Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 5 5: Luo Qing
Previously on Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!...
"Shall I take a bath?"
Looking down at his frame, he spoke the words softly to himself.
A thin coating of grime had surfaced on his skin, a natural byproduct of expelling impurities during three days of focused cultivation.
While the transformation wasn't as explosive as the initial transition into the Qi Refining Stage, the effects were undeniable—his pores were purged, his complexion possessed an almost supernatural radiance, and a sense of total rejuvenation flowed through his meridians.
This was the result of the Myriad Breathing Technique, a method that filtered for only the most pristine Qi while casting out any foulness instantly.
Feeling the residual power of his session, Bai Zihan brushed off his garments.
The sticky residue on his body caused him significant discomfort, and he had no desire to remain in such a foul state.
Drawing a deep breath, he turned his attention toward the door.
With a voice that was composed yet carried an innate authority, he called out, "Luo Qing, come in!"
Following a brief pause, the sound of hurried steps could be heard approaching.
The door swung open to reveal a small young maid, who entered with her gaze fixed on the floor and her hands trembling slightly.
Luo Qing had been Bai Zihan’s personal attendant since they were children.
In years past, she had been a frequent victim of his erratic temper and harsh personality.
Though he had never resorted to physical violence against her, his biting remarks and freezing apathy were more than enough to cultivate a deep sense of dread within her.
Furthermore, if Bai Zihan was willing to mistreat his own kin when aggravated, what hope did a lowly maid have of escaping his wrath?
She spoke with a stuttering voice.
"Y-Young Master, you called for me?"
Observing her shaking form, Bai Zihan let out a quiet sigh.
It was clear that his previous reputation had left a lasting scar on those in his service.
However, he didn't dwell on it; with his very survival currently at stake, such trivialities were the least of his concerns.
"Prepare a bath for me!"
Bai Zihan commanded.
Luo Qing flinched at the order, but she bowed her head instantly in submission.
"Yes, Young Master! R-Right away!"
She spun around and retreated with such haste that it seemed she was desperate to escape his presence as quickly as possible.
Bai Zihan shook his head at the sight but didn't give it much thought.
He took a seat, allowing himself a moment of relaxation while the water was being readied.
As she hurried to fulfill the task, Luo Qing couldn't shake the feeling that something was... different.
While the Young Master still spoke with gravity, his tone was devoid of its typical malice or bitterness. It was steady and dominant—but lacked the usual cruelty.
She dismissed the thought while she worked.
(Perhaps I was just imagining things!)
Regardless, she couldn't afford to waste time on such idle speculation.
Delaying the Young Master's bath would only risk provoking his irritation.
Once everything was set, she returned to provide the update, keeping her head respectfully lowered.
"Young Master, your bath is ready."
Bai Zihan passed her effortlessly, making his way toward the bathing chamber.
Before he left the room, however, he paused to study her face with genuine interest.
This was the first time Bai Zihan had actually perceived the features of the woman who had served him for so long—previously, the System Interface had obscured her face from his view.
(She is quite pretty!)
Luo Qing was a graceful young woman in her late teens, possessing a lithe and elegant stature.
Her dark, silken hair was gathered into a modest braid that rested on her shoulder, highlighting the smooth, porcelain quality of her skin.
She had delicate, refined features—misty brown, almond-shaped eyes framed by thick lashes, a dainty nose, and lips with a natural pink tint.
Despite her lowly position as a servant, she exuded a quiet sophistication that was difficult to overlook.
Even the simple, pale-blue uniform she wore could not mask the inherent grace of her posture.
Still, the slight quivering of her body and the way she bit her lip while avoiding eye contact showed that she remained terrified of him.
(If this were Earth, she would definitely qualify to become a top idol!)
Bai Zihan mused.
He was unfamiliar with the beauty standards of this cultivation world and wasn't sure if his maid was an outlier or if such beauty was commonplace here.
Looking at Luo Qing, he speculated that perhaps the influence of cultivation simply made everyone in this world more attractive.
Either way, he would need more time to figure things out.
After all, in his fragmented memories, everyone’s identity had been hidden behind the blur of the System Interface.
Luo Qing remained still for a moment, her fingers clutching her sleeves tightly.
Despite years of service, today felt fundamentally different—particularly the way he had looked at her before departing for his bath.
She couldn't quite articulate it, but... Bai Zihan had changed.
His aura, his movements, and even the brief moment his eyes met hers—there was no mockery, no anger, and most strikingly, he had looked her straight in the face.
(This is the first time the Young Master has looked into my eyes!)
In the past, he always seemed annoyed during her service, usually keeping his gaze fixed on her legs or her body instead of her face.
She knew this wasn't due to lust; a man of his high standing could have any woman he desired.
It was more as if he had a problem recognizing people by their faces and had to rely on other physical traits to identify them.
She had heard whispers among the staff that Bai Zihan suffered from some sort of visual impairment, though it remained an unverified rumor.
But having been by his side for so long, she knew there was truth to it.
While the exact nature of the problem escaped her, she knew he struggled to distinguish faces and often confused people who looked nothing alike.
Perhaps that was why he habitually looked downward to identify people by other markers.
This was also the reason Luo Qing always wore the same style of dress—to ensure the Young Master could recognize her easily.
Yet today, that pattern had been broken.
The Young Master had looked directly at her, and for a fleeting second, he seemed almost captivated.
She quickly shook the thought away, assuming it was just her imagination playing tricks.
"There's no way someone like me, a mere servant, could possibly catch the Young Master's interest."