Douluo Dalu 2: I got Kidnapped into Holy Spirit Cult

Meng Hongchen suddenly stopped walking, turned around, and stood in front of Jiang Jue. A few strands of her wine-red hair floated past his nose, carrying a unique fragrance that belonged only to a young girl.

Her delicate face flushed slightly, but her eyes shimmered with a serious light. She looked directly at Jiang Jue and softly opened her lips.

"Jiang Jue, I like you!"

Jiang Jue was momentarily stunned upon hearing Meng Hongchen's confession. Just as he was about to speak, she stopped him.

"Since that chaotic battle, your figure seems to have taken root in my heart—I just can't forget you. So, I found out where your laboratory was and went to see you. During the time I spent with you, I was really happy. And when I looked back, I realized I couldn't live without you anymore."

"I don't want to miss out on you, so this time, I want to be brave and tell you—Meng Hongchen likes you, Jiang Jue!"

"I won't force you to love me back—I just want to say that I will pursue you, and I hope you'll give me that chance."

Meng Hongchen finished speaking in one breath, her chest rising and falling slightly. Her face was red as a rose, and her icy-blue eyes dared not meet Jiang Jue's gaze—they remained fixed on her toes, even though she couldn't see them.

Jiang Jue looked at the beautiful girl in front of him, grabbed her soft, fair hand, and pulled her into his embrace.

"Ah!"

Meng Hongchen let out a soft cry, closing her eyes slightly as she leaned against Jiang Jue's broad chest. Her breathing grew slightly rapid, and her delicate body trembled gently.

"What… What are you doing?"

Meng Hongchen's voice held a hint of surprise, but only she and Jiang Jue could hear it.

"Didn't you say you like me? I feel the same way."

Jiang Jue held her slender waist, leaned closer to her ear, and whispered softly.

Meng Hongchen raised her head and gazed at Jiang Jue's handsome face, her eyes filled with shyness.

"Jiang Jue, I… I…"

"Miss Meng, I want to ask you something. If I hadn't agreed just now, what would you have done?"

Jiang Jue looked at her quietly, his eyes showing a rare gentleness as he asked softly.

"I would've kept my word and pursued you. After all, just because I like you doesn't mean you have to like me back. But if Meng Hongchen wants something, I'll go after it myself."

Although she was still a little shy, her tone was firm and unwavering.

Jiang Jue gently tousled her red hair without saying another word—he simply held her tightly in his arms.

"Lanterns are being released!"

A cheerful cry rang out, instantly igniting waves of excitement.

Laughter and cheers filled the air as countless soft-glowing lanterns were released onto the surface of the lake and into the sky.

For a moment, the sky and water were filled with lanterns carrying beautiful wishes. The snow had stopped falling, and the gentle moonlight cascaded down.

Meng Hongchen quietly nestled in Jiang Jue's embrace as the two of them gazed at the breathtaking scene before them.

In that fleeting moment, the sea of lanterns outshone the stars, blurring the line between heaven and earth.

"Damn it! Jiang Jue, that bastard!"

Amid the distant crowd, a young man with heterochromatic eyes gnashed his teeth.

It was none other than Xiao Hongchen.

Since being crushed by Jiang Jue during the last chaotic battle, Xiao Hongchen had devoted himself entirely to his training. After four months of intense practice, he had finally come out to relax during the Lantern Festival—only to witness this scene.

At that moment, it felt as if the sky was falling. His precious sister was about to be taken away.

"Jiang Jue—you humiliated me and now you're stealing my sister! I, Xiao Hongchen, I…"

For a moment, Xiao Hongchen was at a loss for words. Right now, he couldn't beat Jiang Jue, and he couldn't control his sister either.

It felt like he couldn't do anything—utterly helpless.

"I… I'll go find Grandpa!"

With a determined expression, Xiao Hongchen quickly disappeared into the crowd, heading toward the office of the Mingde Hall's master.

Faced with the choice of confronting Jiang Jue alone or seeking help, he decisively chose to rely on his grandfather.

Ming Hongchen's Office

"What?!"

"You're telling me Meng'er was hugging that brat Jiang Jue?"

Ming Hongchen was left in shock as Xiao Hongchen burst into his office with the bombshell news.

For the past few months, he had been preoccupied with research on Subject One, loosening his supervision over Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen. After all, they were no longer children—there was no need to keep them under constant watch.

But now, his precious granddaughter was about to be "stolen."

Having raised the two siblings after their parents' death, this news felt like a crack splitting open his heart.

"Let's go. Take me to them!"

Without hesitation, Ming Hongchen put down his carving knife and prepared to confront Jiang Jue.

Xiao Hongchen, seeing his grandfather's even stronger reaction, felt an odd sense of satisfaction.

"Wait, Grandpa—if you go now, won't it just make Meng'er a laughingstock?"

"Why not wait until she comes back and ask her properly? I bet it was Jiang Jue who made the first move. Once we talk to her, we can convince her to cut ties with him."

Xiao Hongchen blocked his grandfather's path, his eyes gleaming with confidence—as if everything was under control.

"Are you sure?"

Ming Hongchen looked at his grandson with some surprise.

He had always known Xiao Hongchen to be proud and aloof, preferring to act alone. It was unexpected to see him handling this situation so shrewdly.

"Alright, we'll wait for Meng'er to return."

"No—wait. She might not come here immediately. Let's have Lin Jiayi bring her over later."

Shaking his head slightly, Ming Hongchen realized his grandson still hadn't thought everything through.

"Jiang Jue, I have to go now. You must wait for me at the academy gate tomorrow!"

Meng Hongchen gently withdrew her hand from his, her face tinged with pink. At this moment, everything about the future felt beautiful to her.

"I will."

Jiang Jue ruffled her wine-red hair, watching her gradually walk away.

After she disappeared, Jiang Jue extended his hand and clenched the air slightly, his expression returning to calm.

Meanwhile, Meng Hongchen bounced toward her room, her heart brimming with joy.

Just as she was about to enter, a shadow emerged from the darkness.

"Miss Meng, the Hall Master wishes to see you."

It was Lin Jiayi, who had been waiting for her.

Meng Hongchen's eyebrows furrowed slightly—she already knew why her grandfather was calling. She had anticipated this, but she hadn't expected it to come so soon.

"Someone must have tattled. They'd better not let me find out, or I'll teach them a lesson."

"Let's go."

Her voice turned cold—Meng Hongchen was only gentle toward those she cared about. To others, she remained the proud young lady of Mingde Hall.

The office door opened.

Meng Hongchen stepped inside.

Xiao Hongchen and Ming Hongchen both turned to look at her.

Without waiting for them to speak, she sat down calmly.

"Little sister, you and Jiang Jue—"

Before Xiao Hongchen could finish, Meng Hongchen interrupted him firmly:

"He's different!"

Both Xiao Hongchen and Ming Hongchen froze in place, leaving the room in silence once more.

(End of Chapter)