Chapter 117: Hey! Don’t Pinch My Cheeks!

It was no wonder that Liu Ling’er was so shocked—after all, that face was all too familiar. She saw it every day; in fact, ever since she had crossed over into this world, it was the very face she met each time she looked in a mirror. Yet, here in this sea of flowers, the person before her looked exactly like herself.

Though there was no way to describe the strangeness of it, it was indeed so. When Liu Ling’er met the other's gaze, it was as if she were staring at her own reflection. The only difference was that her own face was frozen in astonishment, while the face opposite her wore a gentle smile.

Liu Ling’er scrutinized the woman closely, and, having confirmed this was no illusion, she finally asked, “Who are you? Where is this place?”

The woman looked at Liu Ling’er and replied, “You already know the answer in your heart. I am Liu Ling’er. This is merely a subconscious space within my body, where I have lingered, waiting for someone.”

So it was true—the person before her was the original Liu Ling’er. Unable to help herself, she asked, “Who have you been waiting for? Did they come?”

The Liu Ling’er amidst the flowers smiled faintly. “Though I waited a long time, isn’t the person I’ve been waiting for standing right in front of me now?”

“What? The one you’ve been waiting for is me? Why?” Liu Ling’er pointed at herself, her mouth forming an exaggerated ‘O’ of surprise, showing just how astonished she truly was.

The Liu Ling’er in the sea of flowers nodded. “That’s right. I originally drowned myself that day, but I couldn’t let go of my father. If he lost his daughter, he would surely be heartbroken. Heaven took pity on me, and by some fortune, a wandering soul from another world attached itself to my body, reviving it once more. I always wanted to thank you, and I have a favor to ask as well.”

Liu Ling’er felt a pang of guilt. After all, she was living in another’s body, thriving in a world not her own. She hurriedly waved her hands. “You really don’t need to thank me. If anything, I should be the one to thank you. You said you had a request—tell me, and if I can do it, I certainly will.”

This was Liu Ling’er’s heartfelt promise. The original owner bore her no grudge for taking over her body; now that she had spoken, Liu Ling’er felt she should do her best to fulfill her last wish, so she might find a bit of peace herself.

The Liu Ling’er in the sea of flowers wore an earnest expression. “I hope you will spend more time with my father and show him genuine filial love. That is my final wish.”

Seeing the longing in her eyes, Liu Ling’er was deeply moved. Even if she hadn’t asked, Liu Ling’er would have done so—she truly intended to treat Liu Rufen, this newfound father, with sincerity. So she agreed at once, without hesitation.

Before Liu Ling’er could ask if there were any other wishes, the Liu Ling’er among the flowers spoke first: “Thank you! Now I can depart in peace.”

With that, she dissolved into starlight, vanishing before Liu Ling’er’s eyes, leaving her once again at a loss. Oh dear! Why did she leave in such a hurry? I didn’t even get to ask a few more questions. Never mind, I’ll just find out what Liu Rufen likes when I get the chance.

Just as Liu Ling’er was grumbling in her heart, a shimmer of light flickered before her, and she vaguely saw another figure appear. At first, it didn’t seem real—Liu Ling’er thought the original Liu Ling’er had returned. “You haven’t gone? Oh, that’s wonderful! Uh…”

She had expected the other Liu Ling’er to return, but instead, it was Bai Li Xian. Liu Ling’er was thoroughly confused. How could this happen? How did he wind up in my dream?

She glanced around, wondering if anyone else had arrived. After waiting in vain, she realized it was only Bai Li Xian, and he stood there expressionless, not moving at all.

Liu Ling’er walked up to him and waved her hand before his eyes, but he didn’t react. Could this be just a phantom?

To test her theory, Liu Ling’er suddenly slapped him across the face. Forgive her for letting loose the pent-up violence in her heart—after all, if not for him, she would never have been struck by that arrow.

But the slap landed solidly, and even though she was dreaming, her own hand stung from the force.

Opposite her, Bai Li Xian wore a pained, aggrieved look, staring at Liu Ling’er, yet he neither moved nor could he move.

This dream felt so real, so vivid—at least, that was what Liu Ling’er thought. She was bored anyway, and here was a handsome man who couldn’t talk back or retaliate. Liu Ling’er’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she hatched a plan.

Standing on tiptoe, she patted Bai Li Xian’s head—a secret wish she’d long harbored. As she stroked his hair, she muttered to herself, “Your hair is so soft—how gentle!” At this, Bai Li Xian’s face darkened at once.

But that wasn’t enough for her. After patting his head, she slid her hand down, touching his face, tugging his ears, pinching his nose, tapping his lips—who told this prince to always wear a frosty expression? With such an opportunity, she would make the most of it.

It might have been forgivable if she had only groped him, but Liu Ling’er couldn’t keep her mouth shut, either. She kept chattering, “Your face is so handsome!”

Bai Li Xian felt as if he had fallen into the clutches of a female scoundrel. Liu Ling’er was teasing him without restraint, and to his surprise, he found himself enjoying it. His rare blush only stoked Liu Ling’er’s wicked delight.

Having toyed with his face, it was only natural to move on. But just as Liu Ling’er’s hand touched Bai Li Xian’s chest, he caught her by the wrist. Not only that, his other hand pinched her cheek.

Liu Ling’er protested at once, mumbling, “Isn’t this a dream? Hey, don’t pinch my face! How embarrassing if someone sees!”