Dai Chengfeng's steps faltered slightly. Zhu Zhuqing saw the two figures too—surprise flashing across her face before she could stop it.
At that moment, Dai Mubai turned his head—and their eyes met.
The air seemed to freeze.
Dai Chengfeng. Zhu Zhuqing…
Dai Mubai's mind whispered their names—but shock quickly gave way to a surging tide of jealousy and bitter resentment.
His gaze involuntarily flickered to Zhu Zhuqing's gait—the faintest, almost imperceptible stiffness in her stride.
Then to her cheeks, flushed with a rare, soft radiance, and those cool eyes now shimmering with an unfamiliar warmth and contentment…
His heart plummeted—then burned with envy.
After all, as someone who frequented certain establishments, he understood exactly what that look meant.
Zhu Zhuqing—the Nether Spirit Cat who was once promised to him, who should have stood by his side as his future empress—was now utterly, irrevocably claimed by Dai Chengfeng.
Why?!
Veins bulged on Dai Mubai's clenched fist.
Why did Dai Chengfeng always steal what should have been his?
The implicit advantage for the throne. Their father's subtle favor. Greater strength…
And now—even the woman originally meant for him had become Dai Chengfeng's!
What was he lacking compared to this seemingly gentle, yet deeply calculating younger brother?
Was it because he'd shown ambition too early?
Or because Dai Chengfeng was simply better at disguising himself—better at winning hearts… including women's?
Oscar, sensing the tension, followed Dai Mubai's gaze. Seeing Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing, he froze in surprise.
But Dai Mubai stepped forward—two strides—golden hair blazing in the sunlight, radiating aggressive energy.
His eyes locked onto Zhu Zhuqing, filled with complex emotions: fury, scrutiny, wounded pride, and the raw bitterness of something precious torn away.
He deliberately ignored Dai Chengfeng—as if Zhu Zhuqing alone mattered.
"Zhu Zhuqing," Dai Mubai's voice dropped low, edged with barely concealed hoarseness and mockery. "Seems you've been resting well lately. Your complexion looks… much better than usual."
"So?"
Zhu Zhuqing's reply was ice-cold.
"I…"
Dai Mubai opened his mouth—but words failed him. He liked her, yes—but she'd never returned even a sliver of affection.
Before he could speak further, Dai Chengfeng stepped forward, gently pulling Zhu Zhuqing half a step behind him—placing himself squarely between her and Dai Mubai.
The warmth had vanished from Dai Chengfeng's face. In its place: calm, glacial indifference.
Meeting Dai Mubai's hostile glare, his voice was flat, yet unyielding:
"Well, if it isn't my foolish elder brother. What a coincidence."
"Got something to say?"
"Uh…"
Dai Mubai's retort died in his throat.
Dai Chengfeng simply watched him—no movement, no threat—yet every word of accusation and rage Dai Mubai had prepared choked in his chest.
He had to admit it:
He was afraid of this younger brother.
Anything he said—or any move he made—would only humiliate himself further.
His fists clenched and unclenched, tendons jumping on his knuckles—before finally going slack in defeat.
Zhu Zhuqing remained expressionless throughout. Her cool eyes regarded him like a stranger—worse, with a trace of quiet disdain.
Silence stretched, broken only by the whisper of wind.
"…N-nothing. Nothing at all…"
Dai Mubai's voice was rough, thick with suppressed fury and hollow bravado.
He tore his gaze from Zhu Zhuqing, fixing it entirely on Dai Chengfeng—eyes burning with humiliation and rage.
"Don't get cocky, Dai Chengfeng!"
He paused, each word grinding out like gravel. "Tomorrow, on the arena stage—Tang San and I will defeat you! We will!"
The words tumbled out too fast—less a challenge, more a desperate attempt to salvage dignity.
As if terrified Dai Chengfeng might reply—or that another second here would make him lose control—he grabbed Oscar's arm. The force nearly yanked the other man off balance.
"Let's go!"
He spun on his heel, striding away without looking back. His steps were hurried, almost stumbling; his rigid spine betrayed tension; his golden hair whipped through the sunlight in a stiff, graceless arc—pure, flustered retreat.
Oscar staggered after him, casting one last glance over his shoulder. His expression was a tangled mix of apology, helplessness, and embarrassment. He opened his mouth as if to speak—but thought better of it, hurrying to catch up.
Their footsteps faded quickly down the alleyway, taking the suffocating tension with them.
Peace returned to the street.
Dai Chengfeng's expression hadn't changed—but deep in his eyes, a fleeting chill flashed, then vanished.
He turned to Zhu Zhuqing beside him. The frost melted instantly, replaced by warmth. His voice softened:
"You alright? Annoyed by him?"
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head lightly.
"Just a clown," she said, voice clear and cold as mountain springwater. "His words aren't even worth calling noise."
She reached out, fingertips brushing his hand—a small, intimate gesture.
"No need to pay attention. Let's go."
...
Dai Mubai practically barreled out of the alley. Only when he'd ducked into an empty corner did he slam his fist against the wall—knuckles throbbing, but the pain couldn't quench the scorching humiliation inside.
That soft, satisfied glow in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes—the look of a woman thoroughly cherished…
That should've been his! His fiancée! And now—
'Damn it!'
'Dai Chengfeng, you're dead!!'
Behind him, Oscar watched Dai Mubai's shoulders heave with suppressed rage—and sighed inwardly.
He recalled how Dai Mubai used to mention Zhu Zhuqing with that proprietary "my person" tone. Now, seeing this…
His eyes drifted to the few green leaves caught in Dai Mubai's golden hair. A terribly unkind thought popped up:
That color… oddly fitting right now.
He crushed the idea immediately, scolding himself for such nonsense.
After all, this was Boss Dai…
But watching Dai Mubai's stiff, forced-upright back—so clearly masking utter defeat—Oscar suspected this grudge might just give him internal injuries.
Tomorrow's arena match… this'll be quite a show.
Oscar shook his head, hoping they'd at least win.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)