What does it feel like to have 1,000x sensitivity?
Qingque felt that if she were back in her student days, she could write a whole thesis on the subject. To put it simply: even a light breeze passing over her skin brought an extreme sensation. In comparison, Luo Hong's gaze felt almost painless now—she was getting used to it. So this was his plan all along?
The "boiling frog" theory might be a myth, but Xianzhou people were masters of compromise. If Luo Hong had tried to devour her directly, she would have refused. But playing Transparent Celestial Jade? She could accept that. Yet, through this process, the treatment she received was gradually becoming identical to being devoured. By the time she realized it, she would be the frog unable to struggle in the boiling water. By the time he finally "ate" her, she might be completely accustomed to it. No wonder he didn't care about winning or losing.
"Still have the mental capacity to think of other things?" Luo Hong laughed. "As expected of Diviner Qingque."
"I'm just a lowly Diviner. Don't make me sound like some hidden master," she shot back. She looked around. "By the way, are you two really not cheating? Even a gust of wind is nearly too much for me, but you two—"
Her gaze drifted between the gauges of Luo Hong and Bronya. Crucially, those two were having physical contact under the table!
"Our bodies simply have different sensitivity levels," Bronya said coldly. "As embarrassing as it is to admit, Bronya has fought him... many times. My endurance has improved significantly."
Furthermore, she had already "erupted" once earlier, so while her bar was rising fast, it was still a distance from being full. As for Luo Hong—
"Don't look at me like that," Luo Hong explained seriously as three pairs of suspicious eyes landed on him. "It's mostly because Bronya's technique is terrible. If she were even slightly better, I would have surrendered and 'discharged' long ago."
While her lack of experience had its own charm, it wasn't enough to satisfy the battle-hardened Luo Hong.
"You...!" Bronya's cold persona shattered, replaced by burning humiliation. She had summoned quite a bit of courage to do what she was doing, only to be given such a low rating.
"It's okay," Luo Hong said with mock sincerity. "With diligent practice, I believe Duckie can learn!"
"Stop making this sound so inspirational!" Bronya snapped. She realized that no matter how calm she tried to stay, it was never enough for this man.
Luckily... Bronya had "fallen in love" with him through that mark on her belly. Otherwise, she didn't know how she would handle his teasing. Strangely, after the mark hit zero, she didn't feel any discomfort or mental oppression. The only change was that Luo Hong looked much more "pleasing" to her eye now. Her previous conflicting emotions had been smoothed out. Now, her interactions with him were mostly filled with pleasure—though he still knew exactly how to get under her skin!
Well... since you didn't completely twist Bronya's mind, I'll forgive you for now. She knew she had brought the mark upon herself by challenging him, so she wouldn't back out now.
"I'm relieved to see you two getting along so well," Theresa said with a relieved smile. Previously, she feared Bronya's mind had been distorted. Seeing her show genuine, fiery emotion toward Luo Hong proved she was acting on her own feelings.
"Principal... our current behavior can hardly be called 'getting along'!" Bronya muttered.
"Arguing is proof of a good relationship... is this some classic shonen manga?" Qingque couldn't help but chime in. It was a weird "shonen manga" where everyone was playing tiles while completely naked. Actually, it is hot-blooded... just a different kind of 'hot'.
"And besides—" Bronya counter-attacked Theresa. "Since you know your student is already in this kind of relationship with him, why is the Principal still involving herself?"
"Th-That's... because I was worried about you, of course!" Theresa's face turned even redder. "It was just your word against his earlier; how could I just believe it?"
"Then since you're relieved now, if you have questions in the future, will the Principal ask them through Bronya instead?" Bronya pressed.
"O-Of course," Theresa whispered. "That would be for the best. But—" she looked at the predatory Luo Hong. "Would the Lord agree to that?"
"Of course not!" Luo Hong laughed, making an 'X' with his arms. He was always honest about his desires; he wasn't about to let any "meat" escape his mouth. He winked at Bronya. "I didn't realize Bronya's possessiveness was so strong. Jealous Bronya is so cute."
"I-It's not jealousy..." Bronya acted tough. "Bronya just doesn't want to see anyone else 'ruined' by you!"
"Let's go with that then," Luo Hong said, his eyes glinting. "One more rule: When the game ends, anyone ranked higher than me will be safe from my 'advances' for the entire week."
The room went silent. Previously, they feared ganging up on him would invite retaliation. Now that he had given them a "Safe Zone" incentive, their last worries vanished.
It was time for the three of them to take down Luo Hong!