Yun Liu shook his head. There was no telling where Xiao Ran had gone, so as her father, he would have to step up personally.
Of course, he’d need to check in with Sister Qin first and promise not to steal the spotlight, only play support…
Deep in the coral grove, Qing Li and Qin Xiang stood at the entrance of Anchao Liekou, watching the ruins of Mirage City from a distance. Turbulent flows churned violently around the seafloor storm at its outskirts.
Ah Lian dispelled the bubble barrier, dragging Fen Mao through the reefs as she waved hello to the Sea Demons, startling quite a few little creatures along the way.
Mu Shaohua glanced at the three in the distance, her heart pounding too hard to suppress. She peeked again, then quickly looked away.
It was strange. Around other men, she could talk up a storm, spinning words to make any of them swoon.
But why, with Lord Ji, couldn’t she even dare to look him straight in the eye? She was terrified of sinking into those star-bright pupils, her hands and feet failing her.
This peculiar sensation was a first…
Especially last time when she’d touched him by accident. Her legs had gone weak, and she’d nearly wet herself from the Dragon Blood Pressure!
Ji Shiyu crossed her arms, nostrils pointed at the sky, silently trailing behind.
Come on, little Green Tea, let’s trade a few moves. Show me whatever you’ve got.
You don’t know your place, you trash fish. Let me see just how much you’re worth. Trying to get close to Master through me? Dream on!
“Miss Qin seems very concerned about you. If I may ask, what is your relationship with Lord Ji?”
That question was a bit suggestive. Mu Shaohua pretended to be casual, feigning mere gossip when in truth, this was her most dreaded imagined rival.
“What relationship?”
Ji Shiyu tilted her head, wearing a look of utter adoration. Qin Xiang had indeed spent no small effort fixing Ji Shiyu’s collar and sleeves, whispering in her ear—quite the intimate pair.
Shi Niang?
Adoptive Mother?
That was getting too complicated to think about. Remembering she was currently Ji Shiyu, she shook her head and said offhandedly: “We just met by chance, barely know each other. She’s been very kind to my younger sister, so I owe her some gratitude. She’s a respected Elder.”
Mu Shaohua let out a long breath. Well, that’s not much better than my position. If I had to compete fairly with the Chief of Five Peaks of the Divine Radiance Sect, the pressure would be overwhelming.
“Is that so? She might not see it that way, you know.”
“What do you mean?”
“N-Nothing.”
Mu Shaohua tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and took a deep breath to keep from drooling.
Heavens, Shiyu is far too handsome. I could never tire of looking at him. How blissful would it be to see him every single day?
No, calm down, Mu Shaohua. You must be reserved. You must be composed.
According to reliable intelligence, Lord Ji is a veteran at playing pig to eat tiger. Do not show the slightest opening and get played like some shallow woman.
The battlefield of love is like a real war—first move loses, and you’ll be at his mercy forever!
Oh, right. Shiyu seems to dote on his little sister. I’ll keep working through her.
“Where were we? Ah, little Sister Ji is quite fortunate. Yun Liu is indeed someone worth entrusting your life to.”
Ji Shiyu bristled on the spot. Who’s your little sister!
I was just this fortunate to be picked up by Mister and treasured like a jewel back home. How is that the same?
Are you jealous or envious? Whether Mister is worth entrusting your life to, I wouldn’t know, but you’re the one who dared to speak his name directly. Show some respect with that mouth of yours.
What, you want me to say it again?!
Look, Little Yellow Hair was gnashing her teeth, a vicious glint in her eyes. Time to show her a thing or two.
Master’s name isn’t something you get to call! No manners at all. You’ve only met him twice and you’re already this chummy. A third time and you’ll be climbing on the roof, won’t you?
“…”
Mu Shaohua’s body trembled, her heart racing faster, her guard crumbling once more.
Compared to men who fawned and groveled, his cold and domineering intensity fascinated her even more. The sheer possessiveness left the young woman flushed and thrilled.
This is killing me. Lord Ji knows exactly how to charm. Have I already been claimed as his property?
So rough… but I love it!
“Shaohua would never presume such a thing. I-I only meant that Brother Yun and Sister Shiyu are a match made in heaven. I’m just not that blessed, you know? I wonder when that special someone will finally appear for me.”
Mu Shaohua pouted, putting on a pitiful, unloved air, then cast a meaningful glance at Ji Shiyu.
I deliberately created this moment alone with you, and I’m not about to waste it. If you like someone, you have to say it boldly. If you never speak up, how will you know I won’t say yes?
If you keep dragging your feet, some other man will swoop in first!
Ji Shiyu, however, nodded smugly. That’s more like it. At least you know your place.
Playing pitiful won’t help you. You’re still too green to fight me. I’m a professional at pig baskets.
Young people shouldn’t be complaining about fate and reaching for the stars. Be patient and improve yourself—that’s the proper path.
I will never admit this is Heaven’s Gift. I will never admit this is Heaven’s Gift. My status at home wasn’t built overnight either. Little Yellow Hair reiterated that the flower has an owner and no wandering thoughts allowed, while refusing to acknowledge any luck involved. That’s also part of my strength! She had earned it through tireless effort, finally getting adopted by Mister. It definitely wasn’t dumb luck.
“…”
Mu Shaohua bit her lip, her expression turning purple.
Odd. Why was there no reaction at all?
This trick had worked every single time before. Every man who heard those words would confess on the spot, practically ripping out their own heart to show her.
Ji Shiyu was completely unmoved, even turning it back around on her, as if mocking her for having such shallow skills?
In just a few exchanges, the two of them had ten thousand schemes apiece, though the entire conversation had been a cross-server chat.
Mu Shaohua steeled herself and decided to simply play her card directly, forcing Little Yellow Hair into a corner!
“The Sea Market will reopen soon. When the Storm Festival begins, Qiongxiao Palace will cast out the Dragon Pearl, and all invited guests may compete for it. Would the Young Master… honor us with his presence?”
The Dragon Choosing Son-in-Law was known to all. Whoever claimed the Dragon Pearl would become the Prince Consort of Qiongxiao Palace.
Ji Shiyu only needed to answer yes or no. There was no more room to maneuver, and Mu Shaohua refused to believe that wasn’t why he’d come.
As the “bridal bouquet” being tossed out, someone was clearly getting desperate, practically wanting to shove the Dragon Pearl down Little Yellow Hair’s throat.
Ji Shiyu blinked stupidly and asked: “Deaf pig? What kind of pig is that? How does it taste? Is it good?”
Still playing dumb?
Mu Shaohua lowered her head shyly, her voice barely a whisper: “Why must the Young Master ask what he already knows? This wasn’t my choice. Rather than let some stranger take it… if the Dragon Pearl were to fall into Lord Ji’s hands, that wouldn’t be so bad, would it?”
“Then I’ll go. If he doesn’t go, I won’t either.”
Ji Shiyu shrugged carelessly: “Depends. If Mister goes…”
Mu Shaohua’s vision went dark, and she nearly blurted out: “Is Yun Liu your father?”
Is he marrying your sister or marrying you? Who holds a tournament for a spouse and bundles the brother-in-law in as a package deal!
“Um… wouldn’t it be inappropriate for Mr. Yun to attend in his capacity…?”
“What’s inappropriate about it?”
Trying to get rid of me?
Dream on!
Our Mister is certainly tempting, that’s true, but coveting another person’s blessed fate is where you cross the line.
Even though I kind of “snatched” mine by accident…
At that thought, Little Yellow Hair scratched her head with a goofy grin, her pretty face radiant with happiness.
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.