Chapter 4: Just Passing By

How could Murong Wei possibly sleep on a night like this?

In ancient times, one couldn't grind levels by killing monsters or scroll through Weibo when suffering from insomnia; one could only toss and turn on the bed. Alas, Murong Wei couldn't even toss and turn; she had to lie flat, motionless.

Stuck with this massive belly, she had no idea what to do. She had played the part of a pregnant woman before, but that had just been for show.

After struggling with her thoughts for a long time, she finally snuck out of her room. Her stomach was growling; no wonder she, who usually possessed an incredibly strong ability to adapt, couldn't fall asleep.

The kitchen in ancient times was also known as the "East Kitchen," meaning it was located to the east of the main hall. She at least had that much common sense.

Glancing at the bright moon, a faint smile curled the corners of Murong Wei’s lips. She quickly located the east, carefully felt her way through the darkness, and finally discovered a small kitchen at the end of the path.

Using the moonlight, she cautiously opened the door, then switched on her miniature flashlight, setting it to a dim beam. The toolbox that had traveled through time with her contained all sorts of things, but unfortunately, they were all rechargeable and could only be used for a limited time.

She first found a stool and sat down, her breathing uneven. Dressed in a long ancient gown with a huge belly, she felt not only awkward but also exhausted with every step. This was stifling for someone like her, who was usually carefree, occasionally climbed walls and trees, and could even scale eaves and vault over walls when the mood struck.

Setting aside the condition of this "Fourth Miss's" body, this belly alone rendered all her skills useless. The Eldest Miss would arrive tomorrow; she had to come up with a foolproof plan to save her own life and the child in her womb.

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but smile. She gently patted her large belly and said with a laugh, "Little one, we’re in the same boat now. I’ll protect you, so don't blame me later for taking over your mother's body."

As she was about to stand up, the baby in her belly actually moved, seemingly kicking her. This startled Murong Wei so much that her face turned pale instantly. Her legs went weak, and she nearly fell. In that very instant, a figure in black flashed by, and a large hand steadied her shoulders, shielding her.

How terrifying! Was this what they called telepathy, or fetal movement?

Still shaken, Murong Wei clutched that arm tightly, her body trembling as she muttered to herself, "It's okay, it's okay!"

She had already turned off the flashlight. Just before the fetal movement, she had sensed someone approaching in the darkness, but she hadn't expected this person to be so fast.

In the dim light, she couldn't see the man's face at all. She only knew he was very tall—more than a head taller than her. He seemed quite drunk; his hot breath, heavy with the scent of alcohol, washed over her as he leaned in, unsettling her.

"Heh, aren't you afraid of me?" he chuckled. His low, pleasant voice carried a hint of laziness and intoxication.

"Who are you... what... what do you want?" Murong Wei put on a trembling act, as timid as a frightened little rabbit.

"Just passing by. I'm tired," he said lazily. His tall, slender frame slowly leaned toward her. Murong Wei didn't dare speak; she subconsciously retreated, stepping back again and again until she was firmly pressed against the wall.

He placed a large hand over her mouth, leaning right beside her with his head against the wall, as if trying to steady himself or perhaps resting. For a long, long time, he didn't say a word.

Murong Wei widened her eyes, not daring to disturb him. She could feel the warmth of his hand, but there were many calluses on the web of his thumb. This person was definitely someone accustomed to a life of luxury, and certainly someone who held a sword year-round.

Who exactly was this man, and why would he appear here, drunk, at this hour?

Was he someone from General Murong's mansion, or was he truly just a passerby?

After a long while, he slowly loosened his hand. There was no movement. Only then did Murong Wei dare to turn her head slowly. But the moment she did, she froze. In the dim light, she could only see his profile—the lines were distinct, the curves perfect, as if carved by a master.

Murong Wei suddenly had the urge to turn on her flashlight immediately to see what kind of heavenly face this was!

But she didn't.

The keen intuition born of a killer told her that this man was dangerous and she had to leave immediately.

Before she could even move, he unexpectedly turned, his back against the wall, and his head slumped onto her shoulder. His large hand slowly wrapped around her neck, pulling her closer and closer.

The scent of alcohol couldn't mask the exclusive dragon-saliva incense on his body. She, who usually rejected all kinds of fragrances, actually had the illusion of being intoxicated. Slowly, his lips gently brushed against her cheek.

They were so cold! It made her shiver, and she became completely sober.

He remained silent, his cold lips trailing kisses downward, hovering near her lips but never actually kissing her.

Murong Wei’s eyes widened. She couldn't hold back any longer. She pressed her miniature flashlight against his abdomen and pushed the button hard.

"Who are you?" He pulled away instantly, grabbing her by the throat, his voice cold and sharp.

In the dim light, Murong Wei finally faced him head-on. She still couldn't see his features clearly, only his sharp eyes—deep and icy, with no trace of intoxication left.

The object in her hand was still pressed against his abdomen. It was a stun gun she had been using as a flashlight. Although she hadn't held the button down for long, 300 volts should have been enough to make this guy collapse and convulse!

She hadn't expected 300 volts to only sober him up.

"You aren't Murong Zi. Who are you!" His voice grew colder. He noticed the object in her hand, but before he could act, a flash crossed Murong Wei's eyes. She pressed the switch again, but this time, instead of a quick tap, she held it down.

A long press of 100 volts was enough to kill a person, let alone 300. No matter how abnormal this guy's constitution was, he was still human!

Sure enough, the man let out a muffled groan, then let go and fell straight backward, crashing into a table with a loud bang!

In the quiet of the night, that sound was deafening.

Murong Wei kicked him hard with her embroidered shoe and hurried away. In that moment, she missed her ten-centimeter stilettos immensely...

A note to the readers The first handsome man is passing by; claim him quickly...