Chapter 73: The Demon’s Left Hand, Traversing the Void

There just happened to be a vacant bedroom upstairs. Joey quickly prepared the bedding and, with enthusiastic hospitality, led Zoe into the room, her heart brimming with joy.

Her son had finally brought a girl home. She had once worried that, given Jonathan and Will’s gentle personalities, they might be gay. Now, at last, she could put her mind at ease.

While Joey was gathering toiletries for her guest, she turned around after everything was ready, only to find that the young woman had already collapsed onto the bed, fast asleep from exhaustion.

“What a beautiful girl,” Joey couldn’t help murmuring with a smile as she gazed at Zoe’s serene and refined face. “Jonathan, that rascal, has good taste after all—just like his father, who managed to marry someone as pretty as me.”

In terms of looks alone, the young woman was even more stunning than Joey herself. Her features were so delicate they seemed almost mathematically arranged; her figure was graceful, neither too slender nor too full, but just right.

Her demeanor was gentle and elegant, with the air of a noble young lady. If someone claimed she was a princess from a royal family, few would doubt it.

The more Joey studied her, the more satisfied she felt. Finally, she tiptoed out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.

“Mom, how is Miss Farmiga?” Lin Xiao was leaning against the hallway banister outside. Seeing Joey emerge, he stepped forward and lowered his voice to ask.

“She’s already asleep. She seemed so tired—fell asleep the moment she lay down. By the way, who is this young lady, Jonathan? And what happened with that kid?”

Lin Xiao drew Joey downstairs and gave her a brief account of what had happened, including Zoe’s true identity.

“What? She’s a witch?” Joey was startled. Due to years of propaganda, people generally held a negative view of witches—stories painted them as evil, hosting sinister gatherings, using dark magic to control men or harm children—the archetypal villains.

“Mom, it’s not like that. There are good witches and bad ones. The witch specter that attacked you that day was indeed despicable, but Zoe isn’t like that. She’s on the side of kindness and order—she won’t harm us.”

Even after her son’s explanation, Joey’s expression remained clouded. The last time she’d been possessed by a witch specter had been a torment, leaving a shadow on her heart and coloring her opinion of witches—and by extension, Zoe.

“All right, I won’t interfere. Just be careful and stay on your guard. Who knows what thoughts they might have, or if she might secretly harm you. Better safe than sorry.”

Parents everywhere are the same—their love for their children surpasses all else.

Lin Xiao nodded silently, promising to be cautious and not to fall victim to Zoe’s machinations.

After their conversation, he was so exhausted that he went straight upstairs to bed without even showering, and soon fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Lin Xiao awoke early, took a shower, and got dressed before heading downstairs.

On the second-floor balcony stood a striking silhouette, gazing out over the shimmering expanse of Lake Campus—it was Zoe.

“Good morning, Miss Farmiga,” Lin Xiao greeted as he walked over, standing by the railing to gaze at the lake alongside her.

Zoe glanced at him and said, “There’s no need to be so formal, Mr. Byers. Just call me Zoe.”

“All right, Miss Zoe. And you don’t need to call me Mr. Byers either, just Jonathan will do,” Lin Xiao replied with a sheepish grin.

Zoe couldn’t help but laugh and added, “Jonathan, I must apologize for last night. I fell asleep without even showering.”

“It’s fine. If you’d like, you can keep that room—it’s not unusual for tutors to live with their students’ families. And besides, it must get lonely living alone, right?” Lin Xiao ventured, secretly pleased with the idea. In these turbulent times, Zoe’s presence would mean there was little need to worry about safety. If they joined forces, not even a vampire marquis would dare trespass.

Zoe looked at him, shook her head, and replied, “Thank you, but I prefer peace and quiet, not a bustling household. Besides, living close to nature is a great help for my meditation. Thank you for offering, though.”

Lin Xiao was a bit disappointed; clearly their relationship wasn’t close enough for her to move in.

No rush—there’s time.

“By the way, I remembered I promised you a reward last night. Money would be too vulgar, but as it happens, I recently acquired a precious orb. Let me give it to you, Zoe—as a token of thanks and perhaps a little welcoming gift for teaching Eleven.”

Lin Xiao reached into his pocket, secretly opening his inventory, and took out the Witch’s Cursed Orb, handing it to Zoe.

He had obtained this orb after defeating the witch specter. It wasn’t of much use to him—at most, he could use it to craft equipment for Eleven. It was the perfect opportunity to do Zoe a favor.

“Is this... an extraordinary material?” Zoe had been about to refuse, but upon seeing the crystal-clear orb, she took it almost involuntarily. Sensing its energy, her expression changed as she exclaimed in surprise.

“Yes, I suppose it’s an extraordinary material. I’m not sure what it does, but there’s a strange power inside. I can’t use it—can you?” Lin Xiao feigned ignorance to avoid revealing the existence of the system.

Zoe nodded, holding the orb in her palm and focusing on its energy. After a moment, she opened her eyes and joked, “This orb is very useful to me. I’ll accept your gift—now you can believe I mean no harm, can’t you?”

Lin Xiao laughed heartily. In truth, after fighting side by side last night, he already trusted Zoe. If he’d doubted her motives, he’d never have invited her to stay.

“Well, well, and you say you’re not a couple? Look how happily you’re chatting!” came a teasing voice from behind. They both jumped and turned to see Eleven grinning mischievously, her expression saying, “I know everything.”

“What do you know, brat? I’m discussing your progress with your teacher. Miss Zoe, don’t be polite—if Eleven misbehaves, feel free to discipline her. Just don’t hurt her too much.”

Eleven pouted and raised her fist to hit Lin Xiao, but he caught her easily, pulled her close, and with one hand lifted her up over the railing, as if threatening to let go.

“I give up, Jonathan! Pull me back!” Eleven shrieked, legs flailing in the air.

“That’s what happens when you’re naughty,” Lin Xiao said smugly, setting her back down and shaking his hair with satisfaction.

Big brothers will always be big brothers—even if you’re an esper, you’re no match for him.

Watching the siblings play, Zoe burst into laughter. They really were a pair of characters—her teaching days here would hardly be boring.

Pouting, Eleven ran to Zoe and hugged her, whining, “Zoe, my mean brother bullied me. Help me teach him a lesson, won’t you?”

“Eleven, with your abilities, you don’t need to be afraid in situations like this. Watch me,” Zoe said, patting Eleven’s head. She crossed her hands, and her body slowly rose off the ground, floating out beyond the balcony—walking on air.

“Wow, that’s so cool! I want to learn—I want that skill! Then I’ll never have to worry about bullies again!” Eleven cheered, jumping with excitement and clamoring to be taught. Zoe smiled gently; without a demonstration of power, how could her student ever be truly convinced?

“Oh, really?” Lin Xiao said noncommittally. He stretched out his left hand, gathering magical energy, and a gigantic demon’s hand leapt forth like a dragon from the depths, grabbing Zoe in midair and pulling her back into his arms.

A delicate fragrance enveloped him—soft and warm.