Chapter 432: Forced Fruit Is Never Sweet
Chapter 432: Forced Fruit Is Never Sweet
Clang! Fang Cheng’s chopsticks clattered onto the table.
He sat dumbfounded before Uka Qingxue, briefly wondering if his ears were playing tricks on him.
The small dog had already been retreating under relentless attacks, struggling to hold her ground alone.
Yet instead of aiding her own daughter, this mother chose to strike from behind?
Was this maternal love’s treacherous stab?
The shock lasted mere seconds before Fang Cheng sensed something amiss.
Even if secretly harboring such thoughts, the fox’s personality would never permit such blunt disclosure.
His instinctive glance at Uka Qingxue revealed matching astonishment – no illusion here.
The dignified Madam had truly dropped a bombshell.
Uka Kaori observed their frozen expressions. “What’s wrong?”
Retrieving his chopsticks, Fang Cheng calmly countered, “Could you repeat your last statement?”
Uka Kaori obliged: “I hope you’ll leave my daughter and be with me…”
“Madam!”
Uka Qingxue’s voice sliced through the air. “What are you saying?”
“Merely discussing future arrangements.”
Uka Kaori’s brows knitted, then her eyes widened abruptly. Snow-white hands flew to cover crimson cheeks as horrified realization struck.
What vile words had escaped her lips?
How could she voice such improper thoughts?
Fang Cheng watched the normally composed fox transform into this flustered creature – pale fingers pressed against flushed skin, panic swimming in her gaze. The sight proved unexpectedly entertaining.
A feminine chuckle tickled his ear as he pretended to focus on his meal.
Case solved before investigation began – the perpetrator revealed herself.
Only Iyaya could manipulate Uka Kaori’s speech so effortlessly.
Fang Cheng sighed internally. *”Enjoying yourself?”*
*”Immensely.”*
Iyaya adopted Tsukikage Hoshi’s mocking tones this time.
*”You promised not to meddle with those around me!”*
*”No meddling occurred,”* came the playful retort. *”Simply… encouraging honesty.”*
Fang Cheng was slightly taken aback. Did Uka Kaori truly think this way? Did she actually want to take her daughter’s place?
That’s amazing… no, that’s utterly ridiculous.
Fang Cheng didn’t believe Iyaya’s words and sneered, “You think I’d believe your lies?”
The moment he spoke, his head buzzed sharply as if struck by a heavy slap.
“Respecting your god is basic manners for a proxy.”
Iyaya flicked Fang Cheng’s forehead before adding, “Believe it or not, this is the truth.”
Like hell I believe you. You’d do anything for amusement.
He retorted irritably, “Even if true, you shouldn’t speak it aloud.”
Iyaya chuckled without argument, disappearing instantly.
Uka Qingxue wasn’t some blushing maiden. Though initially flustered, she regained calmness swiftly, though pink still tinted her cheeks.
She demanded coldly, “Was the evil god meddling?”
Only high-tier evil gods could influence her undetected.
The previous incident where Uka Kaori and Oni Yuki tried assisting Fang Cheng against the evil god, only to be effortlessly subdued themselves, proved this clearly.
Fang Cheng couldn’t deny it – claiming Uka Kaori had suddenly gone mad wasn’t an option.
He nodded. “It was her, but don’t worry. I’ve driven her off with scolding.”
“Don’t worry?”
Uka Kaori’s voice sharpened, anger evident. “Didn’t you claim an agreement with her? Yet you made me spout such nonsensical, shameless words! This is… utterly…”
Her chest heaved with anger, all cold elegance vanishing as she gritted her teeth.
Uka Qingxue remained silent, sighing inwardly.
Madam, your fury only reveals your own guilt.
Different personalities react differently. With Uka Kaori’s temperament, she should’ve countered with icy mockery, not raw anger…
Fang Cheng saw nothing unusual about the reaction. “She’s restrained now,” he explained wearily. “Before, she’d take direct action.”
He recalled nearly rolling sheets with the boss lady under Iyaya’s influence last time.
Iyaya had indeed held back – her old self would’ve ensnared both Uka Kaori and Uka Qingxue today.
The awkward atmosphere soon passed. Uka Kaori knew struggling against an evil god was futile.
Regaining composure, she asked anew, “What are your actual plans regarding Mirai?”
She glanced at Uka Qingxue, hoping the maid would intervene if she misspoke.
Uka Qingxue shook her head slightly – no problems this time.
“Plans?”
Fang Cheng understood perfectly. “Don’t you think Mirai’s too young?”
“Young?”
Uka Kaori frowned. “Sixteen isn’t young for a monster. She’s not human. You could formalize the relationship first.”
Facing the woman eager to become his mother-in-law, Fang Cheng sighed, “I wasn’t talking about age.”
“Not age? Then what’s too small…”
She suddenly caught his meaning and glared at him angrily.
“I’m discussing serious matters.”
“Isn’t personal preference serious enough?”
Fang Cheng spread his hands. “Forced fruits taste bitter.”
Uka Qingxue, being internet-savvy, countered, “Bitter fruits still quench thirst.”
Fang Cheng chuckled. “You really think so?”
Uka Kaori recalled her daughter’s microwave-like physique and changed tactics. “She’s still growing.”
“I’d believe that if you were blood-related.”
Fang Cheng glanced at her chest. “Touch your heart and repeat that. Will she ever reach your… proportions?”
Uka Kaori struggled with Fang Cheng’s crude humor. The marriage between Uka Mirai and Fang Cheng would benefit Iron Fortress, the Uka family, and herself. Yet while other women surrounded Fang Cheng, her “puppy” made no progress.
She hated pushing her daughter like discounted goods, but Uka Mirai’s flat chest and Fang Cheng’s apparent disinterest left few options. “At least she eats well,” Uka Kaori muttered, though it explained nothing.
Fang Cheng shifted tactics. “Mirai’s our ticket to the Lord of All Monsters competition. Let’s focus on that first.”
Uka Kaori saw through the delay but couldn’t argue. They needed Fang Cheng’s protection against Shōki. Pushing further would seem ungrateful.
As dinner cooled, Uka Kaori called Uka Qingxue to join them. The two women ate with matching elegance and silence, their refined manners and generous chests making them look more like mother-daughter than Uka Mirai ever could.
When Uka Kaori dismissed Uka Qingxue after dinner, Fang Cheng noticed the maid’s stiff posture. Alone, Uka Kaori asked, “What do you think of Qingxue?”
“She’s competent.” Fang Cheng chose his words carefully about the cool-tempered maid.
Uka Kaori’s eyes narrowed, parsing his meaning. “Then take her. You need someone for daily tasks.”
“Are you hungover?” Fang Cheng frowned. “People aren’t items to give away!”
“This is Lord Yuki’s decision,” Uka Kaori stated firmly. “Mine and my sister’s too. The Iron Fortress’s will, not personal choice.”