Second Elder Ling walked over to Ling Chunxi and exhaled all the guilt he’d be holding in. “Little Chunxi, you’ve suffered in silence all these years. I apologize once more for not being able to protect you enough.” His voice was thick with shame.
“It doesn’t matter. As I’ve said, it’s my turn to take care of you from now on.” Ling Chunxi comforted Second Elder Ling with kind words and a bright smile, bringing him much cheer. He reached out a hand to pat Ling Chunxi on the head affectionately, but Little White who was perched atop Ling Chunxi’s shoulder, batted his hand away possessively. Second Elder Ling’s mouth twitched but he plastered on a smile as he retracted his hand.
Qin Xiruo’s face was ashen and her body was as limp as a lump of mud. She lay still whilst the Qins bound her tightly.
“Take her away!” ordered First Elder Qin with a sigh as he waved his hand. His people began to move Qin Xiruo.
Before she left, Qin Xiruo turned to glare at Ling Chunxi with deeply spiteful eyes. From start to finish, she was unable to understand how things turned out this way.
Ling Chunxi met her vicious gaze without flinching and smiled indifferently. She knew that right now, Qin Xiruo hated her to the core. But, so what? If she had the ability to bite her, then let her! If she dares to, even her teeth will be shattered.
Everything that happened today was according to a plan set in motion by Ling Chunxi. She maintained communication with the Ling elders and instructed them to lure the Qin elders to the designated meeting location by telling them there’d be a show to behold. Then, once she met Qin Xiruo, she surreptitiously sprinkled Phantom Mushroom powder for her to inhale. This caused Qin Xiruo to see an illusion of an empty alley and think no one else was around. The only unexpected factor in today’s events was Ling Xiaoting. Ling Chunxi didn’t plan to run into him and for Qin Xiruo to see them talking. However, it worked out for the best. This accidental factor became the catalyst for Qin Xiruo’s burst of anger. Ling Xiaoting’s vanity had ended up helping her plan.
“Don’t worry, Chunxi. We’ll definitely get the Qins to provide us with an explanation regarding this matter. Go and participate in the White Stone Academy entrance exam in peace. Don’t be distracted by this.” After all the Qins left, First Elder Ling took Ling Chunxi aside to advise her. He was worried Ling Chunxi would be affected by this matter with the Qins and would not be able to shine during the entrance exam, thus jeopardizing her chance of attending White Stone Academy. And what a shame that would be.
“I know this well. Be rest assured, First Elder,” said Ling Chunxi with a firm nod. She was to depart to White Stone City tomorrow and would not be able to witness Qin Xiruo receive her due punishment. First Elder Ling was easing her concerns in advance.
As far as Ling Chunxi was concerned, Qin Xiruo had already received the greatest punishment possible. The kind and gentle image she had so meticulously crafted was completely destroyed. From now on, wherever she went, Qin Xiruo would be the object of contempt and rejection. The contrast would make her feel being dead was better than being alive. To exact vengeance against another was not to kill in a single blow. No. Revenge was taking away what someone cared about the most. Now, that was true revenge. It had to make those it was exacted against feel that being dead was better than being alive.
Ling Chunxi slept soundly that night. But not Little White. The small white fox which lay by her pillow suddenly stood up and looked out the window, then hopped off the bed with a light leap and disappeared.
The night air was cool and still. A tall and upright figure disappeared in a flash through the darkness. Only a mane of long, flowing silver hair that swept against the starry sky in an enchanting manner remained visible for but another moment.
…
Early the next morning, Ling Chuxi stretched out her arm to hug Little White as usual. She pulled the fox from the side of her pillow into her arms. Just as she was about to go back to sleep for a little longer, she heard Aunt Wang knocking on her door loudly.
“Miss, wake up! Master Yichen is already here waiting for you!” Aunt Wang rapped the door loudly once more. She knew her Miss had a habit of lazing in bed in the morning and was afraid she’d go back to sleep if she didn’t make a racket. It would’ve been fine on other day, but today was a very important day. Ling Chunxi needed to rush off to White Stone City to take the White Stone Academy entrance exam!