37. Should Be... Like It
Seeing that Ling didn't say anything, Su began to explain the purpose of calling Ling over.
"This incident may subvert your understanding a little, but your girlfriend, Miss A Quan, may no longer be the Miss A Quan you know."
"...I don't understand what you mean." Ling looked at Su with a little confusion.
"To put it simply, her consciousness may have been taken over by a being called a Herrscher, who possesses a special ability that allows her to control the consciousness of others."
"What you saw on the news, those who slandered you, apologized and committed suicide, were actually controlled by the Herrscher of Sentience, now Miss A Quan."
"We have made an overall assessment of her behavior and found that all of her actions are centered around what happened some time ago when you made your relationship public."
"Perhaps... she is simply being bewitched by the Herrscher of Sentience's consciousness."
Su briefly stated the current situation.
"So you want to use me as a medium to lure A Quan out?" Ling seemed to understand their intention.
"Don't worry, I will ensure your safety to the greatest extent." Su's face showed a bit of helplessness. He really didn't want to involve Ling.
But at present, Ling may be the only solution to find the Herrscher of Sentience.
"...I promise you, but you also have to promise me one thing." Ling hesitated for a moment and then nodded in agreement.
"It's okay."
"If the other party is still A Quan, can you spare her life?" Ling asked.
"If she still retains some humanity, we will do our best to ensure her survival." Su nodded in agreement.
"Thank you." Ling bowed slightly.
Su breathed a sigh of relief, but he was still a little worried that Ling would not cooperate and that the people around him might take coercive measures.
Not everyone is as kind-hearted as he is. In this place called the Fire Moth, he has room to play, but he is also often forced to do things against his will.
Then, Ling followed Su's instructions, sat on a strange instrument, and put on something like a helmet.
When Ling opened his eyes again, he had entered the world of consciousness.
At this moment, A Quan is still trying to control those who had slandered them to apologize and commit suicide.
Suddenly, a familiar breath appeared in the world of consciousness.
"Ling?! Why is Ling here?" A Quan's eyes widened slightly. She had already anticipated the worst-case scenario.
But...if she didn't go, Ling might be in danger, and she couldn't guarantee what the Fire Moth group would do to Ling.
This is a bait and also a conspiracy, and she can only step on it.
"Damn it..." A Quan was unwilling, but he still came to Ling's side immediately.
With a thought, Ling was pulled into a new world.
"Ling, what are you daydreaming about? It's your turn to receive the award!" A Quan pinched Ling's face.
"Receive the award?" Ling looked around, as if some inexplicable memories were forced into his brain.
"Oh, yes, the movie we starred in was nominated." Ling rubbed his temples and finally felt much better after a while.
"It seems our best actor hasn't reacted yet. Let's give Mr. Ling another big round of applause and congratulations!"
The person presiding over the award ceremony had an excited look on his face and kept signaling Ling to go up and receive the award quickly.
Ling was pushed by A Quan and walked upstairs.
The images from the countless cameras flashing below the stage were a bit dazzling.
"Then, Mr. Ling, do you have anything to say?"
"...It feels like a dream." Ling expressed his actual thoughts.
"Hahaha..." The actors in the audience burst into laughter, all amused by Ling's words.
"Alright, alright, let's give Mr. Ling some time to react. Next up is the Best Actress nominee - Miss A Quan!"
A Quan jumped up and ran up, not at all nervous in front of the countless cameras, waving his arms enthusiastically.
Then, under everyone's gaze, she hugged Ling's arm.
"Oh my goodness, this dog food is so sudden, can you two pay attention to the occasion?" The host said to the two of them in a funny voice.
"I just don't want to be separated from Ling." A Quan said happily.
"I'm not sure there will be another couple nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress at the same time, but it's definitely unprecedented." The host livened up the atmosphere.
"Okay, stop looking like a fool and smile." A Quan pulled Ling's face.
The host couldn't stand it anymore and wanted to kick the two of them out.
However, his good professional ethics allowed him to resist the urge to swear.
After presenting the awards to the two, the host didn't waste any time and let the two people go down. It's shameful to show off their love.
Suddenly, the scene changed, and they arrived home.
A Quan hugged Ling affectionately, not wanting to separate for a moment.
"Ling, do you like me?" A Quan stared into Ling's eyes, trying to see if he was lying.
"I think... I should like it." Ling answered uncertainly.
A Quan raised his eyebrows and rubbed Ling's face with his hands.
"What do you mean you should like it?"
"I've never been in love, and I don't know what it feels like to love someone, but my heart does beat faster when I look into your eyes," Ling said truthfully.
"It's okay, I forgive you." After receiving an affirmative answer, A Quan returned to her mischievous appearance.
She lay gently in Ling's arms, with a somewhat sad look on her face.
"If... we could stay here forever, how nice it would be..." A Quan buried her head in Ling's chest, breathing in her breath in big gulps.
"What did you say?" Ling didn't hear her murmur clearly.
"Nothing." A Quan shook her head slightly.
At night, the two slept in each other's arms, but Ling couldn't fall asleep.
He got up and washed his face. When he looked up at the mirror, he found that the mirror began to distort strangely and turned into the appearance of another man.
"Mr. Ling, wake up." The man's expression was somewhat anxious.
Ling was startled by this sudden change, but something in his brain seemed to be broken, and memories began to flood into his mind.
"Are you... Su?"
Ling seemed to remember something.
"Yes, she has imprisoned you in this illusion. Although we are almost certain that she still retains Miss A Quan's consciousness, her cognition has gradually become distorted."
"This is an illusion. It can be said to be her umbrella of protection, or it can be said to be a cage that imprisons the two of you. So if you want to get out, you must break the illusion."
"What...should I do?" Ling rubbed his temples and looked at Su with a frown.
"Take this. It will keep you conscious and will also establish a spiritual connection between you and me. When her mental fluctuations are at their strongest, I will use this medium to help you break the illusion. Then everyone will capture her together."
"But don't worry, we won't do anything to Miss A Quan." Su looked at Ling seriously.
"...I believe you." Ling nodded and took the leaf from Su's hand.
"Ling, what are you doing so late at night instead of sleeping?" A Quan rubbed her eyes and appeared at the door of the bathroom.
…