When Ethan Gray appeared carrying Yuna in his arms, the atmosphere outside was still somewhat eerie. Ethan Gray didn't bother to find out what was going on; he simply told Lynn Yee to go into the cave and pick Spirit Fruit—take as many as he could.
No one knew when Yuna would finally become fully human. For the sake of his future happiness, Ethan Gray naturally hoped to take all the Spirit Fruit back with him. He had already tried—strangely, his Spirit Power had no effect on Yuna, so he could only rely on these Spirit Fruit.
Lynn Yee alone could hardly carry much. Cynthia Qi glanced at Ethan Gray and then spoke to the group of young gentlemen, "Everyone, let's help out together!"
Of course, those young gentlemen were unwilling. Help out? Why should they? There was nothing in it for them. They couldn’t compete with Ethan Gray, and now they were supposed to help him move things? Did he really think they were that easy to push around?
But for Cynthia Qi’s sake, they decided to help anyway! At least it would leave a good impression on her. After all, everything they did now was just to win her favor.
And so, all the Spirit Fruit and Spirit Herb from the cave were transported to the Paradise Pavilion.
That day, Ethan Gray reaped the greatest reward, while those young gentlemen were left simmering with resentment.
Early the next morning, before Yuna had even awakened, someone came knocking at the door. Ethan Gray frowned, ignoring it.
But the person outside seemed very persistent. Yuna flicked her ears, clearly about to wake up. Seeing this, Ethan Gray’s face darkened in displeasure. He didn’t like being disturbed. Even though this was the Paradise Pavilion, he wouldn’t restrain his temper because of it.
With a wave of his palm, there was a loud "bang"—the door shattered.
"Ah..." a startled cry came from outside the door.
The person knocking was none other than Cynthia Qi, the eldest lady of Paradise Pavilion. Naturally, no one would stop her, and the only one who might—Lynn Yee—was busy directing the Ghost Gate people to move most of the Spirit Fruit away. These were things Ethan Gray intended to use gradually, so of course he wouldn’t leave them at Paradise Pavilion.
Ethan Gray’s palm was perfectly measured—not enough to make the person outside cough blood, but the splintered wood did leave a bloody scratch on Cynthia Qi’s face. Her veil fell, and her fair skin paled from fright. She bit her moist lower lip, her eyes misty as she looked at the man lounging lazily on the bed. That gaze held a hint of grievance, and with the scratch on her face, she looked all the more pitiable.
Ethan Gray’s face was full of impatience. He didn’t even bother to ask what she wanted. Instead, he gently stroked Yuna’s fur, his expression softening a bit as he watched her drowsy, half-awake state.
Cynthia Qi waited a while, but seeing no reaction from him and no hope he’d speak, she whispered, "Lord Dark, my cat is sick. The doctor can’t help. I’d like to ask for your help to take a look."
Upon seeing her rival, Yuna instantly became alert. She blinked at Cynthia Qi and asked in confusion, "Your cat is sick—why ask Big Bad to look at it? Big Bad doesn’t treat cats." Her eyes were as puzzled and innocent as could be.
Before Cynthia Qi could respond, Yuna continued, "Besides, who knows if a sick cat is contagious? If Big Bad catches something, can you afford to compensate?"
Cynthia Qi frowned slightly, showing no sign of anger, and gently explained, "I just thought that Lord Dark likes cats so much, he must know a lot about them."
Hearing this, Yuna lay on Ethan Gray’s chest and burst out laughing, "Big Bad likes cats?"
Cynthia Qi looked at Ethan Gray, then at Yuna. Her meaning was obvious—if he didn’t like cats, why would he eat and sleep with one? She had observed carefully and concluded that Ethan Gray truly liked Yuna, not just because she was a Divine Beast. So naturally, Cynthia Qi believed Ethan Gray liked cats. Even if he hadn’t before, he must have grown fond of them now!
She thought that since Ethan Gray treated Yuna so well, he wouldn’t be cruel to other animals. But she was wrong—Ethan Gray wasn’t polite to people, let alone to small animals.
Yuna understood her meaning and snorted coldly, "I may look like a cat, but I’m not a cat. I’m a unique Divine Beast!"
Ethan Gray coughed lightly, hiding his smile. The displeasure from being disturbed had vanished. If he didn’t have a purpose for coming to Paradise Pavilion, that earlier strike might have killed Cynthia Qi outright. He knew this woman was scheming and would be trouble.
Yuna glared at him, then turned to Cynthia Qi and said, "Don’t you know Big Bad hates cats the most? That black cat in the prince’s manor was almost skinned and stewed by him!" She was telling the truth—though the reason Ethan Gray hated the black cat was her, after all.
Yuna snorted inwardly. Trying to use a cat to get close to him? Didn’t she know Big Bad only liked her, this particular cat? If he dared to look at that other cat, she’d run off with it and leave him to regret it!
Fortunately, Ethan Gray didn’t know what she was thinking, or that innocent cat might not survive!
Cynthia Qi glanced at Ethan Gray. Seeing that he didn’t refute Yuna’s words, she frowned. But she had come prepared and wouldn’t leave so easily.
She really could keep her composure. Even with Yuna’s obvious hostility, her face showed no displeasure or embarrassment. Biting her lip, Cynthia Qi hesitated and said softly, "Lord Dark, may I speak with you alone for a moment? I have something very important to discuss." Her eyes pleaded with Ethan Gray, making her look so pitiful it was hard to refuse.
Ethan Gray’s eyes flickered; he was curious to hear what she wanted to say. As the eldest lady of Paradise Pavilion, Cynthia Qi surely knew more than she let on.
He glanced at Cynthia Qi, then gently played with Yuna’s ears, watching her flick them in response to the tickling, feeling quite pleased. His lips curled into a mischievous smile as he finally said softly, "Other than Miss Qi, it’s just me here." How could she not realize Cynthia Qi was trying to get rid of the kitten? But he had no intention of being separated from her—especially now, knowing there was another cat in Paradise Pavilion, he had to guard against his silly kitten being led astray by a stray.