Chapter 64: “What you’re stealing, I don’t want anyway.”

Chapter 64: "What you're stealing, I don't want anyway."

Qin Qing handed the jade containing the script back to 996.

996 revisited the script, its round face wrinkling like steamed buns.

In the last world, after the system praised its perfect mission accomplishment, it started trusting Qin Qing.

It believed that the fate wheel of the 'Child of Destiny' was meddled with and that all so-called destined relationships were erroneous, with the so-called 'soulmate' being a shameless thief!

If it pushes the story to follow the script's grand conclusion, it would hand over the 'Child of Destiny's' fate, and even the entire world's fate, to that thief.

"Qin Qing, you must snatch the 'Child of Destiny'! Look at what sort of creature this main character truly is!"

6, which previously got swayed by scripts, was now awakened. It pounded the floor with the jade, its face filled with indignation.

"He's always stealing from the original host. The original host finally got accepted into the Empire Military Academy, and he even took the admission letter! The original host was nationally ranked first! The main character's cumulative score across eight subjects doesn't even reach a hundred— an utter academic failure. Does he deserve that admission letter?"

996 spat on the floor in disdain, his expression growing even more contemptuous.

The script romanticized this part, saying the protagonist persisted in taking the exam despite a high fever, which led to his poor performance.

The problem is, even if the protagonist hadn't had the fever, he usually failed his exams. His stupidity, selfishness, and malice were all glossed over in the script as innocent whimsy and endearing cluelessness.

What's more ridiculous is that all the "attackers" are deceived by such a disgusting creature.

996 asked with confusion, "Qin Qing, are these five attackers blind?"

Qin Qing shook his head, "Not blind, just considering their own interests. They need someone like him to appease the spiritual unrest, or they'll die."

"What an overpowering advantage! The puppet master must have invested quite some effort, huh?"

996 exclaimed and then suddenly realized something alarming.

"This is bad, Qin Qing! In this world, it's not about appearances, but pheromones! Without pheromones, even if you seize all five attackers, they're doomed in the end! The rules of this world are terrifying, restricting us at every turn!"

Qin Qing remained calm, but curiously asked, "What exactly are pheromones?"

Seated on a pure white sofa, he leaned forward slightly, extending a slender, pale finger to gently touch the tip of 996's nose.

"Would this count as a pheromone?" he whispered.

A fragrant scent formed into a thin thread, emerging from his soft fingertip, piercing into 996's nostril like a needle, and forcefully entering its brain.

996's green eyes widened in shock, the pupils dilating rapidly before abruptly contracting. It couldn't identify the overwhelming fragrance now dominating its mind.

The scent was rich yet subtle, effortlessly evoking the most beautiful memories of smells: the charred aroma of grilled fish, the sweetness of caviar, the faint fishiness of salmon, the intense purity of catnip...

All the most cherished and enchanting aromas were hidden within this fine, invisible thread, stirring up a deep-seated desire and even an itch in the soul.

996 felt weak, its eyes rolling back as it clutched its belly and collapsed onto the floor.

Even inhaling hundreds of boxes of catnip wouldn't produce such a level of ecstasy.

It writhed on the floor like a worm, wriggling its way to Qin Qing and clutching his ankle with its chubby paws.

"Master, let me have another whiff, meow! You smell so good! I adore you, master!" It cast aside any dignity it once had as a divine messenger, acting like a pet completely devoted to Qin Qing, squirming, moaning, and acting coquettishly.

If the fragrance were a tad stronger, all the desires hidden deep within its heart would be tumultuously stirred, burning fiercely and completely.

Qin Qing chuckled softly, seemingly amused, and then withdrew that delicate scent.

For a few seconds, 996 was stunned. Upon realizing the embarrassing act it had just committed, it felt utterly mortified.

"Qin Qing, you truly do possess enchanting techniques! I've always wondered how in every world you manage to win over the protagonist's lovers – so this is your secret!" 996 scrambled to its feet, roaring in anger.

Qin Qing continued his soft laughter, his face radiating a captivating and bewitching glow.

"This is our clan's innate ability – the Bewitching Fragrance. But you needn't worry; this is the first time I've ever used it."

Qin Qing looked down at his pale fingertips and said, "Those who inhale the Bewitching Fragrance will fall madly in love with me. But what's the point? Once the fragrance fades, the love dissipates. Such superficial love, based solely on fleeting desire, is worthless to me. It's even less valuable than trash. Why would I need trash?"

He proceeded to the kitchen, meticulously cleaning his fingertips to remove the last trace of the scent.

When it came to love, he had an almost pathological obsession. He yearned for the purest, most passionate, and most genuine heart. Any hint of deceit or hesitation would not be tolerated.

Likewise, the heart he offered in return was equally untainted.

Watching his solitary silhouette, 996, for some inexplicable reason, found itself believing his words.

"You know," 996 murmured, "you could let me have a sniff every once in a while. I don't mind being entranced by you!"

Turning his head, suppressing a smile, Qin Qing said, "Are you mistaking me for catnip?"

996 hurriedly ran to him, wrapping its pudgy paws around Qin Qing's slender leg, "Can I, Master? Can I have just a tiny whiff each day? I'll do anything you ask if you let me!"

Amused, Qin Qing couldn't help but laugh, though he refrained from giving in.

As the two, man and cat, playfully interacted, the door suddenly burst open without warning. Two men and a woman strolled in.

Glancing over, Qin Qing's smile immediately faded.

The intruders were the original body's father, Qin Tao, its mother, Li Yijia, and its half-brother from an extramarital affair, Qin Gantang.

But now, Qin Gantang was no longer the illegitimate child. Recognized and brought into the Qin family by Qin Tao, his name was added to the family records, and he received acceptance from all family members. His mother, Fang Anna, was also brought into the Qin household, sitting on an equal footing with Li Yijia.

As time passed, this equilibrium shifted. Fang Anna increasingly presided over family banquets, emerging as the new matriarch.

Meanwhile, the original body's rights and privileges were slowly usurped by Qin Gantang. First, it was their shared bedroom, then valuable clothing and accessories, and gradually everything the original body cherished – from their standing in the family to childhood toys – was seized.

In the end, the military academy slot that belonged to the original body was also taken by Qin Gantang.

Li Yijia held profound resentment towards this mother and son duo. But what could she do? Her family was in business while the Qin family was involved in politics. Money only multiplied when anchored to power, making the Li family, in essence, a vassal to the Qins.

Furthermore, Qin Gantang had formed protector bonds with five top-tier alphas, all of whom were pivotal figures in the empire. Together, they virtually controlled everything. How could Li Yijia confront them?

She could only watch helplessly as her belongings and her son's were taken away piece by piece.

It would have been one thing if they just took them, but even worse, once they grew bored of these possessions, Qin Gantang and Fang Anna would destroy them. What began as mere thievery evolved into outright robbery.

They thrived on looting, but even more so on destruction.

At this moment, Li Yijia's expression was exceedingly grim.

Seeing her son after such a long time, she could only muster a bitter smile.

Qin Qing stepped forward, gently embracing his mother and planting a kiss on her pale cheek, completely ignoring Qin Tao and Qin Gantang.

Qin Tao, showing little affection for his elder son, pulled his younger one to sit and stated, "Your mother mentioned you were recruited by the Central Army Corps upon graduation and wanted to gift you a house. I thought we should be fair, so I asked her to buy two - one for you and one for Gantang. Gantang is also graduating this year."

After Qin Gantang snatched away the original body's military academy slot, the latter had to retake a year. Due to Gantang's repeated grades, the two brothers ended up graduating together.

Currently, Qin Gantang had yet to find a job. However, with his formidable background, he didn't really need one.

Qin Qing remained indifferent to his father's words.

Li Yijia clenched her fists, masking her distress with a gentle smile. Why should Gantang be part of her son's graduation gift?

Was Gantang determined to take everything that belonged to her son?

The palm of her hand, pierced by her nails, began to bleed. But she could only hold it tight, hide it, and conceal it, not letting anyone see.

Quietly, Li Yijia wiped the blood on the hem of her black dress before gently seating her son.

Qin Qing glanced at Qin Gantang seated across from him.

The man was exceptionally delicate, with a pointy face and large eyes. His demeanor occasionally exuded a naive charm, like an innocent little fox, extremely endearing.

Most notably, a crimson mole was located beneath his left eye, bright and fiery. When he cast those fluttering glances, the enchanting allure emanating from deep within seemed to surge like an undercurrent.

A captivating scent continuously wafted from him, reminiscent of the richest, most addicting opium, brewed over countless days and nights. Just a faint whiff was enough to drive one to madness.

Bewitching Fragrance?

Qin Qing's lips curved into a smile.

The puppet master behind the scenes is indeed kin. He diverted his gaze, releasing a soft sigh.

As he observed Qin Gantang, the latter also sized him up.

Contrary to Qin Qing's serene detachment, a storm of emotions raged within Qin Gantang. It had been ages since he last saw Qin Qing, and his memories had blurred.

But upon this reunion, he was horrified by how Qin Qing had transformed!

Everything in the room was pristine white. Yet even this purest of colors, achieved only through precision instruments, couldn't compare to Qin Qing's complexion.

His skin, pale as the first snow, had gentle blushes at the tips of his eyes, nose, and lips. His hair and irises were darker than the deepest night, yet they shimmered with a soft luster.

In such a monochromatic environment, he was undeniably the most radiant and magnificent presence.

Just one glance at him made Qin Gantang's heart race. Imagine if Qin Qing possessed glands and pheromones; even if he were a mere low-ranking Omega, he would be swarmed with admirers.

Qin Gantang's smile waned slightly, but his eyes darkened with malice.

Touching the crimson mole under his eye, his raging jealousy was momentarily quelled.

"Brother, the houses were purchased by Aunt Li. You can choose first," Qin Gantang said with a beaming smile.

"You pick first. Considering your protectors will visit often, select whichever property is most convenient for them," Qin Tao said, completely disregarding the feelings of his wife and elder son, keen on pleasing his younger one.

Even as the patriarch of the Qin family, he had to be utterly submissive before the formidable Qin Gantang.

What's wrong with using his wife's wealth to favor his illegitimate son and mistress? As long as it profited him, all sacrifices were worthwhile.

Qin Gantang quickly waved off the offer, saying graciously, "No need, let my brother choose first. It's Aunt Li's money after all. No matter where I stay, it's convenient for the five of them, so it's fine."

Before committing to one in matrimony, Qin Gantang was free to interact with the five alphas, releasing pheromones intermittently to appease their turbulent spirits.

Unless they wished for death, these five men would do everything in their power to win his affection prior to marriage. So even if he was an illegitimate child and not a direct heir to a top-tier family, he never needed to accommodate them.

He was the true mastermind, the one in control, the one who decided everything.

With that thought, Qin Gantang couldn't help but chuckle, a sense of superiority welled up from deep within him.

Li Yijia's gaze turned even colder, but she managed to suppress her inner rage and said gently, "Qin Qing, you choose first."

As she spoke, she pulled two magnetic cards from her bag. Each card bore an image of a property; it was the modern equivalent of a property deed.

Relying on the memories of the original host, Qin Qing scanned both cards with the computer on his wrist.

The two magnetic cards projected 3D images of the properties. One was a two-story villa in the suburbs with its own garden, while the other was a luxurious high-rise apartment, spanning over four hundred square meters.

Li Yijia had bought the villa for her son at a staggering price of tens of millions. Upon hearing this, Qin Gantang expressed his desire for a property, prompting Qin Tao to pressure Li Yijia into purchasing another one.

The apartment, acquired later, cost around ten million. Naturally, its surrounding environment and interior quality couldn't compare to the villa.

After all, it was a house she was coerced into buying. How could Li Yijia willingly spend a fortune on it?

Now that her son got the first pick, she was genuinely pleased, her previously dim eyes shining a bit brighter. However, she also knew that if her son chose the villa she'd meticulously prepared, it would be taken away if Qin Gantang simply expressed his fondness for it.

Would Qin Gantang snatch it?

Of course he would. It's his favorite game after all.

If human greed could emit an odor like pheromones, he would surely stink worse than the landfill in the downtown area.

Li Yijia's lips curled into what seemed like a smile, but she gritted her teeth so hard that they pierced her gums, drawing blood.

Qin Qing was also smiling, his demeanor relaxed and languid. He reached out and took the magnetic card of the apartment.

"Thank you, mother. I really love this house."

His clear voice filled with joy, he twiddled the card between his fingers, as if he couldn't part with it.

"Living in a high-rise is perfect for my research. It's peaceful with no neighbors, and when I'm tired, I can gaze at the vast sky for inspiration. Moreover, it's convenient as the star ports surround it, and it's close to the Central Legion, saving me a lot of commute time. With the Legion's strict regulations, living far away would risk being late, which concerns me."

His affectionate eyes gleamed, and with another grateful smile, he added, "Thank you so much, mother. Can you read minds? This house is precisely what I wanted."

He wrapped his arms around Li Yijia in a hug, gently patting her back with his palms.

His smile, his gratitude, and his inability to part with the magnetic card all underscored just how much he loved this apartment.

Seeing him choose the less favorable property and yielding to the illegitimate son, Li Yijia's mood was particularly sour.

However, at that very moment, embraced warmly by her son and gently caressed, she couldn't help but beam with happiness.

Oh well, as long as her son is pleased. The villa, being more expensive and having a superior environment with higher appreciation potential, would now likely be free from Qin Gantang's grasps, right?

Li Yijia laughed as she tousled her son's hair, feeling a weight lift from her heart.

She naturally picked up the other magnetic card and handed it to Qin Gantang, "Take this property. Congratulations on your graduation."

Qin Gantang accepted the card, uttering a cheerful "thank you," appearing genuinely pleased.

Having achieved his goal, Qin Tao didn't linger. After a brief exchange with his eldest, he left with his younger son. These days, Qin Gantang was his pride, accompanying him wherever he went, boosting his prestige.

Once the door closed, Li Yijia's elegant smile morphed into deep disdain.

She instructed the robot butler to pour her a glass of wine. Sipping, she sighed, "Son, I thought you'd prefer the villa. But luckily you chose the apartment; now Qin Gantang won't take it from you."

"Mother, I actually preferred the villa," Qin Qing replied, playing with the card, his loving gaze turning subtly languid.

Li Yijia was taken aback.

996, sounding rather stifled, remarked, "You knew the protagonist wanted the villa, so you chose the apartment? When have you ever compromised like this? This world is so damn messed up! Wait for me; I'll steal the villa's card back for you."

After speaking, 996 attempted to open the window and scuttle down what it imagined to be a drainpipe, only to realize that such a towering structure wouldn't possess one.

Li Yijia's eyes began to glisten, tears forming, reflecting her pain.

"Son, I'm sorry you had to compromise. Avoiding conflict with Qin Gantang is wise for now; his backing is powerful. Once your uncle's business grows and we establish connections with the central authorities, we won't have to fear him any longer—"

Qin Qing interrupted with a light chuckle.

"Mother, what are you talking about? Why wouldn't I contest? No one can take what's mine." Holding the card between his slender fingers, his gentle tone laced with a hint of icy mockery, he stated, "What's taken from me is what I didn't want in the first place."

With a casual flick, the card landed in the trash bin behind the sofa, submerging in a sticky residue from discarded nutrient packets.

Before Li Yijia could process this, her communicator rang.

Answering the call, Qin Gantang said sheepishly, "Aunt Li, I've been reconsidering. I think the apartment suits me better. The villa is too remote and impractical for job-hunting. Could my brother perhaps exchange with me? The villa is pricier and should rightly belong to him, don't you think?"

Li Yijia remained silent for a long while.

She stared at her son in astonishment, a flurry of thoughts racing through her mind.

Her silence was mistaken by Qin Gantang as reluctance. He pressed on, "Aunt Li, I truly adore that apartment. Please, let my brother exchange it with me."

Though his plea was addressed to Li Yijia, it was clear he meant for Qin Tao, beside him, to hear.

Qin Gantang was well aware that no matter how unwilling Li Yijia might be, she'd concede if Qin Tao insisted. So his plea wasn’t laced with humility, but rather with a sense of triumph and arrogance. The mocking laughter in his voice was evident, but so what?

As Li Yijia remained dazed, Qin Qing calmly spoke, "Let him have it."

His tone sounded resigned and weary, as if after fighting hard, he’d reached a point of utter defeat and had given up. Yet in reality, he was sipping a deep, blood-red wine, with a pleased curve on his lips.

The apartment card, so desperately sought by Qin Gantang, now lay in a damp trash bin, slowly acquiring a pungent odor.

It was something Qin Qing didn’t even deem worthy of a second glance.

Finally snapping out of her stupor, Li Yijia, suppressing her smirk, feigned annoyance and said, "Fine, take it if you want. I'll have the robot send you the card."

"Thank you, Aunt Li." Qin Gantang grinned with delight.

He heard the weariness in Qin Qing's voice and the concealed anger in Li Yijia's. He believed he had won.

"By the way, Aunt Li, didn’t my uncle recently buy an S900 hover car? I quite fancy it."

Though left unsaid, the implication was clear. The top-tier hover car that Qin Qing’s uncle had purchased was now coveted by Qin Gantang. He wanted it.

Li Yijia raised her eyebrows in refusal, but her son quickly projected a message using his smart device: [You read whatever I write.]

She nodded in understanding, suppressing her anger, and said with a tone dripping with disdain, "Oh, that car? If you want it, take it. My brother gave it to Qin Qing a few days ago, but he didn’t care for it. It’s just gathering dust in the garage. Qin Qing said the S900 is outdated. Its field of view is poor, the AI control system isn’t the latest, its features are subpar, gear shifts are clunky, and battery life is short. He's been so annoyed, he’s thinking of selling it online. If you want it, that would save him the hassle."

The messages on the virtual screen were imbued with a sense of disdain and annoyance for the S900. Li Yijia's voice further emphasized that sentiment.

Moments ago, having set his heart on the S900, Qin Gantang now found himself silenced.

After a brief pause, he managed a feigned chuckle and replied insincerely, "Aunt Li, the car was a gift to Qin Qing. How could I possibly take it? I just wanted to borrow it for a few days. After all, how can my brother be without a vehicle for work? Yin Bozhou also has an S900. I’ll borrow his."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Qin Gantang ended the call.

Li Yijia glanced at her device, then at her son leisurely enjoying his wine, and her face broke into the most genuine smile she’d worn in years.

"So that's a way to deal with this leech! Son, I understand now."

Qin Qing, cradling his chin in one hand and swirling his wine glass in the other, looked amused, his dark eyes gleaming with interest. In a languid voice, he said, "Mother, don't worry. From now on, anything Qin Gantang snatches from me will be things I've discarded."