Chapter 56
Chapter 56
No one knew how Tang Linlang had managed to rescue Adele from that tide of bloodthirsty corpses. She came from the Tang family, a lineage of vampire hunters, and their only renowned skill was assassination. But assassination, when exposed to the light of day, was like a sword without an edge, its effectiveness greatly diminished.
The novel only described Adele, on the verge of losing consciousness, witnessing Linlang arriving on a roaring motorcycle, splitting the waves of blood and flesh. Then, a wave of fluorescent green light erupted, countering the crimson tide of corpses.
After that, Adele remembered nothing.
She didn’t know what that green light represented, nor if Linlang possessed hidden powers she was unaware of. The only thing she knew for sure was that Linlang had saved her life.
*She really is… a dependable girl.*
But Adele didn’t want Linlang to get involved in her final showdown with Dorothy. Maybe it was out of respect for the original story’s destiny. Or maybe… it was simply because she didn’t want her only friend in this world to die.
So, Adele had left without a word, embarking on her final, fateful journey alone.
That was one of the events that had led to the novel’s climax, the eve of the final battle.
Recalling those memories, Adele felt a surge of gratitude and affection for the girl standing before her.
She carefully wiped the sweat from Linlang’s forehead, her fingers gently caressing her cheek.
Linlang, overwhelmed by this sudden display of affection, blushed and averted her gaze. But then, Adele’s words sparked a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
“Thank you for everything, Linlang.”
Whether it was for the Linlang of the future or the Linlang standing before her, Adele knew that she had endured unimaginable hardships to become the strong, capable woman she was destined to be.
Adele wasn’t omniscient. She only had glimpses of the future, fragments of information related to the original Adele’s story. She had no idea what Linlang had gone through, what sacrifices she had made, what choices she had faced.
But she was deeply touched by her unwavering loyalty.
*Thank you… Linlang. Thank you for everything.*
Adele’s throat tightened, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. Just imagining the pain Linlang must have endured…
But Linlang would never tell her. She wouldn’t want to worry her.
Knowing this, Adele couldn’t bring herself to pry, to reveal her knowledge of the future.
So, she swallowed her tears, her emotions, and pulled Linlang into a tight embrace.
To anyone watching, it might have seemed like an odd display of affection, two girls hugging in the middle of the hallway. Of course, it was also a rather pleasing sight.
But Adele didn’t care what anyone thought. She just wanted Linlang to know that she wasn’t alone in this.
The hug lingered, neither girl wanting to let go. Adele had a weakness for soft, cuddly girls, and Linlang… well, she was enjoying the feeling of Adele’s arms around her, the warmth of her body pressed against hers, the sweet scent of her hair.
It was Linlang who finally broke the embrace, gently patting Adele’s back.
Adele reluctantly pulled away, her cheeks flushed, and then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she looped her arm through Linlang’s.
“Come on, Linlang,” she said, her voice cheerful.
But Linlang didn’t move. Her gaze, narrowed slightly, was fixed on a point in the distance, a mixture of suspicion and hostility in her eyes.
Adele, confused, followed her gaze.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Standing in the shadows, where the sunlight dappled the floor in a mosaic of light and darkness, was a girl Adele couldn’t mistake.
She was wearing her school uniform, the skirt perfectly pleated, the stockings Adele had carefully chosen for her that morning, the ones with the black lace trim at the thighs, on full display. Her waist was impossibly small, her chest full and alluring, her figure a masterpiece of curves and angles. Even with her collar buttoned up to her chin, she exuded an undeniable sensuality.
Her neck was long and graceful, her face delicate and beautiful, marred only by a healing scar that somehow only added to her allure, a touch of imperfection that made her even more captivating.
But what truly drew the eye was her hair, a cascade of golden strands that flowed down her back like molten sunshine, catching the light with every movement.
Celeste. Her gaze was fixed on Adele, her expression unreadable.
She had witnessed everything. Adele throwing herself into Linlang’s arms, the way they had clung to each other, their embrace lingering long after it should have ended.
Linlang might have been petite, but Adele was even smaller, more delicate, like a precious porcelain doll. She seemed to fit perfectly against anyone she stood next to, always the more vulnerable, the more adorable one.
Watching them, Celeste felt a pang of jealousy, a possessive ache in her chest. But did she even have the right to feel that way?
Her thoughts were a tangled mess, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion and longing.
She needed a command. An order. Something to distract her from the turmoil within.
Adele, finally noticing Celeste’s presence, blinked, her cheeks flushing as she realized how their embrace must have looked.
She offered Celeste a tentative smile, hoping to reassure her.
Celeste, relieved, returned the smile, her heart easing slightly. She walked towards them, her usual arrogance replaced with a quiet uncertainty.
Linlang’s gaze, sharp as a knife, followed Celeste’s every move. She instinctively stepped in front of Adele, shielding her with her own body.
Adele, secretly pleased by Linlang’s protectiveness, leaned in close, her voice soft and reassuring.
“It’s okay, Linlang,” she whispered. “Not all vampires are bad.”
“Her name is Celeste.”
“She’s really nice, and her family is super rich. She takes me out to fancy restaurants all the time.”
She blushed, hoping to downplay the significance of their relationship.
Linlang, however, felt a surge of unease. She knew exactly what Celeste was doing: using her wealth and influence to worm her way into Adele’s life, hoping to exploit her vulnerability, her poverty.
She had seen it happen countless times before, innocent students lured into a life of luxury, their morals compromised, their values eroded by the allure of money and material possessions. They lost their…
Why did she know this? Because she had imagined it. If she had the means, she would have showered Adele with gifts, with everything she could possibly desire…
*Ahem. Forget it. That’s not important.*
“There’s no such thing as a free lunch, Adele,” she said, her voice laced with concern. “Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but Celeste… she might be…”
“I know what you’re worried about, Linlang,” Adele interrupted, her grip tightening on Linlang’s sleeve. “But I’m not stupid. I can handle myself.”
“Besides, Celeste is not who you think she is. You should try getting to know her.”
Adele truly hoped they could all get along. Celeste had finally reached them, so she quickly shot Celeste a warning glance, hoping to encourage her to be nice to Linlang.
But Celeste, misunderstanding Adele’s intentions, shook her head, her voice firm.
“No.”
“I don’t want to have anything to do with her.”
Their gazes locked, sparks flying.
Adele’s eye twitched.
*Linlang is one thing, but Celeste, what are you doing?*
*Ugh!*
Heaving a sigh, hoping to prevent a full-blown argument, Adele grabbed both of their arms and dragged them forward.
“Come on, Magic Training is about to start!”
“You’re both my friends. At least try to be civil in front of me, okay?”
Her voice was a mixture of exasperation and pleading.
“…Fine,” Celeste mumbled, her usual arrogance replaced with a grudging acceptance.
*I’ll deal with you later, you disobedient mutt…*
Linlang, after a moment of hesitation, nodded.
“I’ll try.”
“Oh, by the way, Adele,” she added, her voice taking on a slightly hesitant tone. “My family’s house is about to be demolished.”
“Actually, I could…”
*I could give you a better life.*
*I could give you everything you’ve ever wanted.*
“Wait, what? Demolished?” Adele’s eyes widened, her attention instantly shifting to Linlang.
*This is amazing!*
It was the classic rags-to-riches story, the dream of every young person struggling to make ends meet.
Adele’s eyes practically turned into dollar signs. She leaned in close, her excitement palpable.
She truly lived up to her reputation for being “honest.” Honest in her greed, adorable in her eagerness.
Linlang, overwhelmed by Adele’s sudden enthusiasm, her senses reeling from the sweet scent that clung to Adele’s skin, blushed furiously.
Of course, she didn’t think Adele was a gold-digger. Adele was just… happy for her. That’s all.
Adele had seen the dilapidated state of Linlang’s house when she had walked her home the other day. She had tried to be polite, saying it had a “rustic charm,” but Linlang had known better. It was falling apart, a crumbling relic of a bygone era.
It was hard to believe that in this modern age, someone could still live in a house that didn’t even have hot running water. And in the heart of the city, no less.
So, it was only natural that Adele would be excited for her, knowing that she was about to receive a life-changing windfall.
*She’s still the same Adele…*
*Kind, innocent, adorable…*
*The most beautiful girl in the world.*
“Yes, it’s really happening,” Linlang confirmed, her voice soft.
The truth was, for years, the decision to demolish the house had been entirely up to her father. But he had been stubborn, clinging to the past, to the traditions of their ancestors, refusing to sell, even when government officials, some of them incredibly powerful, had come knocking, offering him a fortune.
But he had already broken tradition once, for her sake. What was one more transgression?
Besides, he knew how much she yearned for a better life, for the comforts of modern living.
When Linlang had successfully formed a bond with the Gu Realm, becoming its host, she had essentially walked through the gates of hell and emerged victorious. Her father, his heart filled with relief and pride, had finally made a decision.
He had told her that he was going to demolish the entire Tang family estate, everything except for the ancestral shrine, and sell the land to developers.
Linlang had been speechless, tears streaming down her face as she hugged her father, her heart overflowing with gratitude and love.
Tang Wuying had been speechless as well. It had been so long since he had held his daughter like this, felt her warmth, her love.
In that moment, he had realized how foolish he had been, clinging to the past, denying her a better life.
With the money from the sale, the Tang family would finally be able to live comfortably. And with Linlang’s newfound power, who knew? Perhaps she could even restore the Tang family to its former glory.
The moment Tang Wuying had made his decision, a new billionaire had been born.
To put it in perspective, imagine the Tang family estate being located in the heart of Shanghai, in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.
The Celeste family’s wealth was mostly tied to their holdings in the West. And Celeste, as a student, had limited access to her family’s resources.
But Linlang… she was about to become the ultimate “demolition generation” billionaire.
And now, she could finally say those words to Adele with absolute confidence:
—“I’ll take care of you.”
If she could add a time limit to that promise, Linlang would have chosen: forever.
Celeste, meanwhile, felt a pang of jealousy. She could sense the shift in Adele’s attention, the way her eyes lit up, the way her body leaned in closer to Linlang.
Even Linlang had to fan herself discreetly, her cheeks burning with a blush she couldn’t control. She had never experienced this side of Adele before, this unrestrained enthusiasm, this… closeness.
Adele was peppering her with questions, her breath tickling Linlang’s cheek, her excitement contagious.
Linlang, lost in the throes of her own innocent crush, didn’t even think twice about answering every single one of Adele’s questions, her heart soaring with each touch, each shared laugh. She felt like she would tell Adele anything, even her bank account password if she asked.
No, she would even sneak back home and steal her family’s bank cards, their savings books, even their family register, and give them all to Adele!
*Wait… Why would I steal the family register?*