One afternoon, Jay took a walk in the garden when he stumbled upon a big rock. Underneath, he found something intriguing — a chest. However, it was locked.
Jay smiled, thinking it would be easy to open. He used his powers, but to his surprise, it didn't budge. He even tried biting and stomping on the lock, but nothing worked.
"It seems like it's an enchanted lock," Jay thought to himself. "Even my powers can't open it."
Just then, he noticed some ants on the rock. A tiny smile spread across his face as he approached them.
"Hey, little guys! Mind doing me a favor?" Jay laughed. To his surprise, the ants seemed to understand him. "I just need you to open this chest for me. It has an enchanted lock and only insects can open it without being affected. Please?" he asked, pleading.
The ants hesitated at first, but Jay persisted. "Come on, guys. If you open the chest for me, I'll give you a full loaf of bread every month. Only one ant has to do the work."
The ants seemed satisfied with the offer and agreed. Jay brought them to the chest and the ants got to work. Jay waited patiently, and soon the lock opened.
The chest creaked open, and Jay beamed with gratitude.
"Thank you so much! I'll be right back with your bread!" he promised and returned with the reward.
The ants stepped out, and Jay handed over the loaf.
"I promised you," he said kindly.
The ants retreated inside and returned to their colony. The leader ant nodded with approval, and the rest scurried off with the reward.
Jay opened the chest and read the script inside. His eyes widened as he gasped.
"Felix! You have to see this!" he shouted.
Felix looked up from his study scroll. "What is it, Jay? What's wrong?"
Jay smirked, handing Felix the script. "Look what I found! I discovered this in the garden, and it's about a powerful dragon that's been protecting a small village, Cheng'an, for 500 years! According to the script, she's incredibly powerful but has sealed herself away after falling in love with a mysterious partner..."
…and having four kids — three boys and a girl.
Felix grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Great, now I have another warrior to destroy."
Jay chuckled, tapping Felix's shoulder.
"You do you, big bro. I'm hungry now."
Felix sighed.
"You always think about food."
Jay smiled, unapologetic.
"What can I say? I have to eat."
—
A week later, Felix traveled to the village, leaving Jay behind. Upon arrival, he followed the location mentioned in the script, searching for the dragon. However, he found no one.
Deciding to explore the village, he walked through the narrow alleys until he collided with a girl carrying a box of sheets. The sheets spilled everywhere as she stumbled and fell.
Felix stood, looking slightly disgusted as their eyes met.
The girl had hazel eyes and smiled up at him.
"Hey there, mind helping me up?" She extended her hand.
Felix gave her a cold glare.
"Help yourself up."
The girl pouted slightly and stood on her own.
"That's kind of rude. Hey, I'm Lu Zhuhai, but you can call me Lu—"
Felix sighed, uninterested.
"I never asked for your personal information. Now move — you're getting in my way, idiot."
Lu forced a smile.
"You're always frowning. Ever tried smiling? I can teach you if you want."
🔥 Felix's anger flared and he shoved her face aside.
"I usually kill people who get in my way."
He stormed off, leaving Lu to pick up her scattered sheets. She watched him walk away, shaking her head.
"So rude. He's evil for sure."
—
Later, Lu Zhuhai arrived at the clothing store and placed the delivery box on the floor.
"Park Ji-young, I'm back! I brought the delivery too. Where are you anyway?" she called out, looking around.
Ji-young appeared from behind the curtain, smiling.
"Right here. Why did you come so late, huh?"
Lu scowled, clearly annoyed.
"I ran into this devil guy. He bumped into me and didn't even say sorry. Can you believe that? I fell down and he didn't even offer me a hand. He is so rude and cold... but he was quite charming too," she smiled a little
Ji-Young chuckled, "Are you bad-mouthing him or complimenting him? 'Cause I can't tell the difference."
"What? H...How could I compliment such a guy?" Lu immediately protested, then sighed. "I'm going to my study room. I'm fed up with you."
She stormed toward her room, but Ji-Young began singing loudly, clearly trying to annoy her.
"Ugh! You're so childish!" she shouted from behind her door.
---
Meanwhile, Felix wandered through the small village.
"What a beautiful place," he murmured, admiring the lanterns hanging from the rooftops and the peaceful laughter of children playing nearby.
"Too bad I have to destroy it." His voice was soft, but his eyes were cold and calculating.
He entered the village square where a group of performers were entertaining a crowd. Felix watched quietly, standing at the edge. For a moment, his expression softened. He remembered his mother's smile, her warmth.
But the memory was interrupted.
"Excuse me, sir?" A soft voice spoke beside him. A little boy tugged on Felix's coat. "You dropped this."
It was a pendant — one that belonged to his mother.
Felix stared at it, stunned. His hands trembled as he took it back. "...Thank you," he said quietly.
The boy smiled brightly. "You're welcome, mister! You look sad. Do you want to come play with us?"
Felix blinked. No one had spoken to him like that in years. "...No," he replied firmly, but without his usual sharpness.
He turned away, gripping the pendant tightly, walking back toward the village edge.
His inner voice whispered: "Don't get attached. This place must burn."