By the time Mu Yi snapped out of his daze, night had already draped over the sky outside. Streetlights flickered on, and Kaya’s streets buzzed with more life than at noon.
The evening air was far cooler than midday, drawing many out for strolls and tea.
Seated at the table, Mu Yi slowly closed the book borrowed from the front desk clerk.
He glanced at the clock on the bedside table—7:45 PM. Almost time to meet Hank.
“A small eatery just down this street,” he murmured.
Mu Yi rubbed his stiff neck, grabbed his trench coat from the rack, and walked to the bed.
He shook his head slightly at Olienna, who was snoring soundly while hugging Aiva’s slender waist. This girl really didn’t treat him like an outsider, did she?
“Aiva, wake up. It’s time to meet Hank and the others.”
Mu Yi first gently pinched Aiva’s soft cheek, then slapped Olienna’s head.
“Hey, sleepyhead. Time to rise. Even pigs don’t sleep this much.”
Jolted awake, Olienna sat up in one swift motion.
Her blurry eyes scanned the room, still dazed.
*What happened?* She felt someone had done something terribly rude while she slept.
“Good evening, Master,” Aiva said with a soft smile, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
“We should leave. Hank and Luo Er are probably waiting at the restaurant.”
“Olienna, wash your face and get ready.”
Mu Yi tossed a towel over Olienna’s face as she sat lost in thought.
He turned to the window, gazing at the brightly lit town streets, chin resting on his hand.
*Kaya*, the most prosperous city in the Yersas Empire, surely held countless curiosities for him to uncover.
“Mmm… I’ll freshen up now…” Olienna mumbled, pulling the towel off and rubbing her sleepy eyes with a yawn.
Ugh… still so tired… She’d slept all afternoon, yet exhaustion clung to her.
After dinner with Mu Yi, she’d head to her aunt’s for a proper rest. Pity she wouldn’t have Eva’s comfy embrace as a pillow anymore. What a shame.
*Leaving Eva with a guy like him? Not reassuring at all.*
Stretching lazily to shake off drowsiness, Olienna silently watched Mu Yi at the door.
A beauty like Eva—any man would be crazy not to be tempted.
*Though… he’s not a bad guy, I guess…* she whispered under her breath.
Helping Hank earlier, caring for her on the carriage, his unique tenderness toward Aiva…
Hmph. Playing favorites! So gentlemanly with Aiva, yet treating her like some creepy old pervert.
No matter how capable Mu Yi was, Olienna would never forget he’d seen her underwear and teased her.
“Kid, how long do you plan to keep me waiting here?” Mu Yi chuckled, amused by Olienna’s sulky glare from the bed.
*Did I owe her money in a past life?* She always seemed to hold a grudge.
“Coming! Just need to splash some water on my face.” Olienna stuck out her tongue and made a silly face.
…
Olienna’s looks and figure were striking for a girl—undeniably a beauty.
Aiva, though, was another level entirely. Mu Yi had spent two to three hours crafting her during character creation.
So when they stepped outside, passersby couldn’t help but stare. Some wondered why life dealt such uneven hands.
Most gazes were envious—jealous of Mu Yi’s companions, while they only had their own hands for company.
Olienna squirmed under those bold stares. She hated being ogled so rudely.
Aiva frowned deeply, repulsed. Those eyes felt like they stripped her bare. Her body belonged to her Master alone. Only he had that right.
“Sure, all lechers are brothers under the skin,” Mu Yi sighed, shaking his head at the men drooling over Aiva. “But staring at *my* Aiva? Unacceptable. Learn some decency, like me.”
Aiva was his. He could admire her silk-stockinged legs and willowy waist all he liked. Outsiders? No chance.
He raised a finger to his nose. Thin, dark energy rippled from its tip.
*Despair Shiver · 1%*
The moment the skill activated, every man staring their way froze.
A bone-chilling dread shot up their spines, like an icy blade pressed to their throats. One wrong move, and heads would roll.
Fear coiled in their chests. They looked up to see a black-haired youth smiling warmly—but his gaze was glacial, as if viewing corpses.
Pale-faced, they ducked their heads and scurried away.
----------------------------------
“Hank and Luo Er aren’t here yet?”
Inside the reserved restaurant, Mu Yi found their seats empty.
He draped his trench coat over a chair and scanned the place. Small, quiet, tidy—not many patrons.
“The host’s late? Hank’s getting a penalty drink when he shows!” Olienna pouted at the table, already plotting his punishment.
That bald guy seemed sturdy. She’d make him down several glasses.
“Let’s wait. They probably got held up,” Mu Yi said, scratching his nose. Hank being late was unexpected—he’d organized this dinner himself.
*Maybe he lost track of time chatting with old friends…*
“…”
Aiva frowned at the glittering night view outside. The metallic scent she’d caught earlier now hung thicker in the air.
