After the cozy banquet, the grand hall echoed with footsteps as everyone prepared to depart. Luxury cars were rolled out into the courtyard, golden lights spilling across the polished stone pavement. The air was buzzing with excitement, as if the night was about to unfold into an unforgettable journey.

  Since their first encounter, Erion had always maintained his cold composure, unsure of how to express himself. But now, he summoned all his courage, stepped toward Trang, and spoke in a low, steady voice:

  – “This time… you’ll ride with me.”

  Trang froze for a heartbeat. Her cheeks flushed the soft pink of cherry blossoms, her eyes flickering with hesitation before she gave the faintest of nods — barely enough for Erion to catch.

  Din, of course, noticed. He whistled loudly, cutting in with a teasing tone:

  – “Well then, I’ll go with Yin in his Ferrari. That way, the General can have his moment with the lady!”

  The little demons of Erion’s household burst into gleeful cheers. To them, seeing the coldest general in the universe finally let his heart thaw after a thousand years of ice was a thrill beyond words.

  Meanwhile, things were heating up on Trúc Di?n’s side. Lita flatly refused to ride with Trang and Erion, her face stormy, her tone stubborn:

  – “I’m not going with that hateful Erion and his foster sister! Today I’m going with you.”

  Seated in the driver’s seat of a silver Innova, Master V?nh the sorcerer could only shake his head with a weary smile:

  – “If the princess insists on joining us, at least sit quietly and don’t stir up trouble.”

  Trúc Di?n placed his hands on his hips, clicking his tongue in exasperation:

  – “Great… now I’ve been dragged into this mess. Talk about bad luck.”

  – “What was that?!” Lita snapped, eyes wide. “I’m a true princess, you know!”

  Trúc Di?n folded his arms, meeting her glare with defiance:

  – “So what if you’re a princess? I’m the Serpent King, crown prince of the Serpent Clan. Everyone here has royal blood—don’t think you’re the center of the universe!”

  The air crackled instantly, like sparks before an explosion.

  Standing off to the side, Arian simply shook his head with a quiet laugh. He opened the door of a sleek Porsche for H?ng Nhung, his tone calm but edged with warning:

  – “Careful, or you’ll end up locked inside the cube. Erion doesn’t joke about these things.”

  H?ng Nhung chuckled lightly as she slipped into the passenger seat. Arian circled around to the driver’s side, his hand resting casually on the polished steering wheel.

  Elsewhere, Yin was already behind the wheel of his blazing red Ferrari, his salt-and-pepper hair rippling in the wind. Lowering the window, he called out to the group:

  – “Hop in! Let’s take a spin, then get back quickly to prepare for the punishment awaiting D?ng’s family.”

  Laughter rolled through the night, drowning out the roar of engines.

  Inside the silver Innova, chaos reigned as Lita’s constant grumbling clashed with Trúc Di?n’s sharp retorts, sparks of tension flying between the princess and the Serpent King — much to everyone’s amusement.

  The Porsche carrying Arian and H?ng Nhung glided out first, followed by Yin and Din’s Ferrari — a scarlet arrow slicing through the night.

  At the rear, two glossy black Bentley Bentaygas kept close: One driven by Erion with Trang at his side, the other packed with a rowdy band of little demons.

  The convoy rolled forward beneath the moonlit sky, headlights blazing like a river of fire, carrying with it the warmth and cheer of a family bound not by blood, but by loyalty, laughter, and something even stronger.

  After the convoy departed, the vast courtyard of the Bình Chánh headquarters once again sank into silence. The night wind gently stirred the leaves of the celestial garden, carrying the faint fragrance of blossoms through the air.

  The Demon King Satan stood tall beneath the veranda, his gaze piercing into the garden as though it could see through the very fabric of the universe. His voice rumbled low:

  – “The two Black Diamonds… they have finally begun to reveal their feelings. Everything is unfolding just as I intended.”

  From behind, the Grand Thái S? stepped out, her dignified presence casting a long shadow across the ancient stone floor. Her eyes were as sharp as a hawk’s as she spoke softly:

  – “I once believed, at first, that Your Majesty favored Trúc Di?n, since he was the one who had earnestly sought to court Princess Trang.”

  Satan let out a hearty laugh, his voice echoing across the garden:

  – “Trúc Di?n’s feelings are nothing more than a fleeting spark. True love… can only come from Erion. Trúc Di?n is merely a catalyst, the spark that ignites that frozen heart.”

  The Grand Thái S? nodded, her eyes gleaming as if enlightened:

  – “Indeed. Trang and Erion are destiny itself, woven by the universe. They were born to resonate with one another. No interloper can change that.”

  A faint, contemplative smile curved across Satan’s lips, his voice dropping as if revealing a secret known only to him:

  – “In fact, there is something few are aware of… Only Trang and Erion can wed and produce the next generation. With anyone else, no matter how hard they try, it would be impossible. Their genetic codes were set at birth — perfectly compatible only with each other.”

  The Grand Thái S?’s eyes widened in shock. She fell silent, her expression a mixture of awe and revelation. So the Black Diamonds were not merely symbols of power, but also the key to the balance of the universe itself.

  …

  Meanwhile, out on the dazzling city streets, the convoy of Erion’s supercars drew every eye. Engines roared, headlights streaked across the gleaming pavement, and pedestrians turned their heads to watch in fascination.

  Yet the true chaos was inside the silver Innova leading the line. Lita and Trúc Di?n were locked in a relentless battle of glares, neither willing to yield an inch. The atmosphere crackled like colliding magnets, sparks practically leaping in the air.

  In the sleek black Bentley Bentayga behind them, Erion drove one-handed, his other hand propping up his chin. A sly smirk tugged at the corner of his lips:

  – “Looks like… the serpent has finally met its match.”

  Trang let out a soft laugh, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief:

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  – “So Trúc Di?n is about to find himself a lover? How very interesting…”

  In the other cars, everyone had already noticed the endless “verbal sparring match” happening in the Innova ahead. Amused smiles spread among them. They recalled how, when the two Black Diamonds first met, they too had clashed just like this.

  Perhaps… a new love was about to take root, though neither side would yet admit it.

  The group drove their cars into the underground parking lot of a luxury hotel in the heart of District 1 — a familiar spot for Din. Warm golden light spilled from the hotel lobby, illuminating every step as they disembarked, exuding an aura of both power and elegance.

  Lita looked playful in her Lolita-inspired outfit: a pristine ivory blouse beneath a soft pastel-pink cardigan, a short red plaid pleated skirt, glossy black Lolita shoes paired with lace-trimmed knee-high socks. She looked every bit the picture of a high school girl — though one with an edge.

  As they strolled leisurely down the walking street, Prince Arian tilted his head, lowering his voice so the group could hear:

  – “Ever since moving to Earth, she’s always dressed like a schoolgirl… but honestly, more like the queen bee of the school.”

  Everyone immediately held their breath, struggling not to burst out laughing. They knew if they laughed too loudly, the little princess would explode.

  Walking beside Lita, Trúc Di?n caught every word. He rolled his eyes with mock exasperation:

  – “Here I thought she was some sweet, innocent student… turns out I’m dealing with a gang leader. Just my luck.”

  Lita’s face flushed crimson. She jumped in protest:

  – “Hey! Who are you calling a gangster? I…I only bossed around a few other girls, that’s all!”

  That was the breaking point. The group erupted into laughter, their voices blending with the hum of traffic and the rhythm of street music, adding to the lively Saigon night.

  Erion shot her a sidelong glance, his voice sharp and cold:

  – “Confessing without even being pressed. Anyone needing intel, just ask her a few questions — she’ll spill it all.”

  Din clicked his tongue, shoving his hands into his pockets like a seasoned merchant weary of the trade, and chuckled wryly:

  – “At this rate, she’s only fit to be the school’s queen bee. Put her in business, and she’d bankrupt the company in three days flat.”

  Another round of laughter rang out, echoing across the bustling sidewalks of District 1.

  At that moment, Erion’s little demons suddenly froze in awe before a brightly lit shopping mall ahead. Neon lights and massive LED screens painted their young faces in dazzling colors, their wide eyes sparkling with childlike wonder. Tugging at the General’s hand, they pleaded in sweet, pitiful voices:

  – “General… please, let us go in! There are so many beautiful things inside…”

  Arian chuckled softly, patting one of their heads:

  – “Alright, let’s go in.”

  He shot a mischievous glance at Erion, his lips curling as he whispered just loud enough for his future brother-in-law to hear:

  – “Better take this chance to give her a gift—and confess while you’re at it. Don’t waste the opportunity.”

  Erion smirked, his eyes softening briefly as they flicked toward Trang:

  – “I know. Whatever Trang desires… I’ll give it to her.”

  A short, simple line — but enough to make someone’s heart skip a beat.

  The group stepped into the ground floor of the shopping mall. Bright lights reflected off massive mirrors lining the walls, making the luxurious scene feel even more dazzling.

  The moment Lita spotted a display of luxury handbags, she squealed softly and dashed over, her Lolita shoes clacking against the marble floor. H?ng Nhung, equally excited, immediately tugged Trang’s hand:

  – “Trang, let’s go! This brand just released a new collection — it’s gorgeous!”

  In a flash, the three young women disappeared into the boutique, giggling as they tried on purses — leaving behind their “future husbands,” noblemen, and the demon brats outside.

  Erion folded his arms, casting a cold glance at Trúc Di?n:

  – “Looks to me like you’ve already found your other half. If you’re smart, you’ll seize the chance.”

  Trúc Di?n smirked faintly, his eyes drifting to the glass storefront where Lita and Trang laughed together:

  – “Perhaps you’re right. I’ve been watching closely… and I’ve realized only you are truly suited for Trang.”

  Din chuckled, striding forward to slap Trúc Di?n firmly on the shoulder:

  – “Exactly. From their birthright to their powers, their very essence — everything aligns. The universe made them for each other. Trang and the General are untouchable; no one can come between them.”

  Master V?nh clasped his hands behind his back, smiling gently:

  – “Love follows destiny. Forcing it is meaningless. Who knows… perhaps Princess Lita is the fate meant for you.”

  As the group pondered, a demon brat suddenly tilted its head skyward as if struck by revelation, then shouted:

  – “Wait! That means the General and Trúc Di?n will end up… bumping into each other again!”

  Both men snapped their gazes toward the brat, sharp as blades. Erion’s brows furrowed:

  – “What do you mean ‘bumping into each other again’?”

  The brat rubbed its hands together with a sheepish grin:

  – “Well… the General marries the foster daughter of the Demon King Satan, while Trúc Di?n marries his real daughter. That makes you both… sons-in-law of the same father! Enemies turned into in-laws!”

  Trúc Di?n blinked in shock:

  – “…I never considered that.”

  Erion’s jaw clenched, his words grinding out like steel:

  – “That snake… becoming my brother-in-law? Why would fate.”

  Arian doubled over, laughing until tears streamed down his face:

  – “Ha! Two sworn enemies, now fellow sons-in-law. You’ll be arguing for eternity!”

  Trúc Di?n flushed slightly, darting a sideways glare at Erion:

  – “Not that it’s certain I’ll end up with that stubborn princess. Don’t start pairing us off just yet.”

  Yin covered her mouth, laughing as she looked toward Erion:

  – “Funny, that’s exactly what the General once said about Lady Trang — he even declared he’d challenge her to a duel. And now look where we are…”

  Din fanned the flames, grinning slyly:

  – “And let’s not forget — ‘The only true Black Diamond of the universe is me!’ We remember it word for word.”

  Erion flushed crimson, clenching his fists:

  – “Silence, all of you!”

  Inside the boutique, the girls had already picked out their favorite handbags. Trang waved at the men:

  – “Come over here!”

  The noblemen entered, their overwhelming presence instantly stunning every staff member and shopper into silence.

  Erion strode straight to Trang’s side, his voice firm and unyielding:

  – “Whichever you like, take it. I’ll buy the entire store if I must.”

  Trang smiled softly, shaking her head:

  – “I only like these two.”

  She held up a crossbody bag and a simple clutch. Erion waved generously:

  – “Then the other two ladies should choose as well — I’ll cover everything.”

  Lita and H?ng Nhung each picked one bag. Within minutes, shopping bags were neatly lined up, while the staggering receipt left the cashiers trembling.

  Arian carried H?ng Nhung’s bags with ease, his gaze drifting toward the food court just steps away:

  – “Then allow me to treat everyone to a meal. Pick whatever you like.”

  The demon brats screamed in delight, dashing ahead and snatching armfuls of snacks, sweets, and drinks — like children starved for a week.

  Erion sighed, clicking his tongue:

  – “Next time, I’m leaving them at home. People will think I never feed them.”

  Warm laughter filled the air as the group strolled off together, picking out treats and meals, blending seamlessly into the bustling, joyful crowd of the shopping mall.

  After the “battle” at the food court ended — with dozens of bags filled with snacks, soft drinks, and pastries — the group carried their loot with ease, still brimming with energy. Din — an English nobleman with the calm demeanor of a businessman — glanced toward a glittering jewelry boutique beside them and smiled faintly:

  – “Today, allow me to gift each of you ladies a piece of jewelry.”

  The girls cheered instantly, their eyes shining like children spotting candy. Without hesitation, the group turned into one of the most luxurious jewelry stores in the mall.

  Inside, dazzling collections of artificial diamonds glittered beneath the lights. Erion stood before the glass display, arms crossed, his sharp gaze betraying a hint of boredom. He sighed:

  – “The black diamonds from my mines put these trinkets to shame.”

  Lita tilted her head curiously:

  – “What do you mean? They don’t look that different to me.”

  A smirk curved Erion’s lips, arrogance gleaming in his eyes:

  – “Earth diamonds form from carbon, under high pressure and temperatures around 900 to 1,300°C. But my black diamonds… they’re born of negative temperatures—below minus one thousand degrees.”

  The store manager, standing nearby, nearly dropped his clipboard. His eyes widened, his voice stammering as though he had just stumbled into a Marvel script:

  – “N-negative temperature… diamonds? Did this gentleman perhaps watch too much science fiction?”

  One mischievous imp cut in loudly enough for the whole shop to hear:

  – “Our General even uses black diamond shards to decorate his fish ponds!”

  The room froze. Several staff members nearly fainted, while Din rubbed his temple with a weary smile, waving it off:

  – “Alright, ladies, make your choices quickly. It’s getting late, and we still have business to attend to.”

  Trang chose a refined bracelet, H?ng Nhung adored a delicate bangle, while playful Lita instantly picked out a pink-stone ring, slipping it onto her finger with a giggle.

  Din paid smoothly, his noble smile never faltering. As they stepped outside, Trúc Di?n narrowed his eyes at Erion, his voice rough with suspicion:

  – “So, Erion… you even own a black diamond mine?”

  Erion glanced back, lips curling into a half-smile full of pride:

  – “Yes. It’s nothing special — just a few tens of thousands of hectares. Small compared to you, Serpent King.”

  The words dropped like sparks into oil. Tension thickened, the air ready to ignite.

  Master V?nh quickly stepped in, forcing a laugh, both hands raised to mediate:

  – “Alright, alright, let’s head back. We still need to deal with that D?ng fellow.”

  The group burst into chuckles, their smiles betraying shared understanding. Everyone knew — the two future royal sons-in-law of the Satanic Court, Serpent King Trúc Di?n and General Erion — would inevitably become the center of gossip and drama in the demon realm.

  Their elegant silhouettes and laughter gradually faded into the glittering lights of Saigon’s nightlife.