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Ningguang, just about to rise from her seat, paused and remarked with a smile, "By the way, when you have a moment, bring your little girlfriend to meet me. I find myself rather curious about her."
Nolan scratched the back of his head, visibly uneasy. "Uh... let's not do that," he replied, his tone almost apologetic. "She has a bit of a fiery temperament. If she offends you, things could get... complicated."
At that moment, Nolan's body trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly at first.
"Are you alright?" Ningguang's sharp eyes caught the change instantly. Concern etched across her face as she leaned forward. "Why are you shivering all of a sudden?"
Nolan, mustering all his willpower, steadied himself and replied, "I'm fine, just feeling a little off."
Ningguang's worry deepened. "I think I should take you to a clinic," she insisted. "That reaction didn't look normal."
"It's nothing serious, really," Nolan assured her, wiping the perspiration from his brow. "Please, Lady Ningguang..."
But Ningguang's concern did not waver. She stepped closer, bending slightly to press her forehead against his.
"Strange..." she murmured with a frown. "No fever."
Nolan froze, his body stiff as a board. Words failed him as he grappled with the proximity and her unfiltered concern. Fortunately, Ningguang pulled back, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"It seems you're fine after all," she said lightly. "In that case, I'll take my leave."
"Goodbye..." Nolan managed, his voice a sigh of relief.
"What?" Ningguang raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "You're not even going to see me off?"
"I..."
Before he could stammer out a reply, Ningguang chuckled. "I'm kidding. Stay seated. You've got plenty of problems to solve, so put that clever brain of yours to work."
As she exited the office, Nolan let out a long breath, tension draining from his body.
"I overheard your conversation," Shenhe's voice cut through the silence. She stood in the corner, wiping her mouth with a detached air. "It seems you truly mean to save Yun."
Nolan smirked. "I'm not exactly a saint, but I always keep my word. That said, this is only the beginning. Over the next three months, I need every victim's signed consent to ensure Yun's safety. You understand what that entails, right?"
"I do," Shenhe replied, her voice tinged with resignation. "Until the thirteenth victim signs, I'm bound to you."
"Precisely. And during this time, you'll obey me completely—as devoutly as one might revere the Geo Archon." Nolan's tone grew sharp, though his smile remained. "Now, tell me, Shenhe, what should you call me?"
Shenhe hesitated, her expression conflicted. After a moment, she uttered the words, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nolan's grin widened. He hadn't set out to become a villain, but he couldn't deny the allure of wielding unchecked power. For once, he could cast aside societal constraints and reveal the darkness within.
Pain, shame, and resentment flickered across Shenhe's face. Once admired and untouchable, she now stood humbled before a younger, cunning foe. Yet, she endured—for Yun. Her resolve burned brightly. Whatever it took, she would save him.
Even if it meant eliminating Nolan the moment Yun was safe. No matter the cost, she couldn't allow him to live. This secret sacrifice would remain hers alone, buried with her if necessary. For Yun, whom she cherished as a son, Shenhe would bear any burden.
Unaware of her murderous intent, Nolan lightly patted her cheek. "For the next three months, you'll follow my orders to the letter. But don't worry; no one will know about our arrangement. As Ningguang said, this will be our little secret."
Shenhe scoffed. "If someone finds out, your reputation will be in shambles too."
Nolan's laugh was sharp. "That's not the tone you should take with your master. You know the consequences of defiance, don't you?"
Unexpectedly, Shenhe smiled faintly and stood, her movements deliberate. Her silver hair cascaded like a waterfall as she leaned close, her voice low and provocative. "Isn't this what you wanted? To see my strength? My pride? Or would you prefer me meek?"
Nolan's eyes glinted with amusement. "Interesting."
One hour later...
[Exiting Immersive Mode. Switching to Text Mode.]
Nolan blinked, his surroundings shifting abruptly from the luxurious office to the cramped interior of a carriage. The transition left him momentarily disoriented. The vivid realism of the simulation lingered in his mind.
[How does it feel? Playing the villain suits you, doesn't it?]
The system's voice echoed in his thoughts, probing and taunting. Nolan's expression hardened. "I was just exploring the storyline. That doesn't mean I condone those actions."
[Yet you didn't resist them, did you?]
Nolan flushed. "That's not the point! It's just… part of the game."
[If you say so. Shall we continue?]
"Yes."
[Day 1 at age 16: You spent the afternoon instructing Shenhe, taking advantage of her inexperience. The talent "Mischievous Shiba Inu" activated, granting you a C-level loot box.]
Nolan read the system's updates, his mind already spinning with strategies. While the simulator allowed him to embrace a darker role, he remained cautious. Each decision carried weight, and a single misstep could end the game prematurely.
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