"Mr. Su, what do you mean? Are you displeased with the service?"

Qi Meng's heart pounded at Su Chen's words. She cast a seductively charming glance at him. The allure was undeniable.

"Miss Qi Meng, your acting is quite good, but a bit hasty," Su Chen teased playfully, glancing at her.

"Mr. Su, I don't understand," Qi Meng replied innocently, a confused look in her beautiful eyes.

"If you truly intended to throw yourself into my arms, why the hint of panic, even fear, in your eyes? And why did your hand tremble while unbuttoning my shirt?" Su Chen smirked, noting she was still in his embrace.

"It's my first time; I'm naturally nervous," Qi Meng responded seductively, her heart jolting. The Lord of the Underworld truly lives up to his name, she thought. I thought I controlled everything, but he saw through me!

"The key is, when my hand touched your skin, your muscles tensed instinctively, though you recovered quickly. I felt it," Su Chen continued. "Miss Qi Meng, words deceive, but bodily reactions don't. Your reaction wasn't just nervousness, but aversion!"

He knew women's bodies well—the difference between shyness and revulsion. Qi Meng's reaction was a blend of both; she intended to sleep with him, but was unwilling.

Qi Meng was utterly shocked by his sharp observation. Was this man even human?

"Mr. Su, I was joking, testing your resolve. I'm confident in my appearance, but your self-control exceeded my expectations!" Qi Meng rose, adjusting her clothes. This gambit had failed; she wasn't sure if that was good or bad.

"Really? If it happens again, I can't guarantee my resolve," Su Chen replied with a playful smile, unconvinced by her excuse. He didn't understand her motives for offering herself. Her behavior clearly indicated reluctance. Who was forcing her?

"Even ten more times, Mr. Su would maintain control!" Qi Meng insisted. The first time was the hardest; after that, it would be easier.

Su Chen didn't comment, but gently lifted her chin with a finger, his gaze intense and tender. His eyes shone like stars, deep and captivating.

"A woman, especially a beautiful woman like yourself, shouldn't do things unwillingly. Follow your heart!" he said compassionately.

Qi Meng's heart trembled. No man, especially not such an attractive one, had ever spoken to her like this. Her initial anxiety shifted to flustered uncertainty, a feeling of something awakening within her. She avoided his gaze.

"Look into my eyes!" Su Chen commanded, his voice uniquely magnetic as he grasped her shoulders.

Qi Meng obeyed, her heart pounding chaotically.

"What are you doing?" she mumbled.

"Miss Qi Meng, have we met before?" Su Chen asked gently, causing Qi Meng to break into a cold sweat.

"Impossible, Mr. Su. Are you mistaken?" she managed a strained smile.

"No. I feel I've known you before—a familiar feeling," Su Chen replied.

Qi Meng's heart leaped into her throat. Could he recognize her, despite her altered appearance?

"Oh! I know now!" Su Chen exclaimed suddenly.

"What?" Qi Meng asked, her voice trembling, her face paling.

"We met in a past life! Star-crossed lovers, perhaps! That's why we meet again!"

Qi Meng sighed in relief, collapsing onto the bed, nearly terrified. A new feeling arose—this playful banter felt like something she'd never experienced before.

"I'll leave now. Don't tempt me again. I can't guarantee I'll be this gentlemanly next time," Su Chen winked, leaving as swiftly as he'd arrived.

Qi Meng listened to his retreating footsteps, her heart slightly disordered, followed by a sigh.

Su Chen smiled cunningly after leaving. His behavior was deliberate. Qi Meng's scent had identified her—the assassin from Jianghai's manor! He'd even slapped her chest; he wondered if it still hurt. Last time, her seduction was an attempt on his life. This time, though reluctant, it seemed genuine.

He remembered she was a Peak Qi Refinement assassin, no ordinary one. What power had compelled such a master to offer herself? Offering oneself wasn't easy. What was their purpose? What were they plotting?

He didn't know the answers, but believed they lay with Qi Meng. That was the true reason behind his actions.