Chapter 86: Qiao Zhen Is an Adorable Compliment Monster!

Qin Yichi was participating in a national motorcycle open competition, a contest with much higher stakes than any he had entered before, and the true starting point of his career. He appeared to possess both the confidence and the strength required.

Yet as the date of the competition drew near, Qiao Zhen found herself sleeping worse and worse at night. She was haunted by terrifying nightmares in which she plummeted into an endless abyss, or suffered needles of silver stabbing into her heart, leaving her drenched in sweat and shaken to the core. Night after night, for three or four days, she failed to get a good night’s rest.

Whenever she woke, her eyes were red and her pillow soaked, but the dreams themselves evaporated from her mind. It was as if some ghost clung to her, draining her spirit throughout the day. Her roommates tried to comfort her, saying she was simply too anxious, worrying herself sick.

Still, Qiao Zhen couldn’t shake her sense of unease, so she invited her friends to go hiking with her. At Chengxuan Temple on Mount Baiwu, it was said prayers for love and safety were especially effective—you could only make a wish for two people at a time, and the more sincere your heart, the more likely your prayer would be answered.

The four of them set out from the foot of the mountain, climbing upward with reverent hearts, step by step. Sheng Lulu happened to have her period, clutching a long wooden stick as she climbed, wincing at every step. “I swear, it looked like such a small mountain from afar, but why does it suddenly feel so tall once you start climbing?!”

Legend had it Mount Baiwu had one thousand three hundred and fourteen steps—a number with a ring of romance to it, though none of them could say for sure if it was true.

Yun Yue panted as she climbed, “We’ve only made it a third of the way up… I haven’t exercised in ages. I’m exhausted; let’s rest in a bit.”

Qiao Zhen clenched her fist, encouraging them softly, “Come on, everyone! Once we reach the top, we’ll go eat hotpot together!”

The mountain paths were rugged, and as the girls made their way deeper into the woods, birdsong and the murmuring of streams surrounded them, lifting their spirits.

But then, out of nowhere—a deafening crash! Everyone stopped in their tracks, their faces suddenly drained of color, as if someone had pressed the pause button.

Chen Meixiang glanced fearfully at the sky. “No way, heavens, don’t tell me it’s what I think…”

Before her words were finished, rain poured down in torrents, hammering furiously against the leaves. Thunder rolled and lightning cracked as black clouds swallowed the sky, the entire mountain shrouded in a curtain of rain, veiling everything in gray.

Expressions fell apart on every face. Sheng Lulu looked as if she’d been completely defeated. “What the hell! The forecast said it would be sunny!”

They had chosen this day precisely because the weather was supposed to be perfect—sunshine and, according to the calendar, an auspicious day. Who could have expected this chaos?

Chen Meixiang, fuming, jabbed an accusatory finger at the sky, cursing under her breath, “What the hell is this, why are you dumping rain on us? Are you mad at me or something? You—*%*#^&*!!”

Yun Yue whimpered, “If I’d known, I would’ve checked my fortune before going out.”

Luckily, all of them had brought umbrellas—intended for shade, but now, unexpectedly, just what they needed.

Around them, several men without umbrellas cursed as they hurried down the mountain in the rain. Most people chose to turn back.

Sheng Lulu’s stomach ached from her period, Yun Yue was always frail, and Chen Meixiang was hopping mad. They didn’t seem eager to continue, but because of her, they all gritted their teeth and pressed on without a word.

Qiao Zhen stood still, head slightly bowed, troubled at heart. Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the handle of her umbrella. After a long internal struggle, she pressed her lips together and spoke softly, “The rain’s too heavy. Why don’t you head back? You don’t have to stay with me—thank you.”

Yun Yue looked up, worried. “Are you really going to keep going? We can come back another day, tomorrow or the day after.”

The downpour was only growing heavier; the mountain path was slick and treacherous. Even the air felt oppressive, stoking their impatience and unease.

Qiao Zhen shook her head, obstinate. “I… I have to reach the top.”

Her nightmares of the past nights hovered at the edge of memory—she could not recall their contents, but somehow she sensed they were tied to Qin Yichi. A foreboding pressed upon her, a voice deep within urging her, again and again, to do something.

That was why she had come to Mount Baiwu—to pray for a talisman of safety for him.

His competition was tomorrow; today was her only chance.

Qiao Zhen’s mood was heavy and somber, as overcast as the sky. Why, of all days, did it have to rain today?

Her friends hesitated, then, before leaving, reminded her to be careful and not to push herself.

Qiao Zhen answered with a gentle hum, nodding, and continued alone, umbrella in hand.

The rain was like a barrage of arrows pelting the earth, scattering blossoms of water at her feet. Even with her umbrella, her cuffs, shoes, and shoulders were soaked.

One thousand three hundred and fourteen steps.

As Qiao Zhen climbed, she thought of Qin Yichi—of his battered childhood self, his world-weary and aloof teenage years, his dazzling brilliance on the racetrack, his tenderness when they went skiing…

Every side of him had taken root in her heart.

Lost in thought, she didn’t know how much time had passed, but when she finally reached the summit, the downpour had eased.

Ordinarily, climbing to her dormitory’s sixth floor left her half dead with exhaustion, yet this mountain ascent didn’t seem so hard—nor so torturous. Step by step, she had made it.

All around, the wishing trees were draped in red ribbons, wooden plaques, and little bells, their clear chimes ringing through the rain.

Catching her breath, Qiao Zhen, full of sincerity and devotion, prayed in every hall of the temple. At last, she obtained two safety talismans: one for herself, and one for Qin Yichi.

May he be safe and at peace all his life.

The torrential rain washed over Chengxuan Temple, making it appear all the more sacred. Clutching the talisman tightly, Qiao Zhen finally felt her anxiety subside. The fear and unease of the past days seemed to melt away…

That evening, it was dry in the capital. There were two soft knocks at Qin Yichi’s door. When he opened it, he found a soggy little white rabbit standing on his doorstep.

Qiao Zhen held out the safety talisman to him, her beautiful eyes curving as she smiled sweetly. “This is for you.”

It was as if she were offering him a carrot she had grown herself, with great effort.

Qin Yichi paused, unsure what he felt. It was as if a volcano erupted in his chest, hot magma pouring forth.

“Thank you.” He took the talisman, the corners of his lips curling up unconsciously. He fixed his gaze on her, his voice low and resonant. “You have to come to the competition tomorrow.”

Her eyes, still damp, were pure and clear, his reflection shining in their depths. “Then you have to promise me… you’ll come back safe and sound.”

She lowered her head, cheeks tinged pink, and added shyly, “No matter what place you get, I’ll always think you’re the best, truly.”

As she finished, Qin Yichi’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes deep and dark.

Those same two words—“the best.”

When he hit the bull’s-eye with his bow at the scenic park, she had said it—“the best.” After they finished skiing, she praised him again—“the best.” Even when he grilled her a skewer, she’d smile and say he was amazing.

Qiao Zhen must be the cutest “praise monster” in the world.

Qin Yichi finally couldn’t help himself and ruffled her hair again. “Alright, I promise you—I’ll come back safe.”

Her eyes sparkled as she held out her little finger. “Pinky swear!”

Just like when they were children.

“Pinky swear,” he replied, not finding it childish at all. He wrapped his little finger around hers, soothing her in a gentle voice.

Qiao Zhen, satisfied and sweet at heart, lifted her chin. “Anyone who breaks their promise is a little puppy~”

As their thumbs pressed together, it felt as if, in that moment, they had sealed an invisible pact between them…