Part Twenty-five â translated by Minna (proofread by Trespasserby & Arcedemius; C/E edited by lucathia)
Time passed by quite quickly. In game, Meng and Sword Spiritâs work at the dress shop went very smoothly. Even the boss couldnât help making shoes, a hat, and a pair of gloves to reward her for her hard work. Prince Edward often came to the shop as well, speaking with both Meng and Sword Spirit frequently. Although Sword Spirit didnât want to admit this, Prince Edward looked like he had a favorable impression of Meng. What a miracle!
Every time Edward came to the dress shop, Ye Meng Ling would be exceptionally busy outside the game the next day because Lin Jian Yinâs face would always be twisted beyond human recognition.
Even though he was that way, Ye Meng Ling could still successfully reduce Lin Jian Yinâs frequency of smashing objects. Their opinion was very well matched, too, so that Lin Jian Yin almost couldnât find any shows he was dissatisfied about or didnât want to attend among the assignments.
âYou can leave early today.â
Lin Jian Yin told Ye Meng Ling in a neutral way. In reality, he knew that today was special. Ye Meng Ling couldnât focus today either and looked like she had a heavy load on her mind. If it were a usual day, Lin Jian Yin would have started to scold her, but he forgave her just for today. After all, a ball plus a perfect prince would be enough for any woman to lose focus.
âCan I?â Ye Meng Ling appeared to be very shocked.
Lin Jian Yin shrugged, as if he didnât mind.
âThank you.â Ye Meng Ling smiled and began to pack up. Before leaving, she couldnât help turning her head worriedly, until Lin Jian Yin gave her an OK sign with his hand. Only then did Ye Meng Ling close the door and leave.
Not even a minute after Ye Meng Ling closed the door, Lin Jian Yin impatiently took his car keys, hurriedly opened the door, and almost collided into the person there.
âBai Xue Chen, did you want to scare me to death?!â Lin Jian Yin said moodily.
âI heard that a certain sword is going to bring his female master to attend a ball today?â Bai Xue Chen evaded his question.
Lin Jian Yin rolled his eyes at him impolitely. âItâs none of your business!â
Bai Xue Chenâs face fell. He suddenly turned very serious and asked, âJian Yin, donât tell me that you really plan to take Meng Ling to attend the ball, bringing her and the prince together.â
Lin Jian Yinâs eyes widened, as he didnât understand why Bai Xue Chen would say that. Confused, he asked, âThatâs the gameâs objective. Is there something wrong in doing that?â
It was Bai Xue Chenâs turn to widen his eyes now. He pointed his index finger at Lin Jian Yinâs nose. âYou canât be serious about pushing the girl you like away, can you?â
Lin Jian Yin shoved away his index finger, answering without a care, âWhat are you talking about, what girl that I likeâŚâ
âThink about it. A handsome prince might hold Meng Ling in his arms while dancing, and he might even lean into her, whispering into her ear. If theyâre walking among flowers under the moonlight, even a passionate kiss wouldnât be unheard of. Even if it turns out that way, you still wouldnât mind it at all?â Bai Xue Chen had an incredulous expression.
Meng being in someone elseâs arms, held close with whispered murmurings spoken into her ear, and even given a passionate kissâŚÂ Lin Jian Yinâs heart was full of stones, an unhappy expression clearly forming on his face.
At least this guy isnât a whole block of stone, Bai Xue Chen could finally heave a sigh of relief. He clapped Lin Jian Yinâs shoulder, believing that Lin Jian Yin had come to a realization and wouldnât give Meng to another person just like that anymore.
âGo to Meng quickly. Donât leave her alone.â
Hearing that Meng was all by herself, Lin Jian Yin stopped thinking and only wanted to get home sooner to accompany Meng inside the game. Her courage had always been lacking and today was a big day, so she must be worried beyond control.
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When Sword Spirit opened his eyes, he immediately saw Mengâs back. She had already put on that pink dress and the gloves, shoes, and hat of the same style the boss had made for her. Sword Spirit appreciated Mengâs back, her slim silhouette simply fairy-like. From a groceryshopping aunty to a fairy, this heart-wrenching journey in between simply gave Sword Spirit a misconception of âa daughter becoming an adult.â
âMeng, turn around and let me see,â Sword Spirit shouted out loud.
Mengâs form froze. She turned around a little bit nervously. In that moment, Sword Spirit discovered that she had put on light make up, making her look even cuter and more refreshing. If I had hands, I might not be able to hold myself back from hugging her, were Sword Spiritâs thoughts to himself. He then immediately remembered what Bai Xue Chen had said about Meng being the person he liked. How could that be possible? Sheâs my manager, the girl I helped to transform. For me to fall in love with her? This isnât the Hikaru Genji Plan!
Meng still appeared to be very worried. She knitted her brows as she asked, âSword Spirit, maybe itâs better if I donât attend the ball at all?â
âWhy?â Sword Spirit froze. Werenât these past days inside the game all for this specific ball?
Meng showed a somewhat dismayed expression. âEdward is just too perfect.â
âIs perfection bad?â It was an even bigger mystery to Sword Spirit now. There are actually people who dislike perfection?
âHow to explainâŚâ Meng struggled to say, âToo perfect, tooâŚâ Even after struggling, she still couldnât find any faults to voice about Edward. However, not being able to come up with any faults was exactly what made her feel that this was extremely unreal.
âDonât be stupid!â Sword Spirit interrupted her impatiently, âSnatching the prince is our goal. Are you planning to give up?â
Hearing Sword Spirit say it in that way, Meng was a little bit startled, and then asked, âHas me getting the prince also been your goal?â
âOf course.â Sword Spirit replied pretty much without thinking, but suddenly, the image of Edward sharing a passionate kiss with Meng popped into Sword Spiritâs mind. He knitted his brows. This image made him feel very, very upset.
Meng was silent for a while and replied dully, âI understand. Letâs go. Itâs almost time.â
Sword Spirit was thinking about the uncomfortable feeling inside his heart and didnât notice Mengâs unenthusiastic response. Meng picked up the sword on her own and set off for the imperial palace.\n