Chapter 84: Confession
Translated by algoo | Proofread by algoo
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Inside the room, Lin Xiu flew around by himself.
Despite the twists and turns, he had finally obtained Xue Ning’er’s ability, fulfilling his dream of flight. However, the current gains were even more significant. Once he reached his fifth awakening, his flight ability would evolve into Object Control, undergoing a qualitative transformation.
At that time, he could conjure sharp ice blades out of thin air and manipulate them with Object Control, taking an enemy’s head from dozens of meters away while remaining safely out of reach.
This was just one application of Object Control. Aetherists with this ability were incredibly difficult to deal with. They possessed strong self-preservation skills, capable of manipulating various objects, even their enemy’s weapons, for long-range attacks. If the situation turned unfavorable, they could quickly escape, leaving even powerful non-flying opponents unable to catch them.
Of course, this ability wasn’t without its weaknesses. Many abilities could counter it.
The Ice Aether Art was one such counter. Capable of large-scale, long-range attacks, Lingyin’s ability offered more stable control, able to freeze Object Control users while grounding herself to the earth to avoid being controlled.
Li Bozhang’s Thunder was similar. After multiple awakenings, the damage of his Thunder power was extremely high and could be released remotely. Killing a fragile Object Control mage would be instantaneous.
Then there was Princess Minghe’s fire. Flame was formless and substanceless, impossible for Object Control to manipulate. Therefore, Xue Ning’er’s position among the four beauties of the Aether Arts Institute was rather precarious. Two of the other three beauties countered her. As for the last one, Qin Wan, Lin Xiu still didn’t know her ability.
In any case, having obtained the flight ability, Lin Xiu no longer needed to engineer daily encounters with Xue Ning’er at the Aether Arts Institute.
Besides cultivation, he diligently clocked in at the Clear Judicial Department every day, so diligent that even his colleagues found it unusual.
Recently, the sounds of barking often echoed in the courtyard of the Clear Judicial Department.
After witnessing Lin Xiu’s methods of solving cases, Liu Qingfeng had actually brought a dog to the department and trained it quite well. The little black dog could accurately execute simple commands like walking, sitting, and lying down.
Dogs were inherently intelligent and empathetic animals. Training them to develop simple behavioral habits could show results in a few days. However, for a dog to accurately execute complex commands like Da Huang did, training alone wasn’t enough.
Nevertheless, after a bit more training, this dog would be suitable for tracking down criminals, making it the world’s first police dog.
Liu Qingfeng now admired Lin Xiu greatly, often asking him for advice on dog training methods. This made Lin Xiu somewhat famous within the Clear Judicial Department. The officials and constables all knew that Lin, the Records Keeper, was more skilled at solving cases than Liu, the Chief Officer of the Arrest Division. Whenever Chief Officer Liu mentioned Lin, it was with a look of admiration.
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In the Records Room, Chief Chen looked at Lin Xiu with satisfaction. “Chief Officer Liu used to be so arrogant, but I never thought you could make him admire you so much. No wonder Councilor Lang said he wanted to transfer you to the Arrest Division as Chief Officer. You are truly wasted in the Records Room…”
Lin Xiu quickly replied, “No, no, no. I’m quite comfortable in the Records Room. My parents are still counting on me to retire in this position.”
The position of a Records Keeper was indeed a good job for retirement. Sitting in the office every day, drinking tea, chatting, and even occasional fieldwork wasn’t dangerous. The salary, compared to other jobs, wasn’t too low either. In the modern world, it would be a government job with a comfortable five-figure monthly salary, the kind that many people would fight tooth and nail for.
The Chief Officer of the Arrest Division was different.
Although the official rank was one level higher, it was a busy and risky position with no free time. Wherever there was a case, one had to rush there. Investigation, pursuit, all the dirty and tiring work had to be done. When Councilor Lang was busy, the Chief Officer also had to preside over court and try cases. Yet, the monthly salary was only five taels higher than before…
In short, this position wasn’t one where one could slack off, and it didn’t fit Lin Xiu’s life plan.
For him, the most important thing was still cultivation.
Back then, his family had spent a lot of silver and pulled many strings to get him this position, hoping he would have a stable job for retirement so he wouldn’t starve to death.
Now, with a steady stream of silver coming in, Lin Xiu no longer needed this job.
However, it was undeniable that having an official position in the court made things more convenient in many situations, so Lin Xiu had no intention of resigning.
Besides, Councilor Lang didn’t really supervise him. Wasn’t it nice to slack off and still collect a salary?
Xue Ning’er didn’t attend the following martial arts classes. Lin Xiu once overheard a female classmate say that she had already passed the final assessment for the martial arts class and hadn’t been to the Aether Arts Institute recently.
It seemed that the incident with Song Yuzhi had affected her quite a bit. The incident had indeed caused widespread discussion at the Institute.
Although the person involved from the Duke Zheng’s household had clarified that he simply didn’t like Song Yuzhi and it had nothing to do with Xue Ning’er, as fellow noble ladies, it was still humiliating for Xue Ning’er to be bullied and almost slapped by Song Yuzhi.
It wasn’t until Young Master Song personally apologized to the Xue family that the matter was considered settled.
Lin Xiu saw Xue Ning’er again at the Aether Arts Institute library.
He was sitting in his usual corner, engrossed in a book titled “Compendium of Aether Arts.” The book recorded hundreds of unusual Aether Art abilities, opening Lin Xiu’s eyes to the vast possibilities. There was even a mind-reading ability in this world, capable of knowing someone’s thoughts just by looking into their eyes…
This was terrifying. If he encountered someone with mind-reading abilities, wouldn’t his biggest secret be at risk of exposure?
It was one thing if they saw his Replication ability, but his secret of being a transmigrator couldn’t be known by anyone.
Of course, this probability wasn’t high. Mind-reading wasn’t soul-searching. As long as Lin Xiu didn’t think about anything, the other party wouldn’t be able to read anything.
Besides mind-reading, there was also an ability to “see through other people’s abilities.” This ability was different from Liu Qingfeng’s Eye Aether Art. Its sole function was to instantly discern the abilities of other Aetherists. Lin Xiu’s secrets would be laid bare before such a person.
This world was indeed dangerous. Keeping a low profile and developing cautiously was the best approach.
While Lin Xiu was engrossed in his reading, Xue Ning’er walked in and approached him. “Lin Xiu, come outside with me. I, I have something to tell you.”
Although Xue Ning’er was no longer useful to him after obtaining her ability, Lin Xiu still followed her out of the library.
Being affectionate before getting what he wanted and then becoming indifferent afterward would be too callous, too obvious. He had to maintain appearances, at least.
To Lin Xiu’s slight surprise, whenever he encountered Xue Ning’er at the Institute before, she was always surrounded by people, either her so-called best friends or her admirers. Today, she was alone.
It seemed that the incident with Song Yuzhi had brought her back to reality.
Xue Ning’er walked ahead of Lin Xiu, head lowered, silent. Unconsciously, they arrived at the back lake of the Institute.
The back lake, also known as Mandarin Duck Lake, was a popular spot for couples at the Institute to date and chat. Lin Xiu and Xue Ning’er appearing here would easily attract attention. Seeing her still walking aimlessly, Lin Xiu broke the silence, “Lady Ning’er, what did you want to tell me?”
Xue Ning’er turned to Lin Xiu, took a deep breath, as if mustering great courage, then looked into his eyes and said, “Lin Xiu, I like you. I want to be with you!”
Today, she wore a pink embroidered silk shirt, tightly cinched at the waist, with a pink gauze skirt below. Her hair was styled in a simple hanging bun, adorned with simple tassels on both sides. The butterfly earrings Lin Xiu had given her dangled from her delicate ears.
Her makeup today was light, but it was evident she had put some effort into it.
Although she often acted coy, Lin Xiu had to admit that Xue Ning’er was a beautiful young woman. Her mere presence would capture the hearts of countless men. Her reputation as one of the four beauties of the Aether Arts Institute was well-deserved.
It was a pity that such a beauty was a schemer.
What she wanted to steal was Lin Xiu’s heart. Her goal was to humiliate Zhao Lingjun.
Her acting was superb, even Lin Xiu, experienced with women, couldn’t detect any flaws.
So even liking someone could be an act.
Lin Xiu looked into Xue Ning’er’s eyes. “Lady Ning’er, I have a fiancée.”
Xue Ning’er’s gaze was firm. “I know, but Lin Xiu, why does Zhao Lingjun rarely return to the capital? Don’t you understand? She doesn’t want to see you, she doesn’t want to marry you. Marrying someone who doesn’t like you won’t bring you happiness…”
Lin Xiu agreed with Xue Ning’er’s words. Marriage was sacred; how could one find happiness marrying someone who didn’t love them?
But Xue Ning’er’s motives weren’t so pure either…
These past few days, Xue Ning’er had been contemplating one thing.
Adversity revealed true feelings, and time revealed character. Who truly cared for her could only be seen when she was in real danger, and that person was Lin Xiu.
He was too good, so good that Xue Ning’er felt ashamed of her initial intentions. How could she have hurt him, how could she have borne to hurt him?
She wouldn’t compete with Zhao Lingjun anymore. She admitted that she was inferior to her in every aspect. She only wanted Lin Xiu.
Even if he was the son of a Second Rank Count, not a suitable match for the Xue family, she would persuade her parents and grandfather to accept him. She truly liked Lin Xiu and wanted to be with him every day, watching the sunrise and sunset together…
Since he had also used Xue Ning’er, Lin Xiu didn’t want to be too ruthless. “Lady Ning’er, I’ve always considered you a friend…”
Xue Ning’er didn’t believe him. “You’re lying. If you only considered me a friend, why would you give me such expensive earrings? Why would you offend Song Yuzhi for me? You’re saying this because of your engagement with Zhao Lingjun, aren’t you?”
Lin Xiu looked at Xue Ning’er and sighed. “Lady Ning’er, why are you doing this?”
Xue Ning’er didn’t understand the underlying meaning of his words. She looked at him expectantly. “It’s just an engagement, not a marriage. It can be broken off!”
Lin Xiu looked at Xue Ning’er with a calm expression. “Lady Ning’er, do you really want me to spell it out?”
Xue Ning’er was taken aback. “What? Spell what out…?”
Lin Xiu exhaled softly. “From the very beginning, you approached me to humiliate Zhao Lingjun, to make her fiancé fall for you and then mercilessly abandon him. Isn’t that the greatest insult to Zhao Lingjun?”
The color drained from Xue Ning’er’s slightly flushed face.
She looked at Lin Xiu nervously, shaking her head. “No, I didn’t…”
Lin Xiu shook his head and continued, “Lady Ning’er must think I’m very stupid. Does it feel good to play with others? From the very beginning, I was your prey, just like your other suitors…”
“No, it’s not, it’s not like that…”
“Lady Ning’er’s acting is very good. Honestly, I almost believed your performance just now…”
…
Lin Xiu looked at Xue Ning’er calmly. “Xue Ning’er, from now on, we are no longer friends.”
Xue Ning’er’s body trembled, the last trace of color leaving her pretty face. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
She stood by the lake, trembling slightly, tears streaming down her face.
She wanted to explain to Lin Xiu. She had indeed thought that way at first, but later realized that she had truly fallen for him. She enjoyed talking to him, listening to him, receiving his gifts, and the feeling of being with him…
But now, her throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton, unable to utter a single word.
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After making everything clear with Xue Ning’er, Lin Xiu turned and left without hesitation. He had to admit, Xue Ning’er’s acting was superb. Her face could turn pale at will, and tears could fall on command. If she were to become an actress, her acting skills would surpass a large number of popular young actresses, the kind who would win numerous awards like the Hundred Flowers Award, the Golden Eagle Award, and the Magnolia Award.
Lin Xiu could have pretended not to know Xue Ning’er’s intentions before, but there was no need to continue the act now.
Because the battle between them had already been decided.
She had lost.
Lin Xiu walked a few dozen steps and saw a figure up ahead.
Zhao Lingyin stood there. “What did Xue Ning’er say to you?”
Lin Xiu replied, “She said she likes me and wants to be with me.”
Zhao Lingyin asked, “Did you agree?”
Lin Xiu shook his head. “I refused.”
Today’s events surprised Zhao Lingyin greatly. She thought Lin Xiu was inherently lecherous, but she didn’t expect him to reject Xue Ning’er so decisively, even ruthlessly.
Let alone a lecherous person, even a normal man would find it hard to resist Xue Ning’er’s advances.
Of course, Xue Ning’er’s confession wasn’t sincere, so Lin Xiu’s rejection was justified.
Lin Xiu glanced at Zhao Lingyin, noticing the strange expression on her face. “Didn’t you tell me not to provoke her? I’ve already made it clear to her. From now on, I have nothing to do with her. You don’t have to be suspicious anymore.”
Zhao Lingyin retorted, “Who’s being suspicious…?”
Lin Xiu replied, “The dog.”
Zhao Lingyin’s face showed anger, but it was quickly replaced with a smile. She looked at Lin Xiu. “Come on, let me take you to my room for cultivation. I’ll teach you something new as well…”
Lin Xiu and Zhao Lingyin’s figures gradually disappeared. By Mandarin Duck Lake, Xue Ning’er still stood there, dazed.
Her heart felt empty, as if a piece was missing. She stood alone by the lake. The sky, the clouds, the water, the grass, the passersby… everything around her seemed to be drifting away, leaving her utterly alone.
Just now, she had lost her entire world.
[Author’s Note: I have to vent a bit. What I’ve been writing is a light-hearted, wish-fulfillment story. The protagonist generally has cheats, but having cheats doesn’t mean the protagonist knows everything, thinks of everything, can see through all conspiracies, and predict all plot developments. The protagonist is not the reader, nor the author. When you read, please try not to give the protagonist an omniscient perspective every time. Honestly, I’ve already given the protagonist enough of an omniscient perspective. If I do it for every plot point, the story would be impossible to write.]
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