So I am thinking of rewriting the Being a Necromancer in Dying Worlds work what do you think...
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{Chapter: 288 Can I hold you?}
Yu Shanshan was about to run off quickly into the night when Lin Yuan suddenly raised his voice and called after her.
"Wait! It's not safe for you to go alone."
Hearing his call, Yu Shanshan came to a stop and turned back, giving Lin Yuan a look full of exaggerated annoyance—as if silently cursing him for ruining her perfect getaway.
In truth, Yu Shanshan had two reasons for wanting to leave alone. Yes, she genuinely wanted to visit her "wife"—as she affectionately—but more than that, she wanted to create an opportunity for Lin Yuan and Chi Qian to spend time together in private. Despite the frequent teasing she endured from Lin Yuan, she could sense the growing interest between the two. And she, in her own mischievous way, wanted to play cupid.
Of course, Lin Yuan wasn't so easily fooled. He immediately saw through Yu Shanshan's not-so-subtle intentions. While it was a tempting scenario to be alone with the elegant and graceful Chi Qian, Lin Yuan's protective instincts kicked in. It was already dark outside, and the campus had its share of shadowy corners and isolated paths. Chi Qian could handle herself—she was no damsel in distress and could probably take down a dozen thugs if it came to that—but Yu Shanshan was a completely different story.
She was petite, bubbly, and not particularly threatening—more like a rabbit than a wolf.
Despite the constant teasing he gave her, Lin Yuan would never forgive himself if something happened to her.
"Hey," he called out again. "It's really not safe. Even though you're not as pretty as Chi Qian—not even close—I still worry that some unfortunate idiot might try something."
Yu Shanshan turned and waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine! Cousin, just focus on sending Qian Qian back home. She's way more important than me tonight!"
Lin Yuan sighed and rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll let you go play wife for the night. But we're walking you to her dorm first."
After saying that, he turned toward Chi Qian to make sure she was on board.
Chi Qian gave a small nod, her voice calm and reassuring. "Yes. Shanshan, it's better if we all go together. I'd feel uneasy if you walked back alone too."
Yu Shanshan paused, her hand still mid-wave. She puffed out her chest with a proud grin. "You guys worry too much. I'm brave, you know?"
Despite her words, her cheeks flushed pink, and she looked genuinely touched. It warmed her heart that they both insisted on escorting her. Especially Lin Yuan—who never passed up a chance to bully her—was putting aside time with a beautiful girl just to make sure she got back safely.
She glanced sideways at Lin Yuan, her expression softening as she thought, Hmph. He always acts like a jerk, but deep down, he's still a good cousin.
But then, the suspicion returned.
"Wait a second," she narrowed her eyes. "You're not just walking me so you can sneak a look at my wife, are you? Didn't you say you're a man of morals?"
Lin Yuan smirked, reached out, and pinched her cheek with practiced ease. "Think too much and your tiny brain will short-circuit. Lead the way."
With a mock scowl, Yu Shanshan turned and began walking, her short strides bouncing with energy. Lin Yuan and Chi Qian followed closely behind.
As they walked, Chi Qian kept stealing glances at Lin Yuan, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and admiration.
Both she and Lin Yuan knew that Yu Shanshan had been trying to create a private moment for them—but Lin Yuan's refusal to take the easy route impressed her. He had chosen responsibility over romance, which only deepened Chi Qian's sense of respect for him.
That small gesture said a lot about his character.
Suddenly, in Lin Yuan's mind, a soft mechanical chime echoed.
[Ding! Chi Qian's favorability +1! Reward: 100 Counterattack Points!]
Hearing the system notification, Lin Yuan smiled inwardly.
He hadn't expected anything from the act, but receiving a favorability point—and more importantly, a glimpse into Chi Qian's deepening feelings—was definitely a win.
As Yu Shanshan had said, her "wife's" dormitory wasn't far. After four to five minutes of relaxed walking, the trio reached the entrance of a small residential building, dimly lit but welcoming.
Lin Yuan turned to her with a half-serious tone. "Go on up. Sleep early. And don't forget to message me when you're in. If you don't, I'll call your mother and tell her you're wandering around at night."
Yu Shanshan groaned. "Ugh, you're so annoying. I get it already!"
She turned, but then stopped abruptly and turned back, her cheeks puffed. "Here!" she declared, leaning forward and pointing to her cheek.
"What?" Lin Yuan blinked, caught off guard.
Chi Qian tilted her head slightly, also curious about this sudden gesture.
Yu Shanshan pouted. "Didn't you say you love pinching my face? This is a thank you for walking me. You can pinch it once!"
For a moment, Lin Yuan and Chi Qian just looked at her in stunned silence. Then, both burst out laughing.
Instead of pinching her immediately, Lin Yuan gently tapped her cheek, teasing her further.
Yu Shanshan looked dissatisfied. "Hey, come on! Don't you want to?"
Lin Yuan grinned devilishly—then pinched her face hard, just the way she didn't expect.
"Ow!" she yelped, leaping back and holding her cheek. "Do you have no heart?! Look at this cute face—you really dare?!"
Lin Yuan shrugged. "You asked for it. Don't be so dramatic. Now hurry up and get inside. Qian Qian and I still need to get back before her dorm locks up."
Pouting, Yu Shanshan turned toward the dorm entrance—but just before she stepped in, her eyes lit up.
"Brother! Look over there!" she pointed excitedly to a nearby pathway. "There's a pair of beautiful twin l*l¡! Like, actually real twins l*ll¡€s!"
Lin Yuan raised a brow. "What kind of nonsense are you spouting again?"
Chi Qian also turned her head, curiosity momentarily piqued.
Lin Yuan and Chi Qian both turned their heads when they heard Yu Shanshan's excited exclamation. Sure enough, a pair of beauties were walking a short distance away, side by side. Despite the dim lighting along the sidewalk, their matching height and similar silhouettes immediately stood out. Their faces weren't clearly visible, but from their delicate figures and youthful energy, it was easy to guess they were likely attractive. They were petite and slender, giving off a strong "l*l¡" vibe that instantly caught Yu Shanshan's attention.
Judging by how Yu Shanshan's eyes lit up like stars and the tiny drool forming at the corner of her mouth, she was clearly enamored.
"They look so tender... definitely first-year students—or maybe even high schoolers!" she said, practically bouncing with excitement.
Lin Yuan gave a slight nod of agreement. "Yeah, probably."
Yu Shanshan clasped her hands dramatically over her chest. "I really want to go talk to them... Imagine hugging one on the left and one on the right. Just thinking about it makes my heart race!"
Lin Yuan chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Okay, enough daydreaming. Time for you to go upstairs."
He gave her a gentle nudge, urging her along before she could get carried away with her imagination any further.
With that settled, Lin Yuan turned his attention back to Chi Qian. The mysterious twin girls had already disappeared into the night, but Lin Yuan didn't think too much about it. He had other priorities—namely, walking Chi Qian back safely to her dormitory.
They returned to the car, and Lin Yuan drove Chi Qian to the rear gate of the Jiangbei Conservatory of Music. Compared to the main entrance, the back gate was smaller and more understated. Like the front gate, it was locked at this hour except for a small pedestrian door still open for students returning late.
After parking the car, Lin Yuan stepped out and opened the door for Chi Qian. "Qian Qian, I'll walk you to your dorm," he said with a smile.
Chi Qian gave a gentle nod. "Okay."
The two passed through the narrow side door and entered the campus. It was late now—close to curfew—and the surroundings had grown quiet. Only the occasional flicker of a campus lamp or the rustling of maple leaves being blown by a chilly breeze accompanied their steps. The ground shimmered faintly under the dim lights, dotted with scattered leaves and patches of shadow.
As they walked, Lin Yuan occasionally glanced at Chi Qian.
Even under the weak lighting, her beauty was breathtaking. Her waist-length hair swayed slightly with the wind, and her graceful figure moved with quiet poise. Her gentle features, crescent-shaped brows, and calm expression made her look like a fairy from an ancient scroll painting, serene and otherworldly.
Chi Qian glanced back at him now and then, her eyes thoughtful, though she said nothing. Their silence wasn't awkward—on the contrary, there was a quiet understanding between them, a kind of stillness that carried meaning beyond words.
Chi Qian led the way through a shadowy path, guiding Lin Yuan as he wasn't familiar with this part of the campus.
Eventually, they reached an old stone staircase nestled in a quiet corner. The steps were narrow, uneven, and mossy, climbing steeply upwards through a patch of untamed greenery. There was no proper lighting here, only the faint silver glow of moonlight spilling through the canopy above, creating soft shadows on the moss-covered stone and grass.
Chi Qian stopped briefly to explain. "If you come through the back gate, you have to pass through this staircase. It's been like this for years. They keep saying they'll repair it, but because so few people use this route, even the lights are left broken."
"I see," Lin Yuan nodded, studying the steps ahead.
The staircase was tall—hundreds of steps at least—and barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side. Because of the lack of lighting and maintenance, it looked slippery and potentially dangerous, especially for those not paying attention. Despite that, Lin Yuan noticed a few couples further ahead climbing the stairs hand in hand, chatting quietly or leaning on each other for support.
Walking side by side here would be tight and inconvenient, so Lin Yuan and Chi Qian fell into a natural order—one behind the other.
The stone surface was a bit slick from the evening dew, and as they began their ascent, Lin Yuan slowed his pace and turned slightly.
"The steps are slippery. Let me hold your hand—just in case," he said gently, glancing back at her.
Given the situation, his suggestion didn't come across as abrupt or inappropriate. It was a reasonable offer for safety, especially since the staircase was poorly lit and steep. But for Lin Yuan, it was also a subtle test.
He wanted to see where he stood with Chi Qian emotionally.
They had known each other for some time now, and he could feel her slowly warming up to him. Still, Chi Qian wasn't someone who allowed physical contact easily. If another man had made the same suggestion, she would've flatly refused without a second thought. But Lin Yuan sensed that her feelings had shifted—even if only slightly.
Chi Qian hesitated for a heartbeat, her eyes flickering in thought.
Then she softly replied, "Okay."
Lin Yuan was slightly surprised—not that she agreed, but that she did so quickly. He had expected her to take longer to consider, to weigh her response as she usually did with anything involving physical closeness.
But her quiet acceptance told him something: Chi Qian was also testing the waters.
Even though she had always maintained a reserved demeanor, Lin Yuan had seen her blush, laugh, and respond to him in ways she didn't with others. It wasn't quite romantic yet—at least not fully—but something was there, and it was growing.
As Lin Yuan reached out and took her hand, Chi Qian didn't pull away. Her slender fingers were cool to the touch, her palm soft and trembling just slightly.
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