The pitch-black night was lit only by the faint, flickering glow from roadside lamps.

That dim light seemed to carry a hint of ambiguous illusion.

Was the victim more important, or was he?

Facing this, Chi Yuzhou had no doubt Qiujie Zhuo favored the latter.

On the silent street, Qiujie Zhuo’s eyes spoke of unspoken, uneasy affection.

“Target secured.”

A voice crackled from the walkie-talkie on Qiujie Zhuo’s shoulder, shattering their quiet.

Chi Yuzhou gently frowned.

Would he be called in for questioning too?

But if it was just an investigation, it should be fine—he was a genuine victim.

Watching Chi Yuzhou beside her, Qiujie Zhuo said softly, “Shall I walk you home?”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“That woman… she didn’t do anything to you, right?”

“No.”

Or rather, she hadn’t had the chance yet.

Hearing this, Qiujie Zhuo felt no relief.

Ignoring her worried gaze, Chi Yuzhou’s eyes held a trace of deliberate vulnerability as he asked, “Don’t I need to assist with the investigation?”

“…No. I believe you. You should go home and rest.”

“Mm, thanks.”

She frequented that tavern often and didn’t doubt Chi Yuzhou’s words or state.

Right now, Qiujie Zhuo cared more about something else.

She’d quietly “grinded” on him for so long with zero progress, while others manipulated him effortlessly with just a Rare Breed ability.

He’d admitted being bewitched by that short-haired woman… nearly dragged to some unknown place.

He’d even held her hand.

This was blatantly unfair.

If her ability were like that, she wouldn’t have struggled so hard.

But this world was fair—even for Rare Breeds.

That Seductive Fiend’s mind-bewitching power must have a cost.

When the woman fled, Qiujie Zhuo could’ve caught her easily if not for worrying about Chi Yuzhou.

Her confidence came from her superior physique.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t outshine most men at the precinct.

Escorted by Qiujie Zhuo, Chi Yuzhou headed home again.

Under the night’s cover, neither could see the other’s expression clearly.

Beneath Chi Yuzhou’s slightly worried look, he pondered other things.

The human world wasn’t always safe—unlike his old home.

There, women eager to bear his children ensured his safety above all.

But…

Chi Yuzhou glanced at Qiujie Zhuo’s clothes.

Here, people truly worked for peace and safety.

As long as he did no evil, he could live comfortably here.

They walked in silence, soon reaching Chi Yuzhou’s apartment building.

As he climbed the stairs, Qiujie Zhuo followed to his second-floor door.

“Rest well. If anything happens… contact me.”

Her gaze brimmed with deep affection. She naturally grasped his still-cold hands, earnest: “Wherever you are… I’ll be there instantly.”

“Mm, I believe you.”

Chi Yuzhou seemed moved; his cold features softened, a smile curving his lips that Qiujie Zhuo couldn’t resist.

Staring at his flawless face, she paused unnaturally replying—but he didn’t notice.

“…Get some rest.”

“You too.”

Chi Yuzhou opened the door, hesitated while closing it, then slowly raised a hand to gently wave.

“Goodbye.”

As the door shut, the sudden chill dissipated into the night.

Qiujie Zhuo looked down at her palm, still holding a trace of that cold.

Her move was bold, yet Chi Yuzhou—who avoided closeness at the tavern—showed no resistance.

Compared to the short-haired woman who needed powers to touch his hand, Qiujie Zhuo clearly won.

“Goodbye.”

A smile touched Qiujie Zhuo’s lips as she silently mouthed to the closed door.

He was truly her chosen man.

Though not yet won, their distance had undeniably closed.

At this pace, claiming Chi Yuzhou was only a matter of time.

Such a challenging pursuit suited her—ease wouldn’t match her status.

Descending the stairs, Qiujie Zhuo met a casually dressed woman at the landing.

Sportswear, a white mask, bags of snacks in hand.

The woman quickly scanned Qiujie Zhuo’s police uniform—likely returning from a midnight run.

Qiujie Zhuo nodded lightly; receiving the same, she hurried off.

Back at the station, a Rare Breed who’d nearly stolen her target awaited judgment.

…

Inside, Chi Yuzhou lay on his bed, moonlight illuminating the Mystic Ring on his finger.

His fingertips gently caressed the now-ordinary ring; calm on the surface, emotions rippled beneath.

He’d escaped long ago, yet felt everything still under that woman’s control.

This feeling was unpleasant.

Compared to Qiujie Zhuo’s half-hearted flirting, the difference was obvious.

Even among bad women, gaps existed.

He’d outsmarted that woman—why fear others?

Qiujie Zhuo seemed upright and far easier to handle.

Her emotions were always so direct; holding his hand at parting was her boldest move.

A tired tactic—did she really think it worked?

Heh, merely average.

Someday, he’d scam a feast from the neighbor teacher to celebrate his cleverness.