After Being Cursed, My Cold Senior Sister Fell in Love with Me - Chapter 4

How could she possibly ask about such a thing? Pei Yanyan steeled herself and continued searching for the book.

She remembered Senior Jiang needing a reference guide, but the one in her hand was clearly a personal notebook.

Accidentally, she flipped to a page with neat formatting and elegant handwriting. In the lower right corner was the signature “Qing”—the owner of the notebook was self-evident.

“A phoenix will not rest unless on a wutong tree, will not eat unless it’s the fruit of the lian tree, and will not drink unless it’s from a sweet spring.”

“Phoenix chicks possess abundant spiritual energy but cannot protect themselves, often attracting demons and ghosts.”

“Fastidious; spends an hour daily preening its feathers.”

“…”

The entire page was filled with notes on the phoenix’s habits, preferences, and dislikes. The ink marks were uneven, suggesting they were recorded at different times.

This was clearly a guide to raising phoenixes.

At the end was a hastily scribbled summary, just two words:

“Difficult to raise.”

The tone was completely different from the rest, more like a complaint.

The mighty Great Demon was being disparaged! Pei Yanyan nearly burst into laughter, but remembering Jiang Rulian’s presence, she quickly clapped her hand over her mouth, desperately stifling her giggles.

She flipped to the next page, where the ink was much clearer and fresher-looking.

“A phoenix is devoted; upon losing its mate, it mourns for three days, then self-immolates and dies without exception.”

“What are you reading?” Jiang Rulian’s voice suddenly came from behind.

Startled, Pei Yanyan blurted out, “I accidentally flipped to Martial Great-Aunt’s notes.”

She instinctively pressed down on the page to prevent the previous content from being seen.

Joking! If Senior Jiang saw that “difficult to raise” remark, he might lose his composure.

Jiang Rulian leaned over and glanced at the notebook. “Senior Sister sometimes copies passages from ancient texts. This one might have been overlooked during the move.”

As she reached for the notebook, Pei Yanyan swiftly and deftly pulled it out of reach before their fingers even touched.

Jiang Rulian narrowed her eyes, her expression turning hostile.

“Ahem.” Pei Yanyan, afraid to meet her gaze, cleared her throat and tried to change the subject. “Um, that… I have a question. Do Phoenixes really commit suicide over lost love?”

“Yes,” Jiang Rulian answered promptly.

Unwavering loyalty was both the greatest competitive advantage and an unalterable instinct for the Phoenix clan during courtship. Who wouldn’t want a partner whose heart and eyes were fixed solely on them?

She lifted her chin, her voice rising triumphantly. “All Phoenixes are like this.”

She seemed quite proud of it.

Pei Yanyan’s lips twitched. “If a Phoenix commits suicide over a dead partner, doesn’t that mean they’re at a disadvantage if their mate dies early? Phoenixes are a long-lived Demon kind—unless something unexpected happens, they can live for ages.”

“After the bond is formed, the Phoenix’s mate will live as long as heaven and earth,” Jiang Rulian answered matter-of-factly, and Pei Yanyan instantly understood.

Demons possess many special abilities that human technology can’t replicate. When used properly, they could truly benefit society!

No wonder the Supernatural Species Protection Division is so enthusiastic about playing matchmaker, tirelessly working to contribute to the continuation of the Great Demons’ races.

“How many bonds can one form?”

The moment she spoke, she realized she hadn’t thought it through. Quickly correcting herself, she asked, “Ah, no, I meant… can the bond be broken after it’s formed? What if the Phoenix’s mate wants a divorce? What if they cheat?”

Jiang Rulian scoffed dismissively. “How could such a thing happen?”

“So you’re saying ‘what if’? But people do change their minds, right?”

“……”

The room suddenly fell into an eerie silence. A sliver of oblique sunlight streamed in, illuminating motes of dust dancing in the air.

Jiang Rulian crossed her arms, half of her face hidden in shadow, her presence radiating an inexplicable pressure that forced Pei Yanyan back a step, until she bumped into the table behind her.

She swallowed hard, realizing she must have said something wrong.

After a long pause, the corner of Jiang Rulian’s mouth twitched into a faint smile. “There are no ‘what ifs,'” she replied softly.

Throughout history, no one who had bonded with a Phoenix had ever left.

With this blunt statement, Pei Yanyan immediately understood: this was not knowledge she was meant to possess.

She carefully closed the notebook, offered it back with both hands, and ventured cautiously, “I accidentally glanced at it earlier. I’m so sorry. Martial Great-Aunt probably wouldn’t be pleased to have such a personal item seen, right?”

Her words carried an unspoken warning: don’t sneak a look.

Whether Jiang Rulian caught this unspoken message or not, she took the notebook and waved her hand dismissively, as if shooing away a fly. “It’s fine. Senior Sister doesn’t hold grudges against juniors. Go find your book.”

“Right.”

Pei Yanyan turned and disappeared into the labyrinth of bookshelves, quickly swallowed by the stacks. From a distance, her small frame was completely obscured.

Jiang Rulian finally picked up the notebook, her fingertips caressing the yellowed rice paper as she hesitantly lifted a corner of the pages several times.

She wanted to look inside. Her intuition told her the contents might be related to her.

If Pei Yanyan can read it, why can’t I? she shouted inwardly, but in reality, she nervously lifted a page, her hands trembling.

“Senior, I found it!”

The sudden voice nearly made Jiang Rulian tear the fragile paper.

She quietly set the notebook down and looked up at the waving hand holding a thick copy of the Atlas of Myriad Poisons and Thousand Vipers.

The cover was more brittle than fallen leaves, its age unclear. It was a wonder Qing Qian still remembered where it was.

Pei Yanyan neatly sidestepped a box in her way and handed the book to Jiang Rulian.

They left the room as the sun sank halfway behind the clouds, nearing dusk.

Just then, Qing Qian emerged from another room, her white hair tinged with a soft golden glow that softened her features. Her complexion was no longer as pale as it had been the previous night.

Jiang Rulian felt satisfied. Her half-hour of nagging had finally convinced Qing Qian to put on her coat.

Qing Qian took the book and flipped through a few pages. “This is it.”

The trio retraced their steps, the wind rustling through the bamboo groves, creating waves of rhythmic whispers.

Qingluo Peak was home to only one type of bamboo, the Skywater Jade Bamboo.

Long ago, it was the Phoenix’s sole source of sustenance. But after spiritual energy began to wane, Jade Bamboo across the land withered and died, leaving only this grove untouched.

Qing Qian held the book in one hand, watching a jade-green leaf flutter past her eyes. Her gaze followed the emerald fragment into the tranquil depths of the bamboo forest. “The Jade Bamboo hasn’t flowered this year, has it?”

Jiang Rulian, who had been walking beside Qing Qian, suddenly slowed her pace, deliberately falling half a step behind.

“No…” Jiang Rulian’s hands, which had been naturally hanging at her sides, clenched into fists. She explained dryly, “The Protection Division has taken over the bamboo grove.”

Qing Qian gave her a blank, sidelong glance.

“The Protection Division?”

Qing Qian had been out of the public eye for some time and hadn’t yet caught up on recent developments.

Pei Yanyan chimed in, “The Supernatural Species Protection Division, part of the Monster Bureau. They’re responsible for researching spirit plants and rare demon species.”

If bamboo flowers, it dies en masse. How could the Protection Division allow that?

Qing Qian remained silent.

Her pale lashes drooped, obscuring the emotions in her eyes, her expression as calm as ever. Jiang Rulian couldn’t discern what she was thinking.

“How did you lose it?”

Jiang Rulian pursed her lips. “Tingyun Mountain wanted to solidify its position as the First Sect. Some sacrifices had to be made.”

A single stalk of Jade Bamboo contained over ten times the spiritual energy of a Spirit Stone. Given the scarcity of Spirit Stones, the value of Jade Bamboo went without saying.

So, the previous Sect Leader had leased the bamboo forest to the Monster Bureau at a low price in exchange for other resources.

Bamboo doesn’t flower or bear fruit unless it blooms. Without bamboo seeds, the Phoenixes would have nothing to eat.

Pei Yanyan hesitated several times, but in the end, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything.

Her Master had told her that the Martial Great-Aunt had planted this bamboo forest. Tingyun Mountain had every right to dispose of it as they saw fit. The resources obtained from the lease were far more beneficial to the entire sect than simply supporting Jiang Rulian alone.

Still, Pei Yanyan suspected that Jiang Rulian’s lack of intervention wasn’t due to indifference, but rather a reluctance to strain relations with Tingyun Mountain.

Besides, Qing Qian was in seclusion at the time. No one had even asked for her opinion.

Jiang Rulian wondered what Qing Qian was thinking.

Senior Sister had certainly lived up to Tingyun Mountain’s expectations, defending the sect’s interests even when injured.

She probably wouldn’t dwell on this, Jiang Rulian thought. So I shouldn’t let it bother me either.

“What do you eat?”

Qing Qian’s cool voice cut through Jiang Rulian’s thoughts, startling her. “What?” she repeated, a little bewildered.

Qing Qian let out a soft sigh, and a glint of light flickered in her usually impassive eyes, lending them a sharp edge.

“What do you usually eat?” she repeated, slowing her words and enunciating clearly.

Jiang Rulian tilted her head in disbelief. Was she imagining things? Why did it feel like Senior Sister was a little upset?

That fleeting doubt vanished completely when she met Qing Qian’s gaze, replaced by a sweetness that flooded her heart.

It was so sweet that it short-circuited her brain, her lips curving into a smile before she could even think about it.

“Just whatever,” she replied cheerfully, her voice light and carefree, shedding all her earlier caution.

The narrow path allowed Jiang Rulian and Qing Qian to walk shoulder to shoulder, their bodies so close no one could fit between them.

Pei Yanyan trailed behind them, feeling her presence fade into insignificance.

She desperately wanted to blurt out, “Senior Jiang only eats the tenderest tips of bamboo shoots, rice grown in spirit spring water, and tea made from the new leaves of Jade Bamboo! She’s so picky it makes everyone furious, and she calls it ‘whatever’!”

But Pei Yanyan dared only grumble inwardly. It was best not to speak up at times like this.

Jiang Rulian spoke with enthusiasm, “Shall I treat you to dinner tonight, Senior Sister?”

As she spoke, she leaned closer to Qing Qian, their clothes brushing against each other. A slight curl of her fingers and she could have touched the delicate skin beneath.

But she held back, simply staying close and watching, waiting for a response.

Qing Qian seemed lost in thought, not pulling away.

Just as her pale red lips parted slightly, Jiang Rulian interjected, “Eating with Senior Sister always improves my appetite.”

After a long pause, Qing Qian, lost in her own thoughts, murmured a soft “Mm,” her gaze unfocused.

She hadn’t refused.

Jiang Rulian’s mental soundtrack automatically kicked in, playing triumphant background music.

“What does Senior Sister want? Seafood or mountain delicacies?”

“Whatever you choose.”

Pei Yanyan timidly raised her hand. “Senior—”

“Let me take Senior Sister to see the river view instead. There’s a new restaurant just opened over there.”

“Mm.”

Still unwilling to give up, Pei Yanyan raised her voice slightly. “But—”

“Senior Sister, your hair.” Jiang Rulian reminded her as she opened the car door.

After all, Qing Qian’s distinctive white hair would undoubtedly draw attention on the street.

Qing Qian pulled the hood over her head, tucking all her white hair beneath it, leaving only soft, fluffy wisps visible.

She looked so obediently sweet.

Watching the car disappear from sight, Pei Yanyan gritted her teeth. Damn it, completely forgotten!

*****

Jiang Rulian deliberately chose a private room with a riverside view.

The city lit up like a rainbow at night, transforming the river surface into a shimmering curtain of light.

Outside the window was a secluded mudflat where few people ventured. The restaurant’s elevated position allowed them to fully enjoy the panoramic night view.

Jiang Rulian rested her chin in her hand, her eyes soft with a gentle smile.

“I don’t like it either. You can have this one too, Senior Sister.” She pushed the cheese cake in front of her toward Qing Qian.

She had noticed that Senior Sister had quickly devoured most of the previous dishes, chatting casually while eating. But with the dessert, her pace slowed; she would only respond after finishing each bite of cake.

Qing Qian hesitated briefly before reaching over with a spoon.

“Whoosh—”

A sudden gust of wind swept through, carrying a chill. If you listened carefully, you could hear the faint wail of a baby’s cry.

Before taking a bite of her cake, Qing Qian tilted her head. “That’s a strange sound.”

Jiang Rulian’s smile froze. She took a deep breath.

She stood up and shut the window tightly, reassuring her, “It’s just the wind. You’re too tense, Senior Sister.”

Splash!

A massive wave of water erupted on the distant river surface, as if something had been tossed into the water.

“Help! Requesting… requesting backup!”

Amidst the faint cries for help, Jiang Rulian calmly drew the curtains shut and explained to Qing Qian, “The light was flickering.”

She thought she’d seen a figure break through the water, its appearance somewhat familiar.

Maybe someone from the Investigation Team is carrying out an arrest.

That wasn’t important. What mattered was the untouched piece of cheesecake in front of Qing Qian.

Qing Qian frowned slightly, her hand frozen mid-air. Jiang Rulian felt her anxiety growing.

Thud!

A burst of demonic energy mixed with spiritual power slammed into the glass.

Jiang Rulian remained unfazed. Judging by the earlier wailing, it was likely just a Gudiao.

If I can’t even handle a low-level demon like this, I’ll pack her up and toss her off the mountain when we get back.

“Demonic energy?” Qing Qian’s expression turned cold.

“Yes, mine,” Jiang Rulian began, putting on a masterful act of lying through her teeth. “I got too excited and lost control.”

Her expression was earnest, her words sincere—she was just shy of writing “believe me” across her face.

Qing Qian had already put down her spoon and drawn back the curtains.

Under the city’s neon lights, Qing Qian saw clearly, and Jiang Rulian saw even more clearly.

The figure frantically fleeing along the riverbank—wasn’t that one of her incompetent subordinates?

Before she could even grab Qing Qian’s hand, the white-clad figure pushed open the window, stepped onto the windowsill, and leaped down.

Crack.

With a sharp snap, Jiang Rulian smiled as she snapped the wooden chopsticks in her hand.

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