Chapter 65

“Still not obedient?” Chen Fan slapped her again.

Chen Fan’s rule was to never to hit women. To borrow a line from an anime, where’s the beast that doesn’t bite? Enough is enough. If you’re going to show off, do it somewhere else.

Anna felt something change within her. She found herself slowly growing fond of being hit by Chen Fan.

“You … how could you … dare …?”

Chen Fan slapped her once more, saying, “So what if I hit you? If you truly provoke me, I won’t be afraid of the Grand Duke. Remember, this is Qincheng—my territory. Understand?”

“I … understand.”

“Now, can you go to rest?”

“Yes … I’ll go to bed now.”

“Zhu Yeqing, where the hell did you go? Take Princess Anna to her room.”

***

Zhu Yeqing quickly opened the door and escorted Anna out. In fact, Zhu Yeqing had been watching the entire scene clearly from outside the door. She knew when Anna returned and decided to stay to see what drama might unfold. But what surprised Zhu Yeqing was Anna’s decision to enter Chen Fan’s room, and then they even started arguing.

Honestly, this was the first time Zhu Yeqing had seen Chen Fan truly angry. After putting herself in his shoes, she could understand it; if a carefully laid plan were disrupted like this, anyone’s patience would be shattered. Clearly, this was aimed directly at him.

Just when the plot was finally back on track, Anna showed up unexpectedly. Despite being told to go find the Grand Duke, she had climbed into his bed instead.

Isn’t this putting me in a tight spot?

But Chen Fan’s approach to handling the situation had Zhu Yeqing deep in thought. She realized that Chen Fan’s strength was formidable—this guy could use ancient martial arts. After settling Anna in, Zhu Yeqing prepared an ice pack for her.

“Am I disfigured?”

Zhu Yeqing examined her face and said, “No, just swollen. You probably know some martial arts yourself; it should heal by tomorrow.”

Anna sighed. “Zhu Yeqing, although we aren’t close, could you keep a secret for me?”

“As long as it doesn’t harm the young master, I’m willing to help.”

Anna was torn, unsure whether she should confide in this undercover agent. But she couldn’t hold it in; she needed someone to talk to.

“I … think something is wrong with me.”

Zhu Yeqing was puzzled. “Are you sick? You should see a doctor.”

“No, no, it’s not that. It’s about Chen Fan—your young master. When he hit me, I felt an odd sensation, like my body didn’t respond normally.”

“Not responding normally?” Zhu Yeqing furrowed her brow. Could Chen Fan’s diary be right? Whoever hits her, she ends up liking? She likes men who abuse her?

That doesn’t make sense, she thought. Wasn’t that supposed to be the protagonist’s characteristic? What does this have to do with Chen Fan? Is he just a villain? Did those slaps mess with your brain?

“Explain more.”

“When Chen Fan hit me, it felt as if electricity flowed through my entire body. It wasn’t particularly painful; it was as if an electric current passed through me. Have you ever been electrocuted before?”

What the hell? Why would I ever let myself get electrocuted?

“When I was a kid, I touched an electrical outlet while being naughty. Nearly died that time.”

Zhu Yeqing gave her a silent thumbs up. You’re gutsy. Bold enough to take on electricity itself.

Anna continued, “But Chen Fan was different. How could a person’s body generate electricity? I find this hard to believe. It’s probably just my mind playing tricks on me.”

“So, you’re saying you enjoyed Chen Fan hitting you?”

“Um … I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but I don’t think I should be having these thoughts. Yet I can’t seem to control myself.”

She’s lost it. Absolutely lost it. Zhu Yeqing was sure people couldn’t generate electricity, though it wasn’t entirely impossible. Her master once told her that upon reaching a certain level, practitioners could have unique abilities. Most of these abilities were mysterious, vague concepts that defied explanation.

Her master had mentioned a martial artist who could ignite trees with his hands once he surpassed a certain level, but that was just a rumor. She had never seen it firsthand. Chen Fan? No way, he’s way too young for that. This must be her imagination.

“Don’t overthink it. This isn’t anything serious. Psychologically, you may just enjoy the feeling of being in the ring, so to speak. It’s not an illness.”

“It’s different … Never mind. Forget I mentioned it. I just wanted to talk. Thanks, Zhu Yeqing.”

Nodding, Zhu Yeqing left the room.

This was destined to be a restless night. The Grand Duke had heard that Ye Aotian took Anna to the hotel. Moreover, word had spread about the two of them heading up to the hotel together. It was clear that Ye Aotian had intentions.

The Grand Duke was furious. However, Chen Fan messaged him, letting him know that Anna was with him. The Grand Duke trusted Chen Fan since he was Ye Aotian’s sworn enemy.

Naturally, Chen Fan didn’t mention the part where he slapped the princess.

Ross, the Grand Duke, was up all night, unable to sleep.

“7, are you awake?”

“Consider the time difference, will you? It’s daytime there, but it’s the middle of the night here.”

“I need a favor. I want all information about the Dragon King’s business overseas.”

“That’s not cheap. I can only get you some of it.”

“Anything you can find. I want that guy completely ruined, utterly dead.”

Such anger—don’t you know you’re being cheated on? Forget it; even if I told you, you wouldn’t get it. Plus, you’re looking in the wrong direction. You should be after Chen Fan, hahaha.

7 could see everything through digital devices. Naturally, she had also witnessed Chen Fan and Anna’s altercation. Though impressed by Chen Fan’s power, she noticed something odd with Anna.

According to the diary, Anna had a thing for men who hit her, which theoretically would have made Ye Aotian the first man in her life. But with Chen Fan’s slap, the dynamic changed. Now Anna definitely had feelings for Chen Fan.

But the one taking the blame was Ye Aotian. It was a bit pitiful; he hadn’t done anything, hadn’t even held her hand, and yet he was going to be hunted down.

“The documents will be sent to you shortly. Remember to wire the payment directly to my account.”

“Understood. Thanks.”

Afterward, the Grand Duke thought for a moment and decided to call Chen Fan.

“Chen, are you still awake?”

“Just about to sleep. What’s up, Grand Duke?”

“Thank you for looking after Anna. If it weren’t for you, I’d be worried sick.”

I didn’t just look after her. Damn, I was practically tucking her in. Come on, man. Pull yourself together!

“Why did Anna return from the hotel?”

Chen Fan racked his brain, saying, “I suspected that Ye Aotian would be foolish enough to pursue Anna, so I sent someone to follow her. After she went into the hotel, I had someone bring her back. I was worried something might happen if she stayed alone overnight.”

The Grand Duke was moved to tears. “Thank you, Chen. Really, thank you. If there’s ever anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”