On Christmas Night, the Meeting of Two Night Kings

Time passed, and a week later.

The heavy snowstorm that had persisted in Jianghai for a week finally came to an end.

After the snowfall, thick layers of white snow blanketed the earth, adorning every tree and every house as if draped in silvery veils.

The clouds in the sky gradually dispersed, allowing moonlight to spill down, mingling with the snow’s glow to create a clear, radiant silver-blue hue.

On the streets, the snow was gently swept up by the wind, resembling white winter waves, dancing slowly in the air.

Amidst this serene atmosphere, the snow piled on tree branches occasionally trembled and shed a little under its own weight, producing faint rustling sounds.

In this snow-covered world, time itself seemed to slow, and everything was immersed in an endless white tranquility, evoking a sense of peace that cleansed the soul.

It was six in the afternoon, and due to the winter season, the sky had already darkened.

Leng Family.

"Brother-in-law, look! This is the ‘peace apple’ my sister gave me."

"This one is from Qionglan—she’s back in school now."

"This is from Ning Qian."

"And this one is from Gu Yingying."

"Oh, and these... these are from other girls and boys in my school who sent me peace apples."

"Hehe, aren’t you jealous?"

Leng Ling'er held several bags of apples in both hands, swinging them left and right as she proudly showed off her haul to Gu Yan and Leng Qingqiu.

Gu Yan could only watch helplessly.

He had to admit—wasn’t this little imp’s charm a bit too overpowering?

How did so many girls and boys end up giving her gifts?

Was she winning over everyone, regardless of gender?

After all, Bai Qionglan and Ning Qian had once been part of Xiao Lin’s harem.

Yet now, they had somehow been recruited by this little devil.

Just who was the protagonist here?

Leng Qingqiu had curled up on the sofa, her feet tucked beneath her as she nestled into Gu Yan’s embrace, despite the heater running in the living room.

Hearing about her sister’s popularity, she couldn’t help but feel happy for her. "Ling'er, did you give them anything in return?"

"I did! I gave each of them a peace apple too."

At this, Leng Ling'er pouted in complaint. "My savings are all gone now..."

Only then did Leng Qingqiu nod in approval.

Tonight was Christmas Eve—a holiday originating from the Western Nation.

Leng Qingqiu had never been particularly fond of such occasions.

In the past, she had even scoffed at the idea that gifting a "peace apple" could bring safety—it all seemed like nonsense to her.

But now...

Using the holiday as an excuse to meet up, share a meal, or go out together—

When she thought about it that way, it didn’t seem so bad.

Most people weren’t particularly attached to holidays—they simply used them as an opportunity to gather and spend time together.

While Leng Ling'er went off to take photos with her bags of apples, Leng Qingqiu picked up an apple from the table and handed it to Gu Yan.

"Here. Since Ling'er has one, you should have one too."

"Oh? Is this a peace apple?"

"What, does it not count if it’s not wrapped?"

"It counts. I’ll love anything you give me, Qingqiu."

"Hmph, always with the sweet talk. I’ll go get a fruit knife."

"Alright."

With that, Leng Qingqiu headed to the kitchen.

Gu Yan held the apple, examining it in silence for a moment before his expression darkened.

He had already sensed it.

The Power of Night within Leng Qingqiu had completely vanished.

In other words—

He could finally act.

Gu Yan tightened his grip on the apple, his brows furrowing.

He had considered countless possibilities.

He could reveal his identity to Leng Qingqiu, explain everything he needed to do.

But...

Leng Qingqiu understood just how dangerous the Dagger of Night was. Given her current personality, there was no way she would willingly hand it over.

And if he didn’t take the dagger, the possibility of Leng Qingqiu becoming the Night King would still exist.

If that possibility remained, she could still follow the predetermined path leading to her tragic fate.

Gu Yan refused to let that happen.

Even the slightest chance was unacceptable.

So, to ensure Leng Qingqiu deviated from her original fate, the only path left was for him to seize the dagger himself.

Handing the dagger to someone else would still carry risks.

Only by keeping it under his control could he guarantee maximum safety.

Once he obtained the dagger, he would store it in his system space, using the system’s power to seal it away—ensuring absolute security.

At that moment, Leng Qingqiu returned with the fruit knife.

Once again, she sensed Gu Yan’s inner turmoil and asked with concern, "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing... I’m just looking forward to you peeling this apple for me."

"Hah, well, you better savor it. I’ve only ever peeled apples for my family before."

"Then... does that mean I’m part of your family now?"

"..."

Leng Qingqiu fell silent for a long moment before finally nodding, her cheeks tinged pink.

"...Mm."

She couldn’t see the complicated look on Gu Yan’s face.

After peeling the apple, she handed it to the person she now acknowledged as family.

"Here. Oh, and don’t leave too early tonight. I have a surprise for you."

"Oh? A surprise?"

Gu Yan was genuinely taken aback.

Leng Qingqiu leaned against his arm, nestling closer as she chuckled softly.

"What, you’re allowed to surprise me, but I can’t do the same for you?"

"Haha, fair enough."

Gu Yan smiled and ruffled her hair.

...Then, he’d wait a little longer.

...

Time flowed steadily onward.

The clock struck midnight.

Christmas Eve had passed.

Which meant—

Christmas had arrived.

Gu Yan sat inside the house, gazing out at the snow-covered courtyard.

Leng Ling'er, bundled up in warm clothes, was outside building a snowman, occasionally calling for Gu Yan to join her.

Normally, he would have gone without hesitation.

But now... he didn’t feel like it.

Because, in the future, days like these—spent peacefully with Qingqiu—would likely become rare.

Just then, footsteps approached from behind.

"Here."

Leng Qingqiu’s voice reached him as something soft and warm was draped around his neck, carrying the faint, familiar scent of her.

Gu Yan froze, then looked down to see an exquisitely hand-knitted black scarf.

Leng Qingqiu sat beside him, smiling.

"I made this a while ago with the materials you bought. Well, Ling'er didn’t want it, so I’m giving it to you instead."

"..."

"...Thank you."

After a long pause, Gu Yan couldn’t help but pull her into a tight embrace.

Leng Qingqiu was caught off guard, her face flushing.

"W-Was that reaction really necessary...? Do you like it?"

"I’m sorry..."

Gu Yan whispered before pulling back slightly, his expression earnest.

"I love it. More than anything."

"Ah, I don’t know what to say..."

"Actually, I prepared a scarf for you too."

He reached into his system storage and pulled out a scarf he had knitted long ago, carefully wrapping it around her neck.

This was a scarf made from yarn and knitting needles that I had bought long ago during a shopping trip to the commercial street with Leng Ling'er and Bai Jun.

It had taken me some time to make it, let alone Leng Qingqiu, who couldn't even see while knitting.

"Oh? You're stealing my idea."

Leng Qingqiu touched the scarf, hiding her upturned lips. "But... I like it, so I'll forgive you."

Time passed.

The two of them walked hand in hand, neither speaking, yet Leng Qingqiu felt an overwhelming happiness in her heart.

As a cold wind rushed in from outside,

Leng Qingqiu couldn’t help but speak, her voice tinged with anticipation. "Gu Yan... next year, let’s exchange scarves again."

"...Okay."

Gu Yan tightened his grip on her hand and gave a solemn reply.

......

......

Yet, happy times are always fleeting.

No matter how much Gu Yan tried to delay, what was coming would still arrive.

Leng Family study.

"Big sis, brother-in-law left. I’m going to bed now~"

Leng Ling'er, exhausted from playing, yawned and retreated to her room.

"Mm, don’t catch a cold."

Leng Qingqiu sat in the study, gently stroking the scarf Gu Yan had knitted for her.

Yes, it was wonderful. She was happy. She loved it.

If only... life could stay like this forever.

Ling'er had said she wanted to invite Gu Yan tomorrow to build snowmen and dig snow caves. Though she couldn’t see, just listening to their laughter and playfulness sounded delightful.

The more Leng Qingqiu thought about it, the more her face radiated joy.

She put the scarf away, stood up, and chuckled softly. "Time to go to sleep—"

Before she could finish,

Thud!!

A sudden, inexplicable dread filled her heart.

Her eyes snapped open as she turned toward the corner of the study.

There,

standing silently, was a figure shrouded in an eerie, dark aura.

Its voice was a distorted amalgamation of tones,

echoing through the room.

[The Night King... or rather, the former Night King.]

[How long do you intend to linger... in this fabricated illusion?]

Leng Qingqiu’s expression twisted in shock—her mind instantly recognizing the identity of the intruder.

The impostor... Night King?!