"Chu Yi, why are those people looking at us?"
"Because I’m good-looking."
Chu Yi passed a mirror and shamelessly admired his own reflection—a face so handsome it seemed divinely sculpted. He was just as handsome as in his previous life: a sunny young man with slightly delicate features, an undeniable heartthrob.
"YIP!" Bika, draped around his neck and perched on his shoulder, chimed in. Master is the most handsome!
Jiang Qiuyun nodded, finding the military members greeting them somewhat familiar. Fragmented memories started piecing together. Just like a jigsaw puzzle, it required some time and effort to sort out. Then, a series of familiar images flashed through her mind, and her clear eyes suddenly turned cold.
Just then, a surprised voice called out, "Qiuyun, you’re here too!"
Chu Yi turned towards the voice and saw a blonde beauty jogging over, her figure enchanting, her movements alluring. She had a devilishly hot body. Golden locks cascaded lazily over her fragrant shoulders. Under her hot pants, her long, slender legs, wrapped in black stockings, seemed longer than Chu Yi’s own life!
However, this vixen-like woman moved with a graceful sway. Her skin was fair and tender, her face lightly made-up, giving her a fiery hot allure. She was like a raging fire; approach with caution, or you might get burned. All in all, she was a sight to behold.
Jiang Qiuyun looked bewildered. She uttered a single word, then clung to Chu Yi’s arm, shyly hiding behind him.
"Ugh, since when did you get a boyfriend and forget all about your best friend, huh?" Catherine stomped her black-stockinged Jade Foot in mock anger. As she drew closer, her scorching aura, like a desert sirocco, forced Chu Yi to take a step back. The vixen leaned in, her ample curves a bit too aggressive for comfort.
But Jiang Qiuyun used Chu Yi as a shield. The two women tugged at him, their inevitable contact sparking envious glances and hushed whispers from the surrounding Beast Tamers. Despite Chu Yi’s tall, handsome appearance, it couldn’t hide his youthful air, suggesting he was still a student.
"Little brother, how do you and Qiuyun know each other?" Catherine purred. "Have you watched movies together? Gone on dates? Met the parents yet?"
"PFFT! Look at your shy face. You haven’t even gotten a room together yet, have you? Let me tell you a secret: Qiuyun’s family has a white..."
Jiang Qiuyun, usually so silent and timid, suddenly erupted with Spiritual Energy. She pressed a finger to Catherine’s lips and said coldly, "Shut up."
Catherine: "MMM-MMM!"
He subconsciously touched the Ring of Curse. Its pink eyeball-like gem seemed to open slightly, ready to unleash its Treasure’s Power at any moment. But the ring’s once-a-day hypnosis ability had already been used on a blood cultist. Fortunately, he had another trick up his sleeve to deal with Jiang Qiuyun.
Jiang Qiuyun released her finger, then fixed her gaze on Chu Yi. "Chu Yi," she said softly, "I’m tired. Accompany me to the lounge."
"Sob, Qiuyun, you’ve changed! How could you be mean to me?!" Catherine rubbed her delicate neck. Seeing her friend’s normal demeanor, she relaxed her guard, though a hint of disbelief lingered. Qiuyun really found a boyfriend?! The moment she received the intel, she had rushed over. Was Qiuyun’s previous timid and innocent act just a facade for her boyfriend?
"Sister Jiang, let me help you." Chu Yi reached for her waist, a sensitive spot for her, but Jiang Qiuyun dodged him.
"There are too many people," she said. "Let’s not be so intimate."
Speaking of which, she gave a little wave of her hand, a clear signal to Chu Yi that he wasn’t going anywhere and should obediently follow her.
Sigh, a rebellious daughter brings such sorrow to her old father. I’ll have to pull a fast one on her, Chu Yi mused. I can use those private photos from the Star Bracelet to blackmail her a little. Sister Jiang, you wouldn’t want your secrets exposed, would you? Master Chu is always cautious. Having anticipated this daughter’s rebellious streak, how could I not have a backup plan? Especially that photo of us sharing a pillow—it’s massively incriminating.
"Qiuyun, sorry, but I need to borrow your boyfriend for a bit." Catherine dropped her playful tone, pointing to the fox wrapped around the young man’s neck. "Chu Yi, right? You’ve formed a contract with a Pet Beast. The higher-ups want you to come with me for a Pet Beast evaluation."
"After all," she added, "Pet Beasts that have undergone Mutated Evolution need to be registered in the Federation database."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yi secretly sighed in relief. The groundwork he had laid since the Blood Moon disaster had finally paid off; this was his chance to legitimize himself as an official Beast Tamer. His use of a Feast Item to enhance Bika, which triggered a complete Mutated Evolution, also perfectly explained his Beast Taming level.
What? Questioning my contract? Whatever. The real question is, isn’t my leveling speed impressive? Geniuses just have different constitutions, after all. As long as I’m not a plant from the Evil God Sect, it’s not a big deal. The Federation has always been lenient with geniuses. Come to think of it, which genius doesn’t have secrets?
"Okay, whatever you say, beautiful officer," Chu Yi nodded. "But I’ll escort Sister Jiang first."
"No need." Jiang Qiuyun waved her hand, a golden glimmer flashing on her wrist. She smiled. "I’d like to see the evaluation of your mutated Pet Beast too."
Chu Yi paused, then nodded. "Alright then."
Have the chains been undone? This vixen is acting suspiciously. Could she be planning to ambush me with five hundred axemen along the way?
Catherine led the two of them to a Pet Beast evaluation agency.
"The evaluation fee ranges from 1,000 to 100,000 Federation coins. Additional services cost extra. The QR code is here; please scan to pay." A technician in a white coat glanced at the little Red Fox Chu Yi presented, then held out a QR code. Beside it, the package details were clearly listed.
The Star Bracelet had advanced detection functions, but a specific evaluation required a visit to one of these specialized agencies for targeted tests. Inside this Secret Realm, potion prices had already multiplied severalfold, and evaluation agencies had likewise inflated their fees.
"Professor Liu, the military will cover the fee," Catherine explained. "Besides, this isn’t an ordinary Red Fox. The higher-ups have requested a comprehensive examination."
"A comprehensive examination?" A nearby assistant glanced at the unremarkable Red Fox and pursed his lips. "It’s just an ordinary Red Fox. What’s so special about it?"
Professor Liu squinted, his gaze fixed on the Red Fox. "Alright then," he said. "I’m curious to see what’s so special about it." He paused, then looked at Chu Yi. "Come with me."
Once Chu Yi was taken away, Catherine gathered her flowing golden hair. Her tresses danced, revealing a slender, fair, and delicate neck—utterly captivating.
"Qiuyun, be honest. When did you hook up with a boyfriend? And a student, no less! You’re not into that, are you?"
"I looked him up. He’s a third-year student at Star Dragon Academy. Hasn’t contracted a Pet Beast in two years, so he’s considered an ’outcast.’ Last month, his spot was taken by Shen Tianqi, the son of some tycoon."
Jiang Qiuyun frowned as Catherine prattled on beside her, laying out Chu Yi’s background and trying to uncover the true nature of their relationship.