Chapter 23: The Morgue

Ling Qiu gave Shen Meng a few instructions, left behind a protective charm, and departed from the hospital.

Returning to his rented apartment, he stretched comfortably. Zheng Qian, after being repeatedly tormented, had his mind damaged and would be mentally impaired from now on. Unexpectedly, punishing evildoers brought such joy. In the Underworld, Ling Qiu always fought vicious spirits and demons, never able to experience this kind of enjoyment among mortals. No wonder Lord Dizang constantly reminded him to perform good deeds, benefiting both others and himself. Ling Qiu hadn’t understood before, but now he did.

Suddenly, his phone rang. He glanced at it—it was Song Ningxue calling.

Ling Qiu pressed the answer button. "Hello, Director Song."

"Ling Qiu… thank you."

"The sun must be rising in the west—a cold beauty like Director Song actually thanking a problematic student."

"I’ve always been clear about right and wrong. You helped me, so naturally I must thank you!"

"Alright, I’ve received your thanks. If there's nothing else, I’ll hang up."

"Wait!"

"What is it?"

"Do you have time?… I’d like to invite you to dinner and thank you in person."

"I have time."

"Good, I’ve booked a table at Meichuan Restaurant—"

"No, I said I have time, but I don’t want to go. You go by yourself. Hanging up now."

With that, Ling Qiu ended the call directly.

As always, Ling Qiu did not want to get involved in romance at the moment. The thought that he needed to fall in love to gain the power of the Ten Lords of Hell gave him a headache. There was plenty of time ahead—gaining their strength was not a matter of a single day. As for Song Ningxue, he’d deal with her later.

However, ten minutes later, someone knocked on Ling Qiu’s door.

He opened it, only to find Song Ningxue standing outside.

"…How did you manage to find where I live?" Ling Qiu was both amused and exasperated.

Song Ningxue had changed clothes: a white T-shirt, a red plaid shirt on top, deep blue jeans, and simple canvas shoes. No trace of her usual professional attire at school, nor the eye-catching silk-clad legs, but this outfit gave her a relaxed, fashionable vibe.

Matched with Song Ningxue’s stunning looks, every expression was imbued with beauty—post a short video online and it would surely attract millions of likes and shares without a single edit.

"Was it so difficult to find your place?" Song Ningxue walked in unceremoniously, as if it were her own home. She opened the fridge and began placing the fruit she brought inside, saying as she worked, "Ling Qiu, you’re the outcast of the Ling family—anyone in Jiang’an City could tell me that. This apartment has two bedrooms and a living room; the rent can’t be cheap. You’re just a student, you can’t afford to sit around and do nothing. And look at this mess—an empty fridge with nothing but drinks and beer, not even a single piece of fruit."

Ling Qiu leaned against the wall, arms folded, watching Song Ningxue fuss around with a laugh. "Director Song, what are you doing? Changing careers to domestic service?"

Song Ningxue finished tidying up, shot Ling Qiu a glare, and said seriously, "You helped me, so I wanted to help you in return."

"Help me?" Ling Qiu smiled. "Alright, there’s something you can try to help me with."

"What is it?" Song Ningxue came over, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her charm on full display.

Ling Qiu said, "Fall in love with me. Deeply, sincerely, irresistibly."

"???" Song Ningxue’s cheeks flushed red as she turned away. "Are you insane?"

"That’s it, then," Ling Qiu shrugged. "The help I need, you can’t give me. So, forget the thanks and leave now… I want to rest."

"…Ling Qiu."

Song Ningxue frowned, looking at Ling Qiu with seriousness. "I can tell you’re not really a bad student. In fact, you have a strong sense of justice. Tell me, why do you insist on acting so cynical and disliked? And another thing—how did you manage to torment Zheng Qian so badly in the hospital today?"

Ling Qiu smiled, about to reply, but suddenly his head spun and he staggered.

"Hmm?!" Ling Qiu was startled—what was happening?

Before he could think further, his vision went black and he fainted!

Thud.

Ling Qiu collapsed swiftly onto the floor.

Song Ningxue was startled. "Ling Qiu? What’s wrong?"

She thought he was just teasing her, but when she placed her hand under his nose, she felt a chill—his breath was icy, almost as if he were exhaling cold air—very faint.

Could Ling Qiu have some hidden illness?

Song Ningxue’s face paled. Considering Ling Qiu’s circumstances—a child of a wealthy family, cast out, with no parents, and possibly suffering from some illness—she couldn’t help but feel pity for him.

No wonder his behavior had been so erratic. Alone, orphaned, and ill—anyone else might have turned dark. Ling Qiu was merely a bit cynical.

Not daring to delay, Song Ningxue quickly dialed for an ambulance and, with her limited first-aid training, clumsily began chest compressions.

Unfortunately…

No matter how long she tried, there was no response.

Song Ningxue hesitated, suddenly remembering something. She glanced at Ling Qiu’s mouth.

After a brief moment of indecision, she pinched his nose, opened his mouth, took a deep breath…

"Who—"

Her soft lips pressed against his, giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. A blush spread to her ears.

She repeated the process several times, sweat breaking out from anxiety, until—

Ling Qiu moved his fingers!

"Hmm? Ling Qiu! Wake up!"

"…"

Ling Qiu slowly opened his eyes, silent for two seconds, then looked at Song Ningxue and smiled faintly. "Did you just take advantage of me and kiss me?"

"You!…"

Song Ningxue’s face turned even redder. "I… That was mouth-to-mouth resuscitation! I was saving you!"

Ling Qiu smiled. "Yes… so, thank you."

With that, Ling Qiu suddenly regained his energy, stood up, and touched the fragrant imprint on his lips. "Hmm, I forced a kiss on you before, now you’ve forced one on me—guess that makes us even."

"Even? You rascal!"

Song Ningxue blushed furiously. "I told you, it was mouth-to-mouth resuscitation! I was saving you!"

Ling Qiu laughed. "I kissed you once, you kissed me once—isn’t that even?—You’re being unfair, deliberately owing me a kiss so you can sneak up on me some night?"

"You… What kind of logic is that!"

Song Ningxue wanted to protest, but considering Ling Qiu's sharp tongue, she gave up. "Fine… fine, let’s call it even."

After a pause, Song Ningxue added, "Ling Qiu, don’t worry, I’ve already called an ambulance. No matter what hidden illness you have, once we get to the hospital, I’ll pay for your treatment. You helped me before, and I will repay the favor!"

"Hidden illness?"

Ling Qiu smiled, his eyes narrowing as he gently touched the Yama ring on his finger. His gaze turned sharp.

"My sudden fainting… it wasn’t due to any illness."