LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 18: Chapter 18
**Chapter 18: Gift of Wine**
As Zhao Ling clicked to upload his diary, both Ah Yin and Bibi Dong noticed the virtual diary interface appearing before them. A golden exclamation mark pulsed on the screen, indicating a new update.
Today's diary entry was significantly longer than usual, packed with revelations. Without hesitation, both women accessed their "Copy of Zhao Ling's Diary," allowing its contents to stream directly into their minds. As they read, Zhao Ling's deep, magnetic voice narrated the diary entry in their ears—a voice only they could hear.
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While absorbing the contents, Ah Yin's gaze occasionally drifted to Bibi Dong, observing her closely.
Seeing her up close now, Ah Yin had to admit that Bibi Dong's beauty surpassed her own. If she were a man, she might also have been captivated by the woman's radiant charm. No wonder Zhao Ling seemed unable to forget her.
Yet, beneath that beauty lay a tragic fate. Bibi Dong's life, as described in the diary, was heartbreaking. The man she loved not only abandoned her but also fell for someone else. Worse, after her fallout with her teacher, she was imprisoned in a secret chamber, where her teacher violated her, forcing her to bear his child.
Ah Yin couldn't help but feel sympathy. Bibi Dong had suffered betrayal on two fronts—her lover's disloyalty and her teacher's monstrous cruelty. Was it any wonder that she eventually turned into a cold, vengeful figure?
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Bibi Dong's face had gone pale as she continued reading. Her mind reeled, as if struck by a sledgehammer. Her vision blurred, and her thoughts buzzed with disbelief.
How could this be possible?
She could understand having a falling out with her teacher. She could even understand being imprisoned. But for her teacher—the person she revered and trusted the most—to violate her and force her into pregnancy? It was incomprehensible.
Qianxunji had always been a kind, majestic figure in her eyes. To imagine him committing such a beastly act... it shattered her faith. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
Her parents had died when she was young, leaving her an orphan. Qianxunji had taken her under his wing, becoming a father-like figure in her life. And now, this diary revealed that this paternal figure would one day betray her trust in the most horrific way.
Her heart swelled with anger and sorrow. Why would her teacher treat her like this?
Was it because of her feelings for Yu Xiaogang? Did falling in love with someone disqualify her from being a disciple of the Spirit Hall? Was she no longer worthy of his respect?
Why did he have to resort to such vile actions?
Bibi Dong clenched her fists tightly, wanting nothing more than to confront Qianxunji. But she forced herself to stay calm. The events described in the diary hadn't happened yet, and it would be foolish to act impulsively.
Even if the diary proved true, her current strength was no match for Qianxunji. Confronting him now might only ensure the diary's grim predictions came true.
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Her admiration for her teacher was gone, replaced by disgust and a burgeoning hatred. While she now saw Yu Xiaogang as unworthy of her love, she couldn't guarantee she wouldn't fall for someone else in the future. And if she did, what would stop Qianxunji from using the same vile tactics to control her?
The thought ignited a fire within her. 'That beast must die.'
Bibi Dong's emotions surged, her chest heaving with barely suppressed rage. Her murderous intent was palpable, and even Ju Douluo, seated nearby, felt uneasy.
The other Spirit Hall members exchanged puzzled glances. What had happened to their lady? Why was she acting so erratically? Since arriving in Soto City, her behavior has become increasingly unstable.
Ju Douluo was particularly baffled. He couldn't understand what had triggered such a drastic change in her demeanor.
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Meanwhile, Zhao Ling, having finished his meal, turned his attention to Bibi Dong. Her ashen complexion and troubled expression caught his eye.
'What's wrong with her?' he wondered. 'She looks terrible. Did something happen?'
His gaze shifted to Ju Douluo. Observing his delicate features, elegant attire, and refined demeanor, Zhao Ling quickly deduced his identity.
'So, this must be Ju Douluo Yue Guan. Honestly, he really does look like one of those eunuchs from Dongchang. The only difference is, those eunuchs were made—he was born like this. I wonder if he even has... that.'
Zhao Ling's speculative and somewhat malicious gaze made Ju Douluo visibly uncomfortable. But before Ju Douluo could react, Zhao Ling's attention had already moved on to the other Spirit Hall members.
Finding no one of particular note among them, he turned his focus back to Bibi Dong. A mischievous idea formed in his mind.
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Clapping his hands, Zhao Ling called out, "Waiter, bring me ten bottles of your finest wine!"
The restaurant owner, hearing Zhao Ling's request, lit up with excitement. He quickly ordered his staff to fetch ten bottles from the backroom. After all, alcohol sales often brought in more profit than food.
When the wine arrived, Zhao Ling gestured toward the Spirit Hall table with a generous smile. "Please, give seven bottles to them. I'll keep the remaining three for myself."
The Spirit Hall members exchanged bewildered glances. What was this about? Why was a stranger suddenly offering them wine? Did he know who they were?
Ju Douluo stood, offering a polite nod before refusing firmly. "Sir, we cannot accept gifts without reason. Please enjoy the wine yourself."
Zhao Ling chuckled, his tone light and amiable. "Ju Douluo, I simply wish to make the acquaintance of the Spirit Hall. Surely refusing such goodwill would be unkind."
Ju Douluo's eyes narrowed slightly, a glimmer of caution appearing in his gaze. He opened his mouth to question how Zhao Ling knew their identities but stopped himself.
Thinking back to the Great Soul Fighting Arena, he remembered revealing his Elder Order to the arena manager. It was likely this man had deduced their identities from that moment.
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