That evening.
Su Chen was dragged by his Senior Sister onto a carriage, heading out of the palace for what was supposed to be a “tour” (crossed out)—a date.
Inside the carriage.
To Su Chen’s surprise, his Senior Sister was unusually well-behaved, showing no signs of taking advantage of him.
This was because Ying Qingge was mentally reviewing her advisory team’s dating strategy.
The real show was about to begin tonight!
Why ruin the big plan for small gains?
A moment later.
As a lively clamor filled the air, Ying Qingge lifted the carriage curtain and said softly, “Junior Brother, what do you think?”
Su Chen looked up. Despite preparing himself mentally, knowing Ying Qingge wouldn’t take him to an ordinary place, he was still stunned by the scenery.
It was twilight, and the streets were adorned with vibrant, colorful lanterns, dazzlingly beautiful, as if stepping into a fairyland.
“Gorgeous!”
Hearing Su Chen’s praise, Ying Qingge’s smile grew brighter. She tightened her grip on his arm, her ample curves pressing closely against him.
Su Chen, slightly uncomfortable, reminded her, “Senior Sister, in public like this… isn’t it a bit improper?”
Ying Qingge’s lips curled slyly. “It’s exactly because we’re here that we should act like this to fit the vibe. Do you know what this place is, Junior Brother?”
Su Chen shook his head.
“This is called Phoenix Perching on Wutong. Look over there!”
One hand clung to Su Chen, her soft curves adding constant pressure, while her other hand pointed to the side.
Following her gesture, Su Chen’s gaze landed on a glowing halo in the sky. Upon closer inspection, it was a branch of a wutong tree, with a vibrant, multicolored phoenix perched on it.
It looked so lifelike, as if it were truly alive, soaring above the branch.
“Even the 3D effects from my past life can’t compare to this!”
As Su Chen marveled, Ying Qingge’s eyes never left him.
“This magnificent view is one of Great Qin’s most renowned scenic spots!” she boasted proudly, as if showing off her vast wealth to her beloved.
But then, her phoenix-like eyes shifted, and she said meaningfully, “Oh, by the way!” “‘Junior Brother, this is Great Qin’s famous lovers’ sanctuary. We need to act a bit more lovey-dovey to match the atmosphere!”
“Is that really necessary?”
“You won’t even give your Senior Sister this much face?”
“Uh…”
Faced with her shameless retort, Su Chen was at a loss for words.
You’re the mighty Empress of Great Qin. Do you really need me to give you face?
Just admit you’re being shameless!
Helpless, he let her pull him along, her grip unrelentingly tight.
He tried to break free, but with his current strength, even though Ying Qingge wasn’t intentionally restraining him, he couldn’t escape.
“Junior Brother, are you shy? Don’t worry, Senior Sister’s embrace is your eternal safe harbor!”
“Senior Sister, can’t you be a bit more reserved?”
“Reserved? Would that win you over?”
“Maybe I prefer reserved girls.”
“Oh, please! In my past life, I got dumped so many times because I was too reserved.”
Faced with the brazenly flirtatious Ying Qingge, Su Chen was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond.
“Alright, Junior Brother, I’ll stop teasing you. I can let go if you want!”
Seeing Su Chen’s hopeful expression, Ying Qingge leaned her head on his shoulder.
Recalling her advisory team’s dating guide, she continued, “But tonight, you’re mine!”
“At the very least, we need to follow the basic steps: stroll around, try some snacks, admire the scenery… and keep your focus on me.”
“That sounds a bit like—”
“No dazing off! Let’s go!”
Ying Qingge quickened her pace, not giving Su Chen a chance to respond. To her, his silence was as good as agreement.
“Look, the flower cakes up ahead are delicious. Let’s try some, Junior Brother!”
Soon, they arrived at a stall adorned with delicate boxes, each containing exquisite pastries.
“You two here to enjoy Phoenix Perching on Wutong?” the vendor asked. “You have to try our osmanthus cakes. Every couple who eats them ends up happily together!”
“Oh? That magical, huh?”
Ying Qingge shot Su Chen a meaningful glance.
Su Chen, feeling awkward, touched his nose. “Senior Sister, if you want to eat, just eat. Why are you staring at me?”
“Haha, young man, your lady is waiting for you to feed her!” the vendor chuckled. “Looks like you two are new to this, still figuring out the routine!”
Routine? You call this a routine?
Su Chen rolled his eyes in exasperation.
He felt the pressure on his arm intensify, and Ying Qingge’s expectant gaze made it clear she was urging him to act.
Reluctantly, Su Chen picked up a flower cake. Ying Qingge eagerly leaned forward, taking a delicate bite, her face lighting up with delight.
“Junior Brother, try it! It’s really delicious!”
“Oh.”
Su Chen moved to put down the bitten cake to grab a new one, but the pressure on his arm tightened again.
“Junior Brother, one cake is enough for us to share. There’s so much more to eat ahead—don’t fill up!”
Glancing at the bite mark, Su Chen carefully took a bite from the other end.
Instantly, a fragrant sweetness filled his mouth, and his eyes lit up. It was indeed delicious.
Lost in thought, he took another bite, but Ying Qingge wasn’t pleased.
“You’re just eating by yourself and forgot to feed me!”
“I have to keep feeding you?”
“Keep going!”
Su Chen offered the cake again, and Ying Qingge took a big bite, finishing the rest. Her playful tongue even grazed his fingertips.
Satisfied with her little scheme, Ying Qingge was thrilled.
She tossed a piece of silver to the vendor. “Shopkeeper, two more of your finest cakes!”
The vendor’s eyes gleamed at the silver. “Right away! I’ll pick out the best for you two!”
In no time, the cakes were packed. Su Chen thought his Senior Sister had finally decided to let them each have one.
But to his shock, as soon as he opened the package, Ying Qingge leaned in, her delicate fingers gracefully tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, sneakily nibbling on his cake.
It wasn’t really “sneaking,” though.
Her flawless, snow-white profile, paired with her elegant yet playful movements, was so captivating that even Su Chen’s heart skipped a beat.
She’s undeniably beautiful.
Especially in this unfamiliar world, having such a familiar presence… it somehow made her even more endearing.
This moment was caught by Ying Qingge, who had just finished “stealing” her bite.
Her eyes sparkled. The advisory team was right!
Junior Brother is definitely smitten with me!
Recalling the dating guide, she knew this was the time to strike while the iron was hot—ideally, to seal the deal and “cook the raw rice into cooked rice”!
Though her advisory team, handpicked by the Empress, was full of elite minds… none of them had ever been in love.
No matter! Three heads were better than one genius.
“Junior Brother, look! The flower lantern boats are coming…”