For a moment, Xiangyi had the strange feeling that she'd been paid for sex. Even so, she still felt she'd come out ahead. After all, she'd managed to plant the flower seed.
"Um, I can't accept this." Xiangyi continued to refuse. Zhang Mou added another two hundred yuan, then said, "You helped me so much. How could I not thank you properly?"
"But you saw for yourself—I'm at work, and our hotel rules say we can't accept tips." Xiangyi hurriedly came up with another excuse. She was determined not to take the money.
But Zhang Mou's eyes lit up. She stopped insisting and put the money away, then said, "If it's against the hotel rules, there's nothing I can do. Leave me your contact information, and I'll treat you to dinner in a few days to thank you for helping me."
As Zhang Mou spoke, she winked at Xiangyi, as if hinting at what she really meant by dinner. In that instant, Xiangyi felt that Zhang Mou had genuinely taken a fancy to her. The terrifying part was that this woman was her adoptive mother—and not long ago, Xiangyi had beaten her son, Prince Qin, into a vegetative state.
With all these tangled, delicate relationships piling up, Xiangyi had originally meant to refuse. But she'd been here for so long without creating a flower person, and Zhang Mou looked so easy to fool that Xiangyi thought she might as well try a little harder.
After thinking it over, Xiangyi replied, "I just got a new phone, so I can't remember my number yet. How about you give me yours, ma'am? Once I get my phone back, I'll text you, and then we can keep in touch."
Zhang Mou's smile widened. She readily wrote her number on Xiangyi's hand, then went to change clothes. It was as if Xiangyi mattered more to her than how disheveled she looked.
Shuxuan was even more baffled. Seeing Zhang Mou changing clothes, she hurried over and pulled Xiangyi aside to ask.
"Xiaoyi, what did you put in Auntie's drink? She was rambling on and on when she saw your face earlier, but just a little while later, she was beaming at you." Shuxuan couldn't understand Zhang Mou's sudden change. She was even more worried that after Xiangyi had finished with her brother, Prince Qin, she was now turning her wicked little hands toward Zhang Mou.
"Maybe it's because I rescued her. She's really friendly with me now, and even asked if I had a boyfriend." Xiangyi hurriedly made up a story, not daring to tell Shuxuan about her strange new entanglement with Zhang Mou. And it was going to continue, too. Next time, it might even happen at some hotel.
Shuxuan seemed to believe her, but when Zhang Mou called her, she could only say helplessly, "I'll deal with you when we get home... Auntie, I'm coming." With that, Shuxuan went inside. Xiangyi smiled and turned to leave for the event hall.
It was already past eight in the evening. Apart from the greeters and security guards, no one was standing by the entrance. Xiangyi walked a few steps forward, and the door abruptly opened. The waitress, Little Grass, came out and tugged at her. "Xiaodan, hurry! We're swamped in there!"
The bodyguards glanced at Xiangyi along with the others. Her face looked familiar, so they didn't stop her from going in. Xiangyi walked inside without a hitch.
"Master, let me report what happened earlier... CEO Ye didn't come. Only her assistant did—the man over there..." The waitress, Little Grass, reported on the chaotic events that had unfolded while Xiangyi was away, not realizing it had all been a farce.
Xiangyi listened in silence. She'd thought she might really get to meet the important figure in question, but when she remembered that the farce had turned Zhang Mou into a flower fairy and that she'd planted a flower seed in her, she felt she hadn't come away empty-handed after all.
Once the waitress, Little Grass, finished reporting, Xiangyi waved her off and sent her to listen for more gossip. Little Grass paused, as if remembering something, then added, "Oh, Master, Xia Shang is here too. She was just examining that uncle's arm. It looks like she's searching for the culprit."
All the little grasses shared their memories. Whatever one little grass saw, the others remembered too. Even if the little grass that had seen something died, the others would still know about it. Thanks to that, this little grass had also witnessed Xiangyi and Xia Shang's conversation inside the Flower God Ring and learned that Xia Shang was a flower fairy. So she made a point of reminding Xiangyi.
Xiangyi murmured her acknowledgment, but remained unruffled. No matter how smart Xia Shang was, she'd never guess that the culprit was a flower person who didn't exist in this world.
Still, Xiangyi was curious about how Xia Shang would reach her conclusion. She looked around for her, but instead felt a force sweep over her. It sent a chill down Xiangyi's back, as if every inch of her had been seen through.
Xiangyi: Hua Nu, have I been discovered?
Hua Nu: Flower Master, someone is using an ability to scan the area for other ability users.
Hua Nu explained calmly, using the terminology of the new century.
Xiangyi: Oh. From how calm you sound, I take it they can't detect me?
Hua Nu: Right. I read about the cultivators among the Chosen Ones at a bookstore before. What they practice has been simplified until it's less than a tenth of the original cultivation method. But what you're learning now is true cultivation. A low-level skill like this has no way of scanning your real aptitude.
Hua Nu's explanation reassured Xiangyi, though she was still curious about who was scanning the area. She pretended to look around.
Chapter 63: A Ferocious Tiger Ahead
When she did, she spotted Xia Shang.
Xia Shang wore a dark blue evening gown. She'd taken off her glasses, and some of her scholarly, elegant air had faded, replaced by a hint of aggression. There was also a faint golden glow in her eyes. So that unpleasant sensation from earlier had come from Xia Shang.
Perhaps Xia Shang noticed Xiangyi looking at her. The golden glow in her eyes faded, and she began studying Xiangyi in turn. Her gaze held a hint of scrutiny. Then she looked toward Xiangyi's wrist, as if trying to find the mark of a Chosen One.
That was something Xiangyi couldn't hide. Her appearance might have changed, but the mark of a Chosen One wouldn't lie. Still, Xiangyi wasn't worried. Everything that had happened was under the surveillance cameras, and she'd been caught on film. Even if they suspected someone of attacking that uncle, they couldn't possibly suspect her. Reassured, Xiangyi relaxed her movements and expression, carrying a tray of red wine as she continued serving people and blending into the crowd.
Hua Nu: Flower Master, Xia Shang is walking toward you.
Xiangyi acknowledged her and pretended not to notice Xia Shang, handing another glass of red wine to a man who wanted one. The moment she turned around, she caught a waft of perfume.
Xiangyi feigned surprise. She'd been planning to perform her signature pratfall to lower Xia Shang's suspicions, but Xia Shang acted even faster, leaning backward. Xiangyi reached out and caught her. At that moment, she suddenly realized that an ordinary person wouldn't have been strong enough to hold Xia Shang up.
But she'd done exactly that—and had held her so steadily that her own body hadn't even moved. Xia Shang wore a faint smile, as though her true intention had only been to test Xiangyi's strength. Now that it had happened, pretending to be ordinary would be pointless. Xiangyi exerted a little force and pulled Xia Shang toward her.
She kept the tray balanced in one hand while the other held Xia Shang securely against her. Inertia made Xia Shang's skin brush lightly against Xiangyi's. Her perfume drifted over as well. Xiangyi smiled faintly, then said, "Miss, are you all right?"
Xia Shang smiled too, with an inscrutable expression. She reflexively reached up to adjust her glasses, as though she still wasn't used to going without them. Even that tiny gesture told Xiangyi that she was somewhat unsettled.
If Xiangyi had hidden her strength just now, Xia Shang might have been even more suspicious. But Xiangyi had made no effort to conceal it, and that had left Xia Shang wondering whether her suspicions were correct.
"I'm fine." Xia Shang stepped back and looked at Xiangyi without a word.
They both studied each other's faces. But while Xiangyi was simply admiring her, Xia Shang was instinctively stirred, feeling a hint of competitiveness.
When one beautiful woman faced another equally outstanding woman, she might react in any number of ways.
She might admire her, or instinctively feel competitive—especially if she had a strong desire to win. Xia Shang seemed composed, but unfortunately for her, she was exactly the sort of woman with a fierce competitive streak.
"Glad you're all right. I'm sorry—I wasn't paying attention when I turned around, and I bumped into you." Xiangyi spoke calmly and confidently, even though she knew full well that Xia Shang had deliberately bumped into her.
"It's all right. I was walking too fast, too. But you're really strong, pretty girl. You caught me, and the drinks didn't spill at all." Xia Shang smiled as she continued, probing Xiangyi's abilities.
"I suppose I'm a Chosen One, too." Xiangyi touched the mark on her arm, then lowered her head and deliberately put on a troubled expression.
In Ocean City, Chosen Ones weren't welcome. With the main branch of Baichi Sanatorium located there, it had inevitably become the city with the highest crime rate. Here, Chosen Ones were treated as inferior to ordinary people. Xiangyi did her best to show Xia Shang how difficult life was for her in such an environment, hinting at why she'd ended up as a waitress.
"Oh? A pretty girl like you should have better options, shouldn't she?" Xia Shang asked again, seemingly hoping to provoke Xiangyi with the question.
Xia Shang was a criminal psychology analyst and a psychological profiler. She was also well-versed in fields such as criminal investigation and interrogation. She was clearly still suspicious of Xiangyi, so she pressed her with another pointed question.
"Even the best option isn't as comfortable as earning a living on my own." Xiangyi nodded slightly, refusing to take the bait. Then she heard the waitress, Little Grass, call for her, giving her a chance to break out of this passive situation.
"Sorry, miss. I'm still working, so I'll get back to it." With that, Xiangyi quickly left. Xia Shang stayed where she was, watching Xiangyi's retreating figure with an even wider smile—and a great deal more interest.
Shaoyao: Flower Master, she's smiling at your back. The way she's looking at you is just like the way Hua Nu usually looks at you.
Xiangyi busied herself with work, still hearing Shaoyao's description in her head. She'd been trying to stay serious, but the words Shaoyao used nearly made her burst out laughing.
Shaoyao was completely baffled. She had no idea what was so funny. Hua Nu, meanwhile, looked at her with a cheerful smile that seemed anything but friendly.
Seeing Hua Nu's expression, Shaoyao added, "Yes, exactly like that... Hua Nu, why are you taking out a silver needle?!"
Shaoyao had been about to take credit with Xiangyi, but instead got chased by Hua Nu. The two of them were playing rough, yet no one present noticed the pair in ancient-style clothes. Xiangyi continued serving the guests, while that gaze behind her remained fixed on her, as if Xia Shang had completely set her sights on her.
Xiangyi was miserable, but there was no way to express her grievance. She did her best to act as if she hadn't noticed anything.
A short while later, Shuxuan finally returned with Zhang Mou. Zhang Mou, who'd been so disheveled earlier, now had a radiant smile and was mingling with the guests like a social butterfly. She was popular with the men. Xiangyi couldn't help glancing at her a few times and, setting aside her prejudices, realized Zhang Mou really was a clever, capable woman.
Shuxuan seemed to be learning from her, as though she were her life mentor. Their conversation and manners made them seem less like a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law and more like a mother and daughter, standing together against their enemies—protecting themselves while getting what they wanted. And Zhang Mou's way of flirting let her achieve her goals without putting herself at risk. It was incredibly skillful.
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Chapter 64: Everyone's Favorite
Hua Nu: This human is interesting. But there's something strange about her aura. She definitely wasn't a flower fairy earlier, so how did she suddenly become one?
After teaching Shaoyao a lesson, Hua Nu emerged from the Flower God Ring, looking refreshed. She seemed to have had a very satisfying time pricking Shaoyao with needles. Xiangyi glanced at Hua Nu and replied silently.
Xiangyi: Maybe her dark side was brought out.
Hua Nu: Oh? Why do I get the feeling that you're the one who turned her into a flower fairy, Flower Master?
Xiangyi didn't answer, but the reminder brought back the persona she'd created for her little sister, who was a minor character.
Everyone's favorite, and a playboy's worst nightmare.
Perhaps it was because Xiangyi had helped a woman and dealt with a minor character, thereby activating a condition. Or perhaps the world itself had come up with a law for creating flower fairies.
If that was the case, would the forty-eight female leads she'd planned really be enough?
At the same time, Xiangyi thought of Zhang Mou's advances earlier. If everyone turned out to be as aggressive as Zhang Mou, then she...
The thought made Xiangyi a little afraid. She couldn't imagine how much she'd have to sacrifice to create flower people in the future.
"Waiter, two glasses of red wine over here." Zhang Mou's voice suddenly rang out. Xiangyi turned instinctively and saw Zhang Mou smiling at her.
"Certainly, ma'am, miss... Here are your drinks." Xiangyi handed over the glasses she'd prepared in advance. Shuxuan took one first and thanked her. Then Zhang Mou took the other. The instant her hand touched Xiangyi's, she lightly brushed her fingertip against Xiangyi's. It was a subtle gesture, but she was clearly teasing Xiangyi.
After taking her wine, Zhang Mou glanced at Xiangyi again to check whether her phone number was still written on her palm.
"It's our pleasure to serve you." Xiangyi smiled helplessly and stepped a little farther away from Zhang Mou before heading to the other side of the room.
Xiangyi: Hua Nu, did Xia Shang see that?
Hua Nu: She saw it clearly. The corners of her mouth even lifted, and she seemed even more interested in you, Flower Master.
Hua Nu reported Xia Shang's reaction while Zhang Mou had been flirting with Xiangyi. Xiangyi felt a little bitter. With so many flower fairies around, she was just a fledgling Flower Master, and surviving was proving extremely difficult.
Xiangyi: Stay within a safe distance of Xia Shang and see if she's noticed anything between me and the culprit.
Hua Nu: Understood.
Hua Nu quickly left. Xiangyi then called for Shaoyao, hoping she'd keep an eye on Zhang Mou and Shuxuan, but Shaoyao didn't seem to be doing anything inside. In the end, a little grass appeared instead.
Seeing the little grass in its natural form, looking so vacant, Xiangyi silently picked it up and tossed it into the Flower God Ring. The movement was so quick that it looked like she was just clearing the table.
Xiangyi continued wandering around, listening to the guests' gossip. But without the important figure's arrival, it was all dreadfully boring.
The gossip was all hearsay, anyway, and not worth listening to. Xiangyi yawned, wondering whether she should leave early, when Hua Nu returned with bad news.
Hua Nu: Flower Master, Xia Shang has identified you as the culprit. The Qin family is now sending people to investigate you, the waitress. There are also several martial artists at the entrance. They're clearly worried you might escape.
Hua Nu told Xiangyi what had happened while she'd been bored. Xia Shang had confirmed she was the culprit and had even started arranging to arrest her.
"No wonder I gave her an IQ of two hundred in her character profile." Xiangyi laughed helplessly. Thinking back carefully, she really hadn't handled things perfectly this time. The main issue was that she'd interacted with Zhang Mou again, and Zhang Mou's flirtatious behavior had revealed that there was a connection between them.
Even if Xia Shang didn't think Xiangyi was the culprit, she'd still suspect some connection between them. And with the investigation underway, it wouldn't take long to discover the hotel had no records for Xiangyi. Then they'd come to arrest and interrogate her.
Xiangyi decided it was time to run, but she wanted to make her escape look elegant. Once she'd made up her mind, she went into the restroom and changed into the evening gown Huangquan had prepared earlier.
She dispelled the harmless disguise and revealed her true face. She was even more beautiful and radiant than before. If she appeared like this, everyone's eyes would be drawn to her.
Hua Nu was even more confused by Xiangyi's move and said helplessly, "Flower Master, that'll only make it harder to leave."
Xiangyi: After all, I came here to cause trouble. I'm going to do it in full view of everyone and let Xia Shang know that I'm here to make trouble.
Xiangyi smiled as she explained. Since Xia Shang understood psychology so well, her creator would turn the tables and use psychology to fool her.
Hua Nu understood even less. She could only watch as Xiangyi came out.
The waitress, Little Grass, deliberately dropped a glass, drawing everyone's attention and making them notice Xiangyi. Xiangyi smiled. She could hear the guests around her gasp. She made full use of her striking charm, while constantly reminding herself that she was beautiful.
"Who's that? How come I didn't see her before?"
"Yeah. Whose young lady is she?"
Xia Shang, watching from a distance, looked surprised too. But the smile that followed grew even more knowing, and her interest in Xiangyi deepened.
Xiangyi pretended not to notice. Her gaze swept across the room until she found the uncle whose hand Shaoyao had broken earlier. She quickly walked toward him. The man was overjoyed, thinking his luck with women had finally turned around. But as he happily reached out with his one remaining hand, Xiangyi didn't offer him a friendly handshake. She kicked him instead.
Her high heel landed squarely on target. Xiangyi cursed, "You scumbag! You're married and still hitting on me!" Then she hurried toward the exit.
The two men guarding the entrance froze. Then they felt themselves being shoved aside as Xiangyi strode out.
The room fell silent. The man writhed in pain, wanting to tell his wife that nothing had happened between him and that woman, but he couldn't even get up. His wife was still cursing him. "Now I finally know why someone broke your hand. And I was even begging the clan leader to help find the culprit! So it wasn't deliberate—it was because you deserved it. You deserved to die!" As if that weren't enough to vent her anger, the man's wife kicked him too.
The others silently watched, thinking of the elegant swan they'd just seen, then looking at the maggot on the ground who'd dared to lay a hand on her. An indescribable rush of satisfaction filled their hearts.
Of course, Xiangyi's actions and the mark of a Chosen One she'd deliberately revealed also let everyone know who the culprit was.
If the Qin family had been wronged, they would have made sure the culprit was punished. But the uncle had a terrible reputation and was infamous for his behavior. Women took revenge on him all the time. His wife didn't think it was worth pursuing, so the matter was eventually dropped.
Xiangyi had resolved the crisis and given Xia Shang no reason to keep targeting her.
But Xia Shang was more persistent than Xiangyi had expected. She still followed her out and called out to Xiangyi as she tried to escape.
"That was a clever move." Xia Shang praised Xiangyi's tactic. Of course, the praise was only because Xiangyi had happened to know a few things and had gotten away by luck.
"But if there's a next time, Baichi Sanatorium will be waiting for you." Even as she praised Xiangyi, Xia Shang didn't forget to warn her about the consequences of doing this.
Xiangyi turned around and smiled at Xia Shang.
"Oh, so you're looking forward to seeing me again." Xia Shang was taken aback by Xiangyi's reply. She probably hadn't expected a suspect to flirt with her.
"Yes. I'm looking forward to cutting open your brain and seeing what it looks like inside." Xia Shang continued smiling, but the content of her words sent a chill through anyone who heard them.
There were three kinds of punishments for Chosen Ones: conventional reeducation through love, the second-degree punishment of reform at Baichi Sanatorium, and the third-degree brain death sentence.
The brain death sentence was not only a death sentence. The brain would also be removed and made into a specimen for the criminal record archives, where one day it would become part of a textbook.
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Before you continue