Reborn As A Doomsday Villainess-Chapter 40: Automated herb farm(1)

Qingran nearly flinched slightly.

[Host, your survival instincts are severely lacking. Sitting so still while an angry man touches you? What if he snaps and twists your arm off?]

Qingran exhaled through her nose.

"Lingquan....you know he won’t do that, now shut up!"

[Ah, she remembers my name! I was beginning to think you forgot about me after getting carried away by your knight in cold amor]

Qingran ignored the system’s nonsense and kept still as Feng Yizhou carefully dabbed disinfectant over the wound. A sharp sting bit at her skin, but she didn’t so much as flinch.

Lingquan, however, continued.

[Look at how focused he is. Such gentle hands. Do you think he’d be this careful with other women, or is this special treatment just for you?]

Shut up!!!!!!

[No need to be shy, host. I’m just here to observe. Oh? He’s wrapping it now—so skilled! Maybe I should add a hidden affection meter?]

Qingran resisted the urge to rub her temples.

Meanwhile, Feng Yizhou finished securing the bandage and leaned back, giving her arm one last once-over. "Done."

She glanced down. It was neatly wrapped, not too tight, not too loose. Efficient, like everything else he did.

Feng Yizhou met her gaze. "Next time, avoid getting bruised."

Qingran smirked. "Next time, I’ll stab him first."

Feng Yizhou’s expression didn’t change, but something flickered in his eyes.

[Host, if you keep flirting like this, I might have to deduct some points for shamelessness.]

Qingran clenched her jaw. Lingquan. I swear to god—

But before she could finish the thought, Feng Yizhou stood up, rolling his shoulders. "Get some rest."

Qingran exhaled slowly, shaking off the lingering tension.

She leaned back against the couch, rolling her shoulder slightly to test the bandage. It was snug but not uncomfortable, a testament to Feng Yizhou’s meticulousness.

He was already heading toward the door, his movements fluid and unhurried, but just as he reached for the handle, he paused.

"Don’t disappear like that again," he said, not turning around.

Qingran raised an eyebrow. "Are you worried about me?"

Feng Yizhou scoffed, finally glancing over his shoulder. "I’m worried about the trouble you bring with you."

[Ouch, host. That one must sting.]

Qingran rolled her eyes. "Noted, Boss Feng. Next time I go gambling and stab a man, I’ll be sure to send you a memo."

A muscle in his jaw ticked, but he didn’t take the bait. Instead, he gave her one last unreadable look before walking out, the door clicking shut behind him.

Silence settled in the room.

[Well, well, well.] Lingquan’s voice was practically dripping with amusement. [What was that just now? He’s worried about you. Maybe I should—]

"Shut. Up."

[Oh? Is someone flustered?]

Qingran pressed a hand to her forehead. "Lingquan, if you have nothing useful to say, I will turn you off."

[No need for threats, host. I’m just saying—]

"Lingquan."

[...Fine. But I want it on record that I called it first.]

She exhaled, finally letting herself relax. The past few hours had been exhausting, and now that the adrenaline was fading, fatigue was creeping in.

Tomorrow, she would transfer the winnings to her account and continue her stockpiling. There was still too much left to do.

But for now, she allowed herself one luxury—rest.

As she closed her eyes, Lingquan’s voice whispered one last time.

[Sweet dreams, host. Maybe you’ll dream of a certain cold-faced man wrapping your wounds again.]

Qingran groaned into her pillow. "Just one more word from you! Try me, I dare you..."

[!! This system will be going offline now]

Qingran woke up feeling well-rested, the events of the previous night already distant in her mind. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting long shadows over the room. She stretched lazily, rolling onto her side before finally pushing herself up.

Today was the black market auction. But there was no rush.

She took her time, indulging in a long bath before changing into something comfortable.

Breakfast was a simple meal, nothing fancy, but enough to fill her stomach. Lingquan remained silent for once, allowing her a rare moment of peace.

Yet, as she finished eating, she realized something. She hadn’t left.

She could have gone to the bank by now, withdrawn the money, and moved on with her day. But instead, she was still sitting at the table, tapping her fingers idly against her cup.

Waiting. The thought annoyed her, but before she could dwell on it any longer, a door opened, and Feng Yizhou stepped out.

His usual cold, sharp demeanor was back in place, not a trace of the irritation from last night lingering on his face. He was dressed neatly in a dark button-up, his movements as fluid and precise as usual.

He glanced at her briefly before making his way to the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

Qingran narrowed her eyes.

"You’re acting normal again," she said.

Feng Yizhou didn’t even look at her as he took a sip. "I wasn’t aware I wasn’t."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "Last night, you looked two seconds away from throwing me out the window."

His lips quirked slightly. "If I were going to throw you anywhere, I’d throw you in my bed."

Qingran nearly choked on her tea.

Before she could retort, Lingquan finally decided to speak.

[Host, I’d like to remind you that you still have over 800 reward coins.]

Qingran blinked, regaining her composure.

[You can now purchase that automated herb farm you wanted. The one that costs 150 coins.]

Her fingers twitched slightly. That was right. She had unlocked the inventory feature before but never had enough coins to buy anything significant. But now...

As she was mulling over her options, Feng Yizhou set something on the table in front of her.

A neatly folded gown.

She raised an eyebrow. "What’s this?"

"For tonight," he said simply. "You’ll need something appropriate for the auction."

Qingran glanced at it again. The fabric was smooth and elegant but not excessive.

It was clearly expensive.

"I have clothes," she pointed out.

Feng Yizhou hummed. "Not ones that will let you blend in."

She scoffed, crossing her arms. "You sure do like making decisions for me."

He leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee. "Would you rather stand out?"

Qingran narrowed her eyes at him.

Feng Yizhou remained unbothered.

She clicked her tongue, but instead of arguing, she reached forward and picked up the gown, letting the fabric run through her fingers.