Chapter 266: Growing More Interested in Qian Ran

The Shrek team exchanged incredulous glances. While they had suspected that the Starlight Auction House had a powerful backing, they never imagined its ties would run so deep.

A princess serving as an auctioneer?

This could only mean one thing: the Starlight Auction House likely belonged to the Star Luo Empire's royal family.

They had initially assumed Qian Ran was in trouble.

Who could have guessed that, without any commotion, he would end up charming an imperial princess?

"So, we worried ourselves sick thinking Qian Ran had been captured by the Dai family, only for him to be off having fun?" Ma Xiaotao and the others glared at Qian Ran, their anger evident. In their eyes, Qian Ran already had more than enough admirers. Did he really need to keep adding to the list?

Ling Luochen, standing beside Ma Xiaotao, remained silent, sulking to herself. Seeing Qian Ran holding hands with Xu Jiujie left her feeling sour. She considered herself beautiful, so why hadn't Qian Ran shown any interest in her?

Was it because he didn't like her? Or was her aloof personality the issue?

"Should I be more proactive?" Ling Luochen thought, glancing at the other girls around Qian Ran. She noticed that most of them had outgoing personalities, while she was far too reserved. If she didn't make a move, would she simply fade out of Qian Ran's life after the Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament?

If Qian Ran had known Ling Luochen's thoughts, he would have laughed and reassured her. He wasn't ignoring her—he was just incredibly busy.

With no shortage of women by his side, Qian Ran saw no need to pursue Ling Luochen at the moment.

It wasn't that she wasn't beautiful; it was simply that Qian Ran didn't want to rush things.

To him, indulging in everything all at once would be wasteful.

Fine delicacies were meant to be savored slowly, not devoured in a single sitting.

Having just won over Ma Xiaotao and now Xu Jiujie, alongside the tempting allure of Cai Mei'er and the carefully prepared Ning Tian still waiting in the wings, Qian Ran felt he had plenty on his plate.

One, two, three, four.

Four dishes were enough for now.

While a grand feast might be impressive, most people could only enjoy a few dishes before feeling full. Anything more would only dull the experience.

Still, Qian Ran wasn't above plotting a little for the future. The idea of the icy Ling Luochen being smitten with him was undeniably appealing.

"I need to act soon, or Qian Ran's attention will be completely taken," Ning Tian thought, growing more anxious as she observed the newest addition to Qian Ran's circle of admirers. She didn't want to wait any longer—she wanted to be with him now.

Fortunately, she had already prepared her most alluring outfits, ones she was sure Qian Ran would love.

"Tch, this kid really is something. Even a princess isn't off-limits," Cai Mei'er remarked with a smirk. "But it looks like the Star Luo royal family is pushing this match. To win him over, they've gone to great lengths."

It was clear to Cai Mei'er that Xu Jiujie wasn't simply charmed by Qian Ran; the royal family's involvement was undeniable. Without their blessing, even if Xu Jiujie had feelings for Qian Ran, she would have kept them buried.

A princess couldn't marry just anyone on a whim.

What surprised Cai Mei'er was the royal family's enthusiasm.

Xu Jiujie was a top-tier princess in the Star Luo Empire—her talent and beauty were unparalleled. For the royal family to match her with Qian Ran so quickly was nothing short of astonishing.

It wasn't that Qian Ran wasn't worthy, but their relationship had just begun. How could they become so close in such a short time?

Cai Mei'er suspected the mysterious power behind Qian Ran played a significant role.

"What is the force behind Qian Ran?" she wondered. "It must be something extraordinary to produce an Ultimate Douluo of Extreme Ice, someone even Elder Xuan holds in awe. If that force also harbors an Ultimate Douluo, it's no wonder the Star Luo royal family is pulling out all the stops."

The more Cai Mei'er thought about it, the more intrigued she became.

Qian Ran was surrounded by mysteries, and her prideful nature made her determined to uncover them.

Her initial impression of Qian Ran came from Yan Shaozhe, who spoke so highly of him that she briefly considered taking him as a disciple. However, when she learned that Xian Lin'er had already claimed him, she had set the matter aside.

Recently, she had noticed a peculiar connection between Xian Lin'er and Qian Ran, which reignited her curiosity.

Now, with the Star Luo royal family's evident interest in him and his enigmatic background, Cai Mei'er's determination to unravel Qian Ran's secrets only grew stronger.

The world's major sects, even the elusive Holy Spirit Sect, were known to her to some degree.

But the sect backing Qian Ran was a complete mystery.

"This boy is hiding so many secrets," Cai Mei'er thought, a sly smile curling her lips. "No wonder Xian Lin'er fell for him. He has a charm other men lack."

Her gaze, playful and seductive, locked with Qian Ran's.

Qian Ran felt a chill run down his spine.

This woman was dangerous—an enchantress who radiated sensuality. Especially in her cheongsam, her curves never failed to captivate him. He couldn't help but imagine that even Zhu Lu, at her peak, might only match Cai Mei'er's level of allure. But Zhu Lu could never replicate Cai Mei'er's unique charm.

"That wicked woman… she was definitely teasing me on purpose earlier."

Today, Cai Mei'er wasn't dressed provocatively but wore a simple long robe. Yet, Qian Ran knew the allure hidden beneath the modest fabric.

He still had those images captured on his soul tool—Cai Mei'er lifting her skirt in a shy, tempting manner. The thought alone was enough to make his pulse race.

Cai Mei'er had no idea the soul tool Qian Ran had shown her earlier was a camera. If she had known, she would never have agreed to his request.

If Qian Ran were less principled, he could easily use those images to threaten her. Many yellow-haired villains in novels took that route. But Qian Ran, being an upright man, would never stoop to such despicable behavior.

(Chapter End)