Chapter Five: Jiang Wanwan’s Schemes

“I know this isn’t your true ability.”

The words rang out with conviction, leaving Jiang Wangshu utterly baffled. “Huh?”

Huo Jinyu’s eyes burned with intensity, her cheeks flushed with excitement, her voice ringing out strong and clear. “I understand that a master would not want to bully us weaker students. I will work hard to improve myself and strive to stand shoulder to shoulder with you, master.”

Someone capable of releasing such a terrifying aura could not possibly be an ordinary cultivator. She must be a hidden immortal descending from her secluded mountain.

She had revealed her power but refrained from attacking, even allowing herself to be struck, all to teach her that there are always greater heights and not to become arrogant.

Such thoughtfulness deserved to be called “master.”

Huo Jinyu clasped her fists and bowed, her high ponytail sweeping across her fair cheek. “Please rest assured, master! I will never again be so conceited as I was today. I will guard against arrogance and impatience, and devote myself to cultivation.”

Jiang Wangshu stared unwaveringly at her, her heart pounding madly.

Ah, so handsome! That jawline was even sharper than the line of her fate.

“Farewell! I look forward to our next meeting, master!” Huo Jinyu let her gaze linger for a heartbeat on Jiang Wangshu’s round face, then turned and strode away, her steps buoyant.

A true master indeed. That look of profound wisdom perfectly concealed her brilliance—had she not seen it for herself, she too would have mistaken her for a novice.

She watched Huo Jinyu’s spirited departure, the ponytail tracing a graceful arc through the air.

Her heart screamed again. Clutching Xiao Hei’s arm, she shook him furiously. “Did you see that? Did you? An unparalleled queen—beautiful and fierce!”

Long lashes drooped like butterfly wings as Xiao Hei shot her a sidelong glance, his golden pupils full of disdain. Was his contract partner some kind of reincarnated dolphin? Those shrill squeals were piercing his ears.

With a broad sweep of his hand, he clamped it firmly over her mouth, and the world fell instantly silent.

Satisfaction blossomed in his golden eyes.

Jiang Wangshu felt an overwhelming force pressing against her face, threatening to crack her cheekbones.

With both mouth and nose sealed, she turned red from lack of air, stomping hard on his toes and clawing desperately at the hand that cut off her breath, fury blazing from her eyes like twin lasers.

Are you trying to murder your master, you stinking fish?

The proctor had waited and waited, only to watch this tiresome lovers’ quarrel drag on endlessly.

He glared at the pair, exasperated, and handed over an admission card. “Candidate Jiang Wangshu, please report to Examination Room Six at 1 p.m. sharp for your agility test.”

Jiang Wangshu finally remembered how to invoke the contract and forcefully ordered Xiao Hei to release her.

She gulped in great breaths of air, took the admission card in both hands, and said, “Thank you, teacher.”

Glancing sideways, she saw Xiao Hei looking completely unbothered, showing no sign of pain, which only infuriated her more. She pinched the soft flesh at his waist and twisted it with all her might.

At last, Xiao Hei seemed to feel a twinge, his eyes dropping in displeasure, a low, hoarse grunt rumbling from his throat.

Sensing his discomfort through their bond, Jiang Wangshu’s face lit up with glee—his unhappiness was her delight.

“Hmph! That’s what you get for covering my face. No food for you at lunch!”

Thinking he wouldn’t understand, she mimicked his earlier expression, baring her teeth in a mock threat. Seeing his momentary confusion, she strode off, brimming with satisfaction.

Ha! Silly fish, I scared you, didn’t I?

A flicker of confusion crossed Xiao Hei’s eyes. What was she doing, showing those utterly harmless teeth? Teeth like that couldn’t even gnaw through a fish in the sea.

His own were far superior!

He pulled out the mirror he’d swiped from the restroom and bared his sharp fangs, admiring them with great satisfaction.

Jiang Wangshu noticed him take something out and looked up curiously—then leaped up to snatch it. “Vain little monster, give back my mirror!”

Xiao Hei loved shiny things most of all—there was no way he’d let her get it back.

He took a long stride with his long legs, leaving her several paces behind as he dashed ahead.

“Don’t run!”

Chasing and quarreling, the pair arrived at the most popular restaurant nearby.

No sooner had they sat down and ordered than a gentle voice intruded. “Sister, I’m so happy to see you!”

Jiang Wanwan approached, wearing a false smile, flanked by two female classmates.

Those classmates, hearing her use “sister,” looked at Jiang Wangshu with open disdain.

“There are no seats left, sister. Mind if we join your table?” She cast a soulful glance at Xiao Hei, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Sister, you don’t mind if I sit next to your brother, do you?” she said, already moving to take the seat beside him.

Xiao Hei, absorbing the enticing aromas in the air, was lost in thoughts of food, saliva unconsciously pooling in his mouth.

Sensing the approach of someone he found detestable, he didn’t even glance up, simply hooked the bench with his ankle and slid further in.

Jiang Wanwan, caught off guard, nearly fell to the floor, but twisted at the last moment and tumbled toward Xiao Hei, feigning panic. “Oh no!”

“Tsk.” Strong, slender fingers clenched the tabletop, veins bulging as Xiao Hei lightly vaulted over the table, landing beside Jiang Wangshu.

Jiang Wanwan collapsed onto the bench, propping herself up with one hand while clutching her head with the other, her posture accentuating her graceful curves. With delicate brows knit in pain, she looked utterly pitiable. “It hurts so much…”

The whole episode lasted only a few seconds, leaving Jiang Wangshu in silent admiration.

Jiang Wanwan—truly a master at seduction, always luring men with every move.

This act of delicate vulnerability, she had to admit, was actually rather pleasing to the eye.

Jiang Wangshu lifted her teacup and sipped, watching the scene unfold with interest. She really wanted to see what trick Jiang Wanwan would pull next.

This place was always busy; even if there were no seats right now, a minute or two’s wait would surely solve that. She didn’t believe for a moment that a seasoned hunter like Jiang Wanwan lacked patience.

Before Jiang Wanwan could speak, her two lackeys couldn’t hold back any longer.

Yan Yan helped Jiang Wanwan up, fussing over her with concern, while Zhang Jin planted herself at their side and barked, “Wanwan just fell, and you still have the nerve to drink tea! As expected, a homewrecker’s daughter is nothing but trash.”

A vision of a gentle, graceful woman suddenly flashed through Jiang Wangshu’s mind, her smile warm as a spring breeze, her tender voice still echoing in her ears: “Little Wangshu.”

She gripped her teacup tightly, a fiery light flaring in her clear eyes, but her tone remained languid and measured.

“A homewrecker’s daughter.” She raised an eyebrow, smiling sweetly at Jiang Wanwan. “You two are so close, she even told you that secret.”

Zhang Jin lifted her chin arrogantly. “If your mother was shameless, no one else is to blame.”

Yan Yan looked up at Xiao Hei, her delicate features sincere. “Handsome, don’t be fooled by her! She may look decent, but not only has she schemed against Wanwan time and again, she even stole Wanwan’s fiancé.”

She gazed at Xiao Hei expectantly. “Someone like her doesn’t deserve your affection!”