Chapter 438: Waiting for Me to Control the World
“Encouragement?”
Honestly, he wasn’t fond of encouraging people. He thought that Luo Yi was still weak and needed someone to guide her; once she adapted, she’d be able to stand on her own.
But this encouragement of yours feels more like coaxing a little girl, even offering hugs?
He pondered that this distorted his innermost soul. There should be that dark, chilling vibe; after a series of devilish whispers, the opponent might ask, “What’s the cost?” Then he’d inject a theory of evil, further twisting the mind—wasn’t that the usual villain’s narrative?
But what’s this about hugs? Where’s that scene ever fit in? Doesn’t that just kill the audience’s vibe?
“That’s merely a dependence; you need to be independent and strong, throwing off reliance. A sheltered girl will only slow your pace of revenge,” Lin Nuo said sternly.
“But, but I’m still a girl! Though I want to be strong too, it’s not that simple. There has to be an adjustment period. I trust Great Hero Lin; I think what you say is right, but I need your encouragement and support.”
“Just keep working hard.”
“No, but I feel like you’re brushing me off, saying what you just said was just for show, wasn’t it?”
“That was simply my advice, without any intention to brush you off. If I were to do that, I wouldn’t have gone out of my way to save you.”
Lin Nuo replied coldly, leaving Luo Xiaoxue puzzled. She had finally mustered up her courage; a hug from Great Hero Lin would be so nice right now.
Just “keep working hard”? Disappointing.
She grabbed another exquisite handkerchief and wrapped Lin Nuo’s sharp blade carefully—this was a weapon given by the Great Hero, meant to punish evil and promote justice. One day, if she could stabilize the world, this blade would become the national defense weapon, preserved for generations.
“Great Hero Lin, I suddenly feel a bit dizzy…”
Luo Xiaoxue supported her forehead, looking unwell.
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know, maybe I over-exerted myself. Great Hero Lin, please help me out…”
As Luo Xiaoxue leaned towards Lin Nuo, he instinctively caught her.
What’s happening? She’s fragile as a flower, and she talks about revenge?
“Wow, this collapse is quite sudden and you’re really weak,” Lin Nuo teased.
“Yeah, I’m weak, but I’m working hard to improve. By the way, Great Hero Lin, about what I just mentioned.”
“What’s that?” Lin Nuo asked.
“You have to hug me.”
As soon as Luo Xiaoxue finished speaking, she hugged him tightly while Lin Nuo was supporting her.
As a princess, embracing someone of the opposite gender without permission is incredibly rude. The grand nation of Puhan emphasizes etiquette. As a princess, she should set an example.
Yes, at least that’s how it used to be.
She had previously treated Lin Nuo with proper courtesy, yet this acted as an invisible barrier between them.
Thinking back to the illustrious Qin Shili, who was elegant with guests but had tossed etiquette aside in front of Lin Nuo, even doing outrageous things.
So, if she wanted to be closer to Great Hero Lin, she’d better not cling to etiquette.
Lin Nuo was taken aback; this woman was not playing fair, trying to ambush him, the old villain.
“So how does this relate to your earlier request? Isn’t it you who’s hugging me now?”
“Hmm, it’s the same. Since you don’t want to, just let me hug you.”
“I’ll count to three; then you better let go, or I’ll make a move.”
“Alright, you count; at least I have a little time.”
Luo Xiaoxue showed no intention of letting go or taking a step back; she held onto Lin Nuo and buried her head in his chest.
She felt bodily and spiritually drained. She had always hoped to revive the Puhan Luo royal family, yet she still felt like a pawn, a mere girl fighting but not managing to fulfill her desires, witnessing her people meet terrible fates.
Now, resting quietly against this man named Lin brought her a sense of peace.
Lin Nuo began his count:
“Three… two… one…!”
He took his time, reaching down to three, but Luo Xiaoxue showed no sign of letting go. Instead, she kept hugging him, her head nestled against his chest.
She truly enjoyed this feeling of tranquility.
“Forget it.”
Lin Nuo had planned to push her away, but he didn’t. Instead, he let her lean against him.
To be honest, he somewhat understood her feelings.
Betrayed, used—this overwhelming wave could crush someone, bringing the helplessness of impending breakdown.
And this could easily lead one astray.
Of course, before going astray, one must endure, pushing through to possibly go on a wrong path.
If Luo Xiaoxue couldn’t handle it and chose to fade away or shut herself in, why would he have gone through so much effort?
Luo Xiaoxue also realized that Lin Nuo hadn’t pushed her away, and a gentle smile crept on her lips.
This man, though seemingly cold, was quite reliable, making her feel at ease.
“Thank you, Great Hero Lin.”
“So, are you feeling better now?”
“No, please wait a bit longer.”
“I’ll keep track of time. I charge by the hour.”
“Hmm, okay, I’ll pay you back. If it’s not enough, I might even offer myself as collateral.”
Luo Xiaoxue’s mood brightened a bit, joking around.
“I don’t want you; you’re too weak. What use would you be?” Lin Nuo joked back.
“Yeah, I am weak, but only for now; who knows what the future holds? I’m quite confident in myself. Who knows? I might even control the world one day.”
“If you really have that ability, bring down your royal family and speak with your achievements; this is just a pipe dream.”
Lin Nuo continued mocking her—was she dreaming? He, Lin, was a reborn soul, knowing the historical trends. This Great 威天龙 has strong self-defense, but compared to the iron-blooded Empress, she’s just a little sister.
Luo Xiaoxue laughed:
“Good! If one day I can pacify and control the world, you must come to witness this glorious moment!”
“If you have that skill, I’d definitely come congratulate you.”
Lin Nuo chuckled; the more he listened, the more he felt this little girl was adorably naive.
With that pathetic strength, she wants to control the world? Does she think Empress Luo Xiaoxue is just a pushover?
Lin Nuo initially thought this girl could only cause trouble for the court. After all, Great 威天龙 was strong enough to give Luo Xiaoxue a hard time. As for controlling the world, might as well buy a lottery ticket—she probably didn’t have the ability to back it up; perhaps her family’s bull didn’t sell, and this was just for show.
“Alright, it’s a deal. I’ll definitely achieve it.”
When I stabilize the world, it’ll be the time to enjoy prosperity with you.
Luo Xiaoxue firmly believed that day would come.
After a while, she finally released Lin Nuo from her embrace, bowing apologetically:
“Sorry to disturb you, Great Hero Lin.”
“Are you leaving now?”
“Hmm… I plan to, but my subordinates are in trouble…”
“Do you plan to stop them from forcing the common people to be laborers?”
“Hmm…” Luo Xiaoxue nodded quietly.
“It’s too late, it’s useless; you need to return.”
Lin Nuo turned around, facing away from Luo Xiaoxue, waving his hand as he stepped lightly towards Ru Yu Village:
“Your meal’s ready at home; eat before you go.”
Lin Nuo continued walking without looking back to see if Luo Xiaoxue followed.
Luo Xiaoxue stood dazed for a moment, watching Lin Nuo’s retreating figure before she hurried after him.
The two gradually disappeared into the woodland.