Editor and proofreader: Oceanblue

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Hit him?

For a brief moment, Gu Shenyuan’s intense headache eased, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He just stared at Ye Qingyun, dumbfounded. Ye Qingyun’s eyes were full of resolve, without a hint of nostalgia.

The man with the cigarette burst out laughing. “Hahaha, beauty, this so-called rescuer of yours isn’t worth a thing. Do you think this pretty face can protect you? Why not come with me? I’ll serve you tea and take you horseback riding. How does that sound?”

Ye Qingyun frowned, noticing Gu Shenyuan’s expression. “Are you not feeling well?” he asked, catching on belatedly.

Of all times, he had to feel unwell when trouble showed up—and these opponents were skilled. What if Gu Shenyuan couldn’t handle them?

Fortunately, it seemed these people were more interested in him than in Gu Shenyuan. He could distract them, giving Gu Shenyuan time to recover and come back to save him.

With this plan in mind, Ye Qingyun stepped in front of Gu Shenyuan and faced the two men. He subtly pushed Gu Shenyuan back, signaling him to make his escape.

With a haughty expression, Ye Qingyun looked at the man. “What kind of tea are you offering? If it’s not the finest, I don’t drink it.”

“Hahaha, no worries,” said the man with the cigarette, his eyes glinting with interest. “Only the best tea for you. Obey, and you’ll be treated like royalty.”

Ye Qingyun sniffed disdainfully, but behind his back, he nudged Gu Shenyuan again.

Push… no movement!

Gu Shenyuan was still incredibly strong, but why couldn’t he understand the signal to retreat?

Suddenly, Ye Qingyun felt an arm wrap around his waist as Gu Shenyuan pulled him close, his voice rough and low. “Fine. I’ll hit him.”

Ominous black mist gathered above, swirling down to engulf the two men and unleashing a brutal assault.

The man in black summoned his icy powers in retaliation, but the black mist dissolved it instantly, then struck his abdomen, making him grunt.

Damn it. He was a renowned assassin in the entire galaxy, and here he was, beaten by some no-name pretty boy in a backwater place!

Ye Qingyun let out a sigh of relief, sneering triumphantly, “Hah, you weakling. You wanted me to drink tea? Go eat dirt!”

He turned around, proudly leading Gu Shenyuan away.

It felt amazing having such a strong backup!

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The beautiful young man watched Ye Qingyun walk away, his eyes glinting with envy.

Why? Why did that person get to be protected, while he was humiliated?

He looked pretty good, too. If they could have it, so could he!

The young man gritted his teeth, ready to give chase when he heard the bruised and battered man on the ground speak.

“Wait, I can cooperate with you!” The man, his cigarette gone, spat out a mouthful of blood and clenched his teeth as he spoke.

The young man took advantage of their injuries, running to what he deemed a safe distance before scoffing, “Cooperate? What could we possibly cooperate on, and why should I trust you?”

Not long ago, this man was his enemy, and now he wanted to talk about cooperation.

“Because you want one of them, and I want the other,” the man said coldly. “Do you think just running up to them will work? Ha, that person is way more attractive than you. Without some special approach, do you think you can get him?”

This statement hit a nerve for the young man, who’d always relied on his looks and charm to get everything he wanted. Meeting someone more attractive than him was unsettling; he had to project confidence, but deep down, he felt insecure.

The young man hesitated but still questioned, “What sort of methods could you possibly have? You couldn’t even touch him!”

The man sneered, “So what if his powers are strong? I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve.”

In this era of interstellar technology, numerous methods have been developed to give those without powers—or those with weak ones—a fighting chance against the strong. However, these methods are costly and inaccessible to the average person.

But he wasn’t just anyone. As a wealthy heir, he lacked for nothing—except the man he desired.

“I’ll give you a temporary enhancement serum,” the man continued. “It’ll temporarily amplify your charm, making you appear even more alluring. As long as he shows a sliver of interest…well, I don’t have to tell you the rest, do I?”

The man thought to himself, ‘Let that beauty see his little lover’s betrayal, weeping as he finds comfort in my arms. By the time the guy realizes what’s happened, I’ll be long gone with his precious lover, leaving him to regret ever crossing me.’

The young man was swayed.

The person being protected was probably nothing special behind closed doors, just enjoying the attention. If he could instead entice that powerful figure into his embrace, surely he’d have the upper hand.

“Deal. But it’s a one-time thing,” the young man agreed.