The topic successfully veered off course, and Yan Zhen continued, “Three-Star isn’t enough. There’s still half a month until the Monthly Assessment. If you can break through to Four-Star Mystic Practitioner, you might be able to join us in Intermediate Class 1.”
That had been Yan Meng’er’s plan all along. However, she lacked sufficient pills for support, and she didn’t want to give up her chances to snuggle with her cousin. She had focused single-mindedly on cultivation instead, which caused her to fall behind.
If she could join the same class, they would spend even more time together. She could pass him notes during lessons and whisper secrets to him, making up for the regrets from her past life.
As things stood now, it almost felt like a pyrrhic victory.
Should she choose the immediate snuggles or the promise of even longer companionship in the future?
Yan Meng’er found herself trapped in a dilemma of her own making. Then Yan Zhen made the decision for her.
“It’s settled, then. Once Meng’er reaches Four-Star Mystic Practitioner, I’ll take you shopping for a new dress, treat you to delicious food, and we’ll visit the scenic spots. Until then, just focus on cultivating properly, okay?”
“That’s not the same thing at all! Cousin, you’re trying to trick Meng’er again. I’m not falling for it!”
Yan Meng’er was no fool.
Yan Zhen huffed.
“Anyway, Meng’er, you need to cultivate seriously. Otherwise, I won’t look after you anymore.”
“Meng’er will naturally listen to Cousin,” Yan Meng’er said, blinking her eyes as she clearly schemed. “But to give Meng’er more motivation, Cousin should show some encouragement too~”
“What do you have in mind?”
“If Meng’er focuses on cultivation, she won’t have time to keep Cousin company.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be cultivating too.”
“It’s not fine at all! If Meng’er doesn’t get close to Cousin every day, she’ll come down with a terrible itch all over her body.”
Yan Meng’er held up her slender index finger, her expression grave as she spoke with utter conviction.
Yan Zhen rolled his eyes at her. Are you Pinocchio or what?
“So?”
“So,” Yan Meng’er said, adopting a bashful pose on purpose, “Cousin needs to let Meng’er kiss him once every day. That will cure the illness caused by too much time apart. Hehe~”
Yan Zhen paused mid-bite, rubbing his forehead in headache.
“Why has my cousin turned into such a shameless little minx…”
Yan Meng’er lightly swatted his arm.
“Meng’er isn’t shameless! Meng’er only acts this way with Cousin because he’s one of a kind in her heart—the irreplaceable one.”
The girl delivered her heartfelt confession without a trace of shyness or restraint. She simply smiled sweetly.
Yan Zhen turned his head away, ignoring her.
The words sounded cheesy, but he couldn’t deny they made him happy deep down.
Who wouldn’t want to be cherished like that?
Yan Meng’er tugged at Yan Zhen’s arm pleadingly.
“Please, Cousin? If you agree to Meng’er’s request, she’ll cultivate seriously and catch up to everyone.”
Back when they had first met, Yan Zhen would never have agreed to such a thing.
But after spending so much time together, he had developed a genuine affection for his cousin.
She was sweet, adorable, and utterly devoted to him—even if that devotion veered into incestuous territory.
“Fine, but only on the cheek.”
“What about other places?”
“Cheek only. Take it or leave it. I’m not indulging you.”
“Meng’er agrees, she agrees…”
Yan Meng’er quickly consented, but her clear black-and-white eyes darted slyly as she thought to herself that lips counted as part of the face, right?
“Thank you, Cousin! You’re the best~”
With that, Yan Meng’er leaned in to plant a kiss on Yan Zhen’s cheek. Fortunately, he was on guard and blocked her with his arm, warning, “Your mouth’s all greasy. Stay away.”
Rejected, Yan Meng’er pouted resentfully and went back to eating her rice. She even reclaimed the piece of meat she had just picked up for his bowl and ate it herself.
“…”
Yan Zhen’s head truly ached now. At first, he had seen Yan Meng’er as nothing more than a minor villainess and paid her little mind. But after spending real time with her and treating her like family, her incestuous leanings made him uncomfortable.
Garo Kingdom permitted marriage between cousins, but in the Yan Family, the clan leader’s female cousins could only become concubines—far below the status of a proper wife. Yan Zhen naturally didn’t want that for her.
For her sake, and to stay true to his role as the protagonist, he needed to correct her tendencies somehow.
Normally, finding her a “sister-in-law” would solve it, but he couldn’t do that.
Maybe find someone suitable to play the part?
No, no—the script didn’t include that plotline. Better not stir up trouble and risk unintended consequences.
Whatever. He’d deal with it later. For now, the Subordination Collar around her neck ensured she couldn’t cause any real waves.
Yan Meng’er wolfed down a few more bites before rushing off to bathe. She clearly didn’t want to miss her chance to rub shoulders with her sister and mentor. Yan Zhen was left to leisurely finish the food on the table.
After eating his fill, Yan Zhen lit a lantern in the courtyard. He settled into a rattan chair under the tree, digesting his meal while gazing up at the starry sky.
Before long, the four women returned from their baths. Their hair was piled high, exposing slender jade necks. Their bodies still carried a faint mist of moisture, exuding a fresh, damp fragrance.
With the weather warming, they all wore thin, loose night robes.
The crossed fronts formed a V-neck, teasing glimpses of delicate collarbones and gently rising curves. Colorful sashes cinched their waists; the hems fell to their knees, but the high slits revealed legs with every step—smooth and luminous as polished ivory.
Though their outfits were similar, their auras differed greatly. Mentor Yu Xuan was gentle and serene, Yan Ruyu poised and graceful, Mi Xue’er lively and spirited, and Yan Meng’er coyly charming.
This modest courtyard had gathered all four of Mystic Academy’s Golden Flowers.
Dressed so casually and without reservation, the women clearly didn’t see the home’s sole male resident, Yan Zhen, as an outsider. Only he could witness such an alluring sight.
Yan Zhen felt for a moment like the protagonist of a harem power fantasy. In reality, though, he was playing the lead in a no-romance story. The contrast left his mood feeling strangely conflicted.
“Cousin, do we look good? Our night robes are all the same style but different patterns!”
True to form, Yan Meng’er eagerly showed off her cuteness. She pinched the wide sleeve with her small hand, rising onto tiptoe to spin before Yan Zhen. Her hem fluttered up, not only baring her pale, tender legs but even flashing a glimpse of her pink panties.
Her bold display brought blushes to the other three women’s cheeks. They inwardly envied her straightforward way of expressing her feelings.
But Yan Meng’er’s words drew Yan Zhen’s gaze from her to the others in turn.
Noticing his attention, Yan Ruyu shyly pressed her legs together and tucked in her hips. Mi Xue’er’s heart raced as she brushed her temple locks behind her ear on the evening breeze. Mentor Yu Xuan wrapped one arm around her waist, trying to conceal the slight plumpness there.
Each woman’s charm was unique.
As his eyes swept over them, Yan Zhen felt his blood surging. Before he could embarrass himself, he bolted.
“I’m off to bathe.”
The four women sensed his awkwardness. They exchanged glances and stifled their laughter.
