After Pampering Her 5 Beast Husbands, the Villainess Struck It Rich

Hu Yan said with a calm expression, "First, you need a fortune to squander. Second, squandering it is a skill in itself. To be able to do it like you, my lady... I would be very willing to learn."

Bai Zhi felt him getting closer and closer and swallowed nervously. "..."

’We’re just talking... why is he getting so close...’

’It’s not like we’re saying anything that can’t be overheard...’

Hu Yan had just contacted the adjutant who had served him since childhood. He learned that the Emperor’s health was failing, and he likely wouldn’t last another year. The situation at court was grim. With the Emperor’s declining health, many from the Royalist Faction had begun to switch their allegiance to the Eldest Prince. Aware of the Eldest Prince’s ambition, the Emperor intended to support the Fourth Prince—who was only a few years old and had been born after Hu Yan’s "incident"—as his successor.

This move had caused the Eldest Prince to grow restless, and it seemed he was plotting to usurp the throne, actively trying to win over supporters.

But if those people were to find out the Third Prince was still alive, the situation would likely change completely.

The Eldest Prince had been trying to co-opt Hu Yan’s faction ever since the Third Prince’s supposed death. However, most of them firmly believed Hu Yan wasn’t dead. But after so many years with no sign of the Third Prince, combined with the Emperor’s recent health problems, some had begun to be swayed by the Eldest Prince.

The adjutant was ecstatic to learn the Third Prince was alive. If this news got out, the Third Prince’s subordinates would be overjoyed, and the look on the Eldest Prince’s face would be priceless!

But Hu Yan told him not to spread the news of his survival for now.

He instructed him to gather his men and await his return.

Hu Yan’s spiritual power had only recovered to S-Class. He needed to reach SS-level at a minimum.

Therefore, he was a bit anxious, but he also knew this kind of thing couldn’t be rushed.

Back on the Starship, it was already late because of the time they’d spent outside.

The people here mostly consumed nutrient liquid. Bai Zhi and the others had eaten a late lunch, so they weren’t very hungry yet.

Bored, Bai Zhi asked about Xiang Ling and the others.

She learned that seven or eight different groups of people had come to their house, but they all left because no one was home.

Xiao Yu also said that many people had gone looking for her at her uncle’s place. Some were even pressuring the family, hoping they would hand Bai Zhi over, but for now, they were holding firm.

Realizing that those people were still looking for her, Bai Zhi immediately decided not to return to Blue Star for the time being.

Hearing her decision, Hu Yan suddenly asked, "Have you ever thought about going to the Main Star?"

Bai Zhi was taken aback. She hadn’t considered going to the Main Star, especially since the people after her were from there.

’But Hu Yan has to return to the Main Star sooner or later. If we all went to the Main Star, maybe that wouldn’t be so bad?’

’Besides, they would never expect the person they’re looking for to go right to the Main Star.’

But for Hu Yan to suddenly suggest going to the Main Star... Bai Zhi asked, "Did something happen?"

Hu Yan said, "Yes, some things have happened that were unexpected. But if you don’t want to go, that’s fine too."

Bai Zhi thought for a moment and said, "I don’t mind, but I don’t know if the others are willing."

Yue Junxiao and Yan Yichen, who had been eavesdropping the whole time, immediately raised their hands in agreement. "I’ve never been to the Main Star! If we’re going, I’m in!"

Yue Junxiao’s sudden outburst startled Bai Zhi. She hadn’t realized they were eavesdropping. Turning to look at them, she saw the two of them grinning at her.

Lang Qiu nodded as well. "I don’t mind either."

Sang Mo had just uttered a single word: "No..."

Bai Zhi immediately guessed he was about to refuse and cut him off. "Then the minority will yield to the majority. We’re setting course for the Main Star!"

A flicker of astonishment crossed Sang Mo’s face, then his expression instantly darkened. Just as he was about to erupt in anger, he heard Bai Zhi lean in close and say, "Sang Mo, it’s your turn in my room tonight."

Sang Mo’s dark expression shifted again. In just a few moments, his face had gone through several transformations.

He took a deep breath and said in a hostile tone, "Is this the stick and the carrot?"

Bai Zhi blinked. "You can see it that way if it makes you feel better. But... it was already your turn tonight anyway. So think what you will."

Sang Mo: "..."

He slowly lifted his heavy eyelids, his dark eyes fixed on her. He kept repeating to himself: ’Increasing my spiritual power is more important. I can kill Bai Zhi anytime, but I can’t increase my spiritual power just anytime!’

In the end, he suppressed the violent impulse rising within him.

Yue Junxiao noticed Sang Mo’s expression and was even ready to intervene if Sang Mo dared to lay a hand on their lady. ’But she shut him down with just one sentence?’

’Now it was his turn to be envious.’

’Earlier today, Hu Yan had gotten her all to himself. He’d wanted to get in on the action too, but their lady had placated him with some petting, and he’d forgotten all about it.’

’Now, even Sang Mo, who their lady had never seemed to like, was getting to sleep with her. Yue Junxiao felt his chances of claiming a weekend spot were growing slimmer and slimmer.’

Since there wasn’t much to do on the Starship, Sang Mo went to Bai Zhi’s room early.

Bai Zhi was taking a bath with a face mask on when she heard the door open.

She looked through the glass of the bathroom door and her eyes met Sang Mo’s as he entered. After freezing for a second, she quickly shrank down into the bathtub. "Sang Mo! Why are you coming in now?"

Sang Mo obviously hadn’t expected Bai Zhi to still be in the bath. A flash of her fair arms passed before his eyes, and a flicker of discomfort crossed his face. But he quickly resumed staring, saying flatly, "I was bored in my room. Weren’t you the one who told me to come?"

Bai Zhi: "..."

’She had told him to come, but not this early!!’

Although Bai Zhi wanted to pretend he wasn’t there, Sang Mo’s gaze was so penetrating it felt as if he could see her body under the water with perfect clarity, making her curl up uncomfortably.

Being naked, Bai Zhi’s fighting spirit was completely depleted. She wasn’t in a position to argue, so she said in a placating tone, "Why don’t you go lie on the bed for a bit? Or watch a video? I’ll be done soon."

Hearing this, Sang Mo asked, a little puzzled, "Why?"

Bai Zhi: "..."

’What’s with all the "whys"?!’

Suppressing her irritation, she took a deep breath. "I’m about to get out. If you’re watching me, how am I supposed to get dressed?"

Sang Mo’s gaze was sharp. "Oh. You’re shy."

At his words, Bai Zhi suddenly fell silent. She stood up directly from the water. ’He’s going to see everything later anyway,’ she thought. ’What’s the big deal if he gets a look now? It’s not like it’ll kill me!!’

SPLASH—

Bai Zhi covered herself with her hands as she stood up, water sluicing from her body.

As the water slid over her fair skin, Sang Mo’s eyes flickered. But then, he turned away and said in a muffled voice, "Hurry up and get out."

Seeing Sang Mo turn away, Bai Zhi breathed a sigh of relief, so she didn’t notice the subtle, unnatural movements he made beneath his feigned indifference.