Chapter 486: Unintentional Seduction

But she couldn’t say that her identity was exposed not because of poor acting skills, but simply because her attack had activated the Yang Pearl on Qiao Ni.

If “Gu Qingcheng” were to go out alone, it would be tantamount to putting her life at risk. As she pondered her next move, Qiao Ni continued to speak on her behalf. “Mother. She has no money at all. Where do you expect her to go?”

Qiao Ni was trying to persuade Madam Yu not to drive “Gu Qingcheng” away. She was confused about why Madam Yu, who had always been gentle and kind to others, was behaving so emotionally in front of “Gu Qingcheng”.

Madam Yu frowned slightly, feeling that only Qiao Ni would believe such nonsense. But when she looked at “Gu Qingcheng’s” face, she thought that the woman could easily get by with looks alone. Yet “Gu Qingcheng” had suddenly appeared here. Unable to help herself, Madam Yu glanced at her a few more times, and noticed that “Gu Qingcheng” indeed seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight.

Although she still looked as stunning as ever, there was an indescribable feel about “Gu Qingcheng” now compared to the somber aura she had before. Madam Yu was so absorbed in observing her, that she seemed to forget they were still in the middle of a conversation. It wasn’t until Qiao Ni tugged at her sleeve that she snapped back to reality, and offered an awkward smile to “Gu Qingcheng”.

“If you don’t mind the humble surroundings, you may stay here for the night, Demon Lord.”

Madam Yu quickly gestured to the small bed in front of them. It could barely accommodate three people, but with the Demon Lord present, only one person might be able to lie on it, while she and Qiao Ni would have to find another guest room to stay in.

“That’s not necessary; I just need a place to sit.”

“Gu Qingcheng” waved her hand dismissively, but her eyes remained fixed on Qiao Ni. The two subtly exchanged glances, careful not to reveal the parts of themselves they needed to keep hidden. Madam Yu didn’t argue and nodded slightly, calling Qiao Ni over so they could both climb onto the bed.

Aided by Madam Yu’s lullaby, Qiao Ni fell asleep and drifted off into dreamland in no time. However, Madam Yu herself remained awake, turning to look at “Gu Qingcheng”. The longer she looked, the more surreal it was that they were together.

“Gu Qingcheng” was right in front of her, yet Madam Yu felt as though she was a world away.

“Is there anything else, Madam?”

“Gu Qingcheng” naturally noticed Madam Yu’s probing gaze and, uncertain whether Qiao Ni was genuinely asleep or merely pretending this time, decided to feign curiosity in her inquiry.

Madam Yu silently shook her head, as if realizing that her behavior was inappropriate. She added, “I just find it strange that someone like you, a person so high above the clouds, would willingly descend into the mortal realm.”

It seemed that Madam Yu was genuinely curious about why Gu Qingcheng had given up her status as the Demon Lord to become just one of the common people. Such curiosity was dangerous; once someone became curious about another person, it often led to the precipice of romance.

While “Gu Qingcheng” didn’t feel that way towards Madam Yu, if Qiao Ni truly was her child, she would protect the two of them despite her reluctance. But how could “Gu Qingcheng” inquire about the truth of this matter?

She lacked clear memories from that time; if she asked carelessly, Madam Yu might even view her as an imposter pretending to be Gu Qingcheng. “Gu Qingcheng” felt conflicted, especially since Madam Yu preferred to endure in silence instead of sounding things out, making her feel as if she were overthinking everything.

Perhaps something had indeed happened between them, but Qiao Ni’s other mother was not “Gu Qingcheng”.

Noticing that Madam Yu was still waiting for an answer, “Gu Qingcheng” replied lightly, “I just suddenly feel like I want a change in lifestyle.”

She continued to sip her tea, which had gone cold. Seeing this, Madam Yu intended to get up and pour more tea for “Gu Qingcheng”, who quickly stopped her.

“Madam, you’ve already gone to great lengths today; there’s no need to trouble yourself further. Besides, you don’t seem to be in very good health; it’s really not suitable for you to be moving around this late at night,” Gu Qingcheng reminded her.

She noticed that Madam Yu’s skeletal bride aura was getting closer and closer to completion, while Madam Yu’s vital energy was growing weaker. It seemed like the skeletal bride was draining Madam Yu’s life force. Yet, if “Gu Qingcheng” wasn’t mistaken, the skeletal bride had helped Madam Yu quite a bit as well.

Madam Yu managed a faint smile upon “Gu Qingcheng’s” response, and continued, “Since my fate is already sealed, it’s better to make the most of it.”

As she had already come to terms with her situation, Madam Yu went about things magnanimously. “Gu Qingcheng” showed a smile of approval.

“It’s rare for someone to have such a perspective, Madam. However, it’s inevitable to have some lingering thoughts in life. Do you have no concerns at all?”

This time, Ye Wenxin asked the question as “Gu Qingcheng”. She still believed that Madam Yu’s concerns extended beyond just Qiao Ni; there was much more ambition within her that remained unfulfilled due to her frail body.

If Madam Yu weren’t so fragile, she might have achieved even more than Liu Churan.

“Like something I wish to do? Actually, I’ve just accomplished that.”

Madam Yu gazed at “Gu Qingcheng” with a distant expression. For some reason, even though “Gu Qingcheng” was right in front of her, she found herself thinking of Ye Wenxin.

This subtle feeling was something even Madam Yu couldn’t fully understand herself. She could only voice her thoughts in response to “Gu Qingcheng’s” inquiry, with a faint, yet restrained glimmer of expectation in her eyes. She had long accepted her fate, and thus faced mortality with remarkable calm.

“Oh.”

“Gu Qingcheng’s” only response to her answer was a light acknowledgment as she continued to drink the cold tea. The sound of Madam Yu swallowing was barely audible, but to “Gu Qingcheng”, it was easy to catch. Madam Yu appeared uncharacteristically tense; for someone usually so elegant and gentle, this was the first time she had seemed so flustered.

“But people are inherently greedy. Once I achieved this wish, I found that it wasn’t enough to satisfy me.”

Madam Yu spoke with a calm tone again, keeping her eyes on “Gu Qingcheng”, her hair falling gently over her shoulder with a slight turn of her body.

“Gu Qingcheng’s” gaze lingered, and she saw something very different in Madam Yu. There was a maidenly longing in her eyes, all wrapped in a mature presence, forming a perfect balance. The scene seemed ordinary, but because of Madam Yu’s natural charm, it carried a certain undercurrent.