The group of women looked at Zhang Nu and the others with foul expressions. But Zhang Nu and the rest had no intention of killing them. As upright men, they simply couldnt bring themselves to strike women. If someone had to act, it would have to be Ling Xibut she stood no chance against them.

What are you still standing around for? Get lost! Or are you really going to wait for us to kill you? Ling Xi said arrogantly, glaring at the group of women. Her attitude practically begged for a beating.

The women were stunned by her words. They hadnt expected Zhang Nu and the others actually to let them go.

Youre really just going to let us off like this? their leader asked in disbelief.

Zhang Nu nodded calmly. We dont have any intention of killing women like you. Now leave, quickly.

The leader nodded but didnt offer a word of thanks. She only felt looked down on, as though Zhang Nus mercy was an insult. If they hadnt thought so little of her, they wouldnt have spared her life.

There was no way shed feel grateful over this. If they crossed paths again, she would show no mercy.

Sisters, lets go.

And with that, the group of women left. But Zhang Nu could never have expected that their entanglement with these women was far from overthey would meet again soon.

Once the group of women had disappeared from sight, Ling Xi finally let out a quiet breath of relief. .

At that moment, Lin Xiao noticed her reaction and sensed something was wrong. He felt there was no need for Ling Xi to be so afraid. To him, she was a lovely girl in her own right, there was absolutely no need to compare herself to that other group. Still, he couldnt shake the feeling that something about Ling Xi had changed. She seemed downcast now, far different from her usual lively self.

Lin Xiao had a sharp intuition, his instincts rarely failed him.

Ling Xi, whats wrong? Why do you look so down? he asked.

Zhang Nu and the others turned toward Ling Xi as well. They, too, noticed something was off. Normally, Ling Xi would be full of energy by now.

Yeah, Ling Xi, whats going on? Zhang Nu asked. Youre usually the happiest one among us.

But Ling Xi couldnt lift her spirits. She wanted to askdid men like them really prefer women like that domineering group from before?

Do you think those older sisters were prettier than me? Compared to them, I just feel like a child.

Zhang Nu hadnt expected this question from Ling Xi, especially not delivered so earnestly. It caught him off guardand honestly, it was kind of funny.

Theres no need to compare yourself to them. Youre not even the same type. Youve got the cute charm, theyre more of the dominant queen type. Two different styles, thats all.

Ling Xi didnt fully understand what Zhang Nu meant by dominant queen, but somehow, she felt that it was the kind of style men would like more. Certainly more than someone like her.

Then would you guys like those kinds of women more than me? she asked softly. Please dont abandon me, okay? I can become cool and elegant too

Zhang Nu was stunned. It was the first time hed seen Ling Xi show such a deep sense of insecurity.

Ling Xi, you dont have to do that, he said. Youre our friend. Youre a part of our team. No matter what happens, well never leave you behind. Have you forgotten the promise I made with the YaoGuais?

Ling Xi gave a tiny nod, still unsure of herself.

Lin Xiao, watching this whole exchange, felt like Zhang Nu was just making things worse by overloading Ling Xis mind.

All right, enough, he said. Dont overthink it. No matter how hard you try, youre never going to be like them. Your brain doesnt have that kind of capacity. Stop overloading it with complicated thoughts.

Ling Xi immediately shot him a glare, completely forgetting her earlier worries.

What do you mean by that, Lin Xiao? Are you looking down on me? Im super smart, okay?!

Seeing her fired up like that, Lin Xiao knew his job was done. Shed already forgotten all those insecure thoughts.

He hadnt meant to mock her, he liked this version of Ling Xi. Someone who didnt hold onto sadness too long, someone who couldnt dwell on heavy thoughts. Sometimes, he even wished he could be like hercarefree and cheerful.

But that could never be. His life had already been set on a path long ago.