Strike First

"I did see some sights that should not be seen, but I hurriedly turned away," Wang Haoran replied to Hua Jieyu.

"Young Master, those scenes you saw were merely illusions created by my master," Hua Jieyu revealed.

"Illusions? So that was it." Wang Haoran pretended to come to a realization.

"My master wanted to use her seductive arts to control you and make you obey her. Fortunately, Young Master had a strong will and did not fall for it." Hua Jieyu looked greatly relieved.

You speak so badly of your master. Aren't you afraid she'll find out? Wang Haoran thought to himself, but he said aloud, "Thank you for telling me, miss. I'll be more careful around your master from now on."

Hua Jieyu smiled and nodded, but she was still somewhat worried. She removed a Jade Slip tied around her neck with a red cord and handed it to Wang Haoran. "This jade can break through obstacles. If you carry it with you, Young Master, you won't need to fear my master's seductive arts."

"This jade must be very precious. I would feel undeserving of accepting it." Wang Haoran tried to refuse.

"Young Master, you must accept it." Hua Jieyu forcibly stuffed the jade into Wang Haoran's hand.

"Then... thank you, miss." Wang Haoran accepted the jade and hung it around his neck, wearing it close to his body. The Jade Slip still carried some lingering warmth, along with a faint fragrance.

Seeing Wang Haoran's actions, Hua Jieyu's cheeks flushed red.

She had worn that Jade Slip close to her body, hanging it around her neck against the skin between her proud curves. Now Wang Haoran was wearing it close to his body as well—was that not indirectly akin to intimate skin-to-skin contact?

"Miss, are you feeling unwell?" Wang