About another week passed, and the Parisian weather had completely shed the last trace of late summer heat, turning instead to the crisp coolness of early autumn.
The edges of the plane tree leaves along the Seine River had quietly begun to show an imperceptible golden hue, and the air was filled with a lazy yet pleasant atmosphere.
On this day, Jaden, uncharacteristically, did not go out, choosing instead to stay in his small but cozy apartment.
Sunlight streamed through the spotless floor-to-ceiling windows, casting bright, warm patches of light on the floor, and the dust motes suspended in the air were clearly visible in the light beams, like countless tiny golden sprites dancing.
Slightly incongruous with this tranquil scene was the rich, sweet aroma emanating from the kitchen, a mix of butter and wheat.
Jaden stood before the counter, wearing a simple grey apron, his hands covered in a thin layer of white flour, systematically placing trays of freshly formed, golden egg-washed small loaves into the preheated oven.
His movements were incredibly skilled, as if he were a baking master who had been immersed in the craft for decades.
The strength used when kneading the dough, the precise control of fermentation time, the nimble fingers during shaping—all of it happened naturally, flowing as smoothly as breathing.
However, Jaden himself felt a strange sense of incongruity.
He was certain that in his life before transmigration, he had never systematically learned baking; at most, he would heat up frozen food bought from the supermarket in a microwave.
But now, this complex knowledge and muscle memory were deeply imprinted in his body, as if they were innate.
He attributed this phenomenon to the 'automatic completion of the world's will'—that to allow him, the 'transmigrator,' to survive more reasonably in this world, the world itself had endowed him with some necessary life skills.
"Alright, Duusu, dinner's ready!" He called out towards the living room with a relaxed smile.
"Coming, Jaden!" a tiny, joyful voice responded.
A faint indigo glow flashed from behind the sofa cushion, and the peacock kwami, Duusu, carefully holding a glass cup larger than her body (filled with water Jaden had prepared for her), lightly flew to the kitchen dining table.
Since that thrilling 'sleight of hand' incident, and with Hawk Moth's 'cooperation,' successfully making both Ladybug and the Guardian believe that the damaged miraculous had fallen into the villain's hands, Jaden and Duusu had entered a relatively peaceful period of coexistence.
Without the pressure of being monitored, Duusu had become much bolder.
She no longer maintained constant vigilance and timidly hid in corners as she did initially.
In this apartment, which belonged only to her and Jaden, she felt an unprecedented sense of security and freedom.
"Ding—"
The oven emitted a crisp chime.
Jaden put on thick oven mitts and took out a tray of golden, tempting, fragrant small loaves.
The wave of hot air, mixed with milk and wheat aromas, instantly filled the entire kitchen, making Duusu, who was waiting nearby, excitedly spin in the air, her large eyes sparkling with brilliant light, almost watering.
Jaden chuckled softly, carefully cut off the crispiest part of a bread edge with a small knife, just the right size for Duusu's tiny mouth, then placed it on a small ceramic plate and pushed it towards her.
"Try it, today's new butter recipe."
"Thank you, Jaden!"
Duusu let out a happy cheer, eagerly pouncing on it, hugging the 'giant' piece of bread for her with her tiny hands, and taking a big bite.
The crispy crust made a soft 'crunch' sound between her teeth, while the inside of the bread was as soft as a cloud, and the rich butter aroma instantly exploded on her taste buds.
"Mmm... so, so delicious! It's too delicious!"
Duusu happily squinted her eyes, her two little feet swinging joyfully in the air, praising in muffled tones, "Jaden, your bread is the best in the whole world! Better than... better than everything I've ever eaten before!"
She almost blurted out, "Better than the blueberries my previous owner gave me," but swallowed the words back.
Past memories were heavy, and her current life was so wonderful; she didn't want to spoil the warmth of the moment with those dark past events.
Watching her utterly satisfied and unguarded expression, a warmth also spread through Jaden's heart.
He picked up a piece of bread himself, took a bite—crispy outside, soft inside, moderately sweet, and indeed astonishingly good.
While eating, he spoke to Duusu in a gentle but firm tone:
"Duusu, remember what I told you before.
When I'm not home, you absolutely must not go out, and you absolutely must not let anyone discover your existence.
This room is our safe zone, but outside... outside is still very dangerous."
He wasn't being alarmist.
Although a fragile, mutually exploitative understanding had been reached with Hawk Moth, this did not mean the danger was over.
Ladybug and the Guardian's side was only a temporary misunderstanding; once they discovered the truth, they would certainly come looking again.
He had to ensure Duusu's absolute safety.
"Mm! I know, Jaden!"
Duusu nodded vigorously, her mouth puffed out with bread, like a little hamster.
She mumbled, "I won't go anywhere; I'll just stay here and wait for you to come back.
There's a soft sofa, bright sunlight, and your delicious food... here... here is like heaven.
Really, compared to that... that dark and cold place before, I couldn't even dream of my current life."
Her voice carried a subtle tremor, evidently recalling the long, sunless years of being sealed in the brooch.
That loneliness and despair were an eternal imprint on her heart.
Jaden extended a finger and gently stroked her small head, saying softly, "Don't worry, that won't happen again."
Duusu rubbed her cheek against his finger, her eyes filled with reliance and gratitude.
To her, Jaden was not only her holder but also her redeemer who saved her from the darkness.
However, this peaceful afternoon was soon broken by an urgent phone ring.
"Buzz buzz buzz—buzz buzz buzz—"
The phone vibrated violently on the living room coffee table, and a familiar name flashed across the screen—Nino.
Jaden frowned slightly, wiped his hands clean, walked over, picked up the phone, and pressed the answer button.
From the other end of the line came Nino's characteristic, vibrant voice, with a hint of hip-hop rhythm:
"Yo, Jaden! Bro, got time now? I've got a gig here, desperately need your help!"
"A gig?"
Jaden raised an eyebrow, several thoughts flashing through his mind, "You didn't sign up for that 'Big Challenge' TV show, did you?"
"Uh... how did you know?" Nino's tone was full of surprise.
"All of Paris knows about that show," Jaden's voice held a trace of helplessness, "Let me say this first, if it's for an interview or something, you know, ever since that last incident, I haven't accepted any program invitations."
His words carried a hint of caution.
"No, no!" Nino immediately denied, "Absolutely not an interview! It's just... uh, the show has a segment that requires inviting a friend to interact on stage and complete a small challenge.
The guest chosen by the audience vote is you, bro!
I really have no choice, please, please, just help a brother out!"
Nino's tone sounded particularly sincere, even with a hint of pleading.
Jaden could imagine him with his hands pressed together, bowing repeatedly on the other end of the phone.
Jaden sighed softly, his lazy voice gaining a touch of helpless tenderness: "...Alright.
Since the audience chose, I can't let you lose face in front of the whole country.
Give me the address, I'll be right over."
"That's great! I knew you were the most loyal!" Nino's voice was full of relieved joy, "The address is the TV station building! We're all waiting for you here!"
The TV station again... A hint of helplessness flashed through Jaden's mind.
What kind of stunt would it be this time?
But since he had agreed, he wouldn't go back on his word.
"Okay, wait for me." With that, he hung up the phone.
At the same time, in the backstage corridor of TV Studio 3, Nino let out a long sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Beside him, Adrien leaned against the wall, his casual yet refined attire making him look like he was shooting a fashion spread even in the cluttered backstage area.
And behind Adrien, the burly, expressionless Bodyguard stood like a silent statue, exuding an aura that warned people to keep their distance.
"He agreed?" Adrien's emerald eyes held a hint of a smile as he looked at Nino.
"He agreed! But I didn't dare say what it was all about," Nino scratched his head, speaking somewhat guiltily, "Adrien, when Jaden gets here, how should we explain it to him?
Just say... you're a special guest, I'm a contestant, and then I need a 'most charming friend' to complete a temporary segment?"
Adrien shrugged, a charming smile on his face: "Just say that.
Don't worry, Jaden isn't that petty."
As he spoke, his gaze involuntarily drifted towards the end of the corridor, seemingly anticipating the appearance of that familiar figure.
The Bodyguard remained silent, only his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings, fulfilling his duty.
Inside Jaden's apartment.
Jaden hung up the phone, then looked at Duusu, who was still delicately tasting the bread, and walked over to admonish her again: "Duusu, I have to go out for a bit, and I might not be back before dinner.
Remember what I said, lock the doors and windows, don't open the door for anyone, and absolutely do not expose yourself.
There are blueberries and almonds in the fridge for you; help yourself."
"Mm-hmm! I remember!"
Duusu nodded repeatedly, like a child promising to be good after getting candy.
She quickly stuffed the last bite of bread into her mouth, then contentedly patted her round little belly.
To her, this feeling of being trusted and cared for by her owner was synonymous with happiness and fulfillment.
Jaden took off his apron, put on a simple black casual jacket, cast one last look at the obedient Duusu, then turned and left the apartment, locking the door.
He did not know that after his figure disappeared around the stairwell corner, and the crisp sound of the door closing echoed in the silent corridor, that cozy apartment, filled with sunlight and the aroma of bread, was about to welcome an uninvited guest.
Duusu stretched languidly in the air, just about to find a comfortable cushion to digest her delicious meal, when suddenly she looked with horror at the center of the living room.
The space there twisted like water ripples, and a deep, ominous purple shadow seeped out, slowly outlining a tall and elegant humanoid silhouette.
Hawk Moth.
"Plop."
The glass cup in Duusu's hand slipped and fell onto the soft carpet; it didn't shatter, but made a dull thud, as if striking her heart.
Her entire kwami body froze, her indigo eyes instantly filled with extreme terror and panic, and her body trembled violently, uncontrollably.
It was him! It was him! The demon who had awakened her from her slumber and then imprisoned her in darkness!
"It seems... you're doing well." Hawk Moth's voice was low and even, yet carried an undeniable authority.
His gaze swept over the leftover bread on the table, then landed on the trembling Duusu, his tone carrying a hint of playful mockery, "You've said goodbye to your old master, found a new reliance, and even learned to enjoy food."
"You... you... how are you here?" Duusu's voice was an uncontrollable tremble.
"Why shouldn't I be here?" Hawk Moth slowly stepped forward, each step like treading on Duusu's heart, "I am the one who freed you from that broken brooch.
Shouldn't... shouldn't you be grateful to me?"
"No... don't come any closer!" Duusu shrieked in terror.
"Heh heh," Hawk Moth let out a low, ambiguous chuckle.
He stopped a few steps away from Duusu, not pressing any closer.
He slowly raised his staff and gently tapped the void with its tip, saying in a low voice, "Don't be so nervous, my dear Duusu.
I'm not here to hurt you today. I just… want to let you meet an old friend. I wonder if you… have missed your partner… Nooroo?"
Nooroo!
Hearing this name, Duusu's body trembled violently, and a complex emotion was added to her fearful eyes. Nooroo, the butterfly sprite who, like her, was imprisoned in the hands of this demon.
"I… I followed your instructions," Duusu said with a trembling voice, forcing back her fear, "I… I didn't tell Jaden that I… I came from you…"
"I know. You did very well."
Hawk Moth's voice revealed no emotion, but he suddenly changed the subject, his icy gaze seeming to penetrate Duusu's soul, "But, you must also not do anything unnecessary to your new master… that young man named Jaden. Understand?"
"What… what do you want to do to Jaden?"
Duusu mustered all her courage, her voice filled with worry and fear. Although she feared Hawk Moth, Jaden was her only reliance and light now, and she absolutely did not want Jaden to suffer any harm.
Hawk Moth's lips curved into a cold arc: "Why would I do anything to him? I just came today because I thought you friends haven't seen each other for a long time, and it's time to reunite and catch up."
As soon as he finished speaking, the dark aura around him began to surge violently.
An Akuma Butterfly flew out from his collar, circling in the air.
Immediately after, the purple phantom, composed of countless butterflies, that enveloped him began to shrink and dissipate.
"Nooroo, Dark Transformation retract."
With his command, the purple suit, symbolizing evil and coercion, disappeared.
As a faint purple light flashed, a small sprite with purple wings appeared in the air. It looked listless and dispirited; it was indeed the butterfly sprite, Nooroo.
Nooroo's eyes instantly filled with complex emotions. It was a look mixed with surprise, jealousy, and a hint of resentment.
He looked at Duusu's obviously vigorous, even slightly plump, physique, then at the fragrant bread remaining on the plate beneath her, and said sourly:
"Oh, isn't this Duusu? Living the good life, and you didn't even think to inform an old friend in advance?"
"I…" Duusu's expression was a bit awkward in the face of her old partner's "interrogation."
She didn't know how to explain her situation and could only cast a pleading look.
At an angle invisible to Gabriel, the two sprites quickly exchanged glances in their unique, silent way.
Nooroo: "Your master is so good to you? You even have snacks to eat?"
Duusu: "…Mm, he's a good person. How about you? Are you doing well?"
Nooroo: "Good? Every day I have to accompany this ice-faced guy in plotting schemes, and the only food is those damned pancakes that I don't know how long they've been sitting there! Look at me, I've gotten so thin!"
Duusu: "…"
"I… I…" Duusu looked at Nooroo's haggard appearance, feeling both awkward and guilty.
She knew Nooroo had been suffering, while she herself was enjoying a heavenly life here.
Gabriel, however, was clearly not interested in the sprites' reunion.
His icy blue eyes locked onto Duusu, and he asked directly, "Your master, Jaden, where did he go?"
Duusu's heart tightened, and she instinctively wanted to make up a lie to gloss over it. For example, "He went for a walk in the park" or "He went to the library."
However, Gabriel seemed to see through her intention. His gaze became even sharper, and his tone became filled with pressure: "Duusu, although your current master is not I, don't forget who sent you to him.
Your freedom, your comfort, are still… decided by I."
This understated remark instantly crushed the slight resistance that had just arisen in Duusu.
She understood that in front of this man, any lie was futile and dangerous.
She lowered her head and, in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, reluctantly revealed the truth: "Jaden… he… he went to the TV station to record a show.
It seems… it's to help a boy named Nino."
"TV station? Show? Nino?"
A glimmer of thought flashed in Gabriel's eyes. These keywords quickly connected in his mind.
Nino, he remembered him, Adrien's classmate, the DJ who hosted a party at his house last time, and the TV station… he remembered the recently popular, but what he found particularly boring, reality show — "The Big Challenge."
"I didn't expect him to sign up for that boring 'Big Challenge,'" Gabriel muttered to himself, his tone full of disdain and contempt for such popular entertainment shows.
But then he thought of something, and the cold curve of his lips deepened a few more points — he remembered that this morning, when Nathalie reported Adrien's schedule to him, she seemed to have mentioned this: Adrien would go to the TV station as his friend's support group, accompanied by his Bodyguard.
This was truly an interesting coincidence.
"Alright, it seems your reunion time will have to come to a temporary end."
Gabriel elegantly adjusted his impeccable suit.
"Nooroo, Dark Transformation, call butterfly."
Controlling the Akuma Butterfly to reattach to him, giving him the ability to teleport.
He didn't look at Duusu again, and his whole being merged into the shadows, disappearing without a trace.
The chill in the room slowly dissipated with his departure.
It wasn't until the oppressive feeling completely vanished that Duusu, as if exhausted, slowly descended from mid-air onto the soft carpet. She let out a long breath, her small chest heaving violently.
"Phew… you scared me to death…" She patted her small chest, still feeling lingering fear.
But soon, the tempting aroma of the bread on the dining table caught her attention again.
After the tension and fear, the immense sense of relaxation made her appetite soar.
"But… he's gone," Duusu's eyes lit up again, gleaming with a foodie's light, "Now, eating delicious food is the most important thing!"
With that, she cheered and pounced on the bread, nibbling at it in small, satisfied bites. For her, as long as Jaden was safe, she feared nothing, even if the sky fell… On the other side, at the entrance of the TV station building, as soon as Jaden entered, the young female staff member at the front desk, who had been watching the door, immediately lit up, hurrying to greet him with a professional and enthusiastic smile, her voice clear and crisp: "Hello, Mr. Jaden! Welcome!"
Jaden stopped, nodding gently, "You've worked hard, hello."
The female staff member elegantly made a "please" gesture, leading Jaden towards the VIP elevator.
"Mr. Nino and Mr. Adrien are already in the studio. Please follow me."
At the same time, on the tenth floor of the building, in the "Paris Big Challenge" studio, the atmosphere was caught between subtle anxiety and anticipation.
It was a modern studio space, without traditional audience seating, looking more compact and professional.
Dozens of cameras were scattered in every corner, their cold lenses like tireless eyes, faithfully recording every move in the venue.
In the center of the stage, a huge LED screen occupied most of the background wall, currently displaying the show's colorful LOGO.
Several contestants sat in the waiting area on one side of the stage, while Nino and Adrien, as special guests, sat closest to the host, Alec.
Nino was restless, constantly adjusting the red baseball cap on his head, his fingers unconsciously tapping on his knees, his eyes frequently darting towards the studio entrance. The intense lights made his skin hot and his mouth terribly dry.
"Nino, relax."
Adrien, sitting next to him, gently nudged him with his elbow, a reassuring, sunny smile on his face,
"Jaden promised he would come, and he definitely will. He's not the type to break a promise."
Adrien's words were like a tranquilizer, significantly easing the tense atmosphere around them.
But beneath his calm exterior, his heart was also full of anticipation and curiosity for Jaden's arrival.
Ever since the party last time, every time he interacted with Jaden, wanting to understand him, he was always led to deeper unknowns.
Beside him, the burly, stern-faced Bodyguard stood like a statue, his sharp gaze vigilantly sweeping over everyone around him, diligently performing his protective duties.
"I know, I know…"
Nino took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down,
"I'm just afraid this Alec guy will spring a surprise attack. I'm afraid he'll call me on stage before Jaden arrives, and that would be really embarrassing."
Just then, the "this guy" they were talking about, the bald host Alec, hurried over from the control room.
He had a wireless earpiece in his ear, listening to instructions while flashing his characteristic, somewhat exaggerated smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen! Good news!" Alec walked to the center of the stage and announced loudly into the microphone. Although there was no audience present, he maintained a high level of professional enthusiasm,
"I just got word that our much-anticipated mysterious guest — Mr. Jaden — has already entered the elevator and is on his way here!"
Hearing this, Nino visibly relaxed, his whole body easing up.
"However, the elevator takes a bit of time to come up."
Alec's eyes darted around, a plan forming in his mind. He cast his gaze towards a rather uneasy figure in the contestant waiting area, "To ensure our show doesn't have even a second of dead air, let's give a warm round of applause to welcome our next challenger — Simon to the stage!"
Simon, whose name was called, was clearly startled. He was a rather shy young man, wearing a slightly flamboyant pink patterned suit, holding a stack of carefully crafted cards in his arms.
He didn't expect it to be his turn so quickly and nervously stood up, walking towards the center of the stage. As he passed Adrien, out of politeness and a slight admiration for the famous model,
He stopped and tried to greet him. He just showed a friendly smile and extended his hand: "Mr. Adrien, hello, I am…"
— "Stop!"
A low, powerful shout, like a clap of thunder, rang out.
Adrien's Bodyguard moved instantly, his massive body like a wall between Simon and Adrien, his eyes fierce, as if Simon were some dangerous terrorist.
His large, fan-like hand was already clenched, ready to pin this "ill-intentioned" fellow to the ground at any moment.
The sudden change startled Simon, making him step back, his face a little pale, his outstretched hand awkwardly suspended in mid-air.
The atmosphere in the studio instantly froze.
"Alright, relax a bit." Adrien's voice sounded in time, breaking the suffocating awkwardness.
He gently patted the Bodyguard's solid arm, signaling him to step back.
Then, he turned to the startled Simon, offering an apologetic, calming smile, "Don't mind him, he's just a bit overly excited for work."
Simon awkwardly withdrew his hand, nodded to Adrien, and then quickly walked to the center of the stage, standing next to the host Alec.
"Alright! Let's welcome Simon!"
Alec skillfully glossed over the small interlude. He enthusiastically put his arm around Simon's shoulder and introduced him to the main camera, "Everyone might not know, but Simon is a very powerful card hypnotist!
It is said that he can use the cards in his hand to make anyone follow his instructions!"
"Uh… Alec, it's not actually that exaggerated."
Simon was a bit embarrassed by the exaggerated introduction. He quickly raised the cards in his hand and explained with a gentle smile,
"I'm just a stage magician. All I do is use some psychological suggestion and techniques, with the audience's voluntary cooperation, to complete some interesting performances.
I would never use this ability to force anyone to do anything."
His words were sincere, his attitude humble, as he tried to uphold his professional ethics as a performer.
Alec laughed heartily, clearly not taking his explanation seriously: "Yes, yes, our Simon is an artist with principles!
Well then, your challenge today will really test your 'principles'!
Because the production team has contacted a heavyweight for you through special channels! Let's see who he is!"
As Alec spoke, the giant screen behind him lit up.
After a brief signal connection, a face familiar to all of Paris appeared on the screen—Gabriel.
He sat in his office, dressed in an impeccable white suit, his hair meticulously combed, wearing his signature black-rimmed glasses, and his expression was stern and cold, as if the oppressive aura could be felt even through the screen.
In the studio, Nino and Adrien simultaneously let out exclamations of disbelief.
"Your… your dad?" Nino's jaw nearly dropped. He pointed at the screen incredulously, then turned to Adrien, "How could he participate in a show like this?"
Adrien himself was full of confusion and shock. "I… I don't know either…"
He knew better than anyone how much his father disliked and despised these "shallow and boring" mass entertainment shows, in his opinion.
In his memory, his father had never accepted any exclusive interviews outside the fashion industry, let alone participated in a national challenge.
Gabriel on the screen was clearly as confused as they were.
He frowned, his sharp gaze scrutinizing the studio scene on the other end of the screen, and his voice was low and full of displeasure: "I was informed this was an exclusive interview about the future development direction of the brand.
Please explain, what exactly is going on?"
Alec, facing the fashion king's interrogation, not only showed no nervousness but became even more excited.
This was exactly the show effect he wanted! He spoke to the screen in an almost provocative tone: "Mr. Gabriel, don't be in a hurry!
This is the surprise of our 'Paris Big Challenge'!
And today's challenger, Simon, I hear you are a top hypnotist, so your challenge is—
Can you use your abilities to 'invite' our great King of Fashion, Mr. Gabriel, from his office to our show?"
As soon as this task was spoken, Simon's face instantly flushed red.
This was simply a joke! It not only violated all his professional principles but was also a great offense to Gabriel himself!
"No! This is impossible!"
Simon quickly waved his hands, eagerly explaining to Gabriel on the screen, "Mr. Gabriel, please believe me!
I would never do such a thing! Hypnosis is not magic, nor can it be used to force anyone! This… this is just a misunderstanding!"
However, Gabriel on the other end of the screen didn't even have the patience to listen to his explanation.
He cast a cold, contemptuous look from behind his glasses, as if watching a clown.
"Hypnosis? What paranoid nonsense."
Gabriel's voice was full of disdain and annoyance, "Alec, if your show is only of this caliber, then it's simply a waste of my time."
With that, he didn't even give Alec a chance to respond, unilaterally and decisively cutting off the video connection.
The giant screen instantly plunged into complete darkness.
In the studio, there was a deathly silence. All the staff looked at each other, the atmosphere extremely awkward.
"Ahem!"
Alec, as expected of a top host, immediately reacted, covering up the sudden broadcast accident with a loud laugh.
He patted Simon vigorously on the shoulder, announcing in an exaggerated tone full of regret: "Oh dear! What a pity!
It seems our Simon didn't successfully demonstrate his 'magical' abilities! Challenge failed!"
He easily and righteously placed the blame on Simon.
Adrien watched all this from the side, sighing softly and whispering to Nino, "See, this is my father."
His voice was full of helplessness and a bitterness he had long grown accustomed to.
"Alright! Then, let's hand the stage over to the next challenger!"
Alec quickly adjusted the process, enthusiastically waving to Nino,
"Nino! It's your turn! Come on up! Your mysterious guest has also arrived!"
The staff immediately stepped forward, half-pushing and half-shoving Simon, who was still in shock and grievance, off the stage.
"Wait! This isn't fair!"
Simon finally reacted, struggling to defend himself, "The task itself was problematic! I didn't even have a chance…"
"Sorry, sir, please leave."
The staff's attitude was cold and firm. They gave Simon no chance to argue, roughly pushing him out of the heavy studio door.
With a "bang," the door closed behind Simon, cutting off all his sounds and all his dignity.
And at this very moment, another door in the studio was gently pushed open by a smiling female staff member. She stepped aside, respectfully gesturing "Please enter."
Jaden's figure appeared at the doorway.
As he walked into the studio, he immediately felt the hot and tense atmosphere of a television show.
The dazzling lights made him instinctively squint, but he quickly adapted.
He immediately saw Nino and the host on stage, as well as Adrien sitting in the guest area. He gave his friends a gentle smile, about to walk over.
He didn't notice that, the moment he entered the studio and the door slowly closed, in the shadows of the corridor, a pitch-black Akuma Butterfly was silently fluttering its wings.
It had been waiting, waiting for Jaden to enter an enclosed space.
Now, the time was right.
In the corridor outside the studio, Simon was roughly pushed out, stumbled, and almost fell to the ground.
The cards in his arms scattered across the floor, like his shattered self-esteem at that moment.
His face flushed then paled, and immense humiliation, anger, and unwillingness gnawed at his heart like venomous snakes.
Why?
Why could that high and mighty Gabriel casually insult his profession?
Why could that glib host push all the blame onto him?
Why could those staff members kick him out like he was trash?
Didn't he just want to bring some joy to people with his talent? Was he wrong? This isn't fair! This world is too unfair!
The strong negative emotions, like a magnet, instantly attracted the Akuma Butterfly hovering in the shadows.
The butterfly silently flew over, like a black ghost, landing precisely on one of Simon's blank ace cards scattered on the ground.
The surface of the card was instantly corroded by a layer of black-purple substance, then returned to its original state, only with an ominous, purple butterfly Marc in the center of the card face.
"Listen to me, Simon Says."
A seductive, low voice echoed directly in the depths of his mind, "You feel injustice and humiliation. They mock your abilities, trample your dignity. But I can grant you true power."
"Who? Who are you?" Simon looked around in horror, but the corridor was empty.
"I am Hawk Moth."
The voice carried a fatal temptation, "I will make you the greatest hypnotist in the world. Every card in your hand will become reality.
You can make anyone obey your commands, make them pay for what you've experienced before. Let them see what true 'hypnosis' is!"
"The greatest hypnotist…" Simon murmured, his eyes beginning to glaze over.
"Yes."
Hawk Moth's voice was full of affirmation, "In return, I only need you to do me a small favor.
When necessary, retrieve the miraculous of Ladybug and Cat Noir for me.
Do you accept this power?"
"I… I accept!" Simon's last trace of sanity was consumed by the flames of revenge.
Black-purple energy instantly erupted from that card, enveloping his entire body like ink.
When the energy dissipated, the timid magician in the pink suit was gone. In his place was a super villain exuding an eerie aura.
He wore a purple and green spandex suit, a tall top hat, heavy black eyeshadow, and a wicked smile on his lips.
He picked up the scattered cards on the ground, and those cards seemed to come alive in his hand.
He was—Simon Says!
Inside the studio, unaware of everything happening outside.
Jaden's arrival re-energized the atmosphere.
"Jaden! You're finally here!" Nino excitedly ran over and gave him a big hug.
"Sorry, there was some traffic on the way."
Jaden smiled and patted his back, then turned to host Alec, nodding politely.
"Welcome! Welcome our distinguished guest, Mr. Jaden!"
Alec was clearly unconcerned by the previous unpleasantness. He enthusiastically stepped forward, shaking Jaden's hand, "Your arrival truly brightens our studio!"
Alec knew that Jaden disliked excessive exposure.
Therefore, he very cleverly avoided all topics that might cause offense.
"Alright, Nino, since your friend has arrived, your challenge officially begins now!" Alec announced.
Jaden stepped forward, standing beside Nino, with a gentle smile on his face.
He didn't say anything, but his presence itself was the greatest support for his friend.
He knew that his role at this moment was to be a perfect "backdrop," allowing Nino, the protagonist, to shine.
"Nino's challenge is simple!"
Alec said to the camera, "That is, to prove that he and Mr. Jaden have an unbreakable friendship!
So, Jaden, can you tell us, what was your reason for coming to this 'boring' show for Nino?" He cleverly made a harmless joke.
Jaden smiled, glanced at Nino, who was full of anticipation beside him, and said in a calm but sincere tone: "Because he is my friend. If a friend needs help, I will come. It's that simple."
His answer lacked elaborate words but was full of power.
"Did you hear that! Everyone!"
Alec exclaimed exaggeratedly, "It's that simple! The purest reason! For friendship! I declare—Nino, challenge successful!"
The studio echoed with the applause of the staff. Nino excitedly hugged Jaden again, continuously saying "Thank you."
"Alright, Nino, congratulations! We welcome you to challenge again next week!"
Alec announced the results, then turned to the camera, ready to end today's recording.
"In return, I'm treating tonight! We'll go to my place to play games, and let's call Adrien too!"
Nino said happily, putting his arm around Jaden's shoulder.
"Okay." Jaden smiled and agreed. Just going through the motions could make his friend so happy; for him, it was worth the trip.
"Alright! Today's 'Paris Big Challenge' concludes successfully here! Thank you for watching, we'll see you next…"
Before Alec could finish his closing remarks, the heavy studio door was suddenly pushed open with a "boom."
Simon Says, with a vengeful, sinister grin, stood in the doorway.
He held a card in his hand, his gaze fixed on the host, Alec.
"Wait! The show isn't over yet!"
His voice became sharp and eerie, "My challenge hasn't received a fair result yet!"