Facing Leng Wu Shuang’s interrogation, Jiang Xuan sighed and shook his head.
“I’m already in the clutches of the Empress, no matter what I say won’t change anything. I know you won’t let me go.”
“Oh? So the Emperor finally has some self-awareness? If only you were this obedient last time, it would have saved me a lot of trouble. But it’s a bit late now, don’t you think?”
As she spoke, Leng Wu Shuang pinched Jiang Xuan’s cheeks.
“But you can give it a try. Who knows, maybe I’ll soften up and let you off the hook? Besides, I quite like how the Emperor looks. Why don’t you try to win me over?”
Jiang Xuan: “…….”
Hearing Leng Wu Shuang’s words, he was utterly perplexed.
“Wait, what does the Empress mean? Does she really want me to woo her with my looks?”
“Hmm? She could use force, but instead chooses this clumsy method. Is this really an opportunity for me?”
“Fine, fine, fine. I’ll see what you’re up to!”
On the surface, Jiang Xuan held Leng Wu Shuang’s hand, looking pitifully cute as he said:
“Empress, last time I didn’t run away on purpose. It’s just… I might d*e if I become Emperor…”
Leng Wu Shuang: “????”
Upon hearing this, Leng Wu Shuang was about to mock Jiang Xuan for making up such a silly excuse. But his pitiful look captivated her, and she nodded involuntarily.
“Okay… good… well-behaved child… then you won’t be Emperor… I promise I won’t let you d*e.”
Jiang Xuan: “????”
Jiang Xuan was just trying to respond appropriately to Leng Wu Shuang, but her answer completely took him by surprise.
At that moment, his System chimed in.
“Host, readings show your approval rating with this lady has skyrocketed to 7777! It is recommended you double down; perhaps we can try more secret features.”
“What? Approval ratings boost that quickly? Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“Ding! Before, when interacting with women, host rarely used your actual looks—so it wouldn’t have mattered. Also, I’ve emphasized that your looks, enhanced by max charm levels, grant full power here.”
Jiang Xuan: “…”
He was ready to block out the System forever after hearing those four words again.
That brought back painful memories of being toyed with. But boosting Leng Wu Shuang’s approval was out of the question. The System had already led him astray once.
Besides, brushing the Empress’ favor was one thing, brushing the Empress herself was another. Too risky. If her approval got too high and she made him Emperor, he’d have no choice but to live a hellish life.
Every second he’d need to watch his back; someone might want his throne. His current desire was to escape from this Empress.
Jiang Xuan smiled brightly, seeing how Leng Wu Shuang agreed not to make him Emperor.
“Thank you for your mercy, Empress. This ‘Emperor’ disease likely will never heal. I’ll repay you in my next life. If nothing else, I’ll leave now. May we meet again someday.”
These words snapped Leng Wu Shuang out of her daze. She grabbed Jiang Xuan’s hand again.
“Emperor, you’re quite good at winning hearts. I knew you were fibbing, yet I couldn’t refuse you. You got me.”
Jiang Xuan: “…”
“Empress, a promise is a promise. Since you’ve allowed me, please stop calling me Emperor. Call me Jiang Xuan. Given I’m not Emperor any longer, my lingering presence here tarnishes your reputation. I fear future trouble otherwise.”
Leng Wu Shuang: “???”
“Yes, yes, yes. Very clever. Still, aren’t you lacking in confidence? Why do you think I’d choose anyone but you as Emperor after seeing you?”
“You’re already too much for me to ignore. Besides, all other options are useless compared to you. I merely said you won’t be Emperor, but I never agreed to set you free. You don’t have to be my Emperor; just be my husband.”
Jiang Xuan: “????”
“What’s the difference between being the Empress’s husband and Emperor?”
“The difference is clear—I can’t just be anyone’s husband. Ah, last time you claimed to be half-man. I’ll help you complete the job.”
Jiang Xuan: “…”
Leng Wu Shuang’s comments utterly baffled Jiang Xuan, who was ready to run. Now his approval dropped to -6666, yet she still wanted him to switch roles.
She squeezed him tighter, smiling, “Don’t worry, Husband. Soon I’ll teach you how to be a real man. Do you want anything? Just ask and I might grant it.”
Her gentle voice disoriented Jiang Xuan.
This -6666 approval wouldn’t translate to gentleness!
He clearly couldn’t afford to get entangled with this Empress. Known for crushing rebellions and piling bodies, Leng Wu Shuang was a dangerous woman.
Recognizing her might after that fall was an eye-opener for Jiang Xuan. Boosting approval was tempting, yet risky—a surefire path to manipulation.
