Chapter 6: Hmph, Trying to Escape

Luoyao didn’t know how long she’d slept.

When she woke, it was already dark.

Strangely, this time she woke naturally, not “bitten” awake by Noah.

For the past three days, every time Luoyao woke, it was due to a sharp sting somewhere on her body.

Opening her eyes, she’d always find Noah feasting on some part of her.

But today, Noah was unusually gentle, not using the vampire’s wake-up call to jolt Luoyao’s brain into gear.

She tried to sit up, but her body felt weak, her head dizzy.

Huangwei had said in class that this wasn’t unusual.

Being “savored” by your master every day naturally left your body exhausted upon waking.

Luoyao turned her head and saw Noah was gone, leaving her alone in the bed.

She reached under the blanket, feeling lingering warmth—Noah must have just gotten up.

Footsteps sounded at the bedroom door.

Luoyao looked up to see Noah, fully dressed.

She was dressed in a youthful, vibrant outfit.

Her silver hair cascaded naturally down her back, her eyes hidden behind black contact lenses to mask their natural color.

A beige jacket paired with a white tank top, and tight jeans that perfectly showcased her graceful legs.

The jeans tucked into knee-high boots.

It was a very forest-chic look, and with Noah’s captivating figure, she’d turn heads on the street—maybe not 100%, but at least 90%.

“Are you going out?” Luoyao asked.

“No, it’s not just me going out.”

Noah smiled, walking over to sit on the bed’s edge, gently pinching Luoyao’s cheek. “It’s us going out.”

***

After four days, Luoyao felt the outdoor air again.

The moon hung high, stars twinkling, Orion’s constellation looming in the deep night sky.

A cool evening breeze made Luoyao pull her jacket tighter.

The vampire castle was in a suburban area, surrounded mostly by trees, with few cars passing by.

Luoyao didn’t know where Noah was taking her, but clearly, this vampire had no plans to call an Uber.

“Are we just walking back to the city?” Luoyao asked.

“At your speed, we’d get there by dawn.”

As she spoke, Noah stepped beside Luoyao and, without warning, scooped her up in a princess carry.

Luoyao yelped, instinctively clinging to Noah’s neck.

She’d never been princess-carried before.

Her first time was with Noah.

“Hold tight. I’m fast.”

“What… fast? Wait! Wait, wait, wait—don’t jump so high!!!”

Noah, holding Luoyao, leaped onto a massive tree in front of the castle.

They were at least ten meters off the ground—a trivial jump for a vampire.

But for Luoyao, it was different.

Even the kiddie frog ride at the amusement park put her in the youngest group.

This ten-meter leap nearly stopped her heart.

She clung tightly to Noah’s neck, burying her face in her chest as Noah’s long hair brushed ticklishly against her cheeks.

Feeling the evening breeze rush past, Luoyao didn’t dare open her eyes.

She only sensed Noah darting swiftly through the forest.

At this speed, they’d reach the city in under half an hour.

“It’s okay now. Open your eyes and look,” Noah said gently. “Few humans get to see the world from a vampire’s perspective.”

Encouraged by Noah, Luoyao cautiously opened her eyes.

Moonlight spilled through the trees, and Noah’s footsteps startled a resting owl, its wings flapping in the distance.

Branches and leaves blurred past as if nothing could catch up to Noah.

After adjusting, Luoyao asked, “Where are we going?”

“The supermarket.”

“Huh?”

Luoyao blinked, finding it odd for a vampire to say “supermarket.”

What could a vampire buy there? They didn’t sell blood.

For blood, you’d have to rob a blood donation van!

“Your body’s too weak. We need to get some blood-replenishing food.”

Noah paused, then added, “Plus, we’re almost out of tomatoes at home.”

“You… care about me that much?” Luoyao pursed her lips, her bright eyes sneaking glances at Noah.

Noah just snorted. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Pfft!” Luoyao stuck out her tongue at her.

About half an hour later, they arrived at a Walmart in the city.

Returning to the city felt strangely unfamiliar to Luoyao.

Bright lights, bustling traffic, stylish people, and the glowing CBD district in the distance seemed immune to the night’s fatigue.

Luoyao stood side by side with Noah at a crosswalk, gazing at an apartment building a few blocks away.

Her home… was right there.

Four days ago, Noah had knocked her out and taken her from that very place.

Now, Luoyao was less than two kilometers from home.

She bit her lip, a pang of reluctance stirring within.

Noah, standing beside her, naturally noticed these little emotions.

But she didn’t react, only tugged Luoyao’s hand. “Green light. Let’s go.”

“Oh, okay.”

Luoyao reluctantly tore her gaze away, following Noah across the street into the supermarket.

Once inside, Noah headed straight for the produce section, beelining for the tomato stand and filling a large bag.

She picked tomatoes with care, weighing each one in her hand, testing the skin’s softness.

Her practiced movements resembled a seasoned home cook.

Clearly, Noah had bought tomatoes many times before.

“Alright, let’s get some blood-replenishing food next.”

She paused, then turned to ask, “Pop quiz: what are some common blood-replenishing foods?”

“Uh… red dates?”

“Yep, red dates. Also grapefruit, dried longan, things like that.”

Luoyao scratched her forehead, looking away. “I don’t really like those…”

Noah raised an eyebrow, pressing a hand on Luoyao’s head, saying sternly, “No way. For my sake, you have to eat them.”

“For… your sake?”

“Yeah, so I can drink your blood better. You must eat these.”

“…Do I have a choice?”

Noah grinned. “Nope.”

“Tch…”

After grabbing red dates, grapefruit, and other supplements, their shopping trip was nearly done.

As they were about to leave, Noah suddenly said, “Wait here a sec. I’m going to the restroom.”

“Just so we’re clear, my blood didn’t upset your stomach,” Luoyao quickly clarified.

“I didn’t say it was that. Can’t a vampire have normal human needs?”

“Go, go already.”

Noah set the groceries on the floor and jogged toward the restroom on the other side of the first floor.

Luoyao stood alone, holding several heavy plastic bags, with Noah’s groceries at her feet.

She watched the passing crowd, her eyes filled with envy.

“Mommy, Mommy, can we have broccoli for dinner?”

“Sure, let’s get some over there.”

“Sis, come look! The fish here are so cool!”

“…”

Warm, harmonious, everyday life—humanity’s simple joys.

But… Luoyao might never live like a normal person again.

Her gaze drifted to the supermarket’s staff passage.

Above the entrance hung a bright green sign with bold words: “Emergency Exit.”

Emergency exit.

Exit…

In that moment, a bold idea exploded in Luoyao’s mind.

If… if she left now, blended into the crowd, and ran to a district a few kilometers away, could Noah… lose her?

The thought was like a wild seed, taking root and growing uncontrollably in her mind.

The longing for freedom urged her to move.

Just go.

Escape.

Luoyao, don’t look back. Whatever you do… don’t look back.

“Where are you going?”

Before she could take half a step, someone wrapped their arms around her waist from behind.

Their hands slid across her waist, gently encircling her stomach.

Noah rested her delicate chin on Luoyao’s shoulder, blowing lightly behind her ear, and asked with a smile,

“My dear human miss, are you… trying to escape?”