LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Chapter 28: Do You Live by the Sea?
After venting her frustration on an unlucky opponent, Bibi Dong's treatment of subsequent challengers noticeably softened. However, her sharp gazes at Zhao Ling from time to time sent chills down his spine.
Zhao Ling couldn't figure out what had provoked her. She looked eerily similar to the blackened version of Bibi Dong from the original story.
The matches continued through the morning, and Bibi Dong's rage-fueled energy carried her to victory in all 15 fights. By now, her reputation preceded her, and even stronger opponents were visibly intimidated when facing her.
As her final match ended, Zhao Ling's initial wager of 300 gold soul coins had grown to an impressive 42,000. He was all smiles as he collected his winnings, though he couldn't help feeling a pang of regret.
If her odds had stayed at 8:1 for the entire streak, the payout would have been astronomical, he thought.
Unfortunately, after Bibi Dong's first match, her odds had dropped sharply. Only when the arena started pitting her against stronger opponents after the eleventh match did the odds become lucrative again. Still, Zhao Ling was content.
As Bibi Dong approached, he greeted her warmly.
"Congratulations, Miss Dong'er! Fifteen straight wins—so powerful and domineering!"
Bibi Dong responded with a dissatisfied snort, throwing a sharp glare at Ah Yin.
Ah Yin, unwilling to back down, glared right back. Both women huffed and turned away from each other, noses held high.
Zhao Ling frowned, confused by their animosity. What's going on? Is this some natural enmity between girls?
This wasn't good. Zhao Ling had grand plans to keep both of them by his side, and such hostility between them would complicate things. He needed to find a way to improve their relationship, though he knew it would be difficult.
After all, one was deeply tied to the Spirit Hall, and the other would one day sacrifice herself under its pressure. It was no wonder they instinctively disliked each other.
What Zhao Ling didn't know was that their rivalry stemmed from him. Both women had access to his diary and had seen how he constantly compared them, fueling their competitive tension.
---
As Bibi Dong descended the ring, Ju Douluo and several Spirit Hall elites rushed to meet her.
Ju Douluo, noticing the odd atmosphere between Bibi Dong, Zhao Ling, and Ah Yin, frowned. Something felt off, but he dismissed the idea that Bibi Dong might be jealous.
Surely not. Zhao Ling, even as a Titled Douluo, isn't significant enough to cause such feelings in the young lady, Ju Douluo thought.
Bibi Dong broke the silence with an icy question. "How are the others doing? No one lost embarrassingly, I hope?"
Ju Douluo replied quickly, "Don't worry, Miss. The elites sent to the Great Fighting Soul Arena are well-trained. On average, they played ten matches each and lost only one or two."
"Lost one or two matches?" Bibi Dong's voice turned cold. "Clearly, the Spirit Hall's training isn't rigorous enough."
Her words sent shivers down the spines of the Spirit Hall elites. They exchanged helpless looks, already dreading the intensified training she was bound to enforce.
Zhao Ling chuckled awkwardly and tried to ease the tension.
"Well, Miss Dong'er, losing only one or two matches out of ten is actually quite good. Not everyone can be as gifted as you, dominating 15 matches straight."
"Gifted?" Bibi Dong gave him a side-eye. She had no doubt that what Zhao Ling meant was closer to freak.
'He calls me a freak?' she thought, biting back a sarcastic laugh. 'This man is already a Titled Douluo in his early 30s, yet he dares call me a freak?'
While her thoughts swirled, she merely replied coolly, "Not everyone can match me, true. But as talents carefully cultivated by the Spirit Hall, they shouldn't disappoint. Clearly, I need to increase the intensity of their training."
She crossed her arms and shot Zhao Ling a sharp look. "And you… You're not part of the Spirit Hall. Do you live by the sea? Why are you so nosy?"
Zhao Ling froze, awkwardly scratching his nose. Her sarcastic tone left him speechless.
What's wrong with her? Why is she so hostile? he wondered.
Deciding it was best not to provoke her further, Zhao Ling fell silent. Bibi Dong, catching his dejected expression, couldn't hide her satisfaction.
'That'll teach you to flirt so openly with Ah Yin!' she thought, her mood lifting slightly. 'It's bad enough you stayed in that village for four days to seduce her. What about me? Am I not good enough for you?'
Meanwhile, Ah Yin noticed the smug glint in Bibi Dong's eyes and frowned. She tightened her grip on Zhao Ling's hand and spoke sweetly.
"Brother Ling, are you hungry? Let's grab something to eat. And in the afternoon, will you take me shopping? The clothes in Soto City are so beautiful and the fabrics are exquisite."
Zhao Ling glanced at Ah Yin, noting her simple attire. She did lack variety in her wardrobe, and he still had her old village clothes stored in his system space.
'This is a perfect chance,' he thought. 'Every girl loves beautiful clothes. If I buy her some stylish outfits, she'll surely appreciate it.'
He smiled and nodded. "Of course, Ah Yin. Let's go shopping after lunch."
Ah Yin beamed, leaning closer to him.
From the corner of her eye, Bibi Dong saw their interaction and clenched her fists. Her jealousy flared again as she gritted her teeth.
That shameless woman! Always clinging to him. Can't Zhao Ling see who the better option is?
Her simmering thoughts turned to Zhao Ling. 'If you don't start paying attention to me soon, don't blame me for taking drastic measures. I refuse to lose to her.'
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(End of this chapter)