Shadowmoon Manor.
Inside the room, Su Nian used water magic to rinse off in the washroom, then changed into a relatively conservative white long dress.
Compared to the lively short skirts she wore for performances, the long dress seemed gentle and approachable.
She took a deep breath, her fingertips tensing slightly as she felt the distinct power brought by her [Holy Knight Physique].
The soreness had long since vanished, replaced by a solid, surging vitality.
Looking at herself in the mirror…
She obviously now possessed a holy physique, but under the cover of the long dress, she looked like a delicate, charming young girl—yet beneath that appearance, her body harbored immense strength.
She looked like a little white flower, but could punch a hole through a wall.
‘Very good.’
She pushed open the door.
The corridor outside was somewhat dimly lit.
That man was leaning casually against the wall opposite, his figure wrapped in long shadows, revealing only a blurry outline.
Huh?
That bastard Horned Demon seemed to be waiting for her with all the time in the world.
Sunlight squeezed in with difficulty through the stained glass at the end of the corridor, casting dappled, mottled patches of light and shadow upon him—flickering and fading.
The moment Su Nian lifted her gaze, her breath caught slightly.
The bastard Horned Demon before her—
Did something seem different about him?
It was still that sharply contoured face, deep-set features, tall and straight like a pine.
But it seemed… he lacked some of the usual, almost tangible sense of oppression he always carried.
That chilling, blood-tinged ferocity was much fainter than before.
In its place was… an indescribable feeling.
Even those eyes that always burned with violent flames or brimmed with cold calculation, through the hazy light and shadow now, actually seemed… deep and somewhat… attractive?
This utterly absurd thought stabbed into Su Nian’s mind like an ice pick.
She shook her head hard, trying to chase out the idea that never should have appeared.
Illusion!
It had to be an illusion!
How could she possibly think the bastard Horned Demon looked good—he was clearly a pervert!
It must be the effect of that damned incense last night—it hadn’t fully worn off yet.
Or maybe she hadn’t slept well last night and was still muddled…
Right…
That had to be it—her judgment was being affected!
Chu Tian, of course, didn’t miss the subtle moment of distraction in the girl.
Nor her stiff, awkward, slightly stubborn head-shake, as if she were desperately denying something.
He silently curled his lips, a knowing smile spreading in the depths of his eyes.
‘It seemed the effect of [S-Grade Male Charisma (Passive Skill)] was truly immediate. Even this little wildcat, always looking for a chance to rebel, was now affected in a way she couldn’t ignore.’
‘Very good.’
Now he was quite looking forward to the effect of [S-Grade Extraordinary Endurance]—it should bring him a surprise as well.
Tonight, perhaps he wouldn’t need any more nourishing supplements.
Compared to those drugs and tonics, the System’s purchased skills were far more reliable.
Products of the System were always top quality.
Chu Tian straightened up, his movements smooth and natural, and walked toward Su Nian.
His steps were calm and unhurried, radiating an innate elegance and powerful confidence.
In the air, some intangible aura seemed to spread as he approached.
“Are you ready?”
His voice sounded deliberately low and even tinged with a hint of gentleness.
It was completely different from his usual tone—teasing, commanding, or pure coldness.
It was as if tempered steel had been soaked in spring water—less sharp, but with a warmth hard to detect.
“Then let’s go.”
This sudden, almost “gentle” tone made Su Nian feel even more ill at ease.
She forcefully suppressed the strange feeling welling up in her chest and quickly lowered her head.
Long lashes fell like butterfly wings, lightly trembling, perfectly hiding the complicated emotions surging in her eyes.
“Mm-hmm.”
She mumbled a response, her voice faint, deliberately avoiding his gaze, a flush creeping onto her cheeks from the earlier “illusion.”
The two walked side by side toward the manor’s entrance.
Su Nian kept her head down, her gaze nearly glued to the tips of her delicate, silver-embroidered high heels.
But inwardly, she was screaming like mad…
‘Su Nian! Wake up!’
‘The bastard Horned Demon is the enemy! He’s the villain who made you fall to this point!’
‘Even if he’s changed now, you absolutely cannot be fooled!’
Once they get to Commercial Street, she’d make sure to bleed him dry.
In this world, money’s power was self-evident—it could buy all kinds of equipment, potions, and even hire powerful helpers.
Who knew, maybe the [Lover’s Prison Collar] that bound her was something this bastard bought with money.
So, suppressing the bastard Horned Demon’s finances was definitely the way to go.
Next, watch her move.
She’d spend all the money he earned and make his heart ache!
But for now, since they were out in public, and given what she knew about the bastard Horned Demon, he was probably very concerned about saving face.
Whatever she asked him to buy, he likely wouldn’t refuse.
Hmph!
She’d have him eating out of her hand!
Chu Tian sensed the faint emotional fluctuations in the girl beside him, as well as the subtle tension and resistance in her body lines.
His smile deepened, taking it as an obvious sign of her shyness.
Perhaps mingled with a hint of anticipation for the upcoming shopping trip.
After all, what girl doesn’t love shopping?
This little wildcat was finally starting to resemble a normal young lady—instead of someone who’d shown up to try to kill him, or secretly schemed against him.
Now she was going out with him… for a stroll.
Almost like a couple out on a date.
Thinking about their first date…
Chu Tian even felt that the air around them was a little fresher.
***
A while later.
A large black carriage, driven by someone in a concealed cloak, carried the two toward Commercial Street.
Unlike usual…
Today, the bastard Horned Demon was especially well-behaved, not bullying her in the carriage or causing her embarrassment.
Hmm…
Had this guy really changed?
Well… well, whatever, she still had to get her revenge!
A while later.
Central Commercial Street, Academy City.
This was said to be the priciest area for shops in all of Academy City, and naturally, the goods here were extravagantly expensive.
After getting out of the carriage, Su Nian’s eyes immediately lit up.
Before her was a dazzling, bustling scene.
Windows of all kinds of exquisite clothing stores, sparkling jewelry reflecting the light, and the tempting aroma of sweets drifting from a dessert shop in the distance.
All of this almost made her momentarily forget her predicament.
But only for a moment.
The thought of revenge and suppressing the bastard Horned Demon’s finances returned to the forefront, mingling with a strange, vengeful shopping urge.
Her face once again wore that signature, professional, and slightly distant confidence belonging to “Magic Girl Idol Su Nian.”
Her gaze swept sharply across the street, finally settling on the most luxurious, imposing clothing store at the corner.
‘Hmph, bastard Horned Demon today, I’ll show you what it truly means to spend money like water!’