NOVEL NEXT Chapter 98: Chapter 98
**Chapter 98: Can't Afford to Lose**
Bibi Dong lay in her boudoir, reading the latest diary update. She didn't know whether to laugh or sigh.
'My husband really is shameless,' she thought, shaking her head. 'He's already scheming to charm Qian Renxue, who might not even be born yet!'
Even if Qian Renxue did come into this world as in the diary, she wouldn't grow up for many years. By then, Zhao Ling would be in his 50s or 60s! Although Titled Douluo age much slower than ordinary people, Zhao Ling would still be undeniably older.
'How can he be so sure she'd even like him when she grows up?'
With a sigh, Bibi Dong made up her mind. If Qian Renxue did come into existence and remained the daughter of her teacher, she would protect her like her own sister. After all, her teacher had not locked her away or mistreated her as the diary hinted. Instead, he'd even set an engagement date for her and Zhao Ling. This kindness was more than she could have hoped for, and it only seemed right to return it by looking after his daughter.
Meanwhile, in Tian Dou Imperial City, Liu Erlong also read Zhao Ling's latest entry and silently labeled him a "beast" before returning to her flowers.
Far away over the vast sea, Bo Saixi moved swiftly toward the land. Flying over the water was second nature to her, faster even than the swiftest ships. Pausing briefly, she felt the presence of the "Copy of Zhao Ling's Diary" appear again. She glanced at it, a frown crossing her face as she skimmed through the new entry.
"Qian Xunji? Isn't he Qian Daoliu's son? Then who is this Qian Renxue—his daughter?"
"But… why does the diary say she isn't born yet?" She furrowed her brow in thought. "And how can Zhao Ling be so confident that Qian Xunji will one day be his father-in-law if the girl doesn't even exist yet?"
The contradictions puzzled her. She realized that she'd only been able to read the most recent entries and suspected she was missing crucial details from previous updates. 'Perhaps I'll understand more when I meet this diary's author.' She comforted herself with this thought, even as she grew more restless.
As Bo Saixi resumed her journey, she mused on her upcoming arrival in Spirit City. Though she wasn't at full strength on land, her power as a 99th-level Extreme Douluo was considerable. She doubted Qian Daoliu would oppose her, even if he discovered her intent. After all, he'd once pursued her, though she'd politely refused him, as her heart belonged to Tang Chen. She was confident that as long as she showed no aggression, Qian Daoliu would let her pass.
With these thoughts, Bo Saixi accelerated, disappearing into the distant horizon where the sea and sky met.
---
The next day, Qian Xunji fulfilled his promise. He summoned all the elders and priests to the Pope's Palace, publicly declaring Zhao Ling's new title as "Demon Suppressing Douluo" and his appointment as "Honorary Elder" of the Spirit Hall. He then announced that his disciple Bibi Dong and Zhao Ling would be engaged the following week.
The news stirred a reaction among the gathered elders and priests, who turned curious eyes toward Zhao Ling. Though unfamiliar with him, they knew he was the Titled Douluo who had dueled with the Pope in the Palace a few days prior. Seeing his astonishingly youthful face, they each offered their congratulations.
"Elder Demon Suppressing Douluo, congratulations! I am Qianjun Douluo."
"Demon Suppressing Douluo, I am Guibao Douluo. We'll be comrades from now on. I look forward to your guidance."
"Congratulations, congratulations. I am Snake Spear Douluo…"
Zhao Ling accepted their congratulations with polite smiles and nods, maintaining his usual elegance. By the time the morning ended, he'd finally managed to greet everyone and hurriedly left the Pope's Palace, feeling drained from the elders' and priests' probing looks.
'Time to find Bibi Dong and Ah Yin,' he thought, feeling more at ease with them than anyone else. They were his closest companions, free of any ulterior motives.
Arriving at Bibi Dong's boudoir, he found her and Ah Yin deeply absorbed in a game of chess.
"Cannon eight to nine, horse three to five, rook one to two…" The two women were so engrossed in their game that they didn't notice Zhao Ling entering. Only after Bibi Dong claimed victory, cornering Ah Yin with a small but decisive advantage, did they look up to see him standing beside them.
"You two certainly know how to relax. Meanwhile, your husband has been overwhelmed by those elders and priests," Zhao Ling teased.
Hearing this, Ah Yin's mouth quirked up in a mischievous smile as she looked over at Bibi Dong. "Sister Dong'er, shouldn't we let our husband join us? I'd like to play a few rounds with him."
Zhao Ling's expression froze, and he quickly shook his head. "No, no. I'm not playing any more games. It's just a waste of time, and I don't want to lose my focus." He promptly sat down on the floor, closed his eyes, and feigned meditation.
Both women stifled laughter, watching him.
"Oh please, husband," Bibi Dong chuckled. "If you're afraid of losing to Sister Yin'er, just say so. No need for excuses."
"That's right," Ah Yin added, grinning. "You were the one who taught us all these games, and back then you had so much fun defeating us."
The women's playful jabs made Zhao Ling's lips twitch in irritation. The truth was that over the past few days, he'd been beaten repeatedly by them in chess, mahjong, and even cards. Yet they continued to provoke him, clearly enjoying his dismay.
With a narrowed gaze, Zhao Ling stood up, slowly walked to the door, and locked it with a loud *click*.
Seeing this, the two women's laughter died down as they backed into a corner together, eyeing him warily.
They knew all too well that their husband had little tolerance for losing games, especially when his rivals were the ones closest to him. Now, it seemed he was ready to take revenge.
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(End of this chapter)