Xiao Jin heard the commotion inside the room, angrily pushed the door open and barged in.
This scene of catching adultery had nothing to do with Shen Li; he was purely bored and came to watch the drama.
Spotting the water seeping out on the floor, Shen Liâs captivating fox-like eyes shifted towards the bathroom, smiling mockingly, "Xiao Tangâer sure knows how to enjoy herself."
Jia Lanâs eyes cleared, cursing inwardly, quickly retracting his fishtail. He turned coldly towards Xiao Jin and Shen Li entering the bathroom, his gaze deadly enough to kill!
Xiao Jin witnessed the enchanting scene before him, his breathing became heavy, and his blood surged to two separate parts of his body.
He took large strides forward, sweeping Shen Tang into his arms, his deep voice falling near her ear, "Shen Tang, watch me take you back and teach you a lesson until you canât get out of bed tonight!"
"...Donât mess around! Nothingâs happened between him and me yet!" Shen Tangâs face turned red, what kind of nonsense was this?
"Huh, you two are standing so close; if I didnât come tonight, would the next step be merging into one?" Xiao Jin gritted his teeth in anger. He had endured for so long during her heat period, finally finding an opportunity, only for this mermaid to snatch her away midway!
Wretched fish!
Shen Tangâs head was in chaos, she snapped angrily, "Let me down first!"
Xiao Jin released her unhappily, "Then tonight..."
"Weâll talk next time! Iâm tired, none of you come over tonight!" Shen Tang threw down these words and fled quickly, locking the door after returning to her room.
The three men were stunned, looking at each other in disbelief.
Shen Li, not satisfied with just watching the show, chuckled at Xiao Jin, "I warned you not to barge in, now Xiao Tangâer is upset. Everyone should just go back to their rooms tonight, donât expect any benefits."
Xiao Jin glared coldly at him, then looked at Jia Lan, smirking provocatively, "Werenât you avoiding that chubby girl like the plague? Secretly meeting her at night... You couldnât have truly fallen for her, right?"
Jia Lanâs face was dark as he said nothing, lifting his hand to send an Ice Blade thrusting towards Xiao Jinâs heart.
Xiao Jin cursed and swiftly dodged, a blood mark grazing his cheekbone.
His expression turned grave, he twisted his wrist, "If you want to fight, just say so!"
"Alright, itâs late, donât disturb Xiao Tangâs rest. If you want to fight, take it outside." Shen Li mediated.
Xiao Jin cast a deep look towards Shen Tangâs room, suppressing his fighting spirit. Since she wasnât there, his interest waned, and he strode out of the room.
Shen Li tossed Jia Lan a vial of medication, kindly saying, "Take a good rest, this can temporarily suppress it."
Jia Lan nodded in thanks, watching Shen Li leave.
He didnât rush to use the medication, touching his lips which still seemed to retain that soft sensation, causing his heart to ripple.
His long lashes drooped slightly, his mind in turmoil.
How could he have done such a thing to Shen Tang?
Damn, this heat period was deadly, leaving his mind unclear!
After injecting the medication, Jia Lanâs body temperature returned to normal temporarily, yet the scene from the bathroom, blood boiling, persisted in his mind.
Keeping him awake all night.
...
Meanwhile, after returning to her room, Shen Tangâs heartbeat pounded like a drum.
Jia Lan, that proud man, actually kissed her?
Shen Tang wasnât conceited enough to think Jia Lan truly liked her.
Under the influence of his heat period, Jia Lan nearly lost his sanity.
At such times, any attractive female in front of him was welcomed in his impulsive state.
Perhaps, when he sobered up, heâd be angrily embarrassed!
After what happened tonight, how would she face him tomorrow?
The next morning at breakfast, Shen Tang intentionally avoided Jia Lan, and when their gazes accidentally met, sheâd quickly look away as if she hadnât noticed.
Jia Lan noticed her unusual demeanor, his handsome face slightly darkening.
Previously, this flirtatious female couldnât take her eyes off him, why was she acting so shy today?
Could it be because of last night...
Jia Lan recalled his impulsive actions from when he wasnât clear-headed, his ear tips slightly reddening as he instinctively avoided her gaze.
Shen Tang couldnât hold back any longer and spoke first, "About last night, I know it wasnât your intention, letâs just forget it happened."
Jia Lanâs expression froze slightly, his gaze heavy on her, "Forget it?"
"Yes, I know you lost control during your heat period. I wonât take it to heart, and nothing happened anyway, letâs just forget it." Shen Tang noticed the young manâs somber gaze and became nervous. Having said this much, surely this man wouldnât still be angry?
Jia Lanâs gaze fell on her slightly swollen lips, and for some reason, a restless feeling surged within him.
He suddenly got up from his seat, coldly stating, "As long as you know!"
Shen Tang watched as he left before finishing his meal, her heart puzzled, surely not? It was just a kiss, she didnât force him to kiss her, was he really this upset?
This stubborn man was too inflexible!
Xiao Jin cursed under his breath, "Whatâs he going crazy for?"
Saying this, he took Jia Lanâs leftovers to eat; food bought with money shouldnât be wasted.
Shen Li watched the direction Jia Lan left, with a playful smile on his lips.
"System, I feel like, after working so hard to win over Jia Lan, weâre back to square one. Didnât last night drop a lot of affinity points?"
[No, not only did it not drop, it surged by 30 affinity points!] The system gleefully replied.
Shen Tang was full of surprise.
She hadnât yet come back from the surprise when the system delivered a second good news,
[Congratulations to the host for exceeding task completion last night; besides the charm buff, thereâs an additional reward: a stunning gown! The reward has been automatically added to your backpack, please verify it yourself!]
Shen Tang couldnât believe that the dog system would be so generous.
Recalling last nightâs kiss, she smirked slightly, "Your next task isnât going to be making me kiss Jia Lan, is it?"
The system blushed, [You figured it out, luckily the host hit two birds with one stone last night, receiving rewards for two tasks at once!]
After finishing her meal, Shen Tang returned to her room, pulling out the gown from her system backpack, and was profoundly amazed.
It was an exquisite deep blue fishtail dress, its hem adorned with fine diamonds, resembling a starry night sky from afar.
The more she looked, the more familiar it seemed, feeling that this gorgeous fishtail dress resembled Jia Lanâs fishtail.
[Indeed, the design inspiration for this outfit comes from Jia Lanâs fishtail, a special reward for completing the series of Jia Lanâs tasks.] The system excitedly noted, [Wearing this gown at the investiture ceremony, the host will surely dazzle everyoneâs eyes!]
Shen Tang put away the gown, smiling coyly, eager for a showdown with the female lead.
On the day of the investiture ceremony, everyone will see who truly amazes the Empire.
...
Meanwhile, at the Lu Family Territory.
Lu Shen called Lu Xiao back.
After discussing business matters, Lu Shen looked at the tall, stern young man opposite him, seemingly asking casually, "What do you feel for your female master?"