Qin Xiao allowed the fiery vixen Su Wanying to cling to him, the soft sensation on his arm carrying a warmth and elasticity that was hard to ignore. Her intoxicating fragrance lingered at his nose, rich and alluring like a rose in full bloom, tempting one to sink into it.
They passed through the meticulously tended gardens and walked beneath ornately carved corridors. As they reached a secluded side courtyard, Su Wanying’s steps subtly slowed.
She shot Qin Xiao a silky glance, her voice sweet enough to drip honey. “Little darling, look at how beautiful that room is over there. How about… we go in and rest for a bit?”
The implication in her gaze was blatant.
Qin Xiao didn’t slow down, the corner of his lips curving into a faint, unreadable smile as he looked straight toward the main dining hall. “Eating is more important.”
“…” A faint blush colored Su Wanying’s cheeks, but she quickly recovered her charm. She lightly stomped her foot in mock complaint. “You’re so annoying. I just thought you might be tired, that’s all.”
Her little scheme exposed, even with her thick skin, she couldn’t avoid a trace of embarrassment.
Qin Xiao ignored her coquettish act, letting his thoughts sink inward. “Yiyi, still angry?”
[…Hmph.]
Yun Yiyi’s muffled tone clearly showed she was still sulking.
Qin Xiao could only lower his stance. “Alright, alright, my fault. I shouldn’t have called you a bug. Next time, I’ll get you more destiny luck points and exchange them for the newest limited skin—the shiny one. How about that?”
For a system spirit, a skin was apparently the best temptation.
[Really? Limited edition? With special effects?]
Yun Yiyi’s voice instantly filled with surprise, the earlier gloom gone.
“Of course. When have I ever lied to you?” Qin Xiao replied without hesitation, though in truth, the destiny luck points were nowhere to be seen yet.
[Hehe, now that’s more like it!] Yun Yiyi’s voice turned lively again. [Host, I just checked—the storyline module for this Su family estate is the classic ‘Divine Doctor Saves the Beauty’ scene!]
[In a bit, at the dinner table, the Su family’s old master will suddenly collapse from a recurring illness.]
[The Su family’s family doctor will definitely be helpless, running in circles.]
[And right when everyone’s desperate, that Ye Chen will make his grand entrance. With a few quick moves using his long-lost “Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles,” he’ll bring the old master back to life!]
[Then he’ll earn another wave of admiration and gratitude, maybe even use the chance to make demands of the Su family!]
Qin Xiao’s brow twitched.
Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles? The name alone sounded like a one-way ticket to the afterlife—thirteen needles to make sure you’re extra dead.
And Ye Chen, the Dragon King Hall’s young master, playing security guard in someone else’s home, not focusing on his post, but planning to show off with a crooked Dragon King smile and a few needles?
“Got it,” Qin Xiao replied blandly.
By now, they had entered the lavishly decorated dining hall. The long table was filled with an array of exquisite dishes, clearly prepared with great care.
Su Wanying eagerly seated Qin Xiao beside the main seat, practically pressing herself against him. “Little darling, try this—these crystal shrimp are specially made for you. They’re delicious.”
Ignoring the servant handing her public chopsticks, she used her own delicate chopsticks to offer him a shrimp, smiling brightly as though they were longtime lovers.
Qin Xiao subtly turned his head away, picking up his own chopsticks and casually asking, “By the way, how has Grandpa Su been lately?”
Su Wanying batted her peach blossom eyes as she continued to serve him food. “Grandpa’s doing fine. Just had a full checkup a few days ago. The doctor said everything’s good except for slightly thick blood.”
She had barely finished when—
Seated at the head of the table, the always-smiling Master Su suddenly slumped sideways, his teacup rolling onto the carpet with a muffled thud. His eyes closed, his face turned ashen, and his breathing weakened rapidly.
“Grandpa!”
The smile froze on Su Wanying’s face. She cried out in alarm and rushed forward.
The dining hall descended into chaos.
“Master!”
“Call the doctor! Hurry!”
Servants scrambled—some running for the phone, others fumbling to support the old man.
Qin Xiao remained in his seat, his expression calm. It had come, just as expected. The plot had begun.
Moments later, a white-coated, gold-rimmed-glasses-wearing elder with graying hair hurried in carrying a medical kit—Su family’s personal physician, Doctor Li.
With practiced calm, Doctor Li ignored the chaos, knelt by Master Su, checked his pulse, and examined his eyes.
The room went silent, all eyes fixed on him. Even Su Wanying stopped crying to watch anxiously.
After a few seconds, Doctor Li stood, his expression grave. “Acute myocardial infarction. His condition is extremely critical—we must send him to the hospital immediately for emergency treatment!”
“Quick! Call an ambulance!”
The words were like ice water on the crowd, and panic flared again.
Su Wanying’s face went pale, her body swaying as though she might collapse.
“Send him to the hospital?”
A voice, laced with arrogance and disdain, cut through the tension.
All eyes turned to the doorway, where the uniformed security guard—Ye Chen—was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, wearing a smug smile as if he were the only sober one in the room.
“By the time you get him to the hospital, it’ll be too late.”
His gaze swept over Master Su’s prone form before landing on Doctor Li, his smirk widening. “This little problem? I can cure it with a wave of my hand.”
What? A security guard? Claiming he could cure a heart attack—just like that?
The servants exchanged baffled, mocking looks. Even the previously composed Doctor Li frowned.
“Young man, don’t make trouble here. This is a matter of life and death!”
“Yeah! You’re just a gate guard—what would you know about medicine?”
“Exactly, get out and stop making a mess!”
“If anything happens to Master, can you take responsibility?”
The servants’ words dripped with disdain.
But Ye Chen ignored the jeers, relishing the skepticism. He knew the shock on their faces would be delicious when he showcased his legendary skills. This rise-from-disgrace moment was his favorite.
His smirk spread even wider.
Su Wanying’s peach blossom eyes now held only disgust and suspicion. “You?” Her voice was cold. “You already look unpleasant enough—and that smile makes it worse…”
Her tone sharpened. “But I warn you—if you can’t save my grandfather, or if anything happens to him… I’ll have your life!”
The last words carried a chilling edge.
Instead of fear, Ye Chen’s grin grew brighter. “Don’t worry, Miss Su. For me, this is nothing.”
He stepped forward.
Qin Xiao’s brow creased slightly. Despite her poor attitude toward Ye Chen, Su Wanying had still given him the chance. In the original plot, this was where Ye Chen would put on a grand display, using those so-called “Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles” to save Master Su, earning the Su family’s gratitude and stealing the spotlight.
That couldn’t be allowed.
“Yiyi, time to work,” Qin Xiao called inwardly.
[Uh… Host…] Yun Yiyi’s voice hesitated. [But I don’t have enough destiny luck points to refresh a high-tier system right now… Can we let this one go? I was saving those points for a new skin—the Starlight Fantasy one is gorgeous…]
“…We’re in the middle of something important, and you’re thinking about skins?”
[But—]
“If we stop Ye Chen here, I’ll get you three skins after this. Limited. With special effects. You choose.”
[Three… three limited special-effect skins?! Really, Host?!]
“Really.”
[Hooray! Host, you’re the best!]
The system interface flickered rapidly before him.
[Ding! Consuming destiny luck points… refreshing system…]
[Result: Silver—Self-Cultivation for Actors (Beginner’s Guide), Gold—Postnatal Care for Sows (Advanced), Prism—Excavator Operation Skills (MAX).]
“…What is this garbage? Refresh again!”
[Ding! Consuming destiny luck points… second refresh…]
[Result: Silver—How to Pick Up Trash Gracefully, Gold—Square Dance Lead Master, Prism—Chest Crushing Stone (Performance Mastery).]
Qin Xiao’s temple throbbed. “One last time. Use your hidden stash of luck points!”
[Uuugh… fine! For three skins, I’ll risk it all!]
A surge of light burst from the interface, as if Yun Yiyi was giving it everything.
[Ding! Consuming special destiny luck points… final refresh…]
[Result: Silver—Foot Massage (Beginner), Gold—Professional Screen Protector Application (Master), Prism—Absolute Territory (18+)!]
Absolute Territory (18+)?
[Absolute Territory (18+): Prism-tier special support system. Once activated, designate a target. For the next month, any “indescribable” or “potentially discomforting” visuals related to the target in the Host’s sight will automatically be covered with a thick mosaic. Effect is visible only to the Host, undetectable by others.]
Qin Xiao was speechless. It was… unique. Not useful for healing, but… perfect for messing with Ye Chen.
He pictured Ye Chen trying to show off with the “Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles” while Qin Xiao saw nothing but dancing mosaics.
A slow, amused smile tugged at Qin Xiao’s lips. “Activate Absolute Territory on Ye Chen.”
[Ding! Prism system—Absolute Territory (18+) activated. Target: Ye Chen. Duration: 30 days.]
Almost instantly, Qin Xiao’s view of Ye Chen shifted. The world had quietly changed.