A Time-Traveling Zombie Romance (GL) - Chapter 33

In a pitch-black cave, a faint red glow shone. A huge centipede lay on the ground. Strangely, its left arm was missing, and in front of it lay a small red core, like a Buddhist prayer bead.

The centipede swallowed the core in one bite. Slowly, its body began to emit a red light. After a while, it returned to normal and transformed into human form—it was the Water Centipede!

“Luckily, my brother gave me a core, or I wouldn’t know when I could restore my power. That damned Corpse Emperor took my arm and severely injured me. If I hadn’t escaped in time, I’d probably have ended up dead by the sword,” the Water Centipede said, breathing a sigh of relief.

“Corpse Emperor, I’ll get my revenge, just you wait!” It clenched its fists, glaring ahead with hatred, then transformed into a massive centipede and crawled out of the cave.

“Yawn… yawn! Why does my nose suddenly itch?” I rubbed my nose, feeling puzzled.

Meanwhile, in Qi Yichen’s room, she was quietly polishing her sword, expressionless and not looking up. She said coldly, “Where is he?”

Suddenly, a black-clothed man appeared, bowing and reporting, “He has been placed safely at the Lin Town Inn, awaiting your orders, Sect Leader!”

“Good! Zhang Xiaoqi, let’s see how you handle this this time.”

“Yawn, yawn, yawn! Why do I keep sneezing today… odd,” I frowned, puzzled.

“Brother!” Outside the door, Siqing’s timid voice rang. I stood, opened the door, and smiled at her. “Qing’er, come in. Do you have something to tell me?”

Siqing walked in, shyly pulling a pink pouch from her back, blushing as she lowered her head and whispered, “Brother… Brother, I made this pouch for you.”

“Hmm, this pouch looks lovely, very nice! Qing’er, your craftsmanship is excellent!” I complimented her, noticing the pair of mandarin ducks on the pouch, lifelike and intricate.

“You… you flatter me, Brother,” Siqing replied, her face reddening further, ears warming.

“However…” I said, “I think this pouch should be given to Mu Jin Yi, right? These past few days, it seems you two have grown close. Mu Jin Yi cares for you, after all.” I smiled knowingly. It was true—I could feel a budding connection between Mu Jin Yi and Siqing.

“N-No… Brother, you misunderstand!” Siqing immediately looked up, face pale, hurriedly explaining.

I took it as shyness and laughed, “Oh, don’t be shy. Brother already knows. There’s nothing to misunderstand. If you two truly care for each other, I would support it, really.”

“So… you should go and give this pouch to Mu Jin Yi,” I said, returning the pouch to her hand with a smile.

Siqing looked up, tears welling, nearly falling from her chin. “Brother… is that really what you think? If that’s what you believe, then you’re wrong. I only wanted to give this pouch to you, and yet you want me to give it to Mu Da-ge. Brother… sob.” Her words trailed off as she dropped the pouch and ran out, covering her face.

I was left stunned, staring at the pouch on the ground.

After a while, I collected myself, sighed, and picked up the pouch, brushing off some dust, placing it on the table.

At that moment, Yunxi had overheard my conversation with Siqing at the door and saw her leave in tears, falling into thought.

The next morning, during breakfast, everyone ate as usual, but Siqing cast me a resentful gaze. A chill ran down my back, and I hastily said, “Um, Qing’er, Mu Jin Yi, eat more, okay… hehe.”

Siqing’s eyes grew even more resentful, as if I had done something wrong and was not taking responsibility. I broke out in a cold sweat.

“Siqing, what’s wrong?” Mu Jin Yi, sitting next to her, asked.

Siqing lowered her head and ate slowly. Yunxi secretly observed the three of us, unnoticed.

Finally, I could not bear her resentful gaze and proposed an idea.

“Ahem, today is sunny and bright. Why don’t we go on an outing? Last time, I saw a beautiful area outside the town,” I suggested with a smile.

“An outing? Sounds good! We’re free, might as well go see it,” Xu Rui agreed.

“Good!” Everyone nodded in unison.

I felt relieved, turning to see Siqing still giving me that resentful look. I hurriedly said, “I’ll prepare first, you all enjoy your meal,” and dashed upstairs.

In the afternoon, Xinghai Town was bustling as usual, and we were part of the crowd. I led everyone outside the town, and indeed, the scene astonished them.

A vast meadow stretched out before us, connected to the town lake. Dandelions grew by the shore, drifting in the breeze. Tall trees cast thick shade, and sparrows chirped in the sky. The gentle wind brushed our faces, and the clear blue sky was dazzling.

“What a beautiful view!” Lin Ji exclaimed.

“Yes,” Li Shaomin murmured in awe.

“Hehe, see? I told you, it really is beautiful!” I softly smiled, gazing at the calm lake.

“How about we split up to explore? The five of you go that way, Sister Meng and Brother Qi over there, Mu Gongzi, Miss Yun, and Zhang go that way, and I’ll take the little rascal this way. How’s that?” Qingyang suggested mischievously.

“Okay.” The five guards nodded.

Qi Yichen smiled, quickly taking Meng Hui’s hand. “I don’t mind.” Mu Jin Yi shrugged.

“Brother, I want to be with you,” Siqing looked at me with lingering sadness.

“Uh… Qing’er, you better go with Mu Jin Yi. I’ll take Xi’er with me,” my heart raced.

“Okay,” Yunxi smiled.

I hastily held Yunxi’s hand, leading Qingyang away.

“But…” Siqing’s eyes filled with tears.

“It’s okay, Qing’er. Don’t be afraid; you’ll get used to it!” I kept walking without looking back. Siqing nearly burst into tears.

Siqing stomped her foot and ran off. “Eh, Qing’er, wait for me!” Mu Jin Yi looked stunned but quickly followed.

After a long chase, Mu Jin Yi finally caught up to Siqing. Out of breath, he was about to scold her but saw Siqing sitting under a tree, hugging her knees, head buried, trembling softly. He heard her quiet sobs and immediately knelt beside her. “Qing’er, why are you crying?”

Siqing didn’t answer, continuing to cry. “Eh, you… talk to me. What’s wrong? Is it because of earlier?”

Siqing raised her tear-stained face, eyes red. “Brother… he misunderstood us. He thought… thought we liked each other. Actually… actually, I only see you as my brother. He misunderstood…” She buried her head and cried again.

“Zhang Xiaoqi, why do you overthink so much?” Mu Jin Yi frowned.

“Qing’er… do you… like Zhang Xiaoqi?”

Siqing froze, looking sad. “What’s the use of liking him? He doesn’t like me.”

“What?! You really like Zhang Xiaoqi? But you’re siblings! How can…” Mu Jin Yi was shocked.

“We’re not bl00d siblings. I’m his adopted sister. Why can’t I like him?”

“I see. That dumb Zhang Xiaoqi, I’ll tell him you like him,” Mu Jin Yi jumped up, ready to leave.

“No… Mu Da-ge, don’t let him know!” Siqing cried, grabbing Mu Jin Yi.

“Why not?”

“I don’t want Brother to hate me.”

“But if you don’t tell him, he’ll never understand you. I have to tell him.”

“Please! Don’t… don’t go,” she begged, tears streaming.

Qingyang, holding Yunxi’s hand, followed me while I tried to ignore the thoughts of Siqing’s sorrowful eyes.

“Qier, what are you thinking? You seem lost in thought,” Yunxi asked curiously.

“Ah? N-nothing,” I replied.

“I also want to hold your hand!” Qingyang, feeling jealous, grabbed my left hand.

Yunxi frowned, feeling a little upset.

“Why?” I asked in confusion.

“Because you’re holding Yun’s hand, so you have to hold mine too!”

“That’s your reason?!” I broke out in a cold sweat. “I’m close to Xi’er.”

“Then I’m close to you too,” Qingyang boldly said.

“How close?”

“Because I like you!” Qingyang smiled and kissed my cheek. I froze… and quickly turned to see Yunxi’s face dark with jealousy.

“Eh, Xi’er, Xi’er!!” I shouted, anxious, but she ignored me.

“Ugh, all because of Xi’er. I’ll chase her first; you go find Meng Hui. Then we’ll meet up later,” Qingyang said, upset.

After chasing Yunxi, I finally caught up. She was still jealous and ignored me. I frantically searched my mind for sweet words and eventually made her laugh.

“When did you learn to be so slick-tongued?” Yunxi smiled, gently tapping my forehead.

“Hehe,” I blushed and scratched the back of my head.

Yunxi’s soft smile drew me closer. I kissed her lips, closing my eyes, feeling the delicate sensation. Our hands wandered a little…

“Mm,” Yunxi whispered, startled, and we both quickly regained composure.

I withdrew my hand, noticing her disheveled clothing, embarrassed. “Xi… Xi’er, sorry, I was improper.”

“It’s… it’s okay. I’m willing,” Yunxi said softly, leaning against my warmth.

“I love you, Xi’er.” I hugged her and kissed her forehead, deeply.

“I love you too, Qier.” Yunxi whispered.

“It’s getting late. Let’s meet the others,” I smiled.

“Mm.” I held her hand and walked to the lake, where everyone was arriving. Qi Yichen had returned with Meng Hui, and Siqing’s eyes were still red. “Qing’er, why are you crying? Did someone bully you? I’ll deal with them!”

“No, no one. Sand got in my eyes,” Siqing said, wiping her tears.

“Oh, alright.” I was only half-convinced. Yunxi kept glancing at Siqing, pondering.

The five guards eventually regrouped, and we walked back. By the time we returned to the inn, the sun had set, and the streets were quiet. Vendors were closing up.

After dinner, Yunxi approached me.

“Xi’er, is something wrong?”

She hesitated, then whispered, “I… I need to tell you something. Actually… Siqing likes you!!!”