Monday, 12:30 AM.

No—technically, it was already Tuesday.

Gu Qinghan stared at the wall clock, lost in thought.

Sixteen hours had passed since Katarina left.

In that time, he’d crafted a meticulous plan and made preparations.

For the next week, he’d need to be alone with Liana.

Violating the Kingdom of Pure Love’s decree: an unmarried man and woman secluded together.

Difficult? Yes. But unavoidable.

Time was running out.

Liana’s fragile mental state could push her Hypnotic Depth higher at any moment—straight into full hypnosis.

He had to act. Tonight.

To boost success odds, Gu Qinghan gathered practical props.

A pair of magic-steel handcuffs: special alloy to prevent escape, drain magic and stamina, forcing calm conversation.

A gag—low quality, but useful to muffle panic-induced shouts and avoid drawing attention.

He bought many: cheap, functional.

A pain-free whip.

An endless candle.

A tickling feather…

Restraint chair, eye mask, low-voltage magic shock gun, ample food and water, even spare women’s undergarments…

All for two gold coins.

As he exited the adult store, the young saleswoman shot him a strange look, face pale as if seeing a demon.

Gu Qinghan didn’t care.

Necessary measures. No room for hesitation.

Truth was, he felt it still wasn’t enough.

The situation had grown far graver than imagined—

Hypnotic Depth (Loyalty): 86 points.

[Hypnotic Depth nearing completion. She harbors intense longing for you. At the mere sight of you, her heart races with restless anticipation.]

[Note: Emotions now overpowering reason. Monitor for clear psychological shifts.]

Earlier, spotting Liana on a quiet street, he’d casually activated [Hypnotic Depth Perception].

Predictably, the depth had risen again.

A cold shiver traced Gu Qinghan’s spine. At this rate, he wouldn’t last until next Monday.

He could already picture Katarina’s furious glare, dragging him to Abyss Prison for the harshest punishment.

Having played the original game, Gu Qinghan knew full well what "complete hypnosis" meant.

Eyes glazed, expression hollow. Liana would ignore all else, consumed by a single burning flame—

frantic, scorching, obsessive, insatiable.

Her quirks would twist into extremes.

Any sane person would spot the unnatural dynamic between them instantly.

Especially Katarina—a top Magic Academy graduate who despised nothing more than violating the Kingdom of Pure Love’s laws and tainting purity.

Ruination was inevitable.

He had to strike first. Find the golden key to break the deadlock.

Six days.

Before the next inspection, he’d use any means—however extreme—to resolve this.

Confinement. Interrogation.

That was why, until 12:30 AM, Gu Qinghan waited behind his door.

Watching. Waiting.

Through the peephole, the opposite door finally opened.

Mr. Richard headed to work.

Phase one: initiated.

Straightening his collar, Gu Qinghan practiced a warm smile in the mirror—polishing the deception.

Half an hour later, he stepped out with a deliberately sunny expression.

—Knock, knock, knock!

"Is Miss Liana home?" He flashed a bright, practiced smile.

Silence answered from within.

He knew she was there.

Mr. Richard’s shift perfectly offset Liana’s rest time. The moment he left, she was home alone.

An unmarried girl, unprotected.

After a pause, a weary voice drifted through the wood:

"Who is it?"

Cautious. Hesitant.

Her tone felt different from last night.

"It’s me, Hohenheim," Gu Qinghan softened his voice, weaving in gentle urgency.

"I have an urgent matter requiring your presence."

Inside, hesitation thickened the air.

Then, a quiet question:

"Isn’t it late? Could it wait until tomorrow? When Mr. Richard returns…"

"I’m afraid not."

He lowered his voice, steady and calm.

"Miss Katarina invited you to my place—to discuss something together."

Silence. Longer than before. Gu Qinghan’s heart hammered against his ribs.

Using Katarina’s name was a calculated risk.

If exposed, punishment would double.

But it was the only lever that worked.

The door creaked open. Liana peeked out.

"Is… Miss Katarina really there?"

She blinked, surprised.

"Yes." Gu Qinghan nodded faintly, eyes briefly scanning her figure.

She wore a simple white dress—fresh, approachable.

But his gaze caught the shoulder straps: black lace trim glittering under the dim hallway light.

Stark. Deliberate.

What did it mean?

Plain white exterior hiding twisted, vivid intimacy beneath.

Just like her psyche.

Gu Qinghan’s expression darkened a fraction, but his smile held.

"She’s waiting. See for yourself."

He stepped aside with a faint, practiced smile.

"Is that so…"

Liana blinked once, then stepped out.

"If it’s Miss Katarina’s request… I suppose I must."

She stole a glance at him, a faint blush warming her cheeks.

"No one lies using the prosecutor’s name," Gu Qinghan added lightly.

"Unless they crave a prison cell."

Liana let out a soft giggle, cheeks still flushed.

"Hehe… Mr. Hohenheim, you do know how to joke."

She lifted her skirt hem carefully and crossed the threshold.

Gu Qinghan’s eyes locked on her ankles—as if that single step pressed against his own heartbeat.

Finally, she was out.

"Mr. Hohenheim?"

Liana tilted her head, puzzled.

"Were you spacing out?"

He chuckled lightly, turning to his door.

"Not at all. This way."

His stiff fingers fumbled the key twice before the lock clicked open.

Beyond—pitch black.

"Eh? Why is it so dark inside?" Liana’s voice carried a hint of wariness, her wide eyes blinking.

Gu Qinghan froze.

Damn.

Too eerie. She might refuse.

"Ah—it’s for atmosphere," he forced a dry laugh.

"We’re telling ghost stories tonight."

"What?" Her confusion deepened.

"Miss Katarina’s idea. She wanted to share a story with you."

He managed a strained smile, cold sweat beading on his back.

Liana hesitated, then gave a small nod.

"Alright…"

If Katarina willed it, there must be purpose.

"Then please, enjoy tonight’s gathering, Miss Liana~"

Gu Qinghan gestured politely.

"Thank you," she murmured.

In that fleeting moment, she stepped across his threshold.

Gu Qinghan drew a slow breath, watching her white-clad form pass before him. His expression instantly turned grave.

Slowly. Silently. He turned. Reached for the knob.

"My apologies."

Three words.

He shut the door—and locked it.

The plan began today.