That one sentence left Hermione speechless.
How could she not understand the hidden meaning in those words?
This guy really didn't want to see this kind of thing; he preferred something with less fabric and thinner defenses, but Hermione couldn't admit it.
If we admit it, we've already lost this protracted battle.
So she suppressed the surging shame in her heart and put on a tough front, saying, "I said no, and that means no."
"Okay." Draco smiled; he was willing to play along with his little wife like this, so he asked, "What do you want?"
Although he asked the question, Draco certainly understood what Hermione wanted: to put on airs and then make some demands.
Hermione knew Draco knew what she was thinking, but this was an open strategy. Seeing that Draco agreed, Hermione also voiced her thoughts. "There are no private bathrooms here, so why do we all have to go to the common area on this floor? It's not very convenient."
"I see!" Draco feigned sudden realization. "So, Miss Granger wanted a private bathroom. Do you think I can make that happen?"
"Can't you do it?" Hermione retorted.
"Of course it can be done. As long as Miss Granger is sincere in asking me, there's no reason why it can't be accomplished."
What's your idea?
"You know that," Draco's tone became mysterious.
"I carry a Treasure Chest with me at all times, but each use comes at a price, so I can't use it lightly."
Hearing this Hermione immediately tensed up. "Huh? Will there be a problem with you using this box so frequently before?"
Seeing Draco's seemingly worried expression, he smiled and reassured her, "Don't worry, I was just kidding."
"The so-called price I'm talking about isn't something I need to bear myself; it's something I'll take from you, Miss Granger."
"... On me?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
Draco explained to her:
"If I can change Miss Granger's fate, I'll gain Fortune Points, and then I can use the Treasure Chest."
"What changes destiny?" Hermione still didn't understand.
"For example, Miss Granger might have ended up as someone else's girlfriend, but I snatched her away, so her fate changed, and now she has the points to use the Treasure Chest."
Hermione fell into thought. This sounded absurd, but upon closer inspection, it seemed to make sense. Otherwise, where did Draco's endless stream of strange gadgets come from?
Thinking about this, she began to believe it to some extent.
But such a significant secret, which Draco probably hadn't even told his parents, was only confiding in her. Hermione felt a surge of emotion. "You told me this, aren't you afraid... I'll reveal it to others?"
"Can you leak it?"
Draco then silenced her with a kiss.
Hermione let out a soft "Mmm," the sudden kiss momentarily stunning Hermione. Draco was brief and fleeting, and Hermione playfully pouted:
"You always do things so suddenly and recklessly."
Draco smiled, didn't reply, and with a kiss, lightly brushed aside the heavy issue of the leak.
"Alright," Draco returned to the main point, " Miss Granger, you can consider whether or not to install that ensuite bathroom."
"Is there really a price to pay? I see you using your Treasure Chest' for every little thing, like it's free."
"That's because accumulating points is easy."
"Yeah?"
Draco stared at her lips with a wicked grin and said, "Like that sudden attack just now, I've already gained something without even realizing it."
"This counts?!" Hermione exclaimed, realizing what she meant. "I don't believe it! How can this be considered changing one's destiny?!"
"At least..." Hermione said, realizing something, "It has to be something like coming to Brakebills School."
" Miss Granger is indeed clever," Draco praised. "That's right, coming to Brakebills School is..."
Hermione's puzzle was completely put together in one go.
Why did Draco suggest visiting this school?
Why is it that he never busies himself with currying favor with professors, forming cliques, or pursuing personal gain like other Pure-blood young masters, but instead puts aside all important matters and revolves around himself all day long?
Why does he always win his bets?
Every time he thought he was at his wit's end, he could pull out an unexpected trump card from that magical Treasure Chest.
"So, you schemed against me?"
Upon hearing this, Draco slapped her lower back with his palm, the crisp sound echoing throughout the dormitory.
Hermione froze, then her face flushed again.
"Between husband and wife, what's the point of scheming? I'm taking from the people and using it for the people," Draco said matter-of-factly.
Hermione muttered in a soft tone, "What do you mean by taking from the people and using it for the people... You're the one who's using the most!"
However, Hermione was secretly delighted because she had finally caught the other end of the line. No matter how omnipotent this guy was, no matter how much he manipulated fate, his points, his Treasure Chest, and all those trump cards that no one else could even imagine... were all tied to her alone.
He was right to scheme against her.
But the more he schemed, the more inseparable he became from her.
"So, do you like being schemed against by me?" Draco repeated the same old line, nothing special, just because it was so effective.
Moreover, that statement is too cunning.
Hermione just felt that the bathtub would come in handy sooner or later.
Hermione hugged him back, holding him tightly as if clutching a secret she wouldn't let go of. "... Don't be so smug."
"Go ahead and scheme, but... with your intelligence, it's unlikely you'll succeed in outsmarting others."
"That's not quite right."
Draco's lips slowly curved into a smile.
Hearing Draco's tone, Hermione's eyelids twitched:
What's wrong?
"Think about it, honey. If I were really a fool, how could I have schemed against you to this extent? Then you..." He didn't finish his sentence.
If that's the case,
Wouldn't she be even more stupid than a person...?
Realizing this, Hermione hurriedly tried to salvage the situation, "It's different! You tricked me! It has nothing to do with intelligence!"
Draco waited for her to continue writing.
Hermione became increasingly anxious and confused, so she simply turned the tables and changed the subject. "Besides, you wouldn't dare to scheme against others!"
Draco laughed and went along with her words, "That's true, Miss Granger is very fierce, I wouldn't dare."
"Who... yelled?!" Hermione tightened her grip on him, her voice so urgent that it shattered her last shred of authority.
"I'm being reasonable! If you keep talking nonsense, I—" Hermione hadn't even figured out how to argue before her hand moved first.
She loosened her grip, reached down, and pinched his waist hard with her thumb and forefinger like a vise.
"Hiss--"
Draco flinched, "Stop pinching me, honey."
Then I quickly reminded her, "Kidneys are the key to stamina. If you pinch them too hard, you'll only be able to last a few seconds."