Chapter 764

Chapter 764: The Girl Next Door

In the Night Mansion.

By the lakeside pavilion, Ye Ling was fishing with a rod while Lolan Hill sat on the other side reading a book.

On the steps of the railing, an open wooden box held uneaten pastries and sweets, occasionally picked up by the girl beside her and placed in her mouth.

“Fish, fish, come to my hook~” Ye Ling, sitting by the railing, held a long fishing rod, angling for the golden carp in her own pond.

“Meow~”

A black cat stretched its limbs in Ye Ling’s arms, yawning widely before settling down peacefully, basking in the afternoon sunlight on its belly.

“You’ve gotten fatter, Xiaohei. Sigh.”

Petting the soft fur of the black cat, Ye Ling looked at the big cat with regret. She remembered when they first brought it home, it was still very small, cute and cuddly. But she had fallen asleep midway, and this little creature had grown so quickly.

Pressing the black cat’s forehead with her finger, making its head nod, and then quickly pulling back as it tried to retaliate, Ye Ling found herself playing with the cat again.

Chirp chirp~

Under the eaves of the pavilion, two birds perched on a beam. Dai Ju, the bird, looked down, taking advantage of Ye Ling and the cat’s distraction to glide down and perch beside the box of snacks, tilting its head to inspect. It quickly pecked at a chestnut, grabbed a piece of pastry, and flew back up to the beam. Its nimble movements and fluffy body were oddly mismatched.

Lolan Hill, who was reading, noticed the bird’s actions and raised her eyes to see Dai Ju stealing food.

Again, this little rascal is stealing. The young lady silently noted it down, deciding to cut its meal today.

Since arriving in Luo Capital, Lolan Hill had wanted to meet the witch of the dragon vein, the Red Phoenix. Unfortunately, after asking Gu Lie about it, there was no response.

Though she knew the Red Phoenix lived on Yuzhang Mountain, Lolan Hill did not want to barge in, unsure of what might be inside. Recalling the encounter in Mozwa’s underground, Lolan Hill still felt a bit scared.

If it weren’t for Tides preparing a decoy for her, she would have been petrified by the Salt Witch’s powers. And Su Qin, as the Red Phoenix of the House of Plantagenet, surely wouldn’t let her guard down.

As she pondered over matters concerning witches and the Five Phoenixes, Ye Ling seemed to tire of fishing. Or perhaps it was strange that such an active child could sit quietly and fish.

Ye Ling put down the fishing rod, placing the black cat atop it to hold it down.

“Stay here and don’t move. If we catch a fish tonight, I’ll feed you extra,” Ye Ling said, bending down to instruct the large black cat.

“Hehe, just stay still,” Ye Ling blinked her dragon eyes, looking at the black cat.

Seeing the cat obediently lying on the rod, Ye Ling stood up, hands on her hips, as if she had accomplished something great.

She turned around and took small steps towards Lolan Hill.

“Um, Sister Lolan, how long will you stay in the Eastern Region?” Ye Ling recently heard that Lolan Hill was returning to the Western Continent and felt very sad about it.

“Probably after the Autumn Moon Lantern Festival. I plan to visit Longquan Bay. It’s a major harbor leading to the West, where I can gather much information about the seas.”

“Mm, I see.” Ye Ling sat next to Lolan Hill, wanting to lean against her leg for a nap.

Though Ye Ling had woken up, her bloodline had yet to fully awaken, making her often sleepy. In a daze, she leaned against Lolan Hill and fell asleep, her breathing becoming regular.

Looking at the nearly unchanged girl in her arms, Lolan Hill gently adjusted her position and brushed aside some hair.

The milky white strands were smooth, framing her clean face. On her forehead were two small horns, about an inch long, slightly curved backward. They felt hard under gentle touch.

She seems like a dragon maiden, Lolan Hill thought.

Ye Ling’s dragon blood was still awakening. According to some texts she had read, this little girl would likely grow dragon horns, wings, and a long tail behind her.

To fully regain her human form, she would need to reach Sequence 8. Until then, uncontrollable bloodlines would reveal dragon traits.

But this little one doesn’t seem to mind.

Initially, Lolan Hill worried she might be bothered by her changing appearance, but Ye Ling clearly wasn’t concerned.

“But, wouldn’t it be cool? I look so powerful!”

Alright, alright. Lolan Hill couldn’t comment, but it was indeed a happy thought.

The afternoon sun bathed the courtyard of the Night Mansion in tranquility. Lotus leaves by the small lake swayed with the breeze, creating ripples across the water.

Previously ignored hooks now shook as several golden red carp gathered, bumping and fighting for the bait.

Splash~

The carp biting the hook tugged at the rod, its tail slapping the water. The black cat, which had been napping on the rod, stood up in fright, watching the suddenly moving and jerking rod.

Seeing the rod about to slip out of the railing and fall into the water, Lolan Hill reached out and called to the birds on the roof.

Chirp chirp~ (I know!)

Two birds, one yellow and one blue, swiftly descended. The dark-crowned blue jay grabbed the end of the rod abandoned by the black cat, while Dai Ju flapped its wings to grab the rod’s head.

They then began a tug-of-war with the fish, lifting the line straight and pulling the carp out of the water, only for the carp to thrash violently in the air, splashing back into the water and creating waves.

The black cat, startled by the splash, ran over to Ye Ling, rubbing against her.

The legs seemed to say, not that we lack strength, but that the carp is too powerful and cunning.

Although the carp struggled for a while, Dai Ju was clearly more formidable. After all, she had risen to Sequence 4 through eating and sleeping; dealing with this carp was still within her capabilities.

Together with the blue raven, she pulled up the fishing rod, dragging the carp out of the water, swinging it back and forth in the air. The red and white scales of the carp shimmered under the sunlight.

“Mm, what’s going on?” Ye Ling woke up, rubbed her eyes, and looked bewilderedly at the pavilion outside, where two birds and a fish were engaged in a battle in midair.

“How amazing, there are actually birds that can fish.”

She stood up from Lolan Hill’s embrace and came to the railing to watch closely.

“It seems we’ll have fish to eat tonight.”

Could she really be planning to eat the golden carp from their own pond? Lolan Hill looked at the little one in surprise.

For a moment, Ye Ling thought of having a grilled fish by the lakeside tonight and asked her brother for ingredients and tools.

—

While Lolan Hill was awakening in the Eastern Continent, various events were unfolding in the Western Continent.

Crimson Empire, or formerly the Verdant Empire, in the eastern region of Softleaf, in the town of Taillun.

“Is Bumansa here?” A voice echoed from a shop near the street.

“Yes, I’m here,” replied Bumansa.

Accompanied by her voice, a teenage girl with wavy chestnut hair emerged from the back room, holding a large plate of bread.

Looking at the bread still steaming with a sweet aroma, the visitor couldn’t help but feel more hungry.

“How fragrant! As expected of Bumansa, everything you make is delicious.”

“Hehe, actually, it’s nothing special, just ordinary ingredients.”

This neighbor girl wore a simple apron and dress, though not extravagant, they were neat and clean, complementing her fair skin.

“Speaking of which, Bumansa must be in her early twenties now, do you have any plans for marriage?”

“Well, I haven’t really thought about it yet.”

“Hmm, actually, you graduated from Emanas. In our small town, I doubt anyone could match up to you.”

The neighbor picked several large loaves of bread and looked at the well-proportioned and slightly plump girl, nodding occasionally.

“You’d look even better than a noble lady if you wore a beautiful dress.”

“Thank you, Aunt Xina.” Bumansa packed the bread and handed it to the woman.

“Ai, actually, I couldn’t help but want to give you some advice. Just listen, you don’t have to follow it.”

After taking the bread, the aunt began speaking.

“When I was younger, I went to a big city. It was very prosperous, filled with nobles and wealthy people. Even the things on the streets were much more expensive than in our small town.”

“Given your talent, staying in this small town might be a waste. If you go to a big city, you could easily sell your bread and pastries for three to four times the price.”

“Also, there are many talented and capable people in a big city. You might meet someone who catches your eye there, leading to a happy marriage.”

“Don’t dismiss me immediately. I know you’ve learned a lot and are strong, but girls are most beautiful and youthful in these years. If you don’t seize this opportunity, it will be harder to catch those chances when you’re older.”

“Besides, your parents are healthy, and there’s no need for you to work so hard in the shop.”

“Go out and see the world more often. Opportunities like this might not come again.”

Listening to the aunt’s advice, Bumansa smiled and nodded. She knew the aunt meant well and listened patiently before seeing her off.

Back in the shop, the girl picked up the used dishes and utensils to wash them in the back room.

The grease and residue washed away with the water, then wiped clean by the girl and placed under the window to dry in the shade. Seeing the tidy and clean room, Bumansa’s face showed a slight smile.

Then she untied her headscarf, shook her head slightly, and her chestnut-golden hair gleamed in the sunlight.

Kneeling down, she looked at the sword sheath hidden in a secret compartment in the cabinet, paused for a moment, then closed the cabinet door and went to the small courtyard behind the shop.

Picking up a wooden sword casually left on a bucket, it was her brother’s toy.

The rough wooden sword moved easily in her hands, like a butterfly dancing in the forest under the sunlight.

After practicing for a while, she put the sword down again, placing it back on the bucket.

Her brother had once said, “This is my thing, sister, don’t touch it.” This child, who was only seven, acted like a little adult, with his own thoughts.

Though touched by the aunt’s words today, Bumansa had no great ambitions or desires. Simple and comfortable living was enough for her.

Three months later, at Bumansa’s home.

The family finished dinner and started clearing the table.

“Bumansa, don’t go back right away,” said her father.

“Yes, Father.” Bumansa looked up in surprise, looking at her father.

“Lou, let’s go. Don’t disturb Dad and Sister’s conversation,” her mother, as if they had planned it, took the little son and left.

“Okay.”

The child curiously glanced at his sister and father, then followed his mother.

The room fell silent, and Bumansa sat upright at the table, waiting for her father to speak.

Seeing his daughter like this, the father seemed somewhat troubled.

“In fact, you could be a bit more… more capricious.”

To ease the atmosphere, the man picked up a rolled cigarette, lit it slowly beside the candlelight. Small sparks appeared on the tobacco, quietly burning.

Taking a puff,

This man looked at Bumansa and continued to speak.

“I have toiled for the Baron’s garden for some time and gained a little reputation in town, but this is truly insignificant compared to what happens elsewhere.”

“You’ve always been obedient and never caused me any worry. You even help your mother with chores, and I’ve noticed all of these things.”

“Having a daughter who can enter Emanas and graduate normally is the most glorious and proud thing in my life.”

“Since you went to Emanas, people in the tavern would flatter me and pay for my drinks, which is really quite delightful.”

“I have always been proud of you.”

“But Bumansa, I recently heard some unpleasant rumors.”

“Some say I keep my daughter confined at home, not allowing her to shine, treating her merely as a tool for earning money, which makes me very angry.” The father tapped the ash off his pipe as he spoke.

Bumansa looked at her father, her face illuminated by the flickering candlelight. She remained calm and composed.

“So, I have decided to send you away,” the father undid his collar and took out a folded envelope.

“When I was young, I had a friend who now works in Longwang Port. He is said to work in a famous pastry shop. They need more staff because many young men have enlisted in the military.”

“Take this letter to him; he can help you find a job there. You’ve always liked baking, so I’m sure you’ll be good at it.”

“Furthermore, Longwang Port is the most bustling city in the territory of the Landsworth family. It gathers many nobles and wealthy people. When you buy pastries there, you might encounter quite a few.”

“If you meet the right person, you could marry them, which would ease my mind.”

“Don’t refuse. My daughter is so beautiful and smart that no one would overlook her. You just don’t dress up much.”

“As for this matter, when you earn money, you can buy yourself some nice clothes. You’re grown up now, and we can’t support you forever. I need to save some money for your brother’s education.”

Bumansa listened quietly. When her father finished speaking, she slowly lowered her head. “I understand, Father.”

“Alright, get some rest early.”

Afterwards, Bumansa stood up and left the room slowly.

The candlelight still flickered as the man silently smoked, the drifting smoke gradually enveloping him.

With a creak, the door opened again, and a woman entered—Bumansa’s mother. She had a similar face and hair color to Bumansa, but there were wrinkles around her eyes.

“Did you talk to Bumansa?” The woman took the cigarette from the man’s mouth and extinguished it.

Looking at the unfinished cigarette, the man replied, “Yes, we talked.”

“How did she respond?”

“She said she understood, meaning she agreed. You know her personality; she has always been obedient.”

“Ah, actually, I was happy to have such an obedient child when she was little, which made things easier. But now, I feel a bit worried.”

“When she graduated, not only the Baron, but also several Earls from nearby territories invited her to work. The job was simple—accompanying the children of Earls to learn. She could earn several gold coins each month, and the salary would increase over time.”

“But she didn’t want to go, so we didn’t force her and let her continue working at home.”

“However, staying like this for too long isn’t good.”

“Just like the proverb from the Eastern Region says, how can a dragon stay under a small, shabby roof?”

“She has such a special talent, yet wastes it in this plain little town, which is somewhat regrettable.”

“And we can’t directly advise her, since she is grown up and has her own ideas and thoughts. We can only use this method to push her out.”

“I hope that after she goes to the bustling Longwang Port, she will see many new things and develop greater aspirations.”

“I am proud to have such a daughter, but I also hope she can break free from our limitations and step onto a broader stage.”

Inside the room, the two of them spoke about Bumansa’s life from childhood to adulthood. Some memories were warm, some endearing, making the father and mother感慨 the passage of time and feeling somewhat melancholic.

The lights in the room still burned, casting a faint orange glow through the curtains, illuminating the grass and courtyard outside.

A pair of legs leaned against the wall next to the window. The girl with chestnut golden hair stood with her hands behind her back, quietly listening to the soft conversation, then slowly raised her head to gaze at the starry night sky.

A broader stage.

Some anticipation for the unknown slowly awakened in her mind.

Thank you

Andromeda (Ally’s donation), Shouheng_lulu (large donation),

Night Spirit OwO, Low Like Dust QAQ, Lonely Traveler.

Thanks to all book friends for their support over the years~

Special thanks to Andromeda and Shouheng_lulu for their strong support~ Thank you very much 0 0/~

In the future, Qingkong will also strive to write books~

End of Chapter