Hearing those words, the white piece in Dustin’s hand paused slightly before he slowly placed it down with a smile. “I thought Miss Hongniang came here to exchange chess skills. Didn’t expect you to be a messenger instead.”
“Hehehe… Mr. Rhys is so clever. How could you not guess the reason I came?”
Hongniang chuckled softly, not hiding anything. “His Highness once saved my life, and he treats me like a guest of honor. Naturally, I must repay his kindness and help ease his concerns. I hope Mr. Rhys won’t take offense.”
“Miss Hongniang speaks frankly. That’s a rare honesty. How could I be offended?” Dustin smiled.
He had expected her to make some roundabout flattery before getting to the point, but she was so upfront—it was genuinely surprising.
“To be honest, Mr. Rhys,” Hongniang said as she placed her next piece with a smile, “His Highness has never valued anyone this much before.”
“I can tell he truly wishes to recruit you. As someone close to him, I naturally hope to help make that happen. As long as you agree, I can promise you anything.”
As she spoke, she slowly looked up, her eyes sparkling with an indescribable allure.
Being ranked eighth on the Rouge List meant more than just beauty. The rankings factored in identity, status, and personal capability.
Hongniang’s beauty and figure were nearly flawless. Her charming eyes, gracefully arched brows, delicate nose, and features as finely sculpted as jade gave her face an almost ethereal quality.
Her lips were the soft color of newly bloomed roses, natural yet vivid. When she smiled, dimples surfaced gently, radiating a subtle tenderness.
Her skin was fairer than snow, gleaming like pearls under the sun, making her appear elegant and otherworldly—like a celestial maiden stepping out of a painting.
Even Dustin, who had seen many beauties, momentarily lost himself in her gaze.
Hongniang wasn’t just beautiful—she possessed a naturally seductive charm. Every glance, every movement, was incredibly captivating.
Even knowing this was a honey trap, Dustin didn’t feel any irritation. In fact, he found her honesty almost… convincing.
He had to admit—Li Juntang had played a strong card.
“Mr. Rhys, look at this game,” Hongniang said, changing the topic with a smile. “Black and white pieces competing, yet needing each other to create a brilliant match. It’s like you and His Highness—if you joined forces, you’d surely gain the upper hand in these turbulent times.”
“Life is like a game of chess. Every step must be cautious. A single misstep could lead to total loss,” Dustin responded with a smile.
“Being cautious isn’t wrong, but being overly cautious and missing great opportunities isn’t good either,” Hongniang said, her moves becoming sharper.
She skillfully set traps on the board, trying to lure Dustin into disadvantage.
“I’m a timid person. I’d rather do nothing than make mistakes,” Dustin replied calmly, countering every trap with grace and seizing opportunities to fight back.
Gradually, the tide on the chessboard shifted.
Hongniang, who had been aggressive at first, unknowingly found herself at a disadvantage.
“Checkmate!”
Watching Dustin place his final piece, Hongniang was not upset but rather pleased.
She considered herself quite skilled at chess, yet Dustin had flipped the board in a few moves, cornering her completely.
His chess skills were masterful.
“Mr. Rhys, your skills are extraordinary. I concede,” Hongniang said sincerely, her eyes full of admiration.
At first, she thought he was just a talented martial artist. Now, she saw he was a rare genius of both pen and sword.
No wonder His Highness valued him so highly.
“You flatter me, Miss Hongniang. I was just lucky,” Dustin replied humbly.
“If Mr. Rhys is interested, I can accompany you for more matches tonight. I guarantee you’ll enjoy it so much you won’t want to stop,” Hongniang said with a flirtatious smile.
This wasn’t a hint anymore—it was an open invitation.
“Ahem… I don’t usually play chess at night,” Dustin feigned ignorance.
“Mr. Rhys, you really don’t understand a woman’s heart,” Hongniang sighed with feigned grievance.
It wasn’t easy finding a man this handsome, talented, and refined. She genuinely didn’t want to let go.
After all, who knew what kind of greasy, repulsive official she’d be offered to next?
If she had to give herself away, better it be to this man before her—at least she could feel joy in it.
“Miss Hongniang made the effort to come all this way—I can’t let you leave empty-handed.”
As Dustin spoke, he suddenly took out a delicate jade box and placed it on the table, smiling. “Inside is the Dragon Source Spirit Qi that His Highness needs. Please pass it on to him for me. As for pledging allegiance… I’ll still need some time to think about it carefully.”
“Dragon Source Spirit Qi?”
Hearing this, Hongniang’s eyes lit up.
She had two missions today—retrieve the Dragon Source Spirit Qi and recruit Mr. Rhys.
She had thought it would be a difficult task, but now half of it was already done.
She could at least report back to His Highness with something in hand. - Vivek
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