Chapter 78 Jealousy is inexplicable; Bai E starts making a fuss with him...

For no apparent reason, Bai E started acting strangely towards herself.

Specifically, he no longer approaches you with such enthusiasm, as if he wants to hold you in his arms all the time. Sometimes when you go out to eat with friends, if it were him before, he would definitely ask all sorts of questions, then eat the lipstick you carefully applied, and even after you pull his ear and scold him, he would still smile foolishly.

But he's acting a bit strange now.

It's not quite like being angry. On the streets of Luofu, you stroll ahead, eating and drinking, and when you see something you like, you go up and buy it, then toss the bag to Bai E, who's obediently following behind.

He was carrying shopping bags on his hands, arms, and even around his neck. But he didn't complain once, and instead asked, "It's so hot, and you've walked so far, aren't you tired?"

You looked down at yourself, empty-handed and carefree, then at him, looking like a human walking shopping cart in a disheveled state, and for the first time, you felt admiration for how good-natured this guy was.

"Not tired," you shake your head.

He's been acting strange ever since he met Sand Gold last night. Although he's still as gentle and considerate as ever, based on how well you know him—his unnaturally shifty gaze and occasional blank stare—it's clear he's overthinking things again.

I need to talk to him tonight.

As you were thinking this, the vendor behind you suddenly called out to you and started arguing with you about the price of the goods.

"Hey beautiful, you're 50 credits short!"

"? This was the price when I bought it before. When did the price go up? Are you taking advantage of the fact that I'm not a local from Xianzhou?"

"What are you saying? It's been this price for so many years. You're not short of money, are you?"

"Hey, I'm getting the Earth Balance Division to arrest you—"

The gray-haired girl in front of him rolled up her sleeves, revealing that beautiful, vivid expression that made Bai E's heart itch; even her furrowed brows had a unique cuteness about them.

Bai E's gaze followed her back downwards and landed on the leg ring.

You always said that Xiaobai's thighs and leg rings were so smooth. But sometimes Bai'e felt that you were too unaware of your own charm. Even though you also wore leg rings and your own thighs were overflowing from that curve, feeling soft to the touch, you said it was just a system setting, a legacy from the developers, and then you showed a smug expression, which made Bai'e's lips curl up.

Actually, you've always been proactive and straightforward, never awkward. Whether it's confessing your feelings or fighting, you're always bravely at the forefront. It's precisely because you're such a wonderful person that everyone likes you.

Bai E wasn't actually very good at regulating his emotions. He was just too good at pretending, keeping everything bottled up inside.

"Buzz—Buzz—"

My phone vibrated a few times in my pocket.

Bai'er's thoughts were interrupted, and she hurriedly switched all the bags to her left hand, freeing her right hand to look at her phone.

It is the past ripples.

[How does it feel to board the train? Be sure to come back and visit us old friends when you have time! We've prepared lots of delicious food and pretty dresses for her, just waiting for her to come back and give them to her.]

Bai E seemed to be deep in thought. Xi Lian wouldn't suddenly start chatting about these trivial things with him; it was obvious that there was a hidden meaning in her words.

[Everything is fine. Is there anything you'd like to say?]

[Oh dear, I knew I couldn't hide it from you. The oracle cards indicate you've been in a bad mood lately, and your love life has suffered a bit too. What happened? Did you do something to upset my best friend? If you hurt her, I'll be the first to not forgive you.]

Bai E pursed her lips and glanced hesitantly at you, who were passionately arguing with the boss.

[...]

[Xi Lian, do you sometimes feel that we met her too late?]

[Hmm? What do you mean?]

[Yes, she had already met so many friends before she met us… Although she intentionally involved me in these experiences, the past can never be replaced. These past few days, I've met many people who seem to have feelings for her… They're all very outstanding. Sometimes I wonder, why did she choose me?]

[...]

Xi Lian was very surprised.

[Bai'er, what you're saying... You're not the kind of person who would be insecure. Just say what's on your mind. We've known each other for so long, what can't we be honest about?]

[If only I had appeared in her world sooner.]

Bai Er couldn't help but imagine it.

[If only I were the one with those wonderful memories. I feel... a little... jealous.]

Xi Lian paused for a moment.

This is normal.

Bai'er thought she would say, "I never expected you to say something like that, it's so unlike you," or "Even a hero who bears the weight of the world can have someone he favors"... But none of that happened. She simply said softly:

[That's normal, Bai Er. That's just how love is.]

[What is love like?] Bai Er was somewhat bewildered.

[Love is not just about respect, devotion, and sacrifice.] Xi Lian said: [There's also jealousy, possessiveness, and protectiveness. These are normal. I think you need to be more honest. No one is perfect, no one is a pure saint. The calamity of Onphalus is over. You don't need to push yourself so hard, Bai Er.]

But this was also Bai E's first time feeling his heart flutter and his first time facing love, so he was very confused. Because he cherished it so much, he ended up with a jumble of thoughts.

He did not reply for a long time.

Seeing that the topic was somewhat heavy, Xi Lian's tone became lighter again.

[If humanity itself ceases to exist, what then is the significance of Lady Aglaia's previous conflict between divinity and humanity?]

She concluded by saying:

[Don't worry about it alone~ Go talk to her, she's a good person and will handle this properly—but seeing you like this also shows that you're moving past that state of reckless abandon for Wong Pharos, and I'm really happy for you.]

...

Last night, in a corner of Jinren Lane.

"—What? You're asking me how to communicate with my boyfriend???"

The old man with the tail scratched his chin with the tiny flame at the tip of his tail. "Do I look like I have a lot of experience in this area?"

"And that kid actually started arguing with you?"

Tail shuddered at the memory of Bai E's sticky behavior these past few days:

"I'm not kidding, but he actually got angry with you? I can't imagine it, I just can't. It feels like he's the kind of person who would think your slap smells sweet if you jokingly slapped him."

You recall when you were helping Triss find her ring at the temple, and Bai Er thought you were going to hit him. He seriously said he could, and even brought his face closer, looking somewhat expectant.

...As expected of someone from the older generation, their insight is truly sharp.

You: Uh... this...

You are very sincere: "Because Grandpa Tail is very charming and has lived for so many years, even if he has not experienced it himself, he must have accumulated some experience just by observing others, right?"

The tail was so flattered that it choked.

“…You little rascal, you’re quite the smooth talker.” He muttered, seemingly having completely given up trying, then glanced at Huo Huo, who was anxiously looking around at the alley entrance. “Alright, actually I do have a way…”

"Let's get Huo Huo out of here first; she's not suited to hear what's coming up."

He said it seriously.

...

You guys stayed out shopping a bit late tonight, so instead of going back to the train, you found a guesthouse in Luofu and stayed there.

Bai'er sat in the chair, neatly stacking the things she had bought during the day, pondering how she would tell you about them later.

The sound of water dripping from the bathroom behind me stopped after a short while, followed by the sound of the bathroom door being pulled open with a "whoosh."

Bai E didn't turn around. "Finished washing? Hurry up and put on some clothes, don't catch a cold—"

A pair of soft hands embraced him from behind.

Bai E froze, the remaining half of his sentence stuck in his throat.

Behind him, there was a hint of warmth and the dampness of a recent shower. His sense of smell was very keen; he could even detect the peculiar fragrance emanating from you—not perfume, nor anything else, but a blend of scents with forget-me-nots that tickled the tip of his nose.

If it were just a hug, he definitely wouldn't be so stiff. The most important thing now is—you're not wearing your usual pajamas, but rather… clothes that reveal more skin—good heavens, he could even feel the soft touch of your skin, from your lower abdomen to your chest, with the texture of sheer lace…

What is it?

Bai E dared not think too much. He lowered his head in embarrassment, not daring to look back at you, afraid that he might lose control and pull you into his arms, thus infecting you with the heat spreading from his body.

No, we agreed to have a serious talk tonight, even though you two haven't done it in a long time... wait, why am I thinking about this... wake up! Can't you have some self-control?!

Her boyfriend stood stiffly, not saying a word, his fair ears turning completely red.

You were initially very confident, but seeing his inappropriate reaction, you started to have second thoughts.

This doesn't seem right... It's not quite what Grandpa Tail said. And that salesperson, they clearly said this outfit was "very sexy" and "perfect for couples," were they just trying to trick you too?

But—wait, this feels wrong…

You paused for a moment, then quietly withdrew your hand, feeling like you'd gone a bit too far.

This thing...it's hot...it can't be Bai Er's baseball bat, can it? When did he start using a baseball bat? Doesn't he use a greatsword anymore? Haha...

Why is he reacting so strongly?!

“…Partner.” He spoke, his voice hoarse.

You silently took a step back.

"W-What's wrong?"

The last time you did it was in a dream. Logically speaking, although the sensation was very realistic and the memory was very clear, it wasn't really done in real life... In other words, you are both still novices in this area in reality.

But in my memory, this country boy was really capable... He'll die, won't he? Even if he doesn't die, he'll be badly injured, right?

You kept glancing at the door, inwardly screaming that you'd miscalculated. You started calculating in your mind how long it would take to grab your coat from the bed and run to the front door, the shortest route, and the possibility of not being caught by Bai E.

Unfortunately, given his combat strength and speed, the possibility of him not being caught is zero.

Bai'er turned around and hugged you. You stumbled and slid a little towards the wall, and then you bumped into the light switch. With a "snap," the room suddenly went dark.

"I'm talking to you," he said, his voice sounding helpless yet filled with intense restraint, sending a shiver down your spine, "where did you learn your tricks from?"

His hand brushed against your waist, his palm burning hot, and you instantly went weak in the knees and almost lost your balance.

"Because...because Xiaobai looks so troubled..."

"Is it because you think I'm troubled that you're willing to go to such lengths?"

He hesitated.

"...Partner, are you really sure? This time it's not a dream."

"……Um."

So he lowered his head to find your lips.

"Can you say you love me? Do you love me?"

"Xiaobai, what are you saying? How could I not love you..."

"The people around you are all outstanding, and they've known you for so long... I'm a little jealous of them."

"But love doesn't discriminate based on who came first." You're puzzled.

"Besides," you said, "I think... Xiaobai is cute like this too. It's not something to be ashamed of. You're doing this because you love me, I know."

"Love shouldn't be defined. Just follow the rhythm that feels comfortable to us," you said. "Just like Xiaobai always tolerates my laziness and bad temper, I will tolerate yours too. Good emotions, bad emotions... I want to know them all. They are all part of you."

"..."

Bai Er paused in his kiss, then seemed to smile. A vibration came from his chest, but you couldn't see his expression clearly.

“I love you,” he said. “I love you so much. Ever since I was a child… I’ve always thought about it…”

Even if he is just a partner you meet on your journey, you are truly irreplaceable to him.

Bai E never expected his troubles to be resolved in this way.

But this doesn't seem so bad.

"The clothes are beautiful." That's all he said, as he lowered his head to kiss the floral wreath ring around your neck, placing a reverent kiss on it, and then began kissing the burning skin beside it.

You're still a little dazed from the kisses, but you're still smug. "Right? I spent ages picking this out... I even mixed it in with a bunch of shopping bags so you wouldn't be able to find it..."

"Normally, it would be torn to shreds, right?"

Bai Er said irritably. He had a little trouble controlling his strength, especially at times like this.

"What should we do then?" you asked, your voice filled with worry. "What a waste..."

"Shall I hold you?"

Now you heard it clearly, he really laughed.