Chapter 56 – Peony’s Promise

Watching Su Ning leave, Shui Xian felt deeply grateful. Ever since Baihe had been gravely injured, the sisters had to stay up every night to care for her, fearing she might die from her wounds. These days had been exhausting, mentally and physically. Now, with Su Ning’s help, there was hope.

The twelve sisters had originally been trainees at a film company before the apocalypse, intending to debut as a twelve-member group. Unexpectedly, before they could debut, the end of the world arrived. Fortunately, over these five years, they had lived, trained, and eaten together, each maintaining good physiques and appearances.

After the apocalypse began, the twelve sisters coordinated seamlessly, fighting side by side.

Now, having survived life-and-death situations together, their bond was like true sisters. Watching Su Ning walk away, Peony silently vowed that she would do everything to befriend Su Ning. That way, in the future, her sisters would have a trustworthy priest to rely on.

“Shui Xian, Peony.”

Baihe had already awakened. Her gentle voice was like a breeze brushing against the face.

Shui Xian hurried closer, her tone full of sobs. “Baihe, are you feeling better? Why didn’t you take your medicine? You scared us to death!”

“Cough, cough,” Baihe coughed lightly. Shui Xian quickly supported her. Watching Shui Xian bustling about, Baihe felt a pang of guilt.

“You don’t need to worry. I’m fine. I just thought… rather than living and becoming a burden, it might be better to die and let everyone remember me fondly.”

“Nonsense!” Peony scolded angrily.

Thinking of Baihe’s long-term illness and frail body, Peony softened her tone and said gently, “Don’t think like that. We found a very capable priest; she can definitely save you.”

“Yes, Peony really found a very capable priest. Otherwise, you’d be in danger today.”

Shui Xian held Baihe’s hand tightly, as if promising her safety. Baihe smiled lightly.

“I understand. I’m sorry for worrying you. It won’t happen again.”

A tear rolled down Baihe’s cheek. She had nearly died today, bleeding constantly from her severe injuries, fearful of further attacks, and too afraid to go outside. Rumors even spread of her death.

Severely injured and unconscious, she couldn’t take medicine; even if forced, the system wouldn’t restore her HP. Last time, it had been Shiliu pleading for a priest, and it nearly ended with someone taking advantage of her. She truly felt guilt and self-reproach.

Seeing Baihe so downcast, Peony didn’t know what more to say. She had already persuaded her before. Now, she could only hope that Su Ning would help in the future and preserve Baihe’s life.

“Baihe, this is the soup Su Ning left for you before she left. It can restore HP—drink it. Today Shui Xian will stay with you, so rest well.”

Peony set down the snake meat soup and turned to leave, leaving the two girls with tear-filled eyes.

The next day, Su Ning went out, thinking she could finally have a peaceful breakfast. Unexpectedly, just after closing the door, she saw Peony standing against the wall. Su Ning was startled.

“What are you doing? Looking for me?”

“Can we talk?”

Peony’s voice was crisp and pleasant, making Su Ning feel comfortable. She said,

“Okay, let’s have breakfast together and talk while we eat.”

Peony nodded, and Su Ning led her to the Wangshi Restaurant, also sending a message to Qiao Duoduo saying she’d have breakfast with a beautiful lady and would contact her afterward.

Qiao Duoduo received the message, unconcerned, happy to have some alone time.

At Wangshi Restaurant, in a private room on the second floor:

Su Ning ordered all the dishes she found delicious and also ordered a bowl of bird’s nest porridge for Peony.

Peony knew well that a single bowl of bird’s nest porridge cost two silver coins. The lavish breakfast spread was truly extravagant.

Seeing Peony hesitate, Su Ning thought she might be shy and said, “Eat, don’t be embarrassed. I’ll pay.”

Peony looked slightly surprised. After all, she was the one asking for help. Su Ning sighed in her heart and explained further.

“Don’t overthink it. I’m not a lesbian, nor am I a nouveau riche. I just have money and like beautiful people. Everyone has a love of beauty. If it weren’t for your little sister looking the way I like, I wouldn’t have helped her, no matter the benefits.”

Su Ning spoke frankly. In the past, if she hadn’t found Ma Shangting attractive, she wouldn’t have let Ma Shangfei overthink things. Thinking about it, she realized lust was indeed a bad habit—it must be corrected.

Peony also thought Su Ning must be wealthy. Having just saved Baihe, she wouldn’t harm her. Since she wasn’t a lesbian, there probably wouldn’t be any special conditions—she seemed trustworthy. So she spoke:

“Thank you for last night.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I came today to ask you… please, occasionally heal Baihe’s HP at night. We will pay.”

“Money? Why would I need so much money?” Su Ning wasn’t opposed to earning, but she was curious what Peony, as the leader, might offer to continue enticing her.

“You can also help me… kill people.”

This time, Peony’s eyes were resolute. Su Ning was slightly surprised.

“Save once, kill one?”

“Yes.”

A chill ran through Su Ning. Indeed, in this world, even delicate young ladies could trade lives. How cheap life had become. Her expression turned cold.

“No need.”

Seeing Su Ning’s refusal, Peony hurriedly added:

“Then what do you want?”

“What do I want?” Su Ning murmured softly.

“If you’re willing, I can introduce you to some male celebrities in the entertainment circle. Now, people are scattered, and many from before are unreachable. But if you want, just name them, and I’ll find them for you, crossing mountains and rivers if needed.”

Money, power, sex—she didn’t believe Su Ning would care about any of it.

At this moment, Su Ning wanted to respond like a protagonist from other novels, righteously refusing and scolding Peony’s motives. But one can never speak too decisively in life.

“I can help you without you having to kill anyone. Just remember in the future—you owe me a favor. When I ask, you must repay it.”

Promising such a thing felt shameless. Su Ning thought for a moment and decided not to speak too firmly—always leave a way out for the future.

“Alright.”

Peony nodded solemnly, feeling delighted. Although Su Ning didn’t immediately set conditions, saving Baihe was enough.

Su Ning, meanwhile, thought about all the handsome men she might meet in the future—should she share them with Qiao Duoduo? If she shared, would Houyang get jealous and hit her? If not, would Duoduo be jealous?

Sigh… better earn more money to support a young “puppy.” Haha.

At this moment, Su Ning didn’t know that her big wolfdog, Houyang, was already level 14. Within ten days, he would stand before her, ending her days of being surrounded by handsome men.