Chapter 100

The treatments for Senqiu, scheduled every three days, concluded only after half a month.

After signing the contract, Miss Capybara vanished from the Sen residence. However, Lu Yinghuai did mention that An Jing had rescinded the order from the legion.

An Jing's initial plan was to head to the Imperial Star using this identity, to seek out a medium-statured noble—someone easily duped—and lay low under the guise of a personal guard.

But now with a new employer, the false identity became a liability. She probably intended to fake her own death and disappear.

The day before their departure, Xia You, cradling the little black panther, enjoyed afternoon tea with the three members of the Sen family in a small living room.

The sunshine was warm, and the tender yellow flowers on the dining table were dazzlingly vibrant.

Xia You received the desired upgraded hibernation pod from Yin Wei, along with eleven high-grade energy stones.

Honestly, as Yin Wei handed them over, the box felt considerably heavier with the weight of those eleven high-grade energy stones.

—Never in the trading arena had there been a scenario where more than three high-grade energy stones appeared at once.

Yet, Xia You barely glanced at these energy stones. After a brief psychic probe to ensure their authenticity, she stored them in her spatial knot. Instead, she was far more concerned about the otherwise mundane upgraded hibernation pod. Referring to the instructions Sugar Cake sent over her light computer, she inspected it meticulously.

Watching Xia You, Yin Wei became pensive.

Could this upgraded hibernation pod be intended for the Marshal?

But that wouldn’t make sense... Given the Marshal's esteemed position, only the best and safest pod from the empire would be fitting.

Moreover, not only are the side effects of this upgraded hibernation pod unpredictable, but it's also not conducive to psychic stability. The Marshal's grave condition was well-known throughout the empire. Using this pod could exacerbate his ailment.

As Yin Wei was hesitating about voicing her thoughts, she saw Sen Shi shake his head at her. Nearby, Sen Qiu gently squeezed her hand in reassurance.

Indeed, after the final treatment, Sen Qiu's consciousness had fully returned to his body, allowing Xia You to truly meet the other leader of the trading arena.

Sen Qiu's facial features resembled those of Sen Shi, but their overall appearances were distinctly different. Even those who knew the two brothers wouldn't associate one with the other.

Because, although Sen Qiu, the companion beast to the colossal Sen Python, looked frail and delicate in his human form.

With a lean physique and pristine white fur, his crimson eyes held a hint of mystery when he smiled. Yet, with downcast eyes and a somber expression, he seemed utterly harmless.

When Xia You first met Sen Qiu and Yin Wei, her mind involuntarily skewed in a different direction.

Then she heard Sen Shi, standing behind her, chuckling mischievously. In a hushed tone, he gossiped, "In 'Ranzhu', my sister-in-law manages external matters while my brother handles the domestic ones. Many mistake him for a mere pretty face."

However, those old partners always around them knew better. Sen Qiu's ruthlessness was never about appearances. Compared to Yin Wei, it was Sen Qiu who was truly relentless and would eliminate any threats without hesitation.

"Leader Sen Qiu seems to be looking better. Do reach out if you need anything in the future."

Xia You granted communication access to Sen Qiu and Yin Wei. The three added each other as contacts and shared a laugh.

On this trip, not only did Xia You refrain from using any energy stones from her spatial knot during the half-month, but she also profited by acquiring high-grade energy stones and a hibernation pod. Her gains were substantial.

Sen Qiu, recalling the bill he reviewed just this morning, felt a sting in his heart. He spoke earnestly, "Thank you for your kindness. I will take every precaution to ensure I won't be ambushed again."

The cost of medical care is indeed exorbitant.

It's so expensive.

From now on, whenever he thinks of that bill, nothing will shake his composure!

Observing their determination, Xia You blinked playfully and said, "Who knows? Perhaps someday psychic disturbances can be completely cured?"

Lu Yinghuai, perched on Xia You's shoulder, seemed to hear the mental abacus she was playing in her mind.

Yin Wei: "!"

Sen Qiu: "..."

Eager to change the subject, Sen Qiu suggested, "If Your Excellency isn't in a rush, you might want to stay and attend tonight's auction at the trading arena."

The trading arena had been under renovation for a while. Tonight marks the first auction after the 'Ranzhu' upheaval, with the arena showcasing its finest treasures to set the stage.

Xia You was intrigued but wanted to return to the Blue Star as soon as possible. Hesitating, she asked, "Is there a catalog of auction items?"

Typically, auction houses targeting the nobility would send out both the item catalog and invitations. Interested patrons would naturally attend.

However, the underground trading arena's auctions have always been dominant, abiding by their own rules and regulations.

Yin Wei smiled, "If you request it, how could we not have one?"

With that said, she produced a prepared booklet and handed it to Xia You.

Xia You opened the catalog, flipping through from front to back. The initial auction items, evidently curated by Yin Wei, were all high-quality treasures.

Lu Yinghuai glanced over the auction items, spotting glaringly obvious lethal weapons classified as contraband. He chose to ignore them, shifting his gaze elsewhere.

Such items, while not openly tradable, were frequently dealt with discreetly. It was even rumored that some were outdated products intentionally sold by the military.

With a vast border, the First Legion was mostly stationed in the most perilous regions, with other legions positioned on other hostile planets.

Even the First Legion encountered occasional budget issues. It was implausible for the commander to finance everything. Such clandestine sales were considered logistics, with everyone turning a blind eye.

Noticing Xia You seemingly overlooking all the valuable auction items, Yin Wei and Sen Qiu exchanged glances, fearing their plan to forge closer ties through the auction might be in vain.

Unexpectedly, Xia You paused at the page displaying jewelry.

Yin Wei: "?"

She took a closer look, confirming these were just regular jewels meant to appease nobility and not high-grade energy stones.

This esteemed guest... had such a preference?

If so, appeasing with jewelry, compared to high-grade energy stones, was certainly more cost-effective and easier.

However, Xia You didn't comment further. Closing the catalog, she smiled, "Nothing caught my interest particularly, but attending might still be fun."

Understanding her intent, Yin Wei deduced Xia You didn't want to reveal her tastes. Without further ado, she handed the auction invitation and address to Xia You.

Lu Yinghuai noticed Xia You's hesitation earlier. After their afternoon tea, once they returned to their room, he inquired, [Did you see something you liked?]

Stretching, Xia You walked to the window, gazing outside. She shook her head, "I was just reminded that I was close to ending up in the underground city."

Lu Yinghuai's eyes sharpened.

Xia You had occasionally mentioned her past, but out of consideration for her feelings, Lu Yinghuai had refrained from asking about her "resurrection."

Yet, Lu Yinghuai yearned to know.

He wanted to discover if his dear sir had faced adversities beyond his reach, if anyone had wronged him, or perhaps... why he was familiar with the zombie virus, a menace long eradicated.

And again... why is it that you—

Resurrected after death.

Lu Yinghuai extended his hand, trying to type, but his gaze landed on his furry paw.

He hesitated, withdrew it, and lowered his head.

But in the very next moment, he felt a warmth as Xia You held him close to her chest.

Xia You cradled the soft leopard, whose sharp claws were now retracted, in her arms, lowering her head to nuzzle against the drooping ears of the little black cub.

"I have."

Though Lu Yinghuai hadn't voiced his query, Xia You sensed it.

He buried his head in the soft belly of the black leopard, listening to the powerful heartbeat of the feline, murmuring, "I do, Your Highness."

"Back then, I was naive, clueless, and a pushover, bullied and wronged, even making myself pitiable."

Xia You's voice was low, like the tone she used when she was being playful, shaky with an unheard vulnerability.

Lu Yinghuai instinctively lifted a paw to cradle Xia You's head, softly caressing her cheek in comfort.

Lu Yinghuai yearned to hold Xia You, not in this beastly form, but to envelop her with a human embrace, soothing her emotions bit by bit.

But he couldn't.

Lu Yinghuai leaned forward, his long whiskers bending to gently brush against Xia You's forehead alongside his fluffy cheeks.

"But Your Highness has avenged me."

Xia You lifted her head, swiftly taking the little black leopard's paw and giving it a quick kiss.

Lu Yinghuai quickly pulled back his paw, holding it in front of him, a bit flustered.

He had grown accustomed to the cuddles and nuzzles with Xia You, but a kiss always got a big reaction.

Xia You chuckled softly, "If Your Highness wishes to know, I can share it as a bedtime story later."

Lu Yinghuai: "…?"

Is there such a bedtime story?

Xia You murmured, "I bet Your Highness would be so upset upon hearing it that he'd sit up from his hibernation pod, unable to sleep at all..."

Lu Yinghuai: "..."

Holding the successfully distracted little black coal ball, Xia You's eyes flickered at the thought of the sea blue gem in the auction catalog.

***

On the night of the auction, Yinwei, at the auction site, was surprised when he spotted Xia You, who had always been followed by Sen Shi. The small black leopard that was inseparable from her was nowhere in sight.

Xia You chuckled, "What's the matter?"

Yinwei regained his composure, handing Xia You a mask with a neutral expression, "It's just that the identities of people here are diverse. It's better if you wear this."

After putting on the mask, Xia You realized that it wasn't merely to hide her face but to create a barrier that completely blocked any psychic intrusion.

"Is this a gift given to every guest at the trading venue?" Xia You raised an eyebrow.

Yinwei smiled, "You jest. Master Zhuo may have made many of these devices, but not to the point of them being commonplace."

Xia You nodded in appreciation, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Leader Yinwei."

A touch of sincerity crept into Yinwei's expression.

Once Xia You entered the private booth, she found Sen Qiu already seated inside, while Yinwei had left earlier to oversee the auction.

After sitting down, noting Sen Qiu's haggard face, Xia You kindly reminded him, "Leader Sen Qiu, overexerting yourself won't be good for your condition."

The grey-black substance within Sen Qiu had indeed been shattered by Xia You's thunderous methods. Due to the short span of the procedure, the pain Sen Qiu experienced was akin to having his bones broken and reassembled several times over.

There are distinctions in closeness, after all. Xia You wouldn't dare be so harsh on Tang Gao, always hoping to adopt a gradual approach. But she did experiment with the treatment on Sen Ruan.

Now, it seemed the results were decent. Except that Sen Qiu, already appearing frail and weak, now looked even more pitiable, reminiscent of a delicate invalid after undergoing the torturous digestive process.

"Your Excellency, I..." Sen Qiu pursed his lips, hesitating for a while before whispering, "Do you know how long I will remain in this state?"

A trace of awkwardness passed over Xia You's face, clearly recalling the "side effects" this treatment left on Sen Qiu.

"Leader Sen Qiu's situation... is quite unique, with no precedent, so..."

Xia You looked at Sen Qiu with apologetic eyes.

Sen Qiu's pure white long eyelashes drooped, his expression resembling someone who had lost all hope.

Because of this, during the auction, Sen Qiu frequently excused himself to the restroom. Upon returning, he couldn't help but look at Xia You with a touch of resentment.

Sitting with perfect poise, Xia You, having successfully won her desired gem, hastily dragged Sen Shi away from the auction hall.

Yinwei returned to the booth and leaned against the door, with a teasing smirk, "How did it go?"

Sen Qiu heaved a sigh, "It seems His Excellency truly has no solution..."

Yinwei chuckled, "Come on, it's okay. Compared to psychic disturbances, this is just a minor issue."

After some thought, Yinwei mentioned, "Once we're done here, I'm planning some major operations to gather more energy stones. When His Excellency Xia You starts treating psychic disorders, we should book an appointment in advance."

Sen Qiu was genuinely frightened.

If this was the result of just a phase of treatment, what would the full treatment entail? Permanent residence in the restroom?

Sen Qiu sneaked a glance at Yinwei.

Feeling utterly wronged.

He truly yearned to retreat to his room and sleep for the night.

Sleeping in separate rooms occasionally was a novelty, but being forced to do so intermittently was...

Back when he had his companion beast's state, he could occasionally snuggle under the blankets with his wife!

So, must he really continue this treatment?

Lounging on the sofa, Sen Qiu tilted his head back, feeling a pang of pain from his stomach, his eyes lifeless, "Actually, maintaining this condition might also be..."

Yinwei narrowed his eyes, "Hmm?"

Sen Qiu immediately straightened up, smiling radiantly, "What I meant was, I'll do as my wife wishes."

Sigh, one wonders if His Excellency Xia You could possibly improve the side effects of the treatment. It's truly torturous...

……

"Achoo!"

Sen Shi looked at Xia You, who had been sneezing non-stop since leaving the trading grounds, and expressed his concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"

Xia You rubbed her nose, her gaze evasive.

"I'm fine... Achoo!"