"I Heard You Got Lost in the Back Garden?"

At the dining table, Liang Di’s gaze stayed locked on Liang Lin’s face.

Damn. How did she know?

Liang Lin shot Belica a sharp glare. Belica ducked her head, trembling, too afraid to meet her eyes.

“There are dangerous things in the back garden… Be more careful next time,” Liang Di said, withdrawing her gaze as if offering gentle advice.

Auston and Miranda still hadn’t returned—they remained in the palace, scheming something unpleasant with the queen.

“I’ll be out tomorrow morning. Won’t be back until evening at the earliest. Take good care of yourself,” Liang Di murmured, dabbing her lips with a handkerchief. She waved lightly; the maid grasped the wheelchair handles.

“I’m heading to rest. You should get some sleep early too.”

Liang Lin’s fork stilled mid-air. A flicker of joy warmed her chest. *Take good care of yourself*—was that concern? Did it mean Liang Di was finally lowering her guard?

Perfect!

Strike while the iron’s hot.

Liang Lin peered into the pitch-black window, listening to rain pattering the ground. Suddenly, she recalled those romance novels she’d been reading. Rumor said: on stormy nights, acting vulnerable—clutching a pillow, slipping into someone’s room—could deepen bonds.

Come on, thunder! Let her launch her midnight raid on Liang Di’s room.

She tilted her head, swinging her slender legs.

Late at night.

A thunderclap jolted Liang Lin awake.

She wasn’t scared of storms—in fact, she felt a thrill. But no. Priority: act vulnerable, strengthen their connection.

Time to move.

Clutching a pillow, barefoot in her pale pink silk nightgown, she padded down the carpeted hallway.

Here.

*Push.* Locked, as expected.

She puffed her cheeks like a hamster hiding snacks.

*Knock, knock, knock~*

Rain drummed harder. Thunder rumbled. The scene felt straight out of a horror story—any second, an ogre might lurch into the hall. (If one did? Liang Lin would be thrilled. No fight today = restless.)

No answer. She knocked again. Still nothing. Head drooping, she turned to leave.

“Ugh. How can a girl sleep through *this*? Rain, thunder… seriously?” she grumbled under her breath.

*Click~*

The door opened.

Huh? No “Who is it?” Zero caution?

Liang Lin looked down. Liang Di sat in her wheelchair, face unreadable.

Oh. Right!

Liang Lin smacked her forehead. *Duh.* Liang Di couldn’t walk. Opening the door meant struggling into the chair first. That silence? Just her fumbling.

“You came—"

Before Liang Di finished—

*Act terrified. Win sympathy.* Noble girls had soft spots. Pitiful = mercy.

"Waaah~"

Liang Lin forced a sob, arms flung wide. Pillow dropped. She lunged into Liang Di’s lap, wrapping her arms around her neck, wailing dramatically—zero tears.

"Waaah~ Hear that thunder? So loud! I’m so scared… Are *you* scared too, Liang Di?"

Liang Di: "?"

Confused.

Wait—this is sudden.

"Liang Lin, you—"

No cutesy "older sister" this time. Bewildered, she placed a hand on Liang Lin’s shoulder. "You okay? What’s wrong?"

Sniffling (face bone-dry), Liang Lin whimpered, "I’ve… always feared thunder. My heart races… Before, I’d just shiver alone under covers. But tonight… I thought of *you*. Did I… disturb you?"

*Tsk tsk.* She’s mastered the "green tea" act.

Hiss. A villainess crying over thunder? Absurdly captivating.

…Actually, kinda fun.

This kid’s entertaining.

"So… what do you want?" Liang Di asked.

*Ugh, dense!* Liang Lin seethed inwardly. *I’m a tearful, beautiful lady—invite me in! Share the bed!*

*Right. Tearful eyes.*

She touched her cheek. Dry. Panic.

Thank goodness for the tiny water vial hidden in her sleeve.

Clung like a sloth to Liang Di’s neck, head resting on her shoulder—perfect cover.

*Drip. Dab.* Tuck vial away. Pull back. Gaze up with glistening, pitiful eyes.

"Liang Di… Can I sleep in your room? I’m really scared… You know… I lost my mom when I was little…"

Liang Di: "…"

*(…I did too.)*

She almost laughed—but held it, seeing the "tears."

"Alright, alright. Sleep with me tonight," Liang Di said gently, easing her back. "One condition: no squirming under the covers. You can hold my arm… but don’t get too close."

Hiss. Tricky. Sharing a blanket? Risky… Liang Di frowned.

"Mm-hmm, okay~"

Liang Lin’s lips curled into a triumphant, satisfied smile.