A King’s Invitation and a Startling Revelation

The ball did not devolve into chaos, even with His Majesty’s sudden appearance and equally swift disappearance. Bai Chen, the host, was pulled away by His Majesty, and after a brief return, vanished once more. While it was evident that something significant had transpired, the guests present were in no position to inquire, nor did they possess the authority to do so.

Yet, less than three days later, White King issued another invitation, once more summoning everyone to the same venue. Though the purpose remained shrouded in mystery, attendance was expected, particularly as this invitation bore the joint endorsement of White King and Yellow King.

Those with even a slight inkling could roughly surmise what was afoot, yet given the formidable influence of both parties, no one dared to openly mention the matter.

Bai Qiao stood within her room. Since that fateful day, she had never again permitted Bai Chen to step inside her quarters; no, she had firmly resolved to bar his entry. In truth, this resolve had only succeeded once: immediately after the ball concluded. Bai Chen, blocked at her door, made no further demands. A profound silence settled outside, and Bai Qiao, using her spiritual energy, could sense that he had departed.

In the days that followed, Bai Qiao did not venture out, nor did Bai Chen come to visit. Yet, having grown accustomed to Bai Chen’s daily presence, her routine suddenly felt incredibly empty. Bai Qiao consoled herself, attributing it merely to her own boredom. ‘No matter what,’ she thought, ‘it’s impossible for me to feel any dependence on a man like him.’

Taking a deep breath, Bai Qiao remained sprawled on her soft bed. Even though she now possessed internal energy, Bai Chen still forbade her from engaging in certain activities. It was as if she were a concubine in a harem, with nothing to do, her sole daily anticipation being the arrival of her master…

!!! Bai Qiao was startled by her own thought. ‘It’s truly possible…’ she mused. The idea of such a life, and the realization of the dependence she was developing… Bai Qiao couldn’t help but tremble all over.

Even though she was furious, even though she wanted to confront Bai Chen immediately, ‘But… it’s too late… Tomorrow, then…’

Bai Chen clutched the bride’s wedding gown in his hands. This was prepared for Huayu. ‘How I wish, how I deeply wish this garment were to be worn by you… Qiao…’ he thought, his heart aching. ‘But… I’d rather not have you than see you live poorly… I think I understand now, you were a man before, weren’t you… In such circumstances, I simply cannot force you… But why… why do I feel like I need you to be with me…’

“Miss? Miss? It’s time to wake up.”

“Mmm…”

Rubbing her eyes, Bai Qiao looked at the still-dark, hazy sky and mumbled:

“So early… why are you calling me…”

Still groggy, Bai Qiao’s hair was disheveled, much of her long locks fanned across the bed, some clinging to her rosy cheeks. A trace of dried saliva glistened at the corner of her lips. Her slightly loose nightgown hung loosely, and due to her poor sleeping posture, the left shoulder strap had slipped, revealing her fair, delicate shoulder.

Seeing Bai Qiao in such a state, the maid’s face instantly flushed deep red. She couldn’t resist reaching out to cover the exposed shoulder.

Her body, already sensitive from sleep-induced warmth, reacted sharply. When the maid’s cool hand touched her shoulder, Bai Qiao suddenly recoiled, and her previously hazy consciousness sharpened considerably.

“What… are you doing?”

The maid froze, utterly unprepared for the aura emanating from Bai Qiao. It was like that of an Asura from hell, a powerful oppressive force bearing down directly. The maid even felt as though she would be killed in the next instant. She collapsed to her knees, trembling uncontrollably:

“I-I’m sorry… I…”

“Oh?”

The situation had exceeded her expectations. Forcibly looking up at Bai Qiao, the maid saw an indescribable emotion on Bai Qiao’s face. Her lips suddenly pulled to one side, revealing a chilling smile that was strikingly similar to ‘that person’… ‘This familiar feeling, who could it be…’ she wondered.

“Oh? Are you interested in me?”

The provocative words made the maid suddenly understand; it was exactly like White King…

“Uh?!”

Realizing there was an extra hand on her… the maid’s face suddenly turned crimson… and her words became incoherent:

“N-No… don’t go any further…”

Bai Qiao ignored her completely. ‘How long has it been… how long since I touched a woman, especially one like this… such a substantial feeling…’ she thought.

“Miss… the wedding is about to begin… please hurry…”

The hand, still wanting to stray lower, suddenly paused, then became fierce.

“A wedding? Whose?”

The maid was utterly terrified by Bai Qiao’s demeanor, and could only answer tremulously:

“It’s… the King’s…”

Bai Qiao directly removed her hand, no longer looking at the maid who was frantically tidying her clothes. ‘Heh, no wonder he hasn’t come. He’s busy, isn’t he… Alright then… As another version of myself, of course I should attend the wedding and show my support…’ she mused, a cynical twist to her lips.

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