Little Pink Starfish

— As it turns out, Gu Bai wasn’t the only one flipping tables.

Even more furious was Liu Manluo, who had taken on the task of prying people apart but failed and now bore the responsibility of acting as the bridge between two sides—only to fail again.

Irritated beyond belief, she stormed into the inn where Gu Bai was staying. Of course, she did so in the dead of night, when no one would notice. And this time, Qiguan Rui wasn’t home.

Yes, Qiguan Rui was incredibly busy these days. In fact, he had already been tied up for two days straight without returning.

It wasn’t just about social engagements—there were also major events that required his presence, and he had been invited by Long Yuanba to attend. On top of that, the pieces he had laid out had begun to gain trust and recommendations, intentionally or otherwise…

Unknowingly, he had become a figure of significance. At least among the younger generation, he was impossible to ignore.

So, in recent days, Qiguan Rui had occasionally been forced to work overnight. For warriors with endless stamina, pulling all-nighters in meetings was nothing!

Thus, Gu Bai was left alone in an empty room. And Liu Manluo stood by his bed.

…This had the vibe of a night raid. Gu Bai silently ridiculed the situation in his heart and sat up.

Standing three steps away from his bed, Liu Manluo momentarily lost herself in admiration.

The young man on the bed remained expressionless. His flawless face was as cold and pure as frost and snow atop the highest peaks—beautiful yet untouchable. His long black hair cascaded down, like an ink-dark waterfall, spreading across the bed like silk. Clad in only his inner garments, he lacked his usual air of superiority yet still exuded the presence of an untouchable deity—drawing people in, yet making them feel unworthy.

“Why have you come in the dead of night?”

Even his voice was like a chilling spring, cool and crisp, like shattered jade sinking into an icy pool—piercingly refreshing, a sound that seeped into one’s very soul.

Liu Manluo took a moment to compose herself before glancing at the other side of the bed. “That person isn’t here?”

Gu Bai replied, “If you’re looking for him, I will pass the message along.”

Liu Manluo steadied herself again.

Of course, she had come here full of anger, ready to vent and discuss matters. But now—Qiguan Rui wasn’t home! He wasn’t home! Did this mean she could… do something? As soon as the thought arose, it was like grass growing wildly in her mind—restless and eager.

Gu Bai had a bad feeling. The look in Liu Manluo’s eyes was unsettling—what was she thinking? But as the aloof and noble city lord, there was no way he could flinch! He had to hold his ground!

And so, he held his ground. Under her burning gaze, he remained as motionless as a statue.

Liu Manluo’s heart pounded. Should she seduce him? This was a rare opportunity… But if she failed, it would be humiliating… No, no! She had never had the chance before! But now she did! There wasn’t a single man in this world who didn’t stray! She could do this! If she didn’t take advantage, it’d be a waste! Besides, if she got into bed with this guy, it wouldn’t really be a loss for her… 

As she thought about it, her face flushed slightly, and a hint of seduction appeared in her eyes. Yes! She would do it! As the younger sister of the ruling five elders of Demon Island, how could she still be so inexperienced? That was absolutely unworthy of the title witch!

Gu Bai: …What the fuck. Was it too late to run? There was no way he could attack a girl just to get away!

As a past-life shut-in who had barely even masturbated, only to be forcefully deflowered by a lunatic in this life, he was extremely aware of what Liu Manluo was thinking—but his first instinct was pure panic.

Run? But he wasn’t properly dressed—how was he supposed to run?! Stay? If he stayed, he was doomed!

Even though his current combat prowess could easily crush her, the girl wasn’t hostile—she just wanted a one-night stand! And besides, she was both a bridge of communication and a hostage from Demon Island—being rough with her wouldn’t be ideal…

Naturally, Gu Bai hesitated and wavered, already contemplating the 108 ways he could knock her out. Yes. He would knock her out. That was the plan!

Meanwhile, Liu Manluo had just struck a seductive pose—waist swaying, shoulder exposed… And then she realised—the person in front of her was gone. At the same time, she felt someone’s gaze drilling into her from behind. Oh? Was he too impatient to wait? Liu Manluo thought to herself smugly. But soon, she sensed something about to strike the back of her neck—

Not good!

Instantly, she composed herself and said solemnly, “City Lord, I have an important matter to discuss with you.”

Gu Bai’s hand paused mid-air. “…What is it?”

Liu Manluo nonchalantly adjusted her clothes and turned around.

Sure enough, the white-clad young man before her was just now retracting his hand.

Liu Manluo: “…” What a completely unromantic man! The flirtatious thoughts that had just bloomed were instantly doused with cold water.

Gu Bai relaxed and, as if nothing had happened, returned to sit on his bed.

Liu Manluo, having failed once again to wedge herself in, looked at Gu Bai with an expression akin to staring at a cow before finally dragging a chair over to sit across from him. “City Lord, have you heard about some… unpleasant incidents recently?”

Gu Bai’s face remained blank. “I have. It was your people.”

Damn, that was direct! Liu Manluo took a deep breath and forced a smile. “City Lord, not my people… It wasn’t me.”

Gu Bai: “Oh.” Yeah, well, all demons were the same anyway. _{[T/N: Racism.]}

Seeing his utterly unmoved attitude, Liu Manluo grew agitated. “City Lord, those two idiots’ actions might affect us! Even though I have potions to mask my presence, the city is already on high alert for demonic traces. If things go wrong, you and I will both be in danger.”

Gu Bai nodded.

Liu Manluo clenched her fists. How the fuck was he this calm?! Now was not the time to be calm!

Taking deep breaths to suppress her frustration, she continued, “Even if you stay hidden, Qiguan Rui is constantly socialising. Given his rising status and unfamiliar face, they’ll investigate him first. And if they find out the truth, do you think you’ll be spared? We need a solid plan to clear our names—we cannot let those two idiots ruin Demon Island’s grand scheme!” By this point, she was fuming.

Gu Bai saw her anxious expression and nodded again. “I understand.”

Liu Manluo: Are you fucking with me?!

Gu Bai: “I will pass your words to Xiaoshan. You should leave.”

Liu Manluo was on the verge of losing it. Did he not realise that Qiguan Rui was at a meeting right now, probably facing a background check?! If anything was discovered, they’d come knocking on his door next! And if he didn’t act now, when would he?!

Just as she was about to insist that he escape with her, a soft voice drifted in from the window. “Gege, who are you leaving with?” The voice was gentle. Too gentle. So much so that it sent shivers down one’s spine. “…Who is trying to take gege away?”

A tall figure entered the room without a sound.

Gu Bai: =口= Why the fuck did the psycho have to show up now and hearthatsentence?!

Liu Manluo: =口= Is there anything scarier than running away with someone and getting caught by their spouse?!

Qiguan Rui stood by the window, his figure tall and elegant, his features handsome. But at this moment, that handsome face was twisted, the softness warping into something terrifying. His eyes carried a darkness so deep it was unsettling. Simply put—he was in the midst of blackening. His long hair swayed without wind. Without even a flicker of movement, he appeared directly in front of Liu Manluo. Then, he reached out a hand and wrapped it around her throat, applying slight pressure.

Liu Manluo was forced to tilt her head back, a sharp pain flaring at her throat. “Ugh… ugh ah…”

Qiguan Rui ignored her. Instead, he turned back to Gu Bai, his smile becoming even more tender, his voice gentle as water. “Gege, were you going to leave with her?”

Gu Bai silently looked at him. Bro, you’re kind of scaring me right now. Your eyes are completely bloodshot—what’s going on?! Calm down! The veins on your forehead are popping, don’t do this! He wanted to say something but wasn’t quite sure how to phrase it.

After a brief pause, Gu Bai spoke. “I am innocent.”

Qiguan Rui: “……”

Liu Manluo shed a single tear.

Qiguan Rui quickly regained his composure, his fingers slowly tightening around Liu Manluo’s neck. His voice was still unbearably sweet. “If gege is innocent, then that means you were seducing him, isn’t that right?” He sighed softly. “I’ve already given you so many chances. Why would you still do something like this? Gege belongs to me alone. No one else is allowed to touch him, to look at him, to even think about him… There are so many men in the world. Why must you insist on taking mine? How disappointing… Tell me, why did you do it?”

Liu Manluo was internally sobbing. Could you at least let me breathe so I can answer, damn it?! I’m about to pass out!

But Qiguan Rui was clearly talking to himself. He had no intention of sparing her. Between the troubles caused by those demon envoys and the repeated challenges to his patience, he was nearing his breaking point. His gaze darkened as he stared at Liu Manluo. Suddenly, a tiny, finger-length snake appeared in his hand. Bit by bit, he forced it into her mouth.

Liu Manluo’s face turned ashen. What the fuck, this thing is sticky! So disgusting!

But then, she felt something shift inside her. A deep, instinctive reverence bloomed in her heart as she stared at the man before her.

This man… is my… God? Oh shit.