Chapter 61: Wine Bewitches the Heart Part 1

Wang Ya knew she had drunk a bit too much; her head spun and her vision blurred, yet her mind felt clearer than usual, sharper even. She knew she had revealed her demonic form, and she had heard Old Tang and Old Wu’s conversation crystal clear, which drew a burst of low, involuntary laughter from her. Could she really have mesmerized the calculating Zhang Qingshui, who could scheme others into paths they knew were traps, and Huang Qi, who possessed Heart-Eye Vision? At this table, aside from her dad praising how pretty she had become, who didn’t see her as a demon?

Zhang Qingshui, sitting beside Wang Ya, snatched the wine cup from her hand and said, “Wang Ya, you’re drunk. I’ll take you back to your room.” She supported Wang Ya as they headed out of the courtyard.

Only after standing up did Wang Ya realize just how much she had drunk; she could barely stay on her feet, her mind reeling in waves of dizziness. She didn’t want to be held up by Zhang Qingshui, much less lean into her embrace. She forced herself upright several times, pulling away from Zhang Qingshui, only to collapse back into her arms after another dizzy spell.

When Zhang Qingshui helped Wang Ya to the doorway, Old Tang and Old Wu asked if she needed help. Zhang Qingshui replied, “Thanks, no need.” Years of training gave her the strength to support someone weighing just over a hundred jin. Most crucially, Wang Ya had now revealed her demonic form, her lethal allure skyrocketing. Old Tang and Old Wu were still in their prime, and Chinese men had harbored those “unresolved feelings for demons” or “unresolved feelings for ghosts” since ancient times. Fortunately, both were upright and experienced enough to hold themselves in check, but any close physical contact with Wang Ya would make things unpredictable. Besides, from another angle, she didn’t want to be supported back to her room by uncles and elders after getting drunk.

Huang Qi followed and took hold of Wang Ya’s other arm, helping Zhang Qingshui support her.

Zhang Qingshui said to Huang Qi, “Little Qi, I can take her back to her room myself.”

Huang Qi replied, “Let’s take her up together.” She helped Wang Ya turn into the stairs and asked, “Qing Jie, isn’t Wang Ya incredibly beautiful?”

Zhang Qingshui thought for a moment and said, “I suppose so. Why? Why bring it up all of a sudden?” Her expression grew extremely uneasy; even she felt her breathing grow erratic, her heartbeat pounding like a drum. To steady Wang Ya, she had to wrap one arm tightly around her slender waist. The thin layer of fabric offered no barrier; the sensation transmitted through her arm made her instinctively tighten her hold several times, clamping firmly around Wang Ya’s narrow waist. So close to Wang Ya, that enticing fragrance followed her disordered breaths straight into her lungs, stirring her heart into involuntary contractions and inexplicable palpitations. That alone was bearable, but the drunken, bewitching face right before her eyes—the honey-pale neck, the delicate collarbone glaring under her eyelids—the unique scent of a young girl mingled with the demon flower’s subtle fragrance drilled into her nostrils, stirring endless fantasies. She wanted to pluck this demon flower and hold it in her hand, to pin down this thoroughly drunk Wang Ya, who lacked even the strength to walk and offered no resistance whatsoever. These improper thoughts embarrassed and maddened Zhang Qingshui herself, yet they carried an inexplicable thrill. To have a flirtatious, peerlessly bewitchingly beautiful Millennium Great Demon beneath her, to do as she pleased—how blood-boiling would that be? How many in the world had such a chance? Zhang Qingshui truly felt Wang Ya was a Demoness that incited wicked thoughts, her seductive power surpassing even her combat prowess.

Huang Qi didn’t answer Zhang Qingshui’s question. She silently helped support Wang Ya into her bedroom, assisted Zhang Qingshui in laying her on the bed, and said to Zhang Qingshui, “Qing Jie, watch her for a bit. I’ll go make some Sobering Soup.”

Zhang Qingshui said, “I’ll go.”

Huang Qi shook her head. “It wouldn’t be right for me to stay.”

Zhang Qingshui asked, “Why?” She thought Huang Qi, unable to see Wang Ya’s appearance, would be better off staying than her facing Wang Ya here.

Huang Qi explained, “I don’t know if it’s because of the Demonic Power in Wang Ya’s body, but whenever she’s close to me, I ‘see’ her as a red-glowing, naked, bewitchingly seductive woman. I can even see the bruises on her body. Honestly, it’s very tantalizing, makes one have improper thoughts, so I think you should stay.” With that, she turned and walked out.

Zhang Qingshui could only give a wry smile upon hearing this. If Huang Qi staying was improper, was her staying any better?

Huang Qi paused at the doorway and softly said, “Qing Jie, be careful yourself.” Then she left.

Wang Ya was extremely drunk but hadn’t fallen asleep. Her mind was muddled; lying down sent all her blood rushing to her head, making it ache and throb as if her entire body soaked in alcohol, scorching her skin like fire. She knew Zhang Qingshui was nearby and said in a low voice, “Zhang Qingshui, you go too.” Her voice was low and husky, laced with an indescribable seduction.

Zhang Qingshui really wanted to just leave Wang Ya and go, to avoid this constant test of her resolve. How long could brewing a bowl of Sobering Soup take? She figured Huang Qi would be back in minutes, and she wouldn’t feel right leaving Huang Qi alone with Wang Ya—she’d have to come back anyway. Better to wait a few more minutes, force some Sobering Soup into Wang Ya, then leave. Besides, Wang Ya was so drunk now, she posed no threat, right? Might as well take advantage of her drunkenness to pry some words out.