Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels.
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
A hint of amusement flickered in Su Jinyan's eyes; Shizun was no longer concealing her desire to eliminate Kafka.
"My apologies, but neither of your pleas convinces me."
"However, Kafka, I should indeed spare you some dignity."
Kafka leaned forward, tucking stray wisps of hair behind her ear, maintaining her alluring pose. Her tight black leather pants accentuated her curvaceous hips, creating a visually captivating sight.
As they stood close, Su Jinyan caught the scent of the mature woman's fragrance—subtle notes of rose.
"What, A-Yan, no punishment for me anymore?"
"There seems to be a hint of disappointment in your voice," replied Su Jinyan, sensing a trace of mischief and provocation in Kafka's gaze towards Fu Xuan.
Indeed, this reaction was exactly what Kafka anticipated.
Fu Xuan deeply cared for Su Jinyan; she wouldn't stand idly by while Su Jinyan flirted with another woman right before her eyes.
As for why Kafka chose to say such words—it was purely because tormenting Fu Xuan promised to elicit an entertaining response.
Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes chilled slightly. She refused to let this woman see her lose composure.
"This venerable one can pretend tonight's incident never happened," Fu Xuan said evenly. "But next time we meet, Kafka, we will be enemies." Her tone remained calm.
Kafka's gaze sparkled with amusement. "Oh? Enemies?"
"Are we not already considered adversaries?"
"Or perhaps, Grand Diviner, when you speak of 'enemies,' do you mean... 'love rivals'?"
Fu Xuan fell silent. As expected, that wicked woman harbored ill intentions towards A-Yan.
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow. "Ambush!"
Snap!
Just as everyone thought the incident had concluded,
a crisp sound startled them into stunned silence.
"Kafka!" exclaimed Stelle.
Silver Wolf involuntarily swallowed his bubblegum.
Fu Xuan was utterly astounded. "You traitorous disciple...?!"
March 7th's lips parted slightly. "Well, well, this visit certainly wasn't wasted."
Kafka trembled uncontrollably at Su Jinyan's unscrupulous slap, disbelief written all over her beautiful eyes.
Wait, with Fu Xuan right here, how dare he?! Shouldn't he have given me a way to save face?
As the saying goes: When you give someone roses, your hands carry their fragrance.
Although Su Jinyan didn't literally smell his hand, he felt it must now be pleasantly scented, having fulfilled Kafka's wish.
"I indeed should have spared your dignity," said Su Jinyan. "But denying a lady's request isn't the act of a gentleman, Kafka."
Kafka stared speechlessly at Su Jinyan, unable to respond. She recalled a common phrase from Xianzhou - what goes around comes around.
Not long ago, Su Jinyan had pinned Silver Wolf across his knee and soundly spanked her bottom.
At that time, Kafka watched with amusement, relishing Silver Wolf's embarrassment. Little did she expect it would soon be her turn.
Su Jinyan shook his head emphatically. "Everyone heard it - I didn't intend to humiliate Kafka."
"It was only because she expressed regret at not being humiliated by me that I took action."
"Sigh, I've never encountered such peculiar requests before."
Kafka remained silent, unable to respond.
Fu Xuan also fell quiet, acknowledging that this indeed stemmed from Kafka's own actions, leaving no blame on A-Yan.
However, inwardly addressing his wayward disciple, he wondered, But honestly, didn't you seize the opportunity for some advantage there?
Understanding the principle of moderation, Su Jinyan limited himself to just one strike.
Stelle's expression shifted slightly; she couldn't even fathom how painful that must have been.
"Su Jinyan..." Stelle pursed her lips, looking at him with utmost seriousness.
Su Jinyan glared back, "Hmm? Do you have something to say?"
She must be dissatisfied with my impromptu action, right? So is Stelle about to lecture me?
Kafka's eyes softened, and the corners of her lips involuntarily curved upwards slightly. After Su Jinyan's glare, Stelle's assertive demeanor quickly diminished.
"Having hit Kafka, you can't come after me now, oh."
Kafka blinked, puzzled.
Su Jinyan internally groaned, "Oh, the irony..."
Fu Xuan cleared her throat softly, "Ahem."
"All right, a minor reprimand is enough; let's move on from this."
"A-Yan, it's time to return home with this venerable one."
Just as Su Jinyan was about to agree, he was interrupted by Silver Wolf.
"No way, A-Yan promised to stay up all night playing with me tonight."
Fu Xuan narrowed her beautiful eyes menacingly, "Hmm?"
A blush appeared on March 7th's snow-white cheeks, and she blurted out, "P-play...all night?!"
Silver Wolf responded matter-of-factly, "That's correct. Before you arrived, A-Yan and I were having such a thrilling time together."
March 7th grew even more flustered, "Thrilling time?"
Su Jinyan glanced at Silver Wolf's lips but remained silent, unable to find any grounds for rebuttal—he indeed had been thoroughly enjoying himself.
Fu Xuan's face flushed red with indignation, "Shameless! How can Stellaron Hunters be so shameless?"
"Do you only rely on sleazy tactics to manipulate others?"
"If not for your interruption," Silver Wolf replied, "I was planning to call Kafka and Stelle over for some fun."
Kafka blinked, bewildered. Stelle stood equally taken aback.
Wow, if we hadn't come, were you guys all set for a wild party tonight?
March 7th couldn't bear listening any further and tugged at her wrist, ready to leave.
"The private lives of these Stellaron Hunters are even more chaotic than I imagined."
"Good thing this young lady arrived just in time."
"Otherwise, your pure little white flower would have been tainted with different colors tonight!"
Stelle remained unmoved, standing rooted to the spot.
March 7th, growing anxious, stamped her foot. "Why aren't we leaving yet? Do you really want to stay here for a party?"
Watching March 7th's agitation, Stelle seemed intrigued as if discovering something amusing.
"Join us, March 7th, the more people, the merrier."
"Don't say I've ever treated you poorly; we're friends after all. Once the party starts, I'll make sure Su Jinyan takes special care of you."
Su Jinyan nodded, "Well, my main principle has always been 'equal attention for all'."
"But considering it's little March's first time here, I'll take extra care of her." Stelle added with concern, "Also, go easy on her later; I wouldn't want her to be overwhelmed."
March 7th exclaimed, "Huh?!"
Su Jinyan readily agreed, "I will be cautious. It's truly March's fortune to have such a caring friend like you."
Proudly, Stelle responded, "Indeed, indeed! Anyone lucky enough to have a friend like me—well, they must have accumulated quite some blessings from their past life."
After a moment's thought, Su Jinyan asked, "What about Kafka then?"
Kafka blinked, surprised—was she also part of this scenario?
Xing Lue pondered briefly before gritting his teeth and saying, "Treat her gently as well."
Kafka looked utterly perplexed.
Su Jinyan wore a satisfied expression, replying, "What a truly devoted and considerate child."
"Ay heh~," Stelle chuckled smugly.
These words left not only March 7th but even Kafka speechless.
March 7th raised a hand to her forehead, feeling drained. The sheer volume of information was overwhelming, leaving her mind reeling.
I must have committed plenty of sins in my previous life to encounter both of you in this one.
Wait, hold on.
Why should Su Jinyan prioritize taking care of me specifically? There are so many people here—can he even manage it?!
This is terrifying; we need to leave.
Are Lady Fu Xuan and I the only ones acting normal here?
Fu Xuan's gaze remained composed. Having learned from past experiences, she would not fall for such tricks again.
"Playing games all night, you say? This venerable one shall join as well."
March 7th exclaimed, "Huh?!?"
Oh no, now even Lady Fu Xuan has gone off the rails.
Silver Wolf, puzzled, asked, "Hmm? What do you mean, you want to participate too?"
"My apologies, Fu Xuan, but your invitation was declined."
"Our super awesome party doesn't welcome you."
Rejected! Lady Fu Xuan, who deigned to join, actually got turned away!
March 7th shook her head, muttering to herself, "I must still be dreaming..."
"Yes, it must be a dream, this place isn't real!"
Stelle looked at her with pity, "No, little March, this isn't a dream."
Upon hearing this, Su Jinyan couldn't resist planting a subtle suggestion in March 7th's mind:
[Your thoughts aren't wrong; this indeed is a dreamscape.]
The effect of the psychological suggestion could only last for five minutes. Su Jinyan felt somewhat intrigued—now that little March knew this was a dreamscape, what would she do next?
Fu Xuan spoke calmly, "Enough with such feeble provocations; don't expect to anger this venerable one." She continued, "Before coming here, I performed a divination. The signs indicated stability and no impending harm."
"In other words, Silver Wolf, your claim of having 'the time of your life' is merely a self-deceptive lie," Fu Xuan concluded.
Silver Wolf retorted unhappily, "Hey, aren't you guys just projecting your dirty minds onto me?"
"I meant playing arcade games! What were you thinking about?"
Alright, seems like I jumped to conclusions there. Time for some introspection against the wall.
March 7th curiously looked around, fascinated by everything within the "Dreamscape". While Fu Xuan wasn't paying attention, March 7th quietly approached from behind and started playfully kneading her cheeks.
Caught off guard by this mix of shock and anger, Fu Xuan momentarily struggled to respond. "March 7th, what are you planning?"
"Eh hehe, Grand Diviner, you're so cute."
"I've been wanting to do this for ages! Cheese!" March 7th raised her camera, capturing a selfie with both of them amidst a click.
Satisfied, she nodded at the photo.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, March 7th swiftly approached Stelle and, without hesitation, pushed her down onto the ground.
Panicked, Stelle tried to resist. "March, what's wrong with you?"
"Look at me properly—I'm your best friend!"
"That's right, I've had enough of you. Didn't you know how long I've endured it?"
"This is my Dreamscape; behave yourself, missy!"
A flurry of rapid slaps landed on her delicate bottom like a storm.
Tears welled up in Xing Mei's starry eyes as she felt intense pain.
Weren't we the best friends? Why are you even harsher than Su Jinyan? Friendship over!
"Let me think... Next..." Su Jinyan murmured to herself, secretly marveling at how pure and kind little March truly was.
If only I had realized this was a dream earlier, I would have transformed into Happy Hero by now.
How does she bear it?
March 7th couldn't help but steal several glances at Su Jinyan, pondering internally.
Since this is a dreamscape, surely anything goes for me, right?
After all, there are no laws within dreams—hee hee.
Fu Xuan stared coldly at Kafka.
"Kafka, what mischief are you planning now?"
Kafka looked puzzled, unsure of the accusation.
Feeling his patience waning, Fu Xuan declared, "This venerable one's tolerance has its limits!"
"If you do not release Miss March from your word magic..."
"Even if A-Yan may forgive you, this venerable one will still hold you accountable!"
Kafka felt bewildered. "Grand Diviner, I haven't done anything."
"My word magic requires specific conditions; it cannot silently implant psychological suggestions without trace."
Observing March 7th, who seemed completely carefree, Su Jinyan subtly shook her head.
"Kafka, that's where you're mistaken."
"We're the only ones here capable of using word magic. If it wasn't you, could it have been me?"
Kafka fell silent.
Only she and the Silver Wolf knew that Su Jinyan possessed similar mind manipulation abilities. Only someone falsely accused can truly understand the depth of their injustice.
Thanks to Su Jinyan, Kafka now found herself unable to defend her innocence. Even if she pointed the blame at Su Jinyan, no one would believe her.
With a serious expression, Su Jinyan quoted, "Sherlock Su once said famously:
"When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
"So, Kafka, admit it—this was your doing."
Kafka chuckled softly. "Yes, indeed, I did it," she replied. "Do you wish to punish me more severely, A-Yan?"
"Hmm, perhaps not with the Grand Diviner present—it might be inconvenient."
"Why don't we discuss this privately instead?"
Fu Xuan, reaching his breaking point, unleashed a burst of amethyst light from his fingertips, directing it towards Kafka.
"Enough, Kafka! Let this venerable one suppress you first!"
As if performing a trick, Kafka produced two handguns, effortlessly handling the situation.
"Oh? Resorting to force when you can't win an argument? The Grand Diviner seems rather childish."
"Did you know, A-Yan prefers mature and charismatic women?"
"Wondering why my figure is so good? Want me to share the secret of how I grew this tall?" Fu Xuan and Kafka seemed inherently at odds, unable to tolerate each other's presence.
However, perhaps mindful of external factors, both held back during their confrontation, refraining from unleashing full force.
Silver Wolf, puzzled, asked, "Did you intentionally provoke them?"
"Of course," Su Jinyan replied. "It's essential to let out pent-up anger; suppressing it only harms your health."
"Not that I mind being the target of Shizun's frustration, but..."
"But her thin skin wouldn't handle it well," Silver Wolf finished with an adorable smile, seizing the opportunity to lead Su Jinyan back inside. "Since you put it that way, I guess you have a plan in mind."
"Let's head back and game all night while they duke it out." Su Jinyan suggested mischievously.
"Honey, just gaming all night? No other activities?" Silver Wolf hummed skeptically.
"Mhm, knew you were up to something."
"Then close your eyes, I'll give you a surprise."
Su Jinyan eagerly closed his eyes.
"Peep—"
Something cold and rough touched his lips.
Realizing it wasn't quite right, Su Jinyan puzzledly opened his eyes.
Tsk, he had just kissed a lemon.
The Silver Wolf playfully waved the lemon in hand before wagging a finger mockingly, "Oh, you silly fool, did you really think I'd kiss you?"
"How could you truly cherish something so easily obtained?" He continued, "First, accompany me all night gaming until I'm satisfied; we'll talk about your reward afterward."
Su Jinyan replied, "Then consider my life on the line for this noble pursuit."
"Don't try to wriggle out of it with me," warned the Silver Wolf. "Otherwise, I'll use my means to reclaim what's rightfully mine as compensation."
He tugged at Su Jinyan's arm, swaying back and forth, pleading, "Come on~ Hurry up and join me inside. The reward will definitely satisfy you, okay?"
Su Jinyan glanced briefly over his shoulder.
In the courtyard of the mansion, Stelle, having endured a brutal beating, slumped forward, overwhelmed by uncertainty about his future:
[I've learned that kindness invites exploitation—now even little March 7th dares to bully me.]
[Dare not imagine how worse things might become if this continues.]
[Am I being too naive?]
March 7th, cheeks flushed, fidgeted her delicate fingers, occasionally giggling foolishly.
Clearly, the psychological suggestion Su Jinyan had planted on March 7th should have worn off by now. So why was she still lingering here, acting so dazed?
Late at night, Fu Xuan and Kafka returned to their residence, weary from exhaustion.
"Grand Diviner, can you guess what A-Yan might be doing right now?"
"Do you think he's secretly meeting with the Silver Wolf—"
Fu Xuan cut her off sharply, "Silence, Kafka! Don't disrupt this venerable one's peace of mind!"
"Even if he were acting intimately with the Silver Wolf, it would still be better than spending time with you!"
The corners of Kafka's lips curved slightly, revealing an enigmatic smile. "Oh?" she said. "It seems the Grand Diviner is quite magnanimous."
"So why not arrange their wedding tomorrow then, hm?"
Fu Xuan stared, taken aback.
Undeterred, Kafka continued, "We Stellaron Hunters have long wished to get closer to A-Yan."
"However, we've struggled to find a suitable pretext, compounded by his constant vigilance around me."
"Now, with the Silver Wolf involved, there's no need for me to exert extra effort."
"Kafka," Fu Xuan asked calmly, "you harbor no feelings towards this venerable one's disciple, correct?"
Kafka's gaze remained indifferent. "No, of course not," she replied.
Fu Xuan scoffed, "You'd best keep it that way."
Kafka replied with a profound tone, "Grand Diviner, don't dismiss it so lightly."
"You should seize the opportunity to strengthen your bond with your dear disciple."
"After all, you wouldn't want him to be swept away by some more charismatic mature woman in the future, leaving you filled with regret."
"Shall I arrange for him to sleep beside you tonight?"
Fu Xuan sounded exceedingly confident, "Impossible."
"This venerable one has already foreseen the future, and A-Yan is destined to be with me."
"What I'm doing now is merely eliminating unstable influences like yourselves."
"Hmph, mere insects—nothing to fear," Fu Xuan scoffed.
Kafka chuckled softly without responding. The arrogant always pay a price in due time.
The future holds countless possibilities; we are but slaves to destiny.
If the right choices aren't made at the appropriate moments, one inevitably risks being cast aside from a promising future.
Internally, Fu Xuan sneered.
Though her words carried disdain, it was merely a facade she presented to Kafka.
Tonight, this venerable one will make every deceitful woman coveting A-Yan understand that only I am worthy of him; none other shall suffice.
Shortly after, Fu Xuan dragged Su Jinyan out from his dimly lit room.
With that, their plan to game all night with Silver Wolf crumbled.
Silver Wolf shot him a resentful look, lips slightly parting as he silently mouthed, "Liar."
Su Jinyan shrugged, indicating there was nothing he could do.
Fu Xuan personally arranged a guest room for him, instructing him to rest well and assuring him a day off tomorrow. As for A-Yan's usual duties, they would be handled by Qingque—after all, she had plenty of idle time on her hands.
At 2:30 AM, a shadowy figure stealthily entered the living area. Ensuring no one noticed, it quietly pushed open Su Jinyan's bedroom door and slipped inside.