CHAPTER 59: WALL

The fatty reached them, panting slightly, sweat already beading on his brow.

"That girl’s my girlfriend!" he snapped, pointing at the unconscious waitress in Hei Long’s arms:

"Put her down right now!"

Hei Long raised a brow. "She fainted. I caught her. That’s it."

"Yeah right! Don’t act so noble! You did something to her, didn’t you?! That smile of yours—too charming! It’s dangerous!"

Hei Long blinked, then finally set the girl gently down in a nearby chair, making sure her head rested comfortably.

"Is this better?" he asked, brushing his hands together.

The fatty huffed, clearly unsure how to continue now that she was no longer in Hei Long’s arms--

But he kept going, unable to stop his momentum:

"Don’t think just ’cause you’re the Saint or whatever you can charm your way into every girl’s life! Some people actually work for their relationships!"

Behind, someone muttered, "Didn’t he confess to her yesterday, and she turned him down?"

"Twice," someone else whispered.

Ji Yao, still seated, glanced once at Hei Long, then returned to sipping her tea in perfect silence.

She didn’t so much as acknowledge the interruption.

Hei Long finally folded his arms and looked the fatty over.

"And you are...?"

"Zhao Chun!" the man declared proudly, placing a hand on his chest:

"Remember that name, because I’ll be a Core Elder one day, and then you’ll—!"

Hei Long was already tuning him out:

’Zhao Chun. Yup. 100% guaranteed this guy becomes Lin Fan’s loyal sidekick.’

Which meant—

Hei Long’s eyes flicked to the entrance.

Sure enough, in the next few days or Chapters, Zhao Chun would likely meet Lin Fan during a scuffle or "misunderstanding," they’d bond over something stupid, and boom—fate-bound brotherhood.

A classic.

But Hei Long had no interest in letting Lin Fan have any natural allies:

’I’ll keep him occupied.’

"Zhao Chun, was it?" Hei Long interrupted, offering a disarmingly warm smile:

"Why don’t you sit and have something to eat? On me."

The fatty blinked. "Huh?"

"You came all this way, after all," Hei Long added:

"Besides, I’m curious. Any man brave enough to shout at me in front of a hundred disciples deserves a bit of my time."

Zhao Chun stared at him for a long moment, caught between confusion and pride.

"...O-Okay then. But I’m watching you," he muttered, plopping down at the next table with a loud thump:

"Don’t think this means I like you."

Hei Long smiled. "Wouldn’t dream of it."

As Zhao Chun ordered food, still shooting occasional glares—

Hei Long returned to his seat opposite Ji Yao.

"Your thoughts?" he asked her lightly.

Ji Yao glanced toward Zhao Chun, then returned her gaze to Hei Long:

"...You attract strange people."

Hei Long chuckled. "You’ve no idea."

As the food finally arrived—steaming bowls of fragrant broth, crispy buns, and delicate side dishes—

Hei Long and Ji Yao began to eat in peace.

Their conversation was light and casual, the occasional dry comment from Ji Yao drawing quiet amusement from Hei Long.

Their chemistry was subtle, but undeniable.

Meanwhile, at the neighboring table, Zhao Chun was deep in battle—against the food.

He devoured his meal with unholy speed, cheeks stuffed like a squirrel hoarding for winter.

But then... something changed.

In the middle of biting into a meat bun, Zhao Chun’s chewing slowed.

His ears twitched.

And somehow—somehow—it felt like his ears grew larger. Sharper.

He had heard something.

More specifically, a name:

"...Lin Fan..."

Zhao Chun stopped eating completely.

Slowly, he set down his bun.

His narrowed eyes turned toward Hei Long and Ji Yao like a hawk spotting prey.

"Who," Zhao Chun said, voice low and curious, "is this Lin Fan you’re speaking of?"

Hei Long didn’t even flinch.

He had seen the hook set the moment Zhao Chun’s gluttony paused.

The bait was perfect.

’Too easy.’ Hei Long thought as he placed his cup down and turned to face the round young man.

"Hmm? Oh, Lin Fan..." Hei Long spoke calmly, as though discussing the weather:

"He’s just another outer disciple, like yourself. Ambitious, I suppose. But..."

He tilted his head slightly, voice dropping just enough to make it sound confidential:

"...he’s got a nasty reputation."

Zhao Chun leaned in unconsciously, his appetite temporarily forgotten:

"Go on..."

Hei Long cleared his throat:

"Known to chase after every woman he lays eyes on. Doesn’t matter who they are—taken, engaged, married, strong, weak. Friend’s girl? Doesn’t matter. He’ll still try."

Ji Yao sipped her tea in silence, not contributing—yet not interrupting either.

Zhao Chun blinked:

"...Wait. So he’s like a horny mutt?"

Hei Long nodded, expression unchanged. "Exactly my words, in fact."

Zhao Chun’s nose wrinkled in disgust:

"Bah! A man like that has no honor. No brotherhood! Such people shouldn’t have friends, let alone women!"

"Precisely," Hei Long said, letting his voice carry just the right tone of disappointment:

"That’s why I try to steer others away from him. Especially good-hearted people like you, Zhao Chun."

Zhao Chun straightened his back, puffing out his chest:

"Good-hearted? Heh... I am loyal! I’d never do that to a brother! If some dog tried stealing my girl, I’d flatten him!"

"Spoken like a true man of integrity," Hei Long replied smoothly, offering him a small toast with his tea cup.

Zhao Chun grinned and mirrored the gesture with his chopsticks like a toast:

"Thanks, Saint. You’re not so bad after all."

Hei Long smiled in return, sipping casually, while inside he was smirking.

There. A wall just went up between Zhao Chun and Lin Fan...

’Checkmate,’ Hei Long thought to himself.

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Author’s Note:

Hey everyone!

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With your support, I’m hoping to commission a stunning cover and official artwork of the main heroines—and yes, maybe even a few extra Lemon scenes for those of you who like things a little spicier.

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