Chapter 6: Peace Talisman

So, the smile that bloomed from her genuine delight made her eyes and brows come alive. Her already stunning features seemed to glow, shining so brightly that the two of them couldn't even keep their eyes open.

“Xiao Bai-jie, you’re so beautiful…”

Dong Ran was a bit better; she quickly regained her composure. After all, having spent nearly twenty years in the industry, she had developed a resistance to beauty. But Ming Zhu couldn't help it; she stared, wide-eyed and dazed.

Escorted upstairs by the two, Dong Ran waited until she confirmed Jiang Xiao Bai had entered her room safely before taking her leave.

“Wait, Zhu Zhu, stay here with me tonight,” Jiang Xiao Bai suddenly said.

“Huh?”

Ming Zhu was stunned.

Xiao Bai-jie actually wanted her to stay? How could that be!

Hadn’t she always looked down on her for being tacky?

“Yes, Zhu Zhu, you should stay. Stick to her like glue and make sure she doesn’t fall,” Dong Ran said, catching on and quickly agreeing.

Ming Zhu seemed to want to say something, but she nodded in agreement, promising, “Don’t worry, Ran-jie, I will definitely protect Xiao Bai-jie!”

Dong Ran left, feeling reassured. She knew that Ming Zhu was the type of girl who would give her all to keep a promise.

“Zhu Zhu, sit down.”

Jiang Xiao Bai patted the sofa.

Ming Zhu looked at her, tugging at the corner of her shirt with some unease. “Xiao Bai-jie?”

“You ran into some trouble today, didn’t you? If you don’t mind, could you tell me about it? Maybe I can help.”

Jiang Xiao Bai looked at Ming Zhu with a smile, not missing the look of surprise on the other girl’s face.

It seemed she really had run into trouble; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been late today, looking so disheveled.

“I…”

Ming Zhu pursed her lips. She wanted to shake her head, but upon meeting Jiang Xiao Bai’s pure, clear eyes, she found herself unable to. “I was kicked out by my landlord. I was late today because I was in a rush to move…”

“Did you find a new place?”

“No, the notice was too sudden. He said a distant relative was coming today, so he just…”

“Then where are your things now?”

Jiang Xiao Bai frowned.

Who kicks out a tenant on such short notice? That was a rather unscrupulous way to handle things.

“I put them in a hotel,” Ming Zhu said, her mood sinking. “It’s fine. Once I find a place, I’ll just move in.”

Moving wasn’t that simple. Besides, Ming Zhu was busy with work; finding a place, viewing it, and moving was no small feat.

Because she had to send the bulk of her salary home, the places she looked for were always the worst, usually in very remote areas.

“In that case, just stay here with me.”

Jiang Xiao Bai had made up her mind. “I have plenty of empty rooms here; just pick one… Don’t refuse me. You’re my assistant, so you’re supposed to handle my daily affairs anyway. Living closer will save you the travel fare, and it’s much more convenient for me.”

Ming Zhu was stunned. She felt flattered that Xiao Bai-jie would say such a thing.

“But I don’t have money for rent…”

How could she stay for free? A place this nice must be very expensive; her entire salary wouldn’t be enough to cover it!

“You cook well; that can count as rent. It’s settled. It’s too late today; tomorrow I’ll have someone help you move your things. Go pick a room and get some rest.”

Jiang Xiao Bai walked toward her room as she spoke, giving Ming Zhu no chance to refuse.

Back in her room, Jiang Xiao Bai found some paper and a pen.

Compared to the Yaoyue Continent where she came from, the spiritual energy in this world was too thin—almost barren—but at least it could still be tapped into.

As a talisman master, she knew hundreds of talismans, but unfortunately, she couldn't draw many of the high-level ones here because there wasn't enough spiritual energy to support them. However, drawing simple, minor talismans was no problem, even if their power would be somewhat diminished.

The pen was a ballpoint, the paper was ordinary white paper; there was no need for a brush or cinnabar.

After cutting the paper to the right size, Jiang Xiao Bai held the pen with intense focus. She stared at the tip, silently reciting the Spirit Gathering Incantation. Invisible to the naked eye, a cluster of spiritual energy gathered at the tip of the pen, and a faint, refreshing scent filled the air.

With a flick of her wrist, a strange pattern appeared on the paper.

The pattern looked like a chaotic scribble, lacking any discernible logic, yet it was drawn in one continuous stroke. As she finished the final turn, the faint aura dissipated without a trace.

If someone with sharp eyes were present, they would have seen that the paper changed the moment she finished—as if a faint luster had flashed and vanished.

This talisman was the most basic of safety charms.

Jiang Xiao Bai was feeling a bit anxious. She didn't know if this "second female lead" role was truly cursed, but she didn't dare gamble with her own legs. She would just make a talisman to ensure her safety.

*I hope this keeps my legs intact,* Jiang Xiao Bai thought with a touch of humor.

She folded the paper into a small square and tucked it into the heart-shaped necklace that had belonged to the original owner.

The necklace could be opened, making it the perfect place to hide it.

A safety talisman needed to be kept close to the body. If she had a different job, she could keep it in her bag or phone case, but actors had to leave their phones and bags behind whenever they were filming. This was the safest way.

“Phew… so tired. The foundation of this body is too weak. It seems I need to practice breathing techniques.”

She had only used a tiny bit of spiritual energy, yet Jiang Xiao Bai was already sweating, feeling as if her body had been hollowed out. It left her speechless.

Even such a weakling-level talisman consumed so much stamina. She was exhausted after just one; if she made two, she’d probably collapse from overexertion. If she didn't train properly, even making slightly higher-level talismans would be impossible in the future.

After some thought, Jiang Xiao Bai searched her memories for a very simple cultivation technique. Once mastered, it would use spiritual energy to refine the body during everyday breathing. Over time, she would become strong and healthy.

In the Yaoyue Continent, such techniques were only for those with terrible aptitude—the lowest of the low. She never expected she’d have to use one herself.

But it was enough for this world. Any higher-level technique wouldn't work anyway, as there wasn't enough spiritual energy to fuel it.

She spent the whole night getting her body accustomed to the technique. From now on, she wouldn't need to spend extra time practicing, because as long as she was breathing—even while sleeping—her body would cultivate on its own.

“Mmm… smells good.”

Pushing the door open, the aroma of food immediately wafted to her nose. Jiang Xiao Bai rubbed her flat stomach and headed toward the kitchen.

“Xiao Bai-jie, good morning.”

Ming Zhu had just finished serving the porridge. Seeing Jiang Xiao Bai, she turned and greeted her sheepishly. “I made some food. I don’t know if it’s to your taste.”

Ming Zhu looked a bit haggard; in reality, she hadn't slept a wink all night.