the book’s goddess

Chapter 25 Gradual Change

Thinking about this, Chu Ge felt he had something more to do; he couldn't spend his whole life holed up in his room writing anymore.

For example, those gatherings he had originally planned to decline, including but not limited to online writers' association gatherings, local writers' circle gatherings, and classmate reunions, might all become things he had to attend.

He especially needed to socialize with people in professions like Lin Wuyang; who knows, he might unexpectedly learn about some supernatural situations.

It wasn't that he was particularly interested in whether others had special abilities, but rather that he really needed to go out and search for clues about Qiu Wuji's escape; otherwise, relying solely on sitting in front of the computer writing, he would never find anything.

The more Chu Ge thought about it, the more his head ached. He really didn't like socializing; he had previously declined almost all of these invitations. Seriously… besides his work being in disarray, was his life about to completely change as well?

But seeing Qiu Wuji silently clearing the dishes and washing them, that slight headache vanished instantly, as if rubbed by her small hands.

The advantage of being a cultivator is that she can wash dishes in seconds. In typical shared accommodations, where the woman cooks, the man usually has to wash the dishes – this common chores are no longer necessary. It's more comfortable than eating out; the food is delicious, cheap, and hygienic, and you get to look good in black stockings and high heels.

Psychologically, it's incredibly satisfying. This woman, a peerless master revered by everyone in her own world, is here cooking and washing dishes like a dutiful wife. Chu Ge knew that Qiu Wuji wasn't necessarily swayed by rent alone; she definitely felt guilty for disrupting his work and intended to make amends.

For that, what's a few changes?

The first change: exercise.

After dinner, she wrote an extra chapter. By nine o'clock, having digested her food, Chu Ge stepped onto the treadmill.

The treadmill was readily available; Chu Ge had bought it on a whim when she decided to start exercising. However, before that, you wouldn't recognize it as a treadmill – it was piled high with various boxes and shelves, resembling a shelving cart. According to Zhang Qiren, "Brother Chu, your treadmill is pretty good, it can hold a lot."

Just carrying all that stuff down there, even in this sweltering heat, left him drenched in sweat. Embarrassingly, he only managed eight kilometers per hour, and after less than ten minutes, he jumped off like a dog, standing to the side, panting and supporting his knees.

Qiu Wuji leaned lazily against the sofa, reading a book, his gaze sweeping over him with a sidelong glance and a wistful sigh.

Chu Ge wanted to die.

"Your running gadget is quite ingenious," Qiu Wuji said leisurely, withdrawing his gaze. "It's just a bit too restrictive. Should I add an isolation shield around it so it can't get out until it runs for a certain amount of time? I feel like that would be more effective."

"Do you think I'm Huang Bo?" Chu Ge rested for a moment, feeling quite refreshed, and regained his confidence. "This is just the result of not exercising for too long. If you can persevere, you can go longer! I could at least run a marathon in college..."

Perseverance... Qiu Wuji curled his lip. Judging from how you used it like a junkyard before, I know what your so-called perseverance is. No wonder you write about a protagonist with unwavering determination; it's just something you can't do yourself, so you fantasize about it in your book... just like the woman he can't have.

Just as he was thinking this, he saw Chu Ge lie down, his hands bent in front of his chest, supporting himself on the floor.

Qiu Wuji moved several feet to the side, his eyes wary. "What kind of lewd posture is that?"

"That's called a push-up. What does an old lady like you know?" Chu Ge began to huff and puff as he did push-ups.

Qiu Wuji couldn't help but think this position looked like... well, this world is so strange. Judging from the changes in his body, it looked like he was exercising, but why use a position like that for sex...?

Then Chu Ge collapsed to the ground after three minutes.

Qiu Wuji's gaze turned strange again.

Is this all you do for half an hour?

Chu Ge couldn't take it anymore and jumped up: "Why are you staring at me? Read your book!"

"Tch." Qiu Wuji's gaze returned to his book.

Chu Ge couldn't continue exercising. He reluctantly put on his pajamas and went into the bathroom. Just as he entered, another head popped out: "Do you want to shower? I see your cultivation hasn't even reached the point of fasting, so you're probably not yet free from worldly impurities."

Qiu Wuji said calmly: "I know a cleansing technique. Want me to use it on you? It'll save time and effort."

Chu Ge shrank back: "No, it feels weird. It doesn't feel like I've properly washed myself. It's just a makeshift solution when I'm out and about."

The bathroom door closed, and soon the sound of running water came from inside. Qiu Wuji placed the book on her lap, her gaze wandering.

So living together is such a hassle. The feeling of a man bathing n***d in a room separated only by a door… it's unsettling.

Well, it's perfectly normal, anyway, she didn't see anything.

And Chu Ge's last words, whether intentional or not, struck a chord with her.

Even without using cleansing spells, even her original self, long since free from worldly impurities, still occasionally felt the urge to take a bath. Women…

He was probably doing it on purpose. Did he not know his own nature? Did he also want to experience what it felt like to have a woman bathing in the room next door?

Pah! How shameless! I'm not going to bathe! Qiu Wuji angrily left her seat and returned to the second bedroom.

She paused for a moment upon entering.

The second bedroom originally had no bedding, just a bed board. She had planned to continue her cross-legged meditation. But this time, upon entering, she saw the sheets, pillows, and blankets neatly laid out, faintly exuding a pleasant fragrance.

This... Chu Ge bought these and placed them here before she even returned?

How much she longed for someone to live with her!

I really don't need to sleep... Qiu Wuji silently stared at the little pig pillow on the bed, unsure of her own feelings.

Night deepened.

Determined to adjust her sleep schedule, Chu Ge wrote another half-chapter as a draft for tomorrow before going to bed.

The air conditioner hummed softly, providing a comfortable coolness in the sweltering summer heat, subtly calming the restlessness within. Chu Ge stared at the ceiling, wondering if Qiu Wuji knew how to use an air conditioner? Oh, it probably didn't matter; she was perfectly immune to heat and cold, right? She'd even worn her thick robes to the street before.

After waiting for a while, there was no movement from next door. Exhausted from exercising, Chu Ge didn't stay up long today, and before she knew it, she drifted off to sleep. The instant he fell asleep, Qiu Wuji seemed to sense something, sneaking out of the next room like a thief, grabbing the pajamas he'd bought that day, and dashing into the bathroom.

"That lecherous fellow thinks he can't hear me while I'm sleeping? Humph."

After a brief examination, the bathroom fixtures weren't hard to figure out how to use. Qiu Wuji carefully undressed, revealing his smooth, white body.

A bath would be so comfortable… too bad this place is a bit small, there isn't even a bathtub…

As it turns out, whether mortal or fairy, bathing time is an absolute nightmare. Chu Ge slept fitfully for almost an hour, but not used to going to bed so early, he was woken up early by the urge to urinate, rubbing his eyes and staggering to the toilet.

Just as he stepped out of the room, he saw Qiu Wuji sneaking out of the bathroom like a thief.

The two met in the middle of the living room, stunned. Chu Ge stared blankly at Qiu Wuji, who had just emerged from his bath. His hair was still wet, carrying the fresh scent of shampoo, and he looked like a ripe flower, delicate and alluring.

They were both wearing identical couple pajamas, the doll-like smiling faces on them gazing at each other, incredibly cute.

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment.

Qiu Wuji's face gradually turned crimson.

Being caught sneaking a bath was bad enough, but these clothes were utterly embarrassing! What kind of uniform was this for sect disciples?!

Several seconds of silence followed. Just as Qiu Wuji was about to find an excuse to explode, Chu Ge suddenly smiled slightly and said softly, "Goodnight, get some rest." Qiu Wuji swallowed his rage, turned and watched Chu Ge's retreating figure as he entered the bathroom, remaining silent for a long time.