Peach-Orange! – Chapter 195 – Sweating Bullets, Prisoner Si Chen

Originally, he had just been mildly curious about what gift Chi Xiaocheng had given Su Tao.

A straw doll.

Normally, a small doll that doesn’t move shouldn’t be scary at all.

But Si Chen wasn’t sure if it was his imagination that the moment he unzipped the bag, accompanied by a low, drawn-out “zzziiip—” sound, a thin, twisted hand made of burlap and stuffing seemed to claw its way up the edge of the bag, followed by the doll’s head slowly emerging.

Its originally dark red pupils, deep and hollow, suddenly flashed with an eerie glow the instant they locked onto Si Chen.

It stared silently at the man, its lips curling into a bizarre grin, as if mocking his fear, or perhaps thrilled by what was about to unfold.

Awakened, hunting season begins!

Si Chen gulped, his scalp tingling. His hand trembled, nearly dropping the bag.

Those red slit-pupiled eyes were all too familiar!

They looked exactly like Chi Xiaocheng’s!

His mouth felt dry as he turned to the side. “Su… Su Tao, this… this doll of yours….”

Su Tao tilted her head. “What about it?”

She glanced over. The doll was just sitting normally inside the bag.

It was a bit too big for the bag, so it popped out when the zipper was opened.

But Su Tao’s simple words only made Si Chen feel like needles were pricking his back.

The way the doll was staring at him felt like it wanted to devour him!

He cleared his throat, forcing a dry laugh. “N-Nothing… it’s just… kinda cute.”

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“Of course, it’s Xiaocheng’s gift.”

“Haha, right.”

It was just a doll, even if it looked a bit creepy.

Si Chen glanced back at it.

He wasn’t sure if he was imagining things, but he felt like the doll was still staring at him.

That faint sense of dread grew stronger when he met its gem-like crimson eyes.

Was this… a ghost?

Had Chi Xiaocheng faked her death, gotten some mystic to perform a ritual, and then possessed this doll?

Remembering the “boot-up password” he’d joked about at the hospital, Si Chen shuddered and hastily shoved the bag back at Su Tao. “H-Here, you take it.”

But Su Tao didn’t accept it. She handed it back to Si Chen and followed Qian Qing into the changing room.

Si Chen looked down.

Once again, he was face-to-face with Chi Xiaocheng.

A true staring contest.

After a long silence, he slowly placed the bag on the sofa.

And deliberately turned the doll to face the other way.

“Dongfang Yang… don’t you think that doll is kinda weird?”

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His question made the cheerful young man glance over. “No? I think it’s cute.”

Was it really just his imagination?

Dongfang Yang then raised an eyebrow. “By the way, didn’t you just put on your suit? Why are you taking it off again?”

“Uh… it’s a bit hot. My undershirt got sweaty. I’ll change.”

Meanwhile, Qian Qing led Su Tao into the dressing room. “Miss Su, we’ve prepared three dresses for you. Pick whichever one you like.”

Su Tao looked at the three lavish gowns hanging on the rack.

The most extravagant was undoubtedly the first one: a floor-length white dress adorned with countless embellishments, like something out of a fairy tale.

Most women wouldn’t be able to resist such a dreamy gown.

But Su Tao only glanced at it before moving on.

She chose the third dress, which was the plainest and most understated.

Qian Qing arched a brow. “If the first one’s too flashy, the second would be better.”

“The second one shows too much skin. I’ll go with the third.”

Qian Qing chuckled behind her hand. “Miss Su, you’re quite reserved. Most formal dresses for women are off-the-shoulder.”

But Su Tao still shook her head.

‘Because I made a promise to her.’

‘In public settings, I won’t dress too revealingly or ostentatiously.’

Besides, the real stars today were Dongfang Yang and Qian Qing; one in red, the other in blue. They’d undoubtedly be the center of attention.

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She was just here to see that miracle doctor. Staying low-key as a supporting character was fine.

But even so, with her natural beauty and figure, when Su Tao emerged ten minutes later in the elegant, waist-cinching dress, she still stunned everyone present.

The soft lavender gown carried a vintage charm, subtle and refined. The fabric was scattered with faint patterns, like twinkling stars.

A slender purple silk ribbon tied around her waist accentuated her graceful curves, its ends adorned with tiny gemstones that swayed delicately; the only lavish touch on the entire outfit.

At first glance, it didn’t stand out.

But once your eyes landed on Su Tao’s face, then took in her whole figure, you couldn’t help but marvel at her beauty.

The group reacted differently.

Dongfang Yang awkwardly looked away, trying to maintain his gentlemanly demeanor.

Si Chen barely glanced at her, avoiding direct eye contact entirely.

Qian Qing, however, smiled appreciatively, her gaze full of admiration.

But the one staring most intently was the doll hidden inside the bag.

Qian Qing circled Su Tao once. “Stunning. Even like this, you’ll shine like a star at the banquet.”

Su Tao smiled shyly. “You flatter me, Qian Qing-jie. I’m nowhere near your level.”

“Alright, enough mutual praise. Let me fix your hair, then we’ll head out.”

The final touches didn’t take long. Without much makeup needed, they soon boarded Dongfang Yang’s car.

Si Chen immediately shoved the bag back at Su Tao. “You should carry your own bag. There’s no place to put it during the banquet anyway.”

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Considering the dress’s streamlined design, it had no pockets.

And Su Tao’s bag, practical and inexpensive, would look out of place with the gown.

Not to mention, it was stuffed with items.

Su Tao said, “There’s a small clutch for my phone, but this doll is too big.…”

Dongfang Yang, who was driving, glanced back. “Then just leave the doll in the car.”

The moment he said that, he suddenly shivered.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Weird… why do I feel a chill? The AC isn’t even on.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Su Tao tied Chi Xiaocheng to her waist. “I’ll just carry her like this. I’m not the main attraction anyway. All eyes will be on you two. I’m just a nobody.”

She’d rather trust Xiaocheng.

This doll might really bring her luck!

By 5:30 PM, the winter dusk was fading into night.

They arrived at a villa estate. Before even entering the parking lot, everyone instinctively narrowed their eyes.

At the main gate, a young man in a white suit stood like the moon surrounded by stars, encircled by a crowd.

His mysterious aura instantly drew their gaze.

One thought flashed through their minds:

That man, he must be the recently renowned miracle doctor!