Little Pink Starfish

As the massive ape—no, the girl—departed, all that was left for Chen Yuanhao was the awe-inspiring sight of her majestic, muscular back. 

Standing naked amidst the night breeze, Chen Yuanhao shivered, feeling as though his very soul had turned cold. I was so naive. Truly naïve. I only thought of her as a petite, lively girl, full of warmth and vigour, with the added bonus of inheriting a martial city. But how could such a good fortune fall to me?

These thoughts spiralled in his mind as he numbly put on his inner robe, regaining a sliver of security. It was at this moment that Gu Bai and Qiguan Rui entered the room, snapping him back to reality.

Chen Yuanhao turned silently, bowing in greeting. “City Lord, Master.”

Gu Bai gazed at him, equally silent. What could he possibly say that wouldn’t shatter this man’s already fragile heart?

Qiguan Rui chuckled softly. “It’s merely a bloodline awakening. No need to take it to heart.”

Gu Bai nodded. “She’ll return to normal.”

Chen Yuanhao’s body trembled violently. “Yes… Understood.”

Before any further words could be exchanged, a shadow darted into the room and stopped beside the bed.

The newcomer, after inspecting Chen Yuanhao, finally noticed Gu Bai and Qiguan Rui and hurriedly bowed. “City Lord, Master, my apologies. I didn’t realise you two were here.”

It was Qiu Tu, who now seemed relieved. Turning back to Chen Yuanhao, he quipped, “Well, your bride may have run off, but you seem to be holding up just fine. That’s a relief.” His smirk widened into a full-blown sneer. “Don’t worry, your bride’s just… a little big. Work harder to satisfy her, and you won’t have another runaway bride situation on your wedding night.” The remark was a masterstroke of provocation.

Chen Yuanhao’s pale face turned beet red. He clearly wanted to retort but couldn’t find the words. After much internal struggle, he finally blurted out, “If you’re so capable, why don’t you try satisfying her?!”

Qiu Tu’s smirk didn’t falter. “Thanks, but a friend’s wife is off-limits.”

The exchange devolved into playful barbs—or rather, Qiu Tu poking at Chen Yuanhao’s sore points—before Chen Yuanhao resigned himself to dressing properly.

Though his shock had subsided, the situation outside remained unresolved. No matter what, as her husband, Chen Yuanhao felt obligated to step up. After quickly composing himself, the group of four stepped out into the ruined courtyard. The giant ape was still there, stomping, pounding, and raging—its sheer presence ensuring no one dared to approach.

Sang Mao’s earlier efforts to communicate through roars had clearly failed, whether due to a language barrier or the ape’s clouded mind. Left with no other choice, Sang Mao was leading a group of followers in an impromptu game of hide-and-seek with his gorilla daughter.

Chen Yuanhao hesitated briefly before gritting his teeth and charging forward. At this point, there’s no turning back! He quickly joined Sang Mao’s group, dodging and weaving around the rampaging ape.

Sang Mao, noticing his arrival, seemed genuinely pleased. “Ah, son-in-law, you’ve come!”

Chen Yuanhao bowed slightly mid-run. “Greetings, Father-in-law. What’s happened to Lingling?”

Sang Mao replied, “Her bloodline has awakened! The ape demon bloodline!”

Chen Yuanhao pressed further, “Father-in-law, is there a way to return Lingling to normal?”

Sang Mao shrugged. “Just wait until she’s tired out!”

Meanwhile, the other young talents, formerly pig-headed contestants in the marriage contest, had varying reactions:

Talented Youth A: “What? That giant ape is Sang Lingling?!”

Talented Youth B: “This defies all logic!”

Talented Youth C: “If I had married her…”

The rest of the once-defeated youths: *Thank heavens it wasn’t me!*

***

From a distance, Gu Bai watched Chen Yuanhao darting back and forth, dodging punches alongside Sang Mao’s group. In his heart, he silently gave Chen Yuanhao a hundred points for bravery. For once, his thoughts aligned with those of the other talents: Chen Yuanhao, you’re a true hero. We are… not worthy.

As the night wore on, Gu Bai, with Qiguan Rui in his arms, remained impassive while watching the bizarre spectacle of a rampaging ape and its pursuers circling the mansion. Lap after lap, hour after hour—it continued for nearly two hours before the giant ape finally stopped.

Raising its head to the moon, its ferocious visage took on an almost tragic, heroic air. Then, with a dramatic shudder, the massive figure vanished, leaving a petite, delicate body suspended in the air. For a moment, she hung there, then plummeted toward the ground.

“Someone save her!”

“Miss Sang has fainted!”

“She’s falling—ahhhh!”

Two figures shot into the air like great eagles. The faster of the two, Sang Mao, caught his daughter in his arms. Close behind, Chen Yuanhao arrived just as Sang Mao, surprisingly, passed the unconscious Lingling into his care.

Chen Yuanhao reflexively cradled her, his first thought: Good, she still weighs the same. No extra weight!

The scene was picturesque—his dainty bride, lips pale but peacefully asleep, nestled in his arms. Sleeves fluttering in the wind, Chen Yuanhao descended gracefully. In such a romantic moment, the ideal action would have been a tender kiss. But—Oh no, the ape! The white-haired ape!

Chen Yuanhao couldn’t bring himself to kiss her. Instead, he lowered his head, letting his hair conceal his expression. No one could tell what he was doing.

Once on the ground, Sang Mao clapped him on the shoulder approvingly. “Son-in-law, you’ve done well. You’re truly devoted to Lingling.”

Chen Yuanhao forced a stiff smile. “Of course. Lingling… she’s so cute. She’s my everything.”

Note: When a man cannot find any external virtues to praise in a woman, he will always call her “cute.”

Satisfied, Sang Mao gave him another hearty pat on the shoulder before heading off to sleep.

The ruined mansion, groggy guests, and nearly-trampled servants remained, bathed in pale moonlight.

Sang Jun, exhausted but composed, stepped forward to organise the chaos, his polite smile hiding his growing frustration. Having a brother like this…

#How to Force the Perfect Little Brother into Villainy#

Gu Bai had enjoyed quite the spectacle that night. Seeing no further involvement for himself, he returned to his chambers with Qiguan Rui in tow, thoroughly satisfied.

Left behind, Chen Yuanhao turned to Qiguan Rui, but the latter didn’t even glance back. He turned to Qiu Tu, who simply gave him a thumbs-up and walked away. Finally, he glanced at the other young talents—only to meet their amused and mocking smiles.

At that moment, the girl in his arms stirred, opening her eyes. “Husband…” she murmured softly.

Chen Yuanhao took a deep breath and responded gently, “My wife…”

***

By morning, Gu Bai woke refreshed, finding himself entangled in Qiguan Rui’s possessive embrace. Calmly, he pushed the pervert’s head aside, giving himself room to breathe.

Thanks to his refusal to indulge Qiguan Rui’s nightly advances—using the excuse of “too many people who might notice”—he felt rejuvenated, free from any aches or cramps.

Outside, the city lord’s mansion bustled with activity as workers repaired the damage from the previous night’s chaos. The former suitors had all taken their leave, leaving only the household members behind.

Stepping outside, Gu Bai spotted Sang Jun directing repairs under the blazing sun, his tired face already marked by dark circles. Poor guy. Having a brother like that… With a faintly insincere sigh, Gu Bai enjoyed the comfort of Qiguan Rui’s presence as they leisurely made their way to breakfast.

The chefs had prepared a lavish spread, and around the large round table sat Sang Mao, his daughter, and her husband.

Gu Bai glanced at Chen Yuanhao’s face. Hmm, he seems okay. Then he glanced at Sang Lingling. Why does she look so radiant? A whirlwind of possibilities flashed through Gu Bai’s mind, and he stole another glance at Chen Yuanhao. Did he… endure more after returning last night?

Chen Yuanhao, sensing Gu Bai’s gaze, offered a wry smile.

Gu Bai fought the urge to cover his face. So she drained him again to recover after transforming? Chen Yuanhao is truly a warrior among men!

As breakfast commenced, conversations turned to the couple’s future.

Sang Mao, trusting Chen Yuanhao more after last night, wanted him to stay in the city lord’s mansion with his daughter. Chen Yuanhao, however, argued that he needed to return to Qingtian Academy to complete his tasks for Qiguan Rui and pursue his career. He emphasised his genuine love for Lingling, insisting on the importance of having a future they could share.

The father-in-law and son-in-law engaged in a heated yet respectful debate.

Just as no conclusion seemed forthcoming, Sang Jun entered with a hearty laugh. “Brother, our son-in-law’s ambitions are commendable. We should support him. Besides, Qingtian Academy is renowned. It would be a waste for him to abandon his studies.”

Sang Mao hesitated. “But this will be Lingling’s first time leaving me…”

Sang Jun gently reasoned, “She must visit her in-laws. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be proper for her.”

The moment Sang Jun appeared, Gu Bai’s spirit sharpened. It’s here—the scheme to send the newlyweds away and seize the opportunity for fratricide!

****

Pinky says: Chen Yuanhao; softly, in a Borat accent: “Ma waife.”