Manipulative Harem God

In the hushed ambiance of the changing room, a single question hung in the air like a delicate wisp of curiosity. "Hu Ning?"

The door creaked open, revealing a slice of the room beyond, and in that sliver of light, Zhou Jiajia, engrossed in extracting her earrings, spoke without a glance backward. Her eyes remained fixated on the mirror before her, an unwavering focus amidst the mundane act.

"Zhang... Wei?"

However, her eyes, like a cautious prelude, blinked twice before recognition danced in them, birthing a radiant smile that transformed her entire demeanor. Swift as a fleeting thought, she closed the distance.

Zhou Jiajia, unable to contain the bubbling excitement within her, bounded toward him, bridging the gap with a tight embrace. "Zhang Wei, you really came! I thought you'd be too busy."

Zhang Wei's laughter, a melody harmonizing with the moment, echoed in the confined space as he warmly reciprocated the hug. "I couldn't let this occasion pass without joining you. Happy birthday, Jiajia."

Zhou Jiajia's face lit up with a radiant smile, "Thank you! You're the best present I could ask for. How was the concert? Did you enjoy it?" Yet, in a swift realization that he might not be versed in celebrity affairs, she smoothly pivoted, "Nevermind, where did that other girl disappear to?" Her eyes sparkled with an undeniable curiosity.

In response, Zhang Wei shot her a quick glance, a mischievous gleam dancing in his eyes. "Another girl? You mean Xiong Mei? She gracefully retreated to the hotel. Didn't want to interrupt our celebration."

Zhou Jiajia's smile deepened, "Hmm, and what about that foreigner girl? Seems like you've quite the fan following, Zhang Wei?"

"..."

A subtle twitch played on Zhang Wei's face, he spoke proudly, "The demand for good men is exceptionally high."

"Pftt."

Zhou Jiajia's composed expression shattered into laughter as she covered her face, the sound ringing softly in the room.

Zhang Wei's laughter rippled through the air, "Well, I try to keep my fan base as diverse as my playlist."

Zhou Jiajia, momentarily caught off guard, interrupted her laughter and nudged him playfully, "Diverse? I didn't expect you for having a taste for foreign flavors."

Raising an eyebrow, he replied, "Taste knows no boundaries. Besides, she's not a fan; she's more like a secretary."

Zhou Jiajia, her eyes widening with surprise, muttered to herself, "A secretary, huh? Intriguing. Even my dad says the same about that blonde woman..." pretending to be oblivious.

A subtle twitch played on Zhang Wei's face, 'Why does it always involve blonde women?'

Observing his reaction, Zhou Jiajia swiftly changed the subject, gracefully stepping a few paces away. "How's my dress? Does it look good?" she inquired, twirling in the radiant red gown adorned with intricate white embroidery, a vibrant spectacle in the room.

Zhang Wei remarked, "It's looking quite stunning, but don't you think... the theme doesn't quite match the concert?"

A subtle blush painted Zhou Jiajia's face as she felt, her motives were laid bare open under his gaze. "It's alright, no one would care."

As she reached to undo the dress, her movement froze, and her eyes flicked back to Zhang Wei, who lingered within the room.

"Umm..." She continued to gaze at him for a few moments, a swirl of uncertainty and embarrassment playing across her expression.

Zhang Wei's mind caught up with the situation, and instead of leaving, he sported a wicked smile, folding his hands in mock anticipation. "What's the matter, Little Jia? Already feeling bashful? Sigh..." he theatrically sighed, his feigned disappointment amplifying the rosy glow on her cheeks.

A realization hit to Zhou Jiajia's brain, "It's only been a day..."

Zhang Wei, "What day are you talking about?"

Zhou Jiajia blush deepened, how can bring herself to say, that although it's only been a day, she doesn't feel like a stranger near him... Rather quite secure... Someone she could talk her mind out...

The little bird didn't even realise girls don't fall for playboys due to the charm, but how those playboys make them feel by being near them...

Zhang Wei, thought she was really quite embarrassed, and glanced at the time, "One hour more... Huh..."

"If you don't come outside within one hour, forget your birthday present," he stated, moving back towards the door, and leaving.

"Wa—!" Zhou Jiajia's word caught in her throat, as he left already, somehow there was some disappointment, but without caring about it, she closed the door this time, taking out her red dress and changing into something more appropriate.

_____

Meanwhile, outside in the hallway, Hu Ning's steps faltered, her body burning hot and flushed, weakened but determined.

"Ugh!"

Leaning against the walls for support, she trod carefully toward the nearest room. The effects of the poison, intensified by her unique blood, sent waves of agony through her, forcing her to clench her teeth in pain.

As she staggered into the dimly lit room, she whispered to herself, "Sun Qiang's tactics were dirtier than I expected. This poison... it's tearing me apart."

The pain intensified, and she clenched her fists, gasping for breath. A soft groan escaped her lips as she sank onto a nearby chair.

The room spun, and she pressed a hand against her forehead, trying to steady herself.

In a strained expression, she muttered, "I can't let him see weakness. I need to find a way to counteract this poison before it's too late."

Hu Ning's eyes darted around the room, seeking something, anything that could offer a remedy. Just as despair threatened to engulf her, a glint of determination flashed in her eyes.

"I won't be his pawn!" she vowed, summoning every ounce of strength to stand. With a deep breath, she pushed herself forward, navigating the room in search of a solution, her resilience battling against the relentless poison coursing through her veins.

Sun Qiang lounged near the table, a wide, scheming smile etched across his face. He leaned in, his voice dripping with anticipation, "Wei Jun, how long until the aphrodisiac becomes utterly unbearable for her?"

Wei Jun, a shadow in Sun Qiang's calculated plot, replied coolly, "Give it about an hour, young master Sun, and she'll come back begging, mark my words."