What should have been a relaxed, affectionate outing between Dai Chengfeng and Bibi Dong instantly transformed into a three-way walk through a minefield of hidden tensions.
Dai Chengfeng, trapped in the middle, felt as if he were treading on thin ice with every step.
The trio ascended to the second floor, each harboring their own secret thoughts.
The second floor displayed an array of soul-guided artifacts and rare materials—glittering, radiating diverse auras.
Along the way, Bibi Dong's simmering anger grew. Unable to contain herself, she pinched the softest part of Dai Chengfeng's inner arm with her fingertips.
He winced but dared not show it, swallowing his pain with a silent, bitter smile.
They climbed to the third floor—reserved for VIPs, heavily guarded, showcasing true treasures of the world.
Liu Erlong presented her family's token; the guards immediately stepped aside respectfully.
Here, the atmosphere was serene and quiet—a stark contrast to the bustling floors below.
At the center stood the pavilion's masterpiece: a necklace strung with ninety-nine deep-sea pearls.
Each pearl was as large as a dragon's eye, lustrous yet restrained, glowing with a faint blue halo under the soft light—ethereal, dreamlike.
"How beautiful," Bibi Dong murmured, despite her usual exposure to worldly treasures. The necklace's unique elegance was undeniable.
Liu Erlong stepped closer, eyes alight with admiration. "These are pearls from millennium-old oysters in the East Sea's depths—exceedingly rare."
"It's said wearing them calms the mind, greatly aiding soul master cultivation—especially during breakthrough bottlenecks."
She turned to Dai Chengfeng, half-teasing, half-serious: "Chengfeng, do you think this suits me?"
Before Dai Chengfeng could speak, Bibi Dong cut in—voice gentle but edged with firm rejection:
"Miss Liu, your spirit is bold and radiant—like a drawn sword, dazzling all who see it."
"This necklace is too gentle, too soft. It lacks the vigor that defines you. I'd say it suits a more… demure woman."
Though disguised, Bibi Dong's air of authority—honed by years of command—leaked through her words.
Liu Erlong's brows rose, voice sharpening with displeasure:
"Ah Zi, I must disagree. Jewelry exists to enhance its wearer. One should master the piece—not be shackled by it."
"My presence would create a striking contrast with its delicate style. That uniqueness is the point. Why not?"
"Miss Liu makes a fair point," Bibi Dong conceded, smile unwavering—but her eyes turned glacial, sharp as ice picks. "Yet all things hinge on 'affinity' and 'suitability.'"
"Forcing harmony between mismatched natures only cheapens both. Like people—if there's no destined connection, forcing it brings no good end. Don't you agree, Miss Liu?"
The warning was blatant—nearly naked aggression.
Liu Erlong's eyes frosted over. Just as she opened her mouth to retort, Dai Chengfeng lunged between them, forcing a laugh:
"This necklace is indeed exquisite—a treasure beyond price! But… the cost must be astronomical. Far beyond our means. Let's look elsewhere!"
Internally, he groaned. Bibi Dong's words were a clear message to Liu Erlong—and a warning to him not to overstep.
But Liu Erlong wouldn't let it go. She sidestepped him, locking eyes with Dai Chengfeng, her question a blade.
"Price is no object. Chengfeng—I want your honest answer. Would I look good in it?"
Dai Chengfeng felt twin needles of pressure stab his back from both sides, freezing him in place.
Desperate, he scrambled for words that wouldn't alienate either woman—and choked out bland diplomacy.
"Erlong's beauty needs no adornment. You'd look stunning in anything—this included."
The non-answer satisfied no one.
Liu Erlong's laugh was icy. She pressed forward, eyes blazing with challenge.
"Then compare us. Between me and Ah Zi—who would wear it better?"
Bibi Dong's gaze fixed on Dai Chengfeng—calm on the surface, crushing beneath.
His scalp prickled; he felt roasted alive.
He opened his mouth—
"How much?" Dai Chengfeng suddenly asked the shopkeeper, taking a deep breath. "I'll take it."
Both women froze.
He continued: "Wrap it up. For… my mother. Her birthday's soon. This would suit her perfectly."
The shopkeeper hurried to package it.
Liu Erlong and Bibi Dong exhaled simultaneously—relieved, yet disappointed.
Dai Chengfeng wiped his brow mentally. That crisis averted.
By the time they left the pavilion, noon approached.
Liu Erlong checked the sky, smiling. "Time flies! Chengfeng, Ah Zi—let me treat you to lunch? There's a fine restaurant nearby."
Bibi Dong moved to decline—but Dai Chengfeng cut in: "Thank you, Erlong, but Ah Zi has plans this afternoon. We must return."
He couldn't risk another moment with these two together.
Liu Erlong's eyes dimmed, but she laughed lightly. "Another time, then." She turned to Bibi Dong, meaning heavy in her words: "Ah Zi, it was a pleasure. I hope we meet again."
Bibi Dong's smile was porcelain-thin. "The pleasure is mine. Cousin is fortunate to have such an exceptional friend."
Their eyes clashed—smiles in place, warmth absent.
Liu Erlong finally took her leave.
The moment her back disappeared, Bibi Dong's mask fell. She turned to Dai Chengfeng, eyes frigid.
Dai Chengfeng's heart sank. "Dong'er, let me explain—"
"Not here."
She cut him off, voice glacial. "Take me back."
The return journey was silent.
Bibi Dong's face remained expressionless, but Dai Chengfeng felt her fury radiating like heat. He sighed inwardly—This is bad.
Back in the Pope's private chambers, Bibi Dong walked straight to the mirror, removing her disguise.
Dai Chengfeng moved to help—but she coldly evaded him.
When her true face emerged, she spun to face him, violet eyes like frozen lakes.
"Explain. What's going on between you and Liu Erlong?"
------------------------------------------------------
30+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)