Chapter 9: Bai Li, Brimming with Charm

“Bai… Bai Li, is that really you?”
The transformation’s contrast was so stark that, even though Bai Li changed right before his eyes, Chu Huaizhou could hardly believe it.

Her voice quickly dispelled his doubts.
“Human, are you an idiot? Of course it’s me! Who else could it be?”
Bai Li’s willow brows furrowed, her upright ears twitching as she shot him a look that screamed, “What’s wrong with your brain?”
She shifted her hands from fidgeting to crossing them over her chest, tightening her loose robe and accentuating her… ahem, making her curves even more pronounced.

Yup, the tone was definitely his familiar Bai Li, but her voice had matured into a sultry, older-sister vibe, dropping the “meow” at the end.
Now that felt right. If she’d kept her soft, cute voice, it would’ve been… weird.
Chu Huaizhou imagined this mature Bai Li speaking in a loli voice—
Ugh, no, that’s too creepy.

Speaking of, was it his imagination, or was the room getting hotter?
The air felt thick and sweltering, the candle flames flickering with double shadows.
Wait… this wasn’t his imagination. What was going on?

Sweat beaded on Chu Huaizhou’s forehead, his back’s robes soaked and clinging to his skin.
He tugged at his collar instinctively, his Adam’s apple bobbing as his gaze swept the room, only to land back on Bai Li.
In her older-sister form, she tilted her head, her snowy fox ears quivering, her amber eyes glinting with amusement.
Her stare felt tangible, like a feather tickling his heart, making it tremble.

He had to admit, when she looked at him with that disdainful expression, a strange emotion stirred in him.
A fluke? It had to be.
To be clear, Chu Huaizhou definitely didn’t get a thrill from being scorned, nor did he enjoy being scolded by a beautiful girl.
So… the only explanation was that Bai Li’s unconscious charm technique, unleashed in her human form, was affecting him!

His sharp instincts caught the oddity in his emotions. To avoid getting weirder, he quickly looked away.
As expected of a legendary Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox—every gesture struck the heart.
Even her passive charm was this potent. If she went all out, how terrifying would it be?
Even without looking at her, his mind was foggy, filled with her image. Truly fearsome.

But he underestimated the passive charm of a Great Vehicle stage Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox.
Huff—pant—
Chu Huaizhou felt his breathing grow heavy, his body heating up as if drugged.
How long had she been in human form? Not even a minute, and he was already this affected.
If this continued, he might lose control and become Bai Li’s devoted follower.
No way! That was absolutely unacceptable!

“Okay, okay, I’ve seen your human form. Change back now.”
Chu Huaizhou waved his hand, trying to act unaffected.

Pausing, he didn’t hear the expected poof of her transforming back. Confused, he was about to look when—
Jingle jingle—
The crisp sound of gilded bells tickled his nerves.
Before he could lift his head, a sweet fragrance enveloped him, like ripe strawberries, seeping into his lungs, softening his breath.
A cool hand cupped his chin, fingertips grazing his Adam’s apple, firmly turning his gaze back.

“Mmph.”
Bai Li gave him no chance to resist. Her skirt fluttered as she straddled his lap.
Her nine fluffy tails wrapped around them like living things, cocooning them in a private world.
Her pomegranate-red skirt lifted slightly, revealing a glimpse of creamy thigh, the warmth of her skin against his sending shivers.
Worse, as she moved, her collar parted slightly, revealing a hint of soft, snowy skin that rose and fell with her breath, dizzying him.

Under this dual assault of sight and touch, Chu Huaizhou’s body reacted instantly.
His mind still clinging to control, he gritted his teeth, trying to push her off.
But his limbs felt drained, and when his hands touched her waist’s fabric, they lingered, reluctant to move.
“Human, you think I transform just because you say so?”
Her red lips parted, her breath like orchids, her tone carrying a commanding air as she pressed closer.
“Where’s my dignity?”

Who could withstand this?
Her stunning face drew closer, close enough for him to see his flustered reflection in her amber pupils.
His heart felt gripped then released, his blood roaring in his ears.
Worse, his mind grew hazy, like soaking in warm honey-wine, his thoughts soft and sticky.

“I… I was thoughtless. I… apologize…”
“Hmph, human, you’ve gone too far. I’m punishing you.”
Bai Li’s eyes narrowed, feigning anger, her finger tapping her chin in mock thought.
“What punishment… Got it! Kiss me… and say you love me most!”
Her angry facade cracked, her lashes fluttering, her snowy neck flushing pink.
Her nine tails sped up, stirring a fragrant breeze.

After a few seconds without the expected response, Bai Li panicked, worried her charm hadn’t worked, and quickly backtracked:
“Ahem, if you don’t want to say you love me, just a kiss is fine. I’m not unforgiving.”
She tilted her head, acting aloof, but her eyes darted nervously, stealing glances at him.
Her tail tips curled into little hooks from tension.
Her tsundere act was like baring her soft underbelly, craving a response yet fearing rejection, forgetting how boldly she’d climbed onto him.

To anyone else, Bai Li’s shy antics paired with her mature figure would be unbearably cute.
Awsl!
But Chu Huaizhou had no time to notice her little gestures.
The Great Vehicle stage fox’s charm was too strong for his early Golden Core self, splitting his mind.
His rational brain screamed he couldn’t agree—kissing Bai Li was wrong. Humans can’t, or at least shouldn’t.
His primal instincts roared to kiss her, to be her loyal dog.
The clash raged, but her soul-melting charm overwhelmed him.
His pupils dilated, his breathing quickened, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and his rational defenses collapsed.

“Alright… of course.”
His voice was low and hoarse, laced with enchanted obsession, his primal side fully in control.
“I love Bai Li most… I’m a hopeless fool without her…”