The Devil CEO’s Reborn Lover

The forest stretched endlessly before them, bathed in soft hues of pink and gold. Trees with thick, twisting trunks reached high into the sky, and their delicate pink blossoms floated down like snowflakes, coating the forest floor in a gentle carpet of petals.

Qin Yangzhou walked silently beside Wu Mei, one hand never straying far from his sword, the other clenched tightly at his side. He couldn't shake the tension in his chest.

Shao Wei and Zhao Xi walked ahead, quietly talking and laughing—though she still leaned slightly into him, recovering from the wound Dracon had dealt her. Behind them, Mo Qing kept watch, ever the silent sentinel.

But it was Wu Mei who consumed all of Qin Yangzhou's thoughts.

She was quiet, lost in her own world. Her steps were slow, but she didn't complain.

That made him worry more.

She hadn't told the others yet, but he knew. He had known ever since they had stepped into this strange realm, ever since she had first flinched when morning sickness hit unexpectedly.

Wu Mei was pregnant.

His child.

And that knowledge filled him with both wonder… and fear.

What if Dracon had sensed it? What if that's why the dark sorcerer kept watching them from the shadows? What if Dracon will hurt her and the child?

Qin Yangzhou's jaw tightened as he glanced at Wu Mei. The sunlight filtering through the blossoms painted her face in a soft glow, and for a brief moment, she looked like a goddess in a dream.

"I'm fine," she said suddenly, not even looking at him.

He blinked. "What?"

"You keep glancing at me like I'm made of porcelain," she said, a teasing edge to her voice. "I'm pregnant, not dying."

He flushed slightly but didn't deny it. "I just don't want you to push yourself too hard."

Wu Mei smiled faintly. "I'm stronger than I look, Yangzhou. You should know that by now."

He did. But that didn't make him worry less.

Just then, the forest path widened, revealing a quaint structure nestled between two thick-barked trees. A shop—round and charming, with walls of polished wood and a sign that shimmered faintly with runes. The sign read:

"Jing's Wares – Food, Drinks, Weapons, Curiosities."

Shao Wei stopped. "Finally, a break."

Zhao Xi stretched his arms. "Let's grab something to eat. I'm starving."

Qin Yangzhou looked at Wu Mei. "Want to rest here for a bit?"

She nodded. "Yes. I'd like to look around too."

They approached the small shop, its front steps scattered with petals. A wooden bell above the door jingled as they entered.

Inside, the shop was unexpectedly large. Racks of colorful bottles lined one wall, while shelves of weapons, scrolls, and trinkets took up the other side. A cozy table sat near the window, where food and tea were already laid out, as if waiting for them.

The shopkeeper was an old man with a long white beard, tiny spectacles perched on his nose. He glanced up from a scroll. "Welcome, travelers! Anything you need?"

Zhao Xi walked straight to the food counter and began selecting items with Shao Wei. Mo Qing stood near the door, arms crossed, watching.

Wu Mei's eyes lit up as she wandered through the shop. She picked up a delicate jade bottle, admired a necklace with a fox pendant, and paused in front of a display of finely crafted weapons.

Among them was a hidden weapon kit, sleek and compact. It contained tiny blades shaped like flower petals, and minuscule arrows tipped with silver poison. A beautiful piece of craftsmanship.

"This," Wu Mei said, turning to the shopkeeper, "how much?"

The old man looked over. "Ah, the whispering blossom kit. Three gold pebbles."

She reached into the pouch she carried—filled with small golden stones, the currency of this world. Zhao Xi had given them some before they entered the forest.

"Here." She handed over three, and the man placed the kit in a silk pouch, handing it to her with a nod.

As she moved to explore the back shelves, something shimmered faintly at the edge of her vision.

Her ring the old item which she found in that tunnel house when she explored with Mo Qing.

Wu Mei stopped.

On a low table sat a small black box, plain and unassuming. Yet as she stepped closer, the light from her ring intensified.

Her fingers brushed the lid. She slowly opened it.

Inside was a single red pill, small and luminous, glowing faintly like it held fire within.

"What is this?" she murmured.

The shopkeeper turned and squinted. "Oh, that? Some leftover trinket. Not even sure what it does. Been there for weeks. Worth barely a pebble."

"Just one?" Wu Mei asked, eyebrow raised.

He nodded. "I'd give it for free, honestly, but I'll take one pebble to make it official."

Curiosity burned in her.

She placed a gold pebble on the counter and lifted the box.

As she studied the pill, she thought she heard a faint hum—like the whisper of a distant wind.

Her mouth opened slightly in surprise.

And in that moment—

The pill shot into the air.

She gasped, but before she could react—

It flew straight into her mouth.

She coughed and staggered back. "What the—?!"

Then came the pain.

A sharp, stabbing heat in her chest—spreading rapidly to her limbs, her stomach, her heart. It felt like she was burning from the inside out.

Her knees buckled.

"Wu Mei!" Qin Yangzhou's voice boomed through the shop as he rushed forward.

She collapsed into his arms, eyes wide with pain and confusion.

"Something's wrong!" she gasped. "My heart—it—hurts—!"

Then her body convulsed, and she went limp.

"No!" Qin Yangzhou's voice broke. "Wu Mei!"

He laid her down on the wooden floor, brushing her hair from her face. Her skin was pale, clammy, her breathing faint.

The others gathered around instantly.

"What happened?" Shao Wei demanded.

"She took a pill—something from that box—" Qin Yangzhou growled, turning to the shopkeeper. "What the hell did you sell her?!"

The old man blinked, horrified. "I-I swear I didn't know! It was just an old item! No one ever bought it!"

Zhao Xi grabbed the box and inspected it. "This isn't normal. There's a seal—something ancient. The ring must have reacted to it."

Qin Yangzhou gritted his teeth, holding Wu Mei tighter. "She's burning up."

Mo Qing knelt beside them. "She's not dead. Her heartbeat's erratic—but still there. Something is happening inside her."

"Like what?" Qin Yangzhou barked.

Mo Qing looked grim. "Something… awakening."