"You're such a scoundrel!"
After everyone had left, Xu Jiujiu pouted and spoke in a playful yet exasperated tone.
How could Qian Ran be so devious? He had completely taken advantage of the Dai family, yet they were all grateful to him. If it hadn't been for Qian Ran borrowing stockings from her, Xu Jiujiu might have thought he was just being kind-hearted.
No wonder he was so agreeable—it turned out the Duke's Mansion had paid a hefty price for his "generosity."
"I can't just help them for free, can I?" Qian Ran replied nonchalantly.
"Tonight, I'll stay with you," he added, pulling Xu Jiujiu into his arms with a grin.
"You're not going back? Aren't you worried those three powerful women from your Spirit Sect will punish you?" Xu Jiujiu blinked in surprise. She was well aware that the three stunning women accompanying Qian Ran were all Super Douluo-level powerhouses, capable of overwhelming even the Star Luo Empire's Hall of Consecration.
"What do you think? I hold a high position in the sect. No one dares to meddle in my affairs," Qian Ran replied, his tone filled with amusement.
"Wait… you're not saying that…"
Xu Jiujiu's mind immediately leapt to a bold conclusion. Though she had previously dismissed the idea, assuming even Qian Ran couldn't get involved with Super Douluo, his audacious behavior had shifted her perspective.
If Qian Ran dared to act so recklessly under the nose of the White Tiger Duke, what was stopping him from pursuing those three otherworldly beauties?
"Take a guess."
Qian Ran chuckled, wrapping an arm around Xu Jiujiu's waist as they made their way to her palace.
Her bold speculation remained unspoken, hidden as a private thought. Xu Jiujiu knew better than to press him about it. Men didn't like nosy women, and her own royal status made her cautious about appearing to spy on him for the imperial family.
As they walked, palace maids observed the affectionate pair, recognizing Qian Ran as the prospective consort. They quickly prepared a room for the two.
Qian Ran carried Xu Jiujiu in a bridal hold, gently placing her on the bed. He then removed her slender belt and tied her delicate white wrists.
"Princess Jiujiu, kindly stick out your tongue," Qian Ran teased.
Blushing furiously, Xu Jiujiu hesitantly opened her mouth and extended her small, pink tongue.
"Good girl, my princess," Qian Ran whispered before leaning down to kiss her deeply.
Over time, Xu Jiujiu had become fully integrated into Qian Ran's life. Whether she played the role of a sophisticated auctioneer or a noble imperial princess, she exuded elegance and grace. But in Qian Ran's presence, this proud and refined princess revealed a completely different side.
Xu Jiujiu felt a bit dazed. Qian Ran seemed gentler than usual, devoid of his usual roughness. This tenderness captivated her, drawing her in completely.
She realized why he was acting this way. Having just spent time with the Duchess, Qian Ran wasn't in a rush now.
For the first time, Xu Jiujiu began to understand that perhaps having a few sisters to share Qian Ran's affection wasn't such a bad thing. Bearing his full attention alone might seem like a blessing, but it came with its own challenges.
After what felt like an eternity, Qian Ran finally pulled back.
"Jiujiu, your lips are so sweet."
Hearing such praise for the first time, Xu Jiujiu turned her head shyly. "Qian Ran, could you untie my hands? It's hard to undress like this…"
"No need. I'll help," Qian Ran replied with a mischievous grin, tearing her elegant gown with both hands.
All of Xu Jiujiu's clothes were custom-made by skilled artisans, with even her everyday outfits costing a fortune. Watching her gown, worth thousands of gold soul coins, ripped apart so casually made her heart ache.
But soon, she forgot her concerns, losing herself completely.
Meanwhile…
"That scoundrel! He's going to drive me crazy!"
Ice Empress sat with her arms crossed over her modest chest, sulking. She had expected Qian Ran to seek her out today, only to hear he'd gone somewhere else instead.
Snow Empress observed Ice Empress's pouting demeanor and blushed, recalling the playful moments between Ice Empress and Qian Ran she had accidentally witnessed before.
"Ice, are you waiting for Qian Ran?" Snow Empress asked.
"Ugh, that jerk is probably off in some other woman's room," Ice Empress muttered, puffing her cheeks in frustration. Her gaze flickered enviously toward Snow Empress's ample chest, wishing she had a similar figure.
Looking back, Ice Empress regretted not making her human form more voluptuous during her transformation. If she had retained her petite frame but added a generous bust, she was certain it would cater to Qian Ran's preferences. Now, it was too late.
"Is he really that special? Enough to occupy your thoughts like this?" Snow Empress teased lightly. She had to admit Qian Ran possessed a certain charisma, but Ice Empress's feelings toward him seemed far more intense.
"Of course, you wouldn't understand, Snow Empress. You're untouched by worldly desires. I was just like you until I met Qian Ran. Only then did I discover what true happiness feels like," Ice Empress replied, her face tinged with a mix of shyness and excitement.
"Snow, you should marry Qian Ran too. He's amazing!" Ice Empress added with a mischievous grin.
Though Qian Ran hadn't spent much time with Snow Empress, Ice Empress had been subtly working to shift Snow Empress's perceptions. As her closest friend, Ice Empress could gently influence her thoughts, paving the way for her eventual acceptance.
Ice Empress knew firsthand the uniqueness of Qian Ran's martial soul. When she had bonded with him, her spirit ring and spirit bone had fused into his without causing her any harm. With Snow Empress's strength surpassing her own, Ice Empress was eager for her friend to experience the same connection.
Even if Snow Empress wasn't ready now, Ice Empress was determined to guide her to that step eventually.
Why? Because Qian Ran was the most important person in Ice Empress's life, and she believed Snow Empress would find her best future by his side as well.
"What nonsense are you spouting, Ice?" Snow Empress's pale face turned pink, unable to fathom Ice Empress saying such bold things.
"Hehe, you'll understand someday. Everything I say is for your own good. Besides, if we work together, Qian Ran will definitely spend more time with us," Ice Empress said, her icy green eyes sparkling mischievously.
She had completely fallen for Qian Ran and was willing to do whatever it took to stay by his side. If Snow Empress joined her, she was certain Qian Ran would be even more inclined to visit them often.
(Chapter End)