NOVEL NEXT Chapter 74: Chapter 74
Chapter 74: Give You a Gift
Since Zhao Ling didn't need the *Heavy Rain Pear Blossom Needle* due to his Titled Douluo-level strength, he decided to give the hidden weapon to Ah Yin.
After all, Ah Yin was his first woman. Her strength was currently sealed by his *Soul Sealing Seal* to protect her identity as a soul beast. With no power to defend herself, the *Heavy Rain Pear Blossom Needle* would provide her with a means of protection in critical moments.
According to the Tang Sect's settings, this weapon was among the most lethal single-target hidden weapons, capable of injuring even a Titled Douluo.
Thinking about it brought a smile to Zhao Ling's face, one so wide it stretched nearly to his ears.
Liu Erlong, walking beside Zhao Ling, raised an eyebrow at his expression. What's wrong with this guy? Why is he grinning like that? Did something break in his brain?
Before she could comment, the familiar golden "Copy of Zhao Ling's Diary" appeared before her. Her curiosity piqued—What could he possibly be writing now?
Glancing at him, she raised her hand and waved it in front of his face. "Hey, are you okay? I asked you how you knew my name. Was that such a difficult question to answer?"
Her tone feigned irritation as she maintained a carefully measured expression. All the while, she mentally opened her copy of the diary, fully aware it was visible only to her.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Zhao Ling wiped the smile from his face and responded with a well-crafted lie.
"A few years ago, I visited a high-level soul master academy in Tian Dou Imperial City. I heard about a woman named Liu Erlong—she was called the school flower of that academy. A lot of male students admired her but were too scared to pursue her because they nicknamed her a 'female Tyrannosaurus.'
I was curious back then, wondering how someone so beautiful could earn such a fierce reputation. Honestly, I think those guys were shameless for slandering someone like that."
He clenched his fists for emphasis, putting on a show of righteous indignation.
Liu Erlong's lips twitched. 'This guy really has no shame. He's the one who called me a "female Tyrannosaurus" in his diary, and now he's pretending to be offended on my behalf?'
Her expression remained neutral, but inwardly, she seethed at his audacity. Adding to her irritation was the inconsistency in Zhao Ling's diary.
'If the diary says I broke up with my father because he stopped my wedding to my cousin Yu Xiaogang, how did I and that cousin become so-called "spiritual couples"? Isn't that a contradiction?'
The thought made her shudder. 'Cousins becoming spiritual couples? How absurd. Did my father just let that happen? This doesn't make any sense!'
Suppressing her frustration, Liu Erlong continued reading the diary.
As she read Zhao Ling's note about keeping her involvement a secret for her own good, Liu Erlong felt a twinge of relief. At least this guy has some decency left.
After exchanging pleasantries at the entrance of her hotel, Liu Erlong declined Zhao Ling's invitation for a drink. She wanted to maintain her dignity and not appear too eager. The two parted ways amicably, with Zhao Ling heading back to his hotel.
Back at her room, Ah Yin was thoroughly entertained as she read her own copy of the diary.
The revelation about Liu Erlong and her cousin Yu Xiaogang being on the brink of marriage, only to later become "spiritual couples," had her shaking with laughter.
This drama is too good! Cousins as spiritual couples? Is this a romance novel or a bad joke?
Her amusement was interrupted by a knock on the door. Quickly closing the diary, she called out, "Who is it?"
Zhao Ling's familiar voice answered. "Ah Yin, it's your husband. I said I'd be back soon, didn't I? Open the door. I have a gift for you."
Ah Yin frowned, shaking her head vigorously. "No, no! Go back to your room and rest. Can't I have just one peaceful night?"
Zhao Ling's voice remained gentle. "Be good, Ah Yin. I really do have a gift for you. I promise—I'll just hand it over and leave. No funny business."
Still, Ah Yin wasn't convinced. "Husband, I don't believe you. Yesterday, the day before, and the day before that, didn't you also say you'd just hold me? And yet I haven't slept properly for days because of you! No way—I'm locking this door tonight."
Her tone was firm, but her words only made Zhao Ling chuckle softly.
"Ah Yin," he said, his voice dropping slightly. "Are you sure you won't open the door? If you don't, I might just force it open. Don't blame me if you cry later."
His shift in tone sent a shiver down Ah Yin's spine. She knew Zhao Ling wasn't bluffing. With his strength, breaking the door would be effortless—and paying for it wouldn't even dent his wealth.
Letting out a defeated sigh, Ah Yin reluctantly unlocked the door.
As the door creaked open, Zhao Ling stood on the other side, his expression warm and teasing.
"Good girl," he said, stepping inside with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Now, let me give you your gift."
Ah Yin pouted, but her curiosity got the better of her. "What is it?"
Zhao Ling held up the Heavy Rain Pear Blossom Needle, its craftsmanship gleaming under the light. "This is for you. It's a hidden weapon—one of the most powerful in existence. With this, you'll be able to protect yourself, no matter who comes after you."
Ah Yin's eyes widened as she inspected the intricate device. Despite her annoyance with Zhao Ling's persistence, her heart softened at the thoughtful gesture.
"Thank you," she murmured, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Zhao Ling smiled, pulling her into a light embrace. "You're my wife, Ah Yin. It's my duty to keep you safe."
For the first time that night, Ah Yin felt her frustration melting away.
PS: For early access to more chapters, visit my Patreon: [patreon.com/Thebeginning331].
(End of Chapter)