Chapter 4: The Gathering (Part II)
Ji Ma returned to her bedroom and pulled out a box filled with toy cartons from beneath her bed. The toys clashed together, making a clattering sound.
Inside were over thirty types of toys made of leather and thick materials, a dazzling array.
Ji Ma squatted by the box, rubbing her hands together and letting out a mischievous chuckle, looking just like a pleased goblin.
“What should I choose? Hehehe.”
With a smile, Ji Ma picked out a pair of handcuffs, which had a leather lining to avoid injuring the skin. Then she pulled out an eye mask, and soon she had prepared a “custom-made” outfit.
After making her selection, the demoness, whose mind was filled with yellow fantasies, conceived a bold idea.
Why not let Eve Frostleaf change her clothes inside? Who knows, the high and aloof high elf, who appeared so dignified, might have something surprising underneath…
A grin spread across Ji Ma’s face, revealing two rows of gleaming white teeth.
Her hand began rummaging through the box for some goodies.
Just imagine, the tall, silver-haired beauty enjoying dinner with her love, while underneath her clothes she is forced to wear that kind of thing. George’s green hat shining like a beacon.
But what if it backfires?
A bucket of cold water poured over her head.
Ji Ma couldn’t help but recall the last time she was surrounded and beaten by three people.
Her bottom stung, and her legs instinctively squeezed together.
“Maybe I should just forget it,” Ji Ma thought, picking up a toy the size of a date and preparing to put it back in the box.
But then she remembered the ancient books she saw in George’s study and the letter Gregory left him.
This cunning demoness genuinely wanted to surprise George, and she really did intend to lure him away. She was just curious enough to send “Bald Qiang” to take a look…
George would definitely break up with her.
Ji Ma sat on the floor, her head bowed.
The note was well-argued, even convincing her. She regarded herself as an ordinary person, someone who couldn’t surpass the barriers that many people could not conquer.
Of course, it could also be “survivor bias”. Only the demoness who creates big news would be recorded in history. Those who didn’t might be in a nameless corner, growing old together with their partner.
A nameless corner, growing old together?
Suddenly, a scene popped into Ji Ma’s mind:
In a secluded valley, with two shabby houses, brilliant sunlight falling on the flat fields, she was old and gray, wielding a hoe amidst the sound of cicadas, and when tired, she squatted by a creek with her partner, using a washing stick to beat clothes.
And just like that, a peaceful life ended one day when death came, taking her partner’s hand and leaving peacefully.
How tragic!
Such a thing was not for her.
She would rather lean on the thigh of an alluring beauty, lying on a silk bed, on the verge of death, watching a crowd fight over her inheritance, with no one caring about her fate.
She didn’t wish to grow old together; growing old together was the most disgusting. She wanted to retain her youth, to enjoy life continuously. Pastoral bliss was just a pile of garbage.
Ji Ma shivered; she didn’t want to gamble on the possibility of “survivor bias.”
Putting herself in George’s shoes, she thought he would definitely just have a brief fling and part ways amicably.
Then why not enjoy it while it lasts? There would be no more chances to get close to the silver-haired beauty and Jenna afterward.
Ji Ma resolutely retrieved a toy the size of a date stone from the toy box, packed it carefully, and stuffed it into a dimensional pocket at her waist. Since the pocket was cluttered with too many items, she decided to hide some toys under her skirt.
Fortunately, this was in the Dream Palace, where she was in charge, allowing her to hide many toys beneath her skirt.
Ji Ma stood up, walked a few steps in front of the mirror, ensuring there were no flaws in her appearance, before eagerly stepping out of her room and riding on a cloud away to find Eve Frostleaf.
Finally, she found Eve Frostleaf in the small garden within the palace, leaning against George’s shoulder, seemingly in the midst of an intimate conversation.
Eve’s face turned cold when she saw Ji Ma.
Ji Ma felt a twinge of jealousy; this proud “tsundere” only warmed up to George. Without him, she feared she wouldn’t have a chance for intimate contact with Eve Frostleaf.
Ji Ma jumped off the cloud and rushed towards the two, the toys under her skirt clattering together, before slowing her pace and approaching them.
George looked at her: “Ji Ma, you’re here too?”
“Looks like I came at the wrong time.”
Just as George was about to reply, Ji Ma stretched out her hand, pulling Eve Frostleaf’s arm with force and raising her face with a mysterious smile. “My wings and I have something to discuss, we’ll be away from you for a bit.”
Though Eve stood up, her brow furrowed as she asked, “What is it?”
“Hmm? Do you want me to say it in front of you?” Ji Ma tightened her grip on Eve’s white wrist. “It’s not impossible.”
Eve Frostleaf’s icy white face flushed pink as she said, “Don’t say it.”
George asked, “What is it?”
Ji Ma replied, “A woman’s secret.”
As she spoke, she tugged Eve Frostleaf and took a few steps, with Eve, using her long legs, following along.
In front of George, Ji Ma took away the ice goddess Frostleaf without hesitation, feeling only joy, her tail wagging behind her. With her back to George, she leaned close to Eve Frostleaf and whispered:
“Now you need to put on some special clothes, my little third wheel.”
Eve Frostleaf shot a cold look at Ji Ma.
“Hey, George.” Ji Ma called back, “Come here and be a lie detector.”
George shook his head and walked over.
“I’ve already spoken to Jenna.” Ji Ma said, “As for the things on the bed, I’ll handle that. George, shut your mouth; woman’s matters are none of your business, just observe.”
Eve Frostleaf struggled for a moment and asked, “She agreed?”
“Of course.” Ji Ma wrapped her arms around Eve Frostleaf’s slender arm, patting her chest. “I’m a professional; I take charge of this. George, I’m asking you now, am I professional enough? You can speak now.”
George muttered, “Professional.”
“So…” Ji Ma’s golden eyes shifted to Eve Frostleaf.
The latter bit her silver teeth, her ears tinged with red, looking away.
“That means you agree.”
Ji Ma pulled her by the arm and easily led the taller Eve Frostleaf away for over twenty steps until they were about to exit the garden. Ji Ma turned her head, seeing George gazing at her intently, looking like a dog. She waved her hand and said, “George! Goodbye.”
After saying that, Ji Ma turned back with a smile, knowing without looking that George, the fool, was probably waving his hand at her with a silly expression.
Once the two women’s figures disappeared from George’s line of sight, Ji Ma bent down and reached under her skirt, pulling out a collar with an iron chain and a metal piece shaped like a dog’s head. She raised it towards Eve Frostleaf and said in an authoritative tone, “Put this on.”
“What is this?”
“A dark gothic style necklace.”
“That’s a dog collar!”
“When George asks, just tell him its first name.” Ji Ma waved the collar. “Wear it? This is part of our play. If you don’t want to join our family, then just forget it. I suggest you go back home early and be your elven princess.”
Eve Frostleaf’s clear green eyes glared at her, but she didn’t respond, only pausing in her steps.
Ji Ma snorted lightly, stood on her tiptoes, and placed the collar around Eve Frostleaf’s long neck, fastening it without pulling it tight, leaving plenty of space.
“All done.”
Eve Frostleaf lowered her head and saw the dog-head metal piece resting on her collarbone, her breathing becoming heavier.
“Come on, let’s keep walking.” Ji Ma straightened the short iron chain.
Eve Frostleaf raised her chest and took elegant steps, looking like a proud princess in the court of high elves.
Thus, Ji Ma led Eve Frostleaf through the palace, straightening up Eve’s ears, afraid that someone might see.
Reaching the entrance of the palace, brilliant sunlight fell on the two women.
Ji Ma could hear Eve Frostleaf’s long-held breath of relief, and as her tail wagged, it slipped into Eve Frostleaf’s knee-length skirt, wrapping around her thigh in coils. The soft silken feel was nice, smooth, and a bit cool.
Eve Frostleaf merely turned to glance at her, saying nothing, but the air around them grew colder.
Ji Ma pushed her luck, using the tip of her tail to gently rub against Eve’s thigh, the sensation shifting from silky smooth to cool softness.
Eve Frostleaf’s hand suddenly tightened around Ji Ma’s wrist.
Ji Ma glanced at Eve Frostleaf’s chest and saw her purple aura expanding while her anger was also rising.
She quickly withdrew her tail, moving it back and forth at the juncture of the silver silk and the bare leg, repeatedly teasing just below Eve Frostleaf’s threshold, making it difficult for her to act out.
Ji Ma felt the two different sensations overlapping, sending shivers up her spine, while Eve Frostleaf’s every step caused the tail entwined around her thigh to brush against her smooth skin, producing soft rustling sounds.
Ji Ma stared at Eve Frostleaf, admiring her tall figure, long limbs, and the cold elegance in her eyes, along with the half-red ears peeking out between her silver hair.
The combination of visual and three types of tactile stimulation created friction that sparked flames, igniting her tail, making it turn a shade of crimson while feeling Eve Frostleaf’s legs cool against her.
Eve Frostleaf maintained her “ice mountain facade,” but her gaze involuntarily aimed a sharp glance at Ji Ma.
Ji Ma bit her cherry lip, her eyes moist as she looked at her. Seeing Eve’s emerald-green eyes reflected her own face, half filled with desire and half with innocence, truly made it hard to be angry.
It seemed as if Eve Frostleaf’s eyes were scorched by fire, abruptly turning her face away. Ji Ma could see that the desire in her chest had increased.
“Frostleaf, you are so beautiful,” Ji Ma said, loosening her grip on the iron chain.
Eve Frostleaf’s taut back muscles relaxed.
But Ji Ma’s tail suddenly returned with a vengeance.
Caught off guard, Eve Frostleaf let out a gasp, bending down and clamping her legs tight, shattering her “ice mountain shape.”
Ji Ma swiftly withdrew her tail, escaping the encirclement.
By the time Eve Frostleaf’s flushed eyes turned to Ji Ma, Ji Ma was already standing atop a large rock, looking down at her, plucking a red fruit from a branch and tossing it to Eve Frostleaf, saying, “Take a bite and see.”
Eve Frostleaf obediently opened her mouth and took a bite, finding the red fruit elastic and impossible to chew through.
“Very good, the size fits.” Ji Ma picked another one. “That one is yours, keep it safe.”
After saying that, Ji Ma jumped off the stone, humming a tune, walking toward the Dream Palace.
Is this it?
Eve Frostleaf knew the fruit’s purpose, but after walking for so long, was it just to pick a fruit?
Amidst her relaxation, disappointment began to settle in.
“Oh, right, there’s also this.” Ji Ma turned and pulled out a date-sized black fruit. “I want to hand-feed you.”
Eve Frostleaf’s eyes widened, reflecting the date-sized black fruit drawing closer…
“Very obedient.” Ji Ma picked up a pen. “You’ll have to hold on a bit longer.”
“Damn it.”
More than ten minutes later.
The two women returned to the Dream Palace together, with Eve Frostleaf’s willow-leaf eyebrows looking somewhat angry. As she reached the restaurant door, right in front of Ji Ma, she grabbed the collar and yanked off the chain and dog tag, tossing them onto the ground.
Ji Ma, just an arm’s length away, shrugged and smiled, showing indifference.
With her hands behind her back, she strode into the dining room.
George and Jenna were sitting at the dining table, which was laid with ten sumptuous dishes, while Li Anxi stood beside.
Jenna, seated at the host’s position, raised her arm and waved at Ji Ma, smiling as she said:
“Ji Ma, you’re finally back! I was going to have Li Anxi notify you.”
“I never miss dinner.” Ji Ma sniffed and said, “By the way, Jenna, I’ve already convinced Frostleaf.”
Saint Jenna thought Ji Ma meant that Eve Frostleaf was shy; thinking it over, she nodded and said, “That’s good.”
A cool breeze blew past Ji Ma as Eve Frostleaf strode past her, sitting next to George. On the surface, she only appeared to have a black collar around her white neck, an ordinary decoration.
Ji Ma, with her hands behind her back, paced past George, looking at him. She sighed, such a young and talented guy; if only he could redirect some of that energy into filling the harem with more beauties.
She then reached out and patted George on the shoulder, saying, “Young man, keep working hard, persevere, and I’m rooting for you.”
George, confused, thought Ji Ma was just being playful and said, “Ji Ma, come sit down; we’re all waiting for you.”
“Alright.” Ji Ma walked to the opposite side of George and said, “Li Anxi, come sit next to me.”
Li Anxi quickly took a seat beside Ji Ma.
Ji Ma was the first to dig in; she used chopsticks to pick a piece of broccoli from the green soup, which looked vibrant and juicy, exclaiming, “Jenna, your cooking skills have really improved.”
Jenna smiled, holding her face with one hand. “Thanks to your guidance.”
Ji Ma cast a proud glance at George.
You poor thing, I’m eating your wife and playing with your wife, and you don’t have a clue.
With that thought, Ji Ma popped the broccoli into her mouth.
The juice of the broccoli flooded her tongue, every taste bud screaming!
In an instant, Ji Ma felt dizzy, and she distinctly saw a portly figure with a benevolent expression, stirring his pot of plagues!
———
(Note: “Survivor bias” refers to the concept that only the successful or the “survivors” of a situation are often visible in narratives, while those who did not succeed are overlooked.)
