Into The Sea

“Damn vampire…”

“What did you say?”

Ji Lingyue immediately straightened up, saying seriously, “I didn’t say anything.”

Lan Wu looked at her suspiciously, shaking out her parasol as she complained, “When are we going to take a break? I’m so tired. My legs are killing me.”

Ji Lingyue glanced at the bulging backpack hanging from her chest, stuffed with the pretty dresses Lan Wu had scavenged from abandoned clothing stores along the way.

It wasn’t particularly heavy, but Lan Wu, ever the spoiled princess, refused to carry it herself, leaving it to her “blood slave” to shoulder the burden.

The backpack behind her, on the other hand, contained supplies looted from the group at the hospital. It held not only food but also weapons, weighing her down and leaving deep red marks on her shoulders.

Ji Lingyue pursed her lips and, while Lan Wu wasn’t looking, muttered under her breath, “Damn Lan Wu…”

Lan Wu’s head snapped around.

Ji Lingyue was startled. ?!

Just as she thought Lan Wu had heard her and was about to demand an explanation, the vampire grabbed her arms and yanked her behind a tree.

Moments later, the roar of an engine grew louder as a vehicle approached down the shaded road. Ji Lingyue held her breath, instinctively pressing closer to Lan Wu.

In this world, some humans were more dangerous than the stupid vampire behind her.

The two huddled behind the tree. When the SUV had passed, they returned to the road. After a while, Ji Lingyue suddenly realized something. “How did you know a car was coming?”

Lan Wu said matter-of-factly, “I heard it.”

“Your hearing is that good?”

Lan Wu lifted her chin, her nose practically pointing to the sky with pride. “Of course!”

Ji Lingyue scowled, “Then why did you ask me what I said? Are you just teasing me?”

“That’s because I can only focus on one direction at a time… Wait,” Lan Wu realized. “You did call me something!”

Ji Lingyue: “…You misheard me.”

Lan Wu said firmly, “You called me something.”

Ji Lingyue picked up her pace. “I didn’t!”

Lan Wu narrowed her eyes, suddenly grabbing her by the back of her collar and hauling her back. “Why are you so rude to me?” She asked, puzzled. “Aren’t you supposed to be afraid of me?”

Ji Lingyue shot back, “Who would be afraid of a vampire who talks big about helping me kill people but only dares to beat them up and steal their food? You act tough, but all you do is scare me.”

“I knew you were thinking about that,” Lan Wu said, disgruntled. “But killing violates vampire law.”

“What law? There’s no law anymore!” Ji Lingyue snapped. “If you’re too scared, just admit it. Don’t hide behind some pathetic excuse.”

Lan Wu took a deep breath, pointing a trembling finger at Ji Lingyue. “Do you believe I’ll bite you?”

Ji Lingyue lifted her chin, about to challenge her, but then realized Lan Wu actually would do it. She quickly shut her mouth, adjusted her backpack straps, and marched forward without another word.

Lan Wu called after her a couple of times, but when Ji Lingyue ignored her, she stomped her foot and threw a few punches at the air. “You’re so mean! I bet no one ever liked you!”

Ji Lingyue: “And you’re so likable, but you still need me to lead the way.”

Lan Wu was silent. After a long pause, she pursed her lips and huffed behind her, expressing her displeasure with heavy breaths.

The two walked in silence until dusk, finally emerging from the canyon to find a dilapidated town ahead. Lan Wu tilted her head, listening intently, then strode confidently toward a three-story building at the end of the street.

Ji Lingyue lagged behind, glancing up at the spiderweb-covered sign above the entrance. She read it softly: “Happiness Hotel.”

By the time she looked back, Lan Wu had already disappeared into the depths of the building.

Ji Lingyue hesitated, glancing around at the desolate, silent streets. A shiver ran down her spine, and she quickened her pace, jogging to catch up.

“Lan Wu?”

She reached the second floor, greeted by a long, dark hallway. The walls were stained, and the ceiling light hung broken, as if it had been that way even before the disaster.

Somewhere, water dripped steadily. Ji Lingyue looked around, taking a cautious step forward. The floor creaked loudly beneath her feet. She froze, waiting for her racing heart to calm before reaching for the dagger at her waist. “Lan Wu?”

A cold hand touched her shoulder. “Hm?”

Ji Lingyue jumped, instantly drawing her weapon and stabbing behind her. There was a soft thud. The person behind her blinked, staring at her for a moment, before slowly looking down at the knife in her chest.

“…”

Ji Lingyue gasped, stumbling back. “I didn’t mean to! You just… you scared me!”

Lan Wu pursed her lips, pulling the dagger out herself. She looked up, saying each word carefully, “Ji… Ling… Yue.”

Her sweet voice sounded ominous. Ji Lingyue felt a chill run down her spine. She turned to run, but the next moment, a cold presence was behind her. Arms wrapped around her, trapping her in a tight embrace.

Sharp fangs easily pierced her tender neck. Ji Lingyue whimpered, her body going limp, still struggling to protest. “You… you can’t… take revenge like this…”

Lan Wu ignored her, stumbling as she dragged her to a room. After locking the door, she pushed her onto the not-so-soft bed.

Ji Lingyue panted, her mind foggy as Lan Wu finally released her bite. A moment later, a warm, wet tongue gently licked at the bleeding wound.

Ji Lingyue shuddered, a soft, sweet moan escaping her lips. “Mmm…”

“…”

“…”

Both of them froze. After a moment of stunned silence, Ji Lingyue suddenly flushed with embarrassment and began to struggle. “Get… get off me!”

Lan Wu blinked. “No.”

“What did you say?”

“I said no.”

Lan Wu lowered her head, moving closer with curiosity, saying earnestly, “You sounded really nice just now. Say it again, please?”