ABFMV Chapter 19

Xu Linlang’s fingers brushed over the purple gemstone, and only then did she realize she had underestimated everything.

How could someone like Qiye—the great villain—ever walk willingly into a trap?

She didn’t know what exactly he had done, but the fact that the test showed no trace of Zerg genes was clearly the outcome he wanted.

So… was that why he doubled back to save her? Because he planned to use her?

Xu Linlang didn’t want to think about it further—but the very person in question came knocking at her door.

When she opened it, the boy stood outside, holding a pink bento box in both hands. His index finger tapped lightly against the clear lid.

She glanced behind him. “Where’s Snowball?”

After a moment’s silence, Qiye said, “I’ll bring him tomorrow.”

Her face fell with disappointment. “If you didn’t bring the cat, then why are you here?”

He lifted the bento box. “To return this.”

But even after handing it back, he didn’t leave. He just stood there, unmoving.

Xu Linlang shot him a questioning look.

Softly, he asked, “Aren’t you curious? About who I really am?”

Since he’d already brought it up, she figured she might as well hear him out. She stepped aside to give him space to enter.

The door had barely clicked shut when she heard him say, “I do have Zerg genes. The test just didn’t catch it.”

Startled, she fumbled the bento, and it crashed to the floor.

Of course, she already knew—but he wasn’t supposed to say it! She’d wanted to keep pretending ignorance.

Stiffly, she turned. “Why tell me this?”

Qiye lowered his head slightly. The glow of the streetlamp outside framed his striking features with a sharp, almost unreal beauty.

“I don’t want to lie to you.”

At that, one phrase burst into her mind: a face that brings disaster.

She never imagined he’d share such a huge secret just because he didn’t want to deceive her.

Closing the door, Xu Linlang touched the necklace at her throat, hesitating.

Then, slowly, she unclasped it.

He was bound to learn sooner or later. Better that he heard it from her sincerely now than twisted later by someone else.

Anyone who found out a bomb had been planted inside them would surely feel hatred.

She told herself she wasn’t bewitched by him—she just didn’t want enmity to grow between Qiye and the Xu family.

After convincing herself, she lifted his hand, pried his fingers open, and placed the necklace in his palm.

Before he could speak, she cut in: “They planted an explosive device inside you. Of course, it wasn’t meant to harm you—it was just in case of emergencies. This necklace controls it. If it’s destroyed, you’ll die. I’m giving it to you, and I hope you won’t hold it against my mother.”

Qiye froze. His pupils trembled as he stared at the necklace. Heat crept up his ears, spreading in a flush to the corners of his eyes.

He didn’t even know what he was feeling—sour and sweet at once, his chest swelling until his very blood seemed to race faster.

The Empire’s leash on him had just been given away so easily—not out of ignorance, but out of unconditional trust.

Pressing his lips together, he forced his face to stay composed. Lifting the chain, he carefully fastened the necklace back around her neck.

Xu Linlang turned, catching his hand to stop him.

“Didn’t you hear me? I can’t keep this for you. If something happens, it’ll cost you your life.”

His breath warmed her ear. “It’s fine.”

Her lungs seized; her heartbeat lurched wildly.

After a long pause, she whispered, almost to herself, “How could it be fine…”

Qiye stood behind her, gaze falling on the purple gem resting against her chest.

Under the lamplight, it sparkled like a fallen star.

He murmured, entranced, “Because it’s you—so it’s fine.”

That only made her bristle. She had no wish to live in constant fear, guarding this trinket with her very life. “You’ve got me all wrong. I’m careless, always losing things. If I keep this necklace, your risk factor will skyrocket.”

But when she turned, she found herself face-to-face with his raised brows—his lips barely two fingers’ width from hers.

Suppressing a smile, he calmly secured the clasp.

“This device won’t kill me. I still owe you. I won’t die so easily.”

Xu Linlang thought, I’m doomed.

She must’ve been seduced by his beauty—why else would she feel the sudden urge to kiss him?

In the game, Qiye had always been distant, his smiles cold, twisted.

But here, in front of her, the real Qiye was gentle in a way she’d never imagined, making it hard to keep her guard up.

Stealing a sideways glance, she took in the dark strands of his hair, the sweep of long lashes, the sharp bridge of his nose.

He was flawless from head to toe—so beautiful it was impossible to look away.

Her heartbeat picked up without her realizing. A strange heat rose in her chest, and she forced herself to look aside.

Yet he stepped in front of her again. “Why would Madam give you something this important to keep?”

Xu Linlang: “!”

That really was a good question.

After thinking it over, she figured it was better to bring up the engagement now—maybe even get him on board with resisting the outdated idea of child betrothals.

“Did your father ever tell you he arranged a marriage for you before you were even born?”

Qiye was silent for a long time.

“Actually… that engagement was with me. That’s why my mother gave me the necklace.”

His lashes quivered as he lifted his eyes to hers. “I think… I heard something about that.”

Unsure of his stance, Xu Linlang launched into persuasion: “We’re both young people of a new era. These feudal ideas shouldn’t exist anymore. That engagement was never our choice. We’re not dolls for our parents to control, and marriage isn’t something to be decided lightly.”

His throat bobbed. “So… you don’t want to marry me?”

Her heart gave a heavy thud. Something felt off. She rushed to explain, but he pressed his lips together and said quietly, “I know my identity doesn’t match yours. I’ll ask Madam to dissolve the engagement myself.”

“It’s not about status or worthiness. Marriage should be built on love. That engagement would just force two people together.” Xu Linlang grew flustered, desperate to clear the misunderstanding.

His expression didn’t change. “Do you already like someone else?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Then don’t rush to break it off. Wait until you do. If you tell Madam now, she’ll only focus harder on arranging your marriage.” His voice was calm, his gaze lowered.

Thinking it through, she realized he was right.

If she told Rong Ruyue now that she didn’t want to marry Qiye, her mother would simply start lining up other candidates.

Keeping this hollow engagement might actually spare her some needless matchmaking.