Colloid—a unique state of stability.
Grind the solute into particles between 1 to 100 nanometers, and it disperses steadily in liquid.
Delivering effects nearly identical to true dissolution.
Gu Qinghan gazed at the translucent violet water in the wooden tub, a faint glimmer of joy flickering in his eyes.
Success.
After countless setbacks—wasting heaps of magic cores and nearly a full day—it was all worth it!
Moonlight spilled into the tub. A crisp, clear beam pierced straight to the bottom, like a shard of transparent ice.
The Tyndall effect.
Undeniable proof of his success.
No ordinary alchemist would’ve conceived this.
Gu Qinghan owed it to knowledge learned back in school on the Blue Star.
The power of Blue Star science!
Moreover, accidentally crafting a Level 2 alchemical potion had sharpened his magic control.
His inner magic now held stronger affinity for potions.
What did that mean?
Finer magic manipulation. More precise potion blending.
A dramatic boost to success rates.
Before: under 30% for Level 1 Tranquilizing Potions.
Now? A conservative seventy percent.
“Great chemistry teacher,” he murmured, hands clasped reverently, “next time, I’ll treat you to the Golden-haired Affinity—spare you the agony of staying perpetually single…”
This Hypnosis Nullifier breakthrough was pure accident.
Truly, no one else would’ve thought of it.
Gu Qinghan showed rare alchemical talent.
Most alchemists need years to brew Level 2 potions.
Yet he felt no pride.
He’d only stumbled upon another world’s knowledge.
Hohenheim… *he* was the terrifying one.
Gu Qinghan sighed softly.
That hypnosis master had deduced this method alone.
Perhaps a once-in-a-generation genius.
But why delve into hypnosis magic? Why create the Golden-haired Affinity?
Gu Qinghan couldn’t fathom it.
…
The Hypnosis Nullifier was ready.
Excitement surged through him.
It was almost over.
All that remained: get Liana to take the potion.
Heart pounding, he reopened *Arcane Secrets of Hypnosis*—
*Hypnosis Nullifier*
Usage: Bathe thirty minutes in Clarity Spring Water infused with magic cores, then drink the Tranquilizing Potion.
Gu Qinghan blinked, frozen.
How to get Miss Liana to his house… strip naked… soak half an hour?
A real problem.
Worse—the potion’s efficacy was unproven.
What if he lured her here, only for the potion to be all show and no substance?
Next time, she wouldn’t fall for it.
After deliberation, a plan formed.
Test it on a guinea pig first.
Under the night sky, Gu Qinghan’s lips curled into a faint, villainous smirk.
He already had the perfect candidate.
“Mr. Richard… the moment to test our friendship has arrived.”
…
Saturday.
Two days until Katarina’s routine inspection.
Just as Richard finished his night shift and reached his doorstep, Gu Qinghan pulled him aside.
“What? You’re inviting me to your home, Mr. Hohenheim?”
Richard froze, then seized Gu Qinghan’s hand, eyes shining.
“I apologize for last time’s poor hospitality! This honor… truly!”
Gu Qinghan blinked, forcing a light chuckle.
“How about tonight?”
“Of course! It’s just…” Richard’s cheerful grin faltered.
“Inconvenient?” Gu Qinghan’s pulse slowed. He smiled tightly.
*Two days left. Who knows how fast Liana’s self-persuasion is progressing? No room for delay.*
“Nothing! I’m just… puzzled why you’d suddenly invite me…” Richard scratched his head, laughing awkwardly.
Gu Qinghan’s smile brightened instantly.
“No worries. Your wine’s rich aroma left me craving more.”
Arm slung over Richard’s shoulder, he whispered:
“Tonight—I’ll prepare a feast rivaling yours, plus a soothing medicinal bath. Look forward to it.”
Richard’s eyes widened. “Truly my most sincere frie—”
“Don’t say it.”
Gu Qinghan’s hand shot out, muffling Richard’s mouth.
Richard blinked in confusion.
With a suave flick of his wrist, Gu Qinghan murmured, “Our bond needs no words.”
He turned, leaving a solitary silhouette behind.
Richard watched him go, genuine admiration swelling in his chest.
…
Door shut. Gu Qinghan exhaled deeply. His smile vanished—replaced by icy clarity.
One step closer.
Tonight: the guinea pig trial.
Strip Richard. Toss him into the tub. Make him drink the potion.
Every move must feel vivid, real.
One misstep, and everything collapses.
But another hurdle remained—
Richard had never been hypnotized.
Meaning Gu Qinghan had one more task tonight:
Hypnotize him first. Then lift the hypnosis.
A cold glint flashed in Gu Qinghan’s eyes.
Not difficult.
…
Shopping for the feast was joyful.
This rare splurge—steak, lamb leg, Beef Wellington—made his mouth water.
Two gold coins? Extravagant.
But for an alchemist? Just a few extra potion batches.
Premium wines lined the table: crisp white, bold dry red, fresh craft beers.
Gu Qinghan spared no expense.
A grand performance awaited in the cottage.
Day slipped by. Sunset hues bled across the window.
Closer.
His heartbeat quickened.
Golden light faded. Dusk settled.
Seated calmly, eyes closed, he conserved his focus.
Everything was ready.
Dishes gleamed under lamplight—tempting, abundant.
Wine, beer, spirits—whatever Richard desired.
Gu Qinghan wouldn’t touch a drop.
He’d added something special.
To ensure Mr. Richard slept soundly.
Completely unaware.
