Twenty-three whales

Wen Fan possessed a cold, arrogant temperament that he could control with ease, and at this moment, he released it without reservation.

He stood up, walked step by step to his cousin, and looked down at him: "Lele, I have always considered you a younger brother, and you know what Jing Chengyun means to me. Where did you come from? And why did you lie to me?"

Acting was a compulsory course for Su Zile’s sect; no matter how guilty he felt, he could always resolve it with composure. A smile touched his lips as he said, "Cousin, I have no obligation to report everything to you, and I have my own privacy. It was truly unnecessary for you to come all the way to the Time Travel Bureau to expose me."

Suppressing his simmering anger, Wen Fan remained grim-faced: "I should never have arranged for you to get close to Jing Chengyun. From now on, stay away from her. You are a habitual liar and unworthy of her."

Su Zile nearly laughed out loud. He had not expected his cousin to be so foolish; even without Wen Fan’s arrangements, he would have pursued the woman he loved at any cost. The ripples caused by those 500,000 Star Coins were insignificant.

He also had words to mock Wen Fan: "Jing Chengyun and I are good colleagues and partners; we are bound to see each other. As for you, you have secretly watched her every move for three years—are you so noble? Are you not sordid? Are you not shameless?"

The tension and sense of conflict that erupted in that instant quickly filled the entire office.

Wen Fan knew well that he had even greater leverage against him. He had watched Jing Chengyun for three years in the name of love—to put it bluntly, it was prying and surveillance. If Jing Chengyun were to find out, would she ever look at him kindly again?

"Do you think you can leave me helpless by threatening me?" Wen Fan lifted his chin, his expression unruffled, his eyes filled with contempt. "Lele, behave yourself. Let there not be a next time."

In the end, Wen Fan left some room for their brotherhood, still willing to call him "Lele." Su Zile, however, cared nothing for their damned brotherhood. He whistled at his cousin’s retreating back and then left the office as well.

*

The frequency with which the Time Travel Bureau issued missions was unpredictable. For two full days, Jing Chengyun received no news.

This left her with ample time to study new materials. At midnight, she was still in her study watching online courses.

She planned to finish all the coursework within a week and register for the Level 2 exam. It didn’t matter that the tasks were difficult and the workload heavy; only challenges made things interesting.

Jing Chengyun stretched. If not for the fact that the little rabbit Ruan Mianmian was staying at their home for a while, she couldn't imagine how cozy it would be to study while petting a rabbit.

Soon, the call that made her uncomfortable arrived. She was stunned after listening: "Now? It’s midnight right now."

Du Yishui was anxious: "My dear Yunyun, there’s a subsidy for missions during special hours. Open the teleportation array and come over; the bureau will reimburse the two-hundred-coin fine."

"You could just call Su Zile—" Jing Chengyun had just reached a new concept and didn't want to be interrupted.

"It’s not the same; he’s busy too." Du Yishui’s tone became stern and brooked no refusal. "Jing Chengyun, come here immediately, or your salary will be deducted and you will be criticized in a bureau-wide announcement."

Jing Chengyun hadn't realized Du Yishui was so good at making threats. She remembered that when Ruan Huila had recruited her, she had said that work at the Mission Department was flexible, but one should be in place when needed.

Even with that prior warning, Jing Chengyun wasn't keen to move for the sake of a threat. She twirled her pen and said cheerily, "Don't be so serious. Look, it's the middle of the night; I'm already in bed."

Du Yishui fell silent. Somehow, her tone softened: "I’ll apply to the superiors for another five-hundred-coin subsidy for you. How about that?"

Before the words had faded, a blue formation appeared out of thin air in the office of the Fifth Group of the Time Travel Bureau's Mission Department. Jing Chengyun, wearing slippers and holding a cola, grinned broadly: "Phew, if the subsidy wasn't so high, I really wouldn't want to come out in the middle of the night!"

The Time Travel Bureau valued humanistic spirit; this was why there was a boxing bag hanging in the Fifth Group's office.

Du Yishui threw a punch at the bag, not knowing if she was treating it as Jing Chengyun, just to vent: "We need to work harder recently. I will apply to Director Guan for a transfer order to add more manpower for us."

The dark circles around her eyes from Jing Chengyun’s punch had not yet healed, and she spoke through gritted teeth with exaggeration: "I can handle three jobs in two days even with my severe injuries; I believe you can too."

Jing Chengyun: "How many jobs do you want me to do in two days?"

Du Yishui: "The higher the efficiency, the better. Can you take leave from the funeral home?"

There were only two mortuary cosmetologists at the Third Avenue Funeral Home. Jing Chengyun explained: "My teacher is old. I can take leave once or twice occasionally, but not too often."

"Since that’s the case, until we recruit more newcomers, I'm afraid you’ll have to run between both places." The emphasis fell on "afraid," and Du Yishui gripped Jing Chengyun’s shoulder, only to be restrained by the other woman, their hands clasping.

"Rest assured," Jing Chengyun did not flinch at Du Yishui’s warning, every word she spoke coming from the heart, "I will do my duty well."

Facts proved that the initiative of subordinates could not be separated from the leadership leading by example.

Within two days, Du Yishui completed five missions with high efficiency. Jing Chengyun did not fall behind either, and by now, she was capable of handling things on her own.

However, she had a primary job at the funeral home after all. Running back and forth between Jinxiu Garden, the Time Travel Bureau, and the funeral home took too much time and energy. Therefore, at the breakfast table on Friday morning, she announced to the whole family:

"I’m moving out to rent a place."

"No, absolutely not." As soon as Jing Zhao heard her precious granddaughter’s decision, she slammed the table: "Baby, you’re still a child. You cannot live alone away from your grandmother, mother, and aunt."

"But..."

"Which child moves out to live alone as soon as they learn how to walk? Only irresponsible parents would agree to that."

"But..."

"No more 'buts.' Listen to me on this—wait until you’re a hundred years old before you consider renting a place!"

Jing Chengyun curled her lip dismissively. She was only twenty-five this year. Among spirits of her age, ninety-nine percent couldn't even take human form yet, whereas her grandmother, Jing Zhao, was over eight hundred. In her grandmother’s eyes, wasn't she just a weak, pitiful, and helpless cub?

"Objection overruled. I’ve made up my mind, and that’s that. No need for further meetings," Jing Chengyun stood up, hands on her hips, her gaze sweeping over her closest family members:

"I’m off to work. Grandma, if you’re bored, go back to the sea and swim for exercise; don't just stay home watching dramas. Little Aunt, don't be late for work. And Mom..."

Suddenly catching the sharp look from her mother, Jing Chengyun felt her scalp tingle and immediately changed her tune: "Mom has no problems at all. Mom is the best."

Generally speaking, Jing Hong would support any non-illegal decision her daughter made, Jing Zhao would decide based on the situation, and as for Jing Yan—as long as her eldest niece was alive, it was fine.

Seeing Jing Zhao rushing out to chase Jing Chengyun, Jing Hong waved her hand and firmly wrapped her arms around her mother’s waist: "Your granddaughter could take on ten people on her first day of school; don't worry about her."

Jing Chengyun dashed downstairs, terrified of being caught by her grandmother.

She hurriedly squeezed onto the bus and once again unblocked Wen Fan: "Hey, Wen Fan, I remember you have a place in Century City. Can I rent it?"

Century City was a well-known affluent area in Baiyun City, with perfect surrounding facilities; there were bus and subway stations right outside. The location was excellent, situated at the midpoint between the funeral home and the Time Travel Bureau, making it convenient for Jing Chengyun to commute between her two workplaces.

"Rent? Of course you can." Wen Fan replied with a smile, not hesitating for a second: "You can rent it for as long as you want."

"Starting today, a long-term lease."

"...There’s a problem. I’m currently living in that apartment. Do you need me to move out?"

When Jing Chengyun heard there was a chance, she couldn't help but be overjoyed: "It's fine, it's fine. You don't need to move out. Just clear one bedroom for me; I work during the day and am usually not home. Name your rent, President Wen!"

Hearing her laughter, Wen Fan couldn't hide his joy: "No rent needed. You can stay in my place for free. Please, Yunyun, don't be so distant with me."

Being able to gain commuting convenience without paying rent—whether they were dating or broken up, Jing Chengyun was never one to stand on ceremony with Wen Fan, and she happily agreed.

At six in the evening, the two met at Century City.

This was Jing Chengyun’s first time visiting Wen Fan’s apartment. Looking around, she realized that rich people were indeed different; even the seams between the tiles exuded the scent of Star Coins.

Such a large place—she would own one like this sooner or later. A large seaside villa, where she could open the window, dive headfirst, and leap back into her homeland.

Rose-scented aromatherapy—naturally a W&D product—could be smelled as soon as the door opened. The scent was subtle and not pungent. If Jing Chengyun remembered correctly, Wen Fan had been particularly fond of this scent three years ago, all because she liked roses.

"Welcome to my home. From now on, it’s also your home. I hope you live here happily." Wen Fan knelt on one knee, signaling for Jing Chengyun to lift her foot slightly.

Jing Chengyun paused for a moment, but didn't stand on ceremony with him, tacitly allowing him to change her into slippers.

"I’ve already prepared your daily necessities. If you want to bring others back to stay overnight, that’s up to you." The latter half of the sentence seemed to have been deliberated for a long time before he could say it. Wen Fan’s expression was not good, but he forced a smile: "Yunyun, so, do you have someone you can bring back overnight?"

When this question was raised, the first people to come to Jing Chengyun’s mind were Ruan Mianmian and Su Zile. Since everyone was single anyway, she would bring whomever she liked: "Don't worry about my affairs. As long as you don't mind when I bring people home, it's fine. Don't you have a dinner meeting? Go ahead."

Wen Fan’s heart twitched in pain. He was terrified of Jing Chengyun bringing a fox spirit home, but he couldn't bring himself to explicitly forbid it.

After watching Jing Chengyun silently for a moment, Wen Fan left.

Having suddenly changed her place of residence, Jing Chengyun adapted very quickly. After a bath, she sprawled on the sofa and played a game, achieving a beautiful victory.

In a few days, she would bring the little rabbit Ruan Mianmian over. Playing games while petting something fluffy—that was what you called enjoyment.

Skipping the game’s result screen, a message suddenly popped up on her phone.

Su Zile: [I miss you a little. Can I see you?]

If she couldn't pet the rabbit’s bottom, petting a fox tail wasn't bad either.

Jing Chengyun: [I’ve moved out to rent a place. Come over if you want. It’s my friend’s place, and he’s okay with me bringing men home overnight. (Location: Century City)]

She didn't know what the location for Century City implied, but in any case, an hour later, a meticulously dressed Su Zile appeared at the door, looking far more handsome than usual.

Jing Chengyun told him to get his own slippers: "Such a maze of a residential complex, I’m surprised you didn't get lost on your way in."

Having been to this place many times before, Su Zile certainly wouldn't get lost.

He asked about the landlord’s whereabouts, and upon learning that his cousin wouldn't be home until later, he felt a contradictory mix of regret and relief, but also a certain thought began to sprout.

As soon as he sat on the sofa, Su Zile impatiently undid his clothes, his fox-like eyes filled with tenderness: "Do you want to sleep with me?"

To sleep, one had to bathe first. Jing Chengyun touched the fox’s pectoral muscles, fighting the urge to take a bite: "You ran over in the middle of summer and you’re all sweaty. Go shower first."

The development of events was exactly to Su Zile’s liking. This way, he could legitimately say he hadn't brought a change of clothes, then override her protests to go into Wen Fan’s bedroom to swipe a pair of pajama pants, all while declaring he would bear all consequences himself.

Su Zile loved beauty; a single shower could take an hour and a half, cleaning everything from pores to shaving off hair, down to the minutest detail. He would never allow the slightest flaw on his body.

Having waited too long, even the most patient person would grow suspicious.

Jing Chengyun knocked on the bathroom door with a thud, mocking: "Did you fall into the toilet? Do you plan on washing until tomorrow?"

Before her words had landed, a beautiful face peeked out from the bathroom. His cheeks were slightly flushed, and beads of water clung to his eyelashes. He was truly a nine-tailed fox; every movement and smile was enchanting.

There was a unique charm to a beauty fresh from the bath. Jing Chengyun stared blankly, reached out an arm, and pushed him back into the depths of the bathroom against his chest: "You really have a way of seducing people!"

"Is this level considered seduction?" Su Zile leaned his back against the bathroom tiles, tightly gripping Jing Chengyun’s warm palm, pressing himself closer to her.

Her palms caressed and kneaded, and so he inadvertently hummed aloud. A little white secretion appeared on his chest, tasting like strawberry milk; Jing Chengyun thought it was too sweet, so it transformed into the flavor of grape wine.

Until the glow-in-the-dark nipple clamps were also stained with the scent of grape wine, Su Zile felt it was about time, so he picked Jing Chengyun up and walked out.

"This is the landlord’s bedroom—"

"Baby, don't worry about whose bedroom it is. If he comes back, I’ll explain. You just need to enjoy yourself."

Su Zile pulled out all the stops, using everything he had ever learned.

After the indulgence, Jing Chengyun lay lazily on her side, drinking a glass of strawberry fox-milk: "It’s a waste of talent that you don't open a drink shop."

"That won't do; some things can only be given to you alone." Su Zile hugged her from behind, reached for a t-shirt, and said, "Put your clothes on; the air conditioning is set too low, don't catch a cold..."

Suddenly, they were plunged into darkness.

It was a pre-meditated power outage.

"I’ll go check it out. You rest for a while longer." Being granted Jing Chengyun’s permission to kiss her forehead was a privilege; Su Zile had earned it at the cost of being covered in bruises.

The bedroom door opened, and the front door opened as well.

Wen Fan frowned. In the direction of the bedroom, there were two points of light at the height of an adult man’s chest, with the luster of diamonds and sapphires.

He was very familiar with these things that only glowed in the dark.

They were his custom-made glow-in-the-dark nipple clamps.

The faint blue light flickered with the wearer’s breathing, light and agile, accompanied by Su Zile’s deliberate complaint: "Yunyun, you’re so bad..."

Wen Fan bit his lip, unable to believe it yet forced to accept it as he raised his phone. The flashlight beam shone over, and his eyes met Su Zile’s beautiful, perfect face.

How could this be? How could it be like this...

Meeting Wen Fan’s complex gaze, Su Zile feigned surprise, then revealed a relaxed, regretful smile: "Cousin? You’re late. Yunyun has already claimed me again."

The result was finally here for the thing he had refused to believe. Wen Fan fell into an abyss. Casting aside his gentle, refined mask, he lunged forward and punched Su Zile in the bridge of the nose: "How could you—"

His right hand fiercely twisted the small objects on his cousin’s chest. Seeing Su Zile’s face change in pain, he twisted and tugged even harder, roaring:

"How could you be in my house, wearing my pants, holding your former sister-in-law, and wearing my nipple clamps!"