Qin Xin was not coming to the bedroom for the first time, but it was only her second time arriving with a task and mission.
Just like the first time, Bai Ningning lay motionless under the covers, occasionally twitching, looking quite pitiful.
But there was also a difference—Bai Ningning was completely silent, not making a single sound.
Qin Xin thought she was asleep, so she gently lifted the blanket. But at that moment, she heard a greeting: "You're here?"
Qin Xin was slightly startled and almost lifted the entire blanket.
"Ningning-senpai, weren't you asleep?"
"Not yet, not fully asleep."
Bai Ningning's voice was weak, and her usually cute cherry-like lips looked a little pale.
Qin Xin advised, "Then you should sleep early."
She would apply the medicine, and Bai Ningning could sleep—it wouldn't interfere.
But Bai Ningning shook her head, "I'll wait until you finish applying the medicine."
"Alright then…"
That worked too. Since Bai Ningning was awake, Qin Xin didn't have to worry about waking her up and could be a little bolder with the pressure.
Time to go!
Since it was the second time, Qin Xin was more experienced. She did a quick test swipe before starting in earnest.
Last time, even in her sleep, Bai Ningning kept whimpering. But today, she didn't make a sound—rather, she muttered something softly.
Qin Xin grew curious, leaned in, and moved closer to the bedside to listen.
"Last night, the rain was sparse, and the wind was fierce. I mistakenly ate the fruit soaked in strong liquor. When the thunder roared in the sky, only today did I truly know who I am."
Qin Xin was slightly stunned.
What was going on? Did she get enlightened into stupidity?
"Ningning-senpai," she couldn't help but ask, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Bai Ningning stared at the ceiling, "I just have a clearer understanding of myself now."
What kind of realization? That she really had it coming?
Qin Xin had mixed feelings. If Bai Ningning had come to this realization, she might restrain herself in the future. That would mean fewer injuries and more safety for her.
But at the same time, that meant Qin Xin's future plans would become harder to execute. This might be the last time she applied the medicine. So, she wasn't sure whether to be happy or not.
"I've realized something—flesh and blood are weak," Bai Ningning said softly, "I still can't defeat the highest level of technology."
This was her so-called "clearer realization"?!
And what was that about finally knowing who she was today? Did she think she could withstand high-tech before this?
Qin Xin's hand trembled slightly, making Bai Ningning let out a few whimpers.
"Qin Xin, junior, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, just a bit shocked," Qin Xin sat back down. "Ningning-senpai, do you know why things turned out this way last night?"
Bai Ningning thought for a moment and said, "Maybe because Yueyue-senpai was too sensitive."
Qin Xin sighed, feeling both helpless and relieved.
Ningning-senpai had already accepted her fate. Fine, that worked too.
Since they weren't sleeping anyway, Qin Xin continued applying the medicine while making conversation: "Ningning-senpai, were you with that girl for the past two days? The whole time?"
Bai Ningning blinked. If Qin Xin hadn't mentioned it, she wouldn't have even noticed.
Yeah… Wasn't it supposed to be a club activity? How did it turn into two days of exclusive duo fun with Lingyin?
"It was supposed to be a club event, but later, the club president took me around alone," Bai Ningning thought for a moment and said. "Maybe because my cosplay was... The president was worried that too many people might get handsy, so she took me around by herself."
After all, she was wearing a Rem maid outfit. That exposed part in the front was impossible to hide. If she had gone to join the main group and sat among a bunch of people, being stared at the whole time… that would have been so embarrassing.
Thinking of this, Bai Ningning sighed, "The president is really thoughtful. It was all for my own good."
Qin Xin almost couldn't hold back. Good grief, "All for your own good," huh? With this level of alertness, no wonder she could still maintain her clueless straight-girl status while Qin Xin had to clean up the aftermath.
As for that club president, she might as well have "I want to do you" written all over her face.
Who knew, maybe she already did!
"So, you two spent the whole two days together?" Qin Xin asked.
"The first day, we walked around the convention. The second day..." Bai Ningning reflected on herself. "The second day was my fault. I was too tired and didn't want to go out, so I just rested at her place for a whole day."
So, you didn't even think about why you felt so exhausted the next morning, huh?
Qin Xin felt a bit annoyed, along with something else she couldn't quite name. Unconsciously, she applied more force, unleashing a triple scratch attack.
"Ahh… Hnn…"
Hurts, doesn't it? Good. Comfort is meant for… well, not sure for whom, but definitely not for you.
Qin Xin firmly finished applying the medicine, tucked Bai Ningning back under the covers, and left the room, feeling quite satisfied.
First plan, successfully completed.
......
On the third day of the short holiday, the house should have been lively, but due to a certain special reason last night, the two main figures of the house were still asleep.
"Madam, that's the situation," Aunt Zou said, standing at the doorway. "The eldest miss might wake up earlier, possibly in time for dinner. As for Miss Ningning… it's hard to say."
Upon hearing this, Mother Qin was startled. "What, did she actually win this time?"
In the past, after every battle, it was always her eldest daughter who ended up half-dead. How did the little succubus take the fall this time?
"Maybe," Aunt Zou carefully chose her words after a long pause. "The eldest miss always finds ways to… solve difficulties."
Mother Qin rolled her eyes. "Cheating is cheating. Why sugarcoat it? Do you think I don't know my own daughter?"
"…Madam is right."
Mother Qin didn't take it too seriously. She had only been slightly worried because she thought it might have been a different situation.
After all, she understood that given the current circumstances in the household, the power gap was huge. For Qin Yue to win, there were only two possibilities.
One was what actually happened—Qin Yue cheated and used hacks. The other would be a team battle where the sisters joined forces to gang up on her and take her down.
Mother Qin had initially assumed it was the latter and got a little anxious, only to be sorely disappointed.
"Let them sleep. What about Xin Xin?"
"The second miss," Aunt Zou glanced toward the hallway, "Went to wash her hands."
A wise choice. Otherwise, when the eldest miss woke up and found her younger sister's hands smelling like strawberries, even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn't wash away the suspicion.
Sure, everyone knew you helped apply the medicine, but it had been half a day—why hadn't she washed her hands yet?
"Oh? So, it wasn't a total loss after all. Good," Mother Qin smiled in satisfaction before giving an instruction. "When Yue Yue wakes up, tell her to take the whole family back home tomorrow. It's a holiday—what's the point if she doesn't visit home?"
Of course, the real reason was that some relatives had brought their kids over, so they were urging Qin Yue to come back.