Chapter 20: The Torment Begins

Suyue said she’d be at Luoyao’s building in ten minutes.

So Luoyao decided to indulge her procrastination.

Just… a light half-hour delay.

Thirty minutes was quick for a girl getting ready.

Especially since Luoyao hadn’t put on makeup in ages.

Her hair was a mess too.

She sat at her long-neglected vanity, getting serious about her look.

Luoyao wasn’t great at makeup.

Sometimes her lipstick came out uneven.

But her pure, sweet, innocent face made up for any flaws.

Without makeup, she’d already enchanted a certain vampire.

If she got dolled up—

Hmph, someone’s missing out~

After a simple forest-style makeup look, Luoyao rummaged for a collarbone necklace.

Unlike regular necklaces, its thicker band covered more skin.

She wanted it to hide the kiss mark Noah left on her neck.

A week ago, when Suyue first visited, their brief doorstep chat kept the mark unseen.

But if Suyue spotted it now, she’d probably pry endlessly.

Luoyao hated talking about Noah with Suyue.

Every time she recalled Noah’s frail state, her teeth itched with anger.

Noah never killed anyone.

When facing the Blood Hunt Church, she let Luoyao go to avoid collateral harm.

A vampire like that might not be “kind,” but she wasn’t the “villain” Suyue claimed.

So why was Noah beaten so badly?

Luoyao had to settle this score.

Today’s outing was her chance to “torment” Suyue.

Let this smug Church hunter learn: dealing with women is harder than vampires!

While picking clothes, her phone rang again.

Suyue.

Luoyao answered, “Hello.”

“Little Luoyao, not down yet? It’s been twenty minutes.”

“Oh, sorry, sorry, I’m doing my makeup. I wasn’t even up when you called.”

“What a little lazy pig. Make it a pretty look, I’m waiting.”

“Mm.”

Luoyao hung up and tossed the phone onto the bed like it was hot.

She shivered, muttering, “So cheesy.”

Flirty words were for the right person.

Suyue calling her “little lazy pig” just gave her goosebumps.

But if Noah purred it in her low, sultry voice, Luoyao’s brain would melt.

After picking an outfit, she checked the time.

Exactly half an hour late—perfect.

Waiting was maddening, especially when someone’s late with a good excuse.

In those extra minutes, the waiter can’t do anything.

Can’t complain, because they’ve got a reason.

Can’t leave, because they’re getting ready for you.

All you can do is wait.

And endure the agonizing minutes.

This “date” hadn’t even started, and Luoyao’s “revenge” on Suyue was underway.

Few knew that beneath Luoyao’s pitiful exterior hid a scheming heart.

She just rarely used it on people she cared about.

Suyue clearly wasn’t one of them.

After checking her belongings and makeup, Luoyao grabbed her purse and sauntered downstairs.

A fiery red sports car parked at the complex entrance, bold and eye-catching.

Luoyao vaguely recalled her neighborhood didn’t have folks rich enough for that.

So, it was probably…

“Hey, little lazy pig, finally here.”

The driver’s window rolled down.

Suyue wore oversized sunglasses, hiding half her face.

“Blood Hunt Church pays that well?” Luoyao asked.

“It’s alright. Risky work, you know.”

Fair point.

Noah didn’t kill, but other vampires did.

The Church was indeed a life-or-death gig.

“Get in, let’s go have fun.”

Luoyao nodded and slid into the passenger seat.

Suyue started the car smoothly, pulling out of the complex.

“Where to?” Suyue asked.

“Anywhere’s fine.”

“Arcade?”

“Sure.”

With the date spot set, Suyue drove toward the arcade.

The car cruised steadily, stopping at a traffic light minutes later.

During the wait, Suyue kept sneaking glances at Luoyao.

She wore a navy-blue dress, her soft black hair cascading down.

A stylish collarbone necklace adorned her slender neck.

Her pure, forest-style makeup made you want to pinch her cheeks.

A simple blink from her was enough to hold Suyue’s gaze.

Long lashes fluttered, dark eyes sparkling with youthful light.

Really—

“Why do you keep staring at me?”

Luoyao said calmly, eyes forward.

Suyue froze but didn’t look away or deny it. “Because you’re pretty.”

Luoyao gave a soft laugh. “Hunter miss, you don’t like girls, do you?”

“You got me. I’m into cute soft girls like you.”

Luoyao turned slowly, her smile brightening.

She beckoned Suyue with a finger, saying softly, “Come closer, I’ve got a secret.”

Suyue’s heart skipped. ‘Hah, I knew she’s one of us!’

Thrilled, she leaned in.

She hadn’t expected Luoyao to be so forward.

She thought it’d take more to win her over.

Luoyao cupped a hand by her mouth, whispering near Suyue’s ear.

Suyue felt the warm breath from her nose.

Tingly, ticklish.

God, is this what dating a soft girl feels like?

Suyue had never been so flustered by anyone, but Luoyao’s simple moves had her hooked.

What was she going to say?

Something flirty?

Suyue was already excited.

“Hunter miss, my secret is—”

Beep!!

Beep beep!!!

A sharp honk from behind startled Suyue.

Luoyao, unfazed, dropped her smile. “The secret is, it’s green. Stop staring and watch the road.”

Suyue forced calm, tucking hair behind her ear with an awkward smile. “Oh, right, thanks for the heads-up.”

Luoyao nodded silently, turning to the window.

Seeing her faint reflection, she smiled.

‘If Noah knew her sweet little blood s*ave was actually a schemer, what would she think…’

‘Probably… punish me harder?’

***

(Luoyao, you’re done for! You can’t go three sentences without mentioning Noah. You’re in love!)