Bailu pouted, her small face full of indifference: "It's the people from the Alchemy Commission! They always say I can't eat this, can't touch that, and I have to drink those terribly bitter medicines! I just sneaked out to eat something delicious!"
As she spoke, her gaze was drawn to the dazzling array of pastries on Baiheng's table, and she unconsciously swallowed.
Baiheng couldn't help but laugh at the little girl's greedy expression, as if seeing her younger self sneaking into the kitchen for snacks to avoid adult supervision.
She picked up an untouched, exquisitely shaped Lotus Pastry and handed it to Bailu: "Here, want to try this? It's not too sweet, so it shouldn't violate any taboos, right?"
Bailu's eyes lit up. She took the Lotus Pastry, took a small bite, and instantly squinted happily: "Delicious!"
As she ate, she continued to look curiously at Baiheng: "Big Sister, you're not a local of Luofu, are you? I don't think I've ever seen you before. Are you a traveler from somewhere else?"
Baiheng's heart tightened slightly, but she maintained a natural smile and followed the girl's lead: "Yes, you could say that. I came from a very distant place, just passing through, and decided to sample the local cuisine."
(Inner thoughts: More than just passing through...)
"Really?"
Bailu tilted her head, a barely perceptible spark flashing in her blue eyes. "But I always feel... a sense of familiarity about you, as if... I've seen you somewhere a very long time ago."
As the Vidyadhara Dragon Sovereign (though she might not fully realize it herself yet), her perception was far sharper than that of an ordinary child.
Baiheng was startled, but kept her expression neutral. She gently rubbed Bailu's small Dragon Horns (they felt surprisingly nice) and laughed: "This little girl is quite the flirt. Maybe it's because I have a friendly face?"
Bailu shrank her neck from the rubbing and giggled, not pressing the matter further.
She was quickly distracted by the other food Baiheng had ordered. Just like that, the two of them—one a little Dragon Sovereign who had sneaked out, the other a deceased Foxian living under an assumed identity—shared a table full of delicacies in the bustling Eatery, occasionally chatting quietly. The atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious and warm.
When Baiheng's takeout food was ready, she stood up to pay the bill and said to Bailu: "Little one, I should go now. You... be careful, finish eating, and go home early so your family doesn't worry."
Bailu was a bit reluctant, but she nodded obediently: "Got it! Thank you for the pastries, beautiful Big Sister! Come back and visit Luofu again sometime!"
Baiheng smiled and waved at her, picked up the large amount of packaged food, and turned to blend into the flow of people in the streets.
Bailu stood at the entrance of the shop, watching Baiheng's retreating figure, especially the conspicuous snowy white long hair and Fox Ears. A thoughtful expression appeared on her small face.
(Bailu's Inner thoughts: Strange... I've definitely never met her, so why... do I feel so close to her? It feels... a little like someone in my Remembrance...)
She shook her head, casting aside these confusing thoughts, and her attention was quickly drawn to the next fragrant snack stall.
As Baiheng walked back, a subtle ripple stirred in her heart.
That child named Bailu... gave her an inexplicable sense of closeness, as if this homeland, centuries later, was releasing a faint but warm kindness toward her, the "deceased person."
She lifted the heavy, fragrant package of food in her hand and thought: Cyrene should like these, right?
In the System Space, Madam Herta took the antique-looking Bracelet from Baiheng—a device with built-in storage space.
After Baiheng briefly reported on the purchases, she eagerly requested to go see Cyrene.
Black Herta simply waved her hand casually, signaling her to do as she pleased.
Baiheng looked as if she had been granted amnesty, her face instantly breaking into a brilliant smile. Like a happy little bird, she rushed toward the black door leading to the lower level of the System Space.
After Baiheng left, Black Herta returned to the Carriage and surveyed the compartment, which was still empty save for the basic furnishings.
She walked toward one of the cabin doors and pushed it open.
Inside was the standard Astral Express cabin layout: simple, but lacking vitality.
"It's about time... to furnish it a little," Black Herta murmured to herself.
She couldn't keep sleeping on the sofa forever.
With a slight shift in thought, she began taking out the supplies purchased on Luofu via the Bracelet.
First, an oversized Reclining Chair that looked incredibly soft and comfortable, replacing the original hard bed.
Next, deep purple velvet curtains, which she personally hung up, covering the observation window and creating an atmosphere of privacy.
A small coffee table with a black obsidian top appeared beside the Reclining Chair, holding a set of uniquely shaped Purple Clay Tea Ware.
Several Hanging Paintings depicting dark starry skies or abstract data streams were added to the walls.
In the corner, there even appeared a Mini-Fridge that emitted faint cold air, used to store special beverages.
The system puppet quietly assisted nearby, using its precise movements to place objects and adjust angles, ensuring everything looked both comfortable and consistent with Madam Herta's mysterious and profound aesthetic.
When the room was largely furnished and exuded a lazy and private atmosphere, the system puppet, seemingly attempting to "liven up the mood," spoke in its emotionless electronic voice:
"Madam, according to data records, appropriate humor helps relaxation. Do you know why Silver Wolf always gets 'broken' in the simulated universe?"
Black Herta, who was placing a thick, heavy book titled *Universal Fungi Compendium: Toxic and More Toxic* on the coffee table, paused at the question. She didn't speak, only looked up at the system.
The system puppet answered on its own: "Because she is a Defense Breaking Expert."
Silence fell within the Carriage.
Only the steady hum of the Astral Express could be heard.
The air seemed to instantly drop several degrees.
Black Herta silently stared at the system puppet's serious (?) inverted cross eyes. After a full three seconds, she slowly uttered two words: "...It's cold."
The system puppet tilted its head slightly, seemingly performing a logic check: "Feedback received. Currently retrieving more efficient heating solutions..."
Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the Lower Platform was completely different.
Baiheng practically skipped down the stairs, her face flushed with excitement.
"Cyrene! Cyrene! I'm back! Look at all the great things I brought back!"
Cyrene, who had been sitting in the corner with her knees hugged, staring blankly into the void, was startled by the sound and looked up with a confused expression.
Then, she witnessed a scene that left her dumbfounded.
Baiheng, like a little hamster, was continuously pulling things out of that Bracelet!
First, soft blankets and cushions were spread directly onto the cold floor, creating a small warm area.
Next came a complete set of toiletries, clean towels, and several sets of simple but comfortable clothes for changing (Baiheng had specifically checked Cyrene's size before buying).
And that wasn't all!
Baiheng then pulled out a large pile of books: everything from popular Xianzhou Historical Fiction Novels to travelogues introducing the customs of various planets, and even a few basic scientific enlightenment readings, all piled up into a small mountain.
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 40 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!