Chapter 159: The Seductive Succubus Queen's Temptation—Hands Off My Man! (1)
Shia shrugged, exasperated.
As Shia spoke, fragmented memories began flooding Rong's mind, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. Her body trembled uncontrollably as the long-lost memories resurfaced, and an overwhelming sense of social death engulfed her.
She could barely hold onto her dagger, her small face flushed with a deep crimson hue, caught between embarrassment and helplessness.
Clearly, she remembered.
"That senior sister..." Rong began, her voice faltering.
"She was the one who tried to pin me down!" Shia sighed deeply, his tone laced with helplessness. "I was squished between the two of you like some kind of sandwich, and you don't see me complaining, do you?"
"Last night, it was the two of you who plotted against me, wasn't it? I was minding my own business when you two drunken lunatics—"
Before he could finish, Rong, her face burning red, reached out and clamped her hand over his mouth, desperate to stop him. She felt like she was about to explode.
"Shut up! Don't say another word!"
"I'm not making this up. It's the truth," Shia said, his tone calm but teasing.
"No way! I wasn't that wild!" Rong vehemently denied, her voice firm and resolute.
Just because I'm a succubus doesn't mean you can accuse me of anything! I'm not like the others! Rong's determination was clear, her big, watery eyes glinting with indignation as she puffed out her cheeks. She wasn't about to take the blame for something she didn't do.
Shia's gaze grew slightly amused. "You don't believe me?" he asked.
Rong nodded vigorously, as if trying to convince herself.
"Good thing I came prepared. Otherwise, it really would be hard to explain myself," Shia said as he reached for his phone. With a few quick taps, he turned the screen toward Rong.
The images on the screen matched the flashes of memory she'd just recalled.
Rong's jaw dropped, her mind going completely blank. The video played, the sound unmistakably loud in the quiet room.
On the screen, she could see herself triumphantly smirking after winning some drunken struggle, her sultry expression gleaming with pride. She looked entirely too pleased with herself, clearly reveling in her victory.
This was full-on social death.
Her body stiffened as her mind collapsed inward. Drunken Rong was nothing like she remembered—no shame, no dignity—just like one of those desperate succubi she'd always despised.
Her thoughts spiraled. Why did he have to record it? Why?!
It was over. There was no denying it now.
"See? Thankfully, I kept this as proof of my innocence. Now do you believe me? I'm the victim here," Shia said, his tone calm but tinged with a sense of vindication.
The evidence was undeniable. On the screen, her succubus charm had been on full display, easily overpowering Nia and seizing the upper hand.
Rong shrank into herself, curling into a little ball. What had started as an attempt to reclaim her dignity had turned into an overwhelming realization that it was all her fault.
Huddled in the corner, Rong covered her face with both hands, wishing desperately to disappear.
This is so humiliating. I can never show my face again.
And worse still, a deep-seated worry began gnawing at her. What if Shia thinks I'm just like those other succubi? But I'm not! I'm not like that!
Warmth suddenly enveloped her. Familiar, calming energy wrapped around her trembling body. Shia had pulled her into his embrace, gently patting her back.
The soothing warmth of his arms melted away her panic, replacing it with a quiet sense of peace.
"Even though you're this adorably shy, Rong, I still like you very much," Shia said softly.
Shy? Rong's ears perked up, and she understood what he meant. Her face, still buried in his chest, grew even redder, and her heart thudded uncontrollably.
This feeling... It's so warm, so sweet.
Her blush softened into a gentle pink, her cheeks blooming like delicate peach blossoms. Though she still felt flustered, the safety of his embrace made her want to stay like this forever.
But then, abruptly, Rong pushed him away. Her expression was serious, though faint traces of girlish joy lingered on her face.
"I need to go home," Rong declared, steadying her voice as much as she could.
"I've gained a good understanding of the basics of assassin skills. It's time to report back to my family."
Her eyes shone with determination. This was her greatest achievement since leaving home—to find a new path for her people. She was proud of herself.
"And," she added, her tone softening, "I'll help spread the word about you while I'm at it."
She glanced down shyly, a small smile gracing her lips. "After all, Dreamland is the biggest wine buyer around."
She winked playfully at Shia. A place like the land of endless indulgence couldn't go without fine wine. What better way to help him than to promote his product in such a place?
Shia chuckled and nodded. "Go ahead. Be careful on the road."
Rong looked back at him once more before darting off, her movements light and graceful. Even as she prepared to leave, her thoughts were filled with him—his life, his business—like the perfect little girlfriend.
When she was out of sight, she leaned against a wall, clutching her chest as her heart threatened to burst free. Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm herself.
The earlier scene replayed in her mind, and the heat on her face reignited.
What girl could possibly withstand that level of flirting?
She felt overwhelmed with joy, her heart nearly bursting with happiness, but her instincts made her run away. Beyond the shyness, she couldn't muster any other reaction.
Her body felt stiff, as though enchanted. This isn't seductive at all!
When I get home, I'm definitely studying up on this stuff. She clenched her fists in determination.
Meanwhile, under Ella's careful arrangements, the new wine labeled "Drunken Dreams" had made its way to various factions.
"A new wine from Seven Shields Academy?"
A voice echoed, tinged with curiosity.
"Yes," replied the messenger, bowing respectfully.
Riley, president of the Sam Commerce Guild, lowered his gaze in thought. Seven Shields Academy—the place where talent from all corners gathered. Naturally, they would have master winemakers as well.
"Bring it forward," he instructed.
Though the Sam Commerce Guild had diversified over time, their roots lay in the wine business.
Even today, the Sam Commerce Guild maintained partnerships with renowned wineries around the world.
The amber liquid swirled in the glass, its aroma light and pure, with only a faint trace of alcohol scent lingering.
"This doesn't seem like a strong liquor, but the aroma is refined—top quality," Riley murmured, his voice deliberate as he inhaled deeply, slowly appraising the wine. However, given its mild nature, the name "Drunken Dreams" felt like an exaggeration.
Still, a collaboration wasn't out of the question. After all, in addition to strong liquors, there was a significant market for lighter, refined options.
Yet the moment the first sip passed his lips, his eyes widened in shock.
The initial taste was subtle, but as it flowed down his throat, a rich, smooth flavor blossomed. Within seconds, his mind felt light, as if he were floating in a dreamlike trance, caught in a euphoric haze.
The wine awakened his palate, pulling him into its depth, filling him with joy and wonder. It was as though the world around him had transformed into something new—a shared intoxication with the universe itself.
"Who sent this sample?" Riley's voice now carried a newfound seriousness.
"It came from Instructor Ella of Seven Shields Academy," the messenger replied.
"Collaboration! I'll handle this personally!" Riley's eyes sparkled with excitement.