Leaning forward, Mu Yue Ran stepped off, plummeting downward. The boisterous evening wind whipped past her ears before she landed firmly on the ground. Her arm holding the sack swung downward to cushion the impact, preventing Yuchuge inside from being jolted by inertia.
Satisfied that Yuchuge showed no signs of discomfort, Mu Yue Ran mentally summoned the System. The security around the villa and venue wasn’t just for show. Escaping Bailin Mountain Estate unnoticed would be no easy feat.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, she’d cheat.
"Hurry up—buff me already!"
[Presence Reduction activated. Others won’t consciously notice you unless you touch them. Duration: 30 minutes. Run.]
This skill came after fully completing Ji Yueyi’s quest. Annoyingly, it could only be used once a week—and for just thirty minutes!
Grudgingly, Mu Yue Ran sprinted off. Systems in other novels were generous—endless cultivation manuals, heavenly treasures. Why was hers so stingy? After all that grinding, this measly skill was all she got.
Complaints aside, it worked. She dashed from Yuchuge’s bedroom toward the front hall. Maids and servants passed by without noticing the thief brazenly weaving around their paths.
Ten minutes in, she still hadn’t cleared the villa grounds. Not because she was slow—this damn estate was massive! Only her sharp memory kept her from getting lost in a real-life maze.
"Does your family need an hour just to bump into each other at home?" she muttered, eyeing the distant banquet hall. The sack over her shoulder offered no reply.
By the time she burst out of the banquet hall, 25 minutes had passed. Only five minutes left on the buff. The House of Yu had already noticed Yuchuge’s disappearance. Guards combed the venue, searching frantically.
At the parking lot, Mu Yue Ran dodged another patrol team, hiding beside a Land Rover. She watched their movements in the side mirror, shifting subtly to stay out of sight.
"Search the parking lot thoroughly!" the security captain barked. Dozens of guards fanned out, sweeping every inch—even under vehicles.
Spotting riot forks and inspection mirrors in their hands, Mu Yue Ran sighed. The exit was sealed. Poor Yuchuge. This wasn’t just family security; they were practically prison guards.
With guards closing in on her hiding spot and only one minute left on Presence Reduction, slipping away silently was impossible. Fine.
Mu Yue Ran rotated her wrists, cracking her knuckles. Her enhanced physique wasn’t for show. Trouble would follow, but getting Yuchuge out next time would be far harder.
Just as she tensed to strike, the Land Rover’s door behind her flew open. Arms snaked around her waist, yanking her inside.
A guard paused where she’d stood, sweeping his flashlight beam into the car. The window slid halfway down, revealing Mu Shuanghua’s profile. She shot him an impatient glare. "The hell are you flashing that in my eyes for? Trying to blind me?"
"Apologies, miss. Have you seen a little girl with white hair?"
His eyes darted around the cabin, scanning every corner. Only a sack lay on the seat beside her—no trace of Yuchuge.
"Haven’t seen any little girls. Just a pervert who enjoys peeping into private spaces."
"Sorry for the disturbance." The guard retreated. He didn’t recognize Mu Shuanghua, but that license plate screamed top-tier VIP. Not someone he could afford to anger.
Once he left, Mu Shuanghua raised the window. She lifted her skirt hem, revealing Mu Yue Ran wedged between her thighs, eyes wide. "We meet again, Miss Ji," she murmured, an unreadable smile playing on her lips. "Fate really loves throwing us together."
*Sis… seriously?*
Mu Yue Ran’s battle high evaporated. She’d nearly elbowed her attacker before recognizing Mu Shuanghua—and instantly deflated.
"System! My trial card’s still active! How did she spot me?"
[I paused it for you. Thirty seconds left. As for Mu Shuanghua… her focus on you exceeds others.]
Silently, Mu Yue Ran wriggled free, even adjusting Mu Shuanghua’s legs back into a proper position. Mu Shuanghua didn’t mind. She’d never cared much about appearances. Instead, she studied Mu Yue Ran’s face up close—the flawless profile, the faint curl of her hair, the sharp bridge of her nose. Even the way she frowned in thought felt hauntingly familiar, like they’d shared decades.
After a long moment, Mu Shuanghua broke the silence. "Aren’t you going to ask me anything?"
Mu Yue Ran shook her head. Her eyes shimmered. "Nothing else matters. I just want to stay like this a little longer."
Mu Yue Ran knew she’d noticed the breathing sack. But Mu Shuanghua had always been like this—fiery, obsessive, relentless once she set her mind on something.
*That’s exactly why you’re such a headache…*
"Still… thank you."
Silence thickened again. Mu Yue Ran stared out the window, praying the guards would finish soon.
Mu Shuanghua pulled out her phone. She tapped Mu Yue Ran’s shoulder. When Mu Yue Ran turned, she met Mu Shuanghua’s expectant gaze.
"Could I… get your contact?"
