Chapter 011: Believing in the Young Lord’s Character (or: The Art of Self-Deception)

Su Qingge had not spoken impulsively. Her confession was the result of careful deliberation.

She was an intelligent woman. Furthermore, the second soul residing within her possessed an innate, ancient wisdom, often strategizing and devising solutions for her from the shadows.

But Gu Changge was an enigma.

His authority was suffocating. Sometimes he was cold and indifferent, looking down on the world like a distant god. Other times, he wore a playful expression, as if mocking all living beings. He was impossible to read.

He was nothing like Ye Chen, whose intentions were as clear as a blank sheet of paper.

And that was precisely why Su Qingge felt so unsafe.

With no other options, she had to demonstrate absolute sincerity.

The Taiyin Xuancha Body. It was a supreme “Cauldron Physique,” a cultivation resource that could drive the world mad. Once exposed, she would be hunted by countless old monsters seeking to plunder her essence.

By handing this fatal weakness to Gu Changge, she was proving that she dared not harbor any disloyalty.

Su Qingge knew that a man of Gu Changge’s depth would understand the weight of this offering. Now, everything depended on his reaction.

“The Taiyin Xuancha Body… You are simply handing over the knowledge of such a supreme Cauldron Physique to me?”

Gu Changge’s voice was flat, betraying no emotion.

Su Qingge lowered her head, her voice soft but firm. “Qingge has great faith in Young Lord Gu’s character.”

It was, of course, a polite lie.

What “character” did Gu Changge have? He was deep, scheming, and unpredictable—the very definition of a villain. She couldn’t see through him at all.

“Insincere,” Gu Changge scoffed lightly.

Su Qingge pursed her lips, remaining silent.

Gu Changge swept a glance over her.

Standing before him was a heroine crafted to perfection, a woman whose beauty and intellect commanded admiration. Her features were exquisite, her eyes like autumn waters, her skin glowing with the luster of fine jade. The faint trace of anxiety on her face only added to her allure.

To be honest, Gu Changge was no saint.

In this situation, he hadn’t coerced her, nor had he persuaded her. She was offering herself up voluntarily. It was mutual consent. It was practically the law of nature to accept.

System, in a situation like this where she delivers herself to my doorstep… if I eat her, I won’t suffer a Providence Backlash, right?

Gu Changge prioritized his survival above all else. The sky was vast, but his life was paramount. Unless he was safe, he couldn’t care less about Su Qingge’s internal thoughts.

Protagonists aimed for the heart. He was a Villain; naturally, he aimed for the body.

Previously, he had hesitated to “force the melon” due to the risk of backlash. But now the melon had fallen off the vine and rolled right to his feet.

[Given the Heroine’s current Providence status, she has not truly submitted to the Host. If relations occur now, there is a high probability of suffering a Providence Backlash.]

The System’s explanation was clinical.

Fine. I should have expected that.

Damn Heavens. Damn Providence.

And somewhere in the far East, the Great Beast of Censorship is probably watching me, waiting to strike.

The outcome was within Gu Changge’s expectations.

Externally, his expression didn’t shift by a millimeter. He maintained his mask of aloof indifference.

“Regarding the matter of the Taiyin Xuancha Body… I will pretend I never heard it. If Holy Maiden Qingge wishes to use her body to sway my judgment, then please return.”

Gu Changge looked at her with a perfect blend of three parts indifference and three parts disdain—as if to say, ‘I am dedicated to the Dao; take your temptations elsewhere.’

“Young Lady, please have some self-respect.”

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

At this moment, even I have to admire my own acting skills.

If the System had a consciousness, it would undoubtedly be cursing Gu Changge for his shamelessness right now. Who was the one drooling over her body just a second ago?

“Young Lord Gu…”

Su Qingge froze. Her peerlessly beautiful face was a mask of utter astonishment.

She had come here today prepared for the worst. Although she wasn’t willing, and felt a deep sense of humiliation, she saw it as her only path to survival.

But Gu Changge’s rejection left her completely bewildered.

And then, a wave of immense relief washed over her.

“This Gu Changge… he truly is unfathomable. I cannot guess his thoughts at all…”

The voice of her other soul echoed in her mind, mirroring her own confusion.

“Young Lord Gu did not take advantage of my precarious position. It seems… I misjudged him before.”

“With such character… perhaps I was being petty-minded.”

…

After bidding farewell and leaving the great hall, Su Qingge couldn’t help but reflect on the encounter.

For some reason, her mood felt significantly lighter. The heavy cloud of doom that had hung over her for days had dissipated.

Thinking back carefully… What exactly did Young Lord Gu do wrong that day in the Great Hall?

And on the night I was sent to his palace, he simply ignored me. He didn’t touch me.

Is it not normal for a man of his stature to be guarded and deep? I myself am usually burdened with heavy thoughts.

A sudden pang of guilt struck her.

Why did I assume Gu Changge was a villain based on first impressions?

[Ding! Su Qingge’s perception has shifted. Luck Points +20. Destiny Points +100.]

…

Meanwhile, inside the hall.

The System prompts chimed incessantly in Gu Changge’s mind.

Hearing them, he felt a twinge of speechlessness.

Is Su Qingge brainwashing herself? Is she actively conquering her own defenses?

Well, stumbling into success is still success.

He hadn’t expected the method for increasing his own Luck Points to come from the Heroine’s overactive imagination.

Regardless, today had been a massive harvest. He had earned a fortune in Destiny Points without lifting a finger.

Four hundred… two hundred… one hundred.

All in all, I’ve farmed seven hundred Destiny Points from this interaction.

Ye Chen’s Luck Points had plummeted to the low three hundreds. For the “Son of Providence,” today was an absolute disaster.

Gu Changge was in an excellent mood.

He wasn’t in a rush to spend the seven hundred points. He planned to save them until the System Shop unlocked to see what goodies were available. He didn’t lack cultivation techniques, but who would say no to something stronger?

Now that the groundwork is laid… it’s time to make a move on Ye Chen’s Master.