Fei Lan watched the unfolding scene from her hidden point, her frustration with Ru Quan growing stronger by the second. How could he possibly think that seeking refuge in the house of a human trafficker was a wise decision? And of all people, he chose Bing Shi? It was beyond comprehension to her.

They had only just met that morning, barely even acquaintances. 'Trusting so blindly will only lead to a disaster. They're both so naive,' she thought, rolling her eyes in disdain. The situation only seemed to confirm her suspicions about their lack of awareness.

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

Standing near the entrance of the mansion, Bing Shi cautiously peeked out from behind the door, her sharp gaze tracking the movements of a dark silhouette.

'Ah, it seems like everyone is taking advantage of me today.'

Ru Quan's figure blended into the shadows, moving with swift and practiced steps that allowed him to traverse the garden in mere seconds. He effortlessly scaled a high brick wall, his movements fluid and precise from countless repetitions. At first, there seemed to be no safe haven. But what about Little Monster? She was far from secure...

Ru Quan had to create a secure place for Fei Lan by threatening Hasan's life, Bing Shi's so-called meatshield. In his calculated strategy, he took down fifteen guards and ten servants, exerting pressure on Bing Shi. Unaware of her true strength, he took advantage of the person she was looking for and put his life at risk (by making her believe that he was the person she was looking for, even though he might not be him).

Now, thanks to Fei Lan, he had an excuse to visit little monster more often. Moreover...

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

A few moments later...

Fei Lan adopted an expression of gratitude, bowing slightly as Bing Shi guided them to a spacious and opulently furnished bedroom. "Fei Lan wishes to express her gratitude for your assistance..."

Ru Quan interjected, "It wasn't for free. Take out your valuables."

"..." Fei Lan maintained her composure. She emptied her bag onto the large bed, allowing Ru Quan to appraise the assortment of priceless jewelry and silk.

Ru Quan carefully selected a handful of golden rings and bracelets for himself, leaving the remainder for Bing Shi. "Consider it compensation for your aid," he stated.

"...Thank you," Bing Shi accepted the precious items with a sigh, her focus then turning back to Fei Lan, "Young lady, how about I teach you how to secure your family's legacy? It would be a waste to let all that wealth slip through your fingers."

Fei Lan, shorter in stature compared to Bing Shi, exuded a graceful and aristocratic air, while Bing Shi emanated a sense of maturity and groundedness.

"Impossible..." Fei Lan responded. She had two elder brothers to take over the family. If it weren't for Ru Quan disappearing, she could have continued living in luxury. She watched her disappearing money in grievance. Fortunately, she saved the most expensive items inside her robes.

"Hm..." Bing Shi didn't press the matter further, "Master Hasan will be living in the office room attached to this bedroom. Aside from him, ensure no one is aware of your existence. Take your time to settle in. I'll be retiring now," she yawned, covering her mouth with her right hand, and exited the room. "Good night."

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

Before Bing Shi could close the door, Ru Quan slipped through the opening, leaving the alarmed Fei Lan behind.

"Good night," he softly bid to the weary girl, struggling to suppress the flirtatious tone in his voice, 'Damnit. Stop dancing to her tempo.'

Bing Shi regarded him with an odd expression. "Were you my father in my past life? The differing treatment between me and..." She gestured toward Fei Lan's room, "...is quite peculiar."

"W-wha...No..." Ru Quan's eyes widened in denial, his voice carrying a hint of overreaction, "Impossible!"

Amusement danced in Bing Shi's raised eyebrow. "Hm? Are you sure? I sense a protective vibe from you." Whether he was an upgraded version of Victor or not, she had evolved significantly since she began her new QT career.

"Y-you..." Ru Quan covered his face with his hand, flustered. "Please don't read too much into it."

Bing Shi chuckled, prompting a cascade of giggles. Ru Quan sighed, "Your actions don't correspond with your words," she chuckled, "But sure, I'll try not to look into it too deeply. Shall I walk you out?"

"I can walk by myself. Aren't you tired?" he said before succumbing to the inexplicable urge. He decided, "Don't blame me when you faint in the middle of the path."

Bing Shi dismissed his concern with a yawn, "Ah, don't worry. It's Hasan's fault for having such poor security."

Without realizing it, Ru Quan felt himself becoming affected by her nonchalant aura. An unexpected genuine smile crept across his face. He ventured to ask, "What kind of relationship did you have with that soul?"

Bing Shi met his gaze, a teasing glint in her eyes, "The last time I found him, he was my grandson."

"No way..." Ru Quan's smile faded. He retrieved a piece of candy and popped it into his mouth, attempting to evoke the taste from his memories, "Did he ever press a candy into your mouth with... his tongue?"

"Yes, he did." Bing Shi's mouth twitched. Why would he ask such a specific question?

'My goodness, that sounded so wrong.'

"..." They exchanged a complicated glance, their faces both flushing. A suggestive scene flashed through their minds. Bing Shi turned, hiding her blush with her hand, while Ru Quan struggled to contain his coughing fit prompted by the candy.

Without words, they could tell what the other was thinking. They were so in sync that it was unbelievable that they met only a day ago.

Since the beginning, no matter how many times they wanted to deny it, they both found one excuse after another so that they could stay a little bit longer, together.

'Does he remember something? This progress feels different from before. It's much more faster.'

Ru Quan contemplated, 'She and I? Together? How is that possible?'

Their gaze met once more, but simultaneously, they averted their eyes. "..."

An awkward silence ensued, punctuated by sporadic coughing.

When Ru Quan sensed the unconscious guard beginning to stir, he promptly knocked him out again. "I must depart."

"Oh," Bing Shi rubbed her eyes. She turned around and waved at him with a happy grin, "Bye-Bye."

'Xuan Mu, I found your soul ♪♫.'

Ru Quan ran his hand through the forest of red hair on his head in frustration, "I'm sorry, I... I love someone else."

"Huh? Oh..." Bing Shi's heart shook. A stem covered in rose thorns choked her breath from inside her body, "I...I understand. Is it Fei Lan?"

Ru Quan opened the door to the outside world. "Not exactly. You know what I mean, don't you? Get some rest," he said before departing, leaving the quiet girl behind.

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

Bing Shi walked towards her bedroom with heavy steps. Each time she tried to fill her lungs with fresh air, a choking sound followed. The familiarity was surreal. Ru Quan's gentle and soft way of speaking reminded her of Xuan Mu. Similar to him, each word held such power, that she had to shake her mind from being dazed.

'Please, don't let him be Xuan Mu's soul.'

Her stomach shifted uneasily. Turning on the phone which appeared in her hand, she put on her earphones and went through her memories of the most important person in her life. Covering and uncovering their connected lips on the photo with her thumb, she recalled the magical scenery on the yacht.

'Xuan Mu, there is only me in your heart, right?'

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

The moment Ru Quan turned off Bing Shi, a pearl of laughter escaped Fei Lan's lips. 'Serves her right!' When she thought it was her end, the situation turned around in her favor. She didn't have to break any ships. It broke on its own.

{Wuwuwu...Host, your target is staring at me.}

{"What?!"}

Midway to his living quarters, Ru Quan turned around and stared at the empty area before him. His intuition told him that something had been following him since the day he had appeared here.