Chapter 32: The Noblewoman Guest

The day began no differently than the previous two. After training, Shen Xing was once again called to Ouyang Lin’s home to have his progress checked.

During the drive, they exchanged a few brief words, and Shen Xing felt that Ouyang Lin’s attitude toward him had improved significantly. While it wasn't exactly what one would call affection, the previous prejudice she held had largely faded. For someone like Shen Xing, who would likely be working under her for a long time to come, this was truly welcome news. Consequently, a flicker of guilt emerged in his heart regarding the incident where he had ruined her engagement. He began to consider whether he should find an opportunity to confess once their relationship had further softened. Otherwise, keeping such a significant secret might eventually turn into a bomb that would shatter the trust they had worked so hard to build.

As the car continued along the road, Ouyang Lin suddenly asked, "What is your outlook on the future?"

"The future? What are you referring to?" Shen Xing was taken aback.

"The situation, survival, ideals—things of that nature."

Shen Xing raised an eyebrow. "Are you asking seriously, or is this just casual conversation?"

"Do I look like the type who enjoys idle chatter with you?"

"...To be honest, I haven't thought about it too deeply. Because... I haven't truly encountered 'those things' yet. As I stand now, I am, of course, full of confidence in humanity's survival. As for myself, I’ll just focus on surviving first. I’ll think about other things once I’ve managed to live a little longer."

Shen Xing spoke in fits and starts. He wasn't lying; because he was still young, he had spent most of his time either at school or at home, and therefore had never dealt with monsters or demonic creatures. Before this, his only goal had been to uncover the truth behind his father’s death. It was only after his system activated that he began shifting his focus toward the path of martial arts. However, the subsequent series of overwhelming events had completely disrupted his original plans. Later, the daily training was so grueling that he lacked the energy to dwell on such abstract matters. Thus, even now, he lacked a clear roadmap. As he had just said, the priority was to survive, and then to survive for as long as possible.

He had expected such a spineless answer to draw Ouyang Lin’s mockery. To his surprise, she nodded in agreement. "That’s quite good. You will soon realize that surviving will be the most important and eternal task for the rest of your life. Many newcomers don't even have the level of awareness you do at this stage; they are all self-righteous, and as a result, they quickly suffer for it."

Shen Xing caught the underlying meaning in her words and asked in surprise, "It sounds like you aren't very optimistic about the future of the war?"

Ouyang Lin sneered. "Optimistic? Those things are endless. How could one be optimistic? How long we can hold out is merely a matter of luck."

This was news Shen Xing had never heard before. The viewpoints he had been exposed to were always that the situation was excellent, that more powerful humans were emerging, and that new portals were being easily brought under control by hunting squads—all these hopeful messages. Yet, what Ouyang Lin described seemed to be the exact opposite. However, when Shen Xing tried to press for more, Ouyang Lin refused to say anything further.

Shortly after, the car pulled to a stop, and the two stepped out. Shen Xing, being observant, helped Ouyang Lin carry her miscellaneous items, while also keenly noticing that there was another car parked there besides hers. Shen Xing wasn't particularly interested in cars and couldn't identify the brand at a glance, but he could tell without a doubt that it was a luxury vehicle.

"Do you have a guest today?" Shen Xing asked, pointing at the car.

"Yes."

"In that case, let's call it a day. I'll head back."

"No need." Ouyang Lin said simply, already stepping forward to unlock the door.

Shen Xing shrugged; since she had said so, it made no difference to him. Upon entering, he saw a woman sitting on the sofa, flipping through a fashion magazine.

"Sister Chen, you're here." Ouyang Lin greeted her proactively and hurried over to give her a hug. The woman stood up and embraced her in return.

Shen Xing caught a glimpse of the woman’s face and realized she was an elegant, mature lady who still retained her charm. She looked to be in her thirties, though her actual age might have been slightly older. She was dressed in what was clearly high-end couture, with a slender figure and a noble aura that made one feel it would be blasphemous to harbor any impure thoughts.

*With an aura like that, combined with Ouyang Lin’s current attitude... could this woman be the daughter or wife of some high-ranking official?* Shen Xing couldn't help but wonder.

As the two embraced, the lady glanced toward Shen Xing. Coincidentally, Shen Xing was observing her, and their gazes met. Shen Xing offered a smile, then looked away to set down Ouyang Lin’s things.

"Shen Xing, Sister Chen will be staying for dinner. I remember you saying you were quite good at cooking; I’ll give you a chance to show off this time."

After the two women exchanged pleasantries, they continued to whisper to each other on the sofa, holding hands. Shen Xing felt completely forgotten, so he pulled a copy of *Monster Compendium: Vol. 12* from the bookshelf to pass the time. Ten minutes later, he was surprised to hear he was expected to cook. He felt a bit lost—she hadn't mentioned this earlier. Was she serious? He cast an inquiring look at Ouyang Lin, who gave a slight nod.

Shen Xing understood. Without further ado, he stood up and asked, "What would you two like to have? If the fridge doesn't have it, I can go out and buy it."

"Sister Chen? What would you like?"

The lady smiled gently and said, "Xiao Shen, no need for the trouble. Just make whatever is in the fridge. It’s getting late, and I shouldn't eat too much."

Shen Xing raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that she knew his name. It seemed Ouyang Lin had already introduced him. He found it a bit strange but didn't dwell on it. He went to the fridge, picked out some ingredients, and headed straight to the kitchen.

Half an hour later, four dishes and a soup were placed on the table. "Dinner is served," Shen Xing announced.

The two women rose and sat at the table. The lady looked carefully at the dishes, an appreciative expression on her face. "Xiao Shen, your skills are quite impressive. This looks no different from what you'd find in a high-end restaurant."

Shen Xing smiled modestly and didn't respond. Ouyang Lin, sitting opposite the lady, said, "Sister Chen has complimented you, so sit down and join us."

Shen Xing quickly declined. "Thank you, but that would be an intrusion. I’ll just go back and eat at the canteen later."

"Sit down." Ouyang Lin ordered.

Shen Xing dared not argue further and obediently took a seat beside her. The three began to eat. After tasting the food, even Ouyang Lin offered a rare word of praise. The lady was also quite gracious, sampling every dish, and eventually suggested they have some red wine. Ouyang Lin naturally couldn't refuse, and Shen Xing was sent to the wine cabinet to retrieve a bottle.

After a few sips, a faint flush crept onto the lady’s face, making her look as radiant and delicate as a peach blossom. However, Shen Xing had no heart to admire the view. He felt that today’s events were laced with something strange. Ouyang Lin had clearly known the guest was coming when they walked through the door, yet she hadn't said a single word about it to him.

*What kind of game is she playing?*

As Shen Xing pondered this, his body suddenly stiffened.

From his lower leg... came the sensation of an unusual, lingering caress.