V2: Chapter 22: I Want to See Our Child

I really want to try it on... Sister Liang Lin.

If Liang Di's tentacles feel pain when they're cut off, then touching Liang Lin with her tentacles will also produce a strange sensation—a pleasurable feeling that makes Liang Di tremble all over.

Liang Di's tentacles are also very sensitive.

"Hiss~"

Just a light touch on Liang Lin's skin made Liang Di gasp, her cheeks flushing involuntarily. She couldn't imagine how much more pleasurable it would be if there were a spiritual connection between them.

Once experienced, twice desired; if this happens again, it will be the third time.

Liang Di's tentacles clung tightly to Liang Lin's body, her hands busy with their own tasks.

"Sister Liang Lin, your clothes are stained with blood, they're too dirty, you should change them."

These are just excuses, just reasons.

Liang Di helped Liang Lin remove her blood-stained clothes and tossed them carelessly on the floor. Then, she climbed onto the bed and began her grand scheme.

Whether it was absorbing nourishment from Liang Lin, or crawling, sculpting, and savoring every detail, Liang Di enjoyed everything that was hard-won. Her eyes were closed, and she breathed heavily; the only sound in the room was her constant clicking of her tongue.

Liang Di felt a pang of regret. She hadn't been by Liang Lin's side when Liang Lin had just given birth. If she had been there, she could have tasted that delicious baby food. She didn't know the difference between it and regular cow's milk or goat's milk, but it must have been more fragrant because it was made by her Sister Liang Lin herself.

It was such a pity. When she was impregnating Liang Lin, she had thought about this day coming, but who knew that Liang Lin, with a child—no, to be precise, a child in her belly—would leave her? She hadn't even tasted the baby food she longed for.

If—she meant if there were a next time—if Liang Lin were to become pregnant again, she would definitely stay by her side and taste that delicious baby food.

Liang Di's movements became increasingly aggressive.

But just as she was about to take the final step, her hand, having just grabbed the treasure, suddenly stopped. Liang Lin's words flashed through her mind once more.

"Liang Di, you don't understand what love is at all. You only know how to force me. Do you think forcing me will make me fall in love with you?"

Liang Di's body suddenly stiffened, at a loss, unsure whether she should continue. Even if she continued, even if she did everything, Liang Lin wouldn't know when she woke up the next day; she could still have one more time to herself.

"But..."

Liang Di hesitated.

Hadn't I promised to change for Liang Lin? If it was just taking advantage of her vulnerability, how could it be called change?

Liang Di was torn by an internal struggle. One moment she thought, "Well, Liang Lin doesn't know anyway, so it doesn't matter." The next, she felt that if she was going to change, it should be a complete and thorough change, not just a superficial one.

After this stalemate lasted five or six minutes, Liang Di felt a chill creeping down her bare shoulders when she suddenly thought of a perfect solution.

Didn't she say something before?

"Sister Liang Lin, I'm just... umm, it's fine, right?"

So, this time, she could do the same, relieving her own physical and mental distress while also not completely infringing on Liang Lin's interests.

Yes, that's settled then!

The tentacle moved upwards—it was that tentacle covered in small particles. Liang Di's tentacle could sense her surroundings; she felt the damp walls, the round, luminous pearl, and that long-lost warmth.

In ancient times, people made fire by rubbing wood together. The principle behind this method is friction. Modern people can also use this method to obtain warmth. Liang Di probably understood this principle; it's really cold, which is why she need to keep them warm.

Even this simple act made Liang Di feel content.

Half an hour passed.

Liang Di lay quietly beside Liang Lin, a satisfied smile on her face. She helped Liang Lin change into clean clothes and carefully folded the blankets. Finally, she snuggled in herself, like a kitten, into Liang Lin's arms, pressing tightly against her chest.

"This is so nice."

This day felt like a dream; she hadn't felt this happy in a long time.

Liang Di knew she couldn't sleep too soundly. She had to get up and leave before Liang Lin woke up. If Liang Lin found out that she had shared a bed with her without her permission, she would definitely be angry.

"Goodnight, Sister Liang Lin."

Liang Di slowly closed her eyes, savoring the fleeting happiness. She knew that the next time she would share a bed with Liang Lin was uncertain, and Liang Lin certainly wouldn't agree to sleep in the same bed with her anytime soon.

She should cherish this brief moment of happiness.

Liang Di didn't sleep soundly; she remained pressed tightly against Liang Lin, breathing deeply, trying to inhale all of Liang Lin's scent into her nostrils, into her body—it felt like becoming one with her.

At dawn, just as light began to appear, Liang Di woke up and quickly got out of bed. Actually, she hadn't had enough sleep, but she dared not stay in bed any longer, afraid that Liang Lin would suddenly wake up. So, she sat quietly on the edge of the bed, holding Liang Lin's hand.

Staring at someone's face for too long is a very boring thing. However, Liang Di considered this the most interesting thing in her life. She kept staring at Liang Lin's sleeping face, occasionally letting out a secret smile, and imagining her bright future with Liang Lin.

She could stare at Liang Lin's face for ages without getting tired of it. Liang Di looked left and right, never getting enough of looking.

Time passed, minute by minute. Suddenly, Liang Lin's eyelids twitched. Startled, Liang Di immediately stood up and, like an arrow released from a bow, rushed to the door, opened it, and ran out.

Liang Lin was about to wake up. Liang Di pretended to be nonchalant, waiting outside the door for a while before going in, giving Liang Lin the impression that they weren't sleeping in the same room, so that Liang Lin wouldn't feel annoyed with her.

And so, when Liang Lin woke up, she saw Liang Di push open the door and come in.

Let's return to the present.

"Let's go, Liang Lin. Liang Di, you're probably hungry too. I've had some food prepared. Let's go downstairs and eat. After that, we'll have a lot to do. Hmm... we might not even enjoy this meal."

Why did he say that?

With a Duke and several knights dead, the remaining two Dukes and Knights were naturally in an uproar.

Sylvester went downstairs for a quick look, then immediately returned upstairs. He said to the two girls, "Put on masks and cloaks. It wouldn't be good if they recognized you two as members of the Langwendi family."

Both of them understood this.

"Are they all down there?"

Sylvester expression was somewhat grave as he nodded.

Liang Lin always found these kinds of situations troublesome. She rubbed her temples and asked, "Can I not go downstairs? You two can handle it. I'm not very good at dealing with these kinds of situations."

"No, Sister Liang Lin."

Before Sylvester could refuse, Liang Di spoke up.

 “The Duke and those knights all died in your room. As the only person directly involved in the crime scene, you naturally have to say something.”

“Then, what should I say? What can even I say?” Liang Lin admitted that her intelligence was truly insufficient; she didn't know how to make up a lie.

Liang Di beckoned to her, gesturing for her to lean closer.

Liang Lin hesitated for a moment, but finally stretched her neck and pressed her ears to Liang Di's lips. Liang Di's lips moved up and down, uttering a few words. Liang Lin's eyes widened instantly, and she couldn't help but give Liang Di a mental thumbs up.

Brilliant! As expected of Liang Di!

Of course, she couldn't show it outwardly; she had to appear calm and collected, as if she could figure it out herself after a little thought.

“Okay, I understand. I'll do as you say.”

At crucial moments, Liang Di was still very reliable.

The three of them went downstairs. Downstairs stood two imposing Dukes and a knightly order wielding longswords.

If this were at the Langwendi residence, Liang Di would have already used her status to intimidate these people. But not now; she couldn't let others know her identity.

"Duke Sylvester, what are your thoughts on the death of Duke Springhall?"

Lionel slammed his hand on the table, his fat face twitching.

Sylvester feigned innocence.

"Duke Lionel, I am deeply saddened by the death of Duke Springhall. I never imagined that he would encounter such an assassination attempt on his very first day here. Alas… it's all the fault of our ducal household for being so incompetent, failing to detect the assassin's infiltration. This is our dereliction of duty. I will inform His Majesty the King, and if he wishes to punish me, I will willingly accept the punishment."

His explanation was flawless; Lionel was speechless for a long time.

Gardner spoke up, “Duke Sylvester, shouldn’t you explain why Duke Springhall’s body was found in Miss Hersel’s room? And so many knights died with Duke Springhall, then…”

Gardner narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixing on Liang Lin behind the two of them.

“Only Miss Hersel is still alive and well. That… is very abnormal, isn’t it? Don’t you think so, Miss Hersel?”

“Your Grace, are you doubting me? You don’t need to beat around the bush; I understand what you mean,” Liang Lin retorted. “Then, what was my reason for killing Duke Springhall? You Dukes, you still rewarded me; I can’t repay kindness with enmity. Besides, killing the Duke wouldn’t benefit me, nor would it bring me any more rewards.”

Liang Lin recited all the lines Liang Di had taught her.

Gardner actually managed to retort.

Lionel and Gardner, of course, understood how Springhall had died. He had obviously failed in his attempt to kill her and was killed in self-defense, by Liang Lin's blade. However, they couldn't understand why the incense, which was supposed to be anesthetizing, hadn't worked on Liang Lin.

How could someone as formidable as Springhall, a cunning old fox, have been killed?

"Since it was an assassination attempt, Miss Hersel was also present. Could you tell us what the assassin looked like?" Gardner asked.

Liang Lin pretended to think, pondering for a moment.

"But the person was wearing a mask, and it was so dark at night, I couldn't see anything clearly."

Liang Lin spread her hands, then her eyes turned strange.

"And, for some reason, the instant I picked up my sword, I felt a sudden weakness and collapsed to the ground. When I woke up, I saw corpses everywhere. I think I was drugged, but I didn't eat dinner last night… Who drugged me, I wonder? I have no idea."

A strange smile curved the corners of Liang Lin's lips.

“Duke Gardner, Duke Lionel, do you think… we can find out who drugged me? If someone did, it must have been someone from within our ducal household, right?”

Liang Lin feigned sudden realization, clapping her hands.

“Oh! I get it! The traitor is inside our ducal household! How despicable! Today, even if it means facing certain death, I will find that traitor!”

After saying this, Liang Lin viciously made a throat-slitting gesture. Of course, this gesture was improvised; Liang Di hadn't taught her. It was clearly Liang Lin's own style.

Upon hearing this, Lionel and Gardner felt a chill run down their spines, as if a knife was pressed against the back of their necks. They shrank back like two turtles.

Gardner continued his barrage, "Miss Hersel, so Duke Springhall went to your room before the assassination attempt. Why did he go to your room in the first place? And with so many people? There must be a reason, right?"

"Oh wow," Liang Lin looked at Liang Di, a hint of admiration in her expression. She really hadn't expected Liang Di to have predicted everything the other people would say. Liang Di was practically on a winning streak; her intelligence was exceptionally high.

"Ah? Duke Gardner, why did Springhall come to my room… don't you know the reason?"

Liang Lin smiled, directly throwing the question back at him.

"But I remember Duke Springhall telling me it was a joint decision, that's why he came to find me. Duke Gardner, you really are forgetful."

"So, what is the reason? You, Your Excellency, should know it too, right?"

Springhall is a dead man. What he said to Liang Lin before he died, no one knows except Liang Lin.

Therefore, Liang Lin can fabricate whatever Springhall said; isn't that a case of "the dead cannot tell"?

Gardner's heart skipped a beat.

"Duke Springhall really didn't tell me..."

"But Duke Springhall told me himself before he died," Liang Lin stood on the steps, looking down at everyone, her blood-red pupils like a demon's. "What? Duke Gardner, are you questioning Duke Springhall's words?"

"No, I'm..."

"So, you're doubting the words of a warrior who almost lost his life to protect the Soteland Empire? Ah~ Your Grace, you truly chill me to the bone."

Gardner nearly choked; his words caught in his throat, unable to come out.

“I…”

“You?”

“No....”

“No?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Gardner was both anxious and angry, his face flushed.

Beside him, that brainless Lionel, seeing his companion get the short end of the stick, immediately chimed in.

“Yes, we suspect you, so what? You find it all strange, don't you? The Duke died in your room, that's enough already, and you're still making sarcastic remarks…”

“How is that sarcastic? I've already said it, there was an assassination attempt, there's a traitor in the Duke's mansion, I'll dig three feet into the ground to find him, that's my determination to avenge Duke Springhall!”

Liang Lin laughed, “Duke Lionel, Duke Gardner, you've been so hostile towards me since the first day you arrived, isn't it because you're jealous of the greater reward I'll receive from His Majesty the Emperor after returning to the capital?”

“You'll get nothing… you will, you, you, fine, fine!” Lionel almost let slip, but thankfully he still had some sense and slammed on the brakes.

He almost blurted out his true feelings—"You'll get nothing but a terrible reward. Once you return to the capital, His Majesty the King will use every means to kill you."

"However, Your Excellencies, we can't stay here forever. His Majesty the King is anxiously waiting for me, isn't he?" Liang Lin said meaningfully. "My adoptive father can stay here to investigate Duke Springhall's death. We don't need to trouble you two. Let's hurry back to the capital."

"Investigate for three days. If we don't find anything within three days, we'll set off immediately on the morning of the fourth day. How about that?"

Lionel and Gardner exchanged a glance.

"...As you decided." Gardner conceded.

He simply couldn't win an argument with this quick-witted little girl.

This was the first time Liang Lin had won a logical debate. She wouldn't lose an argument before, but that was only in the realm of insults; when it came to actually analyzing logic, she was the one who couldn't.

Liang Lin was in a great mood. She had her maid prepare her favorite mushroom soup, soft and delicious blueberry jam bread, and crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside strawberry croissants before heading to her room.

She didn't even bother to politely ask Liang Di if she wanted to come. She was afraid that if she did, that woman might actually agree, and she'd be in a real bind. She was even afraid that Liang Di would follow her around like a shadow, clinging to her side.

As a result, she turned and went upstairs, walking quite a distance, but Liang Di didn't call her name or pester her like before, asking if she could have breakfast with her.

Huh?

This is really strange. Why does it feel so awkward?

Liang Lin glanced back and saw that Liang Di had already disappeared at the top of the stairs, seemingly heading to the second floor.

"..."

No, this girl, why...

Wait, wouldn't it be better if she didn't come? Why am I so concerned about whether she comes or not? It's a good thing she doesn't come! Shouldn't I be happy?

Thinking this, Liang Lin felt a little irritated. She cursed a couple of times, grabbed the handrail, went upstairs, and returned to her room.

Once Liang Lin took a bite of a delicious croissant, she completely forgot her earlier irritation.

To hell with it. What does Liang Di think? What does she do? What's it to me?

She wasn't going to forgive Liang Di so easily.

Don't think that just because she saved me once, my opinion of her will change drastically.

Even if I forgave her later, I would never like her again! Who wants to like such a terrifying woman! Being next to her always gave me a... well, anyway, a terrifying feeling of being killed at any moment.

Meanwhile, Liang Di...

"I think I did pretty well just now, right?"

Liang Di hid behind the wall, watching Liang Lin go upstairs and disappear around the corner.

This girl has been reading quite a few novels lately, all sorts of romance novels, including those about pursuing a wife, hoping to learn the true essence of pursuing someone.

One particular scene was deeply etched in her mind; if she had to sum it up in four words, it would be "playing hard to get."

The protagonists in these novels, whether male or female, all fall for this tactic. If the other person pretends to be indifferent, they get extra attention. In fact, many people even figure out their true feelings because of this tactic.

"Oh~!"

Upon finishing the book, Liang Di had a look of sudden realization and slammed the book shut.

"I see, I see!"

In other words, if I tried to play hard to get like the protagonists in those novels, maybe Liang Lin would shift some of his attention to me?

Right now, Liang Di was already quite satisfied as long as Liang Lin paid more attention to her. As long as her attention was focused on her, she would definitely be attracted to some of her strengths.

Liang Di was quite confident in herself; she was beautiful, intelligent, wealthy, and of noble birth, and she could also make Liang Lin happy

… Well, that's not an exaggeration.

In short, she was incredibly capable, and she refused to believe that she couldn't win Liang Lin's heart again with her own efforts!

"Did Sister Liang Lin turn around just now? Was she looking for me? Hehe~" Liang Di let out a silly laugh that didn't suit her character. "Absolutely! She definitely noticed me. Playing hard to get really worked!"

How so?

In a sense, the two of them really do seem like sisters.

Liang Lin, from the beginning, wanted to learn tricks from novels to please Liang Di, to make Liang Di relax and fall in love with her. But now, it's Liang Di's turn to learn tricks from novels to please Liang Lin.

Sigh.

Sometimes, couples are like this.

After returning to the guest room, Liang Di lay on the bed for a while, wanting to take a nap. In her drowsy state, she suddenly sat up.

Suddenly, something occurred to her.

"Oh right, I have a child!"

Spending so much time with Liang Lin, she felt her IQ wasn't up to par.

How could I have forgotten I had a child?

Liang Di scratched her head in frustration. Her attention had been completely focused on Liang Lin; she felt like she'd forgotten something, but couldn't remember. She was almost asleep when she finally remembered what she'd forgotten.

She also had a one-year-old child she hadn't met, and still didn't know if it was a boy or a girl. She had had several opportunities to ask Octaville whether Liang Lin's baby was a boy or a girl, but she had forgotten each time.

This is what happens when parents are true love, and the child is just an accident.

But now that she remembered, Liang Di couldn't sleep. She glanced at the clock on the wall, thinking that in another hour, she would knock on Liang Lin's door and ask to see the child.

"Sister Liang Lin won't refuse me, will she..."

Liang Di's heart pounded; she wasn't sure about Liang Lin's current attitude towards her.

Meanwhile, Liang Lin was also trying to take a nap at noon when she was interrupted. She was interrupted by someone—by a series of urgent knocks on the door.

Opening the door, she saw the twins.

"Miss Liang Lin, did you forget something here? I heard everything has been resolved, and we're waiting for you in our room for you to come and get it," Edwin said, suppressing a laugh.

Hazel emerged from behind him, carrying a cute little baby in her arms, the baby waving its tiny hands.

It was Carol.

"Ouch!"

Liang Lin slapped her forehead.

So much had happened, so fast, that she'd completely forgotten she had a child. If the twins hadn't brought her baby over, she would have forgotten she was already a mother.

"Ahem, well, I hadn't even had a chance to pick her up before you brought her back?" Liang Lin felt guilty, avoiding eye contact with Hazel.

She quickly took the baby from Hazel's arms and hugged it tightly. "Anyway, thank you so much."

"Don't mention it, Miss Liang Lin, it's what we should do."

How awkward.

"Well, then I'll take Carol for a nap. You two, have you eaten yet?"

An awkward conversation ensued.

The twins were trying so hard not to laugh, they nodded together, pursing their lips.

"Yes, we've eaten. Miss Liang Lin, please rest well and take a nap. We won't disturb you any longer. Goodbye."

This was exactly what Liang Lin wanted.

After the twins left, Liang Lin closed the door and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Phew~"

How embarrassing! How could I forget my child with my terrible memory?

How to put it...

She and Liang Di were truly a perfect match, one a hidden dragon, the other a phoenix chick; they were both perfectly in sync, simultaneously forgetting they had a child.

"Carol, are you hungry?" Liang Lin asked.

But Carol was only one year old; what could she understand? Seeing her mother in front of her, she giggled and reached out her little hand to grab her mother's hair.

"Oh dear, you little rascal, your hands are so restless."

It sounded like she was scolding the child, but actually, her tone was very indulgent.

"You don't look hungry at all. Come on, Mommy will take you for a nap."

Actually, Liang Lin was just sleepy.

Just as Liang Lin lay down, there was another knock on the door.

"Damn it..."

Liang Lin jumped out of bed, quite annoyed.

Why did someone knock on the door every time I tried to drift off to sleep?

It was like a death knell. She was already irritable from not sleeping well last night, and now, just as she was about to fall asleep, someone interrupted her, making her even more annoyed.

"Who is it?"

Liang Lin walked to the door irritably, opened it abruptly, her little face puffed out, cheeks bulging, and stared intently at the person outside.

"..."

"..."

A perfectly silent exchange.

Bang!

Liang Lin slammed the door shut.

Outside was Liang Di, who had come to ask to see the child.

"No, why did this guy suddenly come up here?" Liang Lin glanced frantically at Carol on the bed. She didn't want Liang Di to see the baby.

In Liang Lin's mind, her sister, Hilary, hadn't told Liang Di about the baby's birth. She didn't know that her doting sister-in-law, Octaville, had already leaked the news.

"What... what should I do?"

Liang Lin flung the blankets around her, thinking of a plan to wrap Carol tightly in them before going out to deal with Liang Di.

"Wait, what if the baby suffocates?"