"Wouldn't dare."
Dai Chengfeng chuckled lowly, arm tightening around her—pulling her closer until his lips nearly brushed her ear. His voice dropped to a husky murmur, laced with intimacy:
"I like you any way you are—whether as the majestic Supreme Pontiff or this greedy little girl."
Warm breath tickled her ear. Bibi Dong's ears flushed pink. She pushed him lightly, chiding:
"We're in public—behave yourself. Don't let people laugh at us."
As they teased, they'd already reached the entrance of the Linglang Treasure Pavilion.
The three-story pavilion was ornate and grand, its carved beams and painted rafters exuding opulence.
Two guards stood at the door—steady auras, sharp eyes—clearly no ordinary shop.
Just as they stepped forward, Dai Chengfeng froze. His smile vanished, replaced by a flicker of barely concealed tension.
Bibi Dong, sensing his shift, followed his gaze—
A tall figure in black training attire approached from afar.
The woman moved with confident grace, her striking beauty radiating bold elegance. Her steps were firm, powerful—the famed Liu Erlong of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Bibi Dong's breath hitched. A chill of foreboding shot through her.
She felt it clearly: Dai Chengfeng's arm, wrapped around hers, had gone rigid as stone.
Liu Erlong spotted them too.
Her eyes lit up at the sight of Dai Chengfeng, surprise flashing across her face before she quickened her pace.
"Chengfeng?"
Her voice rang out—bright, familiar, utterly unguarded.
Dai Chengfeng's scalp prickled. Trouble. He forced a strained smile.
"Erlong! What a coincidence—never thought we'd meet here."
Liu Erlong beamed, sunlight incarnate. Her gaze shifted to Bibi Dong beside him—stunning, refined—and her eyes narrowed with subtle scrutiny.
"And who's this? Such exquisite features—I've never seen you before."
"This… this is my cousin, Ah Zi," Dai Chengfeng blurted, improvising wildly. He turned to Bibi Dong, voice tight with nerves: "Ah Zi, this is Liu Erlong—a friend of mine."
Bibi Dong's internal alarms screamed. Externally, she remained serene, offering a demure smile and a slight bow.
"Miss Liu."
But her eyes—sharp as surgical tools—dissected Liu Erlong.
This rival from the past. The other woman who'd held Yu Xiaogang's heart.
Years hadn't dimmed Liu Erlong's brilliance; maturity had only deepened her allure.
And the way Liu Erlong looked at Dai Chengfeng—coupled with Dai Chengfeng's earlier stiffness—screamed more than friends.
Something was definitely off.
Liu Erlong returned the bow, but her eyes lingered on Bibi Dong, curious, probing.
"Ah Zi, you're truly stunning. Where are you from? Chengfeng never mentioned such an outstanding cousin."
Bibi Dong's smile widened, saccharine sweetness masking icy calculation. Her voice turned honey-soft:
"Miss Liu flatters me. I'm from Xing Luo Empire—the youngest in my family. I've only just arrived in Spirit City to visit my cousin, per my parents' wishes."
She squeezed Dai Chengfeng's arm tighter, leaning in with practiced affection—a silent claim staked.
"My cousin's so busy, he probably forgot to mention his insignificant little cousin to friends."
Liu Erlong's eyes glinted. Her smile thinned, though she kept her composure.
"Xing Luo breeds remarkable people—no wonder Ah Zi shines so brightly."
Dai Chengfeng, sensing the tension, rushed to deflect:
"Erlong, what brings you here?"
"Oh, just passing by. Thought I'd browse."
Liu Erlong's tone was casual, but her gaze darted between them—clearly not here for shopping.
She paused, then gestured toward the pavilion's entrance.
"You're heading in too? Mind if I join? More fun with company."
Dai Chengfeng opened his mouth to decline—but Bibi Dong cut in first, her voice dripping with artless charm:
"Of course! Miss Liu's Chengfeng's friend, so she's mine too. Company is livelier."
She shook Dai Chengfeng's arm playfully, eyes flicking to Liu Erlong with veiled challenge. "Isn't that right, Cousin?"
Trapped, Dai Chengfeng could only croak:
"…Yes. Since Erlong's interested, let's go together."
Thus, the trio entered the pavilion—harmonious in appearance, fractured beneath.
Inside, jewel-light dazzled.
The first floor sprawled wide and bright, velvet-lined displays glittering with treasures—pearls, jade, rare artifacts gleaming under lamps.
Liu Erlong moved with familiarity, pointing out items like a connoisseur:
"This is Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan's venture. Excellent quality, wide selection."
She gestured to a display. "Those East Sea pearls—perfectly round, luminous. Rare top-grade pieces."
As she spoke, she subtly shifted—stepping naturally to Dai Chengfeng's other side, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with him, gently nudging Bibi Dong behind.
Bibi Dong watched, inwardly seething. Outwardly, she remained placid—then accelerated her steps, reclaiming Dai Chengfeng's arm with renewed possessiveness.
She pointed to a jade hairpin in a distant case—emerald-green, exquisitely carved—and cooed:
"Cousin, what do you think of that hairpin? Warm luster, elegant simplicity. Perfect for Auntie, don't you agree?"
She emphasized "cousin" and "auntie" with sugary sincerity, playing the dutiful niece.
Dai Chengfeng squirmed, two pairs of eyes piercing him like needles.
He mumbled vaguely: "Ah… yes, lovely. If you like it, that's all that matters."
Liu Erlong laughed softly, eyes fixed on the hairpin—but her tone carried knowing weight:
"Ah Zi's so thoughtful—cares for elders. But this kingfisher-feather hairpin suits better."
She indicated a more opulent piece, gaze locking onto Dai Chengfeng, seeking validation.
"Kingfisher work is intricate—luxurious yet dignified. Elders wear it with grace."
She turned to him, voice dropping to a shared memory:
"Chengfeng, you used to have an eye for these things. Am I right?"
Dai Chengfeng felt sweat bead on his temples. One head, two headaches.
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