Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1522 - 944: Words Unintentionally Spoken_3

Snatching the circular gold token from Baili An’s grasp, Shu Ci’s brows knitted together into three vertical lines, an overwhelming hostility radiating from her.

"Whether I am useful or not, I’m afraid that’s not for you to decide. Who I associate with and what I eat are none of your concern."

"Remember this, your life is currently in my hands."

"If you act sensibly, I can overlook your communication with your mother."

"Don’t think that just because you know some demon-exorcising techniques, I should defer to you and listen to your lectures! You are not permitted to cause trouble in front of me!"

The exchange between them had completely disintegrated.

Baili An’s words were direct, but Shu Ci’s were even more cutting and decidedly unpleasant.

In contrast to Baili An’s earlier fury, his expression gradually turned frigid, his eyes reflecting deep disappointment in Shu Ci’s unyielding attitude.

He slowly averted his gaze, his demeanor returning to a state of calm.

Without any change in his expression, he brushed away the remaining porridge from his hand, adjusted his attire, and silently retreated back to his room.

Perhaps it was that final, cold look, or perhaps it was the fact that the chicken egg soup he had promised to make upon his return had spilled across the table, rendering it inedible.

For reasons unknown, Shu Ci felt a pang in her heart, akin to being kicked, leaving her feeling frustrated and uneasy.

She couldn’t comprehend what she had done to warrant his intense anger.

In her entire existence, this marked her first significant argument with another individual.

Even though she had technically emerged victorious without resorting to physical force, the outcome provided no sense of satisfaction.

Caught in this charged atmosphere, Shu Ci found it unbearable to remain in the same vicinity as him.

Yet, with only a single room available, should she intentionally create distance?

Refusing to yield, Shu Ci remained convinced of her own righteousness and let out a cold scoff.

If he was intent on driving her away, she resolved to retrieve her custom iron pot from the blacksmith that very night.

Regardless of the circumstances, her plan was to first stew and eat a proper meal before engaging in any further discussions.

Harboring such a defiant mindset, Shu Ci timidly picked up a broom and dustpan to clear away the mess on the table.

Standing up straight, her youthful face still set in a cold expression, she strode into the room.

Upon entering, she observed Baili An’s back, turned towards her, facing the earthen wall in a distant, cold manner, as if he were already asleep.

However, Shu Ci was well aware that corpse demons have no need for sleep.

Moreover, the angle and position of his apparent slumber clearly left the majority of the bed space open for her.

The fire beneath the old brick bed burned robustly, and although the spilled chicken egg porridge was absent from the low table, a few soft white buns lay there, covered by a bowl.

For some inexplicable reason, upon witnessing this scene, Shu Ci’s heart softened considerably, much like the buns themselves, and she suddenly lost all inclination to continue harboring resentment.

Moments earlier, she had been resolute, desiring nothing more than the savory meat of Baili An.

Now, she tiptoed to the edge of the bed, warmed herself by the fire, and consumed the two soft buns, dabbing her lips before climbing into bed without even removing her shoes.

Baili An, still simmering with indignation, registered the movement behind him as someone cuddled close.

He abruptly turned his head, his voice sharp, "Are you a child? Getting into bed with your shoes still on, covered in mud! It’s unsanitary!"

Shu Ci started, hastily removing her shoes, and instinctively replied in a soft tone, "Move over, I can’t fit my tails."

As the words escaped her lips, Shu Ci realized that she ought to be arguing and giving him the silent treatment. She questioned why she had spoken so meekly.

Her formidable aura had completely vanished!

Instantly, her face grew cold, bun crumbs clinging to her lips, and she exhaled a heavy sigh.

Before she could utter a word, a warm hand reached behind her, gently gathering and pulling her tails into a snug embrace.

Baili An flicked his fingers, extinguishing the candlelight within the room.

In the ensuing darkness, Shu Ci blinked, the lingering bitterness from the spilled porridge incident now vanished.

This sensation felt peculiar.

As she lost herself in thought, her lips suddenly tingled; a slender finger delicately wiped away the stray bun crumbs.

Then, she heard a resonant turning sound, and the room descended into profound silence.

Gazing at the alluring neck presented before her, Shu Ci let out a burp, rubbed her eyes, and mused that sleeping after an argument would be difficult, yet she swiftly succumbed to slumber.

That night, Shu Ci experienced a peculiar dream.

The dreamscape was suffused with vast, misty, and desolate oceans.

At the farthest reaches of this desolate sea stood a palace, blanketed in white snow, utterly deserted, with broken monuments scattered about.

Before the snow-laden palace knelt a man, restrained by chains of cold iron.

Amidst the biting snow, the man appeared slender and tall, clad only in thin garments. Crimson blood slowly seeped through his fragile back, nearly engulfing the view with its intensity.

The man’s hair was disheveled, his features obscured.