Qianran had long figured out his role—he would be the man behind Ye Xishui, the one who could offer her emotional value.
This was something Long Xiaoyao had failed to provide. Despite the admiration Long Xiaoyao and Mu En felt for Ye Xishui, neither had ever truly won her heart. Even when Ye Xishui had private thoughts or troubles, she would never confide in Long Xiaoyao.
If their relationship had been genuinely close and intimate, Ye Xishui wouldn't have needed to use Xu Tianran's trap to test whether Long Xiaoyao truly loved her.
For someone like Ye Xishui, only those especially close to her could gain her trust enough to see her innermost thoughts.
In truth, people like her weren't uncommon even on Earth. Online, for instance, strangers might offer unconditional support or payment without hesitation, but face-to-face with those closest to them, they would put up a front. Often, so-called loved ones knew less about them than their enemies.
Qianran's aim was clear: to be that "bad guy" Ye Xishui needed.
"Looks like you've got good taste after all." Despite maintaining her composed demeanor, the joy in Ye Xishui's tone was apparent to Qianran.
Ye Xishui glanced at herself, momentarily transported back to her youth.
Back then, her biggest worry had been choosing between Long Xiaoyao and Mu En. Who would've thought that so many years later, life would become so complicated for everyone?
"You little pervert."
Noticing Qianran's unabashedly appreciative gaze, Ye Xishui glared at him with feigned annoyance.
This guy… He didn't even try to hide his thoughts!
No wonder Qianran always seemed so carefree and happy.
Ye Xishui suddenly realized why Qianran often gave her such a peculiar feeling. Qianran lived his life unapologetically, free from external pressures. Perhaps that was one of his strengths.
If only he could tone it down a little.
Anyone with a worse temper might have slapped this audacious kid already.
Ye Xishui considered herself quite tolerant. After all, she hadn't been born an Evil Soul Master. It was only after Zhongli Old Ghost transferred his powers to her that she became the Queen of Evil Soul Masters.
Although her cultivation had influenced her personality, she was still far more restrained than many of the wicked soul masters known for their atrocities.
To Qianran, Ye Xishui came off as more mischievous than malevolent—definitely not someone insane or destructive. Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to provoke her.
"Life without the pursuit of beauty is a wasted one," Qianran said matter-of-factly. "I don't harm the world, and I don't make trouble for others. If I can't enjoy this one little pleasure, what's left for me?"
Doesn't everyone understand? A lustful old fool is far less harmful to the world than a power-hungry tyrant.
Take those Evil Soul Masters who pursue ultimate power—they're thousands of times more dangerous than any "pervert."
If not for the allure of romance, Qianran—blessed with his system—would've long since gone full recluse.
"Hmph," Ye Xishui huffed softly, choosing not to respond further.
Silently, she sighed to herself. If Long Xiaoyao or Mu En had understood women half as well as Qianran did, perhaps her life wouldn't have been so lonely.
The Limit Douluos around her were all hopeless when it came to matters of the heart.
If any of them could have spoken as well as Qianran, things might have turned out differently.
If not for Qianran's sharp wit and cunning demeanor, she might have labeled him "considerate."
Ye Xishui had always thought she disliked lecherous men like Qianran, but in reality, she didn't feel strongly either way. Maybe it was because the perverts she'd encountered before were too low-class, while Qianran was, for lack of a better word, "high-end."
Here's the thing: when two people are emotionally distant but physically close, the dynamic can become awkward.
Ye Xishui could dress up in this outfit for Qianran, even fish for compliments about her beauty to satisfy her vanity. Yet if it were Long Xiaoyao instead, she'd feel far more self-conscious.
Years ago, she might've innocently asked Long Xiaoyao such questions, but now she couldn't bring herself to do so. As the Queen of Evil Soul Masters, she wasn't a naive girl anymore.
Though both Ye Xishui and Long Xiaoyao harbored feelings for each other, there was always an invisible barrier between them. Despite their mutual affection, they couldn't achieve true intimacy.
In contrast, Ye Xishui didn't feel nearly as strongly about Qianran, yet they interacted with no such barriers. Qianran's boldness and their unfamiliarity allowed her to lower the guard she usually maintained.
Funny, isn't it?
Human psychology is peculiar that way.
If Long Xiaoyao wanted to break down Ye Xishui's walls, all it would take was one bold kiss—a single impulsive act to shatter the barrier. But Long Xiaoyao lacked the skills for that. He believed that simply staying by Ye Xishui's side was enough. What he didn't realize was that they didn't lack mutual affection; they lacked a moment of unrestrained daring.
Love was a mystery Long Xiaoyao would never solve in his lifetime.
Back when Mu En and Long Xiaoyao were competing for her, Ye Xishui had leaned toward Long Xiaoyao. But he failed to seize the opportunity, leaving Zhongli Old Ghost to swoop in and claim it.
Now, Long Xiaoyao still couldn't take the reins.
He wasn't suited for someone like Ye Xishui, who needed a strong, assertive partner to open her heart. Instead, Long Xiaoyao would be better matched with a gentle and caring woman. Two incompatible people, no matter their mutual fondness, could never achieve a fulfilling relationship.
Qianran could've solved their predicament with just one piece of advice to Long Xiaoyao. But of course, he wouldn't do that—because he had set his sights on Ye Xishui.
He wanted to see for himself whether Ye Xishui was as difficult to handle as she seemed.
Even if he did offer Long Xiaoyao advice, it would only delay the inevitable. Long Xiaoyao lacked decisiveness, boldness, and directness. Sooner or later, another barrier would form between them.
"What scheme are you cooking up this time?" Ye Xishui asked, noticing Qianran's silence. She paced the room nervously, trying to dispel her awkwardness.
"I was just thinking about Senior Long Xiaoyao."
At the mention of his name, Ye Xishui's expression shifted subtly, her emotions becoming visibly complex.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," Qianran added hastily, cursing himself internally. How could he, normally so clever, bring up Long Xiaoyao's name now, after carefully crafting the perfect atmosphere with Ye Xishui?
"When are you giving me those two pills of his?" Ye Xishui snapped, glaring daggers at him. "What do you mean, 'I won't tell anyone'? It's not like anything happened between us!"
"Ahem. Once you deliver the soul tools I requested, you'll have them," Qianran replied sheepishly.
In truth, he didn't mind giving Long Xiaoyao the pills for free as compensation—provided he could win over Ye Xishui in the process.
(Chapter End)
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X