Eighty-seven

Ye Yin had an exceedingly long dream.

In the dream, she was neither body nor voice, becoming a gentle breeze wandering through the world. At first, the world was utter darkness, where not even the faintest light could be seen; then came endless azure seas; later, continents rose from the depths, fractured and split to form valleys and basins, plains and grassy knolls, with enormous, crude monsters lurking within, vivid and fierce plants clawing at the air, and all manner of strange and wonderful landscapes—like a meticulously filmed documentary of Earth’s transformation, grand and overwhelming, impossible to take in all at once.

Time, that greatest of artists, refined the world ever more as it passed; the scenery grew more intricate and diverse, with rivers and mountains, seasons turning, and gradually, creatures emerged upon the land that resembled humans. They gathered in tribes, naked and vast, with bodies strong enough that a single one could battle a herd of beasts; their wild cries sent all other creatures fleeing in terror.

The chief among them commanded special respect—besides extraordinary strength, he wielded supernatural powers: summoning wind and rain, commanding thunder and lightning as casually as breathing. His most formidable feat was to call forth the gods themselves.

It was the first time Ye Yin had seen so many gods, their forms shattering imagination and shifting in an instant, leaving her deeply astonished. Yet, once they vanished, she could not recall the impossible shapes she had witnessed.

As ages passed, the tribe’s appearance and lifestyle gradually became akin to ancient peoples, with handsome men and beautiful women among them, adept at love, singing, dancing, expressing their hearts. They wore vivid robes made of cloth and animal skins, hunted, cultivated, gathered, built grand altars and palaces, revered by all around.

Unnoticed, tens of thousands of years slipped by. For reasons unknown, their numbers dwindled until only twelve remained. The survivors gathered on a remote island amid the sea, one by one succumbing to madness, and ultimately all fell into endless sleep within the boundless chaos.

The sunset bled like the dying embers of a fire, the sound of waves battering the shore mournful as a funeral dirge.

Ye Yin watched as the island sank and disappeared, her heart filled with the tragic grandeur of a twilight of the gods. What the sea engulfed was not only the land, but also the brilliance of a vanished civilization, the legends of a mysterious and powerful people. Witnessing their rise and fall, Ye Yin understood that what time conceals far exceeds human imagination—nothing defeats time, nothing endures forever.

Such desolation cannot be conveyed in words.

Just as Ye Yin was lost in sorrow, a massive whirlpool suddenly formed where the island had sunk, its pull so strong that even Ye Yin, lacking a body, was drawn inexorably toward its center.

Terrible... If she were to be buried here now, it would mean true death!

Ye Yin struggled desperately; just as she was about to become the thirteenth soul in that abyss, a clear, crisp call echoed at her ear. The sound pierced her soul, a summons, and she was abruptly jolted back to her body, the vision before her fading, the world shifting…

Ye Yin woke with a start. The pristine ceiling above and the familiar sensation at the back of her head told her she was in her bedroom on Evergreen Street.

It itched.

Ye Yin glanced down and was startled. Her body was healing at a visible speed, tissues regenerating, organs reforming, bones knitting whole, decayed flesh and pus transforming into flawless skin. Even Ye Yin, worldly as she was, gaped in awe, not daring to blink.

Once the healing was complete, Ye Yin tried to sit up.

Her whole body felt indescribably refreshed and invigorated, and the core of her power had ascended to a new realm, utterly unlike before. Was it… a success?

Her heart thudded wildly. She stood and moved to the dressing mirror, bandages sliding from her like swimming fish, leaving her bare.

The reflection showed a body that was perfection—graceful curves, skin like snowy satin, even her face was subtly changed. Ye Yin’s former looks had been beautiful, but lacked a certain vitality and charm, tending toward androgyny. Now her features remained the same, but her eyes were deeper and slightly upturned, her jawline more delicate, her gaze much lighter, and her whole presence transformed. These subtle adjustments made her beauty aggressive, no longer reserved.

Any other woman might rejoice in such transformation, yet Ye Yin felt little, in fact, found it slightly troublesome. She frowned at her reflection for a while, then dressed indifferently and went downstairs.

Ye Hua was preparing broth. Seeing Ye Yin, she dropped her spoon with a clang.

Pi’s reaction was equally peculiar—he was pouring water into a teapot, staring fixedly at Ye Yin, so entranced that water overflowed onto his feet without him noticing.

“Master, is it really you?” Pi probed tentatively.

“Yes, I’m back,” Ye Yin replied with a bright smile.

That day, the house was filled with laughter long missed. Ye Hua cooked a feast herself, chatted three times as much as usual, and kept glancing at her sister, as if afraid it was all an illusion.

“You haven’t told anyone the truth about this, have you?”

“No,” Ye Hua shook her head like a rattle. “Only Brother Xi Yu and Master Yuan know, no one else.”

“Yes, it was hard to keep it hidden.” Pi drank a sip of cold beer with satisfaction. “The Commander was especially tricky—almost got caught several times.”

Ye Yin smiled, “Thanks to you. If it were anyone else, the secret would’ve been out long ago.”

“Forgot to congratulate you, Master, on your great achievement.” Pi stood, raising his glass. “A borrowed flower offered to Buddha—just my humble tribute.”

Ye Yin stood as well, giving Ye Hua an encouraging look. The latter shyly rose and lifted her juice glass.

“Cheers!”

Ye Yin and Pi ended up emptying three cases of beer, neither showing the slightest flush, while Ye Hua became thoroughly drunk. Her cheeks were rosy as she slumped on the sofa, mouth slightly open, right hand gripping Ye Yin’s sleeve, sleeping sweetly.

“Is it possible to get drunk on juice?” Ye Yin wondered aloud.

“She's just too happy. She’s been tense for so long, now that she can relax, this is how she is.” Pi’s eyes brimmed with gentleness. “When you were unconscious, she worried all day, never saying a word lest she trouble me. She’s a good child.”

“She’s my sister—of course she’s good,” Ye Yin said with pride.

“What are your plans now?” Pi, ever perceptive, had long noticed Ye Yin's real intentions beneath her calm exterior. “The government and Third Base are at each other’s throats, the other bases all have their own agendas. Master, you…”

“Just as you suspect.” Ye Yin gently brushed Ye Hua’s hair from her forehead. “After so many years in Third Base, I’ve figured out the lay of the land, gained access to some secrets and important figures. The most crucial matters have been pretty much tested.”

“Oh? What matters?”

“I haven’t escaped the plot yet.” Ye Yin’s eyes were shadowed. “Only today am I certain—though I’ve changed much, events still unfold along the original trajectory. Whether it’s details or key events, even uncovering hidden plots doesn’t matter… No matter how much the points diverge, the final outcome is always similar. The only difference is that more people survive than before.”

Pi, clever by nature, though confused, caught the deeper meaning in Ye Yin’s words. “Do you want to change something, Master?”

“Yes, I vaguely understand now. Small efforts can’t alter destiny’s path.” Ye Yin said, “In other words, it’s time for something big.”

Pi grinned. “That sounds fascinating! I’ll serve you faithfully, risking death without hesitation.”

“You’re just bored, aren’t you?” Ye Yin exposed him mercilessly, a smile curving her lips. “But it doesn’t matter. I need someone who thrives on chaos.”

“Master, what’s the first step? Take out the Base Commander and seize Third Base?” Pi was exhilarated. “It’s difficult, but a challenge is what makes it fun! I like opponents of this level, hahaha!”

Ye Yin raised her glass to her lips with a sigh. “What nonsense. I’m her loyal subordinate—of course I can’t do that.”

Pi was stunned, then broke into an ever-wider grin, his laughter chilling to the bone.

Ye Yin smiled as well.

The sight of master and servant sharing a laugh was so uncanny that anyone stumbling upon it would be terrified out of their wits.

After Ye Yin’s “recovery,” Ye Yu, always busy, made time to invite her for a meal at her private residence.

The feast was lavish, though only the two of them were present, the long table was piled high with every dish. Ye Yu sat at the head, Ye Yin at the foot, with two attendants beside each, their eyes stark black and white, living but more puppet-like than puppets.

The two exchanged distant smiles, the faint clink of cutlery the only sound, the silence otherwise oppressive.

“Are you hiding something from me?” Ye Yu suddenly asked.

Ye Yin placed a slice of roast duck in her mouth, chewing slowly. “No.”

“Liar.” Ye Yu smiled darkly. “You think I haven’t noticed the changes in your body?”

Ye Yin paused, knife and fork in hand. “What changes?”

“Don’t play dumb.” Ye Yu sneered. “I’m not blind.”

In an instant, Ye Yin’s mind spun through countless thoughts. She smiled. “Sorry, forgot to tell you—I’m now an eighth-level psychic.” Soon, Qiao Xinran will reach tenth level, won’t she?

Ye Yu pressed on, “That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what?” Ye Yin retorted, her patience fraying. “Must you go on and on? I know there’s a saying about not biting the hand that feeds you, but this is a bit much.”

“That’s enough.” Ye Yu truly had reached her limit. “Isn’t it just plastic surgery and a breast augmentation? Admit it, it won’t kill you. You can cover your face with makeup, but going from A cup to C—do you think I’m stupid?”

Ye Yin nearly choked. “What… what business is it of yours!”

Ye Yu stood up and walked over, grabbing Ye Yin’s chest and clicking her tongue in admiration. “Feels great—definitely not saline or silicone. Did your sister use her powers to enhance it? If so, can she do mine as well? I’ve been insecure for ages.”

Ye Yin slapped away the wolfish hand, wishing she could smother Ye Yu’s face in sauce. “Forget it. If you get any bigger, you’ll run out of alphabet—do you have to be so greedy?”

Ye Yu immediately caught the slip in Ye Yin’s words. “See, you’re not denying it anymore—caught yourself out, didn’t you?”

“…”

Ye Yu suddenly burst into laughter. Ye Yin stared at her for a while, then helplessly smiled.

“Sorry, I just like teasing you, watching you jump.” Ye Yu sat next to Ye Yin, speaking cheerfully. “I don’t have any friends, you see.”

“If you’re lonely, go make some. Bullying me isn’t a long-term solution.” Ye Yin said, “I won’t be in the unit much longer.”

“What do you mean?” Ye Yu frowned.

“I’m tired, and uneasy.” Ye Yin sighed. “So I want to get married, settle down somewhere and live a peaceful life.”

“What a joke.” Ye Yu dismissed it. “Don’t let a few tranquil years in the base make you forget the real world outside. The peace you see is an illusion—it could shatter at any moment. If you’re alone, it’s fine; but if you have a husband and children, you’ll die with regrets.”

“I haven’t lived peacefully in the base either,” Ye Yin replied honestly. “If I die unmarried, that’s regret enough for me.”

Ye Yu coughed a few times. “Do you have anyone in mind?”

“Yes, someone in the club.” Ye Yin wore a blissful expression. “I haven’t confessed yet, but I’m fully prepared this time—it should work out. Since meeting him, I finally feel like a woman, and that a family is what makes one whole.”

“That’s certainly thorough preparation—your greatest flaw has been remedied.” Ye Yu glanced at Ye Yin’s chest.

Ye Yin covered herself with her hands, glaring fiercely. “If I succeed, you must come to the wedding.”

“No problem. Though I think I’ll hate that man,” Ye Yu replied.

“Why?”

“He ruined the best soldier I had,” Ye Yu’s face was frosty, “and indirectly cost countless lives.”

“I don’t want to hear that.” Ye Yin was displeased. “Why put all the blame on me? Was I born to sacrifice for others? Don’t I have the right to rest or escape?”

“You don’t.” Ye Yu’s gaze pierced through her. “You’ve never really believed that responsibility can be shirked, have you?”

Wasn’t this precisely how Ye Yu had always controlled Ye Yin?

“If you invited me here just to spoil my mood, I’ve had enough.” Ye Yin wiped her mouth, ready to leave, but Ye Yu suddenly asked, “Can you tell me his name? No other reason, I just want to know your taste in men.”

Ye Yin hesitated. Ye Yu smiled self-mockingly. “If you don’t want to say, don’t. Clearly we’re not close enough for those intimate conversations between friends.”

Ye Yin struggled inwardly for a moment, then gave the name of a new member from the club.

“Is that so?” Ye Yu seemed much lighter. “I wish you happiness.”

“Thank you.”

“Aren’t you going to stay for dessert? There will be cherry pudding.”

“…Alright.”

After Ye Yin left, Ye Yu’s face immediately darkened. She kicked the table over, shattering dishes and plates with a crash.

Li Lei cautiously emerged to ask, “Anything you need, Boss?”

“Investigate that man,” Ye Yu said quietly. “I want to see what sort of god can steal away my Minister of the Fifth Division.”

“If his background checks out, should I…” Li Lei made a gesture of killing.

“No need.” Ye Yu’s face returned to calm. “If this is done badly, it’ll be used to sow discord. Just find out his background—see if he’s been sent by another base to get close to her.”

Li Lei couldn’t help but add, “We guarded against everything, but never suspected a handsome man would be the trick… I always thought Minister Ye had no interest in that sort of thing.”

“People change.” Ye Yu’s voice was tinged with loneliness. “So even if you know someone well, it means nothing.”

“If Minister Ye betrays us…”

“There’s no ‘if’.” Ye Yu’s murderous aura filled the room, pressing Li Lei to the point he could barely stand.

“Whoever betrays me, there’s only one outcome.”

Author’s note: ~(≧▽≦)/~ Still writing, striving for another update before I sleep!

Ah Ba is so diligent, shouldn’t you all give me some praise =3=~~