A thunderous sneeze burst from her, shaking her entire frame

The force rocked through her body, snapping her forward as she groaned in frustration, rubbing her nose with slow, irritated strokes.

'Alright, who's trying to boss my cells around today?' For that split second, she felt as though the ceiling above were a silent judge, waiting for a cosmic retort.

She narrowed her eyes at the ceiling, half-expecting the heavens to crack open with some divine response. Superstitions were just whispers of old beliefs, but still — her gut twisted with the certainty that somewhere, someone was talking about her. And not kindly.

Meanwhile, across the room, Four Eyes — still fastening the last button of his fresh shit — paused mid-action. His gaze flickered toward Ling Li, initially out of habit, but then —

Something shifted.

Something strange.

Her sneezing thought. That spark of irritation. That flicker of superstition laced in her silent grumbling —

He heard it.

Or, more accurately, felt it.

A small frown tugged at his lips. He glanced down at his hands, flexing his fingers as if testing them, then let his eyes drift back to Ling Li.

Fate intervened when Ling Li stepped closer, her damp fingertips brushing against his arm as she reached for her hairbrush. In that fleeting touch, the vague hum of the moment sharpened into startling clarity: Her thoughts sharpened into clarity, no longer a vague murmur but a crystal-clear stream flowing into his mind.

That moment sealed his realization.

Four Eyes stilled, his mind racing.

'So that's how it works.'

Four Eyes mused silently, a wry smile tugging at his lips — a mixture of astonishment and humor as dry as it was unexpected. This secret ability, hidden beneath the ordinary guise of a morning routine, promised endless surprises. He could only hear Ling Li's mind when he touched her.

'Fascinating.'

Ling Li noticed the sudden shift in his expression — the way the corners of his mouth lifted just enough to be suspicious. Her brows furrowed, her grip tightening around the hairbrush.

"What are you smirking about?" she demanded, her tone laced with both amusement and mild reproach.

Four Eyes decided it was best to keep this newfound secret under wraps. Four Eyes only hummed, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall, studying Ling Li's with dark amusement.

'No way in hell am I telling you just yet.' he thought, crossing his arms in a gesture that was part guarded coolness, part mischievous delight.

Ling Li blinked.

And that's when he realized it.

She had absolutely no idea.

Not a single clue that he could hear her every unspoken thought.

Suddenly, he moved — swift, deliberate.

He pulled her into his arms with a confidence that stole the breath from her lungs, his arms caging her, warmth radiating from his body like an unrelenting fire.

Ling Li's heart slammed against her ribs, her pulse stuttering wildly as she attempted to wriggle out of his embrace.

'What the hell! If I don't run now, I'll be eaten by this wolf again! Dang, how strong is he?! He should still be bedridden, and yet here he is, up and already swallowing me whole!'

Her indignation flared, a frustration so deep that she mentally kicked herself for losing sleep over worrying about him.

She scowled.

Then — snorting, cheeks burning — she twisted with rabbit-like desperation, slipping free from his grip in a flash, retreating like prey, narrowly escaping a predator's jaws.

Four Eyes let her go, but his amusement was palpable, thick enough to taste.

His smirk deepened.

Meanwhile, Ling Li remained blissfully unaware that her inner monologue had just been broadcast with every accidental touch — a twist of fate that turned an ordinary moment into one brimming with humor, intrigue, and a dash of intimacy.

'I wonder if it only works with her? I'll try it with someone else later to check.'

—————

The scent of freshly cooked food wafted through the hall, mingling with the earthy sweat of warriors fresh from their training. Pharsa stood at the head of the group, her presence commanding yet calm, as her team gradually settled into their seats, still shaking off the remnants of exertion.

Then, footsteps echoed down the hall—steady, purposeful.

Four Eyes and Ling Li descended the staircase, their movements fluid yet unhurried. Four Eyes carried an undeniable air of quiet authority, his sharp gaze flickering over the gathering warriors as if assessing them instinctively. At the same time, Ling Li walked beside him, the subtle grace in her every step making her presence just as potent.

The moment they entered, the atmosphere shifted.

The warriors, still riding the adrenaline high from their morning training, turned their attention toward the couple. Some greeted them with respectful nods; others simply acknowledged their presence with faint smiles, their exhaustion evident yet their discipline unwavering.

Then came the sudden pattern of small, hurried footsteps.

"Papa… up!"

Kim Kim's voice rang out, high and eager, slicing through the chatter as she sprinted toward Four Eyes, her small arms stretching toward him like a child reaching for the sky.

Four Eyes barely had time to react—his body moved instinctively. Without hesitation, he bent down and lifted his daughter into his arms, her warmth pressing against his chest, her soft weight settling comfortably as if it were the most natural thing in the world. A tender smile flickered across his lips.

Ling Li followed closely behind, her laughter soft yet knowing as she scooped Chin Chin into her embrace. The twins had been joining the morning training sessions, albeit not for combat. Ling Li had allowed it, knowing their young minds were attuned to sensing the energy shifts, the invisible yet powerful presence of warriors honing their strength.

Even if their bodies were still small, their spirits were absorbing everything.

Kim Kim, nestled comfortably in her father's arms, peered curiously at the group, her bright eyes scanning each face. She shifted slightly, gripping the fabric of Four Eyes' shirt as her gaze locked onto Pharsa.

'These warriors are so strong… I wonder if Papa is stronger than all of them?'

Four Eyes had expected this thought and wasn't surprised in the slightest — he could hear her mind as if it were his own. Four Eyes smirked at the thought, though he said nothing, merely keeping his daughter in place as he approached the dining table.

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