Huo Yuhao was beginning to regret his decision.
He should never have brought his mother along.
Huo Yun'er was a rare beauty with an impeccable figure, her mature charm making her utterly captivating. Even Huo Yuhao couldn't help stealing occasional glances—not out of inappropriate thoughts, but purely out of admiration. He often thought that one day, he would marry someone just like her.
Her curves were stunning: a full chest, a shapely rear, and tight pants that highlighted every contour.
If Qian Ran ever saw her like this…
Huo Yuhao recalled the mischievous look Qian Ran had given Huo Yun'er the last time they crossed paths.
"I need to find a way to move Mom into a new house or send her back to the Clear Sky Sect. That's the only way to keep her safe," Huo Yuhao thought, feeling a growing sense of urgency.
"Qian Ran is a shameless scoundrel who uses his looks to deceive people!" he muttered inwardly, his anxiety intensifying. If Qian Ran dared to sully the person Huo Yuhao respected most, he'd never forgive himself—even in death!
The thought alone sent a strange, uncomfortable feeling through him.
Glancing at the radiant Huo Yun'er beside him and then at the charismatic Qian Ran on the stage, Huo Yuhao's heart raced with a mix of emotions he couldn't fully explain.
"Let's go," he said quickly.
He didn't dare linger, taking the lead to avoid being noticed by Qian Ran.
A confrontation was the least of his worries—if Qian Ran set his sights on Huo Yun'er, it would be catastrophic.
"How was that? Isn't your husband amazing?" Qian Ran teased Ma Xiaotao as he pinched her cheek.
Drenched in sweat, her flushed face made her look irresistibly enticing. Unable to resist, Qian Ran gave her firm, sweat-slicked thigh a playful squeeze.
"Stop! There are so many teachers around!" Ma Xiaotao yelped.
As two of Shrek Academy's most prominent prodigies, their sparring match had naturally drawn the attention of the academy's teachers, who were keen to monitor their progress.
And with both wielding Ultimate Martial Souls, the intrigue was even greater.
"What's there to be afraid of? We're a couple," Qian Ran replied with a mischievous grin, pulling Ma Xiaotao into his arms.
"Being a couple doesn't mean you can…" Ma Xiaotao huffed, grateful she was wearing her school uniform. At least Qian Ran's antics wouldn't be too scandalous in front of others. Young love was one thing, but this was public!
"Don't forget our deal," Qian Ran whispered with a sly smile. "For the next 24 hours, I have complete control over your body."
This was different from their usual games.
"I know, but you better not try anything too crazy," Ma Xiaotao murmured, her voice barely audible as her cheeks turned crimson. She couldn't help wondering what kind of mischief Qian Ran would get up to with her bound by such an agreement.
"Just promise me, nothing that exposes me in front of others," she added, nervously squeezing Qian Ran's waist.
She'd heard some men had strange hobbies, like exposing their girlfriends to the public for thrills.
"Do I look like the kind of guy with such depraved tastes?" Qian Ran said, exasperated. He admitted he could be a little wicked at times, but there was a line between wicked and outright twisted. That kind of thing was pure madness.
While Qian Ran's interests were admittedly diverse, he wasn't into anything that extreme.
Still, he couldn't deny that many aristocrats indulged in such eccentricities. When regular pleasures no longer satisfied, they turned to ever more decadent games.
Well, to each their own, Qian Ran mused.
"Hmph. Just don't push it too far," Ma Xiaotao warned.
"Don't worry," Qian Ran said with a smile. For now, I just want to lay you flat on my experiment table and… study you thoroughly.
Watching Ma Xiaotao and Qian Ran flirt, Ling Luochen couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Even though she and Qian Ran had already crossed that line, their relationship wasn't as close as his bond with Ma Xiaotao.
She knew Qian Ran had a penchant for unusual interests. Sometimes, she wondered if she could take Ma Xiaotao's place in his experiments. Maybe then he'd love her more.
But her shyness always held her back. She couldn't possibly suggest something so bold as inviting Qian Ran to… study her body. It was too embarrassing.
"We should pay Vice Dean Yan Shaozhe a visit sometime. He's seemed a little down lately," Qian Ran suggested to Ma Xiaotao.
"Are you really visiting the teacher, or do you have ulterior motives?" Ma Xiaotao asked, narrowing her eyes at him. She felt a pang of guilt—Yan Shaozhe had been her mentor for years, guiding her before she even met Qian Ran.
Ma Xiaotao couldn't help feeling conflicted.
"Don't overthink it. What's done is done, and as long as we keep it a secret, everything will be fine," Qian Ran reassured her. "I can even help him get stronger—he'll end up thanking us."
Of course, this relied on Yan Shaozhe being as understanding as someone like Fan Yu. Qian Ran didn't mind keeping a few obedient dogs around. But if anyone dared to challenge him, they wouldn't live to regret it.
"You're the worst. You've bullied me, my mentor's wife, and even Xiaoya!" Ma Xiaotao said, glaring at him. Still, what could she do now? Qian Ran's insatiable energy seemed limitless—a mystery she doubted she'd ever solve.
"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right."
"But as his student, I should still visit him with Xiaoya," Ma Xiaotao admitted. Yan Shaozhe had recently been demoted from Martial Soul Department Dean to Vice Dean, and as one of his prized disciples, it would be rude not to check on him.
Leaving the Battle Zone, Ma Xiaotao, drenched in sweat, told Qian Ran she was heading for a shower. Ling Luochen naturally went with her.
"Qian Ran," a familiar voice called out just as he was considering who to visit next.
It was Zhou Yi, her seductive gaze fixed on him. Without hesitation, she slipped her arm through his, completely unfazed by the fact they were still on academy grounds—and in the bustling Battle Zone, no less.
Zhou Yi's boldness had grown since confronting Fan Yu.
Now that Fan Yu no longer interfered, Zhou Yi had no reason to hold back. If even Fan Yu didn't care, who else had the right to?
(End of Chapter)