Fan Yu was a man, and like many men, he understood the universal truth: the grass is always greener when it's someone else's wife.
A man might grow tired of his own wife, but another's wife? She'd never lose her appeal.
If Fan Yu wanted to maximize the benefits of the situation, divorce was the last thing on his mind—unless Qian Ran explicitly demanded it. Until then, why would he act rashly? He wasn't stupid.
This was strategy. This was vision.
Fan Yu had finally figured out how the game worked and was now playing it like a seasoned veteran.
Zhou Yi, on the other hand, was caught off guard by how quickly Fan Yu seemed to come to terms with the situation.
She had expected him to rage, to argue, or even to lash out physically. What she hadn't expected was for him to accept the truth so calmly.
"Fan Yu, I'm surprised. You've come around so quickly," Zhou Yi said, almost touched by his reaction.
"Helping you is helping me," Fan Yu replied with a shrug.
"By the way, don't tell Qian Ran that I know about… you two. Even if he suspects I've figured it out, as long as I pretend not to know, it'll all be the same," Fan Yu said cautiously.
Zhou Yi was stunned.
Does Fan Yu understand this dynamic better than I do?
It seemed men really were all the same.
Some dared to act on their impulses, while others could only fantasize about them.
"Don't worry. I've got it handled," Zhou Yi said, rolling her eyes while secretly breathing a sigh of relief. Whatever Fan Yu was thinking, this outcome was far more agreeable than the alternatives.
The more composed Fan Yu appeared, the less guilty Zhou Yi felt.
With everything now laid bare, Zhou Yi felt an enormous weight lift from her shoulders.
"I'm starving. I haven't eaten all day," Fan Yu said, grabbing the leftovers Zhou Yi had brought home from Qian Ran's estate and digging in voraciously.
The day's emotional turmoil had drained him, but now that his mind was clear, his appetite returned with a vengeance.
"Why is this food so salty?" Fan Yu muttered as he gulped down the congee. "And it tastes kind of… fishy. Does Qian Ran's chef not know how to cook?"
When Qian Ran arrived at Zhou Yi's home that evening, a lavish dinner spread awaited him.
Zhou Yi opened the door and ushered him in.
Fan Yu greeted Qian Ran with uncharacteristic enthusiasm, much to Qian Ran's surprise. Qian Ran had planned to intimidate Fan Yu into submission, but Fan Yu's accommodating attitude left him puzzled.
Noticing Zhou Yi winking at him, Qian Ran quickly pieced things together and felt quite pleased.
Fan Yu is leagues ahead of someone like Dai Hao. I like people who know their place.
Qian Ran had no desire to be the villain; as long as others cooperated, he wouldn't resort to force. Fan Yu had no grudge with him, and if Fan Yu could accept even this arrangement, why would Qian Ran push him further?
As Zhou Yi walked ahead of them, her fitted trousers accentuated her curves, drawing Qian Ran's gaze. Unable to resist, he reached out and grabbed her hips with both hands.
"Mm."
Zhou Yi let out a soft hum, her face flushing slightly.
Fan Yu instinctively turned his head toward the sound, just in time to see Qian Ran's hands firmly gripping Zhou Yi's hips.
For a moment, their eyes met.
Fan Yu froze, his face darkening instantly.
In theory, pretending to be blind and continuing to flatter Qian Ran was the best choice. But in practice? Seeing another man openly touching his wife sent a stabbing pain through his heart.
But Fan Yu quickly composed himself, forcing his eyes away and pretending he hadn't seen anything.
Qian Ran, taken aback, had expected an outburst from Fan Yu. Even he felt a twinge of guilt. After all, no matter how much power one wielded, doing something like this in front of the husband was nerve-wracking.
"Qian Ran, let me propose a toast to you," Fan Yu said suddenly, raising his glass.
"Qian Ran, I had no idea you were the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall. Your status far surpasses us mere teachers."
"…"
Fan Yu kept the conversation flowing, his tone cheerful and flattering.
"Qian Ran, Zhou Yi and I will be counting on you in the future. Having an outstanding student like you is the greatest pride of any teacher."
"Of course, I'll take good care of Teacher Zhou Yi," Qian Ran replied, raising his glass with a knowing smirk.
"The hell! You only talk about taking care of Zhou Yi. What about me? I swear, if I join the Spirit Hall, my life's going to be miserable," Fan Yu cursed internally.
Despite his frustrations, Fan Yu continued to pour drinks and offer compliments. Yet Qian Ran gave no clear response, leaving Fan Yu feeling increasingly anxious.
"Oh no, I dropped my chopsticks," Qian Ran said suddenly, letting them roll under the table.
"You two keep drinking. I'll get them," Zhou Yi said, her face reddening slightly as she ducked under the tablecloth.
Ten seconds passed. Then thirty. One minute. Five minutes.
Fan Yu watched the clock, bewildered. How long does it take to pick up chopsticks?
As realization dawned, tears welled up in his eyes. What else can I do but forgive her?
After all, he saw nothing. Asked nothing. Knew nothing.
Meanwhile, beneath the table, Zhou Yi knelt, her delicate shoulders supporting Qian Ran's legs.
Seeing Fan Yu endure this, Qian Ran was finally at ease.
Is this guy a ninja turtle? His tolerance is insane.
Qian Ran was deeply impressed—and slightly disturbed.
"Fan Yu, are you serious about joining the Spirit Hall?" Qian Ran asked, steering the conversation back to business. Fan Yu had been so accommodating that Qian Ran felt obligated to offer something in return.
"I'm absolutely serious. If I join the Spirit Hall, I'll dedicate myself entirely to its interests. I swear I'll never have divided loyalties," Fan Yu said eagerly, his face lighting up with hope.
With Qian Ran's backing, his path within the Spirit Hall would be much smoother.
"Very well. Since you've shown such sincerity, I'll make sure you don't leave empty-handed. Join the Spirit Hall, and you'll be placed directly in a management role," Qian Ran said after a moment's thought.
The Spirit Hall lacked manpower, and someone of Fan Yu's caliber would rank just below Qian Renxue.
Fan Yu couldn't return to Shrek Academy after this, but that hardly mattered to him.
"Thank you! That's all I could ask for," Fan Yu said, overjoyed. With Qian Ran's promise, he could finally see a clear path to becoming a Rank 9 soul engineer.
Even as a Rank 8 soul engineer, without proper guidance, his chances of advancing were slim. But with Qian Ran's support, the journey became feasible.
"Fan Yu, I think I've had a bit too much to drink. Mind if I stay the night?" Qian Ran asked, setting down his glass.
"Huh?" Fan Yu blinked. Does this guy look drunk at all?
"No problem. I'll sleep in the living room; you can take my room," Fan Yu said, suppressing his frustration.
(End of Chapter)
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