“You… what did you just say?”
Huang Xiaoyi was so shocked that she forgot to use honorifics with Xi Ye, her triangular pupils fixed intensely on the delicate and adorable face of the black-haired girl.
Xi Ye smiled gently:
“Is what I said so hard to understand? — You two will participate. That’s all there is to it.”
The reason she was forcing the two of them to intern like this was because both Huang Xiaoyi and Kesu Su, as Evil Gods, possessed power far beyond that of ordinary citizens. With their abilities, they could easily run rampant and act without restraint in the city. If left unchecked, it could easily lead to disastrous, irreparable consequences.
If their true natures were ever awakened, things would turn ugly, so it was crucial to nip this in the bud.
The two of them had already completely broken free from the rules of society. Morality and law had basically been twisted into Morality and Law 5 at their hands. No one could restrain them, so naturally they would act with impunity. That was why, as their teacher—and perhaps the only one in this city capable of controlling them—Xi Ye had to step in.
And the first thing to do was to make them understand the importance of rules, to bind them within the framework of society. The most direct way was to have them participate in work themselves, so the concept of rules would take root in their minds, and at the same time, they’d interact with others more and become less self-willed.
In other words, sometimes it takes a harsh lesson from society to make someone behave.
On Huang Xiaoyi’s side, sensing the steely resolve beneath Xi Ye’s words, she gave up any pretense and met her head-on:
“I told you already, didn’t I? — We won’t participate. That’s what I meant, literally.”
“Heh…”
Xi Ye let out a soft laugh, a lovely sound, but it made Huang Xiaoyi break out in goosebumps. A very bad premonition welled up in her heart. She quickly looked at Xi Ye’s hand, seeing that her fair, delicate wrist was tucked into her pocket. The pocket was bulging—clearly she was holding something inside.
That size…
Huang Xiaoyi frowned slightly, then her eyes widened. She stomped her little boots on the ground, sending her roller chair sliding away from Xi Ye in a rush. Her hands crossed defensively in front of her, as if facing a formidable foe:
“Don’t even think about using that weird thing to make me submit. I’m not as weak as Susu—I won’t give in!”
The magic inside her was gathering, ready to explode at any sign of movement from Xi Ye—
“Don’t be so tense.”
The black-haired girl withdrew her hand from her pocket and spread her jade-like palm. It was empty. She waved her hand lightly and said:
“There’s nothing at all, see? Honestly, am I that kind of teacher?”
Aren’t you? Huang Xiaoyi muttered inwardly.
“As your teacher, I’ve always believed in teaching according to ability and reasoning things out.”
Xi Ye crossed her hands in front of her and smiled. Her Big White Rabbit was squeezed to the point of almost bursting free, flattening out the creases in her uniform. It was obvious the buttons on her chest were under tremendous strain; through the nearly splitting seams, a white undershirt could be glimpsed.
Huang Xiaoyi’s gaze unconsciously fell there, and when she realized, she quickly looked away.
Her teacher was pretty and spoke in a pleasant voice, but no matter what, she couldn’t relax. She pursed her lips and asked:
“So, Teacher, does this mean I can leave?”
“Of course. Go right ahead.”
Xi Ye crossed her smooth, slender legs and made a gesture of invitation.
“Then…”
Huang Xiaoyi stood up, eager to get out of this trouble-laden place as fast as possible. Who knew what tricks this busty woman was up to? If she changed her mind, Huang Xiaoyi would be in for a disaster.
“—If you don’t care about Susu, that is.”
Xi Ye’s words drifted over like a devil’s whisper, making Huang Xiaoyi freeze on the spot. She could hardly believe what she’d just heard. She spun around and shouted:
“You dare threaten me?”
“Not at all.” Xi Ye was still smiling. “I’m just stating the facts. Besides, I’m not restricting your freedom. Xiaoyi, if you want to leave, you can go anytime. This is just my ‘proposal.’ Whether you accept or not is up to you.”
The blonde girl glared at Xi Ye. Her blood-red eyes looked eerily seductive at this moment, like delicious poisoned wine, drawing her step by step toward the abyss.
She clenched her fists tightly, her body trembling with anger. She gritted her teeth, her voice squeezed out from her throat:
“What did you do to Susu?”
“Nothing at all.”
Xi Ye leaned forward, hands crossed, elbows resting on the table, striking the classic “Ikari Gendou” pose. At that moment, the only thing missing was a pair of glowing glasses.
“…Susu seriously broke the rules in class. I merely ‘educated’ her a bit. I didn’t use any other means. As for why she ended up like this, I’m looking for answers myself.”
“But that’s not important. What matters is, look… Susu is a good, obedient child now.”
As she spoke, Xi Ye tilted her head. Her pretty face paired with a blank look did seem harmless, but her next words sent a chill through Huang Xiaoyi’s veins:
“…Tell me, if I make a small request of Susu, do you think she’ll obey or resist?”
“—!”
“Xiaoyi, you wouldn’t want Susu to be completely ruined, would you?”
The beautiful girl stuck out her moist pink tongue and licked the corner of her lips, gently caressing her own cheek, looking every bit the villainess.
“You…!”
Huang Xiaoyi bit her lip until it turned white. Her rampaging magic nearly burst from her eyes. In her golden pupils, intricate patterns intertwined like a computer motherboard, and the luminous points of magic flickered rapidly within. Any one of those points leaking out could cause massive destruction.
Against an ordinary person, or even a mythical creature, Huang Xiaoyi was confident she could evaporate them in an instant. But her teacher… this hateful woman, this demon, this Evil God…!
She had no idea how strong Xi Ye truly was, or how many trump cards she had. That item she casually pulled out earlier was enough to turn Kesu Su into what she was now and made Huang Xiaoyi suffer for an entire class. If she openly showed hostility, she might face an even more terrifying backlash.
—Would I end up like Susu?
No, I don’t want my mind filled only with this hateful woman…!
Huang Xiaoyi realized she was afraid.
She didn’t dare to gamble, because the price of losing was too high—something she simply couldn’t accept. So even though she had the power to erase anyone easily, she couldn’t bring herself to use it. All she could do was swallow her anger.
Xi Ye, I’ll remember you. I’ll never forget the humiliation I suffered today. Sooner or later, I’ll make you pay…
Hatred surged within her, even making her voice tremble slightly:
“…Fine. I’ll go to the internship, alright? You… you’re not allowed to do anything to Susu.”
It worked.
Xi Ye narrowed her eyes, her smile as warm as the winter sun:
“Looks like you’ve accepted my proposal. Good, then…”
“—Looking forward to working together, my class rep~”