Volume One, Chapter 33: Beg Me, Miss Shen

Zhou Jingdu’s gaze was dark and viscous, brimming with malice. He stared intently at the woman’s profile. Shen Chaowu’s face was truly beautiful. On countless occasions, wicked thoughts had arisen in his heart, especially when he pictured her tear-streaked face in the throes of passion.

Such a mindset was hardly healthy.

Yet—

Compared to her smile,

He did, indeed, prefer to see Shen Chaowu weep.

But why involve herself with another man?

Sure enough, as soon as a new storyline emerged, introducing bamboo shoots as an ingredient, it immediately drew countless viewers.

“The King’s plan? What do you mean?” Jinchen was somewhat confused by what Fang Lingzhi said; but from the seriousness etched on her face, it was clear she was not joking. Her eyes shone with trust in him—a genuine affection, just as Yun Su once showed him.

“It’s been so long since we spoke like this, An. Your eloquence has grown sharper; if I didn’t know you were made from the Wood Element, I’d almost mistake you for a real person,” Ying Lin said with a soft laugh.

Although this was an open secret, Yang Ming’s abrupt candor—paired with his self-deprecating expression—gave the moment an unexpectedly comic charm.

Once again, Liu Dong heard that familiar, thunderous crash—this time, much closer. The intensity was overwhelming.

During training, the team often saw Wan Lin carrying an automatic rifle on his back; he only took up a sniper rifle during the last combat mission. No one had ever figured out whether he was truly a sniper. Now, learning that he and his animal companion had faced off against two of the world’s most famous snipers, everyone was eager for the outcome.

“Excellent!” Yu Yue’s joy was immediately evident—this was the first time he had shown such emotion in front of so many people.

His face twisted for a moment before he forcibly composed himself, forcing away all distracting thoughts, linking together every piece of information about Ye Qing’s current situation.

Ouyang Sheng’s brow furrowed slightly; he sensed the terrifying heat emanating from Qin Dan’s throat. At that instant, the golden energy coursing through his body surged to its peak.

“Take cover!” Zou Tao shouted, turning toward Ergouzi and the others who were peering out from the rocks. He had just noticed a new recruit on the flank, toppling down toward the base of the cliff.

Several young women, as lovely as spring blossoms, drifted over like butterflies, surrounding Meng Tianchu in a flurry of laughter and song.

He later protected her at the villa in the capital; she had relaxed completely, discussing life with him, recounting her mentor’s eccentric ideas, and listening as he half-jokingly told stories from his past life, borrowing others’ names.

Make a call? Or not? Duke deliberated for over ten minutes before finally scratching his head and deciding not to call. He would send a text instead—a simple greeting would suffice.

Sir Bai Ren gazed at him with wide, round eyes, shook the snow from his ears, and whimpered, “Is Jinge home?”

Li Yunlong had won the national university martial arts championship in the Southern Fist division—a genuine achievement, backed by real skill. Liu Yunfei’s victory in the army’s 63-kilogram Sanda competition was just as deserved; his martial prowess had been honed to perfection.

Fortunately, though no one could quite read the minds of these venture capital heavyweights, at least their expressions remained composed. There was no sign of shock or surprise.

“I never expected Lord Xia Chun to have such a playful spirit,” Mei Changsu couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head as he turned his gaze to the left side of the platform.

“Why must you be so stubborn, Lord Yang?” Dou Jiande hadn’t expected Yang Shan to suddenly change the subject, and was momentarily taken aback, prompting him to ask directly.

Xia Ruixi’s mind was elsewhere; she thought only of Ou Qingjin, who had been gone for more than twenty days now. Where had he gone? Was he safe? What did the new emperor want with him? When would he return? These questions weighed heavily on her heart.