For a moment, Dai Chengfeng had no idea how to defuse the tension between the two women. In the end, he could only resort to vague diplomacy—though even his own words sounded hollow in his ears:
"Both… both are wonderful! Each has its own merits, truly unique…"
His gaze darted nervously—daring neither to meet Bibi Dong's deceptively calm eyes (beneath which turbulent currents swirled) nor Liu Erlong's probing, questioning stare.
'How unlucky!' Dai Chengfeng groaned inwardly. Of all days for Bibi Dong to venture out, it had to be the one she ran into Liu Erlong.
Bibi Dong bristled at his noncommittal answer—but the more irritated she felt, the more pitifully delicate she appeared. She released his arm with exaggerated gentleness, her withdrawal a silent accusation of his indifference.
Alone, she drifted to the counter, picked up the jade hairpin that had sparked this drama, and traced its length with her fingertips. Her back to them, she radiated wounded solitude.
When she spoke again, her voice carried just the right touch of melancholy—a nasal lilt steeped in vinegar, each word piercing Dai Chengfeng's ears like a thorn:
"If Cousin thinks it's unworthy, then forget it.
Clearly my taste is crude. No wonder you couldn't bring yourself to say a single 'good'."
Her words were soft but barbed. Dai Chengfeng's heart clenched. Forget Liu Erlong—he'd have to soothe Bibi Dong now, or this day would end in disaster.
He rushed to her side, posture humble, voice dripping with contrition:
"Ah Zi, it's not that! It's me—I'm clumsy with words.
This hairpin is elegant. You'd look stunning in it. Buy it if you like! Truly, I think it's perfect—couldn't be better!"
His desperate placating grated on Liu Erlong's ears.
In all their time together, had Dai Chengfeng ever fussed over her like this? Even with her, he'd always been confidently in control.
This "cousin Ah Zi" was no mere relative. Suspicion coiled in Liu Erlong's chest—sourness, resentment, and fierce curiosity twisting together.
"Really?"
Bibi Dong finally looked up at him. Though disguised, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, radiating unjust suffering. The sight would melt stone—let alone Dai Chengfeng, who already felt guilty.
"Of course! Absolutely! When have I ever lied to you?"
Dai Chengfeng's tone grew softer, though he marveled inwardly at Bibi Dong's sudden flair for palace intrigue. Some people wear masks… but this little harem drama…
Liu Erlong watched coldly, her expression darkening. Seeing Dai Chengfeng dote on Bibi Dong—handling her like fragile porcelain—while brushing her off so casually ignited a slow-burning fury.
She knew she was no less than any woman—in strength, beauty, or lineage. Why did Dai Chengfeng treat this "cousin" so specially?
She took a steadying breath, swallowing her bitterness. Stepping forward, she forced lightness into her voice—but sharpened every word like a blade:
"Chengfeng, didn't you mention wanting that ancient soul skill manual? I think I've seen a rare copy at home. Why not visit sometime? You might find what you need."
The air froze.
Bibi Dong's eyes turned glacial.
Inviting a man to her home?
This wasn't something ordinary friends did. The implication was clear.
Liu Erlong was staking her claim—or testing the boundaries between Dai Chengfeng and his "cousin."
Slowly, Bibi Dong turned. Her smile remained sweet, but her eyes cut like daggers as they locked onto Liu Erlong. Her voice stayed soft, yet each syllable dripped with frost:
"Miss Liu cares for Cousin so deeply—remembering his every desire. How… admirable."
Liu Erlong met her hostile gaze without flinching, her reply deceptively mild:
"Friends look out for each other. Isn't that natural?
Or does Ah Zi find it… improper?"
Their eyes clashed—sparks flying in the charged silence. The air crackled with tension, ready to explode.
Dai Chengfeng's scalp prickled; cold sweat slicked his back. He jumped in, scrambling to smooth things over:
"Erlong, your thoughtfulness means much! I'll visit another day. But today… Ah Zi's here for the first time. I should show her around—she's unfamiliar with the city."
He meant to appease both, refocusing on "cousin duty."
But the two women heard entirely different things.
Liu Erlong sneered inwardly: Of course. The cousin comes first.
To prioritize this delicate flower over her explicit invitation—this "another day" likely meant never.
Bibi Dong seethed: He's been visiting Liu Erlong privately!
"I'll visit another day"? That familiar tone suggested he'd been there before!
How dare he discuss studies and arrange home visits with another woman!
Jealousy raged in her chest—but she smiled sweeter, clinging to Dai Chengfeng's arm. Leaning into him, she staked her claim before turning to Liu Erlong with faux generosity:
"Yes, Cousin dotes on me.
Miss Liu, if you don't mind our company, why not join us? It's livelier with three. And I'd love to hear your insights on the soul master world."
The veiled challenge hung in the air. Liu Erlong understood perfectly:
Refuse, and seem petty—afraid of this "cousin." Accept, and watch Dai Chengfeng pamper her rival.
But Liu Erlong's fiery nature wouldn't back down.
"Fine," she agreed breezily, eyes flicking to Dai Chengfeng's pained expression. Let's see how you handle this.
"I'm free today anyway. I'll accompany Chengfeng… and Miss Ah Zi."
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