Hanabi's perception was indeed sharp. Upon arriving in a strange new world, she could instantly identify the key points and find a glimmer of opportunity to break the game.
But… her understanding was limited.
The [Light Hypnosis] status above Hanabi's head changed to [Medium Hypnosis].
However, the smile on Hanabi's face grew even more conceited. She regarded Ye Feng as a small-fry, judging him to be a valuable asset in this peculiar world… but not by much.
Therefore, her patience was thin, and her method of questioning quickly became rather "crude."
Hanabi sensed danger—her keen instincts were the foundation that allowed her to walk the tightrope with such ease.
Most of the time, however, these "instincts" weren't used to avoid danger, but to charge headfirst into it.
There was no particular reason, or rather, "because it's interesting" was reason enough.
A Masked Fool cannot tolerate a dull plot progression; they will always add a little spice according to their own "aesthetics."
As for what kind of chemical reaction that might produce… that had nothing to do with her.
No… that wasn't entirely true. If things went "Boom!" and exploded like fireworks, Hanabi would certainly find the best seat, dangle her fair, slender feet with their red-painted nails, and watch with delight.
She might even leap into the very center of the explosion, shouting, "Ta-da! Lady Hanabi makes her grand entrance!"
But for now, she needed to understand the "truth" as quickly as possible.
Her own safety was a secondary concern. Hanabi knew that to "make things interesting," she first had to unravel the threads of the situation.
Although "not knowing what happens next" could be a form of elation, Hanabi had now taken an interest in this world.
Therefore…
"Hey now, Classmate Ye Feng, my next interrogation is going to be very cruel, you know."
A joyous smile played on Hanabi's lips. Her legs, wrapped in black pantyhose, crossed as she slowly circled Ye Feng.
Finally stopping behind the chair, Hanabi rested her chin on Ye Feng's shoulder and breathed warmly against his ear.
"If you're willing to talk now, the great Lady Hanabi would be more than happy to listen. Otherwise, what might happen next… hehe, hehehe, even I don't know."
"..."
"Still not giving in? I just love stubborn boys like you. Hmm, this is much more fun. If you told me everything the moment Lady Hanabi asked, wouldn't that spoil all the amusement?"
Hanabi's slender, jade-like hands, fair and smooth, roamed over Ye Feng's body, her bright red nails reflecting a glossy sheen.
She bent her upper body forward, but her shapely legs stood perfectly straight, the black pantyhose sheathing them revealing a supple texture.
Though she was petite and lovely, her every move was filled with a bewitching allure.
Like a graceful fish, the girl glided around to stand before Ye Feng once more.
"And now—the interrogation begins~~"
After saying this, Hanabi looked down at Ye Feng from above, elegantly gripping both sides of her skirt hem.
A slightly wanton smile touched her lips. Then, she slowly raised her hands.
She lifted her skirt.
Her legs, covered in black stockings, were gradually revealed—even the forbidden delta became faintly visible.
Through the black fabric, stretched thin as it was pulled to either side, a white brighter than the daylight could be faintly seen.
Hanabi saw Ye Feng immediately shut his eyes, as if he had seen something terrifying.
She gave a triumphant smile and manipulated the Hanabi-doll to pry Ye Feng's eyelids open.
"No, you don't. Please—look at me properly."
"Seeing the white through black stockings is one of this world's (treasures)—a truly cruel form of punishment, wouldn't you say?"
"Hmph hmph, this is the first time I've used this kind of interrogation, but the effect is quite good, isn't it? How about it? If you can't take it, just obediently tell me everything, okay?"
"..."
Ye Feng clenched his teeth, silent, his gaze like that of a warrior who did not fear death.
"Very good, very good. I quite like that look in your eyes."
Hanabi lowered her skirt. Her beautiful legs in black pantyhose and round-toed leather shoes stepped closer to Ye Feng once again.
She licked her lips. "Next up, even if you cry and beg me to stop, I won't listen, you know. I hope you won't disappoint me, Classmate Ye Feng."
Ye Feng scoffed at Hanabi's threat, looking at her with disdain.
Rrrrip—
With the sound of tearing fabric, Hanabi mercilessly ripped Ye Feng's sleeve from cuff to shoulder, revealing his smoothly contoured deltoid, biceps, and triceps…
Hanabi lowered her head, and like a fierce tiger sniffing a rose, her nose traced a path along Ye Feng's arm.
"So strong, so powerful! Such exciting muscles! Hehe, hehehe!"
Like a singer dancing wildly upon a stage, like a poet chasing a kite through a field, Hanabi's tone was filled with elation.
"How do you feel now? How do you feel?"
Hanabi lifted her head, but she didn't see the panic, pain, or anguish she had expected.
Ye Feng's expression was strange. It seemed to be one of confusion, of bewilderment, of utter disbelief.
He finally spoke.
"That's it?"
"!!"
The contemptuous tone, the dismissive attitude.
Lady Hanabi froze for a second, then the corners of her mouth curved into a cruel arc.
"My, my. You really love to talk big, don't you, little small-fry. But the real show is just beginning."
Ye Feng couldn't help but say, "If this is all you've got, I have no interest in playing along with you."
"Hah? Playing along with me? Haha, hahahaha."
As if she had heard the funniest joke in the world, Hanabi clutched her stomach and burst out laughing.
A full ten seconds later, she finally wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes.
"You really have potential as a comedian. How about you come join my 'circus' and be my clown? But—that's for after the interrogation. For now, I'm going to subject you to a much much much more delightful punishment."
Hanabi straddled Ye Feng's lap. The height was just enough that her two legs in their black pantyhose couldn't touch the floor, and they swung gently like a swing.
She cupped Ye Feng's cheeks with both hands, bright pink petals shimmering in her eyes.
Hanabi leaned in close, her snow-white nose almost touching his, her sweet breath puffing against his face again and again.
With an incomparably lighthearted yet wanton tone, like a commandment proclaiming his sentence, the Masked Fool declared:
"It seems you still don't understand your position, little small-fry. I guess I'll have to make you understand reality more clearly. Say~have you ever experienced despair? Like a drowning bird, or a goldfish flopping on the beach~"
As her voice fell, Hanabi's fair, jade-like arms wrapped around Ye Feng's neck, and her moist, cherry-red lips pressed deeply against his, fitting perfectly.