"Hey, Pervert Trafficker—still breathing?" Su Yue gave Chen Yan’s arm a light poke.

"I’m fine, really." Chen Yan wiped the blood from his nose and sat up. Of course, the nosebleed wasn’t from Miss Su Yue’s *physical attack*.

"Hmph. Good. Killing you before you repaid my life-saving deed would tarnish my reputation," Su Yue sniffed coldly.

Chen Yan scratched his head. "No repayment needed. You’ve already contracted yourself to me—I’m the one who hit the jackpot."

"Hmph! Who said I accept this contract?" Su Yue’s mind raced with other plans.

"You’re leaving?" Chen Yan froze. He’d never heard of a contracted non-human willingly abandoning their master.

"Obviously! I’m destined to conquer the world. Born beneath heaven and earth, how can a true hero stay downtrodden forever?" Su Yue thrust her tiny fist upward, eyes blazing with ambition.

"But other blood tastes bland to you and won’t restore much mana," Chen Yan reminded gently.

"Pfft. Trivial!" Su Yue waved a hand. "Great leaders don’t sweat petty cravings."

"And without ID, you can’t move freely. Attack someone for blood? The Paranormal Investigation Bureau will haul you in."

"I read in *Encyclopedia of Non-Human Species*—non-humans need identity collars. Alarms in public spots and chain stores flag collar-less ones, right?"

"Cameras, streetlights… yeah. You wouldn’t get far outdoors," Chen Yan confirmed.

"No problem! That pedestrian square across the alley has zero cameras. I checked twice—only the convenience store triggered alarms. Open areas? Safe zone."

"But… stuck in one spot? How’ll you get food? *Regular* food *and* blood?"

"Hehe~ Time for my foolproof moneymaker!" Su Yue beamed, chest puffed with confidence.

"Mr. Pervert Trafficker Chen Yan—you’ve been *chosen* as founding investor of Su Yue’s Celestial Arts Artifacts Co., Ltd.!" She stood on the sofa, hands on hips.

"Celestial Arts Artifacts… company?" Chen Yan arched a brow.

"Mm! You saw my talismans, right? Thoughts?"

"Unique. Powerful. Never seen leaf-drawn talismans before." Chen Yan recalled her clash with the Moonlit Duo—the lightning talisman’s raw force left him stunned.

Normally, talismans demanded master calligraphers, special paper, and draining mana. Yet Su Yue crafted them on leaves… with *greater* potency.

"Exactly! Proper paper? Even stronger! Sell them—fortune guaranteed!" She wiggled a finger. "Invest in paper and ink? Ten percent stake. *Sincerely* offered."

Chen Yan shook his head, smiling wryly. "Talismans are regulated. Only Hunter Guild-certified hunters can trade them."

"Oh…" Su Yue frowned. "Got it! Tweak them—tiny fireworks, water sprays. Toy talismans for kids!"

(The kids playing on the street must’ve sparked the idea.)

"…Maybe. But the business license?" Chen Yan was baffled. *Talismans for toys?*

"Hello? Duh." Su Yue shot him a *are-you-serious* look. "No ID = no license. Street stall! City patrol shows? I pack and vanish."

Her eyes lit up. "Then—*secretly* show real talismans to connoisseurs. High price. Word spreads. Business booms. Money solves ID, blood… everything!"

(*Word spreads… straight to a cell*, Chen Yan thought silently. He bit back the words.)

"So? *So?* Feeling investor vibes yet?" Stars twinkled in her eyes.

"Why not stay with me?" Chen Yan ventured softly.

"Impossible!" Su Yue scowled. "I conquer worlds—I won’t be your pet. This contract? I *will* break it."

*An Immortal Sovereign like me can’t be trapped by a petty realm’s magic.*

"…Alright. I respect your choice," Chen Yan said after a pause.

"Really? For a shady guy, your judgment’s not bad." She patted his shoulder, thumbs-up flashing.

Chen Yan sighed inwardly. This masterhood came too sudden. She wasn’t a fledgling vampire—she had pride, history. Forcing her would backfire.

"Tell me how much talisman paper you need. I’ll support you," he said, sincere.

"Yay! Two hundred sheets! And… walk me back to that alley?"

"It’s right outside—exit the compound, left turn, couple hundred meters."

"Eh? *That* close?"

"I’ll escort you. Buy the paper on the way." He stood.

"Wait!" Su Yue bounced off, dashed into the bedroom, and returned clutching patent-leather kitten heels.

"Chen Yan—socks?"

"Here." He handed her a fresh pair of white cotton socks.

"Thanks! Counts toward your investment~" She grinned.

"Truly honored, Boss Su," he chuckled.

She slipped on the socks and medium-heeled shoes. Paired with her oversized T-shirt’s "no-pants" illusion? Bizarre.

She didn’t care. Swung the door open, ready to stride out—

"Wait." Chen Yan gently blocked her. "Miss Su Yue… where’s your underwear?"