A Time-Traveling Zombie Romance (GL) - Chapter 18

After I returned, Qi Yichen looked in the direction I had disappeared, a faint, sinister smile appearing on his face. “Zhang Xiaoqi, heir of the Third Prince—hehe, interesting.”

He then walked toward Zui Meng Ge.

When Qi Yichen entered the brothel, the madam immediately approached respectfully. “Young Master Qi, you’re back!”

“Yes. Where is Meng Hui?” Qi Yichen asked, expressionless.

“Miss Meng Hui just returned and is currently bathing,” the madam said, bowing her head.

“Bathing? Hehe.” Qi Yichen smiled faintly and slowly walked upstairs toward Meng Hui.

Opening the door to Meng Hui’s room, he seemed familiar with the layout and went directly to where she was bathing.

Stopping in front of the screen, he saw a faint silhouette behind it and slightly curled his lips. Mist and steam filled half the room…

“Who’s there?” Meng Hui sensed someone watching her and immediately leapt up using her light skills. She grabbed a nearby piece of clothing, dressed in a flash, and struck out with a palm toward the screen.

Qi Yichen slightly tilted his body and was unharmed.

“Meng’er,” Qi Yichen said softly.

Suddenly, Meng Hui trembled slightly. He had returned… finally returned. She hurried past the screen and stood before him, staring blankly, while Qi Yichen smiled at her. Slowly, she reached out a delicate hand and touched his cheek. “You’re back. Three years… you’ve finally returned.”

“I’m back, Meng’er,” Qi Yichen whispered, pulling her into his arms.

“You… how could you let me wait in agony for three years? Qi Yichen, I hate you… sob.” Meng Hui lightly pounded his chest with her small hands, crying softly.

“I’m sorry, Meng’er. My master asked me to handle something important, which delayed my return by a year. Meng’er, I missed you,” Qi Yichen said, holding her tightly.

“Then why didn’t you write to me?”

“That matter was too important. I had no time,” Qi Yichen replied.

“Chen’er, I missed you,” Meng Hui lifted her head from his chest.

Slowly, they kissed and embraced…

Several days passed, and I didn’t visit Zui Meng Ge again—until seven days later…

On the seventh night, I was still in my room. In the quiet night, I suddenly heard the cry of a zombie. I immediately followed the sound, using my light skills, and flew straight to a bamboo grove outside the city.

“Woo.” Another zombie’s cry. My eyes glowed red, and my canine teeth lengthened. I furrowed my brows.

“Break!” I shouted, rushing forward. I saw a Taoist protecting three people, surrounded by more than fifty zombies. I quickly understood the situation and flew forward, fully blocking the Taoist’s strike.

“Cough, cough.” My chest hurt a little, and I coughed several times.

Seeing that I could withstand his full strike, the Taoist’s face gradually paled. I glanced at him; my eyes glowed red again, and an aura of imperial authority emanated from me.

“W-worship the Emperor!” The zombies sensed my aura and, frightened, all knelt, bowing before me.

“Z-zombie… emperor!!!” The Taoist’s hand trembled as he held his sword.

“No need for formalities,” I said coldly, waving my sleeve.

I then walked toward the Taoist step by step. He retreated in fear. “Z-Zombie Emperor… what do you want?”

I saw that he was only about twenty and smiled. “Hehe, nothing much. You may leave.”

The Taoist stared at me in disbelief.

“This time, my subjects were at fault first, so I won’t hold it against you. Leave, and remember not to come out so late—it’s dangerous outside,” I said.

The Taoist hesitated slightly, then cupped his fists and said, “Thank you.”

The zombies parted to make a path, and the Taoist led the three people outside. Soon, they disappeared.

“Do not let dozens of zombies die over a few drops of human bl00d. I know you cannot fully control your instincts yet, but don’t ruin the big picture over small matters. That is not worth it,” I said, walking with my hands behind my back, addressing the zombies.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the zombies responded in unison.

“All right, you may leave now,” I said.

The zombies silently vanished.

Looking at the time, the city gates were probably closed, so I had no choice but to spend the night in the outskirts. I smiled wryly, shaking my head slightly.

Sitting under a tree, I gazed at the bright moon. For some reason, my heart ached.

I picked a leaf and began playing “Pour All the World” on it. The more I played, the more sorrowful I felt. Coupled with the quiet night and desolate wind, I felt like crying.

In the middle of the night, Meng Hui suddenly woke from a dream. She faintly heard the mournful melody, so sad and helpless. Who could be playing so late? Listening to it, her heart ached slightly…

After finishing, I reflected: the enemy is still the enemy, no matter what, and could never become a friend. Let alone… a lover. But why did I fall in love with someone I had only met twice, and who was my enemy? Fate is cruel.

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight touched my face. Suddenly, a monk appeared beside me.

“Amida Buddha. Venerable sir, may I ask the way to the capital?” the monk said, hands clasped.

I pointed toward the city gate not far away.

“Thank you, Venerable sir,” the monk bowed and began walking toward the city, but I called out.

“Wait, Venerable sir. I have a question and hope you can enlighten me,” I said, rushing to bow respectfully.

“Please speak, my child,” the monk smiled.

“Master, do you believe in past lives and reincarnation?” I asked quietly.

“Amida Buddha. Every cause has its effect. I believe,” the monk said. “Besides, haven’t you experienced it yourself?”

“How do you know?” I asked, slightly stunned.

“Hehe,” the monk only smiled, saying nothing.

“Do you wish to return?” he asked.

“Return… where?”

“To the world you originally belonged to,” the monk said.

“Who… who are you?” I asked, confused at how much he knew.

“Amida Buddha. I am simply a humble monk, a person of the heavens and earth,” the monk chanted.

“She will be fine, and it is useless for me to return,” I muttered.

“Master, I have fallen for someone. What should I do?”

“Amida Buddha. Then go and love her,” the monk replied.

“But I’ve also fallen for another person, and that person is my enemy,” I said, lost in thought.

“Amida Buddha. Emptiness is form. Ask your own heart. Follow it; perhaps forgetting the past is a blessing,” the monk said.

“My heart?” I touched my chest.

When I came to my senses, the monk had already vanished, leaving only three characters on the ground: “Dream Never Dies.”

I pondered their meaning. Suddenly, I remembered a song called “Dream Never Dies”. I softly began to sing it.

When I sang, “How to choose, as long as it brings happiness, it cannot be wrong”, I paused and reflected. Suddenly, it felt as though a burden in my heart had been lifted. Yes, follow your heart.

I smiled, silently thanking the mysterious monk who helped without seeking recognition, and ran toward the city.

Back at the mansion, no one knew I had gone out. After changing clothes, I went to have breakfast with everyone. After the meal, I followed Zhang Ming to the study…