What little sleepiness remained was thoroughly scared out of Sylvia by Acheron.
The imprint of her pillow still lingered on Sylvia's cheek, and her hair was a bit of a mess.
Yet she paid no mind to her appearance, her eyes wide as she stared at Acheron's retreating back.
What did that earlier remark even mean?
What was this about 'it's true my face is more pinchable'? What did 'it's true' mean? And what about 'more'?
But Acheron, as if completely unaware, simply walked out of the room without a hint of reluctance.
Leaving Sylvia with nothing but a beautiful view of her back.
She wouldn't even turn around to give her a smile!
Was this something she could just tolerate?
Sylvia immediately scrambled off the bed and followed. Seeing Acheron walking barefoot in the hallway, she hurried to catch up, and in a moment of impulse, the question just tumbled out:
"Did you hear me last night?"
The moment the words left her mouth, Sylvia regretted them, feeling as though she'd just dug up her own embarrassing past.
But what was even more infuriating was that Acheron merely tilted her head and asked curiously in return:
"Hear what?"
Oh, fine. So soft to kiss, but that mouth of hers stays stubborn, doesn't it.
Sylvia took a deep breath, her gaze boring into Acheron's eyes as she pressed on:
"After I logged off the game! You weren't actually asleep at all, were you!"
As she spoke, a blush had already spread across Sylvia's cheeks, though she herself hadn't yet noticed.
Acheron, looking at Sylvia's disheveled state, reached out and gave her cheek another pinch, then used her fingers to gently smooth out some of the messy strands of Sylvia's white hair.
"I was asleep…"
Acheron paused after saying this, then continued:
"I don't remember when you logged off."
"I don't believe you!"
Acheron's feeble explanation failed to earn Sylvia's 'trust'. Of course, Acheron didn't seem bothered, continuing to tidy Sylvia's hair.
"You see, you've already drawn your conclusion, yet you still chased after me to ask this question."
"So you admit it!"
Sylvia's eyes widened as she stared at Acheron, who was now so close.
In that instant, the woman she thought was a bit slow but kind-hearted seemed to transform into a mischievous, teasing persona.
"No, I don't remember. And I don't know what you're talking about."
"—!"
Sylvia was left speechless by Acheron's reply.
"You were definitely pretending to sleep last night, weren't you."
Coincidentally, just after Sylvia said this, her hair was mostly in order. So Acheron let go, gave a slight, almost imperceptible lift at the corner of her mouth—something like a smile—and then turned and walked away.
Leaving Sylvia standing there, utterly dazed by that fleeting smile, wrestling with a flood of embarrassment.
Unbelievable. How can someone really seem to have no shame at all?
Someone like me, with a decent sense of modesty, is no match for a player like her.
Sylvia plunged into deep self-doubt. Could it be that she was being teased by Acheron precisely because she wasn't 'twisted' enough?
Just then, her phone in the room started ringing.
The sound pulled Sylvia out of her spiraling thoughts. She returned to the room and tapped her phone screen to take a look.
A message from Dan Shu:
[Dan Shu: Good morning, young friend Lin. I have heard of the matter at the Seat of Divine Foresight. My apologies, this matter originated because of me, yet I failed to anticipate that the fathers of those children would act in such a way. I am sorry you were subjected to such a fright.]
At the same time, Sylvia noticed the system pop-up window that had appeared last night while she was asleep.
--+--
[Target: Dan Shu]
[Affininity: 70 (Seems to hold certain expectations of you)]
[Relationship: Friendship Across Generations]
['Even the villains aren't immune, huh? I underestimated you.']
[Reward: Green Draw x1, Purple Draw x1]
--+--
The pop-up from last night after she'd fallen asleep only reappeared now, after Sylvia saw the message and remembered Dan Shu.
Affinity had shot straight up to seventy.
The draw chances had refreshed twice in one go.
That much of an increase?
And when did their relationship become 'Friendship Across Generations'...
Although Sylvia didn't harbor any strong dislike for Dan Shu and was somewhat aware of her backstory…
Sylvia knew Dan Shu had committed many misdeeds, and didn't deny that she needed to face judgment under the law, but she truly didn't feel much personal aversion toward her.
But that was just her own one-sided feeling.
And Dan Shu's affinity for her just skyrocketed like this because of yesterday's events?
Sylvia wasn't in a hurry to use her draws. Instead, she continued looking at her phone and started typing a reply:
[Sylvia: Please don't worry about it. If I could help that child, then what I did had some meaning. The future will still require your efforts, Miss Dan Shu.]
Sylvia knew that among those holding high positions, Dan Shu was the only one suffering from a severe congenital deficiency.
She wondered if anyone in the Realm-Keeping Commission had it.
But based on Sylvia's understanding, if Dan Shu was truly willing to work on such matters, she should be able to propose many useful suggestions and measures.
Would Dan Shu do it? Sylvia wasn't sure. But Jing Yuan would probably take the initiative to ask.
[Dan Shu: Your integrity is commendable, young friend Lin. I wonder if you have any free time today. If so, could you come to the Synwood Pavilion? At least allow me to thank you on behalf of the child.]
[Sylvia: You're too kind, Miss Dan Shu. If I have time to visit the Synwood Pavilion today, I'll contact you before noon.]
[Dan Shu: Very well. I shall await your favorable reply then.]
Exiting the chat.
Just as Sylvia was about to put her phone away—
A series of notification chimes rang out one after another.
Messages from several friends had come in.
[Qingque: Girl, the whole Divination Commission is buzzing. I'm going nuts keeping it in and can only talk to you. You free today? Come to the Divination Commission and chat with me.]
[Qingque: [(づ˶•༝•˶)づ♡]]
Sylvia couldn't help but smile seeing this. Wasn't Qingque the type to have a carefree heart, enjoying good food and sleeping soundly? How could she be so worked up over this?
[Sylvia: We'll see. Aren't you playing Celestial Jade today?]
After replying to Qingque, Sylvia immediately exited, because before clicking in, she had seen another name: Fu Xuan.
[Fu Xuan: Are you free today? This one has prepared some sweet medicinal tea from the Alchemy Commission. Considering we troubled you greatly yesterday, it is only right to express our thanks.]
[Fu Xuan: The sweet teas prepared by the Dragon Maiden are pleasantly fragrant, each with its own distinct flavor. Though they are medicinal brews, their taste is by no means bitter. This one recommends giving them a try.]
[Sylvia: Why the sudden invitation for sweet tea? Is there any special meaning?]
[Fu Xuan: Things one enjoys should be shared with others. Since we are to be friends, we cannot remain so in name only forever. This one did some reading last night. At the very least, we should start by sharing our preferences.]
[Fu Xuan: If you don't mind, you may also tell me about things you enjoy.]
[Sylvia: I understand. Then, I'll bring some pastries over later.]
After sending the message, the pop-up notification for Qingque's reply appeared at the top.
Sylvia tapped directly into it.
[Qingque: You have no idea, early this morning the General's orders came down, and a whole bunch of Cloud Knights came with them. The Divination Commission is swamped today! How could I possibly slip away? Hey girl, if you're coming today, how about putting in a good word for me in front of the Master Diviner?]
[Sylvia: Sounds like quite the commotion. I'll try to stop by if I have time later.]
Just after sending the reply, suddenly, a warm, moist breath brushed against her ear, accompanied by a calm voice:
"You have plans today? With someone from the Divination Commission?"
"Eek—!"
Sylvia was startled by the sudden ambush, jerking her whole body forward. She quickly covered her tingling ear and turned to look at Acheron.
"What is it? Do you have something you want to do today?"
Acheron didn't speak, just stared straight into Sylvia's eyes.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.