"Thank you, I feel very honored. I thought you were deliberately approaching me at first, until I saw your room. I think I understand why you could recite my thesis word for word," Xia Shang confessed her thoughts when Xiangyi first approached her. Because she was still confused, Xia Shang chose to converse with Xiangyi as if interrogating a suspect.
However, after learning that Xiangyi's intentions were very pure, Xia Shang even developed a bit of affection for her due to Xiangyi's admiration. It was precisely this affection that was the reason Xia Shang was talking with her now.
Xiangyi, on the other hand, wasn't happy at all. She didn't know the extent of the original Xiangyi's fanatical admiration. "I'm sorry... for letting you see those unsightly things."
Xia Shang seemed to find something to smile about even more, making Xiangyi a little embarrassed. After coming to this world, she hadn't even had the chance to see Xiangyi's home, let alone sleep there. Judging by Xia Shang's attitude, Xiangyi felt there must be many embarrassing things that would cause someone as composed and calm as Xia Shang to act this way.
The more Xiangyi thought about it, the more embarrassed she became. Xia Shang's smile didn't cease, and she even appeared somewhat charming. This beauty, combined with Xia Shang's aura, seemed a bit abrupt yet perfectly matched, becoming especially captivating with the moonlight streaming in from the window.
Chapter 68 [2] Exquisite Beauty
Shortly after, before they had walked far, a server stopped the two of them.
"Excuse me, this is the members-only area ahead. You cannot proceed without a pass." They had actually walked into the members-only area.
"Members-only area?" Xiangyi was unfamiliar with the term. The server nodded, not looking down on Xiangyi's ordinary attire, and explained, "Yes, it's a special area set up by Ocean Hotel to entertain important guests. However, due to its exclusivity, it's not open to others."
Xiangyi said "oh" and thanked the server for the explanation. She initially thought he was just well-mannered, but then the server's gaze focused on Xia Shang, and Xiangyi suddenly realized another possibility.
"This should be enough, right?" Xia Shang actually produced a golden card. The server's smile widened, and he said, "It is indeed you, guest. I thought you looked familiar."
Hearing this, the server's explanation seemed reasonable. After confirming the authenticity of the membership card, he let them pass. He then performed a series of actions, including fingerprint scanning and iris comparison, before a hidden door slowly opened.
Xiangyi was a little surprised. Her gaze swept around the space, which was already quite large, yet this place, somehow, had an additional area beyond its apparent boundaries.
Her eyes peered curiously, and Xia Shang, as if understanding her emotions, stood there.
"I'm sorry, I'm just a bit curious," Xiangyi apologized. Xia Shang maintained her smile and continued to lead Xiangyi forward.
The interior was even more luxurious, adorned with aesthetically pleasing paintings, and the sound of piano music flowed through the space. Various self-service food stations were set up, with each ingredient being top-tier.
Xiangyi hadn't expected Ocean Hotel to be of such high caliber. The appearance of this place shattered her understanding. She further couldn't comprehend why Ocean City possessed such extravagance that was inconsistent with its appearance.
What's more, she saw several Chosen Ones walking through here with great confidence, their expressions and demeanor completely different from the passive status of Chosen Ones in Ocean City.
"What, what is going on?" The shift in this world was incomprehensible to Xiangyi. Xia Shang brought her a glass of juice and said with a smile, "Some things don't need to be known too clearly."
Xia Shang didn't intend to explain, yet she had brought Xiangyi to this unfamiliar space and was observing her with an amused expression, as if she were some kind of test subject. Xiangyi had seen this expression on Xia Shang's face multiple times before but still didn't understand the reason.
Therefore, she could only rely on her own efforts to find the answer.
With that thought, Xiangyi sat down and observed everything around her.
The walls were covered with rather vintage paintings, and the surrounding food items bore special energy markings. The fitness equipment was top-of-the-line. Although Xiangyi didn't recognize any of it, she could tell it was specifically designed for Chosen Ones.
The entire structure suggested that this was a paradise specifically created for Chosen Ones. However, the cost of entry was extremely high, so only influential figures could gain access.
For example, someone like Xia Shang, who was both a Chosen One and possessed a powerful background, would be granted such privileges.
But even so, Xia Shang wouldn't go out of her way to show off all of this to an ordinary person like her. Xiangyi felt that Xia Shang's purpose was more complex than she imagined, even if she didn't have the answer yet.
"It seems you've guessed some things, but you're not sure," Xia Shang said with a slight smile, taking a small sip of the unknown beverage in her hand. Its faint aroma mixed with the taste of alcohol was quite alluring. Her posture relaxed as well, but she maintained a short distance from Xiangyi, reminding Xiangyi of a psychological counselor's approach during a patient's consultation.
In that instant, Xiangyi realized this was a trap set by Xia Shang to manipulate her. Xia Shang's previous words weren't meant to befriend Xiangyi but for this psychological session. It could even be said, without exaggeration, that Xia Shang intended to hypnotize her to uncover the truth behind Prince Qin's condition.
All the pretense and mystification were merely to distract Xiangyi, leaving her mind no room to process the most pressing situation.
"You..." Xiangyi's lips parted slightly. Xia Shang leaned towards her, her cheeks flushed, exuding an even more incredible beauty. This beauty caused Xiangyi's thoughts to pause momentarily. She felt Xia Shang's hand, which she had been hesitant to touch, suddenly rest on her waist and then tap her spine a few times.
The tapping was rhythmic. Although Xiangyi didn't know what it meant, she remained still. Xia Shang's body moved closer, her demeanor and feeling as if she were about to flirt with Xiangyi.
The few people present around them seemed oblivious to the scene of two women together. However, a server who had been very far away earlier suddenly approached with a tea tray.
"Close your eyes," Xia Shang's voice continued, carrying an irresistible magic. Xiangyi's gaze fell upon her as she put on the thin silk gloves she had seen earlier.
Her movements were delicate, and her lips drew nearer.
Closer... just a little more, and Xiangyi would be able to kiss this exquisite Flower Fairy. The moment this thought entered Xiangyi's mind, she felt a tightening sensation around her waist. Then, Xia Shang suddenly pushed Xiangyi away with the hand that wasn't wearing a glove, and the sofa instantly turned to dust.
Xiangyi looked up and discovered that the silent attacker was the server who had opened the door for them earlier.
Xia Shang had already walked over and pulled her up. Even though the opponent was over there, Xia Shang smiled and said, "Didn't you ask me if I was afraid?"
Xiangyi hummed in response. Xia Shang said nothing further, but a golden light reappeared in her eyes. Her movements remained elegant and composed as she rapidly approached the server.
The server's body cracked open, transforming into a complete monster.
Its mouth stretched unnaturally long, giving it a resemblance to a knock-off version of the Black and White Impermanence. Acid dripped from its mouth, carrying the stench of rotting flesh. Its movements were still silent and incredibly swift, but before Xia Shang, the monster's terrifying appearance was completely mismatched with its strength.
Xia Shang easily dodged all its attacks. With a gentle touch of her right hand, the man seemed to see an illusion, his body began to convulse, and then he started biting and tearing at his own arm. Blood gushed out, creating a nauseating and terrifying scene.
Xia Shang remained unmoved and quickly dialed a number on her phone.
A moment later, several personnel entered through another door. They wore special uniforms and easily subdued the monster, tying it up.
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Chapter 69 [1] Something Feels Off?
The monster remained silent, merely staring at Xiangyi for a prolonged moment, as if trying to imprint her image in its mind. Noticing this, Xia Shang blocked the monster's gaze and said coldly, "She's just a passerby. If you have something, take it up with me."
Upon hearing Xia Shang's reply, the monster let out a strange laugh and began to hum a tune, though its pitch was off-key, making it sound even more chilling.
The scene was handled very quickly. Just as Xia Shang was about to explain to Xiangyi, a man who appeared to be the leader walked over with a smile.
"As expected of Professor Xia, capturing this Chosen One in such a short time. However, Professor Xia, how did you discover his existence?"
Xiangyi's newly established worldview was once again shattered. Her assumptions were merely her own assumptions. Xia Shang's true intentions remained a mystery, completely beyond Xiangyi's ability to decipher.
"It's just a coincidence that it understands me very well," Xia Shang said ambiguously. Seemingly feeling her gloves were dangerous, she immediately took them off after confirming the Chosen One could no longer cause trouble. Her demeanor and tone were the same as always, but the man regarded Xia Shang as a deity, continuing to shower her with praise.
Xia Shang, finding the man too verbose, smiled and changed the subject. "Captain Shao, this Chosen One is an A-class wanted criminal. Are you sure you're not going to follow?"
The one called Captain Shao immediately agreed and then directed his subordinates to restore the scene to its original state. Soon after, Qin Xiangyi saw someone shining a pen-like object on the damaged objects. The objects began to fuse together at a speed visible to the naked eye, looking exactly as they did before. However, upon closer inspection, one could find sticky fibers within, as if creating an illusion of intactness.
Qin Xiangyi watched in surprise. Xia Shang had already turned to her, asking about her condition, "Were you scared?"
Qin Xiangyi shook her head, recalling the scene. Her attention had followed Xia Shang's actions, and she felt the impression of Xia Shang's proximity more strongly than any fear.
This was a beautiful and attractive woman who excelled at using everything around her. She was dangerous, yet possessed a charm that was hard to resist.
Qin Xiangyi shook her head. "No. To be honest, I didn't react at first. I thought Professor Xia brought me to this kind of place specifically because you were interested in me."
Xia Shang smiled faintly. "I am indeed interested in you."
Qin Xiangyi, who had only intended to be humorous, hesitated. She looked at Xia Shang in surprise, but understood that given Xia Shang's persona, her interest in Qin Xiangyi was definitely not romantic.
"So, Professor Xia, you want to research me?" Qin Xiangyi couldn't presume too much and tentatively guessed Xia Shang's purpose in approaching her.
"I'm interested, rather than wanting to research you. Besides, I'm curious how you managed to turn Prince Qin into a vegetable with an inconspicuous little needle." Xia Shang slowly explained the reason for her interest. Qin Xiangyi smiled shyly, and at the same time, the Hua Nu reminded her again.
Hua Nu: Flower Master, this Xia Shang is the most difficult Flower Fairy you've encountered so far. She's sharp and intelligent. If you stay any longer, she'll realize you and Hua Linglong are the same person.
The Hua Nu's serious reminder conveyed how difficult it was for it to "capture" Xia Shang at the moment. Qin Xiangyi naturally didn't dare to underestimate her. After humming in acknowledgment, she focused on thinking of a way to deceive her.
"Furthermore, based on my observation of your room, you enjoy the process of solving cases more. Your knowledge of psychology and the human body appears to be lacking. Firstly, as a student, you wouldn't have much extra funding. Secondly, your aunt seems to dislike you looking at these things, so you hide them very well. Even I had to put in considerable effort to find them," Xia Shang stated her impression of Qin Xiangyi's room, judging her to be a quiet and meticulous person.
However, the current Qin Xiangyi was sharp-tongued and appeared very astute. Coupled with the lack of progress in the Prince Qin case, Xia Shang clearly intended to find the answer through Qin Xiangyi as a breakthrough.
"I don't know either. By the time I realized it, Prince Qin was already like that." Qin Xiangyi feigned weakness, while trying to simulate a trembling posture, intending to deceive her this way.
But how could Xia Shang, who was ruthless towards all criminals, be swayed by a young girl's fear? She seemed to intend to press her advantage and resolve the final commission when a phone call abruptly rang.
Xia Shang frowned slightly, glanced at the caller ID, and finally went aside to answer. Qin Xiangyi breathed a sigh of relief and wondered if she should slip away. If she stayed any longer, she felt Xia Shang might use some special methods to extract the truth.
Hua Nu: Flower Master, don't worry. I have a medicine here. After you take it, you can resist mental control for a period of time.
The Hua Nu immediately offered a solution. Qin Xiangyi looked at its hands, only to find them empty, and became anxious.
Qin Xiangyi: Then take it out! I can resist anytime when she makes a move.
The Hua Nu's smile became a little stiff, and then it explained.
Hua Nu: Flower Master, this medicine is quite special.
Qin Xiangyi: Will I die if I take it or something?
Qin Xiangyi remained vigilant. She noticed the Hua Nu's expression was very strange when it said this, as if the medicine's usage was incredibly insane.
At this moment, Xia Shang finished her call and was walking back. The scent in the air gradually intensified. Her gaze swept around, as if intending to draw Qin Xiangyi back into the previous atmosphere to begin her hypnosis and extract useful information.
Qin Xiangyi: Hurry! I feel like she's about to start again. While I still can, I can pretend to eat something.
Hua Nu: Flower Master, turn your back to Xia Shang and pretend you're eating.
Qin Xiangyi immediately turned her head, only to find the Hua Nu still had nothing in its hands. Just as Qin Xiangyi felt she was being tricked, the Hua Nu suddenly leaned towards her.
Qin Xiangyi saw the tear mole under the Hua Nu's eye become more prominent. In a daze, she felt a soft sensation on her lips. Then, that sensation deepened. The Hua Nu used a soft ruler to pry open Qin Xiangyi's lips, and immediately Qin Xiangyi felt something sweet enter her mouth.
It was sweet but not cloying, somewhat like honey, but with a rose scent.
Hua Nu: Swallow it. This is my flower nectar.
Chapter 70[2]Just like that, I'm targeted?
This was a setting Qin Xiangyi had no idea about. Hearing the Hua Nu say this, she quickly swallowed the mouthful of honey. Flower People, Flower People... there were no bees collecting nectar, so where did the flower nectar come from?
But Qin Xiangyi soon realized that following the Hua Nu's actions was like creating the existence of flower nectar through the medium of her lips.
And Qin Xiangyi, although the Flower Master, was playing a role similar to a bee, constantly striving for the blooming and growth of the Flower People.
Qin Xiangyi suddenly felt a bit pathetic. Just as she thought this, Xia Shang behind her reached out with her right hand and grabbed her. Instantly, Qin Xiangyi felt her body lose control. Then, Xia Shang led her back to the sofa and took out a card-like object from her backpack.
With a flick of the card, a notebook emerged from it. Before the card hit the ground, Xia Shang picked it up and put it back into a small box. Qin Xiangyi was greatly surprised, feeling that the technology in this world was much more advanced than before. But perhaps because her expression was wrong, Xia Shang's right hand once again stroked her head.
Immediately, a force flowed from her head throughout her body, making her body relax even more, like the warmth and security of being in her mother's embrace. However, due to the Hua Nu's flower nectar earlier, Qin Xiangyi's body was immobilized, but her mind was perfectly clear.
Xia Shang's method was naturally hypnosis, but unlike the hypnosis on Earth, it was divided into cooperative and mandatory types. Xia Shang seemed to feel that everything before had wasted too much time, so she was now performing mandatory hypnosis.
Seeing that Qin Xiangyi's expression was finally correct, Xia Shang sat down and began to ask questions.
Xia Shang: Age.
Qin Xiangyi: 15.
Xia Shang: Height.
Qin Xiangyi: 1.6 meters.
The questions were in a question-and-answer format. Initially, she asked for basic information to confirm Qin Xiangyi's state. Then, Xia Shang's questions became more troublesome.
Xia Shang: When did you know you were a Chosen One?
Qin Xiangyi: About a month ago.
Xia Shang: Reason for awakening?
Qin Xiangyi: Because Prince Qin bullied Ning Ning.
Xia Shang: How did you retaliate?
Xiangyi: I don't remember either. When I woke up, he was already on the ground.
Of course, all of this was nonsense from Xiangyi while she was conscious, a way to avoid the issue of the Flower God Ring and to resolve Xia Shang's doubts about her.
For a busy person like Xia Shang, dealing with something thoroughly once meant no future worries.
Xia Shang continued writing, then repeatedly asked the same questions from before. Although Xiangyi was confused, she answered according to her previous responses.
Xia Shang: Last question, do you have someone you like?
Xiangyi: Yes.
Xia Shang: And who is that person?
Xiangyi: Xia Shang.
Of course, the last question was just Xiangyi being playful, wanting to see if teasing this great beauty would elicit an interesting reaction.
Xia Shang simply smiled lightly. After recording the information, she stepped forward and gently touched Xiangyi's shoulder. In an instant, Xiangyi felt her weak body return to normal. Xiangyi slowly opened her eyes, acting as if she knew nothing about what had just happened.
"What… happened to me all of a sudden?" Xiangyi asked, confused. Xia Shang replied, "You were sitting here and suddenly fell asleep. I called you several times."
Xia Shang's explanation was calm. Any ordinary person would have been easily deceived by this undetectable trickery, but Xiangyi knew full well how dangerous it was to be in front of Xia Shang. In this person's eyes, there were no secrets if she willed it. But clearly, Xia Shang couldn't use her abilities often, or perhaps her abilities were harmful, which was why she wore gloves and was unwilling to touch people with her right hand.
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