Qin Yu's heart, in the end, softened.
Ye Shuying's tearful and brilliant performance, especially her tragic family situation, reminded him of his own miserable childhood...
If he hadn't been picked up by his master in the mountains, he probably would have died on the streets of the small town long ago.
Now, he had a chance to save someone else's family... Plus, Ye Shuying repeatedly assured him: "Mr. Qin Yu, please rest assured! It really is just accompanying Madam Jin for a casual meal and a chat, absolutely, absolutely nothing else will happen! I will also be with you the whole time, never leaving your side!"
Under the immense temptation of money and status, his overflowing sympathy for a helpless woman, and Ye Shuying's guarantee of full accompaniment, Qin Yu, in the end, reluctantly, with a touch of "if I don't go to hell, who will" tragic heroism, agreed to stay and "socialize" with this "poor" Madam Jin.
Ye Shuying saw this and secretly rejoiced.
But on the surface, she still maintained that moving look of tearful gratitude, on the verge of crying.
After the two finally sat down, Madam Jin gave a look to the butler not far away.
She began to have a friendly and cordial conversation with Qin Yu, using what she considered to be her most kind and gentle tone.
Of course, the content of the conversation... was a bit thought-provoking.
"Oh dear! Little brother! You truly are a good person! Your elder sister is so touched!"
As she spoke, she tried to "cordially" pat Qin Yu's strong thigh with her plump, jewel-laden hand.
Of course, Qin Yu quickly and subtly dodged her.
"Little brother, where are you from? Your accent doesn't sound like you're from our Magic City."
"Oh my! Look at your physique! So strong and robust! Tsk tsk tsk... You must exercise often, right? Those muscles must be very elastic to the touch!"
Qin Yu was made completely uncomfortable by Madam Jin's series of "wolfish words"!
Goosebumps rose layer after layer!
He could only force a smile, trying to squeeze out a few perfunctory, lukewarm words to deal with her, and a thin layer of cold sweat seeped from his forehead.
He began to regret it; why did he agree to stay for this damn "Hongmen Banquet" just now!?
Why did he have to act tough? This fat woman was completely out of his league!
Ye Shuying naturally noticed Qin Yu's discomfort.
She sneered inwardly, but on the surface, she remained calm, instead urging Qin Yu.
"I noticed you haven't really had any water; is the tea here not to your liking?"
"This mixed fruit juice tastes very good; would you like to try it?"
Although she didn't know where Madam Jin would tamper with things, urging him to drink what the butler specifically served Qin Yu was definitely the right move.
Qin Yu was already agitated and anxious from Madam Jin's verbal harassment.
He looked at the "fruit juice" Ye Shuying mentioned, which emitted an enticing fruity aroma, and then at Ye Shuying's beautiful face, full of "sincerity."
Coming from the mountains, he hadn't drunk much good fruit juice, so he naturally didn't notice anything unusual.
He had no doubts, nor did he think too much.
He took it directly, tilted his head back, and gulped down several large mouthfuls!
...Naturally, the "special concoction" had been pre-loaded with "potent ingredients."
A small pinch of this medicine could easily knock out a strong man.
Considering it was a task personally assigned by Lu Cheng, and the target was a martial artist, Madam Jin added almost more medicine than water.
The source of the medicine was, of course, also provided by Lu Cheng.
He had bought it from the daily system store refresh; it was a powerful sedative specifically for martial artists below the 'Hua Jin' level.
Madam Jin watched Qin Yu drink the fruit juice with her own eyes, observing his subtle changes.
Those eyes, which had originally carried a hint of vigilance and resistance, gradually became somewhat... hazy and unfocused?
A flush, not entirely normal, also appeared on his cheeks.
Madam Jin's smile instantly became even more meaningful.
She knew that the good stuff was starting to take effect!
She began to say more explicit, bolder provocative words.
She even started to attempt some slight physical contact!
For example, she would "accidentally" caress Qin Yu's arm with her plump, ring-laden hand.
Or, while "enthusiastically urging him to drink," her entire body would almost press against Qin Yu's!
And Qin Yu?
Although he vaguely felt something was wrong!
But the medicine's potency was too great; by the time he realized it, it was already too late!
He only felt his head growing heavier and heavier, and a rising heat!
Even Madam Jin's face, which he had originally found incredibly ugly, now under the influence of the drug, seemed... not so unbearable anymore?
And even had a little bit of a unique "charm"?
His uncooperative body actually... produced some inappropriate, "shameful" reactions to Madam Jin's harassment?
But deep in his heart, that last shred of clarity and masculine dignity was still making futile, desperate struggles!
...Ye Shuying, from the side, took in all of Qin Yu's reactions and changes with a cold gaze.
When she observed that Qin Yu's eyes had completely begun to lose focus, and his body also started to sway slightly uncontrollably.
And even, he no longer showed any obvious resistance or evasion to Madam Jin's increasingly excessive actions... she knew that the medicine had completely taken effect.
Her mission... was also about to be successfully completed.
She elegantly stood up, a slightly apologetic smile on her face, and softly said to Madam Jin, who was about to proceed with the next step with Qin Yu:
"Mr. Lu still has some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first."
"I won't disturb your enjoyment."
After speaking, under Madam Jin's "approving" gaze, and Qin Yu's completely unfocused eyes, filled with confusion and... a hint of despair.
She took elegant, unhurried steps, turned, and left the room where a "human tragedy" was about to unfold, without looking back...
After Ye Shuying left, the lights in the side hall became even dimmer and more ambiguous.
Madam Jin looked at the "prey" before her, who, though essentially deprived of the ability to resist, was still young, robust, and exuded masculine hormones.
In her small eyes, narrowed into slits with excitement, flickered a chilling, greedy, and lewd light!
She impatiently ordered the expressionless butler standing by the door:
"What are you still standing there for?!"
"Quick! Bring me all my precious little toys!"
Qin Yu's last shred of remaining consciousness made him feel boundless fear and... bone-deep despair!
He wanted to resist, to struggle!
But the medicine seemed to grow stronger and stronger, his consciousness became more and more blurred, yet the heat intensified... All resistance was just... futile...
Lu Estate, Lu Cheng's study.
Lu Cheng was leisurely sipping a cup of coffee when he received news that the operation was complete.
He stirred his coffee, a wicked smile spreading across his face.
"Qin Yu, oh Qin Yu."
"Enjoy it, enjoy this surprise gift package you've received for being a 'hero saving the beauty.'"
"Next, I need to figure out how to deal with this villainous Miss Shuying..."