CHAPTER 139: SOMNAMBULISM

"...not at all," Xu Si responded in a calm and even tone. "Spending money on you doesn’t hurt a bit."

"Ah..." He curled his lips, his gaze weakly fixed on Xu Si’s beautiful face. "Then why resort to private punishment on me?"

Does pulling a strand of hair count as private punishment? He looked like he didn’t have any issues with hair loss.

Xu Si sighed softly, pulled his hand away, and explained without irritation, "I was just closing the window and accidentally caught it. Don’t force yourself to stay awake. If you’re uncomfortable, sleep for a while. I’ll watch over you. Don’t worry, I won’t let you die."

Pei Zhen, in the light filtering through the window, quietly watched her for a few seconds before finally consenting to close those captivating eyes.

The wind was kept outside the car window, yet it seemed to blow the world’s tenderness inside while hastily sweeping away the restlessness within.

After a long time, his lips parted slightly as he whispered, "I’m very happy."

Xu Si, maintaining a proper posture despite her slightly disheveled hair, still exuded an elegant and distinct beauty. Hearing his words, she turned her head. He still had his eyes closed, and that low murmur seemed like an illusion.

But how could it be an illusion? An illusion couldn’t produce such a pleasant voice.

So, she asked without thinking, "Happy about what?"

Was it the joy of losing money? Or the thrill of nearly being caught in danger? She didn’t understand.

Pei Zhen curled his lips but still didn’t open his eyes, his face possessing a demonic beauty that seemed aloof.

"I’m happy you would protect me."

Xu Si lifted an eyebrow and smiled faintly. "I’ve always been quite willing to protect you. Haven’t you noticed until now?"

He didn’t respond, feeling languid, his noble fingertips stirring slightly.

A long time passed. As the car went through the bustling Fireworks Place, he silently laughed and said, "I’m happy that you actually value me more than money."

That whisper turned into a wisp of wind, disappearing into the air, untraceable by anyone.

He remembered many years ago, while doing homework in the courtyard of Xu Mansion, Assistant An had come over for a look. Using homework as a pretext, he had asked what Xu Si valued most.

Assistant An had replied without hesitation, "The inheritance, money, the family business. Miss told me a while back that these are her most important things."

Xu Si was never stingy, but she also wouldn’t spend money needlessly without any reason. Yet today, she had spared no expense, unhesitatingly paying off his mysteriously huge gambling debt.

Thinking of this, Pei Zhen quietly opened his eyes, sneaking a glance at the enchanting woman seated next to him, the corners of his lips unconsciously curving into a smile. Look at this world, always creating beauty, compelling one to linger.

...

The car arrived at the Triad Society’s district before entering the central area. Through her window, Xu Si faintly sensed the scent of a high-end perfume. Aware that the Triad Society was all-male, the fragrance seemed somewhat abnormal. But it was so faint that if one didn’t sniff carefully, it disappeared beneath her nostrils, not giving her time to savor it.

The Triad Society’s district was very complex. Towering Blue Eucalyptus trees shaded the sky with their dense foliage. Narrow and steep roads were lined with parked cars, watchtowers had guards standing post, and in bustling areas, bright lights illuminated the sky.

Where there was darkness, there was also resplendence—not the tacky kind of gold, but a sophisticated shade of gray-gold. Xu Si couldn’t help but take a few additional breaths of the air that belonged to this place.

Arriving back at Pei Zhen’s palatial residence, Xu Si got out of the car first. She walked around the sedan, her rose-colored lips matching the streaming light, and reached out to open the car door, intending to assist the still-groggy Pei Zhen.

Wondering about the weight of his body, she was a bit worried she wouldn’t be able to support him.

But Pei Zhen didn’t require her assistance. Instead, he leaned on the car himself to stand, waving her off.

Hei Shi got out of the car from behind him, extending his hand for support.

Xu Si, seeing his condition was off, bit her lip and said with concern, "You should go back and rest early. If not, urge the doctor again."

Pei Zhen glanced back and nodded, a silent response.

He slowly leaned on Hei Shi’s hand as he entered the elevator surrounded by iron railings.

Xu Si watched him leave, frowning deeply.

After a long time, and after being reminded by the servants, she moved to her usual room, washed up, changed into pajamas, and sank into the large bed.

She had thought that after experiencing such a bizarre funeral, she wouldn’t fall asleep easily. But as soon as her head touched the pillow, an overwhelming drowsiness swept over her, like an inescapable, huge net.

Xu Si’s breathing became even and faint. She struggled to turn off the bedside lamp before obediently tumbling into dreamland.

Just like last night, she tossed and turned in her dreams, having countless nightmares. All of them were real events, which made them particularly terrifying, as if repeatedly reminding her of her pain. The night was no longer peaceful; it had become fearsome and gloomy.

...

On the top floor of the villa, after entering the elevator, Pei Zhen casually released Hei Shi’s hand. His gaze no longer showed fatigue; he stood with his back straight as an arrow.

When he ascended to the top floor, he breezed through the door at the end of the corridor. His muscular frame leaned forcefully against the wall as he thoughtfully bent over with laughter.

Hei Shi followed with heavy steps, his hands holding the Scepter that symbolized his status.

Seeing him in a good mood, Hei Shi couldn’t help but say, "Boss, the drug affecting Sister-in-law can’t be eased, but the poison in you can be. Shouldn’t you take some antidote first?"

Pei Zhen’s insane laughter was irrepressible. His head hung low, the sound echoing hauntingly in the night. He raised his pale arm. "No need. I’ll just suffer with her."

Hei Shi said, "But... muscle weakness is a side effect we haven’t come across before... If something were to happen..."

He thought for a moment, then suddenly sensed a possibility, and his voice abruptly stopped.

Out of Sister-in-law’s sight, the Boss seemed to show no sign of muscle weakness or any symptoms of fainting. What if, indeed?

The room was quiet. After Pei Zhen had laughed enough, he touched the wall to stand up straight and casually took the Scepter with one hand, tossing it aside. The Scepter landed heavily on the sofa with a dull THUD.

He glanced at the misty night outside the window and suddenly said with a smile, "Tonight, let no one come close to the floor where Xu Si is staying."

Hei Shi seemed to understand something and nodded. "Yes."

The night wind whispered past, the air sweet. The moon neither hid in the clouds nor peeked out to look upon the mortal world.

Xu Si’s room was deathly quiet, with only the occasional complex and disordered sound of her breathing.

It was some unknown hour in the early morning when she felt thirsty and suddenly sat up.

Yet, without opening her eyes, she got out of bed, found a glass of water, and brought it to her mouth. She drank two sips, but her hand kept tilting the glass. SPLASH! Water spilled all over the floor.

The cold, aloof woman paid no mind to any of it.

She put down the cup and unconsciously wandered into another space.

If anyone had seen such a scene in the middle of the night, they would surely think they had seen a ghost and scream in fright. After all, no normal person walks with their eyes closed in the dark, stopping occasionally then moving again.

But in the field of medicine, this situation becomes much more normal.

Xu Si was—sleepwalking.