Chapter 12 She Does Not Need to Eat

Lin Xihe discovered to her astonishment that she didn’t need to eat at all. Two whole days had passed without her taking a single grain of rice, yet she felt no hunger whatsoever.

In countless memories, aside from settling disputes among the various demon kings of the demon realm, she was mostly entangled with Yu Tingye. The rest of the time was spent in cultivation. As for eating, it seemed she never really ate.

“Miss,” A Jiu called softly.

Lin Xihe set down her cup and looked toward her. “What is it, A Jiu?”

A Jiu’s face was alight with a smile. “Good news, Miss. Lord Tingye has summoned you to dine in the kitchen. You should go quickly.”

“Yu Tingye called for me?” She must have misheard. That night, he was so hostile toward her.

“Absolutely,” A Jiu said with a laugh.

Following A Jiu, Lin Xihe arrived at the night palace’s kitchen, curiosity mingling with suspicion. From afar, she saw Tang Xin’er seated at a dark red round table. Surely, if her guess was correct, the invitation was Tang Xin’er’s doing.

Though Yu Tingye was also present, there was no way he would have invited her.

A Jiu led her forward; Lin Xihe bowed politely to Yu Tingye and Tang Xin’er before A Jiu quietly withdrew.

Yu Tingye clearly had not expected Lin Xihe’s arrival. His gaze shifted to Tang Xin’er, who quickly explained, “Since Brother Tingye can’t bear to part with her and wishes her to stay, then let her dine with us from now on.”

Yu Tingye seemed reluctant to see Lin Xihe. “She doesn’t need to eat.”

Lin Xihe wondered why Yu Tingye had suddenly grown so cold toward her. Hadn’t he already forgiven her? What had gone wrong?

“Brother Tingye, Xin’er wants her to eat with us. Is that alright?” Tang Xin’er tugged at Yu Tingye’s sleeve.

Yu Tingye smiled indulgently. “Whatever Xin’er wishes, Brother Tingye has no objections.”

“I knew Brother Tingye was the best,” Tang Xin’er beamed, then turned her gaze toward Lin Xihe. “Come, sit here.”

Lin Xihe thanked her and deliberately sat beside Yu Tingye.

Tang Xin’er’s expression immediately soured. “Sit here with me.”

Lin Xihe replied, “No need, I’m fine here,” much to Tang Xin’er’s frustration.

Sure enough, Tang Xin’er crossed over, pulling her up. “I’m kindly inviting you to eat, and you...you’re trying to seduce Brother Tingye.”

“Which eye of yours saw me seducing him?”

“You still deny it?”

“Truly, I don’t.”

“Enough with the bickering.” Yu Tingye, exasperated by their quarrel, lost his appetite and stood to leave without eating.

“Brother Tingye,” Tang Xin’er chased after him, gripping his sleeve. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

Yu Tingye stroked her head gently. “Brother Tingye isn’t hungry. You should eat.”

Watching their interaction, Lin Xihe thought to herself that Yu Tingye truly doted on Tang Xin’er.

Tang Xin’er sat back down at the table, crossing her arms as she looked at Lin Xihe. “Old hag, see that? Brother Tingye’s eyes are only for me. If you know what’s good for you, stay away from him.”

—

Just as Yu Tingye reached the council hall, an elder approached him. “Lord Tingye, I am Hua Ren, the chief of the Flower Demon clan. My daughter, Hua Huan, went missing last night and is still nowhere to be found. I beg you, Lord Tingye, please help me locate her.”

“Why come to me for this?” Yu Tingye asked.

“I have only this one daughter; she is my life. Lord Tingye, please help me.”

Yu Tingye shook his head and summoned Luo Xue. “Go and find out where his daughter is now.”

“Yes.”

Hua Ren was deeply grateful. “Thank you so much, Lord Tingye.”

Yu Tingye gave a smile that did not reach his eyes.