The next day, Gao Qiong came to the small manor with dazed eyes. Yu Shangxian smiled elegantly and gracefully: “Good morning.”

Gao Qiong gritted her teeth, her legs trembling: “I knelt in the Eternal Forest all night. You didn’t even plead for me?”

Yu Shangxian said in surprise: “Did you actually need me to plead for you? I thought you’d already prepared to kneel there for several days and nights. I was afraid of disturbing your elegant interests.”

Gao Qiong’s face was as black as charcoal.

Yu Shangxian smiled: “You’re fine, aren’t you? Just avoid courting death in the future.”

Gao Qiong clenched her fists: “You think I’ll give up on Satan? I won’t. That little vixen will fall into my hands sooner or later. Since she’s a spy, I don’t believe she won’t show her fox tail.”

Yu Shangxian smiled and nodded.

By rights, on Bei Yao’s death anniversary each year, Satan would only stay at the graveyard’s small manor for three days. After all, there was a huge pile of matters in the outside world waiting for him to handle—staying on the island was inconvenient.

Comparing his personality on this island versus off it, they were completely two different people. Off the island, he was moody and violent. Though it was inconsiderate to say, every year on Bei Yao’s death anniversary, Gao Qiong had a relaxed vacation feeling coming to the island.

Gao Qiong: “Today is the fourth day. Will Satan go back?”

Yu Shangxian shook his head: “How would I know? According to his year-after-year routine, he would leave.”

Gao Qiong was worried. This time she didn’t dare forcefully plant a flag, saying uncertainly: “He won’t stay on the island long for that fake, will he?” Staying too long would easily expose his whereabouts and bring many dangers.

Before Yu Shangxian could speak, a door in front was pushed open.

A’Zuo pushed Pei Chuan. Satan in the wheelchair gave light instructions: “Prepare to leave.”

Gao Qiong and Yu Shangxian looked at each other, stunned. Then Gao Qiong breathed a sigh of relief—Satan planned to leave here.

Pei Chuan said: “Call Xiao Yi over.”

Before long, a plump, honest-looking man came over. Xiao Yi was originally a corrupt official who took bribes. Later, implanted with Rebirth, he came to manage the island. This person was smooth, did things very pleasingly, and because of Rebirth’s existence, was very loyal. Xiao Yi said respectfully: “Satan, what are your orders?”

Pei Chuan spoke lightly: “This young lady on the island—take good care of her. Whatever she wants, give it to her. If she wants to go to the graveyard, don’t obstruct her.”

Pei Chuan wore a mask. Everyone couldn’t see his expression when saying this.

Gao Qiong froze, thinking she’d misheard. After reacting, she nearly went crazy with joy—Satan actually didn’t plan to take the fake! He didn’t want that fake anymore!

Hahaha, congratulations. She said the suffering she endured was worth it. That little vixen could only arouse Satan’s momentary pity. Look, when Satan left, didn’t he only bring her and Yu Shangxian!

Gao Qiong suppressed her wildly upturning lips, so joyful her mouth cramped.

Yu Shangxian’s expression was inscrutable. Finally he still followed Pei Chuan walking toward the island’s edge.

The man in the wheelchair remained extremely calm throughout. A’Zuo pushed Pei Chuan. Pei Chuan opened his computer, looking at emails.

Yu Shangxian had followed Pei Chuan for nearly ten years, from his youth until now, also witnessing most of Pei Chuan’s life. The island’s breeze was gentle. Yu Shangxian suddenly remembered one year when “Rebirth’s” foundation was still unstable—they implanted primary CTL chips in a group of people who came looking for Bei Yao.

Once the chips entered the body, the punishment program activated.

Someone gouged out their own eyeballs on the spot. Others killed their companions—blood everywhere.

No matter how the bodies were examined, these people’s deaths wouldn’t be connected to Pei Chuan.

Yu Shangxian had been smilingly appreciating the chip’s威power when he looked up and saw Bei Yao’s pale face at the door. If Yu Shangxian saw Bei Yao, Satan naturally saw her too.

Not long after, the hidden dangers brought by CTL made Satan’s situation very dire.

They were forced to change residences. That morning, Satan requested Bei Yao go with them. She ultimately refused.

Many years passed, yet Yu Shangxian could hardly forget Satan’s expression that day.

He looked at her, gaze humble and pleading: “Come with me. I’m begging you. In the future… I’ll never use CTL again. I promise.”

Yet that year, Miss Bei Yao still didn’t go with him.

Of course, Satan didn’t leave either in the end.

Later, Yu Shangxian also wasn’t certain—Bei Yao not leaving, was it fear that one day she’d cause Satan’s death, or fear of their cruelty that day, seeing the foreseeable violent chaos of the future?

After all, she’d refused Satan too many times.

Sometimes when Nanshan’s flowers bloomed—peach blossoms covering the mountains, blooming brilliantly—Satan invited her to go out for a walk. She would still refuse. Satan’s gaze would dim, yet his smile remained gentle.

Yu Shangxian thought, if the one on the island now was the real Bei Yao, then Satan not inviting her to leave also showed he understood she wouldn’t leave.

She wouldn’t even give him a single date outing opportunity. How could she accompany him to a chaotic world for a lifetime?

The sea breeze gradually grew stronger.

Gao Qiong’s skirt blew wildly. Her mood was clearly very good. This trip away, the next time they came to the island would probably be next June. By then, Satan would have long forgotten that fake little vixen.

Before boarding, Pei Chuan’s fingers paused on the computer keyboard: “Xiao Yi.”

The man immediately responded.

“If one day she goes home, tell me.”

Though Xiao Yi didn’t understand what this meant—go home? How would that young lady go home herself?—Xiao Yi still obeyed: “Yes.”

Pei Chuan looked at the boundless sea surface, thinking of last night’s girl who recognized him as Satan, and sighed softly.

Some things he didn’t need to ask—follow him or stay?

What was there to ask? Only by staying could she go home.

The outside world was chaotic. At least on the island he could keep her safe. Less intersection—if one day she left, his years of calm, death-still heart would just have one more trace of melancholy loss.

—

Bei Yao didn’t sleep well at night, immersed in dreams. She woke up late in the morning. Thinking of last night’s dream, her expression was somewhat subtle.

What had she seen? Another world’s version of herself was still attending class, going to visit Pei Chuan the next day. As if her departure hadn’t caused any change in that world. That feeling was too real, making her feel—her coming here was just her heart fulfilling Satan’s wish. She was an error in the river of time, yet also a gift belonging to Satan who’d been alone for twenty-seven years.

Bei Yao couldn’t quite figure it out. She stretched lazily, washed up, rubbed her eyes, and went downstairs.

Breakfast was already prepared, but the small manor was quiet.

Bei Yao asked Zhang Ma who brought her milk: “Sorry I woke up late. Where’s Satan?”

Zhang Ma looked at her in surprise: “Today is already the fourth day—the day Satan leaves the island. Miss, didn’t you know?”

Bei Yao nearly choked on her milk: “He left?”

Zhang Ma said: “He left.”

Her mind buzzed. She stood up and ran outside.

Zhang Ma called behind her: “Miss, aren’t you eating breakfast?”

What breakfast! That man just liked abandoning her. So annoying. He left—doesn’t he want the gift Yao Yao anymore?

The island’s environment was well protected. Satan had issued death orders—no vehicles on the island. So on the environmentally-friendly paths, only a few bicycles were parked, originally for emergency official business.

Bei Yao got on a bicycle. The bodyguard beside her hesitated but didn’t dare stop her, ultimately letting her ride away.

The island’s climate was pleasant. Even in June, the sea breeze was very gentle.

Before reaching the beach, Bei Yao saw the cruise ship on the coast from afar.

The cruise ship was about to leave. She jumped off the bicycle and ran across the beach. Beneath her feet was soft beige sand—one step and her shoes filled with sand.

Bei Yao kicked off her shoes and ran barefoot toward the sea.

Because she kept sinking into the fine soft sand, she ran stumbling, like a hopping little rabbit.

On the cruise ship, Gao Qiong was the first to see her.

Gao Qiong held a wine glass. Seeing the girl running on the beach, she blurted: “Holy shit!”

The fake little vixen came chasing eagerly again!

The cruise ship started moving.

Gao Qiong watched the girl cup her hands like a megaphone and shout loudly: “Pei Chuan! Pei Chuan!”

After thinking, she anxiously shouted: “Satan!”

Gao Qiong cursed internally!

Though she was glad Satan wasn’t taking the little vixen, what if? What if Satan saw this one and rekindled his feelings, changing his mind?

Gao Qiong carefully glanced at Satan inside the cruise ship working on video conferences. Wickedly, she kicked Satan’s door shut.

Then she stood with hands on hips watching the little vixen.

Shout away. With the cruise ship’s delicate, solid construction, even if you shouted your throat raw, Satan wouldn’t hear you.

Bei Yao watched the cruise ship sail farther away. Naturally she also saw the smug woman on the cruise ship holding a wine glass, toasting her from afar.

She urgently waved her hands: “Miss Gao Qiong, please stop!”

Gao Qiong smiled, thinking—off you go! Like my brain has water in it.

Bei Yao’s throat hurt. She sat down dejectedly on the soft sand, half aggrieved, half angry. From the small manor’s living room all the way here, she was so tired she was nearly breathless.

Gao Qiong felt so good she wanted to sing. She toasted the little girl across the air. Turning around, she saw Satan behind her.

Gao Qiong was nearly scared witless.

“S-Satan.”

Pei Chuan frowned: “What are you doing?”

Gao Qiong: “…” Karma came too quickly.

In fact, Pei Chuan didn’t need to ask her. His mind was so keen—though Gao Qiong closing the door wasn’t a big deal, these years any disturbance was enough to arouse his vigilance. He glanced sideways and saw the pitiful little girl sitting on the shore.

Seeing Pei Chuan come out, Bei Yao perked up again. She waved at him: “Pei Chuan!”

Gao Qiong gritted her teeth: “Hahaha, Satan, the cruise ship already left. I estimate she just wants to say goodbye to you.”

Pei Chuan was silent: “Stop the ship. Go back.”

Gao Qiong ground her teeth to powder, already cursing that little vixen to death in her heart.

The boss’s order was the ultimate order. The cruise ship quickly headed back to shore.

A’Zuo pushed Pei Chuan off the cruise ship.

Pei Chuan lowered his gaze. The girl on the beach was panting. He extended his hand, pulling her up: “What’s wrong?”

Her tender white toes curled: “You’re leaving?”

“Yes.”

Bei Yao pointed at herself: “I’m still here.” She had an ineffable grievance—I’m still here, yet you left without even saying anything.

Pei Chuan smiled gently: “You want to go home.”

Her almond eyes were round. Remembering how she’d jumped around on the grave wanting to go home, she felt somewhat embarrassed.

Yu Shangxian and Gao Qiong beside them had also disembarked. Bei Yao couldn’t explain that dream well.

She could only crouch down, gripping Pei Chuan’s hand like acting spoiled: “I want to go with you.”

The seawater was sky blue, almost merging with the azure sky. White clouds in the sky were large and fluffy, like soft cotton candy.

Pei Chuan froze. A small, soft white hand drilled into his palm.

This time the feeling was even more real than before—boneless and soft, just like that snowy year when she carefully bandaged his tightly gripped hand.

She felt somewhat embarrassed. A few days ago she’d told people she wanted to go home, even told them to take care. Today she had to shamelessly say she wanted to go with them.

She lightly scratched his palm, looking at him eagerly.

Pei Chuan paused: “Alright.”

Gao Qiong observed from the side, her eyeballs nearly popping out. She looked at their clasped hands—Satan even seemed to adjust his grip. Gao Qiong’s vision swam.

Little vixen ahhhh little bitch! Using that move again!

She looked at her own claws, wanting to pull out the little vixen’s hand and stuff her own in.

However, Gao Qiong understood—if she tried again, she’d probably plop down kneeling, then stay on the island permanently.

But this wasn’t the end. What followed made Gao Qiong vomit blood even more.

By rights, making a girl rush from the small manor to the coast, then run across the beach, was indeed physically demanding. But it wasn’t unbearable—rest a bit and she’d recover.

But that fake was too damn delicate!

Because she’d run barefoot across the beach, her sole was cut by broken shell fragments, bleeding even when stepping on the wool carpet.

Gao Qiong turned away, not watching the scene before her that drove her crazy.

How smug she’d been before, now she was just as furious.

Satan gripped that small, tender white foot, cleaning sand and applying medicine for the little vixen.

The little vixen’s hands supported her chin, looking shy.

Actually, for Bei Yao, this Pei Chuan was both familiar and novel. He was very mature, lacking much of the youthful spirit young Pei Chuan should have.

For instance, inferiority.

Her world’s Pei Chuan rarely sat in a wheelchair, always wore prosthetics, wouldn’t let people see his residual limbs.

Yet the Pei Chuan before her silently placed her tender white little foot on his knee to apply medicine.

The man’s hand was broad and gentle. She was ticklish. Suppressing laughter, she couldn’t hold back—with a puff she laughed out loud, moisture in her big eyes. The earlier aggrieved appearance vanished.

Her laughter was crisp. Pei Chuan’s hand paused. Gao Qiong couldn’t help turning back.

As soon as Gao Qiong turned, she hated her cheap eyes.

She couldn’t help glancing at the little vixen’s foot—that small, cute foot was beautiful and fair, like jade, whiter than Gao Qiong’s face. Resting in Satan’s palm, as if he were playing with it.

Gao Qiong: “…” She thought viciously—this one’s delicate appearance could probably only hook Satan with this.

Pei Chuan finished applying medicine. She sat before him like a good baby.

Pei Chuan asked: “Really decided? Once we leave the island, we probably won’t return until this time next year.”

Bei Yao nodded: “Mm, I’ve thought it through.”

His pupils beneath the mask were deep. After a long while he said: “Set sail.”

Twenty-seven years—the first time he received her active following, he didn’t know what to say.

Yu Shangxian hadn’t lied. For Pei Chuan, during that year living with Bei Yao, the words he heard most from her were polite greetings. Bei Yao never got close to him. She never once had an affectionate attitude.

But now, he rubbed his fingertips, as if the soft warmth from the girl’s foot still lingered.

The island was very far. Going to their destination would take a full day.

Bei Yao saw his computer was still open—he must be busy. So she went to look at the sea herself.

The sea breeze carried a unique salty smell. She’d just sat down by the railing when Gao Qiong sauntered over.

Gao Qiong saw Bei Yao sitting, not knowing if the ground was dirty. She huffed: “Don’t think following us means Satan likes you. He spared your life letting you stay on the island and you didn’t cherish it, insisting on following to your death.”

Bei Yao also had fire in her. Before boarding, Gao Qiong clearly saw her but deliberately prevented her from boarding. If Pei Chuan hadn’t come out to check, she’d probably have been exiled alone on the island for a year.

Bei Yao said: “If he doesn’t like me, does he like you?”

Gao Qiong: “…”

Bei Yao blinked: “He let me hold his hand and let me kiss him.”

“…”

Bei Yao felt it wasn’t enough. She was rarely this petty. She said: “He also likes kissing me.”

Gao Qiong’s forehead smoked with anger: “Do you have no shame?”

Bei Yao said: “I’m telling the truth.”

Gao Qiong wanted to kick her into the sea. This vixen with a refined face had quite the fighting power. Gao Qiong said: “He doesn’t like you. He likes Bei Yao.”

Unexpectedly, the little vixen wasn’t angry at all, saying happily: “Liking Bei Yao is liking me.”

Gao Qiong: “…”

—

When Yu Shangxian seriously gave Pei Chuan Rebirth’s latest test conclusions, he discovered that every few minutes, Satan would glance outside the cruise ship.

Satan had never raised a little girl. Like suddenly having one more concern, he always wanted to see what she was doing, whether she’d be bored.

Seeing Gao Qiong and Bei Yao seemingly chatting enthusiastically, Pei Chuan withdrew his gaze, concentrating on the test analysis results.

After dinner that evening was Pei Chuan’s work transition time. After Bei Yao died, besides eating and sleeping, he devoted all remaining time to work. Every year on the cruise ship was the time for transitioning to land work.

After eating, Bei Yao ran out.

She was perceptive, knowing he was busy. She didn’t disturb him, finding things to do herself.

Pei Chuan withdrew his gaze, not knowing what he was thinking.

Gao Qiong’s mood improved at this time. After all, Bei Yao understood nothing. Speaking of capable helpers, it should be her, Gao Qiong! Her work was excellent. When several people reported and transitioned together, Gao Qiong was the only female—this was also what allowed her to remain in high position for so many years.

She looked at Satan close at hand. Pei Chuan was very focused at work. Even wearing a mask, Gao Qiong could recall his former appearance from years of memory.

Gao Qiong thought—look, besides being pretty, the little vixen was completely useless. Was that little vixen needed in this situation? No!

Everyone finished work reports and transitions. It was already nearly ten o’clock.

A cheerful figure ran through the door, voice like March wind, clear and pleasant: “Pei Chuan, let’s go look at stars.”

Pei Chuan froze, then smiled: “Alright.”

Bei Yao happily pushed his wheelchair out.

Gao Qiong holding reports: “…”

She nearly crushed the report forms and lists in her hands. Satan didn’t like reports—he liked delicate beauties who could act spoiled.

Gao Qiong ultimately wasn’t willing to accept it, wanting to sneakily go watch.

Yu Shangxian pulled her back amusedly: “What are you doing?”

Gao Qiong said: “I want to monitor that spy. What if she hurts Satan?”

“She won’t hurt Satan.”

Gao Qiong immediately looked at Yu Shangxian like a class enemy: “How do you know?”

“Didn’t she say it herself? She likes Satan.”

“You believe her words!”

Yu Shangxian: “Why not believe?”

Gao Qiong jumped: “What part of her looks like a good person?”

Yu Shangxian said in surprise: “Are we good people?”

Gao Qiong was speechless. Finally she said: “I don’t care. I must go see.”

Yu Shangxian released her and shrugged: “Then go. If you’re thrown into the sea to feed fish, I won’t be responsible for fishing you out.”

Glaring at Yu Shangxian, Gao Qiong sneaked toward the deck.

Occasionally stars could be seen over the sea. Tonight happened to be such good weather—stars on the sea twinkled. That round moon in the sky was bright and beautiful.

Bei Yao moved a small stool to sit beside Pei Chuan. He asked her: “Why did you suddenly decide to leave? Not looking for a way home anymore?”

Bei Yao thought: “I feel I can’t go back.”

Pei Chuan’s black pupils were quiet.

Bei Yao looked at him nervously: “Seems like it’s true. Can I temporarily stay with you?”

Pei Chuan said: “Alright.”

Bei Yao’s big eyes curved. She said: “You like me, right? Not because of the Bei Yao you know, but the me with many memories.”

Had she asked this question a few years earlier, he would either have been silently self-conscious or had other reactions.

However, probably with age, his face had thickened. He gazed at her, calmly responding: “Mm.”

He liked this cute, lively girl who would get close to people. From his heart, his gaze would be attracted. This was also why he could confirm at first glance she was Bei Yao.

Getting a definite answer, Bei Yao blushed first instead.

Pei Chuan looked at her reddened cheeks, speaking: “But you also know, I’m perhaps not quite the same as your Pei Chuan. We talked about this last night. I’m now Satan. Outside this island, you’ll see a different world. I’m not a good person. Not the Pei Chuan who turned himself in for you.”

Bei Yao said: “I know you’re Satan. Satan is also my Pei Chuan. Don’t know how to explain to you—I remember childhood events, about you and me.”

His gaze moved slightly.

Bei Yao said: “You’re wearing a mask. I can’t even see your expression. Can I take it off?”

She reached out, tentatively touching his mask.

He gripped her wrist, meeting her gaze: “There’s a tattoo. Not good-looking.”

He was Satan after all. Lightly gripping her wrist, he politely released it, afraid of causing her revulsion. After all, the previous Bei Yao avoided contact with him. Pei Chuan had an exquisitely perceptive heart—naturally he saw everything clearly.

Bei Yao blinked, saying coquettishly: “Let me see. You’re the best-looking and coolest.”

Their four eyes met. He sighed quietly.

Pei Chuan had an indescribable feeling. Speaking of shame, he was already twenty-seven, yet a little girl’s casual praise made his heart surge.

He ultimately acquiesced.

Bei Yao joyfully removed his mask. Under the moonlight, the man’s features were cold and stern.

Perhaps because he liked frowning, his brow had shallow furrow marks. But what attracted the eye most was an “S” on his right cheek.

Black tattoo with a strange yet gorgeous cold feeling.

Her long lashes lifted, asking him: “S means Satan?”

“Mm.” He smiled gently. “Not very good-looking, is it?”

Bei Yao said: “Very handsome.” Her hands cupped her chin, looking sincere.

Pei Chuan smiled.

Her eyes reflected him and the bright moon, with a clear, moving gentleness. When she gazed at someone, it seemed to create an illusion that they were her whole world.

Pei Chuan asked: “Is your foot injury better?”

His tone was calm and low, with an ineffable steady feeling. Like kindly caring for a younger generation.

She was dissatisfied with Pei Chuan’s distance. She would probably spend her whole life with him from now on—what was this? She knew the previous Bei Yao didn’t get close to him. Remembering he didn’t mind treating her wound before, she placed that small, fair injured foot on his knee: “Then you look.”

Tone affectionate and delicate.

Pei Chuan’s thoughts were inscrutable, but he listened to her, seriously examining the wound.

She rubbed his finger with her toes.

Under the moonlight, he didn’t speak but used his thumb to caress that mischievous foot’s instep.

In the end, she couldn’t stand the ticklishness and withdrew it herself. When she smiled, shimmering light appeared in her eyes. Seeing this, he couldn’t help showing some mirth in his eyes too.

She somewhat liked his current smiling appearance.

It seemed from first seeing him—whether planting flowers or speaking—because he knew she would leave, he’d always been calm as stagnant water, without sorrow or joy. But now, his whole person seemed to come alive.

Yu Shangxian said Bei Yao never had closeness with him.

He was like a traveler unable to leave the desert, day after day without hope.

Bei Yao said: “Tonight I also want to live next to you.”

“Alright.”

She thought, then said with some grievance: “Next time you leave, don’t abandon me, okay?”

Pei Chuan said: “Mm.” He apologized quietly: “I’m sorry.”

She said: “I’m not angry. I’m just afraid of not being able to find you one day.”

Whether running, chasing, or asking—the whole world had no news of him, just like back then when she couldn’t find Pei Chuan in prison. She wasn’t afraid of traveling thousands of miles, just afraid of missing and losing him.

Satan’s gaze before her was peaceful. This was Pei Chuan grown up and mature.

She pointed at the moon in the sky: “There seems to be something around there.”

Pei Chuan gazed upward intently. The azure sky—that round, bright moon. Though the sky was dotted with stars, there was nothing around the moon.

Gao Qiong poked her head out and saw a scene that made her lungs explode.

The little vixen held Satan’s mask, quickly kissing that “S” on his right cheek, then ran back to the cabin. She was telling him—this time I know I’m kissing Satan.

Gao Qiong collapsed. Ahhhh little vixen! Bewitching Satan again until he’s dizzy!

Probably only the little vixen thought she was sneakily stealing a kiss. Actually with Satan’s reaction speed, he could have killed her long ago, but he acquiesced.

Very cooperatively acquiesced!