Chapter 23: Dashing Displays and Unexpected Confessions

After snapping the last ability user’s right leg, Bai Mengqi glanced at the people writhing and groaning on the ground, clutching their legs.

“This time, I’ve only crippled one of your legs. You’ll recover after a few months of rest. If I encounter you again next time, it will be both legs, or perhaps your lives?” Bai Mengqi’s voice was light, yet carried undeniable force.

With her words delivered, Bai Mengqi turned gracefully, her steps light as she walked towards the car behind her. She then swiftly settled back inside.

“Whew… Alright, now quickly call the Ability Bureau. You should have their contact information, right?” Bai Mengqi said with a smile to Zi Yanran beside her, her breath still slightly unsteady after getting into the car.

Once inside the car, Bai Mengqi seemed to transform entirely.

The chilling ruthlessness she had displayed outside, enough to make anyone shiver, was now slowly receding. It vanished quickly, and in no time, she had reverted to her usual self.

It was hard to believe that the ruthless and cold-hearted person from moments ago was the same woman; the contrast was simply too stark.

Meanwhile, Zi Yanran, seated in the driver’s seat, gazed blankly at Bai Mengqi, her eyes wide and unblinking, fixed intently.

She hadn’t yet recovered from Bai Mengqi’s astonishing display, her mind a chaotic swirl, as if filled with a muddled mess.

“Call them, why are you staring at me like that?” Bai Mengqi urged, a hint of impatience in her voice as Zi Yanran continued to stare.

However, Zi Yanran’s next words utterly disarmed Bai Mengqi, causing her face to flush crimson in an instant.

“Absolutely dashing,”

Zi Yanran exclaimed with heartfelt admiration, her gaze filled with profound appreciation and deep wonder.

Her straightforward assessment, delivered so bluntly, left Bai Mengqi feeling quite abashed.

“Ah? I…” Bai Mengqi’s face burned bright red. She had never imagined Zi Yanran would utter such a compliment.

It was, in fact, the first time in her life she had ever been praised so directly.

Due to her unique circumstances, she was naturally a bit shy, and now she was overcome with embarrassment. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to glance at Zi Yanran again, fearing her blush would be even more evident.

Observing Bai Mengqi’s renewed shyness, Zi Yanran flashed a peculiar smile. She then started the car, which slowly began to move, gradually driving away from the scene.

****

As they drove, Zi Yanran skillfully navigated the car, simultaneously freeing one hand to contact the Ability Bureau.

Her fingers moved nimbly, quickly dialing a number on her phone.

Soon, the call connected.

Zi Yanran concisely explained the situation, meticulously recounting everything that had transpired in the underground garage to the person on the other end.

Approximately fifteen minutes later, several young men and women in plain clothes arrived at the underground garage where Bai Mengqi had fought.

As they entered the garage and witnessed the scene before them, they were all taken aback, their faces etched with inexplicable horror.

The individuals who had confronted Bai Mengqi and Zi Yanran were still sprawled on the ground, groaning incessantly.

They appeared utterly wretched, each one bruised and swollen. Some were still curled up, occasionally emitting pained whimpers, a sight truly disheartening.

This spectacle utterly bewildered the young men and women. They exchanged perplexed glances, silently wondering what could have possibly happened to reduce dozens of ability users to such a miserable state.

“W-who did this? Was it a clash between two ability user factions?” the leading man asked, utterly dumbfounded.

The others were speechless. They quickly called for backup, realizing that a few of them alone couldn’t handle so many individuals.

****

Around seven in the evening, after finishing dinner, Bai Mengqi and Zi Yanran returned to their residence.

“Yanran, how about I see you home first?” Bai Mengqi suddenly offered, secretly worried about Zi Yanran’s safety on her way back.

Understanding Bai Mengqi’s concern, Zi Yanran smiled and replied, “Don’t worry, I have other bodyguards. When you’re not around, I’ll have them protect me. Once we move in together, they won’t need to follow me anymore. Having you by my side will be enough then.”

Bai Mengqi pondered Zi Yanran’s words and realized she had a point.

“Alright then, see you tomorrow,” Bai Mengqi said.

Zi Yanran nodded gently, then stood watching Bai Mengqi walk into her residence. Only when Bai Mengqi was inside did Zi Yanran slowly turn around.

However, the moment she turned, her expression hardened, becoming utterly severe. It was a stark contrast to the gentle demeanor she had shown Bai Mengqi just moments before.

“Hmph! I’ve finally found some happiness and peace; I won’t allow anyone to disturb it.” Zi Yanran uttered coldly, then turned and walked away without a backward glance.

As for Bai Mengqi, the moment she stepped inside, a chill ran down her spine. A tall figure had appeared silently behind her.

Without even looking, she knew who it was: Wang Lei, undoubtedly waiting for her.

“Alright, Old Bai, you’ve really had us fooled,” Wang Lei said, blocking Bai Mengqi at the doorway with his arms crossed, a hint of complaint on his face.

Bai Mengqi had anticipated being questioned upon her return that evening. After all, the situation was indeed complicated and difficult to explain clearly.

“Well, Old Wang, this matter is quite complex. Please, let me try to explain,” Bai Mengqi said, turning around with a pained expression, scratching her head in exasperation.

“Alright, go on and spin your tale. Let’s see if you can come up with a reasonable explanation,” Wang Lei said, watching Bai Mengqi as if she were about to perform.

Bai Mengqi felt a headache coming on. She had to rack her brain to concoct a plausible and acceptable explanation.

Truth be told, lying was not her forte, yet she had no choice but to fabricate a story to deal with the current predicament.

A moment later…

“What! She’s from the same company as you, and you’re moving in with her? Right next door?” Wang Lei exclaimed in shock upon hearing they were to cohabitate, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Bai Mengqi could only nod helplessly.

“That’s the situation. So, I’m afraid you’ll be living alone. Of course, don’t worry, since I signed the contract, I’ll definitely still pay the rent for this place. If I’m unhappy living with her, I’ll just move back,” Bai Mengqi explained.

Wang Lei listened to Bai Mengqi’s words, which sounded rather like a perpetual bachelor’s lament, and was once again speechless, rolling his eyes involuntarily.

“You idiot, don’t you know how good you have it? A one-night stand from four years ago, and you meet again? That’s true fate! Cherish it well. She’s a great beauty, and a rich woman too. You could save yourself decades of struggle,” Wang Lei teased with a laugh.

“What, are you jealous now?” Bai Mengqi retorted, unwilling to be outdone, teasing Wang Lei in return.

Wang Lei simply rolled his eyes at her.

“A little, but I’ll definitely meet my dream lover sooner or later,” Wang Lei said, a hint of longing on his face.

This was the casual banter between brothers, where they spoke their minds without many reservations.

However, if they knew Bai Mengqi had become a woman, such casual conversation would likely be impossible.

This was one of the reasons Bai Mengqi had always been reluctant to reveal her true identity.

After conversing with Wang Lei, Bai Mengqi returned to her room. With a click, she locked the door, finally feeling a slight sense of peace.

Next, she walked to the wardrobe, opened its doors, and pulled out all the items she had previously hidden inside.

Among them was a silver one-handed sword, its blade glinting faintly under the light, along with a conspicuous pile of various colorful women’s clothes.

“Today has been incredibly thrilling. My poor heart hasn’t stopped pounding all day.”

Bai Mengqi sighed deeply, filled with emotion as she recalled all the events of the day.

Soon, the Great Immortaless floated out from within her, drifting idly in the air.

“I can see you’re conflicted. You could actually move somewhere else with Zi Yanran. That way, you wouldn’t have to switch between male and female all the time. Isn’t it exhausting?” the Great Immortaless advised with a concerned expression, hoping Bai Mengqi would seriously consider her suggestion.