Chapter 30: Green Hat Value

The night was deep and utterly silent as Shi Ran quietly opened her bedroom door.

By the faint moonlight, she saw Liu Qiu curled up on the sofa.

She was covered with only a thin blanket.

The pale moonlight traced every inch of Liu Qiu’s delicate features.

Her lips were soft pink and full, her lashes long and straight, and even with her eyes closed, the deep crease of her double eyelids was clearly outlined.

Shi Ran walked over slowly and stopped beside the sofa, looking down at Liu Qiu’s peaceful sleeping face.

Her gaze swept over Liu Qiu’s brows, her nose bridge, and finally settled on her lips.

Liu Qiu always wore those wide, old-fashioned glasses. They weren’t ugly—her features were good to begin with—and the thick lenses only made her eyes look smaller without changing anything else.

But Liu Qiu always kept her head lowered, her whole posture loose and slack, and when speaking to others she constantly avoided eye contact.

Although Shi Ran didn’t run into her very often, one glance had been enough for her to remember this seemingly timid alpha.

Shi Ran narrowed her eyes. No matter what impression she’d had of Liu Qiu before, right now she only wanted to coax her into bed.

Looking at those soft pink lips, Shi Ran bent down. Last time she hadn’t gotten to kiss her and had even been beaten up—taking a little compensation now wasn’t too much, was it?

As she drew closer and closer to Liu Qiu’s lips, Shi Ran caught a faint minty scent. It smelled fresh and pleasant, light rather than sharp, refreshing instead of overwhelming.

Their breaths almost intertwined, her heartbeat quickening. Shi Ran felt a surge of excitement. Liu Qiu was sleeping so deeply she wouldn’t know what was happening, and tomorrow she would probably look at her with those misty wide eyes and ask worriedly, “Shi Ran, are you okay?”

She always spoke softly, her voice thin and gentle, and when she called someone’s name she would drag out the last syllable slightly—how was that any different from acting spoiled?

But just as Shi Ran was two finger joints away from Liu Qiu’s lips, a small white snake suddenly slipped out from the collar of Liu Qiu’s shirt.

Its upper body rose high, mouth open wide, hissing in warning.

A cold glint flashed in Shi Ran’s eyes. How could there be a snake on Liu Qiu?

She straightened slowly, not daring to act rashly in case the snake bit Liu Qiu.

The little snake was completely snow-white, with an oval head. It looked like a non-venomous pet snake.

Shi Ran frowned, staring intently at it, while the snake held its body upright, its crimson eyes fixed just as fiercely on Shi Ran.

Bai Qingqing was furious. That damned human actually dared to sneak over and attempt something so disgusting with Liu Qiu.

“Maybe your wife would’ve been very willing. Didn’t you see last time? She cares a lot about this person. She even stayed over at her house tonight.”

“What are you so angry about? If both sides are willing, it’s mutual.”

“If you’re that angry, we can just kill her.”

Bai Qingqing’s rationality was constantly battered by her heart demon, which clamored for her to kill this person.

The killing intent in her heart surged abruptly. She would not allow anyone to touch Liu Qiu.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed her by the head. Liu Qiu’s hoarse voice sounded from above. “Why… why is there a snake?”

Shi Ran said seriously, “Liu Qiu, how can you just grab it like that? What if it bites you?”

Liu Qiu had just woken up and was still groggy. She lifted the tiny white snake to eye level and examined it. “It doesn’t seem venomous.” Then she stood up and asked, “Shi Ran, do you have a glass bottle? Let’s put it inside.”

Bai Qingqing’s slender tail twitched slightly, but she stayed quiet in Liu Qiu’s hand.

Even when placed inside the glass bottle, she offered no resistance.

Liu Qiu yawned lightly. “Shi Ran, are you thirsty?” That was why she had come into the living room, right?

Shi Ran clicked her tongue. “No. It’s fine now. I’m going back to sleep.” That damned snake—just as annoying as Bai Qingqing.

Liu Qiu rubbed her eyes and watched Shi Ran go back into her room and close the door before heading to the bathroom herself. She had probably drunk too much water and woken up because she needed to use it.

The next morning, Liu Qiu woke to the smell of toast.

She opened her eyes groggily and sat up on the sofa.

Shi Ran’s voice came from the kitchen. “Since you’re awake, hurry up and wash up. There’s a new cup and toothbrush in the bathroom—the light blue one.”

Liu Qiu gave a dazed “Oh,” still not fully awake, and went into the bathroom. She splashed cold water on her face, and her mind gradually cleared.

She frowned slightly. Her home was right next door. There was no need to prepare new toiletries for her. Had Shi Ran forgotten that she could simply go back to her own place to wash up—and pick up the documents for the divorce while she was at it?

“Liu Qiu, what are you dawdling for?”

Liu Qiu wiped her damp face quickly, not daring to linger. Shi Ran seemed to be in a hurry today.

After breakfast, Liu Qiu remembered that in her half-asleep state last night she had caught a little white snake and put it into a glass bottle.

Her gaze fell on the empty bottle on the coffee table. The lid was still tightly closed, with small holes punched in it for air—but the snake was gone.

Shi Ran said, “Liu Qiu, go back and get the papers. I’ll put on some makeup. Remember to confirm the divorce time with Bai Qingqing.”

Liu Qiu nodded, then pointed at the bottle. “Did the snake escape? I wanted to release it outside today.”

“Yeah,” Shi Ran replied.

If it had run away, so be it. Liu Qiu left Shi Ran’s apartment.

When she opened her own door, she saw Bai Qingqing inside.

Liu Qiu pressed her lips together and walked straight to her room. Forget it. She had already messaged Bai Qingqing about meeting at ten in the morning at the divorce registration office.

At ten in the morning, the sun was already high in the sky, blazing and hot.

Yesterday had been a violent storm, and today the sun was glaring.

“Last night lightning struck the mountain peak. The unusual phenomenon has drawn the attention of local authorities. Investigations are currently underway…”

The convenience store owner was watching the news.

Shi Ran was dressed exquisitely today. She had even curled her long hair. A cropped top and low-rise shorts accentuated her sexy figure.

“Hurry up,” she urged.

Liu Qiu jogged over. Shi Ran had been in a rush all day. She handed her a bottle of water. “Once she gets here, it’ll be fine.”

Shi Ran scanned the surroundings. “Why isn’t Bai Qingqing here yet? Don’t tell me she changed her mind.”

Liu Qiu lowered her lashes, twisted open her bottle, and took a small sip. The moisture made her lips look soft and slick. “Let’s wait a bit longer. After we’re done, I’ll go to the hospital with you.”

Shi Ran let out a short laugh and handed the water back. “I want the bottle you’re drinking.”

Liu Qiu felt awkward. “I… I’ve already drunk from it.”

Shi Ran simply took it from her hand.

Liu Qiu felt helpless. Just then, her phone rang.

It was Liu Xia.

The first thing Liu Xia asked was, “Liu Qiu, have you reached the divorce office?”

“Yes, I’m here.” Liu Xia had messaged her earlier about her health and progress. There was nothing to hide.

Liu Xia’s pleasant laughter sounded through the phone. “After you’re divorced, let’s visit the orphanage. It’s unfortunate things turned out this way, but Bai Qingqing really isn’t suitable for you.” A partner who couldn’t even offer basic concern would only bring more trouble.

The call wasn’t long, but by the time it ended it was nearly ten-thirty.

Shi Ran sneered, “Is Bai Qingqing not coming or what?”

Liu Qiu parted her lips to respond, but from the corner of her eye she saw a familiar figure.

Bai Qingqing.

She was stunning today as well—a tight dark red dress, glossy black high heels, and those long, alluring eyes that always seemed filled with affection.

Meeting Liu Qiu’s gaze, Bai Qingqing smiled gently, as if their conflict had never existed. “Qiuqiu.”

Liu Qiu pressed her lips together and looked away. “Miss Bai, let’s go inside.”

The distant “Miss Bai” nearly shattered Bai Qingqing’s composure.

“Qiuqiu, don’t be angry. Let’s stop joking.”

Liu Qiu lowered her head and said seriously, “I’m not joking.”

Shi Ran immediately understood—Bai Qingqing didn’t want a divorce. That wouldn’t do.

She hissed softly and put on a pained expression. “Liu Qiu, hurry up. My stomach hurts again.”

Liu Qiu panicked and helped her sit down. “Shi Ran, rest here. I’ll be done soon.”

Bai Qingqing’s fingers curled slowly into fists. She stepped closer, her shadow falling over them. Liu Qiu instantly became alert and stood between her and the omega. “Miss Bai, please don’t bully Shi Ran again.” She had truly been frightened by that previous incident. She didn’t want to see blood like that again.

Bai Qingqing’s smile faded completely. “Qiuqiu, I wasn’t planning to hit her.”

“I know,” Liu Qiu murmured softly.

Shi Ran grasped Liu Qiu’s wrist weakly. “Liu Qiu, it really hurts.”

Liu Qiu lifted her eyes and looked at Bai Qingqing. “Let’s get divorced.”

The heart demon’s voice echoed again.

“She’s protecting this woman so much.”

“Why are you still trying to keep her? Do you want to be the disgrace of the demon clan? You’ve already humbled yourself enough.”

“Let me take control. I’ll kill her, and then you can find a new prey.”

Bai Qingqing’s pent-up resentment swelled. She dug her nails into her palm. The heart demon wasn’t wrong—she had already lowered herself too much.

Liu Qiu had brought this woman here and even acted intimate in front of her.

She wanted to kill, but she couldn’t. The memory of the slap Liu Qiu had given her was still vivid.

Taking a deep breath, Bai Qingqing softened her voice. “Liu Qiu, I can overlook those things—like you kissing that woman in the restroom, or you lying to me.”

“I’ll give you one more chance. Just act spoiled with me and ask me not to be angry.”

She believed she had shown enough tolerance. Liu Qiu would surely beg her. But when their eyes met, all she saw was confusion.

“Miss Bai, let’s hurry and finalize the divorce,” Liu Qiu said.

She no longer wanted to explain. Bai Qingqing wouldn’t believe her anyway.

The original host may have loved Bai Qingqing, but she wasn’t without self-respect. And whether that love even remained was questionable.

In truth, it had been Bai Qingqing’s resemblance to Liu Xia that had drawn the original host so deeply. But Liu Xia had returned now, and things between them were no longer strained.

From an outsider’s perspective, Liu Qiu felt the divorce made sense within the character’s trajectory.

Under insults, misunderstandings, and Bai Qingqing’s initial proposal to divorce, the original host would have divorced in disappointment and sorrow.

As for her, she felt no waves at all. She didn’t love Bai Qingqing. The insults angered her, yes, but ending the relationship stirred nothing.

“Miss Bai” again and again—the cold address severed what remained between them.

Bai Qingqing couldn’t understand how humans could change so quickly. Even if Liu Qiu no longer loved her, they weren’t divorced yet, and already the form of address had changed.

Her eyes reddened. “I gave you a chance, Liu Qiu. Don’t regret this!”

[Liu Qiu thought Bai Qingqing was strange. I thought she’d want the divorce quickly.]

[Host, don’t overthink it. You’re planning to enter reincarnation anyway.]

The system was right. Liu Qiu didn’t dwell on it.

Holding the dark red divorce certificate, Bai Qingqing felt her chest tighten painfully.

Watching Liu Qiu and Shi Ran walk away, she followed them silently, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement.

Shi Ran glanced back and sneered. “Still following us, ex-wife?”

She held up Liu Qiu’s divorce certificate provocatively.

Bai Qingqing smiled gently. “My home is this way too.”

Shi Ran smirked meaningfully. What was the point of following now that they were divorced?

Liu Qiu worried about Shi Ran’s health. “Shi Ran, let’s go to the hospital.”

Shi Ran returned the certificate. “No need. My stomach doesn’t hurt that much anymore. Treat me to a meal instead.” She felt refreshed—Liu Qiu was divorced.

And judging by Liu Qiu’s attitude, her feelings for Bai Qingqing weren’t deep. Maybe she herself now held slightly more weight in Liu Qiu’s heart.

She almost wanted to thank Bai Qingqing for that punch; otherwise, she wouldn’t have managed to trick Liu Qiu so easily into taking care of her.

Liu Qiu didn’t understand Shi Ran’s calculations. Since Shi Ran refused to go to the hospital, she couldn’t force her.

Behind them, Bai Qingqing’s eyes burned red. Liu Qiu hadn’t even looked back at her once.

Liu Qiu took out her phone to navigate to the restaurant Shi Ran wanted, when suddenly someone gasped behind them.

She turned and saw Bai Qingqing clutching a lamppost, head lowered. Her bare ankle was red and swollen.

“Are you okay?” Liu Qiu asked.

Bai Qingqing forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just twisted my ankle.” She straightened, but as soon as she took a step, pain crossed her face.

Liu Qiu couldn’t ignore it. She walked over and crouched down in front of her, turning her back toward her. “If you don’t mind… I can carry you.”

Shi Ran frowned, sensing something off, but said nothing. If Bai Qingqing was really injured, they should at least take her to a clinic.

Liu Qiu was slender. Bai Qingqing lay against her back, lightening her own weight. She inhaled the faint scent of shower gel on Liu Qiu and murmured, “Thank you.” She wasn’t injured at all—she just couldn’t stand Liu Qiu walking ahead without looking at her.

Liu Qiu was surprised at how light she felt. She carried her to a bench and set her down.

Bai Qingqing’s smile remained soft, but her fingers clenched tightly. Was Liu Qiu leaving again?

To her surprise, Liu Qiu crouched in front of her and gently removed her high heel. “It’s swollen badly.”

“I’ll call you a cab to the hospital.” They could take Shi Ran too, since her stomach pain sounded serious.

Liu Qiu’s palm was warm. Bai Qingqing’s bare foot rested against it. Looking at the top of Liu Qiu’s round head, Bai Qingqing felt her heart ache. “Liu Qiu, I—” I don’t want a divorce.

“Liu Qiu, look up.” Shi Ran’s voice cut her off.

Liu Qiu lifted her head. “What’s wrong?”

Shi Ran’s smile was dazzling. She cupped Liu Qiu’s face and, before Liu Qiu’s widened eyes, bent down and pressed a quick kiss to her lips.

Bai Qingqing gripped the bench tightly. The surge in her chest wasn’t just killing intent—it was twisted hatred.

How dare she kiss Liu Qiu.

[Green Hat Value +3]

Shi Ran glanced at Bai Qingqing’s red eyes and licked her lips. “Seems like the ex-wife doesn’t like kissing much. Could this be Liu Qiu’s first kiss?”

She still resented that punch from before. Now that they were divorced, she could kiss her openly.

And perhaps even shift her image in Liu Qiu’s heart—killing two birds with one stone.

Liu Qiu, however, was stunned—not by the kiss, but by the notification that rang in her mind.

So even after divorce, the Green Hat Value could still increase.