For some reason, under her smile, Yun Mingxin always felt a twinge of guilt.
It shouldn’t be like this—what had he even done wrong?
Absolutely nothing.
But the moment he recalled telling Bai Ziyi the truth, his gut warned him: bloodshed awaited.
A man’s intuition was usually unreliable, yet sometimes it hit dead-on.
If it worked even once or twice, it could save lives.
He hesitated now—should he lie and claim he’d arrived early?
Blame getting lost and asking Kujou Yukihime for directions?
"Brother Mingxin, why are you silent? Are you unwell?"
Bai Ziyi’s voice trembled with worry. He looked genuinely troubled—a rare sight outside of illness.
"I’m fine. Don’t worry."
He instinctively stepped back, dodging her outstretched hand.
The awkwardness hit him like being caught by a teacher after sneaking out to internet cafes in elementary school.
"Alright… Glad you’re okay. Since you came so early, come home with me first!"
"The gaming setup’s all ready. We can start anytime."
"Per our agreement, after accounting for essentials, the rest of your time is free for games."
Bai Ziyi’s heart fluttered. Five extra hours together—surely that meant +5 affection points?
Her joy was Yun Mingxin’s dilemma.
He still had plans with Kujou Yukihime. She’d likely expect him for lunch.
But Bai Ziyi thought he’d come early just for her.
Admitting he’d actually rushed here for another woman—and hadn’t even realized this was Bai Ziyi’s home—felt like wasting his meager two ounces of emotional intelligence.
Bai Ziyi caught his strained expression. A chilling thought struck:
*He didn’t come for me?*
*Then why’s he here? For someone else?*
This neighborhood housed mostly wealthy women. She’d once been the prettiest—until rumors of a stunning new resident surfaced.
*Is Mingxin here for her?*
Her smile vanished.
After guarding against Zhan Mengxi, had a wildflower sprouted to steal her husband?
An icy fury radiated from her—like the glare of a wife catching her husband returning from "helping distressed women."
Pressure mounted.
Bai Ziyi closed in, eyes scanning him.
One meter away, her brows snapped up.
A faint, foreign perfume clung to him. *Another woman’s scent.*
Rage surged. Green grass seemed to sprout on her head as phantom stallions galloped across her scalp.
*How dare some woman try to usurp this white-haired empress?*
*Should I drug him tonight? A hundred rounds to drain him dry… then get pregnant.*
*Once he’s got my child, he won’t dare stray.*
She weighed the options. Such drugs harmed health—he’d suffer, and she’d ache for a year.
Harmless anesthetics? His "holy sword" might unsheathe, but poor quality could hurt the baby…
*Why can’t he just obey me?*
*Damn man!*
*Why did I fall for you?!*
She shot Yun Mingxin a venomous glare.
He froze under her "I see everything" stare.
*Fine. Truth time. Honesty might save me.*
As he opened his mouth—
A hand clapped his shoulder.
Bai Ziyi’s eyes widened.
Yun Mingxin turned. Kujou Yukihime stood there in a kimono, a mischievous glint in her eyes. He flushed.
Bai Ziyi transformed instantly—her posture sharp, aura predatory.
*Disaster.* Yun Mingxin frantically signaled Kujou Yukihime with his eyes: *Don’t you dare speak!*
Two days ago, he wouldn’t have cared. Now? Not being sold for cash would be a win.
One embellished word, and his reputation would shatter.
He could already see campus forums blazing: *"Time-Management Master: Student’s Double Life Exposed!"*
Under his pleading gaze, Kujou Yukihime gave a tiny, deliberate shake of her head.
*Fuck.*
*I really want to spank that ass.*
His face twitched, expression cracking.
"Actually—"
"*Cough! Cough-cough!*"
He seized the moment to speak first—but a violent cough cut him off.
"Brother Mingxin! Are you alright?!"
Bai Ziyi forgot jealousy, rushing to pry open his throat.
Kujou Yukihime stepped forward, voice laced with concern: "Mr. Yun, are you well? I came to guide you, but it seems unnecessary now."
"*Mr. Yun?*"
He stared, bewildered.
"*Guide him?*"
Bai Ziyi sniffed the air sharply. This woman’s perfume—identical to what clung to Yun Mingxin. Strong, yet only a trace had transferred.
*Still… this rival, barely an inch behind me, probably wants my husband too.*
Her gaze turned territorial, dissecting Kujou Yukihime.
*Looks?* …Skip.
*Vibe?* Even match.
*Figure?* Kimono hid too much.
*Hair?* Couldn’t be coiled into a steering wheel. *Victory!*
*Verdict: High-risk threat.*
"Mr. Yun," Kujou Yukihime smiled warmly, "your destination’s nearby. This lovely lady must be who you sought—you’re truly blessed!"
Bai Ziyi blushed at the praise.
A flicker of disdain flashed in Kujou Yukihime’s eyes—gone in an instant.
*Just a child. No threat at all.*
