Chapter 41: Taking Advantage of Me?

Just as she was speaking, a sound echoed through the silent living room, startling her.

Realizing it was merely the notification chime from her optical computer, she couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

Who could it be? Sending her a message at this hour—it scared the life out of her, boo-hoo...

Pouting with grievance, she opened the device, only to freeze mid-action upon seeing the message.

Ace?

The message consisted of only two words: [Open the door.]

What was that supposed to mean?

Lu Meng glanced sharply at the front door. Was he really standing outside? How did he even know where she lived?

She hurried to her feet and crept toward the door like a thief. Peering through the peephole, she suddenly found herself locking eyes with a crimson eye and let out a startled shriek.

Ace’s voice came from the other side of the door. "Stop looking and open up."

Still shaken, Lu Meng retreated two steps, her guard up. "Do you need something?"

Could this be about yesterday? She hadn't told a soul! Why was he haunting her like a ghost?

Using his psychic senses to perceive her state, Ace couldn't help but scoff—the little Guide was quite guarded.

"Why would I come to find you if I didn't need anything? Stop stalling and open the door!"

Lu Meng curled her lip, thoroughly dissatisfied with his bossy tone. Who did he think he was? Why should she open the door just because he demanded it?

She wouldn't do it!

"If you don't open it, I’ll have no choice but to break in. You know my contamination levels are high. If I use my psychic power, I lose control. If I end up hurting you..."

"If I open the door, you’ll hurt me even more! I'm not doing it!"

Lu Meng wasn't stupid. Letting him in would be the truly dangerous move.

Ace raised an eyebrow. Since she insisted, he had no choice. "Look under your dining table."

Lu Meng warily glanced back. What could possibly be there? The man was a master of intimidation! He was definitely just lying to get her to open the door.

As she thought this, she suddenly found herself staring into the eyes of an old "acquaintance"—a snake.

"AAAAAHHHHH!!!"

A piercing scream erupted, and Ace pressed a hand to his ear outside the door.

He had told her to open the door. She had refused, so this was on her.

He counted his fingers nonchalantly: three, two...

Lu Meng threw the door open with the speed of a lifetime. Seeing Ace standing there, she clung to him as if he were a lifeline, leaping into his arms.

"Save me, boo-hoo... there's a snake..."

Ace felt the trembling girl in his arms and paused for a moment before gently wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I'm here."

He comforted her as he walked into the apartment and shut the door behind them.

Beneath the table, the small snake flicked its tongue in a display of feigned innocence. At a single glance from Ace, it slithered over and vanished into his psychic realm.

Before it disappeared, it cast one last lingering look at Lu Meng.

"There, it's gone. I chased it away."

"Really?"

The girl’s voice was soft and laced with tears, sounding pitifully fragile.

Ace’s brow twitched. He was silent for a moment before saying, "Really. See for yourself."

Lu Meng cautiously lifted her head and scanned the room. Seeing that the snake had indeed vanished, she let out a breath of relief, though she was still shaken.

Seeing her looking so disheveled and frightened, Ace couldn't resist teasing her.

"Aren't you going to get down? Are you trying to take advantage of me, little Guide?"

Lu Meng froze, and when she met his playful gaze, her face flushed hot. She quickly scrambled off him.

"Who wants to take advantage of you? This was just an accident!"

"Oh, an accident..." Ace drawled, extending the final syllable. "But that's the second time you've 'accidentally' hugged me."

Lu Meng was struck speechless, retorting stubbornly, "Who knows why I keep running into you!"

Something occurred to her, and she scrutinized him closely. "But your eyes and that snake's eyes..."

Before she could finish, Ace suddenly exclaimed, "Something smells delicious! Did you cook this?"

Lu Meng blinked, momentarily distracted, and looked toward the dining table. "Yes..."