Chapter 31: Am I the Subject of the Gossip?

Ren Jie had just watched it pass right through the window; this was not something an ordinary animal could do. Possessing such supernatural abilities, it was undoubtedly a demon.

Due to the resurgence of spiritual energy, various animals on Blue Star had begun their genetic evolution and awakened their intelligence long before humans. Two hundred years had passed, and they had evolved into a vast demon race, even forming social systems, civilizations, cultures, and cities. Historically, it took humanity less than two hundred years to go from the Industrial Revolution to a technological takeoff. With over two centuries since the spiritual resurgence, it was enough time for the demon race to reach its current heights, especially with human society to learn from. They occupied the land, the oceans, the skies, and even the moon. With three spiritual springs, their racial strength was immense. Had humans not developed genetic serums to embark on their own journey of evolution, it might well be humans who were locked in zoos today, on display for visitors.

However, not all demon species could successfully awaken their intelligence early on. This Treasure-Stealing Marten looked clever enough, but its level of intelligence definitely did not reach the human level. Some demon pets were quite popular in the Great Xia region, though they came with a hefty price tag. Ren Jie never expected that after Chen Hua died, this Treasure-Stealing Marten would fall into his hands.

"Once a treasure is in my hands, it’s mine."

Letting it go was out of the question. If it fell into the hands of some villain, wouldn't that just be asking for trouble? Ren Jie picked up the Treasure-Stealing Marten and smiled.

"Oh? A female? From today on, you’re with me. If you don't behave, I’ll sell you to the black market for some quick cash. Or maybe I’ll skin you for a fur collar, skewer you, sprinkle some cumin and chili powder, and roast you until you're golden brown. Even Yao Yao next door will be crying from the delicious smell!"

The Treasure-Stealing Marten looked like it was about to cry from fright. It shook uncontrollably, nodding repeatedly while pressing its two front paws together in a frantic kowtow, its little face filled with a fawning expression. Ren Jie was somewhat surprised—was this little creature really this obedient?

"Go on then, go play with my sister."

The Treasure-Stealing Marten tilted its head, looked at Tao Yaoyao, and lunged toward her, rubbing against her incessantly.

"Hahaha, stop that, it tickles! Thank you, brother!"

Tao Yaoyao’s laughter chimed like silver bells. She was overjoyed; having had no playmates growing up, she had inevitably felt lonely. But things were different now; life seemed to be getting better bit by bit. Still, Ren Jie didn't let his guard down. He had to be sure the marten was truly harmless. Despite its cute appearance, it was a demon, after all, possessing strength beyond that of an ordinary creature.

Lying in bed, Ren Jie scrolled through his phone, feeling a bit troubled. The emotional mist in his Mirror Lake space was running low. The consumption of demonic power had been too great, wiping out his reserves. Fortunately, he had collected quite a bit since then, which kept him from being influenced by the Original Sin of the Demon. But with what little remained, it was hard to say if he could even make it through the night. Where was he supposed to collect emotional mist in the middle of the night?

He couldn't exactly go door-to-door, telling people to wake up and use the bathroom, could he?

The Si Yao Team’s group chat announced that they were to assemble tomorrow for the final qualification assessment. There would even be television reporters coming to film a segment, and Wei Pingsheng instructed the interns to be prepared. The team members were frantically discussing the tomorrow’s assessment tasks, except for Lin Huairen, who was cursing up a storm, complaining about how he had been drenched while on a date with his girlfriend at Freedom Square.

The "Old Driver" was still bombarding Ren Jie with messages.

"Late-night movies—beep beep—give me the link, dear. I’ll trade you with the Holy Light Codex."

Ren Jie covered his face; this girl was beyond saving.

*Brother Jie: ik886ak, figure it out yourself.*

Three minutes later, Nuo Yan messaged back.

"Why can't I find this license plate?"

*Brother Jie: It’s an illegally parked car. Report it on the traffic department app and you can earn thirty yuan. I’ve hit my reporting limit for today, so I’m doing you a favor. You want more? I’ve got plenty…*

[Image] x 10

*Old Driver: ???*

[I’m shattered].gif

*What the hell, an illegally parked car? Is this what I was asking you for? I shouldn't have asked him for anything, damn it.*

Ren Jie couldn't help but laugh, though it was a pity they were too far apart for him to collect the Old Driver's emotional mist. He then scrolled through his social media feed. As soon as he clicked in, he saw a new post.

[Avatar] Brother Li (the AC repairman)
*It’s too exciting. I went to see my little lover tonight, and her husband suddenly came home. I’ve been hiding in the closet for three hours and haven't been discovered yet. Hahaha! This feeling is so wonderful, it really gets my heart racing!*
Liked by "The Best of the Best," "Camel Xiangzi," and 21 others.

*Old Wang: You’re a legend!*

Seeing this post, Ren Jie couldn't sit still. He clicked on Brother Li’s avatar and started a voice call. However, he hung up three seconds after it connected.

…

Meanwhile, at Old Wang’s house, Brother Wang was lying in bed with his wife, scrolling through his phone.

"Hahaha, this kid Old Li, he really knows how to live on the edge. Hiding in a closet? Tsk, tsk, tsk."

He even showed it to his wife. His wife’s eyes darted around.

"Aha, ha-ha, that really is something. Old Wang, hurry up and sleep, it’s so late. Don't scroll on your phone anymore, we have to work tomorrow..."

Old Wang rolled his eyes. "It’s barely even late. I—"

Before he could finish, a ringtone sounded from his own closet.

"Your love is like a flame, setting my heart..."

Three seconds later, it stopped abruptly.

Old Wang’s expression froze. He looked down at his phone, then at his closet. With a single stride, he threw the closet door open.

There was Old Li, crouching in the closet wearing nothing but his underwear, cold sweat beading on his forehead, his face full of awkwardness.

"Wang… Brother Wang? Let me explain, I came to fix the AC, and I was afraid you’d misunderstand, so I… I…"

Old Wang: !!!

*I was dying in bed, shocked to find that the drama I was watching was actually happening to me?*

"Old Li! You—! #*’☆&℃$︿★!"

A unique and lively battle ensued.

Lying in bed, Ren Jie watched as the emotional mist on the surface of the Mirror Lake grew. The sound of the argument could be heard even two buildings away. He couldn't help but smile slightly; it seemed there would be enough emotional mist for tonight. His collection range had to be at least five hundred meters now, right?

He turned his head toward Tao Yaoyao, who was still having fun with the Treasure-Stealing Marten. They had turned the room upside down, with vests and underwear scattered everywhere. Ren Jie sighed and got up, neatly folding his clothes and putting them back into the storage box.

"Yaoyao, time to sleep. Be good!"

"Hee hee, okay brother! Goodnight! Another day of loving you!"

As for the Treasure-Stealing Marten, it watched Ren Jie tidying up, its large, round purple eyes fixed on him, as if trying to understand the scene.

Ren Jie turned off the lights, and he and Tao Yaoyao drifted into a sweet slumber. The Treasure-Stealing Marten tilted its head to look out the window, then glanced back at Ren Jie, a burning sense of ambition igniting in its large eyes.

The night passed in silence.

Early the next morning, the entire old residential complex exploded.