Little Pink Starfish

Sang Jun’s eloquence worked like magic. In just a few sentences, he managed to persuade his brother. “Daughters should be cherished, but they must also live their married lives. A son-in-law’s career must be supported, and the in-laws deserve due respect too!”

Once Sang Mao was convinced, Sang Jun shifted his focus to educating Sang Lingling. He explained, at great length, how to honour her in-laws, manage household affairs, navigate the power dynamics of large families, and handle disobedient servants.

Gu Bai listened with growing disbelief. This guy… is he omnipotent or what?! When did this turn into a court intrigue novel? What happened to my stallion novel? Did I just get transported into a scheming household drama?

Sang Mao, for his part, nodded vigorously and encouraged his daughter to pay close attention.

Chen Yuanhao, however, looked utterly miserable. His wife’s uncle was coaching her, in front of him, on how to handle his parents. Was this a warning? A threat? Or just some warped version of advice?

Still, there was no escape. If this had indeed become a household drama, it wasn’t the typical kind where wealth and favour were the stakes. Here, the competition was about the father-in-law’s martial power and the wife’s brute strength—an absolute tragedy in the making.

When Sang Jun finally concluded his lecture, an entire hour had passed.

Gu Bai absentmindedly stroked Qiguan Rui’s head as it rested on his lap, feeling as though he, too, had been thoroughly educated. The book never described anything like this! This world’s setting is absurdly complete—way too detailed!

It was ultimately decided that in three days, Chen Yuanhao would take his wife home.

In the meantime, he spent those days with his wife, who spent them with her father. All the while, Sang Jun accompanied them, his warm smile carrying an unsettling edge. The four toured the city lord’s mansion as a “happy family,” enjoying a few strange but pleasant days together.

Gu Bai and Qiguan Rui, however, paid little attention to the family’s bonding time, retreating to their room. In the quiet, Qiguan Rui resumed his usual appearance, holding Gu Bai’s waist with a faintly pensive expression.

Gu Bai touched his head. “What’s wrong?”

It was unnerving to see the pervert so quiet.

Qiguan Rui leaned closer, rubbing against him lightly. “Gege, something feels… off.”

Gu Bai blinked. Off? Did he notice something? If he did, this guy is scarily sharp! Is the protagonist’s halo kicking in again?

When Gu Bai didn’t respond, Qiguan Rui continued, “That Sang Jun… he’s suspicious.”

Gu Bai maintained a blank expression. Damn! He really did notice!

Qiguan Rui paused briefly before elaborating. His suspicions had begun the day Sang Jun’s incessant chatter irritated Gu Bai. That had prompted Qiguan Rui to pay closer attention to him.

The more he observed, the more apparent it became that Sang Jun’s outward behaviour didn’t align with his inner character. For instance, a single order from Sang Jun seemed more effective than one from Sang Mao. Most of the servants subconsciously regarded Sang Jun as the true central figure of the mansion.

If Sang Mao were to disappear, the mansion’s operations would continue without disruption. However, if Sang Jun were removed, the entire system would likely collapse within three days.

The city lord is supposed to be the core, yet here it’s Sang Jun who holds that role. If Sang Mao were to vanish… Sang Jun could seize control of the city without any resistance.

On the surface, Sang Jun appeared deeply devoted to his brother, and Sang Mao trusted him completely. But for someone handling all the responsibilities of a city lord without reaping the rewards… Would he truly be content? Qiguan Rui doubted it. “If it were me, I wouldn’t be content,” he said aloud. “So, what about Sang Jun?”

He shared his analysis with Gu Bai, outlining his reasoning step by step. “Gege, do you think he’s content?”

Gu Bai remained silent. Of course not! This guy isn’t some saint.

Finally, Gu Bai said, “Sang Jun is ambitious.”

Qiguan Rui smiled warmly. “I knew Gege would see it too.”

Gu Bai internally screamed: No, no, no! If I hadn’t written this book myself, I wouldn’t have figured it out! Why is this pervert so impressed by my “insight” into schemes? _{[T/N: Don’t worry Gu Bai I think you’re incredibly stupid.]}

Qiguan Rui wasn’t finished.

Since becoming suspicious of Sang Jun, he had used his guise as Gu Bai’s “male pet” to observe him closely. The results only deepened his suspicions. Not only had Sang Jun essentially taken over the mansion’s management, but he also enjoyed an excellent reputation among the city’s residents, presenting himself as a paragon of virtue.

Moreover, Qiguan Rui had discovered that Sang Jun was hiding his true martial power. Far from being weak, Sang Jun was actually at the advanced wu di level—the same as Qiguan Rui.

Thanks to his Heaven-Devouring Python bloodline and advanced cultivation, Qiguan Rui had been able to see through Sang Jun’s façade. Otherwise, he might have been deceived like everyone else.

With this knowledge, Qiguan Rui was almost certain of Sang Jun’s plans. “If Sang Jun had no ulterior motives, why would he conceal his strength? Especially from his own brother? Given his schemes, he’s likely planning to assassinate Sang Mao while ensuring no one suspects him. His impeccable reputation would protect him, and he could effortlessly assume control of Golden Phoenix City.”

Qiguan Rui’s analysis was chillingly detailed. He outlined every potential scenario, including contingency plans and methods for handling dissent. His reasoning was so precise it was as though he had stepped into Sang Jun’s shoes—or become Sang Jun himself.

Gu Bai listened, growing more flustered. This pervert’s guesses are spot on… Not only that, but he’s also already formulated a second strategy! How is he so absurdly sharp when it comes to scheming?!

“Do you have any evidence?” Gu Bai asked, his face a mask of calm.

Qiguan Rui kissed his cheek, smiling softly. “Because, if I were him, I’d do the same.”

Gu Bai instantly understood. This isn’t sensitivity—it’s just two dark minds running on the same wavelength. As a normal person, it was no wonder he couldn’t keep up. Gu Bai nodded, conceding.

Seeing this, Qiguan Rui’s smile deepened. He knew that even if he wasn’t a good person, Gu Bai wouldn’t reject him.

Having someone like Gu Bai by his side made everything else seem trivial in comparison.

With this thought, Qiguan Rui’s hand slid down, brushing against Gu Bai’s waist in a teasing motion.

Gu Bai felt his body heat up as Qiguan Rui’s bold actions continued. Closing his eyes, Gu Bai surrendered to the inevitable. I knew he wouldn’t let it go…

***

After enduring another round of torment, Gu Bai pulled the blankets over himself and felt utterly drained.

Though his cultivation as a mid-tier wu wang helped him endure, Qiguan Rui’s greater strength and insatiable energy made him feel like prey to a relentless beast.

He fell into a light doze, only waking when night had fully fallen. The room was dimly lit by a soft glow from a luminous pearl. The maids had retired for the night, and the sheets had been changed, leaving Gu Bai feeling refreshed and clean.

But Qiguan Rui was nowhere to be seen. Did he seriously leave right after? _{[T/N: Ah, the good old pump’n’dump.]}

As Gu Bai mulled over his absence, the window creaked open, and Qiguan Rui slipped inside, clad in black.

Gu Bai: I knew it! He’s been up to no good.

After a quick rinse, Qiguan Rui climbed into bed.

Gu Bai stared at him blankly.

Qiguan Rui kissed his eyelid. “Don’t be mad, Gege. I only stepped out because you were sleeping so soundly.”

Gu Bai’s expression remained stoic.

Qiguan Rui continued softly, “I went to investigate Sang Jun.”

As Gu Bai had guessed.

“Sang Jun was normal during the day because Sang Mao was always with him. But at night, I found something interesting. Do you know what he keeps in his room?”

Gu Bai shook his head.

Qiguan Rui smiled faintly. “There’s a hidden chamber in Sang Jun’s room. And it leads to a secret prison.”