After being inexplicably beaten by Mu Jin, Dai Huabin broke down. Tearfully, he made his way to the inner court to find Dai Yueheng.
Dai Huabin had nearly been tormented to death by Qian Ran and Zhou Yi back in the day, which was why he had sought refuge in Mu Jin's class. He had hoped to play on the rivalry between Mu Jin and Zhou Yi to regain some ground.
Who could have guessed things would turn out like this?
"I told you not to provoke Qian Ran! Do you think he's someone you can afford to cross?" Dai Yueheng snapped the moment he saw Dai Huabin, his anger palpable. If it weren't for Dai Huabin, he wouldn't have gotten into trouble with Qian Ran in the first place.
Qian Ran's background and abilities were leagues beyond theirs. Even Dai Yueheng had chosen to swallow his pride and back down. What was Dai Huabin holding onto?
"I didn't! I really didn't provoke him! It's Mu Jin who's giving me trouble. She keeps picking on me for no reason!" Dai Huabin wailed.
"Mu Jin and Zhou Yi are both Qian Ran's women. Ever since I got assigned to Mu Jin's class, she finds every excuse to call me into her office and beat me up."
Dai Yueheng froze at those words.
"Wait… what? Qian Ran… with Mu Jin?"
He was dumbfounded. He knew Qian Ran had a knack for winning over women, but it was one thing to charm students or peers—it was another to seduce academy teachers.
Back when Zhou Yi was Dai Huabin's homeroom teacher, many students, especially boys in their adolescence, harbored harmless crushes on her. But that's all they were: fleeting thoughts.
Even Dai Yueheng himself had never dared to entertain any serious ideas about Zhou Yi.
But Qian Ran wasn't just bold enough to think about it—he had done it.
And not just with one, but two teachers.
Weren't Mu Jin and Zhou Yi supposed to be at odds with each other? How had Qian Ran managed to win them both over?
The sheer audacity of it left Dai Yueheng stunned.
He couldn't deny it—every man liked beautiful women. He was no exception. But the rest of them merely admired from afar, too intimidated to act.
While everyone else cowered under the stern gazes of Mu Jin and Zhou Yi, Qian Ran had been busy enjoying himself with both of them.
"Qian Ran isn't someone we can afford to mess with," Dai Yueheng said after a long silence. "In a few days, come with me to apologize to him. Qian Ran can be reasonable. Once he forgives you, no one will trouble you anymore."
"...Fine," Dai Huabin muttered, hanging his head. He had hoped for some justice, but it was clear Dai Yueheng had no intention of standing up for him.
But apologizing to Qian Ran? Would that even work?
Without some sort of bribe or gesture, why would Qian Ran forgive him?
Little did Dai Huabin know, every advantage their family held had already fallen into Qian Ran's hands. The White Tiger Duke's estate was practically Qian Ran's in all but name.
At that very moment, Qian Ran was with Zhu Ying, Dai Hao's wife, at a luxury hotel.
Zhu Ying in a Wedding Dress
Zhu Ying had received a message that Qian Ran would be meeting her. Excited, she began dressing meticulously for the occasion.
She adorned herself with elaborate crystal accents that exuded aristocratic grace, amplifying her already noble and elegant demeanor. Her cascading black hair gleamed like liquid night, while a lace choker emphasized her slender, regal neck.
Her voluptuous figure stretched the limits of the white lace wedding gown she had chosen. The fabric clung to her curves, as though it might tear apart at any moment.
Zhu Ying was from the Zhu family, just like her niece Zhu Lu. Her figure was a testament to the family's genetic legacy, surpassing even Zhu Lu's in mature allure.
The sleeveless design of her gown left much of her ample chest exposed while tightly contouring her body to highlight every enticing curve.
The juxtaposition of her gown's purity and her seductive beauty created an irresistible contrast—a harmony of allure and innocence.
Dai Hao, sitting nearby, could only swallow nervously.
Though his physical capabilities had long since diminished, his refined taste remained. And Zhu Ying, in her current attire, was the epitome of temptation.
But...
This outfit wasn't meant for him.
It was for Qian Ran.
Dai Hao felt a stab of humiliation. Zhu Ying had never dressed like this for him, not once in all their years together. Yet here she was, preparing so meticulously for someone else.
Her wedding gown barely reached her thighs, revealing long, slender legs encased in silky white stockings. Her stockings were tightly fitted, the fabric faintly indenting her supple thighs. Beneath her gown's elegant train, the tantalizing "absolute territory" between her garter and hem was enough to drive any man mad.
Dai Hao clenched his fists.
He knew his circumstances left him powerless, but seeing Zhu Ying dressed so stunningly—for someone else—was a bitter pill to swallow.
"Are you angry?" Zhu Ying asked, her tone calm, almost indifferent.
"What's there to be angry about? This will happen again and again. You'd better get used to it," she added with a faint smile. "Besides, you don't even have the capability to feel anger anymore, do you? You're the one who personally offered up our daughter and niece to Qian Ran."
Her words cut like a knife.
Dai Hao's face turned a deep shade of red, his humiliation palpable.
It wasn't that Dai Hao lacked pride—it was that Qian Ran had left him no choice. It was either his dignity or his life, and he had chosen the latter.
As much as Dai Hao loathed the idea of surrendering his wife and family to Qian Ran, he was utterly helpless. Qian Ran's power was absolute, his allies unstoppable.
"You're useless," Zhu Ying said, casting him a disdainful glance. "When Qian Ran arrives, be on your best behavior. Otherwise, you'll regret it later."
To Zhu Ying, Dai Hao was nothing more than a tool—a means to spice up her dynamic with Qian Ran. Men liked a bit of theater, and Dai Hao's humiliation only added to the appeal.
Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang.
"He's here!" Zhu Ying exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. She practically skipped to the door, her heels clicking against the floor.
Opening the door, she greeted Qian Ran warmly, her eyes sparkling.
"Qian Ran, I've missed you so much!" Zhu Ying's voice was sweet and sultry. Her life had felt dull without his presence, and she was eager for his attention.
She quickly ushered Qian Ran inside, kneeling to help him remove his shoes.
Qian Ran's eyes widened as he took in Zhu Ying's wedding dress.
"Wow," he said, slipping his hand under the fabric. "You've outdone yourself, Zhu Ying."
"Brother Ran, welcome," Dai Hao said, forcing a smile as he approached.
But the moment Qian Ran's hand disappeared beneath Zhu Ying's gown, Dai Hao's forced composure shattered. His smile froze in place, his expression twisting into a mask of despair.
Ignoring him completely, Qian Ran pulled Zhu Ying close and entered the room, radiating dominance.
For the moment, Dai Hao's submissive behavior earned him a reprieve. Qian Ran chose not to humiliate him further—for now.
(Chapter End)