Chapter 12: Bonds
After settling Lingzi, Mo Yu returned to her own room.
She had tucked several thick quilts around Lingzi, added multiple scalding hot water bottles and an electric blanket. Even though Lingzi was sweltering, she said nothing. When no one was around, Lingzi was like a quiet child snuggling up to Mo Yu.
She was terrified of being abandoned again.
Mo Yu sighed quietly and slipped into her spatial world.
After a hot shower, she changed into comfortable clothes and began searching for the contract serpent egg she had placed in the space.
No, not here, still not here!
Mo Yu stood before the door of the last room.
Ah… she knew this room was different…
Resigned, she punched her way inside. Gradually, Mo Yu vanished, as if swallowed whole.
She gazed at the room’s décor—every wall was soft and pink, jelly-like, elastic and radiating gentle warmth.
The serpent egg lay quietly on the floor. Mo Yu stepped closer, her hand caressing the smooth shell. The snake egg seemed to sense her touch, shivering once, then gently rubbing against her palm, like a kitten seeking affection and showing off to its master.
It felt delightful—cool to the touch, but…
“Will you become my contract bond?”
The egg slipped out of her grasp but circled her pant leg, rubbing against her like a proud little snake.
Mo Yu bit her index finger, and blood welled up instantly. She pressed her finger lightly against the egg.
The shell began to change.
Translucent white, vivid red, finally settling into pure, sacred white.
Done!
Mo Yu felt elated, patting the egg happily before turning to leave.
The egg seemed to sense Mo Yu was about to go.
“Pop!”
What was that sound? Mo Yu turned around. She saw another egg.
But this one had grown a tail.
Heavens! It had just been born! She did not want a deformed beast.
A tender green snake tail swayed left and right, wagging like a puppy eager to please.
Mo Yu’s nose nearly bled from the cuteness.
She squatted, gently stroking the snake tail.
The tail sensed it, instantly curling around Mo Yu’s finger, rubbing softly.
Tingly, numb.
“Good little one. I’ll come see you tomorrow.” She pried the tail off.
The tail dodged left and right, trying to wrap itself again.
Mo Yu set the egg a little farther away, intending to dash out quickly.
Another “pop!”
Mo Yu’s mouth twitched. Stiffly, she turned around once more.
A tiny snake, about twenty centimeters long, with tender green skin. Its wet, dark eyes glistened with tears as it flicked its little tongue, looking aggrieved.
“Ah! Too adorable!”
Mo Yu checked the small green snake all over—thank goodness, no deformities.
“Hmm, so cute… What should I call you?” Mo Yu tilted her head in thought, her curled lashes trembling softly.
The little snake flicked its tongue, licking Mo Yu’s forearm; its tiny teeth nibbled at her skin, its whole body clinging to her—it really couldn’t let go.
“Ah, I’ll name you Qiong Yun.” Mo Yu nodded to herself. “Your nickname will be Mengmeng.”
She tried to pull Mengmeng off again.
It wouldn’t budge, not at all.
“Be good, come down.”
Mengmeng gazed at Mo Yu with sad, wounded eyes—utterly heartbroken.
Mo Yu patted Mengmeng’s head, then contentedly “bumped” her way out.
This door—such a troublesome thing.
Bumping into it felt surprisingly pleasant.
Mo Yu walked away, satisfied, never noticing the pair of pitiful, aggrieved eyes inside the door, shedding two large, glistening tears.
Plop, plop…
Does she not like me? Am I ugly? Am I annoying?
The little snake slowly transformed into a handsome young man in his early twenties, sitting alone in the corner, weeping.
He was like a perfect ink painting, soaked with water stains.
The grief spread outward, blurring the image.