"That's right, thanks to A-Ming. He's my lucky star, you know."
Elysia turned, giving Lu Jingming a playful wink. Her face burst into a beautiful, radiant smile that seemed capable of lighting up the entire world.
"This is Elysia, an unblemished maiden who is as dazzling as a flying flower. But she can be a little too enthusiastic sometimes, so you all need to be on your guard around her."
Lu Jingming smiled as he introduced Elysia to the curious Robin and the other girls. Although he said that, his eyes were full of amusement.
As he introduced her, he subtly tried to trip Elysia up, as if deliberately teasing her, adding a layer of humor and ease to the cheerful atmosphere.
"Oh, A-Ming, what are you saying? Why should they be on guard against me? That really hurts my feelings."
Elysia's pink lips immediately pouted. She feigned annoyance as she looked at Lu Jingming, her large, watery eyes seeming to be clouded with a mist of grievance.
However, her utterly adorable appearance made it impossible to sense any real anger; it looked more like deliberate pouting and charm.
In that instant, Robin, Firefly, Castorice, and the rest of the girls simultaneously raised their guard against Elysia.
It wasn't that they easily believed what Lu Jingming said, but relying on the sharp intuition unique to girls, they clearly perceived Lu Jingming's attitude toward Elysia—a deep-seated affection mixed with a touch of doting fondness.
Lu Jingming's comment about Elysia, combined with the unique light in his eyes when he looked at her, made them sense the anomaly.
In the past, when they were summoned or when new companions joined, they had noticed that Lu Jingming held a natural liking for all of them.
Even at first sight, that familiarity and affection were genuine and unmistakable.
But this time, they clearly felt that Lu Jingming's feelings for Elysia were more intense, as if this girl held a unique and unparalleled position in his heart.
"So that's the so-called 'extreme devotion'?" Robin mused silently.
As a renowned superstar, she could understand this kind of emotion more easily than others.
It was like how fans might like many celebrities, but deep down, there would always be one they cherished the most.
They also knew that they were merely in-game characters in Lu Jingming's previous world.
The level of affection players have for in-game characters naturally varies.
Clearly, Elysia was the character Lu Jingming was most devoted to in his previous life.
Therefore, they almost instinctively raised their guard against Elysia at the same time.
A slight bitterness welled up in Robin's heart. As a cosmic-level songstress with fans across the entire universe, she was the center of attention wherever she went, yet with Lu Jingming, she wasn't his favorite character; the spot was suddenly taken by Elysia.
She couldn't help but grumble inwardly that she wasn't Lu Jingming's most "chefed" character, which made her a little sullen.
As if sensing the group of beautiful girls were on guard against her, Elysia, the ultimate social terrorist, immediately took action.
She stepped with a light pace, like an agile pink butterfly weaving through the crowd.
Her face was constantly graced with that bright, sunny smile. She proactively greeted everyone, enthusiastically sharing her own amusing stories.
Lu Jingming watched as Elysia quickly integrated into the group, becoming fast friends with several girls in no time, and couldn't help his eyebrow from twitching slightly.
As expected of Elysia. Her incredible affinity and superb social skills were simply flawless.
Her cheerful, outgoing personality and passionate attitude could easily infect everyone around her.
Elysia's tone was lively and playful, carrying a hint of narcissism, constantly referring to herself as an unblemished maiden or a lovely girl. Her highly contagious words seemed to hold a magical power that naturally drew people to her.
In just a short while, Elysia successfully became the undeniable joy-bringer of the gathering, and the perfect mood-setter.
She never concealed her true self, always being the most authentic version of herself, as if her very existence was meant to make the world a better place.
Faced with such an Elysia, even the typically frosty Jingliu and the reserved Cerydra, who only allowed close companions near, unconsciously accepted her after a brief interaction.
Elysia's astonishing wisdom and insight, her highly contagious unique charisma, and her genuine, unblemished virtue of loving everyone, instantly conquered the entire room like a powerful magnetic field.
At this moment, Robin finally understood why Lu Jingming's attitude toward Elysia was so unique.
She had to admit that such an Elysia possessed an irresistible charm, one that made even herself yearn for it.
This unblemished maiden, who shone like a pink crystal, seemed to radiate a dazzling light, making Robin feel that she had perhaps fallen short in certain areas.
Lu Jingming keenly sensed Robin's slight disappointment. He subtly squeezed her hand, his voice as soft as a breeze brushing her ear: "What's wrong? Why is our big star suddenly lacking confidence? To me, my Chicken Wing Girl is second to none."
"I haven't admitted defeat! And don't call me that!" Robin was both shy and annoyed, a blush creeping onto her fair cheeks.
She extended a delicate finger and lightly pinched Lu Jingming's waist. This move, which seemed to be an innate, genetically inscribed exclusive technique used by all girls to express their complex feelings, was delivered perfectly.
"Hi, I'm Elysia. It means 'Elysia Realm,' a lovely name, right?"
While Lu Jingming and Robin were sharing their secret moment, Elysia had hopped over to March 7th, introducing herself with a beaming smile.
"Huh, looking closely, don't you and I look a little similar?"
Elysia tilted her head, curiously examining March 7th as if she had discovered a novel treasure, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"You're right, you also have pink hair. It's quite eye-catching!"
March 7th folded her arms, propping her chin on her right hand, and nodded solemnly, agreeing with Elysia's observation.
"Not only that, we are both cheerful, beautiful, and optimistic young maidens! What an unbelievable coincidence!"
Elysia flashed her signature flawless smile, radiant like a blooming flower in spring.
"Ooh, you're a great flatterer—but it seems you're not wrong!"
March 7th felt a small surge of self-satisfaction after hearing Elysia's words and nodded in complete agreement.
Lu Jingming watched this scene from afar, his lips twitching slightly. These two narcissistic individuals gathering together was truly a "strong alliance." He figured things were about to get lively.
With Elysia's addition, the gathering was unprecedentedly vibrant, and the atmosphere was immensely cheerful.
It was a pity that Mobius hadn't come; she disliked this kind of atmosphere. But perhaps next time, having Elysia call on her might forcibly drag her along.
The gathering finally drew to a close. The previously bustling atmosphere gradually dissipated, and everyone dispersed, returning to their respective rooms.
Castorice waited silently until the very end, hoping to exchange a few words with Lu Jingming.
However, when she saw Lu Jingming affectionately holding Xu Jiujiu's hand, ready to leave, she let out a helpless, soft sigh, an unconcealed hint of bitterness in her eyes.
She felt a touch of despair. Why was she always beaten to it? When would it finally be her turn to be alone with Lu Jingming?
Seeing Castorice's expression, Cerydra's gaze toward her carried a meaning of why are you so useless?
In her mind, why was Castorice so weak? Why couldn't she be a little more assertive and just claim Lu Jingming outright?
However, Cerydra also understood that this was Castorice's inherent nature. She was gentle, kind, understanding, and soft-spoken. It would be difficult to change this personality.
In the cozy room, the soul-guided lamp cast a soft, warm glow, making the space exceptionally romantic.
In this dreamlike lighting, two figures slowly drew near, eventually overlapping.
"A-Ming, I know I'm late, but luckily, it's not too late now. Consider this an adult gift from your elder sister."
Xu Jiujiu's voice was as gentle and melodious as a nightingale, carrying a hint of tenderness and doting love.
"I love this gift, Sister Jiujiu." Lu Jingming was all smiles, his eyes filled with affection for Xu Jiujiu.
As he spoke, he looped one arm under Xu Jiujiu's black-stockinged knees and placed the other hand gently on the back of her neck. He held Xu Jiujiu steadily in an elegant princess carry and slowly walked toward the soft, large bed.
Xu Jiujiu's body settled gently onto the soft bed. She held Lu Jingming tightly, her golden eyes already somewhat hazy, as if covered by a layer of dreamy mist.
Clutching Lu Jingming's tall, perfectly sculpted, and well-built body, Xu Jiujiu clearly felt the unique masculine energy. This scent seemed to possess an invisible magic, making her body feel weak, as if all her strength had been drained away.
Lu Jingming, well-versed, once again blocked the two Stigmata spaces. In an instant, Raiden Makoto and the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata were plunged into darkness.
"This little guy's romantic fortune is truly flourishing!" Raiden Makoto couldn't help but sigh. She had lost count of how many times she had been blocked.
Every time this happened, it meant that what Lu Jingming was about to do was not suitable for minors.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata blinked her emerald eyes. Although she was naturally curious and truly wanted to witness this unknown "new knowledge" firsthand, she wouldn't force the issue if Lu Jingming didn't wish it.
She thought to herself that she could simply experience it herself next time.
With her intelligence, she had long anticipated that she and Raiden Makoto would eventually fall into Lu Jingming's "palm." That matter was only a matter of time.
After all, she and Raiden Makoto were already bound to Lu Jingming by a shared destiny—to flourish and suffer together. They were destined never to be separated, and being included in Lu Jingming's harem seemed to be the inevitable outcome.
Inside the room, all external noise was completely shut out.
The light in Xu Jiujiu's beautiful eyes shimmered, like a lake of deep affection, making her even more captivating.
Lu Jingming's ruby-like eyes met Xu Jiujiu's golden ones in a deep gaze.
At the same time, a fresh, soothing fragrance emanated from Xu Jiujiu, a scent like a spring breeze gently tugging at Lu Jingming's heartstrings.
Lu Jingming no longer hesitated. After all, this was an adult gift personally given to him by Xu Jiujiu; how could he possibly be reserved?
Illuminated by the soul-guided lamp, the two shadows on the room's wall gradually overlapped, as if merging into one.
On this wonderful night, Lu Jingming received this special adult gift from the Princess. And the Princess herself completed the transformation from girl to woman, starting a new chapter in her life.
Meanwhile, in a small villa not far away, Robin was curled up in bed, her face flushed crimson like a ripe apple.
Due to her power of Harmonics, she was incredibly sensitive to sound. Despite the room's excellent soundproofing, she could faintly hear subtle noises coming from Lu Jingming's room nearby.
The sounds seemed to have an invisible pull, like a vortex threatening to drag her into an endless abyss, causing her body to uncontrollably weaken.
The great star, at this moment, felt as if a new world had opened to her, and an uncontrollable curiosity surged within her.
She not only failed to block her heightened sense of sound but, against her better judgment, used her power of Harmonics to secretly sync her senses with Xu Jiujiu in the nearby room.
Robin swore she only did it out of a little curiosity, coupled with a dash of impulsiveness and a surge of decisiveness.
However, the moment Harmonics linked her with Xu Jiujiu, Robin regretted it.
Tears gradually welled up in Robin's eyes. She deeply regretted her curiosity and berated herself for being so nosy.
At that moment, she felt completely overwhelmed by the sensory input of Harmonics, as if she were truly about to die.
She had never imagined that the power of Harmonics would backfire on her so spectacularly.
In the distant room, Lu Jingming's body suddenly paused. Using his acute perception, he noticed a subtle anomaly.
His gaze seemed to penetrate the wall, looking toward Robin's room.
Recalling Robin's Harmonizing ability, Lu Jingming slightly narrowed his eyes, then displayed an amused expression.
Is this what they call curiosity killing the cat? No, it's killing the bird!
He figured Robin must be in extreme discomfort right now.
The next morning, as the first ray of dawn quietly pierced the sky, the entire Haiyuan City seemed to slowly awaken, gently bathed in a soft golden light.
Beyond Haiyuan City, a faint, subtle layer of blue-grey hovered where the sea met the sky, as if nature had draped a light veil over the world.
The sea breeze carried a cool, damp, and salty tang, gently sweeping across the city, softly caressing every corner.
The waves tirelessly rushed onto the beach again and again, making a splashing sound, then slowly retreated, leaving scattered patches of fine foam in the delicate sand, like pearls scattered by the Mother Earth.
The eastern horizon quietly underwent a marvelous change. Initially, an extremely faint thread of crimson seeped in, that red hue slowly spreading, like a painter's pigment, gradually plating the edges of the gray clouds above the sea with a dazzling, molten gold, as if clothing the sky in magnificent attire.
In the distance, several seabirds happily skimmed across the shimmering sea. Their sharp eyes locked onto their targets, and they quickly dove into the water, snatching up a lively fish, then flapped their wings and soared away, leaving only graceful arcs rippling on the surface.
"This beautiful scenery never gets old, no matter how many times you see it!"
Jinhsi gently brushed aside her silver hair, which was flying wildly in the sea breeze, and looked tenderly at Firefly, who was sitting quietly on a reef with her arms around her knees.
She knew that if Firefly wasn't in her room in the morning, she would definitely be here by the sea, quietly appreciating the view.
"Mm, it's beautiful."
Firefly's silver hair danced like snowflakes in the gentle caress of the sea breeze. Her profile was breathtakingly beautiful at this moment, her delicate features seemingly gilded by the morning light. Her soft, exquisite appearance made even Jinhsi turn her head for a moment.
"You've been here all night. Are you unhappy?" Jinhsi asked with concern.
She knew that Firefly had previously been troubled by a genetic defect that prevented her from dreaming like ordinary people.
However, in this world, her genetic defect had already been cured by Lu Jingming using the White Flower.
Since then, Firefly had particularly enjoyed the experience of sleeping and dreaming, as it was a precious feeling she had longed for but could not attain in the past.
Therefore, Firefly rarely stayed up late, let alone stayed awake the entire night.
"No, I just couldn't sleep." Firefly gently shook her head, instantly denying Jinhsi's suspicion.
But Jinhsi was too wise. She clearly saw that Firefly was being insincere. She was obviously unhappy, which was why she stayed up all night, but she was unwilling to admit it.
"Is that so? Then let's go back early. A-Ming will worry if he finds out." Jinhsi did not press further but cleverly invoked Lu Jingming's name.
She knew that Firefly would obediently listen as soon as Lu Jingming was mentioned.
"Okay!"
As expected, Firefly immediately reacted when Jinhsi mentioned Lu Jingming.
She lightly brushed the dust from her clothes and slowly stood up, a fleeting hint of loneliness in her eyes, before preparing to head back to the city.
Deep down, she didn't want Lu Jingming to worry about her. Yet, whenever she thought of him, Firefly couldn't help but feel a little wronged.
Her room was right next to Lu Jingming's. Precisely because of this, she really didn't want to stay there last night and had to come to the seaside to be alone for the entire night.
Jinhsi sighed silently at the sight.
She felt that her life was incredibly difficult. On one hand, she had to help Lu Jingming manage the complex affairs of Haiyuan City, and on the other, Lu Jingming had entrusted her with looking after Firefly and Castorice.
While Firefly and Castorice were both well-behaved and not troublesome, having Lu Jingming entrust her with the tricky task of pacifying the harem made her feel both amused and frustrated.
Jinhsi was helpless, but since she had been asked, she couldn't bear to refuse Lu Jingming and had to be responsible until the end, cleaning up after him.
"Helping the person I like comfort his other competitors... I must be broken, too," Jinhsi muttered internally.
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