Chapter 24

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Chapter 24: How Truly Frightening

“Why… why did it end up like this!?”

Su Li stared at the people seated around the breakfast table—Li Yitong, Ling Luo, and Shen Qingxia.

Originally, Li Yitong wasn’t supposed to be here. But somehow, they’d just happened to run into her at the breakfast shop. Was this fate?

Or perhaps, a cursed fate would be more appropriate.

If it were just Ling Luo and Shen Qingxia, their mutual suspicion might have created a relatively comfortable balance for Su Li to operate within. But Li Yitong’s sudden appearance shattered that equilibrium.

Li Yitong calmly munched on a steamed bun, her face wearing a flawless smile as she gazed, eyes twinkling, at Ling Luo and Shen Qingxia across the table.

Who would’ve thought that a simple breakfast outing would let her bump into two people who shouldn’t be here yet. How very… interesting.

She wondered what kind of emotions were brewing beneath those calm faces as they sized each other up.

It had to be fun to watch.

As if remembering something, Li Yitong shifted her gaze toward Su Li. Just like her, Su Li was eating breakfast slowly, with a composed expression that betrayed nothing unusual.

If—just if—Su Li really was a reborn person, then right now, she must be trying very hard to stay calm. Li Yitong found herself curious. She really wanted to reach out and place her hand on Su Li’s chest, to feel that heartbeat for herself.

But now wasn’t the right time, so she resisted.

Suddenly, Su Li shivered. She didn’t even need to think about it. Just from Li Yitong’s stare, she could tell—Yitong was definitely thinking something strange right now.

Even so, Su Li knew she had to keep up her act. Especially now, when everything seemed to be teetering on the edge. If she let anything slip, she’d be done for.

While Li Yitong silently studied Su Li, Ling Luo was also watching Li Yitong.

She wasn’t unfamiliar with this woman. In fact, the three of them had once shared a meal together—not just her and Li Yitong, Su Li had been there too.

Even back then, Ling Luo had realized that Li Yitong was a formidable rival. But shortly after that meal, Su Li had broken up with Li Yitong, so Ling Luo hadn’t paid her much mind afterward.

But now that she thought about it, Li Yitong was the one who interacted with Su Li the most. After all, Su Li spent more time at school than at home. Even so, unless you had already “captured” Su Li, you couldn’t always stay by her side at home.

Still… if this Li Yitong in front of her really was the one from before Su Li had captured her, then logically, she shouldn’t be interested in Su Li—who was now a girl.

But what if that assumption was wrong?

The moment that thought crossed her mind, Ling Luo felt a surge of danger.

Meanwhile, Shen Qingxia hadn’t said a word from the start, quietly eating her breakfast like a proper, obedient girl. But while she hadn’t spoken, her eyes had never left Su Li’s face.

If not for Su Li’s “training” over the past couple of days, she probably wouldn’t even be able to enjoy her breakfast under that intense gaze.

Time ticked by.

After downing the last of her soy milk, Ling Luo set the cup down and said, “I’m full. I’m off to work now. Xiao Li, do your best today too~”

“Yeah, I always do my… wait, Xiao Li!? What’s with that nickname!?”

“It just sounds a bit more affectionate, don’t you think?”

Flashing a bright smile, Ling Luo paid the bill and walked out.

Watching her leave, Su Li couldn’t help but pout. So Ling Luo was using that nickname now, huh? She’d half-expected her to call her by the name she’d used in their past life.

Xiao Li sounded like something you’d call a kid. It made her feel underage or something… even if there was technically nothing wrong with the name.

“Xiao Li, huh? That does sound nice. Maybe I’ll call you that too from now on~”

After Ling Luo left, Li Yitong leaned in close to Su Li’s ear and whispered.

At that distance, she could even catch a faint whiff of Su Li’s scent—like warm milk. Must be her body wash. It suited Su Li surprisingly well.

Feeling Li Yitong’s breath brush against her ear, Su Li was struck by a strange sensation. For some girls, ears were sensitive spots.

Judging from the way her body reacted just now… hers were no exception.

Why did that realization feel so tragic?

Pushing away her wandering thoughts, Su Li forced herself to look stern and said, “Don’t call me that. I’m not a little kid!”

In Su Li’s mind, she thought her current expression looked quite serious. But to Li Yitong, she just looked like she was desperately trying to act cute.

Unable to resist, she reached out and pinched Su Li’s cheek.

“Emmmm! Don’t pinch my face!” Su Li mumbled through puffed-up cheeks. Why was Li Yitong pinching her? Did her face really look that pinchable!?

Reluctantly withdrawing her hand, Li Yitong chuckled softly. “Sorry, but Xiao Li’s face was just too cute. I couldn’t help myself.”

As she spoke, she gave Shen Qingxia a sideways glance.

Though Shen Qingxia’s expression hadn’t changed, a trained eye could see the murderous intent in her eyes.

How scary.

All she did was pinch Su Li’s cheek. Was that really worth such a glare?

But thinking back on Shen Qingxia’s behavior before her rebirth, Li Yitong figured this was probably normal. In fact, the look in her eyes told Li Yitong something very important:

She was getting closer to the truth.

Something was definitely off about Shen Qingxia. And if her hunch was right, then maybe—just maybe—Shen Qingxia was also reborn, just like her.

If that were the case… well, then things were about to get very interesting.

Tucking away her thoughts, Li Yitong stood up and said, “Looks like it’s about time. Xiao Li, let’s head to school. Shen Qingxia, you too—come with us.”

“Ah… mmm.”

Su Li nodded, grabbed the half-eaten bun on her plate, and followed Li Yitong out of the breakfast shop. For some reason, she felt like she was eating more slowly these days. Probably a side effect of becoming a girl.

With a faint sigh, she quickened her pace to catch up.

………….

Author’s Note: “Planning to start double updates in a few days! Please send your votes my way~”