Chapter 265: The Shrek Team Is Shocked—Qian Ran and the Princess...

Even Qian Ran hadn't expected Xu Jiujie to be this clever.

"All done."

"Mm." Xu Jiujie exhaled a small sigh of relief, her mind replaying the scenes that had just unfolded, filling her with waves of shyness.

Her inadvertent display of bashfulness made Qian Ran feel tempted again, but he suppressed his desires. He didn't want to rush things with Xu Jiujie, even though her unique blend of elegance and rare allure was nearly impossible to resist.

"No, stop," Xu Jiujie said, her face flushed as she gently pushed Qian Ran away, afraid he might act impulsively again. While she didn't mind being close to him, this wasn't her private chamber.

If someone barged in, how would they explain the situation?

Looking down at her legs and feet wrapped in stockings, Xu Jiujie felt an overwhelming sense of embarrassment.

She never thought the knowledge imparted by the palace maids would come in handy so soon.

In the past, she had listened to their lessons with innocent confusion, not fully understanding their implications. But now, everything was perfectly clear.

"Apologies, I got carried away. You're just so beautiful, Jiujie," Qian Ran said with an awkward smile.

"It's not your fault. It's my duty," Xu Jiujie murmured softly.

Her gentle response deeply moved Qian Ran, and he couldn't resist hugging the graceful and noble princess again.

"Aren't you leaving soon? Your friends must be waiting for you," Xu Jiujie said, her expression tinged with sorrow as she clutched Qian Ran's sleeve, reluctant to let go.

Though their time together had been brief, she had already developed feelings for him.

As she gazed at Qian Ran's handsome face and perfectly sculpted figure, her heart was filled with both anticipation and unease. The thought of him leaving left her with a sense of loss.

"Then maybe I won't leave," Qian Ran teased, burying his face in her silky, fragrant hair. He inhaled her intoxicating scent, unwilling to part so soon. If it were up to him, he would have stayed in the room with her for days, immersing himself in her presence.

Xu Jiujie giggled. "If you don't go, your teachers might storm in here thinking the royal family has detained you. I wouldn't want the Starlight Auction House to be demolished by the powerful figures backing you."

She smiled knowingly. Qian Ran had recently clashed with the Dai family, and now he was summoned by the royal family. The Shrek team was likely on edge, worrying about his safety.

After all, Qian Ran was under the academy's protection and held in high regard.

Unaware of the cooperation between Qian Ran and the Star Luo royal family, it was only natural for Shrek Academy to be concerned.

"Besides, I'm part of this year's Star Luo Academy team for the competition. We might meet on the battlefield," Xu Jiujie added playfully.

"Then I'll go easy on you," Qian Ran replied with a grin.

"Don't underestimate me. I'm not weak," Xu Jiujie huffed lightly, her curiosity about Qian Ran's strength piqued. She had read reports about his abilities, but reading about them was no substitute for seeing him in action.

"Alright, I won't underestimate you. Even if you're lacking, I'll make sure you improve," Qian Ran said affectionately, stroking Xu Jiujie's hair. Her golden hair ribbons complemented her charming and radiant appearance.

"Let me change, and I'll escort you out," Xu Jiujie said, retreating to a smaller room and locking the door.

When Xu Jiujie finally led Qian Ran outside, the Shrek team had been waiting anxiously.

Their concern had only grown when Qing Ya informed them that Qian Ran had been taken away by the manager of the Starlight Auction House.

Given that Dai Hao, a duke of the Star Luo Empire, held considerable power, the team worried that Qian Ran's conflict with the Dai family might escalate.

Cai Mei'er, meanwhile, had quietly arrived, her eyes filled with cold determination.

If anything happened to Qian Ran, the promises he had made to her would be rendered meaningless. Moreover, Qian Ran was one of Shrek Academy's most outstanding talents. Cai Mei'er's mission in Star Luo City was to protect the academy's prodigies. If Qian Ran were harmed under her watch, she would have no face to return to Shrek.

Qing Ya was astonished by the sheer number of Shrek's talents and powerhouses rallying behind Qian Ran. She was even more shocked to learn that Cai Mei'er was a senior elder of the academy.

"There's no need to worry. We at the Starlight Auction House would never allow harm to befall our esteemed guests," Qing Ya said cautiously, attempting to reassure them.

"Hmph. Let's hope your words are true. If anything happens to Qian Ran, Shrek Academy will hold you accountable," Cai Mei'er replied coldly. If not for the royal family's involvement, she would have barged in herself.

Qing Ya was at a loss, unsure how to handle the situation.

"Dean Cai, there's no need to trouble Qing Ya. I'm perfectly fine," Qian Ran's voice rang out as he emerged with Xu Jiujie. Hearing Cai Mei'er's worried tone, he realized his team had been waiting for him all along.

He had assumed they had already returned, unaware that they were still here. His extended stay was due to his playful interactions with Xu Jiujie, which had delayed him.

"Qian Ran!"

Cai Mei'er let out a sigh of relief upon seeing Qian Ran unharmed, but her relief quickly turned to anger. While she had been on edge, Qian Ran had been off flirting with the women at the auction house. This shameless scoundrel!

"Is this young lady one of your auctioneers?" Cai Mei'er asked, her sharp gaze falling on Xu Jiujie. Even she couldn't help but admire Xu Jiujie's exceptional beauty and demeanor, which were rare even among the nobility.

Though Qian Ran had a roguish streak, he undeniably had a knack for attracting remarkable women.

The other Shrek girls, however, began murmuring their disapproval, their expressions tinged with jealousy. They had genuinely feared for Qian Ran's safety, only to discover he had been busy charming yet another beauty.

Qing Ya quickly stepped forward to explain, "Miss Jiujie is not just any auctioneer. She is the chief auctioneer of the Starlight Auction House and the only gold-tier auctioneer in our ranks. Typically, she only dons her golden attire for special occasions. Additionally, Miss Jiujie is the younger sister of His Majesty, the Star Luo Emperor. However, she has always maintained that her role at the auction house is simply that of an auctioneer, so we do not address her as 'Your Highness' while she is here."

(Chapter End)