"Don't be in such a hurry. Let me show you around first."
Lu Lin clasped her hand firmly and began leading her without giving her room to refuse.
Ningguang tried to pull away, but he was unusually resolute this time. After a brief struggle, she gave up resisting.
At worst, she would just wash her hands several more times tonight.
"That house by the lake belongs to Ganyu. Great view. That ghost house over there is Hu Tao's, filled with all sorts of spooky elements…"
He genuinely gave her a full tour.
After the system upgrade, the area he could use had expanded tenfold. The pine forest behind the ghost house and even the valley beyond were now included. The lakeside area had also grown, allowing room for boating, swimming, even raising fish in the future.
They strolled along the lake before heading into the valley.
Even at night, the valley was breathtaking. For a moment, even Ningguang felt the urge to linger and lose herself in the scenery.
"Well? Not bad, right?"
"It's acceptable," she replied coolly. "Now state your condition."
"You saw that Ganyu and Hu Tao both have residences here. Wouldn't you like one too? Imagine building another Jade Chamber atop that mountain ridge—standing above all, overlooking everything."
Her eyes flickered.
"Standing atop the peak, overlooking the mountains"—the phrase resonated deeply with her.
She had risen from humble origins to sit among the Liyue Qixing, amassed immense wealth, and constructed the Jade Chamber as a symbol of authority and ambition.
This scoundrel might be morally questionable—but he was undeniably perceptive.
She suppressed the flicker of interest and answered firmly:
"No."
"I knew you'd say that," he replied calmly. "Then here is my condition: move into the Serenitea Pot. I'll build you a residence on the mountaintop and grant you full access."
Ningguang blinked.
That's it?
After all that tension—this?
"Just that?"
"Yes. You can come and go freely. No obligations."
"What are you plotting?" she asked sharply.
He smiled mildly.
"You misunderstand me deeply. I'm not forcing anyone. With Ganyu and Hu Tao, it was mutual affection."
She rolled her eyes.
Mutual affection didn't include secretly marking her and photographing it.
Seeing her hesitation, he continued:
"If I demanded something unacceptable, you would rather fight to the death than yield. I don't want that. I want your heart—not submission. And someone like you doesn't submit to anyone. Not even adepti or gods."
That struck a chord.
He added:
"You lose nothing by moving in. You can rest here. Hide here if danger arises. Ask Ganyu or Hu Tao if you doubt it."
His tone was sincere.
She exhaled lightly.
"Don't delude yourself into thinking you can win my heart."
"That's for the future. We have time."
She had no patience left.
"Fine. I agree. What do I do?"
"I'll handle it."
The system prompt confirmed successful registration.
He granted her access permissions—and secretly added the trait [Empathic Link].
That had been his true objective.
Blackmail alone would never secure her fully. The task required total emotional and psychological conquest.
This was only the beginning.
The mark faded into her palm. She felt no discomfort.
"Now give me the photos and negatives."
"Of course. I honor Liyue's spirit of contracts. They're inside my coat—help yourself."
He spread his arms.
"You're insufferable."
"I deserve at least something in return."
She gritted her teeth and reached inside his coat to retrieve an envelope.
At that moment, he pulled her sharply into his arms.
She had anticipated it—but reacted a second too slow.
"Let me go!"
She struggled, but his strength was overwhelming.
"I practically handed everything back to you. A small reward is fair, isn't it?"
He leaned close and whispered against her ear.
Her resistance weakened.
He lowered his head and kissed her.
It was her first time this close to a man.
His presence surrounded her. The sensation was unfamiliar—disorienting.
For a moment, she forgot to resist.
His kiss was skilled, deliberate.
And she found herself unexpectedly drawn in—
Until his hand began to move upward…
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