That was the reason why Su Ye had been criticized by male fans. There had been one comment that was particularly memorable for her, which read:
[I can accept the male lead having a feminine face, since the story's plot is really exciting. However, after reading so many novels over the years, I've never encountered another male lead who—like Liu Xiahui himself—could hold a lady in his lap without the slightest imputation on his morals or virtue. Also, how is it that our male lead only held hands with the female lead on a few occasions? Are you an idiot, author? What male lead are you writing here?? These chicks must be blind! Is that man castrated or something?!]
That comment had been liked thousands of times, and unfortunately lingered in a very eye-catching spot thanks to Su Ye's book staying on the 'trending' list. The most liked reply to that comment was nothing to brag about either:
[We were more or less duped by the idiot author.]
In other words, life was tough for a female author when it came to writing male-oriented works. Su Ye had felt helpless back then when she watched those people rant away. Shaking her head, she leaned on the wall with one hand and slowly headed back to her chambers.
On the bright side, she should be safe now that Su Ruoruo had left Mystic Moon City. Her method may have been a little crude, but it had ensured her survival. Finally, Su Ye's racing heart calmed down.
Reaching her own yard, she laid down on the elegant bench in the corridor. As the sky turned pitch-black, she stared up at the moon and stars, swinging her legs lazily. The servants tended to crowd around her, which was why she forbade them from entering this area, worried that they would interfere with her work. As such, she was the only person in this vast and empty yard. She gazed up at the celestial bodies in the sky, enjoying the rare moment of idleness.
Honestly, she had so much love for this world she had created.
As long as Su Qing did not bother her again, she could enjoy this realm where she could feel the sun's warmth even if she was in the dark. Mood improved, she swung her legs faster, but suddenly paused.
Something seemed to have coiled around her leg.
Looking down, Su Ye saw a thin, pale green vine curled around her leg. She reached out, intending to pull it out, but it coiled around her finger the moment she touched it. Surprised, Su Ye tried to figure out where it was coming from, and her gaze landed on a nearby pot.
There were seeds in that pot that had not germinated for years, but now, there were tiny sprouts there, with a long vine growing out of it.
Su Ye reached out to touch its tender leaves. The sprouts in the pot were very delicate, and she couldn't tell what species it was even after studying it for a long time.
Was it a vine? Su Ye did not have the habit of planting in the novel though…
Just as she thought about it, she felt a prick on the tip of her finger and inhaled sharply. The vine had coiled itself tightly around her finger, creating a bloody streak. Her blood dripped down onto the vine, and a purple light flashed once over the plant. Suddenly, Su Ye felt a hot, stabbing pain in the joint of her index finger. She raised a brow when she saw what happened.
A contract? Was this vine contracting with her?
High-tier plants and animals of this world could cultivate, and even fight at their human contractor's side. Still, it was mostly high-tier animals that were involved in such contracts, whereas plants were far rarer.