Herta's expression darkened. Her amethyst eyes held an indescribable fury, as if ready to incinerate anything in their path.
Clutching the starry sleeve pendant, she took the seventh step. Blinded by rage, she didn't notice a certain Qingque Cake slacking off and napping on the floor.
"Hmm?!"
In the instant she began to fall, she instinctively tried to recall the magic key controlling the [Mirror].
Too slow. Half a second too late. She gritted her teeth.
Even geniuses trip when consumed by jealousy and anger. No exceptions.
Just as she was about to hit the ground, a hand caught her.
The magic key tried to fly over and steady her. She silenced it with a glare.
She looked up. Ruan Mei. Inches away.
Those cool, clear eyes. Those perfectly arched brows. That face—a masterpiece of creation...
Beautiful eyes. Peerless grace. Cold plum elegance.
Even Herta, who had almost become an Emanator of Pure Beauty, had to admit Ruan Mei was one of two perfect beings ever crafted.
The sleeve pendant slipped from her fingers.
Instinctively, she reached out to embrace Ruan Mei.
Her phone buzzed.
"Hey?! Herta, you teleported me back to Herta City, but where are you?!"
Herta snapped back to reality. She pulled away and stepped back.
Feigning composure, she coughed. Her brow relaxed. She resumed her usual proud, confident demeanor.
"Ahem. Ruan Mei. Thank you for catching me."
Ruan Mei said nothing. She just stared at Herta—the walking, talking embodiment of tsundere.
Herta couldn't meet her gaze. She turned away, pulling down her magic hat.
"Anyway. Next time, I'll treat you to a meal and help you with some experiments. Goodbye."
She turned to leave. Ruan Mei grabbed her again.
Herta froze. Panic surged.
What now?! What now?! Is she going to confess again?! I can't escape this time!!
It's all 'Yu Qingtu's' fault. That Talah Wyrmflame. Bringing up the past. Making me lose my composure. Leading me step-by-step to this!!
Sigh. After all these Amber Eras... maybe I should just skip to the ending. But then all my plans would be wasted.
Ruan Mei hesitated. With 'Yu Qingtu' in the picture, the future holds countless unknown possibilities.
"Herta. About the wedding—"
Herta froze. She closed her eyes and waved her hands frantically.
"What?! Wedding?! What wedding?! You're planning our wedding already?! Skipping the confession?!"
"No, no! Give me a few days to process this!!"
Ruan Mei sighed softly. She let go.
She decided to face 'Yu Qingtu' head-on. Real or fake, she would defeat her. Make Herta understand she had no chance of winning. No retreat.
Only then would Herta's absurd tsundere nature be truly broken. Their life together could finally be peaceful. Beautiful.
"Herta. I was just going to ask—"
Herta covered her ears with her hat, shaking her head.
"Not listening!! Not listening! I'm not listening! You have to give me time to prepare for the wedding!! And we haven't even woven the phoenix crown yet!"
Ruan Mei couldn't help but smile. The great Madam Herta—who looked down her nose at everyone—could be like this too.
She snatched the hat away and whispered in Herta's ear.
"Madam Herta. I was just asking if you've prepared gifts for Fu Xuan and Qingque's wedding."
Herta blinked. Not our wedding. Just a misunderstanding.
Though... part of her wished the misunderstanding would last.
She breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Her usual composure returned.
"Gifts for Fu Xuan and Qingque? Don't worry. Already prepared."
"And you?"
Ruan Mei nodded, presenting her gifts.
"Perfect. Your taste is always impeccable."
Herta recalled her magic key and straightened her hat.
"Then I'll head back to Herta City now."
Ruan Mei smiled faintly and pressed further.
"Herta. Does this 'Yu Qingtu' have something to do with Aha?"
Herta's eye twitched. Sparkle is a Masked Fool. But she forced herself to stay calm, turning to face Ruan Mei.
"Aha? Never heard of them. I only know Yu Qingtu. If there's nothing else, we'll talk later."
Seven steps. She turned back.
Ruan Mei blinked.
"Yes? Something else?"
Herta picked up the fallen sleeve pendant.
"My pendant. No matter how intricate, finish it quickly. Got it?"
Ruan Mei opened her eyes. That's how you ask someone for a favor?!
Herta's life has been too smooth. Too bright. She's never faced real consequences. She needs a harsh lesson.
Otherwise, if they ever get married, she'll be the one suffering.