Chapter 320

One hundred and twenty-ninth page Buying Perfume (Part One)

On the surface, I reached into my coat pocket.

In reality, my hand delved into the notebook, searching for the vial containing the soul adhesive.

To maintain my current self, I need to draw at least one more drop…

“No, you can’t use this on your own.”

The vial that had just been taken out was taken by Zǐ Jiàng.

The weakness from soul separation left me powerless to stop her, and I nearly fell backward as my legs gave way.

“Be careful.”

Zǐ Jiàng supported me from behind and helped me sit down slowly.

“Why? In your eyes, I’m not really Xiǎo Kǎi, right?” Even though I knew I shouldn’t, I felt somewhat sad.

“I know who you are, you are also Xiǎo Kǎi, but Xiǎo Kǎi is only part of you.”

Zǐ Jiàng placed the vial beside her and then held my hand, whispering softly, “You are the person Xiǎo Kǎi and Cherry Sauce were meant to become. If there wasn’t the separation in childhood, they would be like you now, right?”

My consciousness gradually faded away. I closed my eyes, feeling her warm fingertips brush against my face.

Is this tender warmth for me?

Or is it only for half of me?

As my consciousness lingered, Zǐ Jiàng’s voice echoed in my ears.

“‘Qiǎnxià Jie’ said that this can only be used one drop at a time. I stopped you so they could come back first… But I don’t dislike you. I promise you’ll have another chance to come back. Don’t you understand yourself yet?”

That’s true.

If it were ‘me’…

—

Wow, how mushy! What was I thinking just now?!

I wanted to roll on the ground, but that would attract Tony Yáng’s attention, so I gave up.

Returning from the fusion state to the separated state didn’t result in the expected fainting scene. The change in mindset wasn’t just a simple personality switch but a transformation in form, transitioning from fusion mode to Cháng Kǎi mode, similar to how the Z Gundam transforms.

Moreover, the mode switching was very smooth, with no buffer like a faint. I simply changed back directly. Whether in fusion mode or single mode, I am still me, understanding all his feelings and thoughts. Even if there are slight differences in thinking, even if he is a bit arrogant, our essence is the same.

I looked up at Zǐ Jiě, who was still holding me on the ground.

“Zǐ, thank you for stopping her just now… No, it should be stopping me.”

Zǐ Jiě wasn’t surprised by my return.

She only asked, “It seems you knew what she did.”

“She is also me, our memories are shared. I have no secrets from her, so she has none from me either.”

—”You were right. After fusion, the personality will definitely use the adhesive to maintain itself.”—

It’s natural to be afraid when one’s existence is about to disappear. I understand her feelings.

—”But through this complete fusion, I understand a lot more.”—

Cherry Sauce regained consciousness. The other me, who was just fused, now needs to communicate through thoughts.

—”She is much stronger than we two fragments. Your abnormal speed of divine power recovery, my knowledge of divine techniques and the upper limit of divine power make her abilities far greater than any previous Divine Apprentice. The time limit of soul fusion might be her only weakness.”—

Actually, this isn’t really a weakness.

If she is determined to use that bottle of soul adhesive, even if it’s just the two of us, Zǐ Jiě couldn’t stop her.

—”Not stopping her doesn’t matter. After all, her existence is our ideal form. Without worrying about side effects, this soul adhesive would be our optimal solution.”—

Complete fusion, full unification, becoming a true whole.

After fusion, I am still me, so it’s fine… I tried to convince myself, but I was still scared.

—”Did you feel any side effects?”—

None.

Despite the strange experience, there was no discomfort after separation.

—”It seems that half an hour of fusion is within the safe range.”—

With Sister Fēiyuè looking curiously, Zǐ Jiě helped me stand up. Actually, my body wasn’t that weak, but it was hard to refuse her kindness and those worried eyes.

Sister Fēiyuè asked, “Are you okay, Sister Língmèng?”

“I’m fine, just a bit hypoglycemic because I skipped breakfast.”

This mummified little girl tightened the bandage on her forehead and teased, “You look like an otherworldly fairy today. Is it because you didn’t eat? Ouch!”

Anyway, I gave her a good whack on that head.

After punishing the mischievous younger sister, I looked back at Zǐ Jiě.

“When Sister A confirms it, we’ll return to the research institute… Oh wait (slapping my forehead), I still need to buy perfume for Yòu Zi.”

Even though she reminded me several times, I almost forgot.

I don’t want Yòu Zi to feel neglected, although its small size always makes people overlook it.

“Buying for a small animal? Then go ahead now. I’ll stay here with AJ.”

“Really? Can I?”

I was indeed quite pressed for time, and Zǐ Jiě’s arrangement was perfect.

“After all, you won’t accomplish anything here. Miss Grizelda will be talking with AJ for a long time, probably having lunch together. I can help her cover up some rough lies. Go do your own things.”

I glanced at the time; it was almost eleven, close to lunchtime.

“I’ll go to the research institute after buying the perfume. When you’re done here, have Cherry Sauce pick you up.”

“Mm, go ahead.”

—

I greeted Tony Yáng and left the fashion shop.

Buying perfume doesn’t take much time, but Yòu Zi doesn’t want the cheap stuff from the supermarket cosmetics section. That means going to the cosmetic counter upstairs. These places share a common trait: none of the products are priced, and the staff quote prices based on the customer. As a straight-talking, socially awkward person with a frugal nature, I detest shopping without clear pricing. Every word from the salesperson feels like a trap.

Regarding cosmetic brands, Cherry Sauce hasn’t done much research, so she can only sigh,

—”If AJ were here, she’d be great at picking these out.”—

Indeed, if she didn’t know these things, her time as a model would be wasted.

Ascending to the seventh floor, the store’s luxury level gradually increased, and I began to worry about my wallet.

“It won’t exceed ten thousand, right?”

With a determination to go all-in, I stepped into a cosmetics store, entering a space filled with various scents.

As expected, a salesperson approached with a commercial smile I disliked.

“Miss, what can I help you with?”

I didn’t really want to talk to her, but I forced myself to say, “I want to buy a reasonably priced perfume as a gift.”

“A gift? Not for personal use?”

“I’m still a student, I wouldn’t use something like this.”

She feigned regret and sighed, “Student? Sister, you’re so beautiful. It’s such a waste not to use perfume… Is it for a man?”

Oh, my, did my status as a student change her tone?

“No, it’s for a woman.”

“Is she older?”

“…A bit older.”

Although Yòu Zi is probably less than a year old, I answered this way, considering how she often treats me like a young one to be cared for.

“Is she a senior or a peer?”

Buying perfume felt like being interrogated.

“Peer, it’s a birthday gift for a friend. I hope to find one within a thousand yuan… No, two thousand yuan.”

As a service provider, the salesperson clearly sensed my impatience.

She explained, “Miss, don’t rush. Perfume is best chosen personally. Everyone has different preferences, and each bottle isn’t cheap. Choosing something unsuitable is a loss. That’s why I want to gather as much information as possible.”

I’m not sure what scent Yòu Zi likes, but I recalled the perfume that excited her, which I smelled on AJ.

“She likes a scent that smells a bit like wood.”

“Wooden perfume? Hold on.”

She went back to the glass counter and took out a small bottle of deep purple sample.

“Does this feel right?”

Opening the cap, the strong, rustic wooden fragrance immediately overpowered the other scents, providing comfort without being overpowering. It exuded a sense of sophistication.

This scent differs slightly from AJ’s, but it’s close.

“Wood scent, your friend knows a lot! I guess she’s a book-loving girl. Some books have similar scents. Oh, this is sandalwood perfume. The price is higher than floral types, but there are recommendations within your budget! Let me get one for you!”

“Um, how much does this cost?”

The salesperson shook her head, “This ‘Eternal’ is our best sandalwood, I’m afraid it’ll cost you.”

So she brought out the best sandalwood perfume. Is this a sales trap?

She flipped through some items and pulled out a small bottle that seemed untouched for a long time. Through the bottle, you could see a clear yellow liquid.

“This ‘Bonfire’ is pine wood perfume, but the ingredients aren’t just pine. Maybe trying it yourself would be better.”

Honestly, pine wood sounds inferior to sandalwood, so it’s understandable that it’s cheaper.

However, it has a unique, warm, sweet scent, with a hint of tangerine fruitiness, making the color resemble fruit juice. Compared to the elegant sandalwood, it’s livelier and more intense, even a bit overwhelming.

The salesperson asked, “How about it? Since the other person isn’t much older than you, this composite perfume should suit her well.”

“So, how much is the pine wood perfume?”

“You came at a good time. This perfume was originally priced at two thousand…”

I interrupted her, “Don’t tell me the original price and discount. Given my budget and price range, I hope you can give me a reasonable number, considering I’m still a poor student.”

“Whew, then fourteen hundred yuan. Will that work?”

I don’t enjoy haggling, but the price is within my budget. I was preparing to buy it reluctantly.

“I’ve been standing at the door for ages! Even children are being overcharged!”

A lazy female voice came from behind.