Chapter 37: The Clash Between Beast Tamers

Gu Lin’s formidable mental power and his imposing Imperial military uniform radiated an undeniable sense of intimidation. The males who had been soothed by Yun Fu and were eager to speak with her did not dare to get even an inch closer. They could only watch, ears drooping in disappointment, as she was escorted away under Gu Lin’s protection.

As for Xiao Yi, although he had no formal relationship with Yun Fu, he felt a strange, guilty prickle whenever he saw Gu Lin, as if he were a mistress caught by a primary spouse. The sight made him want to hide. Once the two had boarded their aircraft, Xiao Yi emerged from the corner and ruffled his hair in frustration. Why was he feeling guilty? It was Yun Fu who had pursued him, not the other way around. Yet, despite him dressing up specifically every time he went out these past few days, Yun Fu had not sought him out once. It left Xiao Yi utterly confused. Was her previous pursuit a charade, a mere game? Or was she simply using him to provoke that cold-blooded black dragon? He felt annoyed; in truth, he wouldn't have minded being a plaything or a tool, provided Yun Fu had been more focused and consistent—she shouldn't have just played with him halfway and cast him aside.

Yun Fu had no idea that this "fish" actually wanted to jump back into her pond.

Upon returning to the villa, they found Qin Min back from the research institute, sitting in the living room preparing cold-brewed tea. Seeing them arrive, he handed a glass to Yun Fu, explaining that it was a white tea newly cultivated by the institute and asking for her opinion. Yun Fu watched the ice cubes melt as the tea leaves unfurled in the glass, accented by pieces of lychee. She took a sip; the fragrance of the tea was refreshing, complemented by the sweetness of the fruit. It was delicious.

Yun Fu enjoyed the taste and drank two glasses, bringing a soft smile to Qin Min’s eyes. They chatted about the progress of the soothing perfume and some of the exotic new plants at the institute. Gu Lin sat by Yun Fu’s side, listening in silence. He peeled dried fruits for her as a snack, occasionally observing Qin Min’s tea-making process with a studious air.

After a while, Yun Fu showed them both an invitation to a banquet on her smart terminal. "I've been working so much lately; I thought I’d attend this banquet to relax. Which of you would like to go with me?"

Though called a banquet, it was essentially a social gathering hosted by a bored female—a regular occurrence designed to provide females with a space to socialize and have fun. Gu Lin and Qin Min glanced at the invitation; the host was a well-known socialite in the Empire, so there were no concerns.

"Let Qin Min go with you," Gu Lin said, his dark eyes fixed on her. "My mental contamination levels are high, and I am currently in a semi-beast state; it is not suitable for me to be in a place with so many females." While he longed to be by her side every moment, he refused to let his own desires cause her even the slightest trouble.

Qin Min was surprised that Gu Lin had voluntarily revealed his own shortcomings to concede the opportunity. Lately, the man had been incredibly clingy; at times, Qin Min suspected he was intentionally acting vulnerable to win Yun Fu’s pity and receive soothing sessions—a privilege he himself had yet to enjoy.

"Gu Lin is right," Qin Min said with a faint, mocking smile. "Bringing a beast-husband in a semi-beast state might frighten the other females and cause you to lose face at the banquet. In fact, Commander Gu, it is best if you stay home. I can pick you up from work on my way back from the institute."

He was even trying to steal the chance to collect her.

Gu Lin’s gaze turned icy. "There is no need. I still have enough self-control. Your concern is unnecessary."

Yun Fu was somewhat accustomed to the intermittent friction between the two males. She ate a piece of dried fruit, soothing both sides with a single sentence: "Then Qin Min will go to the banquet with me, and Gu Lin, you wait at home. When I return, I will give you a soothing session."

The two men declared a truce. Qin Min then inquired with interest if Yun Fu had prepared a gown, as he needed to coordinate his attire. That way, everyone would see they were a pair, preventing any single, wandering peacocks at the banquet from showing off. Yun Fu shook her head; she had just received the invitation, so how could she have prepared a gown yet?

Seeing this, Gu Lin sent a message. Moments later, he pulled up images of handcrafted evening gowns on his smart terminal and presented them to Yun Fu, leaving the choice entirely to her.