Chapter 15: Nothing More Than This

Lin Zhiwei shook her head. So it had truly been reversed after all, but it was nothing remarkable—life would go on as before, and plans would proceed as scheduled.

After pondering briefly and adjusting her mood, she headed downstairs.

“Zhiwei…” Her mother’s eyes brimmed with tears. After so many years, she was finally seeing her daughter’s real face again, and was too moved to speak.

No matter what her daughter had looked like, she had always been her precious child. Yet, after all these years, it had been hard on her.

Her father wrapped his arm around his wife, sighing inwardly. He would never forget the kindness the Lord had once shown them, but their daughter had endured ridicule and cold stares for six years without complaint.

Perhaps the Lord’s judgment had been right after all. Zhiwei truly was capable…

Zhiwei could easily see her parents’ excitement. She herself was indifferent to others’ mockery, but her parents cared. Whenever they heard or saw it, they suffered in silence, never letting it show, always pretending nothing was wrong at home.

“Dad, Mom, it’s all right. I have to go out for a while. Just act as if you know everything—just follow my lead from now on,” Zhiwei said, squeezing their hands with a gentle smile.

Both parents nodded, relieved. Their daughter had always been clever, and now that the Lord had shown mercy, giving her the antidote early, it proved Zhiwei had met the standard. Their hearts swelled with pride.

Zhiwei saw someone still pacing anxiously at the door and called out coolly, “Is there something else, friend?”

Liang Qisheng hurried over as soon as Zhiwei emerged, asking, “You… you really are Lin Zhiwei? Not her sister, cousin, or some relative?”

She rolled her eyes and replied coldly, “I am Lin Zhiwei herself,” then prepared to leave the courtyard.

“But… but…” the voice behind her continued.

“In the past, I wore a disguise,” Zhiwei tossed out five words, shutting Liang Qisheng up.

Liang stood there speechless. Come to think of it, that made sense—after all, Ziheng often disguised himself too, though his transformations were simple enough that you could still recognize him.

But this… this was unnerving. After years of being called the ugly girl, Lin Zhiwei suddenly revealed her true face. Had something happened to her? Or had he misheard?

Wait a moment—maybe Ziheng had known all along she was in disguise. No wonder he’d always been so attentive to her. And to think he’d accused Ziheng of being blind yesterday! Clearly, Ziheng’s eyes were sharp.

In a crowd of beauties, he’d still found a fairy. Ah, forget it—the fairy’s cold face was simply enchanting, making her all the more alluring and irresistible.

Despite her preparations and strategies for her restored appearance, Zhiwei soon found herself the subject of even more whispers on the street. Before, it was because she was “ugly”; now, it was because she was beautiful.

The circumstances had changed, but to her, it was the same nuisance. She frowned, her expression frosty, radiating an air that warned strangers to keep their distance.

It wouldn’t be long before news of her transformed appearance spread throughout the Nameless Domain. Bad news always travels faster than good, though in this case, it could be considered good news—yet for her, it would only make things more difficult.

She sat on a bench by the roadside, pulled out her phone, found a number, and dialed.

“Moshi moshi, what are your orders, Boss?” came the slick voice of a young man.

“Find out where Shen Qian is right now, and what Xue Yuanyuan has been up to these past few days—who she’s contacted,” Zhiwei instructed calmly.

“Yes, Boss. But come on, after all this time, you’re only giving me two measly tasks… Where’s the challenge? Hey, Xiao Lin…” The young man clearly found the tasks beneath his abilities.

“Quit yapping. You have five minutes, Nanyu…” Zhiwei rolled her eyes. If she didn’t interrupt, he could chatter all day.

Back when Lin Qiongjiu had her choose a shadow guard, she’d, regrettably, picked out the most delicate-looking one—Nanyu—at first glance.

Nanyu. Even his name sounded nice.

But as it turned out, the name fit—he muttered to himself constantly, a veritable chatterbox. His combat skills and strategic mind were both below average.

From that day on, Zhiwei swore she’d never choose based on looks again. Still, Nanyu was highly skilled in mechanics, cybersecurity, and hacking.

Over the years, Zhiwei always sought him out for the latest gossip and feuds among the great families.

Though he complained each time about his talents being wasted, he always joined in the discussion with gusto.

Sitting there, Zhiwei gazed at the scenery and tested her luck. Shen Qian was a top student in the Fine Arts Department at Fushi University and had opened his own gallery nearby. At this hour, she’d likely find him there.

Three minutes later, her phone rang.

She answered, nodded in satisfaction. Shen Qian was indeed at the gallery, and according to surveillance, he was alone—perfect for a conversation. No need to arrange another meeting.