"So, why did you come to me?"
"Well, I'm a teacher at Shrek Academy and somewhat in a senior position. If I went directly to the Spirit Hall, they might not take me seriously," Fan Yu said awkwardly.
Soul engineers were different from soul masters.
When it came to soul engineering knowledge, even the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy—let alone others with significant expertise—guarded their research fiercely, unwilling to share it with outsiders.
Though Fan Yu had a friendly relationship with Qian Ran, it wasn't particularly deep.
That was why he sought Zhou Yi's help. Zhou Yi was not only Qian Ran's homeroom teacher but also someone who had a close relationship with him. Leveraging that connection, Fan Yu hoped to join the Spirit Hall with a credible identity and avoid suspicion.
With his current status as a Rank 8 soul engineer, the Spirit Hall would likely nurture him into a Rank 9 soul engineer if they accepted him as one of their own. He wouldn't even need to ask.
However, if they perceived him as untrustworthy, he'd be relegated to menial tasks and never access their true knowledge.
Fan Yu knew Qian Ran's status in the Spirit Hall must be exceptional. If Qian Ran agreed to help, his path would be clear.
Realizing his connection with Qian Ran wasn't strong enough, Fan Yu turned to Zhou Yi for assistance.
"You mean to tell me you came all the way back just for this?" Zhou Yi asked, eyeing Fan Yu up and down.
Fan Yu scratched his head, a sheepish smile on his face.
"Fine. Tonight, invite Qian Ran over for dinner. I'll make a feast, and we'll see if we can talk to him about it," Zhou Yi said.
"Thank you, honey."
"I'll work hard to become a Rank 9 soul engineer. I'll make you the happiest woman in the world."
Fan Yu couldn't contain his excitement. If Qian Ran agreed, he would have one foot in the door of becoming a Rank 9 soul engineer. He had accumulated plenty of experience as a Rank 8 soul engineer and only needed advanced knowledge to make the leap.
Zhou Yi, on the other hand, simply rolled her eyes. Happiness? No need. I'm already happy enough with Qian Ran.
Zhou Yi leaned against the windowsill, a file lazily draped over her waist. Her crisp white blouse stretched taut over her ample chest, while her slender feet, encased in sheer black stockings, extended from fitted black trousers. The intricate patterns on the stockings disappeared into the pant legs, leaving an alluring mystery.
Her wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, with a few curled strands resting on her chest. Her wine-red heels lay discarded to the side, the scene as picturesque as an exquisite painting.
Qian Ran quietly admired her. Appreciation for beauty was a universal trait, after all.
Click.
Qian Ran captured the moment with his camera.
Lately, Zhou Yi had been especially obedient around him. The scene before him reminded him of the mature and dignified Zhou Yi from the past, sparking an unexpected surge of interest.
"Fan Yu still dreams of becoming a Rank 9 soul engineer. Should I help him or not?" Qian Ran muttered while scrolling through the photos of Zhou Yi in various poses.
"If he wants it that badly, you should help him. That way, I won't feel like I owe him anything anymore," Zhou Yi said, supporting herself against the wall with one hand while hooking a high heel with the other, her leg slightly lifted.
"Well, I suppose that works."
"Becoming a Rank 9 soul engineer does come at a cost, though. I wonder if Fan Yu can handle it," Qian Ran said with a mischievous smile.
Qian Ran had no animosity toward Fan Yu and wouldn't treat him the same way he treated Dai Hao.
But Zhou Yi? She was non-negotiable.
"He'll probably take it. It might be rough at first, but he'll get used to it," Zhou Yi replied nonchalantly. Never underestimate what people can adapt to. Zhou Yi herself had been like that. Initially, she felt guilty about her relationship with Qian Ran, but over time, that guilt faded.
"True."
Dai Hao had also resisted at first, even trying to kill him. Now? Not only his wife but also numerous nieces had been sent to serve Qian Ran as maids.
Ding dong.
The doorbell rang.
Fan Yu stood outside Qian Ran's expansive estate, utterly stunned. How much does this place cost? The sheer size of the property was one thing, but even the flowers and plants in the garden were rare and exotic.
As a Rank 8 soul engineer, Fan Yu wasn't exactly poor, but compared to this…
Is Qian Ran here to study or to live in luxury?
Fan Yu's jaw dropped further when he noticed several stunningly beautiful maids, clearly inexperienced, tending to the estate. These women were breathtaking, the kind who would turn heads anywhere—and they were just maids?
He didn't know that Huo Yun'er was currently training these noblewomen from the Dai family in the art of servitude. Today marked the start of their practical training.
Seeing this, Fan Yu's awe for Qian Ran grew. The man's background must be even more formidable than he'd imagined.
Ding dong.
The doorbell rang again, and a strikingly beautiful woman opened the door.
"And you are?" Fan Yu asked, startled by her resemblance to someone he knew. For a moment, he thought she might be Zhou Yi, but upon closer inspection, he let out a sigh of relief.
Of course not. Why would Zhou Yi be here?
"My father is inside, reading," the woman said, her voice trembling slightly as she recognized Fan Yu. She was terrified he might see through her disguise.
"I'm Fan Yu, a teacher from Shrek Academy's Soul Tool Department. Could you let him know I'm here?" Fan Yu stammered, his heart pounding at her casual use of the word "father."
Father? He really takes things to another level.
Fan Yu's gaze lingered on her curvaceous figure, her tight blouse and fitted trousers accentuating every line. He shivered slightly, muttering to himself, "If only Zhou Yi dressed like this. Maybe the stimulation would improve my condition."
Shaking off the thought, he followed her inside.
"Fan Yu, what brings you here? Come in, have a seat. Zhou Yi, make some tea for our guest," Qian Ran said with feigned surprise, casually patting Zhou Yi on the hip.
Fan Yu froze, staring at the woman again.
"Oh, this is my new girlfriend, Zou Yi," Qian Ran said nonchalantly.
(End of Chapter)