Sigh, even the gentle White-feathered Crane has gotten scheming after hanging out with this bunch for so long—their influence is just way too strong.
So, the whole group crowded into this teahouse with three big windows, all craning their necks to watch the action at the end of the alley.
And our kind little White Rabbit rushed to prop up Fire God and Ice God, making sure they could see the scene outside too. As soon as he finished, he darted right back to the window for a better look.
In the distance, they saw Lacey Shen clutching a paper umbrella, stumbling through the pouring rain until she finally stopped right where Xiska Mon was lying.
Outside, the rain was absolutely pouring down. Xiska Mon, sprawled on the ground, seemed totally numb to it all—letting the rain wash over him, not feeling a bit of cold.
And honestly, the credit for this whole setup goes to them—because after Xiska Mon stormed out of the teahouse, fuming, he ran into the seven of them and dragged them off for a wild drinking spree.
And of course, they didn’t try to stop him—when it comes to matters of the heart, their wifey’s business is their business, and wifey’s sister is basically their sister too. So, they hatched a pretty genius plan.
The plan? Get him totally wasted, then dump him out in the rain when he’s out cold. Honestly, even the weather was on their side—of all times for a downpour, it just had to be now! Everything’s going exactly according to script.
But of course, they couldn’t let Xiska Mon get totally knocked out—otherwise the whole act would fall apart.
That’s where Lucian Vane, our resident poison doctor, came in handy. Ever since he studied medicine with the Living Buddha Sage, he’s gotten scary good—leaving Ethan Chu and Butterfly Rogue totally in the dust.
Ethan Chu just blurted out, "My real job is emperor, medicine's just my side hustle." Honestly, that's the best excuse ever for why he can never catch up to Lucian Vane's freakish talent!
Butterfly Rogue grumbled, "My main gig is guarding the Storm Command Token—which is basically protecting my wife. My side hustle? Robbing the rich to help the poor. And for hobbies, I just love disguises, okay? That's it!"
Neither of them can beat Lucian Vane, but they've definitely mastered the art of self-comfort. Who taught them that, anyway?
Whatever! As long as one of the seven knows medicine, the whole house won't collapse into chaos!
Anyway, back to business: Lucian Vane jabbed a few needles into Xiska Mon’s shoulder—just enough to keep him sober and not totally KO’d by the booze.
Honestly, Xiska could've gotten up in the rain if he wanted to. But his heart was so wrecked, he just didn't want to move.
But for the guys? Meh, whatever! As long as Xiska Mon was awake, that's all that mattered.
Right now, Lacey Shen was standing there, clutching her umbrella, staring at Xiska Mon lying in the rain. Her heart twisted so hard she could barely breathe.
Slowly, Lacey Shen walked over, holding the umbrella above Xiska Mon's head, then crouched down beside him.
"Don't bother with me, just go back," Xiska Mon said, eyes closed—probably thought it was Fire God and Ice God again!
Lacey Shen looked at his pale face, and her hot tears slowly fell, landing right on Xiska Mon’s cheeks.
The warmth of her tears made him pause, then he slowly opened his eyes. Seeing her, he was instantly stunned—neither of them spoke a word.
After a moment, Xiska Mon gave a bitter smile. "I must be seeing things, right? There’s no way she’d show up. She hates me, doesn’t she?" With that, he closed his eyes again, looking so pale and miserable that Lacey Shen’s tears just gushed out even harder.
"It’s me, it’s me!" she finally spoke, her voice trembling fiercely.
Hearing this, Xiska Mon’s hand trembled up, and Lacey Shen quickly grabbed it tight, crying even harder.
"Is it really you, Lacey?"
"It’s me, it’s me, it really is me!"
At her words, Xiska Mon struggled to sit up and instantly pulled her into his arms. Her umbrella slipped and fell to the ground.
"Lacey, I love you, I love you! Please don’t reject me, don’t turn me away," Xiska Mon’s voice shook, full of pain.
"You’re so amazing... I can barely walk—do I even deserve you?"
Xiska Mon let her go. "I don’t love you for your looks, or your legs. It’s a feeling. Ivy Shen said it once—when you meet the right person, just one glance and you know. You’d give up everything, just to grow old with her."
Lacey Shen choked out, "Am I good enough for you? I’m so scared I’m not perfect, so scared I’m not enough..."
Xiska Mon paused, finally understanding her worry. Before she could finish, he kissed her—no more words needed, everything was in that kiss.
"Ivy!" Ethan Chu suddenly called out.
"And big sister, wait—is that..."
"My mom?" Caleb Miles groaned. Seriously, could his mom stop joining in on the drama? Speechless!
The six guys turned to Caleb Miles. "Your mom looks ridiculously young!"
"Heh, heh..." Caleb Miles laughed helplessly, already planning to ask when his mom was finally going home!
Bang! Adrian Night casually grabbed some peanuts from the table and tossed them at Fire God and Ice God. Instantly, both toppled over, fast asleep.
"Hey, are you trying to murder them?" Butterfly Rogue yelled. "Knocking them out like that—won’t it break their heads?"