[Chapter 181: Someone Else Rode My Bicycle]
Chris's expression froze completely. Then it shifted into utter shock.
He turned to Daniel and said, "Daniel, she knows about you!"
Daniel, however, remained calm and unsurprised.
In the movie, the Succubus could control household appliances, the internet, and even phones. Just now, Daniel had forcibly pulled Chris back. It was perfectly normal for the Succubus to use her ability to see what was happening on Chris's end. Discovering Daniel's existence was naturally to be expected.
Daniel said, "Let me handle this."
Chris stepped aside.
Daniel sat down and typed, "I'm right here. Come on."
The Succubus replied, "Too eager, aren't we? We just met. No, to be precise, we haven't even met yet. We should take it step by step and get to know each other first."
Daniel responded, "No need. I know you very well."
The Succubus seemed to smile. "Really? Then tell me, what kind of person am I?"
Daniel typed back, "You... are not a person."
The Succubus fell silent. No message came for a long time.
Finally, she replied, "Saying that makes me very sad." Then she sent an image.
In the photo, a stunning woman had tears streaming down her face, looking utterly pitiable.
The moment Chris saw the photo, his eyes froze again. After more than ten seconds, he quickly turned his head, forcing himself not to look. But despite himself, his head twisted back several times, showing how conflicted he was.
Daniel typed, "When you see my powerful vitality, you won't be sad anymore."
Seemingly drawn by "powerful vitality," the Succubus's reply came instantly: "Is your vitality really that powerful?"
Daniel answered, "Of course. Powerful enough to strike the mark without fail."
The Succubus responded even faster, "Is it really that strong? How do you prove it?"
Daniel said, "You'll have to verify that for yourself."
The Succubus typed back, "I will. How about you show me your photo first? You know what I want to see. Of course, I'll show you mine, too."
Daniel answered, "I won't post any photos online. If you want to see, come find me in reality."
The Succubus teased, "You really know how to tease, but I like it."
Watching Daniel and the Succubus chat back and forth, as if they were hitting it off, Chris felt deeply uncomfortable. It was as if the ground had been pulled out from under him. He wanted to leave, to disappear from sight and mind, but he was reluctant. He couldn't let go. So, he just stood there, watching Daniel continue the conversation with the Succubus.
What disturbed him the most was how differently she behaved with Daniel compared to how she treated him.
With Chris, the Succubus had been dominant, controlling. But now, she seemed almost ingratiating toward Daniel. The rhythm was completely under Daniel's control.
Suddenly, Chris had the strange feeling that the bicycle he was reluctant to ride was now being ridden by someone else -- someone standing up on the pedals, confidently steering.
He felt conflicted and helpless.
After an unknown length of time, Daniel finally ended his chat with the Succubus.
By then, she was already calling him "Darling." Daniel, however, stayed somewhat aloof, never using any affectionate form of address in return. Despite this, the Succubus remained deferential, constantly trying to please him.
Daniel pushed away from the keyboard, noticing Chris's helpless and slightly betrayed expression. He immediately understood.
Daniel said, "How about I refund your money? You handle the rest yourself."
"No, no," Chris quickly waved his hand. "I just feel a bit upset. I also put in real feelings."
Daniel stood and gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "I know. But life has a way of making fools of all of us."
Chris frowned. "That's supposed to make me feel better?"
Daniel shrugged. "Not really."
He flipped his hand and produced two Seals. "This is a Clarity of Mind Seal, which calms your thoughts and gathers your scattered focus. And this Body Protection Seal will keep you safe. You must always carry them with you so that monster won't be able to pull you into its spiritual world."
"Thank you!" Chris grabbed them eagerly, cherishing them like treasures, then asked, "So, am I safe now?"
Daniel replied, "Although it's focused on me right now, there's no guarantee it won't suddenly turn back to you."
Chris's expression tightened. "What do I do now?"
Daniel said, "Holding my Seals will protect you for a while. I'll try to resolve things within that time."
Chris had no choice but to follow Daniel's lead.
"You... are you planning to lure her into reality to deal with her?" Chris asked cautiously.
Although Daniel referred to the Succubus as "it," Chris insisted on saying "she."
Daniel replied, "It won't come into reality."
Chris blinked in surprise. "Ah? Then you..."
Daniel cut him off. "You don't need to know."
"Alright." Chris knew he was an outsider and didn't fully understand.
After a slight hesitation, he carefully added, "Then... then please be gentle with her. Be kind..."
Daniel froze for a moment, staring at him intently.
Chris felt embarrassed. "This... this..."
Daniel shook his head. "I'm leaving now. Call me if anything happens."
"I'll see you out."
After seeing Daniel to the door and watching him climb into the Cadillac and drive off, Chris felt a profound sense of loss.
It was as if his most important possession had been taken away from him.
He went back to the study and looked over the chat history between Daniel and the Succubus.
He wanted to send another message to her but ultimately held back.
...
Back at the villa, Scarlett immediately came over and asked, "How was it? Is Chris alright? I wanted to call, but I didn't want to disturb you."
Daniel smiled. "I'm fine. Chris has been rescued."
Scarlett let out a sigh of relief. "You said he would have trouble last time, and he really did. Chris was lucky to meet you. Otherwise, something big might have happened by now."
Daniel nodded silently to himself. If he hadn't arrived in time, Chris would have been drained completely.
Scarlett then asked curiously, "What exactly did he encounter?"
Daniel replied, "That's not convenient to say -- it's his privacy."
Scarlett didn't press. "Alright, as long as everything's perfectly resolved. I'm leaving tomorrow. My vacation's over; I have new work to start."
Daniel pulled her into an embrace. "You can come by anytime."
...
Perhaps because she was leaving the next day, Scarlett was especially enthusiastic that night. And after consuming the Elixir, she had the energy to match.
Scarlett panted, recovering on the side.
Ding!
Daniel's phone chimed.
He picked it up and saw a message:
"I feel the taste of life bursting forth; your vitality is truly powerful."
*****
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