It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

If one has some strength and status, he will naturally have some wealth. Such people will not bother to lose face in such a place.

Katie wasn't one to meddle in other people's business. She knew full well that those so-called guards weren't as powerful as her, but it was ultimately someone else's business, so she decided to call the guards along and leave the matter to herself. Just as she was about to agree to the boss's request, she glanced inside the tavern, and then—

She was stunned.

"I told you to stay out of my sight. You were the one who left me alone, so why are you still trying to get me after all this? You're still so difficult even though you're already dead. Okay, I'll buy you all a drink, and then you can get out of here right away!"

Chapter 1052: Want a Drink?

Bai Lin, who was making such a fuss, stepped high on another barrel and opened another barrel in her hand. She gulped down half of the barrel directly into her throat, and then poured the remaining half onto the ground. While pouring, she was still muttering,

"Come on, come on, everyone, drink and get out!"

Even though Bai Lin was barely recognizable at this moment, Katie Pello still recognized her instantly. She had seen her covered in wounds, even seen her corpses before. Regardless, she knew her instantly. But this was the first time she had seen her in such a state of disarray.

It wasn't so much that she almost didn't recognize her, but rather that she simply didn't dare to confirm it. She couldn't imagine what had caused Bai Lin, her most important girlfriend, who in her eyes had always been gentle, decisive, a little rough, but always kind to others, to show such a state.

This was a side of her she had never known before, like a child, boisterous and unreasonable. So, this left Katie Pello stunned. However, she quickly put away her astonishment.

Since the thing has happened, we should solve it first no matter what.

"It's okay, boss. I'll take care of this."

"Ah, you're coming? Little girl, I'm telling you, this is no joke. Although she hardly hurts anyone, her power is so strong that it can cost someone their head if they're not careful! Look, most of the people in the tavern have run away."

The boss couldn't imagine that this seemingly sober and calm girl would say such crazy words at this moment. However, the madness was only from his own perspective. Katie Pello shook her head slightly and replied,

"I can see that. Don't look at me like that, I'm very powerful. What's more - the guards really can't stop her, otherwise those drinkers would have gone to call them first, and it wouldn't be my turn to come here. You understand that, right?"

"This……"

"It's okay, I can handle it, not to mention—"

Seeing that the boss was still hesitant, Katie Pello made the final decision. She smiled apologetically and said,

"This person is my girlfriend. I can't just ignore this matter. Don't worry, I will bear all the losses she caused you tonight. And I will definitely make sure this matter is handled well."

Compared to Bai Lin, who spoke and acted simultaneously, leaving no room for doubt, Katie left behind unanswered words before striding forward. Different approaches, achieving the same goal, also meant that she would approach the matter at hand with the same mindset.

You absolutely must and you will definitely achieve your goal.

She calmly walked into the tavern where Bai Lin was the only one. Most of the furnishings here had been destroyed, but the location of the lamps made the place more lively.

Bai Lin was sitting on a wine barrel on the ground, dazed, staring at the pouring liquor, seemingly oblivious to anyone approaching. She looked demented, mad, and completely lost in the illusion of being able to communicate.

Seeing this, Katie Pello's eyes revealed a hint of sadness. She quickly cleaned it up, then calmly pulled over a wine barrel and sat quietly beside Bai Lin. She just looked at him without saying a word.

"Tell me, someone who clearly can't even take care of himself, yet is still eager to sacrifice his life for others, for other things. Is such a person considered stupid?"

Surprisingly, Bai Lin spoke first. Her tone, despite her drunken tantrum, revealed a calmer demeanor than her frantic outburst. She seemed to notice someone approaching, but was reluctant to look up.

However, Katie knew that she was still crazy and this was just a temporary calm. She looked at the other person, took a deep breath, and replied,

"I don't know that. But I know this very well. You are an idiot."

The extremely clear words instantly reached Bai Lin's ears. Rather than blaming, they were more like words of rebuke, but they were much calmer. This made Bai Lin's eyes focus instantly, and she raised her head and looked at the other person. But this time, Katie didn't look at her, but just glanced at a certain place in the tavern and continued,

"And, me too."

Bai Lin's question was merely a way to conceal her inner feelings. If anyone dared to follow her lead and scold her, they would surely be met with a fierce counterattack. That was merely a will twisted by extreme emotion, and Bai Lin would not allow anyone to trample upon her teammates' resolve.

However, if you contradict her, her emotions will immediately rebound. At least in this situation, it will only lead to a drunken frenzy. So Katie Pello's answer was almost perfect.

However, Bai Lin's eyes could not be hidden from lies, even in her current state. She immediately wanted to identify the other person's feelings, so she turned to look into his eyes. But Katie seemed to have predicted it in advance and turned her eyes away. This caused Bai Lin's emotions to be suppressed. The only thing she wanted to express urgently was,

Look at me.

Bai Lin stared at the figure before him, familiar, though blurred by the backlight, perhaps even the effects of alcohol, and sensed a lingering sense of mystery. Behind her hung the bright moon, her figure gently shrouded in its shadow, yet she was bathed in the same warm light that bathed him. Bai Lin desperately needed to know her feelings.

However, she was extremely oppressive, and before she could finish her commanding words, Katie had already taken the next step. She asked lightly,

"Want to have a drink with me?"

After saying this, she turned her eyes naturally, their glances flitting back and forth. While fulfilling Bai Lin's wish, for her, it was just a trivial part of the whole process. As if not expecting Bai Lin's response at all, she simply picked up another barrel and began to drink.

The alcohol went down her throat, causing Katie's cheeks to turn red. After a few minutes, she put it down and coughed a few times. It was obvious that she was not used to this feeling. She looked at the barrel and took a breath.

"I'm really not used to it. Do you usually rely on these to entertain yourself? You've been working so hard all this time."

The gentle words casually expressed Katie's kindness. But Bai Lin's face suddenly darkened.

"Who told you to steal my drink? It's mine! Get out of here! Get away from me!"

After Katie's flurry of attacks, a gap finally appeared. Like a hedgehog on guard, Bai Lin finally found a gap in his armored armor.

Chapter 1053 Let’s Go Home

However, Katie didn't show even a hint of negative emotion. The warm smile on her face did not fade. Under the warm light, she showed a bit of sweetness between the two girls, not from the cold reality. She followed Bai Lin's words and said,

"Although this is the first time I've heard you say this, I think you've never expressed it so strongly before. You've always been reluctant to let me get involved in your affairs. Whether it's sadness or fatigue, you've shouldered it all on your own. Whenever I want to do something for you, if I don't respond with a tough and cunning attitude, your rejection is not much different from just telling me to get lost."

"I told you to get out, can't you hear me?"

The other party spoke a long paragraph, which obviously made Bai Lin feel even more dissatisfied. Her tone suddenly increased several times, and she leaned forward and yelled at Katie. However, Katie still responded easily.

"You're not just like that to me, you're also like that to others. If someone shows you kindness, you want them to have a good life, so you don't want others to interfere with your difficult affairs."

"But they think so too. Those who want to stand by you are also attracted by your kindness. Now, you call this behavior stupid..."

Katie changed the subject and looked back at Bai Lin. Seeing his rather intimidating expression, she responded directly without any fear.

"Then there is no doubt that you are the biggest fool."

That's right, from the very beginning, Katie hadn't used any lies to mess around with Bai Lin. She'd first exchanged glances with Bai Lin, causing him to feel a bit uneasy. And then, at that moment, she powerfully uttered these words.

Katie didn't raise her voice, but her words were resounding. Like a hammer, they reverberated throughout the room, bringing silence. But instead of silencing Bai Lin, they instantly dampened much of his restlessness and aggression.

These words instantly made Bai Lin, who was already furious, confused. Her brain, already filled with alcohol and emotions, was in a mess. She put one hand on her head, as if trying to squeeze out a clear idea, but she could only squeeze out one sentence.

"Who are you?"

She'd heard the answer. Katie had said the same thing the moment she entered, that she was just as clueless. Bai Lin looked at the other person, but couldn't recall a single specific person. She felt as if she saw countless familiar figures in him, overlapping yet completely and decisively different.

She is a specific person whom I know. But who is she?

A sense of security, an ever-increasing one, was gradually growing within Bai Lin. Or rather, a sense of revival. Yet, it was precisely this inexplicable sense of security she felt from him that only filled her inner unease. The thought of the possibility of loss only intensified her fear, exacerbating these two extreme emotions simultaneously. Her eyes were glazed over, unable to convey a full range of emotion.

Suddenly, a warm feeling spread throughout Bai Lin's body. A gentle warmth enveloped her, briefly dispelling her panic. Katie Pello embraced the love of her life. She stroked Bai Lin's tangled hair and caressed her back like a cat.

That gentle look was more captivating than the dim light in the tavern, and clearer than the bright moonlight on her shoulders. At this moment, she used the simplest means to convey this unreserved emotion to the other person's heart.

She still didn't answer Bai Lin's question, but she said softly:

"Bai Lin, let's go home."

A bright moon faces the breeze, and the noisy sound of rain seems to have stopped at this moment, allowing these light words to reach the ears of the person who should receive them.

This wasn't an order, but it wasn't a request either. At most, it was a suggestion. But it was a suggestion that Bai Lin couldn't refuse, both emotionally and logically. Her body trembled and struggled, and her heart, which had been pierced, instinctively resisted this nostalgic sense of peace. However,

"You must be very tired. It's getting late today. Let's go home and get some rest. I will listen to whatever you want to say next."

Katie Pello's words gradually became more intense, as if she was trying to soothe a child to sleep. Bai Lin, who was being held in her arms, finally stopped trembling.

Tired? Yes, I'm tired. I've been exhausted for a long time. This wounded heart, believing it can no longer let down its guard and rest, is restless and irritable.

But clearly, clearly she still exists.

very nice.

Tears streamed from Bai Lin's eyes. This time, she didn't burst into tears, but gently closed her eyes. She truly felt at ease, like a child, and fell into a deep sleep.

"We have plenty of time together. As long as you want, I will always be by your side."

-

When she opened her eyes again, a faint light shone upon them. Although she clearly remembered that she was hungover, Bai Lin didn't feel the slightest discomfort in her body. She even felt as if all the fatigue had been released. Perhaps it was simply because her body's resistance was getting higher and higher, she thought unconsciously.

But she couldn't quite remember what happened last night. She remembered drinking, and why. In the past few days, she had lost several of the most important people in the world to her. Her only disciple had killed them with his own hands. And she, in turn, had killed her own disciple.

Her grief was no longer violent, but instead she wanted to do something, but she was so overwhelmed by the weight of her emotions that she lay in bed, unable to even lift her limbs. This was a kind of loneliness, a kind of powerless loneliness.

At this point, what else can I do?

However, she quickly realized the reality. The surroundings before her were incredibly familiar to Bai Lin. This was the hotel room she often stayed in—although it hadn't been used in a long time. But the furnishings here were something she would never forget.

Why am I here?

Before she could think any more, a familiar voice rang out.

"Are you awake?"

Instantly, Bai Lin felt her entire body shaken. It was as if she was dreaming. The sound, which she had only heard in dreams for so long due to her constant travels, now appeared in her ears. Yet, this sound dragged her back to reality.

Chapter 1054 Because I Like You

Just as the disheveled, frantic appearance was instantly recognizable, Bai Lin was also able to instantly identify the other person through the clear voice. This made her somewhat unsure, and she also realized that she was being held by the other person. She stood up immediately, wanting to confirm this fact.

The other party seemed to have no intention of stopping her at all, and breaking free from the embrace seemed to be no difficulty at all. And she also saw the absolute truth, right before her eyes.

The petite figure in my memory seemed to have grown a bit. But her gentle and endearing temperament remained unchanged. Her soft golden hair draped over her shoulders, caressing her soft face, making me want to reach out and touch her. But seeing her slightly bloodshot eyes, the desire to comfort her rose in my heart again.

She was still the same as before, revealing a faint fragrance facing him. Bai Lin pursed his lower lip, and although he wanted to get closer, he unconsciously took two steps closer.

"Katie, you..."

"You were drunk last night, and I brought you back. I saw everything you did there."

"Not only that, I now know everything you've lied to me about all these years, everything you haven't told me in detail. Ever since I brought you back last night, I've been holding you here, waiting for you to wake up. I've been thinking about those things, too."

Clear words emanated from the other person's mouth. Although no reprimands were forthcoming, Bai Lin's heart was deeply shaken. She understood that she had only promised Katie not to act up in order to allow her to live peacefully in the city, to live freely and in a normal environment.

And now, her most indulgent night, her ugliest side revealed. The fact that she had deceived the other party was revealed in such a situation. Bai Lin didn't even know what expression to show. She wanted to be like she did when she was doing serious work, like she was in battle, calmly and confidently making the best decision.

But unfortunately, Bai Lin just stood there in a daze.

Seeing Bai Lin's expression, Katie seemed to have foreseen it, which made her originally gentle but serious face smile slightly.

"Why are you just sitting there? It's okay. I don't blame you, and I have no right to blame you. If I really wanted to vent my frustrations on you, why would I wait until you wake up? You're tough, and nothing I do would change your behavior."

"Come here, it's been a long time since we've been able to spend some time together peacefully and have a good chat."

As she spoke, she patted the sheets. Katie hadn't offered him an attitude that made it impossible for him to refuse, but Bai Lin had no reason to refuse. With his mind in a state of confusion, Bai Lin quietly walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed. The distance between them seemed greater than before.

"Aren't you... tired?"

It was only a brief silence, and Bai Lin was clearly filled with countless thoughts, but she was the first to speak. She couldn't stand the self-doubt in silence, especially in front of her lover. After speaking first, she seemed to regain her composure and asked,

"I'm heavy, right? Besides, you must have taken off my armor. Plus, you haven't slept all night. Aren't you tired?"

Generally speaking, a complete set of plate armor requires the cooperation of three or more people, plus the person himself, to remove it. However, Katie Pello completed it alone, which was truly a huge project.

Following Bai Lin's wishes, Katie nodded slightly and replied,

"Yes, somewhat. You know, I'm not as strong as you. But don't forget, I grew up in the village and did a lot of manual labor. Even reading your mind is quite a challenge. If you weren't completely clueless about me, I wouldn't have been able to succeed. But it's nothing."

"But you, aren't you tired these days?"

The same question, when it reached Bai Lin's ears, suddenly changed its meaning. She suddenly fell into silence again, and did not respond for a long time. Katie sighed deeply and said,

"You shouldn't be like this, Bai Lin. I'm not saying you shouldn't be like this, I'm saying us. Look, I can answer you the same question very frankly, without even having to think about it. But you...even though I've already told you, even though I know everything, you still don't want to say it out loud. You're even holding on to some luck, trying to make up something."

"I do not……"

"Really not?"

Bai Lin was about to retort when Katie interrupted her. She could clearly feel those black eyes wandering over her body. They were not sharp, but they were analyzing her disguise. Katie said again,

"I don't know when it started, but you chose to shoulder everything alone—you put on a tough front to face the world, laughing with others when you were happy, but silently swallowing your sorrows. In front of me, you also put on that heroic face, incredibly powerful, incredibly dazzling. You shouldered it all, acting like the father figure you knew, holding up the world single-handedly."

"But is this really right? You want to give me the most stable, beautiful, and normal life. Why is that, Bai Lin?"

A strange question was asked after a long conversation that made Bai Lin silent. Bai Lin did not think about it at all, but still did not know whether the other party wanted to hear this answer, so he replied with a little doubt,

"…Because I like you?"

"Yes. More than that, your humanity makes you care about the world, which is what makes you a hero. You love me as much as you love the world."

Katie said so. Then, she placed her hand on her heart and looked at the other person and replied.

"And so do I."

"I'm not saying I love this world. I have almost no affection for it. I even hate it. After all, I was born with misfortune. I hate this world that caused my sister's death, and I also hate this world that makes you work so hard. I can't love it."

"But, I love you, Bai Lin. I love the important people around me, just like you love this world and love me. So -"

"I don't want to see you bear all this alone."

This time, Katie didn't use words to provoke Bai Lin, who sat too far away from her. She simply moved closer, sitting beside him, and quietly placed her hand on the back of his hand. That sincerity drew Bai Lin's attention. In the dim light of dawn, everything contained in those black eyes was so clear.