19:50
As night fell, Jiangyun Pavilion became even more enchanting under the glow of neon lights.
However, unlike usual, tonight Jiangyun Pavilion was reserved for only one person.
The top floor.
The entire level was designed as a private room, typically reserved for the most distinguished guests.
Inside, the room was lavishly yet elegantly decorated, with a panoramic view of the river through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The lights sparkled like stars reflected on the water's surface.
The owner of Jiangyun Pavilion knelt on one knee.
With his hand on his chest and a look of infatuation in his eyes, he gazed at the figure seated by the long table near the window and said, "As per Miss Yiyi's instructions, Jiangyun Pavilion will not be open to the public tonight."
Upon closer inspection, one could notice an unusual pink glow in the restaurant owner's eyes.
At that moment, the female figure by the table appeared particularly radiant.
She wore an elegant evening gown, her hair styled in a sophisticated updo, her features delicate, and her demeanor refined.
She raised her hand slightly and gestured for the owner to rise.
Outside the private room, several burly bodyguards stood at attention, their expressions stoic as they lined the hallway. Dressed in black suits with earpieces faintly visible, their sharp, hawk-like eyes scanned the surroundings for any movement.
The bodyguards at the entrance took turns patrolling, their steps steady, exuding an invisible aura of intimidation.
Yiyi wiped the corner of her mouth and glanced sideways at the male servant puppet standing beside her. "Has he arrived yet?"
"Reporting to Miss Yiyi, he is already downstairs," the man replied, his eyes equally infatuated, and his aura formidable—a Peak Realm expert!
"Good."
Upon hearing this, Yiyi's lips curled into a smile, and a sense of satisfaction flashed in her eyes.
Qin Luo.
Aren't you supposed to be aloof? Aren't you supposed to be loyal?
How laughable!
As the possessor of the Divine Charm System, if I wish, everyone in this world will become my puppet, serving my will!
And you!
You're nothing more than a mere subordinate. What gives you the right to act so high and mighty?
This time, with just a small trick, I've lured you here alone.
Hehe...
You'll never expect it.
Yiyi's gaze turned haughty. When you stand before me, that will be the moment you become one of my treasured puppets!
However, I won't charm you into submission right away. I will make you kneel and beg for mercy!
Yiyi was already looking forward to seeing Qin Luo's broken and helpless expression.
Manipulating public opinion and playing with narratives were her specialties.
After all...
The Charm System is invincible.
Just as she was thinking this.
Creak~
The door slowly opened.
With a soft sound, Qin Luo's figure appeared at the entrance.
Yiyi's heart leapt with joy. He's finally here!
She looked toward the door, expecting to see Qin Luo in a state of despair.
But...
"The Alliance Headquarters sure knows how to make a grand entrance."
"Reserving Jiangyun Pavilion on a whim like this."
Qin Luo, dressed in a black trench coat, smiled faintly as his eyes swept across the room, taking in the puppets controlled by the Charm System.
Then, his gaze leisurely shifted to Yiyi, whose expression had stiffened slightly.
He chuckled and walked toward her. "Why so quiet? Didn't you call me here?"
As soon as he finished speaking.
Thud!
Yiyi's heart skipped a beat. She instinctively took a deep breath.
Qin Luo's presence seemed to carry an oppressive force, freezing the air around them.
Or rather, Yiyi had never imagined.
Even at such a moment, he could remain so composed?!
She was about to speak.
But then, a cold mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
[Detecting a unit of Ultra-SSS grade quality!!!]
[Host, you must successfully charm this target!!!]
[Reward: Unknown!!]
The system's prompt left Yiyi momentarily stunned, followed by an overwhelming surge of joy.
Ultra-SSS grade?!
Since obtaining the system, she had never encountered anything above S-grade, let alone Ultra-SSS!
But...
She glanced at Qin Luo, who had calmly taken a seat across from her, and quietly swallowed.
Ultra-SSS grade...
Such a being had been hidden away by a mere family's young miss in this insignificant city?
Hehe...
In that case.
Yiyi regained her composure, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Su Muwan, as the junior who's about to arrive, it wouldn't hurt for you to offer me a servant, would it?
No wonder he's so composed and unique.
Yiyi understood now.
For someone of Ultra-SSS grade, a bit of individuality was only natural.
In fact, it only added to his appeal!
Of course.
High quality or not, as the possessor of the Charm System, Yiyi always adhered to one principle.
And that was...
All puppets must obey her, serve her, follow her, and never defy her!
She studied Qin Luo carefully. It seems... he'll need some proper training.
With that in mind, Yiyi decided against using her usual methods and instead looked at Qin Luo with interest, smiling as she asked, "Interesting. How did you figure out my identity?"
Qin Luo chuckled softly. "The moment you set foot in Jiangcheng, every move you made was already under the watchful eye of my young miss."
"What?"
Yiyi's brow furrowed slightly.
This wasn't going as she had imagined.
She stared at Qin Luo, ensuring he wasn't lying.
So, did this mean...
Su Muwan, the Transcendent... knew what they were planning?!
Originally, she had only heard that Su Muwan ruled Jiangcheng with an iron fist, arrogant and domineering.
She had assumed Su Muwan was nothing more than a self-important, spoiled brat.
But...
Who would have thought she was so meticulous?
But so what?
"Have you seen today's news?"
Yiyi spoke slowly, choosing to cut to the chase. She looked at Qin Luo with a playful gaze, her tone teasing.
I want to see just how long you can keep up this act.
Qin Luo smiled faintly. "I have. That's precisely why I'm here."
Huh?
So calm?
Yiyi wasn't satisfied with Qin Luo's composed demeanor. She pressed further, "Do you know who's behind it?"
At this, Qin Luo gave her a look as if she were an idiot. "Why are you asking the obvious?"
"?"
Caught off guard by his retort.
Yiyi's eye twitched. She glared at Qin Luo, who still had the audacity to talk back.
Instantly, she abandoned any thought of taking things slow or being polite.
Ultra-SSS grade was impressive, no doubt.
But!
A rose with thorns must have its thorns removed early!
She suppressed her smile and stared coldly at Qin Luo. "Qin Luo, don't think I don't know you're just putting on a brave face."
"Oh?"
"That's amusing."
"What makes you think I'm putting on a brave face?"
Qin Luo's lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes glinting with a hint of mockery.
He tilted his head slightly, a soft beam of moonlight illuminating his face, casting a faint glow in his pupils. "From where I stand, it seems like you're the one trying to keep up appearances."
Yiyi's eye twitched again.
Qin Luo's attitude—calm, in control, and laced with disdain—was something Yiyi, who was accustomed to being treated with the utmost respect, found extremely grating.
She wanted to retort, but...
On second thought.
No, if this continues, Qin Luo will only steer the conversation in his favor.
But then again, this is what sets Ultra-SSS grade units apart from the rest.
It seems...
There's no need to spare his dignity any longer.
With that in mind.
Yiyi took a deep breath, her confidence returning. She looked at Qin Luo and sneered, "Impressive, as expected of the man known as Master Qin."
"Even with so much evidence of exploitation circulating online, there are still many who believe you're not that kind of person."
"But how long do you think that trust will last?"
"Qin Luo, you're smart enough to know that if I can escalate the situation to this extent in a single day, I can make everyone believe you're a monster who locks people in basements and exploits them!"
Qin Luo chuckled softly, then leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed as he met Yiyi's gaze. "Miss Yiyi, are you threatening me?"
"You can take it that way."
Yiyi felt that after all she had said, anyone should understand what she meant.
But to increase the chances of successfully charming him.
She decided to soften her tone slightly, offering a carrot after the stick. "However, Qin Luo, I recognize your talent."
"If you're willing to serve by my side and attend to me..."
"Not only will I clear your name, but you will also gain much more afterward."
"You came today, so I believe you’ve already prepared yourself mentally."
"What do you think? I can give you a little time to consider it."
Yiyi spoke confidently, locking her gaze on Qin Luo.
In her eyes, the man was merely putting on a brave face.
After all...
Coming alone to her place, she couldn’t think of any reason for his arrival other than surrendering to his fate.
Could it be...
He actually thought he could turn the tables?
Come on, Qin Luo, what’s your answer...
After hearing Yiyi’s ridiculous remarks,
Qin Luo’s expression gradually turned mocking. He looked directly at her, a slight smirk curling his lips as he said:
"Idiot."