Chapter 57: Little San
Zhu Zhuqing didn't reply, only watching Luo Ling cautiously, trying to gauge what this man she had just met was planning.
After being stared at for a while, Luo Ling sighed helplessly and gave a wry smile.
"Let's go. I'll get you your own room. I'm not going to do anything to you."
Only then did Zhu Zhuqing relax slightly and follow Luo Ling into the hotel.
"Please prepare a new room for this lady, same duration as mine," Luo Ling said to the receptionist.
The receptionist glanced at Luo Ling, then at Zhu Zhuqing, looking hesitant. "Sir, are you sure you want to book another room?"
"Yes," Luo Ling replied calmly.
"Alright, I'll arrange it right away," the receptionist said, though her expression still carried a trace of curiosity.
Moments later, Luo Ling led Zhu Zhuqing upstairs, the new room conveniently—perhaps deliberately—right beside his own.
He handed her the key, said "Good night," and turned back toward his door without a trace of hesitation.
Watching him leave so briskly, Zhu Zhuqing's expression turned complicated.
For a moment, she doubted her own charm.
How could a man bring a girl like her—a stunning beauty—to a hotel and then simply give her a separate room and walk away?
And she herself—what was she thinking, following a man she barely knew into a hotel without protest?
Tonight felt surreal.
While Zhu Zhuqing sat lost in thought, Luo Ling returned to his room, amusement glinting in his eyes as he recalled the look on her face.
The Soul of Desire's affinity effect truly lived up to its name. Even someone as cold as Zhu Zhuqing couldn't easily resist it.
Pouring himself a glass of wine, Luo Ling sat on the bed.
He did find Zhu Zhuqing appealing, but he was never one to be ruled by lust.
His Martial Soul was the Soul of Desire—meaning his control over desire itself was absolute.
Even if Zhu Zhuqing stripped before him to tempt him, if he didn't wish it, he would remain entirely unmoved.
Besides, he was only thirteen, and Zhu Zhuqing twelve.
He had no intention of behaving like a beast.
Over the following days, they maintained a delicate balance.
They shared meals, spoke casually—but neither mentioned the events of that night again.
…
One night.
Luo Ling sat quietly in his room while several black crows perched at vantage points outside the hotel—on railings, ledges, and the main entrance—keeping watch from every angle.
Tang San had arrived.
"Excuse me, please prepare two rooms for us."
Luo Ling saw him clearly now. Tang San had grown since six years ago, but that face was still as plain as ever—utterly unremarkable compared to his own.
The receptionist, spotting the boy and the accompanying girl, couldn't hide the envy in his eyes. "Sir, are you sure you want two rooms?"
Tang San nodded. "Is that a problem?"
The clerk gave him a knowing smile. "I'm sorry, but there's only one room left."
Everything unfolded exactly as in the original timeline, and Luo Ling watched silently, curious how the little rabbit would react this time.
Tang San froze at first, then felt secretly pleased.
He had courted Xiao Wu for six years, but she had never given in.
Now with only one room left… wasn't this the perfect opportunity?
Just as he was about to pretend to hesitate and turn to Xiao Wu, she spoke first.
"Only one room? Then let's find another hotel."
The receptionist blinked, surprised, glancing between the two, unsure what to say.
Tang San's expression stiffened. "Xiao Wu, it's already late. It'll be hard to find another place now… Why don't we just share it? I'll sleep on the sofa. I promise not to bother you."
But Xiao Wu glared at him immediately, clearly displeased.
"Little San, have you lost your mind? You actually want to share a room with me?"
From his room above, Luo Ling nearly burst out laughing.
The butterfly effect had taken hold—Xiao Wu had changed.
She refused to share a room, and she wasn't even calling him "Brother San" anymore… but Little San.
The psychological influence of the Soul of Desire was far stronger than he had anticipated.
Smiling to himself, Luo Ling sipped his wine, enjoying the show.
Tang San looked awkward and frustrated. He couldn't insist any further—it would make him look desperate. Even as friends, things would become uncomfortable if he persisted.
"Sir, are you sure there are no other rooms available?" he asked the clerk again.
"Ah—my mistake! There are still vacant rooms," the receptionist admitted quickly, dropping the act.
"Then we'll take two rooms," Tang San said with relief.
As they were about to receive the keys, a voice called out behind them.
"I believe that room should've been mine."
Tang San and Xiao Wu turned around to see a young man with two women entering slowly.
The women were about seventeen or eighteen, dressed to draw attention.
The man had golden hair, deep eyes with twin pupils, and strikingly handsome features.
Luo Ling recognized him at once.
"The Evil-Eyed White Tiger, Dai Mubai," he murmured.
Dai Mubai approached the counter and said to the clerk, "You must be new here. Don't you know one room here is always reserved for me?"
The receptionist hesitated. "You are…?"
Dai Mubai's tone turned impatient. "Go get your manager."
…
From his room, Luo Ling watched quietly.
It was like watching a stage play—everything returning to its expected course.
Xiao Wu's temperament had shifted, yet her fiery nature remained the same.
The dispute began just as before, and soon the tension of an impending fight filled the air below.
As Luo Ling prepared to enjoy the show, a knock sounded at his door.
"Luo Ling, are you in there?" came a familiar voice.
He raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, stood up, and opened the door.
Zhu Zhuqing stood there, frowning as she glanced down the hallway. "Something's happening downstairs. Do you know what it is?"
"Looks like some kind of conflict. Want to check it out?" Luo Ling asked, nodding slightly.
Dai Mubai was downstairs. If Zhu Zhuqing discovered that her fiancé had come all this way only to brawl with strangers over a hotel room…
Luo Ling's lips curved into a thin smile.
Unaware of his amusement, Zhu Zhuqing frowned. "Then let's go take a look."
"Alright," Luo Ling said lightly, stepping ahead of her as they descended the stairs.
…
"Let me handle this, Xiao Wu. I'll protect you."
"I don't need your protection!"
"Are you two done talking? Just come at me together!"
At the hotel counter, Dai Mubai's face was full of impatience.
Tang San's expression darkened—Xiao Wu had embarrassed him again.
This was his chance to prove himself.
At Nuoding Academy, she had always refused to spar seriously. Now was his moment to show her his true strength.
(END CHAPTER)
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on February 2, 2026.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Bankai10