Little Pink Starfish

Qiguan Rui obediently threw on his robe and fetched water for Gu Bai. He meticulously cleaned away the traces of his actions from the previous night and even dutifully helped Gu Bai bathe, following him with an almost servile attentiveness.

Such meek behaviour eventually soothed the lingering dissatisfaction Gu Bai had been feeling.

At this point, Gu Bai didn’t know who had the upper hand in their dynamic—whether he was better at handling the pervert or the pervert was better at handling him.

Never mind, he thought. When it comes to dealing with Qiguan Rui, it’s best not to think too deeply about it.

Qiguan Rui, meanwhile, had grown more attuned to Gu Bai’s emotional shifts. Watching the icy frost in Gu Bai’s demeanour gradually melt into something softer, he felt a rare sense of relief.

Was I… nervous just now? This realisation intrigued him—it was an entirely new sensation.

Indeed, no one else, those bland and meaningless individuals, could evoke such feelings in him. Only Ziche Shubai could.

After their bath, Gu Bai stretched his arms, standing unabashedly naked before Qiguan Rui. Having been subjected to such situations countless times, modesty had long since ceased to matter. Besides, wasn’t it a bit gratifying to have the original story’s ultimate boss and insane protagonist waiting on him hand and foot?

Once they were both dressed and ready, Gu Bai sat cross-legged on the floor, his face blank as he stared at Qiguan Rui.

Qiguan Rui settled down opposite him, his expression soft, his gaze unwavering.

Still impassive, Gu Bai asked, “What was that madness about yesterday?” The pervert had better come clean about how much he’d been monitoring and meddling around him—or else.

Qiguan Rui didn’t expect such a direct question. He studied Gu Bai’s flawless, unyielding poker face for a while before deciding to confess. “Gege, you might have guessed—I can control anyone whose strength is below or equal to mine using my snake parasites. I tested it on the demons here and found that it works on them as well.” Though he hadn’t hidden this ability before, this was the first time he openly admitted it. A flicker of unease passed through him. The distinction between controlling weaker individuals and controlling equals was a significant one.

Gu Bai raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. He actually admitted it? That doesn’t seem very in character of him… He nodded, signalling Qiguan Rui to continue.

Encouraged, Qiguan Rui’s smile grew warmer as he noted the absence of disgust, fear, or hostility in Gu Bai’s gaze. “Even though we’re staying under Xin Xinba’s roof, I don’t trust him,” he said gently, his voice tinged with deep affection. “The only person I trust… is you, gege.”

Gu Bai shuddered slightly. Damn it, is he trying to flirt? This is disgusting! Still, he remained silent, letting the pervert continue.

“I’ve used my snake parasites to control all the maids serving you,” Qiguan Rui confessed, flashing a self-satisfied grin as if expecting praise.

Gu Bai’s hand twitched, yearning to pinch the bridge of his nose. This lunatic thinks I have nerves of steel, doesn’t he? Though he appeared indifferent to the snake parasites, the thought of being surrounded by potential puppets was chilling. And yet, Qiguan Rui had the gall to announce it so brazenly… Suppressing a sigh, Gu Bai nodded again.

Qiguan Rui went on. “I was worried about your safety, so I arranged this. Now, no matter what happens around you, I’ll know immediately.” His tone shifted, becoming plaintive. “Yesterday, I heard a beautiful woman tried to seduce you. They even drugged your food. I… I lost control. I didn’t mean to, gege. Please forgive me?”

Gu Bai gave him a long, silent look. Not intentional, huh? More like deliberate, you opportunistic bastard. But whatever. Pointing it out will just make him more shameless. It was better to maintain the current balance—at least Qiguan Rui still held himself back somewhat.

Qiguan Rui, emboldened by Gu Bai’s silence, leaned in and rested his head on Gu Bai’s shoulder, murmuring, “Gege… please?”

With great reluctance, Gu Bai gave a curt nod.

Qiguan Rui’s smile blossomed, brimming with joy.

Gu Bai stared blankly at the ceiling, resigned. What was I expecting? This is just how he is. At least things are better now than they were in the original story.

With that, the matter of the previous night was considered settled.

After breakfast, Gu Bai asked, “Have you been hurt recently?”

Qiguan Rui’s response was tender: “Not at all.”

Gu Bai’s fist clenched. Could you not answer like that?!

He patted Qiguan Rui’s head. “Stop acting so clingy.”

Qiguan Rui chuckled. “Does Gege dislike it?”

Gu Bai’s expression tightened. What kind of grown man can handle this level of mushiness?! You’re not even trying to look like a delicate flower! “You’re fine as you are,” Gu Bai said flatly.

Qiguan Rui’s eyes softened. “Alright. I’ll always make sure not to do anything Gege dislikes.”

After breakfast, Qiguan Rui accompanied Gu Bai to the underground arena. Along the way, they passed many demons, most of whom greeted them warmly. Some even looked at Qiguan Rui with subtle deference.

As Gu Bai quietly observed, he grew increasingly unsettled. How has he gained so much influence in such a short time? The number of snake parasites couldn’t possibly be enough. They required a significant number of corpses to breed, and Qiguan Rui had barely left his side. So it must be his sheer strength and intimidation that cowed these demons into submission. What on earth has this pervert been doing in the underground arena?

Suppressing his rising doubts, Gu Bai maintained his aloof, dignified façade.

The Xin family had already uncovered their identities, Gu Bai was revealed to be Ziche Shubai, the young and talented City Lord of Tiandu. He had been childhood friends with a nameless illegitimate son of the Qiguan family from Qingyang Town, whom he later named Gu Shan.

Separated for over a decade, the illegitimate son grew up and sought out Ziche Shubai in Tiandu. Reunited, they became inseparable and fell in love during Ziche Shubai’s time at Qingtian Academy.

However, tragedy struck when an accident in Haoyang City led Qiguan Rui to lose control of his Wu Qi and transform into a demon. Unwilling to abandon him, Ziche Shubai brought him back to Tiandu, where they secluded themselves for months. When they re-emerged, both had become demons.

For love, Ziche Shubai betrayed the martial artists, forsaking his city to join Qiguan Rui in Demon Domain. In turn, Qiguan Rui trained relentlessly to match Ziche Shubai’s strength, eventually surpassing him.

What a tragic and moving love story. This narrative had spread widely, and when onlookers saw the two of them walking together toward the underground arena, murmurs of admiration and awe rippled through the crowd.

Gu Bai’s sharp hearing caught the whispers, leaving him internally conflicted. How am I supposed to react to being portrayed as “deeply in love” with this lunatic?! He cast Qiguan Rui a flat look.

Noticing, Qiguan Rui turned to him with a soft smile. “Gege?”

Gu Bai sighed. “…Nothing.”

To the spectators, the exchange only reinforced their image as an inseparably devoted couple.

Gu Bai quickened his pace.

Qiguan Rui smirked inwardly but followed obediently, his larger goals in mind.

The two arrived at the underground arena after a short, high-speed journey, entering through one of its many hidden entrances. The atmosphere inside was charged with heat and the acrid scent of blood, as if they’d stepped into a monstrous lair.

The dim red lighting cast eerie shadows on Qiguan Rui’s handsome face, giving him an ominous air.

Beside him, Gu Bai—untouched by the surrounding chaos—remained as pristine and unyielding as an ice lotus blooming in a desolate hellscape.