After Transmigrating into a Professional Bootlicker, I Messed Up - Chapter 24.3

Just as their lips were barely an inch apart, Ji Chi’an stopped.

She didn’t want this. He shouldn’t be doing this.

Looking into her wide, uncertain eyes, Ji Chi’an saw the fear and innocence of a startled young doe. He closed his eyes with a sigh, murmuring, “Lin Luo, you really are heartless.”

Then he straightened, turned away, and walked to the door. He opened it, stepped through, and shut it behind him, creating an invisible barrier between their worlds.

Lin Luo watched his retreating figure—tall, poised, and effortlessly graceful, as always. Yet for the first time, she sensed a hint of loneliness in his stance.

A sharp pang of guilt tugged at her. Maybe she was heartless. She’d never thought of herself that way before, but tonight she felt like the worst person in the world.

Honestly, she had used Ji Chi’an to achieve her goal of going home, even if she hadn’t intended to hurt or lead him on. Everything she did had been her choice. Now, however, she felt as though she’d twisted herself into the perfect little manipulator.

A green tea girl, through and through.

How rotten she was, absolutely heartless. But what could she do? There was no real choice for her in this.

Maybe she should clear things up with Ji Chi’an. Misunderstandings could be avoided if she explained herself. And if it took a little longer to return home, so be it.

Sigh.

What a self-aware little troublemaker. Heartless, and proud of it.

Meanwhile, Ji Chi’an headed to the bar, poured himself a full glass of brandy, and downed it in one go. Hearing Lin Luo’s inner musings from the other room, he couldn’t help but let out a self-deprecating smirk.

She was brazen about her “heartlessness,” but that only made her more charming. Maybe he was truly losing it, getting riled up yet finding her so irresistible.

What choice did he have? The heart he’d protected for over twenty years had given itself to her. What could he do but accept the storm she brought?

He poured another drink, downed it, and felt a few drops trickle from his lips onto his still-tender bite wound. Gently rubbing his lip with a finger, he recalled the sweetness of her kiss, which was somehow wilder, and even sweeter, than milk.

Whatever secrets she hid, whatever task she clung to for his favor, whatever hesitation kept her from reciprocating—none of it mattered.

With his mind-reading, he’d eventually know her deepest thoughts. He’d conquer her heart and soul, sparing no effort to make her entirely his.

Call it possessiveness or stubbornness; he’d admit it. He simply wanted her, and that was all.

After all, Ji Chi’an wasn’t some virtuous gentleman. He was willing to embrace his “wolf in sheep’s clothing” side if it meant winning her over.

Picking up his phone, he opened WeChat and sent a message to his chat with “Little Wildcat”:

“Is your place haunted or something? I’ve been feeling out of control tonight. Came home with a cut on my lip, but I don’t remember what happened. Weird, huh?”

“Ssss—”

Lin Luo gasped. I knew it! The reason Jiang Chen rented me this place so cheap was because it’s haunted! How else would a high-and-mighty person like Ji Chi’an suddenly start saying he likes her? She had been kissed by a ghost!

In the other room, Ji Chi’an chuckled at the despairing monologue that followed. Ah, what a gullible little kitten.

Since she was convinced they had no chance, he’d play along. He’d let her guard down first, lure her closer, and draw her in, bit by bit. Against a “heartless” person, you just had to be even more “heartless.”

The truth was, Lin Luo had always been a strict atheist—at least, until she was transported into this book. Ever since, she’d started wondering if ghosts really could exist.

Eek.

Scary.

Hearing her little “eek, eek” cries of fear made Ji Chi’an feel downright pleased with himself. He texted back:

“No worries, I’ll bring in a master tomorrow for a little ritual to clear the place of any spirits.”

“Ding.”

Little Wildcat: Really, President Ji?

Ji Chi’an: Absolutely.

Little Wildcat: Is this master reliable?

Ji Chi’an: Absolutely. The family business owes its entire success to his feng shui advice.

“Ssss—” Lin Luo’s sharp intake of breath echoed again. Maybe the master could give her a consultation too? Her mind whirled with possibilities of growing rich and affording any kind of companion she wanted—a sweet puppy-boy, a fierce wolf-man, or even a regal Tibetan Mastiff with a strong build…

“-3.”

?

The sudden deduction left Lin Luo momentarily stunned. But after losing 100 points earlier, what were a few more? With so many penalties already, what difference did it make?

Just then, Ji Chi’an noticed he couldn’t hear her thoughts again, but soon she replied on WeChat.

Little Wildcat: Thank you, President Ji! How much does this master cost per day? I might not have enough.

Ji Chi’an: Don’t worry. I’ll cover it.

Little Wildcat: Thank you, President Ji! You’re the best! Kind, generous, and the most beautiful man ever!

Ji Chi’an: Besides, you live right across from me. I’d hate for any of that “energy” to affect me. Just take extra care tonight. Midnight can be dangerous for girls with a lot of yin energy. Avoid places like the bathroom, the kitchen, under the bed, or inside the closet. Don’t let anything “unclean” spook you.

Lin Luo shivered and curled up on the couch.

Oh my gosh, this is terrifying! Good thing I left all the lights on, or I’d lose my mind! Mom, help me!

Ji Chi’an let out a soft chuckle and dialed the property management office. “Please cut the power in 3202. If you get any calls, just say everything is in perfect working order.”

“Understood, President Ji.”

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

“AHHHHHH!”

Her scream shattered the midnight silence.

Luckily, Ji Chi’an had bought out the apartments around his, so there were no neighbors to complain about the noise.

Listening to her frantic thoughts of “Oh, save me!” “Lord Jade Emperor, protect me!” and “Spirits, please go haunt Ji Chi’an next door, I have no money!” Ji Chi’an couldn’t help but think himself quite wicked. But a little mischief wouldn’t hurt. Besides, she was just as mischievous.

Gathering her last shred of reason, Lin Luo called property management. “Could you check if the power in 3202 tripped? My apartment suddenly went dark.”

A polite voice replied, “Hello, miss. We’ve checked, and everything in 3202 is fully operational. If your lights are out, it could be due to… other reasons.”

Other… reasons…

Lin Luo pictured just what those “other reasons” could mean, and she shuddered. Without a second thought, she bolted out of her apartment and pounded on Ji Chi’an’s door.

Ji Chi’an opened it, looking completely innocent. “Can I help you?”

“M-my apartment… It’s haunted…”

Her eyes were pink with fright.

For a second, Ji Chi’an wondered if he’d gone too far, but seeing her big, fearful eyes, her helpless expression, and her bare legs trembling, he hardened his heart. “Oh, no big deal. The people who lived there before you had the same problem. One of them just ended up with a broken leg, but it was no serious matter. Don’t worry, the master will be here tomorrow.”

Lin Luo was nearly in tears.

Forget it. She’d spend the night at a hotel.

Sniffling, she turned and pressed the elevator button.

Nothing happened.

She pressed it again. Still nothing.

Pressed it a third time. Silence.

Ji Chi’an leaned against the doorframe casually. “Don’t bother. At midnight, the elevator doesn’t stop on this floor. It’s locked until morning.”

Lin Luo was speechless. High-end, singles-only apartments for elite residents, huh? They’re worse than my old neighborhood.

Ji Chi’an delivered his final blow. “Haven’t you noticed? There’s no one living on any of the floors above or below us. Not a sound from anyone.”

💡 “Fun Fact from Your Friendly Translator, Kliraz!”

Okay, who doesn’t love a good scare once in a while? Ji Chi’an is hitting peak prank mode here! In old Chinese superstition, “yin energy” and midnight were always seen as prime ghost hours—especially for young women with a naturally “yin” constitution. Poor Lin Luo is about to believe every creepy story ever!

And that trick with the lights? Classic! It’s no wonder she’s convinced she’s living in a haunted apartment! Imagine Ji Chi’an casually orchestrating every scare to pull her closer—he’s already mastering the art of “teasing for love.” Nothing like a little playful ghost story to spark some late-night bonding! 🖤 So, what do you think? Is Ji Chi’an going to break down Lin Luo’s guard with these tricks, or is she going to start finding her own pranks?