Chapter 113: Chapter 113: As Long as You’re Here
What is the relationship between us, really?
In her sleep, Yu Zhizhi felt a faint itch on her cheek.
She mumbled softly and reached up to rub it. Without opening her eyes, she went back to sleep. She was so, so sleepy. She had played all day, and then there was the sudden incident at night. The moment her head hit the pillow, she had passed out.
Seeing the little female’s drowsy, sleeping form, a faint smile rippled through Yusen’s ice-blue eyes.
Unlike in the daytime.
Right now, no one could see his expression.
The silly little rabbit mumbled something unknown. She turned over, causing the blanket to slip down.
Yusen pulled it back up for her.
He rested his chin on his right hand, leaning against the side of the bed, quietly gazing at the little rabbit’s sleeping face.
...
「The next day.」
Yu Zhizhi was woken by a commotion downstairs.
She rolled over, avoiding the glaring sunlight pouring in from the ceiling window, then suddenly realized something and quickly sat up.
The spot on the blanket beside her was empty.
’Yusen!’
Worried he might get into a conflict with Louis, Yu Zhizhi threw off the covers and ran out of the room barefoot.
As soon as she opened the door, she saw the youth sitting by the entrance. He was holding a small glass dish with sliced apples on it.
"Sensen?" Yu Zhizhi saw him eating an apple and breathed a sigh of relief.
Yusen was leaning against the wall. He swallowed the food in his mouth, his voice light. "What’s the panic?"
The panic on the little female’s face as she ran out was obvious at a glance.
Yu Zhizhi squatted down, picked up a slice of apple, and smiled gently. "Oh, nothing. I was just worried you and Louis—"
She left her sentence hanging.
But Yusen understood.
The youth watched the little female lower her head to munch on the apple, looking utterly adorable. A hint of a smile appeared in his eyes, but it vanished just as quickly.
"These are special times. We should conserve our energy," he said lightly.
Yu Zhizhi said, "Oh." Although she didn’t quite understand, she knew it meant everyone would probably get along peacefully for the time being. Her eyes curved into a smile. "Let’s go downstairs and see. It sounds like Luther is here."
"I’m not going."
Yusen didn’t like any of the Beastmen here.
’The little rabbit’s status is pending.’
Yu Zhizhi picked up another slice of apple, popped it into her mouth, and happily ran down the stairs.
Upon seeing Miss Rabbit Clan’s figure, Luther gave a slight bow. "Ms. Zhi Zhi, good morning."
"Good morning, Luther." Yu Zhizhi made a beeline for the bathroom.
After freshening up, she came out.
"Where’s Louis?"
"He went to buy ingredients."
Luther, dressed in his military uniform, stood by the sofa. "I came today to speak with you, Ms. Zhi Zhi, about yesterday’s events."
Yu Zhizhi walked over to the coffee table, knelt on the rug, and started eating the breakfast Louis had prepared.
Toast, strawberry jam, and osmanthus milk tea.
She took a bite of the warm toast and looked up at Luther, appearing ready to listen intently.
Luther’s face was full of apology. "It was our oversight. This group evaded the command center’s surveillance. They are extremely familiar with Paradise’s terrain and military deployments."
"The ones we brought back—"
’Those bodies...’
"Those heretics... we’ve examined them closely but have been unable to confirm their true identities. We can only surmise from the residual Spiritual Marks on their clothing that they come from the vicinity of the Sad Dragon Cave."
"The powers in that area are deeply entrenched and complex. It will require a more in-depth investigation."
"Ms. Zhi Zhi, to prevent another attack from these criminals, we would like to place you under level-one protection. My commanding officer has sent me to ask for your consent."
Yu Zhizhi took a sip of her milk tea. The osmanthus fragrance was rich.
"What’s level-one protection?"
"It means there will be guards posted around your residence, so it might not feel as free as usual. You will also have personal bodyguards with you at all times. I will be in charge of this detail, along with Louis."
Luther paused, then added:
"At night, someone must also stand watch. Not outside the door, but to prevent a close-quarters assassination, we would need to be in the same room as you, Ms. Zhi Zhi."
’Hmm...’
Yu Zhizhi licked the milk tea from the corner of her mouth and said softly, "For the nighttime... it’s actually fine with just Yusen."
Luther was taken aback.
"You guys... can just stand guard outside."
’How could I possibly sleep with so many people in the room?’
’Yusen is different...’
’I’ve probably gotten used to the fresh scent of the Mermaid. Even in my dreams, it feels like sleeping on a beach.’
Luther nodded. "As you wish, Ms. Zhi Zhi."
The Mermaid race is extremely vigilant. If there were any signs of trouble, Yusen would likely be the first to notice.
But...
What worried Luther now was whether the Mermaid Youth, who was so adept at disguising himself and winning the affection of females, would suddenly reveal his true nature and end up harming the Rabbit Clan Lady.
At the top of the stairs, Yusen overheard their conversation and his steps faltered slightly.
Just like before.
No matter what choice she faced, the little female always chose him.
’This feeling...’
’It was like being a child, dying of thirst, and tasting a crisp apple for the first time. The sweet juice slid down my throat and flowed all the way into my heart.’
Hearing footsteps, Yu Zhizhi waved at the Mermaid on the stairs.
When Luther saw the Mermaid, a flicker of vigilance crossed his eyes.
But there was nothing to be done.
Anyone could see how much the Rabbit Clan Lady liked him.
Luther bowed. "I’ll be in the courtyard. Call me if you need anything."
He left the living room to them.
The wooden cabin’s door closed softly.
The room was bright.
The windows were coated in frost. Looking out from inside, the rows of soldiers in military uniforms standing guard in the courtyard were blurry, as if seen through a sheet of frosted glass.
Yu Zhizhi spread strawberry jam on a piece of toast and held it up to him. "Here, eat."
’This is delicious.’
Yusen took the toast and sat down beside her, asking nonchalantly, "What are your plans now?"
"Pwans... what pwans?" the little female repeated indistinctly, her mouth full of toast.
"Are you going to stay in Paradise forever?"
Yusen looked at her.
The little rabbit’s ears drooped obediently. She looked up and gave him a strawberry-flavored smile.
"I just think it’s quiet here, and I can be with Sensen without being disturbed."
Yu Zhizhi said from the bottom of her heart:
"Actually, the Divine City is pretty nice too, and more suitable for living. It’s also very close to the sea. If Sensen likes it, I can talk to Luther and have him take us there."
It wasn’t that she had to stay in Paradise.
She had simply met Yusen, settled down by chance, and made a cozy little nest for herself.
"As long as I’m with Sensen, I can live anywhere."
Yusen looked at the toast covered in strawberry jam in his hand, listening to the girl’s sugary-sweet voice say the words that made his heart pound more than anything else in the world.
Since birth, he had always been the one who was abandoned.
And yet.
And yet...
The little rabbit always chose him, unwavering.
A place deep in his heart grew damp, as if a soft, lingering rain had begun to fall. In the spring, at this very moment, all things were coming back to life.
