Tiffany was reluctantly sent away.

She took three steps back for every step forward.

Sadly, this wasn’t Li Wei playing hard to get. Once the reception room door closed, it never opened again.

This only deepened Tiffany’s quiet resentment.

*Where did I go wrong?*

She missed the unspoken understanding she once shared with Mr. Li Wei.

Back when he was with Dawn, her little advances had felt smoother.

Like those times she’d “accidentally” left behind intimate items—socks, undergarments, even more private pieces of clothing.

Each time, Mr. Li Wei would silently accept them, then return the freshly laundered items at a discreet moment.

Each time, Tiffany’s cheeks would flush as she secretly hoped he’d slip up—forgetting to wash away any trace of evidence.

If he had, she could’ve used it as leverage. But alas, he never gave her that opening.

And when returning the clothes, he’d drop subtle hints:

*“Try not to keep ‘forgetting’ your socks on the sofa or floor.”*

At first, she didn’t get it. Later, she realized—he was telling her to hide things where others couldn’t see.

And that comment about socks… was he suggesting *other* items?

Remember when he found her panties under the bed? He’d been so flustered he couldn’t speak, then gently patted her head—a gesture that felt like praise, yet carried quiet concern.

It encouraged her. Reinforced her faith in the elders’ wisdom.

*“‘No’ really means ‘Yes’”*—a profound truth from their teachings.

Humans, especially men, were insatiable creatures.

She didn’t mind Mr. Li Wei’s interest. He was mature, handsome, supported her cultivation, and never mistreated her.

Among all men she’d met, he was the most self-controlled.

Even now, needing comfort, he held back and sent her away.

*Was this the pinnacle of human strength?*

*Maybe Mr. Li Wei really is the strongest… in every way.*

Tiffany’s cheeks warmed.

She shook her head sharply. *No, Tiffany. Stay in control.*

The final step was critical.

Elders said: at the last moment, a mere beckon would make men obedient as puppies.

But the follow-through decided who truly ended up on the leash.

Lose control, and there’d be no turning back—a tragedy in every sense.

*Keep him interested. Offer small rewards. But don’t let yourself be completely charmed.*

Yet now, even *that* felt difficult.

She’d thought Vivian’s presence would help… but things unfolded differently.

*Hmm… maybe he’s just being considerate of the little girl beside him?*

*Then I’ll just wait outside until he sees her off!*

Tiffany gave herself a quiet mental thumbs-up.

…

Inside the reception room, Li Wei sat on the sofa with Yue Lin, watching Edith place tea and pastries before them.

“Troubling you again today, Miss Edith.”

“No trouble at all, Mr. Li Wei. Hosting you is my honor.”

Edith smiled.

She’d remained silently professional during his talk with Tiffany—perfectly fading into the background when needed. Only now did she respond.

“Is your visit regarding the item?”

“More or less.”

Li Wei set a pastry before his daughter, who pretended indifference but stared fixedly at the delicate treat.

The “item” was a willpower-training tool he’d custom-ordered for Vivian. Now useless—she refused the training, and he wouldn’t waste effort pushing against a cold shoulder. He’d simply reclaim and store it.

“Regarding Dawn,” Edith mused, “we’ve already severed certain ties upon learning the news.”

Li Wei nodded. “Sever them more thoroughly if needed.”

Misusing his old authority would harm Dawn. He’d come precisely to tie up loose ends. Vivian’s opinion didn’t concern him.

“But we can only enforce this within Dori Trading House. Miss Vivian might still access it elsewhere…”

“Then leave it be.” Li Wei shook his head.

He’d done his duty as an elder. He wouldn’t lock Vivian away.

“Understood.” Edith never questioned his choices, but added carefully, “Regarding your departure from the team…”

“Vivian acted impulsively. But someone may have provoked it. Perhaps the new generation is stirring again.”

Her tone held meaning.

Li Wei recalled yesterday’s Legion members and nodded silently. “I see.”

Edith shifted her gaze to Yue Lin. “Does this child require our assistance?”

Li Wei’s eyes flickered. “No.”

“Have you located her family?”

“Oh, I *am* her family,” Li Wei said.

“…?”

“She is my daughter.”

Edith’s composure shattered. Yue Lin bristled—*We haven’t even made up yet! How dare this foolish human declare me his daughter?!*

“I never said that!!”

“Since when am I your daughter?”

“Since the moment you were born from your mother’s womb?” Li Wei mused.

“???” *That’s not what I meant!*

She huffed and turned away. *Shameless human male.*

“Miss Edith, please prepare some candies for her to take home.”

“I’m not a child! I don’t like kid stuff!” Yue Lin sniffed.

She remembered sneaking into human cities—fathers hoisting children on shoulders, kids clutching bright candies, mothers smiling softly.

*Was it the candy I wanted then?*

She’d turned to her mother, who was happily munching a candy, offering one with a grin.

*Back then, I thought Mom was a silly fool…*

But remembering her mother’s sweet tooth, she added quietly:

“…Though Mother might like them.”

*This clueless human doesn’t know how to please a girl. I’ll guide him. Not for him—for Mom. She probably has hopes for this annoying guy anyway.*

Li Wei paused, expression odd. *The Demon Lord… likes candy?*

He’d assumed stubbornness, but Yue Lin’s face held no deception. *Could it be true?*

A thoughtful look crossed his face.

“Miss Edith, please get a selection of these.” He jotted notes on paper.

Noticing Yue Lin peeking, he offered it openly. “Checking what I wrote?”

“If there are characters you don’t know, Dad can teach you.”

Yue Lin whipped her head away. “As if I wouldn’t know!”

*Never calling this detestable man ‘Dad’!*

Li Wei chuckled and handed the note to Edith.

…

After half a day of business, Li Wei left the trading house with a slightly impatient Yue Lin.

Fifteen minutes home. Then sofa time—teasing his daughter in peace.

But those who’ve faced surprises know: the moment you think *nothing will go wrong* is when trouble strikes.

Yue Lin kept her eyes on Li Wei’s hand holding hers, avoiding the crowd. Trudging forward, she was suddenly tugged.

The pull nearly yanked her into his arms.

*Is he ambushing me?!* She opened her mouth to scold him—then froze.

A massive shadow loomed overhead.

She stumbled back.

Three pillar-like figures stood ahead.

Broad. Towering. Solid.

Men in heavy armor and black masks—silent boulders blocking their path.

Then, calm and steady, a figure stepped before her. Shielding her from every hostile gaze.

Unlike his oblivious daughter, Li Wei had spotted them long ago.

He’d let Yue Lin lead simply because this was the unavoidable route home.

Of course—

There was never any need to avoid them.

Even within the Demon King Citadel, there had never been a path *he* needed to dodge or circle around.