Chapter 332: Dai Hao Is Stunned—That Woman Is... Zhu Ying!

"Why do I feel like you're especially excited—no, extra bold—because Dai Hao is here?" Qianran teased, delivering a playful slap to Zhu Ying's perky backside, leaving a red mark.

"I'm not!" Zhu Ying retorted, her breath uneven. "I'm just worried he'll find out."

"What if that useless Dai Hao finds out?" Qianran sneered disdainfully. "What can he do? Does he think he can grow wings and fly?" In Qianran's eyes, Dai Hao was nothing but trash—not worth his respect or time. And to think he still dreamed of currying favor? He should just keep dreaming. None of the Dai family fools were worth anything in his eyes.

Dai Yueheng, though... If Zhu Ying could satisfy him well enough, Qianran might consider pulling some strings for him. After all, Dai Yueheng was practically like a godson to him now.

"You'd look stunning in a JK uniform with how bold you are," Qianran smirked. It was a shame he didn't have one on hand, but he could get a few custom-made for Zhu Ying later.

The top would be cropped to reveal her midriff, the pleated skirt short enough to tease, and paired with white socks to complete the look. It would be perfect.

"JK? What's that?"

"You'll see soon enough."

"Fine. As long as you like it, I'll wear whatever you want."

"Later, I'll get him drunk. Then you can come over."

"Ugh, you're so daring! I don't dare come!"

"If you don't, Dai Huabin and Dai Yueheng might not have it so easy when I return to the academy."

...

Dai Hao didn't continue eavesdropping. He was afraid that the fragile truce he'd just managed to establish with Qianran would break again. After all, this was clearly a personal matter for Qianran.

Dai Hao wasn't afraid of Qianran himself—it was the organization behind him, the Spirit Hall, that gave him pause.

In the Star Luo Empire, the Spirit Hall was as influential as the Body Sect was in the Heavenly Soul Empire. Such a sect's power far surpassed that of his White Tiger Duke's mansion. Even he had to tread carefully, lest he provoke them and suffer their retaliation.

The Dai family's position was becoming increasingly precarious. With a new ally in place, the emperor might not even see a need to keep them around anymore.

Wasn't it telling enough that the Zhu family hadn't sought retribution against Qianran? Rumor had it they were trying to win Zhu Lu over, offering her privileges that surpassed even those of core disciples.

It was clearly a gesture of goodwill toward Qianran and, by extension, the Spirit Hall behind him.

The Star Luo Empire now understood the might of the Spirit Hall. But with its powerhouses as elusive as dragons, even arranging a visit was next to impossible. For now, Qianran was the only available connection.

Unfortunate as it was, the Spirit Hall was currently a hollow shell. Finding its members was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Returning to the table, Dai Yueheng was already asleep, and Qianran continued drinking with Dai Hao. Thanks to the vitality boost from the Golden Life Essence, Qianran was unaffected by the alcohol.

Soon enough, Dai Hao was nodding off, slurring incomprehensibly.

"Marshal Dai, wake up," Qianran said, shaking his shoulder.

Dai Hao, too drunk to open his eyes, let out a loud hiccup, muttering something incoherent.

Outside the room, Zhu Ying peeked in, her watery eyes sparkling as they met Qianran's gaze.

"Dai Hao never uses spirit power to counter alcohol when he drinks. He's had so much he won't wake up anytime soon," Zhu Ying said knowingly. She was clearly familiar with Dai Hao's habits. Soldiers like him believed that sobering themselves with spirit power spoiled the fun of drinking. Unless he was out on campaign, Dai Hao never let his guard up to that extent.

"You're not drunk?" Zhu Ying asked curiously.

Qianran had downed plenty but showed no signs of intoxication. Normally, even if spirit power was used to clear one's head, the sheer amount of alcohol should have dulled his senses at least somewhat.

"I can drink a thousand cups and never get drunk."

Qianran grabbed a chicken leg from the table, taking a big bite. He'd been too focused on getting the two Dai family fools drunk to eat earlier, and his stomach was growling.

"Come here," he said, waving the chicken leg at Zhu Ying.

She closed the door with a coquettish smile and slipped out of her cheongsam, revealing her stunning figure clad in a black bikini.

Under Qianran's excited and amused gaze, she sank to her knees, crawling toward him on all fours.

Glancing at the unconscious Dai Yueheng, Qianran smirked. "I almost want to wake him up so he can see how wild you are."

"Don't!" Zhu Ying gasped, horrified.

"Relax. I wouldn't want my precious darling to be seen by anyone else—not even Dai Yueheng," Qianran said, lifting her chin and prying her lips open.

He raised a glass, slowly pouring the wine into her mouth.

Her throat moved rhythmically as she swallowed, the sight of her graceful neck sending a wave of satisfaction through Qianran.

"Put this on," he said, retrieving a short skirt from his storage soul tool to replace her slightly disheveled cheongsam.

Wearing the skirt, Zhu Ying perched in Qianran's lap, feeding him wine.

She knew Qianran would leave soon, so she indulged his every whim tonight. She had no idea when she'd see him again—or if she ever would.

She feared he might forget her entirely once he was gone. Without him, what would her life become? Her body was already addicted to his presence; just seeing him made her go weak.

"When you're back at the academy, could you look after Huabin and Yueheng for me? If they upset you, don't take it to heart. I'll make it up to you."

"Sure. Keep me satisfied, and no one will dare touch them."

"You're the best, Daddy," Zhu Ying cooed, wrapping her arms around his neck. She wasn't some naïve girl—she knew exactly how to stroke a man's ego.

"Hahaha, good girl, Yingying. I'll treat my two darling grandsons well," Qianran laughed, smearing a dollop of cream onto Zhu Ying's face before kissing it away. Her daring demeanor was something he thoroughly enjoyed. Too bad Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er weren't nearly as bold. Zhou Yi, though—he'd have to try his luck back at the academy.

Zhu Ying didn't mind how Qianran referred to Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin. As long as he treated them kindly, nothing else mattered.

Meanwhile, Dai Hao, passed out on the table, had a strange dream. He heard peculiar noises—sounds that grew increasingly familiar.

In a hotel room, Qianran was embracing a voluptuous woman, their intimacy evident. The woman's seductive voice was unmistakable, and the half-revealed face in the kiss was all too familiar.

"Dai Hao, what are you looking at?"

"Doesn't she seem familiar? Want to know who she is?"

Qianran turned his head, forcing the woman's flushed face toward Dai Hao.

The sight made Dai Hao's mind buzz.

It was his wife—Zhu Ying!

Dai Hao jolted awake, lying in his own bed. He exhaled deeply.

"It was just a nightmare?" he muttered, relieved. But the vividness of that dream still sent chills down his spine.

(End of Chapter)