I Will Never Submit to Miss Grim Reaper - Chapter 174
Chapter 174: Moe Moe Invader
“Happy newlyweds! I’m Big Li in the group, haha, remember me? I’m the one who tipped you for Yan Di.”
“Oh, I remember, Big Li. It seems like the place you live is quite far from Shenzhen City, so why make the effort to come?”
“Well, it’s a must. Our group leader is getting married, and as your old fan, I definitely had to come no matter what. Plus, it’s not that far, just a three-hour drive. The high-speed trains these days are pretty fast. By the way, did you guys have a typhoon over there? When I was coming, there were all red alerts.”
“No worries, just a moment ago, the typhoon changed direction and headed towards Fusang, haha.”
“Well, it looks like even the heavens are helping our group leader. Come, come, this is a big red envelope. Where should our group of readers sit?”
“Sit wherever you like. Everyone here today is like family. If you can’t handle alcohol, go to the table with the cats.”
“Oh, there are cats here too? So many cats? My goodness, you really picked a great place to get married. Memories of today will surely be happy ones.”
“……”
As time passed, more and more people came to the café. The tables and chairs in the first-floor hall, which Ouyang Xue had just “cleared,” gradually filled up with people.
According to Jiang Wei, most of these people are fans of his novels, with a few being real-life friends. He estimates that the final attendance will be around 50 people, and on the bride’s side, Ye Zi is expecting more than 20 people. With both sides combined, it’s around 80 people. Adding some passing customers and fans of the café itself, the expected turnout for today’s wedding is likely to exceed 100 people.
Fortunately, the café can accommodate a maximum number of people close to this figure. Moreover, the cats that have been “acquired” by the café are all seasoned veterans, almost unafraid of people. At most, there are a few cats that prefer quietness, and they may become impatient with too many people around.
“Why choose such a place for the wedding, a cat café? Can you believe there’s such a big cat café in Shenzhen City?”
“Don’t you get it? Cat cafés are now the best places for young people to relax and have fun. Those fancy hotels are not appealing, they look too extravagant and old-fashioned. Our group leader is a writer, and there are many teenagers in the group. Ask them to go to a hotel, and they wouldn’t be happy!”
“Yeah, that makes sense. I really like it here. By the way, can you pet the cats here? There’s one cat that has been rubbing against me, and I’ve been holding back for a while now.”
“The cats in cat cafés are usually well-trained. You should be able to pet them. Should I call a waiter to check?”
Listening to the discussions of surprise and amazement from the surrounding crowd of unfamiliar faces, I glanced at Pipi’s family on my right and then at Su Yunjin, who was busy making calls and sending messages. Finally, my gaze fell on Yin Xiamo.
“What’s wrong?”
Compared to her usual proud demeanor, Xiamo seemed a bit weak at the moment, perhaps due to the recent battle with the typhoon. “Are you hungry?”
“A bit, but there’s plenty to eat here.”
I casually picked up a white steamed bun and dipped it in condensed milk. “Don’t you want to eat?”
“I want to wait until all the dishes are ready before eating.”
Xiamo lowered her voice, “Ouyang said today will be Chef Wang’s personal culinary show, and there will be a lot of delicious food.”
Sure enough…
The sight of Xiamo, a little gluttonous cat, reminded me of the first time we met when she snatched my chicken soup. I remember being upset all night because of it.
Thinking about Xiamo’s demeanor… she probably doesn’t belong to the type of ability user with “reincarnation,” right? Because if Xiamo really had some sort of time-traveling ability, she would have experienced many things, not to mention a wedding feast cooked by a chef. She might have tasted all kinds of delicacies from around the world, and there’s a possibility that the chef’s culinary skills could surpass those of Chef Wang in the restaurant.
Moreover, if an ordinary person were to repeat the same time so many times, experiencing the same moments of our encounters repeatedly, her heart would likely become as cold as ice, just like Homura Akemi in “Puella Magi Madoka Magica.” Hmm… when I first met her, the Xiamo wearing a grim reaper robe seemed to have a slightly “cold” vibe, but it’s hard to say for sure because she had secretly sipped my chicken soup at that time.
I will always remember that sunny afternoon. After running to the market with great effort to buy various ingredients, I returned and busily prepared for most of the day. Exhausted, I lay on the sofa for a moment while boiling the chicken soup, only to discover that the soup had been consumed.
So… was I too suspicious? In reality, Xiamo is just a bit clumsy, not very good at talking, and her actions are cute and silly. Perhaps that gave me the illusion that she could control time, destiny, and that she had gone through countless cycles in this world.
“Indeed, the food at weddings is generally not bad.”
I lifted the stool beneath me, shifted it towards Xiamo, and then leaned in towards the girl’s chest. “Let me see that wound, is it healing?”
“Eh?”
Yin Xiamo was initially puzzled, then gently pulled open her collar. “It’s healed.”
“So fast?”
I carefully examined the area where there was a clearly visible blood-red wound on the girl just moments ago, surrounded by bloodstains. After a few seconds, I marveled at how the skin had now regained its fair and smooth appearance. “Magic is indeed convenient.”
I remembered that when I carried Xiamo out of the park before, her injuries were much more severe than this, or rather, they couldn’t even be called “injuries.” At that time, her internal organs were almost shattered. A normal person would have long lost consciousness. Only someone like Xiamo, a creature from another world, could remain conscious and talk to me.
“This has nothing to do with magic, it’s just…”
Xiamo lowered her voice and explained, “It’s a characteristic of the demon race.”
A characteristic of the demon race?
Just like the moment when our phones regained signal, and you appeared on the screen, right?
In my mind, an image of a girl with long, dark purple, almost black hair, aqua-colored eyes, and elf-like pointed ears surfaced. There was no doubt that the face belonged to Yin Xiamo, but in that state, she gave off a more “sinister” vibe than her current appearance. How should I put it? It truly had the taste of a little devil growing up in a dream world. Her ears were pointed, the reflection in her eyes was deeper and more restrained than the current Xiamo, and her hair was somewhat “disheveled,” giving off a feeling reminiscent of “Illyasviel von Einzbern.”
I didn’t expect Xiamo to have another form, and with elf ears at that.
“Do all demon races in other worlds have pointed ears?”
Seeing Jiang Wei and Ye Zi still welcoming guests at the entrance, and the customers inside the café mostly captivated by various cats, no one paid attention to our conversation for the moment. I started chatting with Xiamo, “Or are elf ears a different kind?”
“Elf ears are different from the pointed ears of the demon race. Elf ears tend to point upwards, and they look more pure and beautiful. The demon race’s pointed ears may slightly bend downwards, making them easily distinguishable.”
While Xiamo and I nibbled on condensed milk buns, she explained, “But there are no elves in this world. Perhaps, Nuo’er, you might not understand it right away. If you ever have the chance… seeing elves and pointed-eared demon races, you’ll definitely be able to tell the difference. The aura difference is too pronounced—one represents life and nature, while the other represents chaos and evil.”
Evil…
So, is it really okay for an evil race to serve as the Grim Reaper on Earth?
For some reason, after hearing Xiamo say this, I blurted out without thinking, “Can I have a chance to visit another world?”
“Well… Nuo’er, if you want, I can apply for the Divine Realm, but we can’t stay there for a long time…”
As Xiamo spoke, I had just finished eating the white steamed bun in my hand. However, because there was too much condensed milk, it slightly smeared on my hand. Just as I was about to grab a tissue to wipe it off, the “demon girl” beside me quickly seized my small hand, brought it to her mouth, and then licked the condensed milk off my fingers.
“Hey…”
I instantly felt a flush on my face. “This is someone else’s wedding.”
“Isn’t a wedding for showing off love?”
Xiamo seemed quite open-minded and continued the previous topic. “Nuo’er, do you want to go to another world?”
“Not now.”
I quickly retrieved my hand. “Just asking casually…”
Given the current situation, I couldn’t help but feel that if things continued like this, I would definitely be devoured by Xiamo. I couldn’t just sit back and wait for it to happen. Since in my previous life, I and she had a “master-servant contract,” with me as the master, I should help the “hero” regain “his” dignity. I couldn’t let Xiamo continue to bully me like this.
“My goodness, it’s truly a miracle. Now even the heavens are helping Shenzhen.”
While we were chatting, Su Yunjin, who was beside us, also finished a call with some leader, then quickly tapped on her phone screen, seemingly receiving some emails. She looked at me, then glanced at Pipi in front of her, expressing her feelings, “Do you know? The meteorological bureau just sent a message saying that this typhoon has strengthened, and now it’s a super typhoon. Surprisingly, it’s not heading towards us but towards Fusang Island!”
“It’s just a typhoon…”
Pipi clearly didn’t understand the situation. He was feeding his daughter while curiously asking, “I remember in history, typhoon changing direction isn’t a common occurrence, right?”
“This is different. You need to know that various conditions are required for a typhoon to change direction, and this time…”
Su Yunjin didn’t finish her sentence when the voice of the TV host came from the large screen in the living room above:
“The latest update from the meteorological bureau: Typhoon ‘Orchid’ has now been confirmed to be heading towards Fusang Island. Moreover, its wind intensity has just increased to level 16 or above, upgrading it from a strong typhoon to a super typhoon…”
“Scientists are currently unable to explain the reason for this change in direction. We will continue to monitor the progress of ‘Orchid’ and ask the citizens of Shenzhen to be prepared for strong winds and heavy rain…”
“……”
“See that? That graphic, I guess our social media feeds will be flooded in a few hours.”
Amidst the TV host’s narration, Su Yunjin pointed at the typhoon trajectory chart on the screen – a curve with a noticeable 120-degree turn. “Usually, even with various influences, a typhoon might only change direction by about thirty to fifty degrees at most. It’s absolutely not this exaggerated. A super sharp turn, originally heading west, and now the typhoon is flying north. It’s as absurd as playing Apex, aiming a sniper rifle west for a Bloodhound and hitting Gibraltar to the east with the bullet turning.”
“I get it, it’s a Stand.”
Pipi joked, “It’s Narancia’s Little Plane!”
“Come on, no one’s being serious here.”
Su Yunjin shook her head, lifting a cup of beverage from the table and gestured towards us, “Since alcohol is not allowed here, I’ll go over there for a bit. I’ll raise a toast to you.”
I raised my cup filled with cola, “Cheers.”
After Su Yunjin left, I noticed Jiang Wei and Ye Zi, who were originally at the entrance, walking towards the kitchen with Ouyang Xue. It seemed like they were preparing to get ready, change clothes, and hold the wedding. They left behind, presumably, Ye Zi’s parents and grandparents at the entrance to greet the guests.
“Nuo’er, I went to check out the island that Su Yunjin mentioned before.”
In a daze, I heard Yin Xiamo suddenly speak, “There’s no signal over there.”
“Before?”
It took me a while to react, “The time you came back half an hour late at night?”
“Yeah, this city is in turmoil now. Many forces are likely to reshuffle. For your safety, I went out to investigate. Also, I checked the villa he mentioned that will be given to us as a bonus in the future.”
Yin Xiamo gestured with her eyes towards Su Yunjin, who was currently toasting with Jiang Wei and his friends at the front, “This person, besides being the son of the owner of Tongmeng Net, has many complicated relationships.”
Su Yunjin? I knew about him.
I recalled the incident with the principal of Starlight Elementary School. Seeing how he could call the deputy mayor with just one phone call to solve the funding and enrollment issues at Starlight Elementary School, I knew he wasn’t simple.
Tongmeng Net is currently the largest video website in the country. To put it more seriously, it is a “conceptual output” platform that can be used as a news media.
Why do many countries historically, right after winning a war, immediately occupy television stations? It’s because they first need to stabilize public opinion.
So, the person in charge of the largest “video media” website cannot be without background. Similarly, his son cannot be just an ordinary second-generation rich kid.
Of course, even if I know these things, as an ordinary person, I’m not interested in getting involved. I just hope to live my life peacefully.
What I didn’t expect is that Xiamo actually took the initiative to investigate.
“For Nuo’er’s safety, I definitely need to check these things.”
Perhaps sensing my confusion, Yin Xiamo put on a proud look. She pointed at Su Yunjin and continued speaking in a voice only the two of us could hear, “So far, this person has given me a good impression, and the forces behind him have no intention of involving us with Ouyang Xue. So, for the time being, we can be at ease.”
I nodded, “So, is the villa really being built on that island?”
“Yes, they’ve already laid the foundation. Many construction material factories around Nanchi Port provide materials for the villas there. Every day, many cargo ships depart from the dock, heading to those islands.”
Yin Xiamo rarely showed a serious expression, “If a typhoon lands in Shenzhen, not only the café but even our villa might be blown away. Then the whole plan will probably be delayed by several years, and by then, the situation of the hidden forces in Shenzhen City will become even more complicated.”
So… is that the reason you applied for “private time” to collect information around Shenzhen City that day, and also went to the area, causing the lack of signal on the phone?
“Ah… sorry.”
Hearing this, I suddenly felt a bit embarrassed, “That day… I was a bit impatient.”
Saying that, I took the little hand of the girl next to me and checked the spot where I had bitten without hesitation earlier, “Acted on impulse.”
“No problem, a little cat bite doesn’t hurt!”
Yin Xiamo had an enjoying look, “In fact, I even hope Nuo’er bites a few more times!”
“Let’s consider it settled. If you suddenly disappear again next time and I can’t contact you, making me worried, I, I…”
I thought for a while, and in the end, I could only raise a small fist in a threatening manner, “I’ll beat you up!”
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, hello!”
While I was joking with Yin Xiamo, Jiang Wei and Ye Zi had somehow changed into their clothes and stood on the red carpet in the lobby on the first floor.
In front of him was a small stage prepared in advance by Ouyang Xue, with a wedding host standing on it. Just as Ouyang Xue mentioned, Ye Zi was dressed in a beautiful bridal gown. As for the character Jiang Wei was cosplaying, I couldn’t quite figure out whether it was King Arthur from the Fate series or Nero, because both gave me the impression of having blonde hair and a similar hairstyle.
“In this scorching summer, amidst the cat’s words and languages, with orchids falling, joyous laughter surrounds us. On this beautiful day, at this exciting moment, we welcome the happy union of a sweet couple!”
The words of the wedding host on the small stage instantly shifted the attention of the guests who were originally discussing which cold dish was more delicious and why the typhoon changed its course.
“Is that Cosplay?”
“Quite possible. Our group leader is actually a seasoned anime and manga enthusiast.”
“Ah… If I can find a girlfriend in the future, I’d like to do something like this too. I hope to have only one wedding in my life, hehe.”
“What is a ‘girlfriend’? Is that food?”
“Just settle for what you have. Weren’t you in the group saying you’re still a virgin at 20? The only woman whose hand you’ve held is your mom’s.”
“Don’t expose me, please. I might cry.”
“……”
Unlike the slightly solemn impression I had of weddings, Jiang Wei and Ye Zi seemed to take a more minimalist approach. They hardly set any rules. While the distinguished guests were still enjoying food and playing with the cats, the couple had already changed into their wedding attire and ascended the stage.
“Good afternoon, everyone! I’m very pleased to be here at this… Shangjing Cat Café. Hehe, speaking of which, I’ve never encountered a couple who chose a cat café as their wedding venue before. But that doesn’t stop us from wishing them well, blessing this affectionate couple!”
As the wedding ceremony began, many guests who were eating and playing with cats put down their activities and returned to their respective seats. Quite a few people walked towards Jiang Wei, squeezing in front of the tables to get a clearer view of the stage.
Ouyang Xue quickly adjusted the direction of the cameras and connected the signal source to the largest LCD TV in the hall so that those of us in the back rows could also see what was happening in front.
“This place feels pretty nice.”
“Yeah, the equipment is complete. I’ve never seen a cat café that can host weddings before.”
“Strictly speaking, this can’t be considered a cat café, right? Calling it a restaurant is more accurate.”
As the guests chatted, I noticed that Xiongxiong also took a seat on this side and winked at me and Yin Xiamo. Then, she turned to the two bodyguards and said, “Don’t follow me. This is the kids’ table. If you want drink, go to a position closer to the front.”
The two bodyguards could only helplessly find an empty seat at the front and sat down.
Upon seeing them, the guests there immediately exclaimed.
“Wow, our group leader even knows foreigners?”
“Maybe they met while fixing computers.”
“Nihao, nihao, wo shi Xibanya ren.” (Hello, hello, I am Spanish.)
“Awesome, you can even speak Chinese.”
“Damn, of course, I can speak Chinese. Damn…”
After the host’s lengthy pleasantries, Jiang Wei and Ye Zi stepped onto the stage.
“Before the wedding officially begins, allow me to introduce the distinguished guests who are here to offer blessings to this newlywed couple. First, these two esteemed elders, Mr. Ye Xun and Ms. Wang Jiali…”
“Next, on this side, we have the groom Jiang Wei’s group of friends! Mr. Jiang Wei, as a writer, has a very powerful fan base. Let’s hear your applause!”
“……”
“Please, everyone, rise! Now, let’s present the most noble etiquette and warm applause to the two newlyweds!”
As the host’s tone became more and more enthusiastic, the atmosphere at the venue was thoroughly lifted. Almost a hundred people in the cat café stood up in their positions, waving towards Jiang Wei and Ye Zi.
The cats in the cafe also seemed unfamiliar with such a scene and turned their attention towards Jiang Wei and Ye Zi standing in the center of the stage bathed in light. At this moment, various cheers, applause, and the sound of cameras taking pictures echoed incessantly.
In the dim light, Yin Xiamo didn’t even sit on her stool, running over to my side and tightly grabbing my hand.
“Nuo’er, when can we stand in the marriage hall like them and declare our love to the whole world?”
“Um…”
I thought for a moment, “Probably when Xiao Mo learns to cook?”
“……”
……
—
……
In the evening, as usual, Yin Xiamo and I finished work and came to the top of Nanqi Tower. We arranged our little dresses and sat down in the flat area on the tower’s top.
Perhaps because the typhoon had just passed, the sky cleared up. Tonight’s moon was much rounder than usual. The pristine moonlight cast our figures wearing Lolita dresses, projecting a blurry shadow on the ground.
“Now I announce! The groom, Yin Xiamo, and the bride, Yin Nuo’er, are officially married!”
While sitting, Yin Xiamo was imitating the host from Jiang Wei’s wedding in the afternoon, saying beside me with a semblance of ceremony, “First bow to the heavens! Second bow to the ancestral hall! The couple bows to each other!”
“Groom and bride, exchange rings!”
“……”
“What comes next?”
Beside me, there was a “puff” of laughter, “Why is your divine memory so bad?”
“I didn’t bring divinity down.”
The girl chuckled, “If I extracted all my divinity and memories of over six thousand years into this body, I might not be me anymore.”
“That’s the first time I’ve heard of such an explanation.”
I turned my head, “Is there any significance? Are you intentionally taking on a weak existence to experience life on Earth?”
“You can say that. After all, over six thousand years is incredibly long, and I’ve experienced almost everything. It’s challenging to be moved by anything anymore.”
Yin Xiamo looked at the full moon on the horizon, “Time and years can erode almost everything, including longing for a person. If I came to this world as a god and had a relationship with you, by now, I would probably have used the most efficient and violent methods to conquer the entire world, or directly grabbed you and confined you in the basement to have lots and lots of children.”
Is this a yandere? It’s a yandere, right?
Or is the so-called “divine” true nature like this? Because living for too long becomes unbearable, the only desire is to find the “hero,” and after finding the “hero,” only the most primitive desires remain, making it particularly terrifying?
If it’s really like that, then I feel the current Xiao Mo is better.
“So I don’t want to disturb that “person”. If I can avoid requesting the ‘divine realm,’ I will, after all, even the current me is enough to handle most of the problems in this world.”
In comparison, Yin Xiamo is quite optimistic. She patted her little skirt, sat down beside me, and gently spoke, “Nuo’er.”
“Yeah.”
I habitually pulled the girl beside me, brought her legs together, and let her lie down, saying, “I’m here.”
“Do you dislike this kind of life?”
“This kind of life?”
I hesitated for a moment, “What kind of life, specifically?”
The girl on my thigh stretched out a hand to block the moon in the sky, allowing the moonlight to filter through the fingers and shine on her face, “It’s like being protected by the gods, playing around every day, carefree, just like the life of flowers in a greenhouse… Would you get tired of such a life?”
“Does Xiao Mo think she has protected me like a flower in a greenhouse?”
I tidied up the girl’s bangs on my thigh a bit, and helped to comb her beautiful long hair, “If I say I like it, would you think I’m content with the status quo?”
“Huh?”
There was a momentary curiosity on Yin Xiamo’s face, “Nuo’er, do you like it?”
“Facing the typhoon this afternoon, you rushed out of the café without hesitation. In my eyes, you looked like a little hero.”
I remained noncommittal, “Of course, I regret not being able to see Xiao Mo’s battle scene.”
I could feel the temperature on the girl’s face on my thigh starting to rise.
“I think it’s not bad. While I, with no power, can help with housework and cooking at home, Xiao Mo, with abilities, can go to the open sea and battle with a typhoon like today to protect our home.”
I lifted my head, placed my hands behind me, and gazed at the moon.
“If Xiao Mo is the god of this world, then I’ll be the god of our home.”
Yin Xiamo also stood up, “God of our home?”
“Kitchen God, Flower God, Domestic Chores God?”
I thought for a moment: “Or maybe God of Books?”
Yin Xiamo’s eyes flickered, “I think it’s God of Moe Moe Kyun.”
“I’ll beat you up.”
Gently raising my fist, I tapped it on her head, then stood up.
“It’s about time to go back today. I need to prepare some materials for the author conference the day after tomorrow.”
“……”
……