Though it was different from the grand butterfly I had expected, it was still acceptable that what emerged from the cocoon ended up being a woman with butterfly wings. <br><br>Of course, the butterfly spirit hadn't fully stepped out of the cocoon. Golden dust-like mist swirled within the cocoon, veiling the beautiful creation that had just arrived in this wonderful world. <br><br>Seeing the butterfly spirit's intent to step out, Xavi thought for a moment before removing his trench coat and tossing it toward her. He said frankly, “It’s best to avoid any unpleasant or awkward situations.” <br><br>The trench coat landed in the butterfly spirit’s hands. <br><br>The butterfly spirit merely smiled softly and said gently, “You humans are truly strange.” <br><br>Xavi rubbed his nose and smiled back, choosing not to respond to her comment. Since the butterfly spirit’s wings on her back would prevent her from wearing the coat, she draped it over her front, holding it with both hands. <br><br>Her wings suddenly unfurled as she floated gracefully out of the cocoon. Bathed in a hazy gray light, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Finally, she landed softly in front of Xavi and said gratefully, “Thank you. Without your help, I might not have been able to get out.” <br><br>It was an enchanting smile, her crystal-clear skin making her look flawless. Thinking of the ugly form she had before breaking through the cocoon made her current beauty seem even more precious. <br><br>At this moment, the sky was turning white with morning light, signaling the imminent rise of the red sun and the end of the night’s protection. Xavi had learned a bit about shape-shifting creatures from You Ye. <br><br>Most creatures capable of disguising their true forms blend into society and live among humans like ordinary people. However, many of them prefer to avoid human contact, retreating to remote or seldom-traveled areas. <br><br>If the butterfly spirit could conceal her wings, even without any adornment, her stunning beauty would already be a rare sight. Moreover, she possessed an ethereal charm that was hard to describe. <br><br>Whether judged by appearance or aura, she was truly impeccable. <br><br>“You’re speaking quite fluently now,” Xavi remarked, choosing not to respond to her gratitude and instead curious about her newfound ability to talk. <br><br>The butterfly spirit replied, “Yes, before breaking out of the cocoon, my body wasn’t fully formed. Now with my vocal cords properly constructed, speaking is no longer a problem.” <br><br>Xavi nodded. “You’ve successfully shape-shifted. What’s next for you? Will you rejoin human society, or live freely as a creature of the wilderness?” <br><br>The butterfly spirit thought for a moment and said, “I want to see this world. Do you have any suggestions?” <br><br>Xavi was taken aback. After all, as a student still technically enrolled in school, he couldn’t claim a thorough understanding of society. Yet he felt compelled to say something, so with a tone akin to a sage telling a tale, he replied, “I think first, you need a name.” <br><br>“A name?” <br><br>Xavi smiled. “For humans, to come into this world is to start with a name.” <br><br>“I... don’t have a name,” the butterfly spirit said, shaking her head. But then, her eyes sparkled as she looked up. “Could you... give me one?” <br><br>It was like framing a masterpiece crafted by an artist—giving the butterfly spirit a beautiful name would enhance her already stunning presence. Xavi couldn’t help feeling a temptation to try. <br><br>He lowered his head, gazing out over the riverbank, the sky, and the distant horizon. The recently risen sun brought to mind the glowing river waters and the moonlit brilliance he had just witnessed. His thoughts lingered on the graceful moment when the butterfly spirit emerged, and he couldn’t help but softly recite, “Dancing on the pale light of dawn, fluttering beside the banquet table...” <br><br>Suddenly, he turned around and looked at the butterfly spirit with the enthusiasm of a child showing off a painting. “Fluttering Motion! It might sound odd, but if it feels acceptable, what do you think of the name Fluttering Motion?” <br><br>“Fluttering Motion...” The butterfly spirit murmured the words softly, lowering her head as if savoring them. Then, she looked up with a smile and nodded. <br><br>In the fleeting moment of her rebirth, the butterfly spirit gained a name. <br><br>With her beautiful Golden Ribbon Butterfly wings spread wide, she ascended lightly into the air. A glowing orb slowly fell from her hand, landing in Xavi’s palm. It was none other than the jade insignia used in their trade. <br><br>“Thank you! If possible, I hope we can meet again someday.” <br><br>With that, the butterfly spirit spread her wings and flew toward the rising sun. <br><br>Xavi held the jade insignia in his hand, watching her flight for a long time before turning to You Ye and saying softly, “I know a place that sells delicious dumplings, and the soy milk is freshly ground.” <br><br>... <br><br>... <br><br>Nibbling on the dumplings he’d just bought, Xavi examined the white jade insignia he had received from Fluttering Motion. Its texture was as smooth as cream, and it was difficult to put down. But eventually, a choice had to be made. <br><br>Should he offer it up to gain a seventy-day lifespan, or spend twenty days of his lifespan for a deeper appraisal? <br><br>On the way back, Xavi had earnestly asked You Ye for her opinion on this matter. The ever-loyal doll had given a response filled with déjà vu: <br><br>“Master, as long as you’re happy...” <br><br>“For now, I’ll keep it,” Xavi decided, talking to himself. “Using twenty days to appraise it doesn’t seem worth it right now... nor do I have that much spare lifespan to use. But offering it up immediately would also feel too wasteful.” <br><br>If he saved it, then when he was at the brink of running out of lifespan, and if no deals worked out, he could use the jade insignia to buy some time. <br><br>On the other hand, if he managed to perpetuate steady gains... when that happens, of course, he’d want to uncover the secrets of this jade insignia. <br><br>“Xavi, what’s making you grin like an idiot? Why are you up so early today?” <br><br>Ren Ziling, her hair disheveled, emerged groggily from her room. Xavi pointed to the dumplings and soy milk on the coffee table and said lightly, “You’re up early too.” <br><br>Yawning, Ren took a seat next to Xavi, draping an arm over his shoulder with a sly smile. “Kid, you’ve been acting odd these past couple of days. You can tell me about it, you know. I’d make a great life coach!” <br><br>Xavi shifted away slightly, grabbed the remote, and turned on the television. Ren didn’t seem to mind, reaching for the dumplings in the bag. <br><br>Xavi frowned. “Did you... brush your teeth?” <br><br>Ren blinked and said, “Wouldn’t it be cleaner to eat first and then brush?” <br><br>“You’re truly living up to the title of life coach,” Xavi said sarcastically. <br><br>Ren shrugged and set the dumplings down. However, her attention was drawn to the jade insignia Xavi had casually left on the coffee table. She picked it up, weighing it in her hand. “Does our house have something like this?” <br><br>“It does now.” <br><br>Frowning, Ren examined it more closely. “I feel like I’ve seen this somewhere before... Where was it?” <br><br>Xavi’s heart skipped, but he maintained his composure, snatching the jade insignia back. Standing up, he said, “Tell me if you remember. But before that, you really should freshen up. Do you know how bad morning breath can get for a woman who smokes heavily?” <br><br>Ren clasped her hands together and cupped them in front of her mouth, exhaling naturally. “Doesn’t smell at all.” <br><br>“So, are you brushing your teeth or not?” Xavi asked, grabbing the bag of dumplings. <br><br>With a defeated look, Ren dashed to the bathroom. <br><br>Xavi glanced again at the jade insignia in his hand, lost in thought. <br><br>The morning news began broadcasting updates. A composed female announcer spoke clearly, “Today, Perseverance Holdings will unveil its latest development project. According to sources, the project involves collaboration with Gold Eagle Manufacturing, one of the city’s long-established industrial companies...” <br><br>Xavi watched, noting that it must be the real estate project Ziqian Cao had discussed. <br><br>However, the story did not mention Gold Eagle Manufacturing’s chairman, Gold Fortune. Xavi knew that Gold Fortune had been placed in a decent nursing home by Ziqian Cao. <br><br>At that moment, Ren burst out of the bathroom, toothbrush in her mouth, exclaiming, “I just remembered where I’ve seen this jade insignia before!”)
