Just past the gate of the Valley of Love, a vast, verdant landscape unfolded before Trang’s eyes, so open and lush that she paused in quiet awe. Young grass carpets stretched endlessly, winding along gentle hills, flowing into one another like soft green ribbons embracing the slopes. Tall pine trees stood silently in the morning mist, their needles whispering faintly, releasing the subtle resinous scent so unique to the highlands.

  A cool, gentle breeze brushed against Trang’s skin, making her instinctively draw in a deep breath. That pristine sensation slipped straight into her chest, soothing a weariness she hadn’t even realized she had been carrying for so long. The wind hummed softly by her ears, carrying mist and the fragrance of fresh grass, slowing her thoughts and calming her heart in a way that felt almost unreal.

  Early sunlight spilled lightly over the distant lake, its surface smooth and shimmering as if dusted with silver. Trang stopped, unable to hide the wonder in her eyes. For the first time, she stood before a scene so beautiful it made one forget the rhythm of daily life, forget even the worries that had clung to her relentlessly.

  She slowed her steps, as though afraid that moving too quickly would make the moment slip away. A feeling rose quietly within her—hard to name—light and unburdened, yet stirring, tinged with the shy tremor of someone touching a pure beauty she had only ever dared to imagine.

  – “Seeing it in person really feels so different from photos online… I can truly feel the peace here.” — her voice was soft and unhurried, as if afraid of disturbing the crystal-clear atmosphere.

  Din took a slow breath, the cool air filling his lungs. His mind relaxed in a way that rarely happened, old memories surfacing gently:

  – “During the French colonial period, before 1945, the French called this place Vallée d’Amour — the Valley of Love. It was an ideal spot for lovers to meet, stroll, and savor romance.”

  Yin smiled, a trace of nostalgia flickering in his eyes as he continued:

  – “Around 1953, under the mayor of ?à L?t at the time, it was renamed Thung L?ng Hòa Bình — the Valley of Peace — to avoid sensitive political connotations of that era.”

  Erion surveyed the scenery ahead, his voice low yet steady:

  – “In 1955, recognizing its poetic and romantic beauty, locals and visitors proposed restoring the name Thung L?ng Tình Yêu. That name has been kept to this day.”

  Charles lifted his gaze to the clear blue sky, sunlight filtering through the pine canopies:

  – “At first, this was just a hilly area with pine forests and a small stream flowing through.”

  He paused briefly, then added thoughtfully:

  – “In the 1970s, ?a Thi?n Lake was constructed, creating the tranquil water surface that shaped the romantic landscape we see now.”

  Chen nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting quiet understanding:

  – “Today, the Valley of Love spans nearly 140 hectares, featuring many landscaped areas and attractions like the Love Maze and the Thousand Pines Glass Bridge. People often liken it to the muse of the ?à L?t highlands, especially beloved by couples.”

  In the cool breeze, Trang tilted her head slightly, listening as a gentle sound drifted through the air:

  – “It sounds like… a bamboo flute?”

  Din chuckled softly:

  – “It’s bamboo wind chimes. There’s a souvenir stall up ahead — they even sell wooden keychains engraved with names.”

  Trang’s eyes immediately lit up. She gently tugged at Erion’s hand:

  – “Let’s go take a look.”

  Erion tightened his grip on her hand, his voice warm:

  – “Of course. Whatever you like, I’ll get it for you.”

  The group moved together toward the souvenir stall. Trailing behind, the little imps shuffled sluggishly, clearly hungry, their faces drained of energy.

  Yin shot them a sideways glance and remarked dryly:

  – “After shopping, I’ll take you to eat. Typical subordinates — only good at eating and sleeping.”

  The souvenir stall was tucked beside the pathway, its rustic wooden roof draped with lush green vines. On the wooden shelves lay a wide array of finely crafted handicrafts: In addition to bamboo wind chimes, there were bronze wind chimes with clear, resonant tones said to have feng shui properties—warding off negative energy and attracting good fortune.

  Wooden keychains in various shapes were neatly arranged, along with hand-knitted wool dolls with innocent faces, and wooden jewelry boxes delicately carved with intricate patterns. Early sunlight filtered through the pine canopy, reflecting off the wooden surfaces and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  Trang picked up a small wooden jewelry box, its lid engraved with a soft rose motif. She opened it to reveal a dark red velvet lining inside, refined and elegant:

  – “This one is really cute.”

  Her voice carried an unmistakable hint of delight.

  The young woman running the stall smiled warmly:

  – “Yes, that one’s very popular, miss. It’s perfect for storing jewelry or cosmetics.”

  Erion looked at the box in Trang’s hands, his gaze calm and steady:

  – “It’s nice. Please wrap it for me.”

  He then glanced toward the keychain display:

  – “The wooden keychains are here, right?”

  The shop attendant immediately brought out several neatly bundled sets of keychains and placed them on the counter:

  – “Yes, sir. These are wooden keychains, and the ones on the tray over there are plastic. Feel free to choose. Name engraving is free; adding extra designs comes with a small additional charge.”

  Din reached out and selected a rectangular wooden keychain, its surface smooth and polished:

  – “I’d like an engraving of a horse — symbolizing success and a triumphant return — with the name placed in the lower corner.”

  The attendant nodded promptly:

  – “Of course. We use laser engraving, so the precision is very high.”

  Trang picked out a few more keychains in heart, square, and circular shapes:

  – “Do you have sample designs to choose from?”

  The attendant immediately placed a catalog on the counter:

  – “Yes, all the designs are in here. Once you choose, I can make them right away. Laser engraving is very fast — it won’t take long at all.”

  ***

  Meanwhile, at the Bình Chánh headquarters, the atmosphere had grown clearer as all conclusions were finally pieced together.

  The Grand Madam Advisor smiled, her voice calm and measured:

  – “If that’s the case, then Velvet Crave is not a tool of temptation. It merely reflects what already exists in a person’s heart. Seen that way, it’s no longer just a forbidden plant.”

  Demon King Satan nodded slightly, his deep gaze seeming to pierce through the disguises of the mortal world:

  – “It doesn’t create desire. It only amplifies what is already there. Those who crave to perform and show off are stripped of their masks by that very desire.”

  Trúc Di?n curled his lips into a faint, mocking smile:

  – “If that flower could survive on Earth, quite a few people would surely reveal their true, rat-like faces.”

  The Grand Madam Advisor sighed softly, tinged with regret:

  – “Unfortunately, the soil and climate aren’t suitable. Even if we brought it down here, it would die.”

  A forensic agent stepped forward and bowed in report:

  – “My Lord, it has been confirmed. Velvet Crave does not affect those without attachment or greed. Those obsessed with beauty see themselves as flawless. Those greedy for wealth see themselves as rich and powerful. Other desires manifest in similar ways.”

  Master V?nh nodded in agreement:

  – “Then it’s clear. It doesn’t corrupt people. People expose themselves.”

  Arian continued firmly:

  – “However, only the petals have that effect. The other parts contain uncontrollable toxins.”

  Trúc Di?n thought for a moment before speaking:

  – “Father, should we inform Brother-in-law about this?”

  Satan nodded lightly:

  – “Relay the message on my behalf. Tell them to return as soon as possible — there’s still unfinished business here.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Trúc Di?n bowed deeply:

  – “Your servant obeys.”

  At the Th?o ?i?n villa, the car had barely stopped at the gate when Vú N?m hurried out, her face glowing with joy:

  – “The master and madam, and miss, are back already? I’ve just finished cooking a pot of longan sweet soup. Come in and rest — I’ll bring it up right away.”

  Everyone walked into the living room, each of them clearly showing signs of exhaustion after a long day. Tu?n neatly placed My’s luggage at the foot of the staircase. As Vú N?m headed back toward the kitchen, her voice carried up to them:

  – “Mr. Tu?n, just leave it there. I’ll sort out the dirty clothes later and take them to be washed.”

  Tu?n nodded:

  – “Do you need me to help with anything, Auntie?”

  Vú N?m smiled gently:

  – “I can handle it. You go upstairs with miss.”

  Tu?n turned around, his gaze instinctively pausing on My’s face. The polite smile on his lips froze for a brief moment. The thick layers of makeup completely covered her skin; the overly exaggerated lines made her face stiff and unfamiliar—so much so that he could barely recognize the natural look she once had.

  A vague, nameless weariness rose quietly within him. It wasn’t disgust, but the silent fatigue of someone who could clearly see what he was about to step into, yet had no path left to retreat. He understood all too well that this marriage had never begun with feelings. It was a deal — a necessary move to preserve assets, to consolidate the company, to maintain his position in a situation he had spent his entire youth building.

  Tu?n gently clenched his fist, forcing himself to maintain his composed demeanor. He reminded himself that personal emotions no longer mattered. In exchange for stability, power, and the future of the enterprise, he had to accept losing the simple things others took for granted.

  His gaze grew calm and heavy, stripped of expectation, leaving only the cold clarity of someone who had chosen to shoulder his own decision — fully aware that this was a marriage with no room for emotional resonance.

  Mr. Quy also caught Tu?n’s expression. In truth, even he felt that his daughter had gone too far lately. He frowned, his voice tinged with irritation he couldn’t hide.

  – “Go remove your makeup. There’s no party at home today—why are you wearing it so heavily?”

  Mrs. Lan looked her daughter up and down, her face creasing:

  – “Good heavens, look at those lips. Why did you put on such dark lipstick? Makeup should be moderate — this is too much. It makes you look older than your age.”

  My paid no attention to Tu?n’s gaze or her parents’ advice. To her, men’s emotions had never been something worth considering. In her mind, there was only one thing revolving endlessly — beauty, and how to use it most effectively.

  She believed beauty was the most powerful tool a woman could possess. As long as she was beautiful enough, seductive enough, men would willingly walk into carefully set traps, ready to hand over money, status, and even obedience — without her needing to lift a finger.

  The corners of My’s lips curved slightly, a smile carrying cold self-satisfaction. To her, love was merely a decorative concept. What she wanted was the feeling of control — when the other person thought they were the one making the choice, while in truth, they were being guided step by step.

  In My’s world, beauty was not meant to be admired. It was a weapon. And men, from beginning to end, were nothing more than prey stepping into a game she alone controlled.

  ***

  At C?u D?ng’s villa, inside a dressing room as spacious as a private studio, the space was flooded with white light. Floor-to-ceiling glass cabinets displayed rows of luxury high heels, designer handbags, and renowned fashion pieces, all arranged neatly and elegantly. Large mirrors reflected images from every angle, making the room appear even more dazzling.

  At the center of it all, Anh Th? stood before the mirror, a pair of large butterfly wings — nearly finished — attached to her back. Around her, everyone held glue guns, carefully attaching each bead according to her instructions. Looking at her reflection, Anh Th? lifted her chin slightly, her voice brimming with confidence:

  – “Mr. Join, add more glitter beads — I want it to sparkle even more. And Mary, add some light purple crystals too.”

  Join grimaced, his hands continuing to work while his thoughts complained silently:

  – “Why does it feel like we’re just servants waiting on this girl?”

  A flash of irritation also crossed Mary’s eyes:

  – “I’m Anh Ph??ng’s friend, a guest in this house, yet I’m being ordered around like hired help.”

  Anh Th? turned to look at Anh Tú, her expression carrying a hint of condescension:

  – “Anh Hai, don’t forget to decorate my wedding car too. It has to match the fairy-tale theme — I don’t want it to feel out of place.”

  A trace of fatigue flickered across Anh Tú’s face, quickly concealed:

  – “I’m already looking at designs online. We have a car at home, so we can save on rental costs. I’ll also consult the decoration team to make sure it fits the fairy-tale theme you chose.”

  Outwardly, Anh Tú smiled politely, but inwardly he felt drained:

  – “She’s spending other people’s assets, so the concept of saving doesn’t even exist to her. If this family were ever to go bankrupt in the future… she probably wouldn’t last three days.”

  At the Valley of Love, in front of a smoky barbecue stall, a group of little imps crowded together, their eyes glued to the golden skewers of meat sizzling over glowing charcoal. The chilly highland air only made the aroma of grilled meat even more irresistible. Warmth radiated from the fire, awakening hunger in every stomach.

  One little imp swallowed hard, eyes sparkling:

  – “It smells so good… I need to eat at least ten skewers!”

  Din glanced at the watch on his wrist, his voice calm:

  – “Once we buy them, take everything down near the lakeside. There are tables and benches there — we can eat while enjoying the view.”

  Charles nodded, wearing a rare relaxed expression:

  – “Eating in scenery like this is true indulgence.”

  Just then, Erion’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen, and his expression immediately darkened:

  – “That snake is calling… something must have happened.”

  The group moved away from the barbecue stall, while the little imps remained behind, staring longingly like war drums rumbling in their stomachs. Erion turned on the speaker. Trúc Di?n’s voice came through clearly in the cold air:

  – “Brother-in-law, Father has figured out the operating mechanism of the toxin in the Velvet Crave petals.”

  Erion’s voice dropped low:

  – “Go on.”

  Trúc Di?n explained the entire research result. After listening, Yin frowned slightly, surprise evident in his eyes:

  – “So it only affects those with desire… the strength depends on how intense that desire is.”

  Din spoke slowly, as if piecing everything together:

  – “I see. Velvet Crave amplifies existing desire, pushing people completely into illusions born from their own minds.”

  Charles nodded decisively:

  – “Those who aren’t affected… are people without greed, anger, or obsession in their hearts.”

  Trang also came to a realization, her eyes growing clear:

  – “If that’s the case, extracting just the toxin from the petals is enough to expose human nature. Nothing can stay hidden.”

  Chen narrowed his eyes, a hint of amusement in his smile:

  – “What an interesting flower. Anyone who likes to put on an act in life will reveal their true colors instantly.”

  Trúc Di?n’s voice over the phone suddenly turned grave:

  – “But the other parts of Velvet Crave are extremely toxic. Its lethality rivals mercury or arsenic. Prolonged use can kill without leaving a trace.”

  Erion narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice cold as steel:

  – “Anyone who uses it to poison and kill… will most likely be carried straight to hell by my father-in-law’s transport staff.”

  The air around the group fell silent for a moment, leaving only the rustling sound of wind weaving through the pine forest. A deep stillness lingered…

  ***

  In Saigon, inside a small alley, a modest single-story house buzzed with preparations for an upcoming wedding. In the front yard, Huy and Mr. Tín worked together repainting the iron gate, its surface worn and rusted by time. The smell of fresh paint mixed with the warmth of the morning sun.

  Inside the house, Mrs. Nguy?t sat at a table, writing and murmuring to herself:

  – “Six trays need to be prepared… wedding cakes should be traditional phu thê cakes, tea and wine must be Thái Nguyên tea, and the fruit has to be imported…”

  Outside, Mr. Tín held the paintbrush, slowly coating the gate with steady strokes. Watching his son busy beside him, a mix of joy and worry rose in his chest.

  He was happy that Huy was finally getting married, starting a family of his own. Yet the worry weighed heavily on his heart. He knew all too well his son’s love for gambling and partying—habits not easily abandoned.

  Scenes after the wedding surfaced in his mind.

  – “Will he know how to take care of his wife and children? Or will he keep hanging out with friends, living the same reckless life as before?”

  Then he thought of Anh Th? — a young lady raised in luxury, accustomed to extravagant spending, shopping without ever checking prices. Both of them loved indulgence, neither had truly thought far ahead into the future.

  The brush in Mr. Tín’s hand paused. He let out a quiet sigh, his heart heavy.

  – “What’s done is done… there’s nothing more we can say now.”

  He understood that as parents, no matter how much they worried, they could not live life in their children’s place. Beyond this gate lay their children’s own lives. As for him and his wife, all they could do was stand behind them in silence, watching and praying that fate would be a little kinder to the young couple.

  In front of a luxury apartment building, the doorbell rang with a short, crisp chime. A man dressed as a delivery courier stood upright, holding a fairly large cardboard box in his arms.

  H?u K? stepped out to open the door. The man bowed his head respectfully:

  – “Marshal, the fabric for the áo Dài has been sent by the Grand General, along with the measurements.”

  H?u K? took the box. With the physique of a giant serpent, the weight felt no heavier than a feather:

  – “D?ng’s daughter’s wedding is approaching. The tailors of the Serpent Clan must finish it as quickly as possible.”

  The courier curled his lips into a smile:

  – “If time runs short, we can always use magic to speed things up.”

  H?u K? turned and walked inside:

  – “Come in for a moment.”

  The courier bowed again and followed him in.

  ***

  In the living room, L?p Thành, Nh? Phu, and ??i Ng?c were working on their laptops. The glow from the screens illuminated their highly focused faces.

  L?p Thành did not take his eyes off the screen:

  – “I’ve already instructed the tailors. They’ll finish as fast as possible.”

  Nh? Phu took a sip of rose tea, her voice calm:

  – “If they can’t make it in time, we’ll take the shortcut. Either way, our part remains secured.”

  ??i Ng?c frowned slightly, pulling a file of analysis closer:

  – “The lipstick contains a component of datura, but only in a very small amount. The remaining active substance… I’ve never seen it before.”

  H?u K? nodded slowly:

  – “If it doesn’t exist in traditional Eastern medical records, then it doesn’t exist on Earth.”

  The courier’s face paled, his voice trembling slightly:

  – “Then… is this an extraterrestrial criminal? How does Your Highness plan to handle it?”

  L?p Thành shook his head:

  – “According to Count Din, this individual is from the Dark Planet and has powerful backing. In this case, the Serpent Clan can only offer limited support, since that planet is not under our jurisdiction.”

  Nh? Phu gave a small nod:

  – “Only Lord Satan’s faction and Grand General Erion can deal with this. He’s from their homeland.”

  ??i Ng?c scrolled through her phone, worry evident in her eyes:

  – “The cosmetics brand’s fanpage is recruiting a representative model. I wonder how all the parties involved will respond.”

  H?u K? chuckled softly:

  – “Naturally, intelligence agents from both sides will participate.”

  The courier nodded:

  – “Then I’ll arrange for undercover agents to blend in with the audience and provide outer-layer support.”

  L?p Thành rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought:

  – “This needs careful coordination with the other side. Otherwise, the formation could easily fall into chaos.”

  ***

  In dreamy ?à L?t, where the sun had risen high but the air remained pleasantly cool, Erion’s group sat on the grass near a lakeside. Wooden tables and benches were scattered about for tourists to rest. The lake’s surface was calm, reflecting the pale blue sky.

  Yin smiled in relief:

  – “Thankfully, Chen knows a bit about tailoring. He took the measurements quite accurately.”

  The little imps ate grilled meat while slurping happily. One of them took a sip of Coke and spoke casually.

  – “That way, when it’s time for the subordinate’s wedding and the Princess attends, there’ll be áo Dài to wear.”

  Chen looked a little embarrassed, scratching the back of his head:

  – “I used to enjoy fashion design and studied it seriously for a while. After following my lord, I switched to the food industry to broaden my knowledge and better support him.”

  Din smiled, his gaze drifting toward the tranquil lake:

  – “If you have time, you can return to the fashion industry. Like me, the Grand General, or Yin — we all handle multiple roles. Princess Trang is even studying additional languages and information technology.”

  Chen’s eyes lit up with determination:

  – “I’ll arrange my time to study business and fashion design further.”

  Erion gazed into the distance, his voice turning low:

  – “As for the model issue… do you have any suggestions?”

  Yin frowned slightly:

  – “It’s difficult. If we show up, they’ll recognize us immediately. Only the master disguise agents under the Lord of Hell can handle this.”

  Erion rested his chin on his hand, a trace of frustration passing through:

  – “So be it. But if that man makes any dangerous move, I’ll strike immediately. I don’t care who’s backing him.”

  Trang felt a flicker of worry, yet her voice remained firm:

  – “If that’s the case, he’ll be extremely aggressive… but we can handle it.”

  Erion turned to look at her, smiling gently:

  – “That’s right. In this universe, only you and I possess such unique abilities.”

  The highland wind drifted softly through the air, carrying with it a rare sense of peace before the undercurrents quietly began to rise.