Richard, a young man who had recently moved to the City of Devoted Love.

Just finishing an overnight shift at the bar, utterly exhausted and craving a hot bath,

he was suddenly stopped by Gu Qinghan.

“Come visit my place!”

Staring at Hohenheim’s face, Richard froze for a moment.

“What? You’re inviting me to your home?”

Forcing a delighted expression, he exaggeratedly widened his eyes.

But inwardly, his feelings were the exact opposite.

He really didn’t want to go.

So tired.

Still, after Mr. Hohenheim explained repeatedly, Richard reluctantly agreed.

After all, he owed his current job to Mr. Hohenheim.

“See you tonight!”

After watching Hohenheim leave, Richard returned home and finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Alone at last, he could finally sleep undisturbed.

As dusk deepened, a shrill ring jolted Richard awake.

Ding-ding-ding—

The alarm the bar owner had lent staff.

“Listen carefully,” her sultry yet stern voice echoed in his mind, “once this rings, everyone must return to the bar immediately.”

“One minute late? You lose a full day’s pay!”

Pressing his temples, Richard gritted his teeth and sat up straight.

This was the sound he hated most.

And it had to ring today.

If so, he couldn’t keep his dinner promise.

“Am I really going to stand him up tonight…?”

Mr. Richard felt troubled—he didn’t want to disappoint Mr. Hohenheim.

After racking his brain, only one solution came to mind:

Send someone in his place.

“Liana must be free…”

The thought flashed—and Richard’s eyes lit up.

It felt brilliantly ingenious.

He could work overtime at the hotel *and* keep the appointment.

With Liana there, Mr. Hohenheim surely wouldn’t blame him.

A perfect win-win.

“But… is it proper for Liana to go to Mr. Hohenheim’s alone?”

Richard swiftly changed clothes—then froze.

No. Very improper.

A man and a woman alone in a room?

Clearly against kingdom regulations.

“Have her bring a female companion…”

Leaving a note with a brief explanation—and another name boldly written beneath—

Katarina—

he hurried out toward the bar.

…

The scene shifts to Gu Qinghan.

Night fell. The last sunset glow vanished. Alone in the dark, Gu Qinghan waited, heart full of anticipation.

Tonight, he’d conduct the final test on the Hypnosis Nullifier.

[Hypnotic Powder]

Difficulty: LV.1

Ingredients: Sleep Potion, Tranquilizing Potion, Desire-Inducing Incense Grass

Method: Ignite the grass, collect the vapor, dissolve into Sleep and Tranquilizing Potion mixture, then dry thoroughly.

[Note]: Half a dose wears off naturally within three days if hypnosis commands cease.

Recalling Hohenheim’s notes, Gu Qinghan felt lucky.

Crafting this powder was easy—seventy percent success rate on first try.

Soon, a vial of white powder rested in his palm.

Colorful dishes gleamed on the table—but none were safe.

Fine wines: red, white, fresh beer…

Appealing, yet Gu Qinghan wouldn’t touch a drop.

He’d added something.

Hypnotic Powder.

One sip, and ordinary people with weak wills would fall under his control.

Mr. Richard? He’d collapse the moment his lips touched the glass.

Then, dazed, he’d obey a single command—step into the wooden tub like taking a normal bath.

Willingly become the test subject.

This farce was finally ending!

Gu Qinghan’s pulse quickened.

How many sleepless nights since arriving in this strange world!

But now—over.

If the Hypnosis Nullifier worked, he’d free Liana next.

No more fear of Miss Katarina’s investigations.

A peaceful new life in this other world—here I come!

Alcohol scent hung thick in the cramped room. Time crawled. Restless.

He glanced at the wall clock.

Five minutes left.

Silence, broken only by distant sparrows.

Eyes closed, fists clenched, he braced for variables.

Heartbeat rising.

Nervous. Anxious. Hopeful.

Then—

Thump-thump-thump!

Gu Qinghan’s eyes snapped open.

*It’s here.*

For the first time in days, he felt genuine joy at a knock.

Creak—the door opened. He flashed a warm, sunny smile:

“Welcome, my friend, Richa—”

He blinked. Rubbed his eyes. Froze. Brow furrowed.

Not Richard.

Not even a man.

White dress. Long hair spilling over her chest. Sunhat tilted gently.

Calves smooth as polished jade; tiny feet in cute sandals, delicate enough to cradle.

The picture of a gentle, approachable older sister.

Nothing like Richard.

“Liana? Why are you here?”

Gu Qinghan’s brow twitched. A chilling dread seeped into his Four Limbs.

The visitor was none other than Richard’s fiancée—Liana!

Moonlight brushed her porcelain skin. A faint blush dusted her shy cheeks.

Head lowered, fingers laced tightly before her, neck flushed crimson.

“I-I was asked by Mr. Richard to come,” she murmured, voice soft as silk.

“He’s working overtime… so I came to keep you company…”

Gu Qinghan stood utterly still.

An unthinkable twist.

What twisted logic made Richard send his fiancée here?

Ruining the dinner he’d prepared so carefully.

In that instant, Gu Qinghan finally understood.

This damn other world had never planned to give him a break—not since the day he transmigrated here.