In You.” On this peaceful afternoon, the music flowed gently like a calm sea, bringing a different texture to the scattered sunlight.
The conversation between father and daughter seemed trivial to others—favorite songs, recent books, their clothes, whether they preferred classical or romantic piano music, favorite philosophers, the adorable neighborhood cat, and how their days had been.
These little fragments from the past 17 years accumulated in the container called life, quietly waiting to be awakened in a fleeting moment.
Chu Yuanqing thought she probably wouldn’t have the chance to talk about all these things with her daughter—whether it was her own past, the experiences over the last 17 years, or many unspeakable secrets. Some things were destined to remain buried.
But at least, in this brief afternoon, for almost two hours, she got to see her daughter smile, feel true happiness, and finally understand the things that had eluded her for the past decade.
Regardless of any previous strains, Little Shu remained her only support and beloved child in this world. As long as that remained true, Little Shu’s resilient heart would prevent the painful experiences and sorrows from diminishing too much.
For Chu Yuanqing, this was something she couldn’t grasp herself.
The curse of the Sea of Truth and the trivial burdens of work had drained her mentally and physically.
Constant suffering erased the space for reflection, numbing her and making her feel like a zombie. It was an inevitable result.
But she felt grateful that she had chosen to change her life.
Some things, without a shift in perspective and feelings, could never be seen in the right light.
And because of that, her communication with her daughter had become relaxed and free, no longer cold or silent.
This new vitality seemed to allow the Magic Clone to grow flesh, making Chu Wang Shu notice her father’s sincere responses, with more and more smiles appearing on his face.
Chu Yuanqing felt relieved and silently thanked Little Liuli, who was still working hard on her homework upstairs.
If it weren’t for the unexpected magic activation by the other party, she wouldn’t have had this time with her daughter. At most, they would’ve talked for an hour before finding an excuse to part.
As for now…
Chu Yuanqing lowered her eyes, clutching the pendant at her chest, silently coming up with a decision, and forming a plan in her heart.
Chu Wang Shu looked at her father, who placed his coffee cup down and glanced at the clock. She felt a pang of sadness, knowing this was her father’s signal that he was about to leave.
Even though the meeting had gone unexpectedly well, with both sides resolving past differences and talking more than they had in years, it made Chu Wang Shu reluctant to see him go.
Being mature, she decided not to ask him to stay longer, but thought of giving him the gift she hadn’t given yet.
Unexpectedly, her dad got up and walked over to her. He squatted down, gently reaching out to stroke her hair and cheek. His usually calm and weathered face, typically devoid of emotion, now showed regret and sadness as they sat in silence for a long time.
Chu Yuanqing seemed apologetic and remorseful, softly saying:
“Little Shu, you’ve worked so hard all these years.”
Chu Wang Shu stood frozen, her face touched by his hand. She felt like she had lost her senses.
Chu Yuanqing always felt that artificial limbs could no longer provide real warmth.
But for Chu Wang Shu now, the touch of the artificial hand conveyed genuine warmth and love.
At that moment, her chest filled with a warm sensation, a clear sign of her feelings.
Chu Wang Shu bit her lip. She wanted to say something—anything.
“Phony big liar”… “I’ve been working hard, feeling sad”… “Why did it take so many years to say this?”… Or maybe, “It’s nothing, I’m mature now, I don’t care.”
She had to say something, or it would be embarrassing, like embarrassing a child.
But suddenly, tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over and ruining her plans, making her face turn into an expression of pure vulnerability.
Why did everything seem to go against her?
The more she tried to hold back, the more the tears flowed.
Each tear felt like breaking through thick ice inside her heart, melting long-suppressed emotions.
Chu Yuanqing patiently wiped away her tears. He had never been a good father, trapped by a curse and suffering from endless hardships in the past.
Now, all he could offer were fleeting, beautiful lies—fake illusions of normalcy.
But no matter what, in the end, he had to let his daughter face the cruel reality.
Still, before that moment arrived, he would spend more time with her, make her smile brighter, and create more memories.
This, perhaps, was one of the few gifts he could leave behind.
Chu Yuanqing smiled softly and gently invited:
“There’s an art exhibition nearby. Would you like to go, Little Shu?”
Chu Wang Shu, her arms open to him for the first time in years, hugged him tightly like a clinging koala. After a while, she responded with a soft sound of agreement, unwilling to let go.
This fleeting moment felt like a false happiness, spreading warmth deep within her heart.
At that moment, she couldn’t help but wish that time could stand still.
Soon, the longing for the future sparkled like colorful gems, shining brightly in their hearts.
The future will definitely be better, won’t it?
