Zhao Yiming widened his eyes, ignoring the perverted deity's nonsense and focusing only on Su Meilin.
She tucked her hair behind her ear, cheeks tinged with a soft blush—and for some reason, his heart skipped a beat.
"Umm… that's—"
Before he could finish, she gave an awkward chuckle and waved her hand. "Sorry. I shouldn't have invited you on a whim. You must be busy today too." She stood up, clearly preparing to leave.
But Zhao Yiming instinctively reached out and gently held her hand.
He didn't know why—but he didn't want her to go just yet.
"…It's fine," he said quietly. "I don't have anything to do today. Can I… come to your apartment?"
He wasn't even sure what kind of face he was making, but Su Meilin turned away shyly, her blush deepening as she gave a slow, small nod.
They walked together toward her building—the third and highest one in the complex, known to be the most luxurious of the three.
Back when he was Lao Chen, he'd only been inside once. At the time, he'd thought it was just another apartment. Nothing special.
But now? Yeah… okay. It was way nicer than his.
They stepped into the pristine hallway and entered the elevator—something the first and second buildings didn't even have.
Everything was sleek, well-maintained, with high ceilings and wide windows that let in plenty of natural light. The air was fresh and clean, not a speck of dust in sight.
It wasn't over-the-top extravagant, but it was clearly a cut above.
Not that Zhao Yiming noticed any of that. His mind was spiraling into chaos. Nerves frayed and brain overheating.
A dozen thoughts ran through his head at once:
'Why did she invite me?'
'What are we going to do?'
'Ah—it's gotta be tea! Just tea! Calm down! Tea!'
[God of Richness & Love sends a message:]
["Are you dumb? Of course, it's SEX! Mating! Making love! Sexual intercourse! Fornication! Coitus! BOONKING!]
[SEXXXXXX!!!]
"Are you insane?!"
Zhao Yiming blurted out loud before he could stop himself.
Su Meilin blinked and turned toward him, eyes full of concern. "What's wrong, Mr. Zhao?"
"Oh—no, no, it's fine!" he laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "I was just… wondering why you suddenly invited me."
"You don't have to worry about it," she said softly, offering a gentle smile.
"I just get lonely sometimes… and I thought talking to you might make me feel a little less alone."
Ding.
The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open.
Zhao Yiming stepped out onto her floor—into what could either become the most peaceful moment of his new life…
Or absolute, irreversible chaos.
As Zhao Yiming stepped inside her apartment, he was greeted by a pristine white hallway that opened into a spacious living room.
Everything was meticulously organized—sleek sofas, a modern coffee table, not a single thing out of place.
Though… maybe a little too much was going on. Gucci throw pillows, flashy paintings, ornate statues—it felt like the place was trying a bit too hard to scream expensive.
"Wah… this apartment, it looks like the kind you see in glossy catalogs," Zhao Yiming muttered as he glanced around, his eyes landing on the massive windows showing off the city skyline.
"I should've bought a unit in this building," he added under his breath.
"You like it? I think it's too much," Su Meilin said from behind him.
Zhao Yiming turned—and froze.
She looked different. Not dramatically so, but… softer, somehow sexier, and definitely inviting.
He quickly shook the thought away. 'Don't overthink it. It's just the lighting.'
"So, uh… are we gonna have tea?" he asked, trying to act casual.
Su Meilin widened her eyes and laughed. "Tea? You really are like an old man!"
"Mn, well… good tea is good for the heart," he grumbled, scratching his neck. "Can't go wrong with a pot of something warm."
"You are totally right, but my tea's in my room. Want to come with me?"
"Huh? Okay! Let's see your tea collection then!" Zhao Yiming perked up.
He genuinely liked tea—green, black, oolong, jasmine, you name it. Even back when he was still Lao Chen, he had an entire cupboard dedicated to his favorites and drank it every evening with his wife.
As they entered Su Meilin's room, he immediately caught the scent of jasmine.
"Do you like jasmine tea that much? Even your whole room smells like it," he commented, sniffing lightly as he looked around.
The room had soft beige walls, with warm orange and brown furniture. A sewing station sat neatly in the corner, and embroidered art decorated the walls.
Cozy and peaceful, the kind of room that made a man want to take a deep breath and just… sit.
But something was off. There was no tea cupboard, no kettle, not even a damn teacup.
"…Where's the tea, Mrs. Su?"
She laughed, sitting on the bed and patting the space beside her. "Come here, and I'll tell you where it is."
Zhao Yiming hesitated, eyes narrowing slightly—but in the end, he sat down beside her, his back straight, hands folded neatly on his knees.
"So? Where's the tea?" he asked again, feeling something ominous creep up his spine.
Su Meilin tilted her head, smiling sweetly. "Mr. Zhao… do you like me?"
"Eh?" Zhao Yiming froze. "Well… yeah, you're kind—"
"That's it?" she leaned in, her face mere inches from his.
And so was her chest. Her plump, soft, round, and very large chest. Way too close.
'Holy crap, her chest's way too close!'
"Er… you're kind, and very pretty too," he added awkwardly, his ears starting to turn red.
'Tsk, I sound like some stupid young fool,' he thought bitterly, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder.
"Ugh… Where's the tea?"
Su Meilin burst into laughter. "You still don't get it? I am the tea."
And with that, she pushed him onto the bed, crawling on top of him. Her breasts hovered just above his chest, her body radiating heat.
He gulped, his trembling fingers brushing lightly against her side.
"Why are you suddenly so shy?" she smirked down at him. "Weren't you the one teasing and flirting with me?"
'IT WAS THE SYSTEM, DAMN IT!' he screamed internally.
And just like that, all the innocent, jasmine-flower image he had of her shattered.
She wasn't a delicate bloom. She was a red rose—sexy, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.
"But… Mrs. Su, you still have a husband, don't you?"
Her smile faded—not into a frown, but something colder.
Indifference.
"You said you could make me happier than him… Isn't this how we start?"
He opened his mouth to argue—but before he could—
[Ding!]
[New Quest Available!]