After returning to the hotel to pick up their cars, the group prepared to leave. Suddenly, Trúc Di?n turned back to everyone, his voice booming through the underground parking lot:

  – “Wait a second! Let’s stop for some bubble tea. I promised I’d treat everyone earlier.”

  The little demons instantly raised their hands, shouting like grade-school kids:

  – “Then each of us wants two cups! One isn’t enough!”

  The whole group burst into laughter. Trúc Di?n clicked his tongue, leaning toward Master V?nh with a half-whisper:

  – “No wonder they always get scolded by Erion wherever they go.”

  Master V?nh only gave a helpless smile, nodding in quiet agreement.

  And so, the convoy of cars rolled out of the hotel, heading toward a famous bubble tea shop.

  ---

  Inside the sleek black Bentley, the glow of Saigon’s streetlights danced across its polished surface. Erion gripped the steering wheel, his face serious. Without warning, he reached into the glove box and pulled out a small pink velvet box, handing it to Trang.

  – “Take this.”

  Surprised, she accepted it with both hands, her eyes filled with curiosity.

  – “What are you giving me?”

  Erion kept his gaze fixed on the road, his deep voice steady:

  – “Open it and see. I made it myself. There isn’t a second one like it in the universe.”

  Trang carefully lifted the lid. Inside lay a delicate silver necklace, its pendant a heart-shaped gem glowing with an otherworldly purple shimmer, as if a frozen flame pulsed within. It seemed to echo the rhythm of a racing heartbeat.

  Erion spoke slowly, his tone tinged with pride:

  – “The chain is platinum. The heart is a black diamond. I sorted through thousands of stones to find the one with the most flawless structure. I carved it myself. What makes this one unique is that it was born from absolute negative temperatures, perfectly pure, refracting light into shades of violet and pearl.”

  Trang’s eyes sparkled with awe.

  – “It’s beautiful… so that means I’m the only one who owns it?”

  Erion nodded, a rare smile curving his lips:

  – “Because you are the only black diamond. We are unique to each other. In this entire universe, only we belong together.”

  Trang pressed the pendant gently into her palm, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

  Erion’s voice softened, carrying a weight of solitude:

  – “I used to think… I was the loneliest being in existence. That no one could ever truly match me.”

  – “But the first time I saw you through the satellite feed, when you awakened and returned to your true self… I couldn’t believe my eyes. How could there be a girl who mirrored me so perfectly? I searched, and I learned — you are the black diamond born by the universe, meant only for me.”

  Trang smiled wistfully, her gaze distant:

  – “I felt the same. I always thought I was alone, because of my poor and humble life. When I liked someone, I only watched from afar.”

  – “I didn’t dare speak, afraid people would laugh and say a shabby girl reaching for golden dreams. At that time, I had no idea who I truly was. Only my father and H?ng Nhung stayed by my side, protecting me, encouraging me…”

  Golden city lights filtered into the car, brushing against two faces tinged with warmth. Erion let go of the gearshift and clasped her hand firmly in his — his grip strong, but full of warmth.

  – “But now… we’ve found each other. Neither of us will ever be alone again.”

  In that moment, though the streets outside bustled with noise and chaos, inside the Bentley, there was only the steady harmony of two heartbeats — two black diamonds, destined by the universe, who had finally found each other.

  The convoy pulled up in front of a famous Vietnamese bubble tea chain. Before anyone could say a word, the little demons leapt out of the cars and bolted toward the counter.

  – “Boss! Give us ten cups!” one shouted.

  – “Put in every kind of topping you’ve got! Don’t forget, someone else is paying!” another added loudly, enunciating every word.

  The shop staff froze in disbelief, while nearby customers chuckled at the spectacle.

  As the masters stepped out of their cars, they could hear every word. Erion shook his head and shot a glance at Trúc Di?n.

  – “If I didn’t own a black diamond mine, I don’t think I could afford to feed all these mouths.”

  Trúc Di?n gave a wry smile and shrugged.

  – “Now I actually believe you really do own a black diamond mine.”

  Yin gestured toward the counter.

  – “Come on, let’s order something too.”

  The three young women lit up like kids in a candy store. Trang pressed her face close to the menu, exclaiming:

  – “I’ll take one iced cacao frappe and one milk tea with every topping!”

  Lita, just as excited, chimed in:

  – “I want two as well — one fresh strawberry tea and one taro milk tea.”

  H?ng Nhung, keeping her composure, chose more delicately:

  – “Just a fresh fruit tea for me.”

  Din laughed, sighing like a weary aristocrat.

  – “Looks like Erion and Trúc Di?n will need… a long-term financial plan for these two ladies.”

  But Erion didn’t mind in the slightest. His gaze stayed locked on Trang from afar.

  – “As long as she’s happy, I’ll spare nothing.”

  Meanwhile, Trúc Di?n glanced at Lita, the corner of his mouth curling with a faint, unreadable smile.

  – “I don’t know what the future holds between me and that stubborn princess… but whenever I look at her, there’s a strange pull I can’t ignore.”

  Master V?nh placed a hand on his junior’s shoulder, speaking gently:

  – “Then that’s how you know it’s real. Fate doesn’t need to be searched for — it will come to you.”

  The gentlemen, each with their own quiet thoughts, all smiled faintly. Together they stepped into the shop, never realizing that these cosmic princes and noble heirs shared one very earthly passion: bubble tea.

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Prince Arian glanced at his watch before addressing the group.

  – “Alright, order quickly and let’s head back. We have big plans tonight.”

  Their laughter filled the shop, binding these unlikely companions into something that felt like family.

  ---

  But back at the villa in District 2, the atmosphere was entirely different.

  In a private bedroom on the first floor, C?u D?ng and M? Linh huddled on the bed, too afraid to sleep. In the silence of night, their past sins seemed to rise like ghosts, every cruel deed haunting them with fear and unease.

  M? Linh pulled the blanket up over half her face, her voice trembling:

  – “Dear… what if H?nh and her husband come back tonight?”

  C?u D?ng lay sweating beside her, trying to sound reassuring but failing miserably.

  – “We… we have Master B?y’s two talismans. Hopefully they’ll hold them back. Don’t bring it up again… you’re giving me goosebumps.”

  Upstairs in her pastel pink princess room, Anh ?ào was lost in twisted thoughts. Staring out the window, her mind wandered to the elegant gentlemen of the Gothic mansion. A quiet disgust bubbled up whenever she thought of Anh Tú, her legal husband.

  – “He’s so childish… that weak, spoiled dandy look of his… I can’t stand it. Completely unlike those men over there l—charming, refined, and powerful.”

  Her eyes burned brighter, though deep within, a storm was stirring.

  On the first floor, Anh Th? was still struggling with morning sickness, her body visibly thinner. Dì T? brought her a steaming cup of salted lemonade, soothing her gently.

  – “Drink a little, it’ll ease the nausea. Pregnancy is hard — you need to eat properly. You didn’t finish the herbal chicken soup earlier, so let me warm it up for you.”

  Anh Th? nodded weakly.

  – “Please warm it up. I… I feel hungry, but whenever I eat, I just throw it up again.”

  Dì T? patted her hand kindly, smiling with maternal patience.

  – “That’s alright, just eat small portions. Too much at once will only make it worse.”

  Outside, the wind howled through the trees. Inside the villa, an invisible dread seeped into every corner.

  It was past midnight, the clock striking exactly twelve when the last convoy finally returned to the Bình Chánh stronghold. As the wheels rolled through the illusionary barrier, a pale purple light rippled outward like water before vanishing, revealing the vast courtyard.

  At the center, the old Grand Thái S? was already waiting, leaning on her cane with a cold expression.

  – “You’re a bit late.”

  Erion stepped down, opening the car door for Trang, his lips curling faintly.

  – “Don’t worry, that couple hasn’t gone to sleep yet.”

  Trúc Di?n also excited the Innova, holding the Tranquil Moon Mirror (T?nh Nguy?t B?ch Kính) in his hands. Tilting it for everyone to see, the mirror revealed two trembling figures huddled together on the bed, their faces pale with fear.

  – “They’re still clinging to that tattered talisman, believing it can protect them.”

  Prince Arian, opening the car door for H?ng Nhung, smirked.

  – “Even a hundred talismans couldn’t save the souls of the guilty.”

  Trang cast a cold glance at the mirror.

  – “After committing countless evils, now they beg for salvation? Who could possibly save them?”

  At that moment, the deep, commanding voice of Satan, the Demon King, echoed from within.

  – “Enter at once.”

  The atmosphere instantly shifted — chilling waves of killing intent spread across the courtyard — yet everyone walked forward with eager steps.

  The three gentlemen — Erion, Trúc Di?n, and Arian — were laden with large and small shopping bags after indulging their future wives. The little demons staggered behind, carrying over twenty cups of milk tea, snacks, and sodas — so many that some of the secret agents had to rush in to help.

  Inside the grand hall, Satan sat upon his redwood throne, a tray of mooncakes neatly cut into pieces before him. He sampled a piece made by Yin, and his eyes glimmered with satisfaction.

  – “Exquisite flavor, beautifully crafted. I will order several thousand boxes — gifts for the Royal Family, our allies in the Dark World, and on Earth.”

  Yin bowed deeply.

  – “To serve the Lord and the Royal House of Satan is the greatest honor.”

  The hall grew lively, filled with laughter and conversation, a striking contrast to the cold solemnity outside.

  At that moment, Erion raised his hand. From above, the Black Crystal Mirror descended slowly, rotating before hovering in front of him. Its dark-violet glow reflected the interior of the District 2 villa.

  Inside, C?u D?ng and M? Linh sat huddled on their bed, pale-faced and drenched in sweat. They clung desperately to each other, unaware of the distant eyes watching their every move.

  Erion took a sip of milk tea, his lips curling into a half-smile.

  – “Let’s begin.”

  His fingertip lightly touched the mirror’s surface.

  Immediately, the villa began to distort. Walls shifted, the ceiling rose higher, and the windows opened to endless void. The entire house was reshaped by an invisible hand into a grotesque maze.

  Yet inside the room, C?u D?ng and M? Linh remained trembling, oblivious to the change. To them, nothing had altered — it was still their familiar home. Calm on the surface… but death had already stepped in silently.

  Inside the bedroom, an icy chill thickened the air. The clock had passed midnight. C?u D?ng tossed and turned, unable to sleep, sweat soaking the back of his shirt. The heavy pressure in his chest finally forced him upright. He staggered out of bed and made his way to the bathroom.

  The dim yellow light cast a sickly glow across the cold tiled floor. He bent down to splash water on his face, the cool liquid running over his trembling hands. When he lifted his head, the mirror reflected an unexpected figure.

  A woman in a white áo Dài, its hem caked with mud. Her long black hair fell across half her face, while the other half was crushed and mangled, streaked with dried blood.

  C?u D?ng recoiled, his mouth gaping wide, yet no scream escaped — his voice strangled inside his throat. He lunged toward the door, but the tiled floor beneath him softened, shifting like quicksand. His body sank slowly into the cold mire.

  Panicked, he clutched at the sink. But a frigid, mud- and blood-stained hand pressed down over his, its icy chill spreading deep into his bones.

  The woman’s ruined face drew closer, her breath colder than the ice age brushing against his skin. Her voice was a whisper — broken, trembling, and filled with resentment.

  – “Brother… my husband and I died so terribly… Why… why did you conspire with your wife to kill us?”

  C?u D?ng trembled violently, his jaw locked tight as if someone were choking him. At last, he forced the words out, his voice cracked and desperate.

  – “It wasn’t me… it was my wife who urged me… She said your daughter was just adopted… that an outsider shouldn’t inherit the family’s wealth… H?nh… I had no choice… please forgive me…”

  The woman tilted her head back and let out a piercing, bone-chilling laugh.

  – “You call murdering three lives a matter of ‘no choice’? … Luckily, my daughter still lives. Otherwise… she too would stand here tonight to claim your life.”

  Her filthy hands rose, nails lengthening into sharp, steel-like claws that glinted ominously.

  – “You must pay the price.”

  C?u D?ng writhed on the sinking floor, struggling toward the bathroom door. He threw all his strength into pounding against it.

  Outside, M? Linh finally heard his desperate cries. Alarmed, she rushed over and flung the door open — only to find everything completely normal. The tiles shone, firm and solid, without mud, without shadows. Her husband was merely sprawled across the floor, trembling uncontrollably.

  He collapsed, shivering, eyes glassy and terrified.

  – “It… it… H?nh… she came back…”

  Shaken, M? Linh quickly dragged him back to bed.

  – “What on earth are you screaming about?” she asked, her voice quivering.

  Between gasps, he recounted everything he had just seen in the bathroom. Hearing it, M? Linh’s face turned pale, sweat forming on her brow. Summoning her courage, she went inside to check. Yet everything was normal — the tiles were cold, solid, and polished under the dim light.

  She frowned at him with suspicion.

  – “The tiles are hard as stone, yet you claim they turned into quicksand? Were you sleepwalking?”

  C?u D?ng shook violently, clutching his head. His eyes remained wide, filled with terror.

  – “I… I swear it’s true. The tiles… they softened like mud. I had to grab the sink to stop myself from being swallowed.”

  In the grand hall of the Bình Chánh headquarters, the atmosphere was the complete opposite. On the massive rosewood table sat milk tea, French fries, snacks, and countless treats. The little demons laughed gleefully, sipping drinks and fighting over the best view of the big screen — as if they were watching an open-air cinema.

  The Demon King Satan leaned on his throne, laughing heartily:

  – “This time it’s no dream. They’re experiencing it for real. Just look at them serve them right.”

  Erion casually picked up a crispy fry, chewing slowly:

  – “The Cube can alter any structure of space. And of course… it’s reality, not an illusion.”

  Din nudged Prince Arian, his eyes twinkling mischievously:

  – “You recorded it, didn’t you?”

  Arian smirked, tapping on his laptop as the screen lit up:

  – “Full HD. Crystal-clear images and sound. Later, we could even cut it into a horror movie.”

  The hall erupted in laughter, the clinking of plastic cups and the crunch of snacks echoing everywhere.

  Meanwhile, at the mansion in District 2, the scene grew ever more bizarre. Outside, all appeared normal — light spilling through windows, bonsai trees standing silently. But inside, under Erion’s magic through the Black Crystal Mirror linked to the Cube, everything warped.

  On the bed, C?u D?ng shook uncontrollably, mumbling through chattering teeth:

  – “So… those two talismans… they’re useless… and Th?ng bragged that Master B?y was powerful…”

  M? Linh, drenched in sweat, still felt as though she were trapped in an ice cellar. She glanced at the air-conditioner’s display — 26°C.

  – “How… how could it be this cold?” she muttered.

  Stepping down to grab the remote, she froze in place. Every window, curtain, wardrobe, chair—everything had transformed into crude 2D drawings, as though sketched on paper. Black ink lines, flat colors, no depth at all.

  – “Aaaa!!!” M? Linh shrieked, her voice sharp and piercing.

  C?u D?ng’s eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. He bolted toward the door, desperate to escape. But the once-familiar wooden door was now nothing more than a flat illustration. His hands clawed at it, unable to grip a doorknob.

  – “Dear God… it’s turned into a drawing!” he screamed, his whole body trembling.

  The couple went mad with panic, hammering at walls, windows, and doors. Yet all of it was nothing but two-dimensional surfaces, like pages torn from a comic book.

  Their cries for help rang out inside the room but went nowhere — the sound was sealed within the illusion’s prison.

  Elsewhere in the mansion, Dì T?, Anh ?ào, and Anh Th? remained in their rooms, hearing nothing but a silence so heavy it was chilling.

  Back at the Bình Chánh headquarters, Erion smirked, lifting his milk tea to his lips:

  – “The show is only just beginning…”