Seeing Faye Mei finally back down, Ian Song gave a smug little smile. "Simple. You just have to agree to one condition."
"Are you threatening me?" Faye Mei snapped, her anger flaring.
"You could say that!" Ian Song replied, completely unfazed.
"Damn it, this little thief is shameless!" Faye Mei cursed inwardly, but she didn't dare provoke Ian Song any further. "Fine, say what you want. But don't go overboard—if it's too much, I'd rather die than agree!"
Ian Song said, "Relax, it's nothing outrageous. Once I let you out, you're not allowed to meddle in Snow Yue's business anymore. Go straight back to the Heavenly Melody Sect!"
"No way! Bringing Snow Yue back is the sect master's order—I can't defy it!" Faye Mei refused without hesitation.
Heh, looks like you still haven't tasted how tough I am. In that case, let me toss you somewhere even more fun!
As soon as he finished, Ian Song activated the formation. Instantly, Faye Mei saw the scene shift—she was now stranded in a vast yellow ocean. When she realized what the ocean was made of, she nearly fainted.
She was standing on a stone platform just three meters above the surface. To her horror, it was sinking steadily. In less than thirty breaths, the platform would be swallowed up by the yellow ocean.
"Quick, get me out of here!"
Faye Mei screamed.
"Will you agree to my condition now? Don't rush—you still have twenty-five breaths to think it over," Ian Song said with a teasing grin.
"I agree, I agree!" Faye Mei blurted out, no longer hesitating. If she fell into that yellow ocean, she wouldn't be able to go on living—and even if she survived, it would haunt her forever.
"Oh, and one more thing—you can't attack me after you get out!"
"No, I wouldn't dare—just get me out of here, please!" Faye Mei pleaded, her voice trembling and on the verge of tears.
In the next instant, Ian Song waved his hand. Faye Mei found herself out of the yellow ocean and back in the main hall. Glancing around, she spotted Ian Song and Snow Yue nearby.
Her first instinct was to lunge at Ian Song and kill him.
But the memory of that horrifying illusion made her freeze.
She gave Snow Yue a long, hard look. "I'm done meddling in your business. Take care of yourself."
With that, Faye Mei vanished in a blur.
"Ah, Aunt Mei's gone!"
Watching Faye Mei leave, Snow Yue was stunned. She hadn't seen what happened inside the formation, so she had no idea what Faye Mei had just endured.
That kind of illusion—never mind someone with a cleanliness obsession—even a normal person would break down if thrown into a yellow ocean like that.
"Well, Snow, you lost." Ian Song said lightly, steering the conversation away from the formation. He couldn't help wondering how he'd suddenly become so heavy-handed.
"So, what's your condition? Just say it."
Snow Yue admitted defeat without complaint. She wasn't happy about it, but Ian Song had just solved a huge problem for her.
Ian Song looked at her, putting on a serious face. "My condition is for you to agree to three more conditions!"
Snow Yue was dumbfounded, then got annoyed at Ian Song's shamelessness and shot him a glare. "Keep dreaming."
"Alright, I was just joking, Snow. Forget about conditions," Ian Song said with a laugh.
But Snow Yue wouldn't let it go. "No, you have to name one!"
"Then give me a kiss, Snow!" Ian Song said, grinning mischievously.
...You...! Snow Yue was both angry and embarrassed by Ian Song's request.
"See? I said to forget it, but you insisted. Now that I've named my condition, you're all flustered. Let's just call it off."
Smack!
Just as Ian Song finished speaking, Snow Yue suddenly darted over, planted a quick kiss on his cheek, and bolted out of the living room.
Ian Song touched the lingering warmth on his cheek and couldn't help but laugh softly.
"Huang, you're so shameless!"
Just then, Lynn Ning emerged from the back hall, giggling.
"You little rascal, how dare you call Huang shameless! Watch how I deal with you!" With that, Ian Song flashed over, scooped Lynn Ning into his arms, and planted a big kiss on her cheek.
Suddenly, Ian Song noticed something odd. Looking down, he saw Lynn Ning had gone completely limp in his arms, dazed and unable to even stand.
No way, I only kissed her cheek—why such a strong reaction?
"Are you alright, Ling?" Ian Song asked, worried.
"I'm...I'm fine!" Lynn Ning replied shyly. When Ian Song pulled her into his arms, she went weak all over, and when he kissed her cheek, it felt like her soul had floated away.
"Good, I'm glad. Sorry for being so impulsive just now."
"It's okay, I don't blame you, Huang."
Lynn Ning blushed and stood up from Ian Song's embrace, lowering her head and speaking softly.
Hearing this, Ian Song was momentarily stunned, a trace of guilt flashing in his eyes. Lynn Ning was truly adorable, but he'd killed her brother—he couldn't accept her love in good conscience.
Suddenly, Lynn Ning noticed Ian Song had gone silent. She peeked up and saw him frowning in guilt. She spoke up: "Don't blame yourself, Huang. I really don't blame you. Actually...actually I like it when you do that!"
Ah!
Ian Song snapped out of it and asked, "Ling, what did you just say?"
"I didn't say anything." Ling replied shyly, stomping her foot and running into the back hall.