V2: Chapter 46: Who's the Loser? It's Obvious at a Glance

"This, this is my, uh, my friend, called, called... Baozi, and this, this is Veggie."

"Ah, haha," Liang Di pulled Liang Lin behind her, trying to smooth things over, "Sister Liang Lin likes to give people nicknames. This is her friend, called Vanessa, and this is Vanessa's friend, called Josh. This child is adopted by them, very cute, right?"

Liang Lin indicated that she really didn't mean it; she thought using these cuisines as names was quite nice, not only sounding good but also delicious.

Natalie pursed her lips and smiled, "Miss Liang Lin is really humorous, haha~"

That is to say, in her eyes, everything Liang Lin does is cute and excellent. This is probably due to the romantic filter.

"And this is...?"

Octaville noticed the hostility in her adopted daughter's eyes and turned her gaze to Natalie. Natalie possessed an elegant air; her exposed swan-like neck and tall, curvaceous figure were captivating, clearly that of a pampered young lady.

"This is Natalie, the daughter of a prince from the neighboring empire," Liang Di introduced.

No one knows a daughter better than her mother, and Octaville could sense the growing hostility Liang Di felt towards Natalie.

Octaville placed Alice in Hilary's arms, hooked her arm around her daughter's neck, and whispered, "What's going on? Is this your rival? Why are you looking at her like that?"

Liang Di gritted her teeth, suppressing the rapidly spreading bitterness, and nodded slightly.

"Yes."

Oh dear, she's jealous.

Octaville wanted to laugh but didn't dare, her lips pursed, her face flushed.

"It's alright, Liang Di, what are you afraid of?"

Octaville suppressed a laugh and began to reassure Liang Di. 

"Look, you're prettier than her, and you... well, although your status isn't as noble as hers, but! But you're stronger than her! You're a Cthulhu hybrid, and you have the talent of a magician! Aren't you much better than her?"

It was like coaxing a child.

"Besides, you're so good at managing the family business, aren't you? Be confident. You know, personal charm is a crucial factor in keeping someone. You can't force them to stay; you have to attract them with your own charm, make them interested—that's the key."

Liang Di understood the principles. She'd be eighteen in two months; how could she not understand such a simple thing? But even though she knew it all, she was still uneasy, worried that her beloved older sister would be taken away by someone else.

“Okay, I’m here, Mom will always support you~ I’ll definitely help you… Ouch! Ouch~ No, don’t pinch my ear!”

Octaville let out a series of groans as someone grabbed her ear and pulled her aside.

It was Hilary. She grabbed her lover’s ear and whispered, “Next time you’re plotting, could you be a little quieter? And, have you forgotten something?”

“Wh-what?”

“I’m standing right next to you, you idiot!” Hilary slapped Octaville on the head. “You were discussing how to flirt with my sister, right in front of her older sister? What were you thinking? Why not say it secretly instead of so openly?”

“Uh, baby, you’re right, then next time…” Octaville suddenly realized, smiled sheepishly, and scratched the back of her head.

“You want a next time?!” Another slap landed on Octaville’s forehead.

"I don't know how this simpleton became the Tower Master, it's unbelievable."

"No, no, no, there will definitely not be a next time."

They whispered amongst themselves. Natalie couldn't hear them, but she could tell the atmosphere was strange.

Before coming, she hadn't expected so many people. She had inquired and learned that Liang Lin and Liang Di's biological mother was dead, their father, Auston, was bedridden, and their stepmother and stepchildren didn't get along with them, so they would never come to the market with them.

But unexpectedly, so many people had come, all surrounding Liang Lin and Liang Di.

She had a feeling that Liang Di particularly disliked her. Natalie narrowed her eyes, looking at Liang Di, who also looked at Natalie with a sharp gaze. Now, Natalie was even more certain that Liang Di disliked her, even hated her.

This wouldn't do. If I'm disliked by Liang Di, my future progress with Liang Lin won't be smooth. 

Natalie wanted to ingratiate herself with Liang Di. She was completely unaware of Liang Di's feelings for Liang Lin, assuming it was simply a good sisterly relationship, sisterly affection, and the younger sister's fear of her older sister leaving—nothing more.

That's true. No normal person would imagine that Liang Di would like Liang Lin; it's slightly…abnormal.

"The celebration is about to begin, shall we…go inside?"

To ease the awkwardness, Natalie spoke up, interrupting the whispers of the people opposite.

"Uh, okay, let's go."

It was Liang Lin who answered her.

Liang Lin also noticed the strange atmosphere around her. Although she didn't know what was going on, she felt awkward, especially with those three guys seemingly plotting something, deliberately avoiding her attention. Luckily, Natalie interrupted them, otherwise Liang Lin was afraid she wouldn't be able to control her curiosity and would pounce on them to find out.

The celebration began.

This was a celebration in the noble district, very grand and lively, attended almost entirely by merchants and nobles.

As drums and horns sounded, the nobles, dressed in their finest attire, walked gracefully into the celebration area. A faint fragrance of flowers and spices filled the air, adding to the solemnity of the entire celebration.

Tall, colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, interspersed with vibrant flowers and exquisite sculptures, creating beautiful scenes. The nobles' mansions were also brightly decorated, their resplendent gold ornaments showcasing their noble status.

The houses in the noble district were often situated in scenic locations, surrounded by lush gardens, forming a tranquil and dignified domain. The mansions were typically built of solid stone, meticulously carved and polished, showcasing an elegant and solemn silhouette. Tall gate towers stood, adorned with exquisite patterns and ornate reliefs, highlighting the owner's noble status.

Along the streets, vendors displayed a variety of goods, attracting the attention of numerous merchants and nobles.

Knights, clad in armor and wielding lances, displayed their bravery and loyalty. The court orchestra's performance further heightened the festivities. Beautiful melodies echoed in the air, captivating all who beheld them.

At first, Liang Lin was excited, but after watching and strolling around for a while, she grew increasingly bored. Suddenly, she realized she had never witnessed a festival in the commoners' district before, and a surge of curiosity arose; she wanted to see how it differed from the noble district's celebrations.

"Do you think we should go see the commoners' district?" Liang Lin asked.

Natalie's eyes widened, looking as if she thought the other woman had gone mad. "Miss Liang Lin, you...?"

She thought the other woman was joking.

"Ah, right!" Liang Lin slapped her forehead. "We're dressed too conspicuously. Going there, we'll definitely be spotted and become the center of attention. No way!"

But, where there's a will, there's a way.

"How about we change our clothes?"

Liang Di glanced at Natalie and immediately agreed. She had noticed the reluctance on Natalie's face. If she agreed with Liang Lin now and accompanied Liang Lin to the commoners' festival, she might be able to shake off this clingy Natalie.

"Okay~ Sister Liang Lin, I'll go with you~" Liang Di smiled and moved closer to Liang Lin.

Natalie, without further hesitation, immediately chimed in.

“I… I’ll go with you,” her smile was forced, her voice weak. “I’ve never been to a commoners’ festival before, going to see it… wouldn’t be bad.”

Damn it, I said something I didn’t mean!

But for Miss Liang Lin, it was all worth it!

Liang Lin removed her elaborate jewelry and stuffed it into her bag, but what about the dress? This dress, it was obviously made of high-grade materials.

There weren’t any simple clothes for sale at the festival.

Could it be… finding a secluded spot, drawing a teleportation magic circle, going back to get a few simple outfits, wearing them, and then teleporting back? If it were just the four of them, it would be fine, but Natalie was still there.

Suddenly, Liang Lin felt Natalie was a bit of a burden.

“There are black cloaks for sale over there.”

Octaville pointed to a spot not far away, “You can wear them to cover your clothes. Unless you look closely, you shouldn’t be able to tell anything; they should completely cover the clothes underneath.”

It seemed like that was the only way.

Five adults, carried along two children, walked towards the commoners' district.

Upon arriving, a scene drastically different from the aristocratic district unfolded before them.

There were no ornate decorations, no elaborate rituals, only the most genuine joy and anticipation. People, dressed simply, carried homemade food and drinks, gathering at the celebration site amidst laughter and chatter.

Although the decorations at the celebration site were simple, they were filled with warmth and a sense of home. Along the streets, every household hung colorful banners and flowers, adding vibrancy to the celebration. In the center of the square, a simple stage was erected, furnished with homemade musical instruments and props, awaiting the performers.

Soon, a folk band and a group of fifteen- or sixteen-year-old boys and girls, their bright smiles radiant, hands raised, basking in the cheers of the crowd, skipped and hopped to the center of the square. They were the performers on this stage, the most dazzling presence of the celebration.

At this simple celebration, young people, with their most sincere emotions, presented a wonderful performance for the common folk. There were children's joyful dances, young people's songs and recitations, and elders telling stories of the past. Others actively participated, sharing the joy and emotion with the performers.

At the celebration, people sat together, sharing food and drinks prepared by themselves. There was none of the extravagance and pomp of the aristocratic district, but rather a rare intimacy and harmony. Everyone chatted about everyday life, sharing the little things, laughter and cheers rising and falling, filling the entire celebration.

This simple celebration didn't seem like an imperial celebration, but rather a symbol of the unity and harmony of the common people in the district. On this special day, people forgot the hardships and difficulties of life, sharing the joy and warmth brought by the celebration. How hard-won it was!

But, the further in you went, the more dilapidated the houses became. Even the brightly colored ribbons and fluttering flags couldn't conceal the holes in the roofs.

These houses, mostly constructed from simple materials like mud, wood, and stone, have long since lost their former vibrancy due to the ravages of time. The walls are mottled and peeling, revealing the rough wooden structure beneath. The roof tiles are incomplete, some even collapsed, peeking out slivers of sky. Windows are simply covered with wooden planks, some rotten and swaying in the wind.

Some doors are even broken. Natalie, curious, peeked inside and immediately frowned.

Inside, the situation was even more dilapidated. The floor was damp and dark, overgrown with moss and weeds. The furniture was simple and old, some pieces broken down, only a few legs remaining. Piles of junk and garbage accumulated in the corners, emitting a musty smell. Occasionally, rats and cockroaches could be seen scurrying about, adding to the desolation and eeriness.

"Oh my god!"

A mouse scurried to Natalie's feet. Natalie screamed, startled, and instinctively grabbed Liang Lin's hand.

The little mouse was so tiny that Liang Lin hadn't even flinched. But Natalie's sudden scream startled her, making her take a half-step back. Then, she felt something soft on her hand—Natalie's hand was in hers.

"Hiss~"

Liang Di's eyes instantly reddened. She stepped forward, bumping into Natalie.

"Miss Natalie, are you afraid of mice? It's alright." Liang Di's face was pale, a strange smile playing on her lips. She tilted her head and raised her leg high.

Crunch!

The little mouse was crushed into a puddle of mud. Liang Di slowly lifted her shoe; it was covered in bits of flesh, sticky and dripping with blood.

"Ugh..." Natalie, seeing this, clutched her chest and gagged a few times.

Liang Di was still smiling. She put her foot down and rubbed the sole of her shoe hard on the ground. "Alright, Miss Natalie, the mouse is dead. You don't need to be afraid now."

"You..."

Natalie was utterly shocked. She could hardly believe that this elegant and dignified noblewoman could kill a filthy mouse with a single kick. Just looking at the mouse had made her tremble with fear.

Looking at Liang Lin, she also seemed indifferent, only frowning slightly in disgust.

"These shoes of yours… remember to have them cleaned when you get back. And don't go into your room when you get back, they're disgusting."

"Okay, Sister Liang Lin~"

Liang Di's face remained deathly pale because Natalie had just touched Liang Lin's hand, making her extremely uncomfortable, as if someone had touched something she cherished most.

Natalie composed herself and then remembered that she had just grabbed Liang Lin's hand—Liang Lin's hand was soft and small.

Recalling this, she couldn't help but chuckle.

Seeing Natalie laugh, Liang Di's face turned even paler, and she almost choked.

Why were there so many slutty, shameless women around my Sister? They really… deserved to die!  

Just as Liang Di was about to break down, a commoner child bumped into Natalie.

"Ouch!"

Liang Lin reacted quickly, pulling the child back so he wouldn't fall on his bottom. The child chuckled twice, a string of glistening snot hanging from his nose.

"Are you alright?" Liang Lin asked the child.

"Hehe, no, I'm fine," the child said, sniffing hard.

"Oh dear, what a dirty child," Liang Lin thought, pulling a handkerchief from her pocket and handing it to the child. "Wipe your snot, isn't it uncomfortable?"

Natalie frowned, taking a step back to distance herself from the child. She disdainfully patted her skirt, feeling annoyed, but seeing Liang Lin nearby, she didn't say anything. However, Liang Lin noticed her actions and expression.

With just one glance, Liang Lin's impression of Natalie worsened considerably. She recognized that look all too well.

Wasn't that the usual expression of every arrogant nobleman who considered himself superior? The moment they saw a commoner, or a minor nobleman of slightly lower rank, they'd adopt that same expression.

Sure enough, most nobles were the same, regardless of the empire.

Liang Lin chuckled, patted the silly boy's head, and pulled two pieces of candy from her pocket.

"Here's some candy, keep it. Don't accept it from others," Liang Lin warned sternly. "Next time you bump into someone, watch out, they might gouge your eyes out."

With that, she stuffed the candy into the child's hand, then lifted her leg and lightly kicked the boy's bottom with her toe. "Get lost, you silly child."

The child wasn't angry. Clutching the candy, he happily ran off, waving to Liang Lin and calling out, "Thank you, Big Sister!"

Natalie looked at Liang Lin with a puzzled expression.

Liang Lin knew that the girl before her belonged to a completely different world.

"Miss Natalie, why don't you go back?"

Liang Lin spoke, her voice much colder.

Liang Di had already returned to Liang Lin's side. She had tried to touch Liang Lin's wrist, where Natalie had touched, but Liang Lin had pushed her away the moment she touched it.

Ah…

Why did she shake me off, but not Natalie? Because she found me disgusting? 

Liang Di's heart sank to the bottom in an instant, making her feel like the most pathetic creature in the world.

A wave of helplessness washed over Liang Di. She wanted to cry, she desperately wanted to cry, but there were so many people around. She couldn't cry, she absolutely couldn't cry.

Until Liang Lin, in that cold tone, urged Natalie to leave.