Chapter 34: The Substitute and the Unhinged Employer

Yalin, mirroring Yufinika’s action, likewise cut his index finger.

Blood dripped from the knife’s tip onto the parchment, mingling with Yufinika’s own crimson offering.

Within the sealed room, an inexplicable gust of wind swept through.

A faint, ethereal green light emanated from the parchment.

It was the divine authority bestowed by Arbit, the God of Incantations and Judgment.

Yalin, to a certain extent, could perceive the existence of Aether, a unique ability he possessed.

In his vision, countless minuscule Aether particles materialized from the green light, coalescing into an ethereal ribbon that slowly flowed into Yufinika’s body.

This indicated that the contract had begun to take effect.

Concurrently, another ribbon woven from Aether streamed towards him.

However, an unexpected turn of events occurred this time.

The moment Arbit’s Aether drew near, a distinct and entirely different surge of Aether automatically erupted within Yalin’s body.

The two forces intertwined, one attacking with full might, the other defending desperately, maintaining this stalemate for several long minutes.

Ultimately, the Aether from Yalin’s side gained the upper hand, repelling Arbit’s Aether.

The green light emitted by the scroll intensified before gradually fading, leaving behind only an eerie pattern on the paper.

A realization dawned upon Yalin.

Just as he had suspected, whenever other deities attempted to influence him, the malevolent god lurking within his body would emerge to interfere.

No wonder he had never been able to receive divine favor, no matter how fervently he prayed.

Therefore, judging by the recent events, that contract should be ineffective for him.

Though, the content of the contract itself wouldn’t have affected him in any significant way regardless.

“Mhm, it’s done then.”

Yufinika put away the scroll.

While she didn’t know why this particular contract had taken an unusually long time, she didn’t dwell on it.

She gazed at the silent Yalin, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

“Aren’t you curious why, out of so many people, I specifically chose you?”

“I am curious.”

Yalin nodded, then shook his head.

“But since you’ve hired me, you are my employer. Without permission, I wouldn’t presume to guess your intentions.”

It would be best if she told him, but it made no difference if she didn’t.

Ultimately, all that mattered was getting paid.

“Heh, truly professional. You catch on quickly.” Yufinika chuckled. “Still, there’s no harm in telling you.”

“It’s because you bear a striking resemblance to someone I once knew.”

Now he understood.

So that was it, the so-called ‘meal replacement’ (TL Note: A Chinese slang term, ‘dàicān,’ referring to a substitute or stand-in, often for a past love or idealized person).

Perhaps he resembled her ‘white moonlight’ (TL Note: A Chinese slang term, ‘bái yuèguāng,’ referring to a pure, unattainable first love or an idealized former lover), and she was now using him as a stand-in.

‘Alas, a meal replacement couldn’t truly serve as a full meal!’

“So, Miss Yufinika, do you wish for me to portray the person you mentioned?” Yalin asked, wearing his professional smile.

“No need.” Yufinika shook her head.

“You merely resemble each other in appearance, but your inner selves are entirely different. Forcing an imitation would only be counterproductive.”

Judging by her tone, it seemed she understood quite a lot.

“From this moment forward, I will issue commands to you. During working hours, you must obey them completely, do you understand?” Yufinika stated, her voice leaving no room for doubt.

“I understand.”

“Excellent. First command: from now on, you must address me as ‘Yuffie’.”

“Understood, Yuffie.”

Hearing those two words spoken by Yalin, Yufinika’s body trembled imperceptibly.

Her thoughts were instantly drawn back to several years prior.

In the mountains, under the cool, clear moonlight kissed by the evening breeze, once… a young man had also addressed her with such intimacy.

“Second command: drop that smiling facade. You are not required to display any expression.”

Yalin complied without hesitation, the smile receding from his face, his expression becoming as blank as a doll’s.

Yufinika gazed into his calm eyes, the figure from her memories gradually overlapping with the young man before her, deepening the fervent heat within her.

Licking her lips, Yufinika gestured towards the sofa.

“Mhm, go sit over there.”

Yalin nodded, then sat down upon it, his face devoid of expression.

“Good… very good…”

A tremor involuntarily entered Yufinika’s voice.

She gracefully stepped forward, hesitated for a moment, then settled beside Yalin.

The atmosphere grew increasingly charged with unspoken intimacy. Yufinika leaned against Yalin, her eyes brimming with tender affection.

The next moment, no longer able to resist her inner impulse, she cradled Yalin’s head and pulled him into her embrace.

A delicate fragrance enveloped him, and cool skin pressed directly against Yalin’s face.

Sandwiched between her soft breasts, Yalin felt stifled, almost unable to breathe.

However, he dared not move erratically, as Yufinika had given no such command.

He could only allow himself to be held in her arms.

“I truly, truly miss you so much… Where did you go?”

Yufinika murmured softly, her tone laced with sorrow.

Her voice now sounded soft and gentle, utterly disconnected from her usual haughty, queen-like demeanor.

“Look… I’m very strong now, you know? I’m already an independent adventurer, I can protect you…”

“But why haven’t you returned?”

“Even though… even though I’ve worked so hard, why did you still abandon me?”

Her mood abruptly shifted, her voice gradually turning hard and cold, as if she had reverted to her usual self.

The strength of her embrace suddenly intensified, making it impossible for Yalin to even breathe.

He thought he was about to be suffocated to death, but fortunately, Yufinika released her grip just in time.

With the heavy pressure gone, Yalin could finally breathe again.

“Hehe, it’s alright… This time, I’ll definitely keep you by my side…”

Yufinika gently stroked Yalin’s face, and only after a long moment did she reluctantly withdraw her hand.

Suddenly, something came to mind, and she retrieved an exquisite gift box from a drawer.

Her slender fingers held a piece of pastry, bringing it to Yalin’s lips.

“Oh, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? I’ll feed you then. Be a good boy, open wide~”

Yalin’s eye twitched.

‘Good heavens, this madwoman (TL Note: A derogatory Chinese slang term, ‘diānpó,’ referring to a crazy, unhinged woman), she’s truly unhinged.’

‘She seemed quite normal on the surface, but privately, she plays such elaborate games?’

But there was nothing to be done; it was his employer’s command, and Yalin could not refuse.

Meeting Yufinika’s fervent gaze, he could only obediently open his mouth, allowing her to place the pastry inside.

“How is it? Is it tasty?” Yufinika asked dotingly.

Yalin swallowed the pastry, then gave a stiff nod. “It’s very delicious, thank you.”

“Hehe, no need to thank me. Now, it’s your turn to feed me.”

Yufinika pushed the gift box towards him, then closed her eyes, her red lips slightly parted.

Beneath those rosy lips, a row of pearly teeth was fully visible, and even the small tongue nestled within could be clearly seen.

Yalin grit his teeth, took out a piece of pastry, and held it before Yufinika’s lips.

“Awoo~”

Yufinika tilted her head up and gently bit down.

However, her target was not the pastry, but Yalin’s finger.

A moist tongue tip slid over his fingertip, leaving a soft sensation.

Yalin’s hand twitched, and the pastry dropped directly to the floor.