Gu Qinghan stepped into Richard’s new home.

Though modest in size, the residence radiated warmth.

No wonder—Liana, his fiancée, must be the reason.

The bedroom was impeccably tidy.

Spotless floors, clothes hung neatly on racks, shoes aligned with precision.

The quilt on the bed was folded into a crisp rectangle—a pleasure to behold.

A delicate, uniquely girlish fragrance drifted through the air.

Gu Qinghan stood frozen, face expressionless, wearing a look of utter despair.

Why was he even here?

Sneaking into a friend’s place to share drinks and snacks with someone else’s fiancée?

What a bedroom predator.

This cringey scenario, etched deep into his DNA, made the hairs on his arms stand on end.

No way! Reject it already!

He screamed inwardly—but still ended up accepting the invitation to his “friend’s” home.

...

Ten minutes earlier.

“I’m begging you! This is my final request!”

Richard clung to Gu Qinghan’s leg, tears and snot streaming as he wailed.

Gu Qinghan remained stone-faced, watching his new neighbor with tangled emotions.

To Richard’s plea, he declared firmly: “I refuse!”

Richard’s expression shifted.

“I just want to be with Liana, Mr. Hohenheim!” he sobbed, eyes swollen.

“Then go see her.”

“But that violates the Kingdom of Pure Love’s rules!”

He tugged Gu Qinghan’s pant leg, sniffled, and looked up.

“The Kingdom forbids unmarried couples from being alone together. You know that.”

“After thinking it through… there’s only one solution!”

“You, Mr. Hohenheim, must come too!”

Gu Qinghan: ?

He froze, baffled by the twisted logic.

What kind of brain does this guy have?

You deserve to be cheated on, bro.

Then came the answer—

“Two men and one woman isn’t ‘alone’! It won’t break the rules!”

Gu Qinghan paused. Eyes lit up.

That actually makes sense!

—Like hell it does!

“I refuse.” His tone turned icy.

Are you kidding? Two guys and a girl sounds way weirder!

Especially for drinking.

He already foresaw the absurd plot: Richard passed out first… then Liana and *him* doing “sneaky things.”

Like… playing cards.

“My friend, are you truly rejecting my heartfelt invitation?” Richard suddenly asked.

“I re— Wait. What did you just call me?”

“Our friendship is unbreakable, sir. We are friends.”

“Shut. Up.”

A chill shot down Gu Qinghan’s spine.

*Friend.*

The moment the word left Richard’s lips—chaos began.

—Buzz!

Magical energy surged wildly through his body. His face turned ashen.

This feeling!

It’s happening!

[Passive Skill: Golden-haired Affinity has been trigger—]

“STOP! I’LL HELP! BUT DON’T CALL US FRIENDS!!”

Gu Qinghan roared, cutting the skill short.

The raging magic stilled instantly.

Cold sweat soaked his back.

Phew. Disaster avoided.

If Richard had finished speaking, Liana’s hypnosis depth would’ve spiked to 84.

Unthinkable.

And so… he stepped into another trap.

“These are my homemade appetizers. Please enjoy.”

Liana’s cheeks flushed pink as she approached slowly, tray in hand.

Today’s pajamas held subtle charm—pink sleeves rolled up, revealing slender, snow-white arms.

As she bent to set the tray down, a stray strand of hair brushed Gu Qinghan’s cheek, carrying a sweet, dizzying scent.

Gu Qinghan sat rigidly, expressionless. Inside? A stampede of mythical beasts.

Here it was—the twisted plotline.

In the original game, this scene happened too…

But only *after* Liana was broken beyond repair.

Hohenheim, smug and triumphant, entered her bedroom—the final step of hypnosis.

Get Richard drunk. Then “play” with the innocent girl.

Right in front of him.

Embracing shamelessly. Striking indecent poses.

That’s how her mind shattered… becoming Hohenheim’s slave.

A fresh chill raced down Gu Qinghan’s spine.

He’d fought to escape Hohenheim’s path. To walk a different road.

So why did fate keep dragging him here?

He wasn’t that monster!

A dull throb pulsed at his temples.

“The guest should enjoy the food. I’ll fetch the wine~” Liana murmured with a soft smile, lifting the glass.

Rich wine aroma bloomed in the room.

Gu Qinghan noticed the faint blush on her cheeks.

Something felt… off today. Because of their shopping trip?

“Since the wine’s ready, shall we begin?” Richard raised his glass, glancing at Liana.

She dipped her head, lips curving into a shy smile, face tinged rose.

“To thank Mr. Hohenheim—cheers!”

“Cheers!”

Glasses clinked. Alcohol scent thickened the air.

“Mr. Hohenheim, won’t you join us?” Richard turned with a sincere smile.

Gu Qinghan’s lips twitched.

After a long silence, he choked out:

“Cheers…”

Half a glass down, Richard grew tipsy.

“Mr. Hohenheim… thanks to you, I’m with Liana today…” *Hic.*

First, gratitude for the job tip.

Chug, chug, chug.

Then, for “caring for his wife.”

Chug, chug, chug.

Finally, for visiting despite his busy schedule.

“Chug, chug, chug…”

Three glasses in. Richard’s face flushed crimson.

Gu Qinghan’s eye twitched. *Do you even know what you’re doing?*

*I’m drinking myself under the table? Seriously?*

“Let’s… eat something,” Gu Qinghan said with a wry smile, reaching for the dishes.

If he didn’t steer this toward food, Richard would collapse. Too risky.

But Richard missed the hint entirely.

“No eating alone! Let me pour you another!”

Gu Qinghan’s face darkened. *Bro, you’re way too comfortable.*

He glanced at Liana.

Her strap had slipped. A flushed cheek. Bare shoulder gleaming. Tipsy eyes.

Anyone would feel their pulse race.

She was Richard’s fiancée.

Yet Richard swayed blindly, oblivious.

Just like the game.

Only two remained clear-headed:

Liana—blushing, slightly drunk.

And one utterly bewildered guest—

Gu Qinghan.

The clock’s tick-tock echoed unnaturally loud.

Silence. Tension. Neither dared speak first.

“Liana… maybe ask Richard to slow down?” Gu Qinghan finally murmured.

*As a friend… this is all I can do.*

Liana blinked. Nodded earnestly.

Then clumsily grabbed the wine bottle, swaying as she refilled Richard’s glass…

“Here, dear. Mr. Hohenheim says you should drink more.”