Chapter Twenty-Three: The Twin Fish Jade

Du Gu Ming and Zhang Liming sat together in the car. Du Gu Ming turned on the car's MP3 player, and the air filled with enchanting music—the song was "Just Because I Love You Too Much," performed by Du Gu Ming's favorite singer, Hins Cheung. Du Gu Ming adored Hins Cheung, and had even once harmonized with him.

Time slipped quietly by as the song played. Du Gu Ming's gaze kept darting toward the school's main gate.

Suddenly, Du Gu Ming's eyes widened in astonishment, his jaw nearly dropping to the floor in shock.

From the school entrance, a pair emerged—one tall, one short. The shorter of the two was unmistakably Lin Xiaowen. Lin Xiaowen stood at only 1.6 meters tall. Today, she wore an adorable strappy dress, its fullness perfectly accentuating her figure. Her skin was porcelain white, her face charming and slightly rounded with baby fat—a vision of cuteness to the extreme.

Beside her walked another girl, whose build could only be described as robust: more than 1.7 meters tall, weighing at least 160 pounds, with heavy makeup plastered on her face—a veritable village girl from the outskirts. The two together were like beauty and beast, drawing every eye with their stark contrast.

Du Gu Ming nearly lost control and felt the urge to vomit. He took a deep breath, thinking, “No, I, Du Gu Ming, have seen all kinds of storms—am I really unable to withstand such a minor setback?” He forced himself to endure the nausea.

Turning to Zhang Liming, he saw his friend’s eyes sparkling with infatuation, mouth agape, nearly drooling, softly murmuring, “Boss, look, isn’t Cui Lan beautiful?”

Du Gu Ming could take no more. His worldview had completely collapsed—what kind of taste did Zhang Liming have? Now he understood how even Zhang Liming could find a partner. These two were absolutely made for each other. Truly, as people often say, there’s always a dish somewhere in the world that’s just right for you.

Du Gu Ming and Zhang Liming opened the car door and beckoned Cui Lan and Xiaowen over. As Lin Xiaowen approached, Du Gu Ming’s heart began to race uncontrollably. He realized this wasn’t a coincidence; every time Lin Xiaowen came near, his heart would pound violently. What was happening to him?

“Let me introduce everyone,” Zhang Liming quickly interjected. “This is my girlfriend, Liu Cuilan,” he said, pointing at Cui Lan.

Du Gu Ming forced a smile and greeted her.

“And this is Cui Lan’s roommate, Lin Xiaowen,” Zhang Liming continued.

Lin Xiaowen stepped forward and introduced herself to Du Gu Ming, “My name is Lin Xiaowen, Cui Lan’s roommate. Pleased to meet you,” she said, extending her slender hand.

Du Gu Ming paused for a moment, then hurriedly reached out and shook her hand. At that instant, a burst of light flashed from where their hands met, and suddenly, everything around them stopped—even time itself halted. Was this possible? The suspension of space and time?

In the modern era on Earth, where pure energy is scarce, it’s impossible for anyone to become immortal, let alone possess the power to stop time and space—a feat even a golden immortal cannot achieve.

Around both their necks hung half-broken pieces of jade. Suddenly, each piece emitted a radiant glow like the sun.

From Du Gu Ming’s body emerged the apparition of a young man with white hair and a commanding presence.

From Lin Xiaowen, two beautiful maidenly figures appeared, identical in looks but entirely different in temperament—one gentle as water, the other cold as ice.

“Ling, have you awakened?” asked the gentle maiden.

“No, not fully. My soul is too badly wounded. If it weren’t for the fact that this was the first handshake between our reincarnated selves, I wouldn’t have emerged ahead of time. After this, even a handshake may not bring me forth,” the white-haired youth replied with resignation.

“It’s alright. As long as you’re alive, that’s all that matters. There will come a day when you recover. My sister and I have also suffered great harm, but since both our souls are attached to one body, our recovery will be swift. I believe it won’t be long before I’m fully restored,” the gentle maiden said.

“Ah, it’s all my fault. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have endured such pain. But rest assured, I will return and reclaim all that belongs to me. They never expected that I, Du Gu Ling, am still alive,” the young man declared, his fierce spirit almost tangible, piercing heaven and earth.

“Ling, I don’t ask for much. I just wish to be by your side. But whatever you do, I’ll support you. That world truly needs you—I can’t be selfish. But right now, your urgent task is recovery. What can be done to help you heal faster?” the gentle maiden asked anxiously.

“Well, um, the best method would be dual cultivation with you,” the white-haired youth said, his cheeks tinged with red.

“Ah, is that so?” the maiden blushed as well, a hint of sweetness in her tone.

“Never mind, your sister is here. I doubt she would consent,” said Ling.

The cold, icy maiden standing nearby snorted at this.

“It’s fine, Ling. She’ll agree,” the gentle maiden smiled radiantly.

At that moment, the light from the jade stones around their necks grew unstable and turbulent.

“Not good, the energy of the Pisces Jade isn’t stable enough,” the young man cried out.

“No worries. We’ll meet again. I’ll do my best to help Lin Xiaowen and Du Gu Ming cultivate together,” the cold maiden snorted again.

“Mengyao, I promise you, once I’ve handled matters on that side, I’ll find a place for us to be together forever,” the young man shouted.

“Alright.”

As soon as the words were spoken, the white light gradually faded, and the apparitions that had emerged from Du Gu Ming and Lin Xiaowen slowly merged back into their bodies. The world around them returned to its original state.

What had just happened? Du Gu Ming released Lin Xiaowen’s hand, feeling as if he’d just awakened from a dream. He remembered nothing.

Lin Xiaowen felt equally puzzled. For some reason, a strange thought arose within her—a desire to be intimate with the man before her. How could this be? Though he was certainly handsome, and she felt an attraction, how could such a sudden urge have appeared? It was mortifying.

Meanwhile, Zhang Liming and Liu Cuilan acted as if nothing had happened.

Zhang Liming continued to introduce Du Gu Ming to Liu Cuilan and Lin Xiaowen, and Du Gu Ming responded with an awkward smile.

The four of them got into the car and began their day together.

PS: After reading this chapter, perhaps you’ve started to understand a bit more. But rest assured, whatever you guess, it won’t be the final answer. The next chapter will be even more exciting—stay tuned! If you think the writing is good, please add it to your favorites. Your support is crucial for my quest to sign a contract. Thank you!