Douluo : People are writing diaries in Douluo

Su Ming waved his hand, setting his thoughts aside. He'd come back to them later.

"So, now that I know your identity, what are you planning to do?"

Qian Renxue considered before replying, "I'm not planning anything. I trust you won't expose me." She added with a smile, "And you did say you'd join Spirit Hall after the tournament, so by then, we'll be allies."

Su Ming raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "You're really this confident in me? This is the first time we've met."

Qian Renxue shrugged, anticipating his question. "From the moment Xue Beng provoked you, I became curious about you. Why would Dugu Bo be on such friendly terms with you? And why are you classmates with the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan? I decided to investigate. Hope you don't mind."

Seeing Su Ming's unamused expression, she added, "You came across as trustworthy in my findings. Except for being... slightly flirtatious."

Su Ming quickly defended himself. "Hey, let's clear this up. Sure, I like beautiful women, but I'm no womanizer. I'm genuine in my intentions and respectful in my pursuit. If a woman can't accept the fact that there may be others in my life, I'd let her go rather than force her into something uncomfortable."

Qian Renxue's eyes drifted away as she replied, "Who can say for sure? So tell me—did you find me attractive when we first met?"

Su Ming hesitated, but then replied honestly, "Yes, you're stunning—my type, even. But that doesn't mean I'm planning to pursue you."

Qian Renxue paused, slightly taken aback. Wait, she thought. Did he just say he's not interested in pursuing me?

"Why?" she asked, her expression unusually serious as she stared directly at him.

Realizing she might have misunderstood, Su Ming clarified, "Qian Renxue, you are beautiful, and yes, you're my type. But you're also Spirit Hall's heir, very likely to inherit it someday. Your grandfather is none other than Qian Daoliu, an Extreme Douluo. I already have two women in my life. Do you honestly think you'd agree to my pursuit?"

Seeing Qian Renxue's hesitation, Su Ming continued, "I just don't see it happening. So I think we're better off as friends. I enjoy the company of beautiful women, but I'm not delusional. Your status is much higher than mine. Even if you were open to it, Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu certainly wouldn't be. Look at your two Titled Douluos right now—they're practically saying, 'Know your place, kid. Our young mistress is out of your league.'"

Qian Renxue and the two Douluos: …

Snake Spear and Porcupinefish exchanged glances, each wondering if their expressions had truly been that obvious.

Qian Renxue hadn't expected Su Ming's reasoning, but she couldn't deny it made sense. Part of her acknowledged that if he really did have other women in his life, she might not consider it seriously herself. And as much as she had monitored him over the years through the diary, she had always viewed him more as a younger brother—someone intriguing, yes, but still a little brother.

Qian Renxue offered a small smile. "Fine, we'll be friends. But since we're friends, do you have any advice for your new 'older sister'?"

Su Ming shook his head. "You have far more experience than I do, Qian Renxue. Besides, if you overlook something, the people around you will surely advise you. I just find one thing odd. Why leave the fourth prince, Xue Beng, alive after arranging the deaths of the second and third princes? Wouldn't you have made things simpler by eliminating him too? Then you'd be the only heir to the throne. Was it an oversight, or were you and your supporters... short-sighted?"

His question earned dark looks from both Douluos, as if they'd been insulted.

Qian Renxue didn't expect him to ask this, but she replied, "There were reasons. First, after poisoning the second and third princes, I needed to leave Xue Beng alive, or Emperor Xue Ye would have grown suspicious. Second, Xue Beng is hardly a threat. You've seen him—he's nothing but a hedonist, frequenting brothels and associating with corrupt nobles. He's weak and insignificant."

In some ways, her reasoning seemed sound. But Su Ming couldn't help but wonder, If Xue Beng's debauchery isn't an act, her plan might not be flawed. But if it is an act... He decided to give her a small warning.

"Your reasons make sense, Qian Renxue, but even if Emperor Xue Ye suspected you, what could he do without evidence? He's aging. Who else would he pass the throne to after he's gone? Only you, unless you slip up and reveal your disguise."

Then Su Ming asked, "Tell me, did you leave any clues when you arranged the deaths of the second and third princes? Like using the same method for both? I suspect that Xue Beng's hedonistic ways might be an act. Why else would a Titled Douluo like Dugu Bo side with him?"

Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i will be finished uploading the whole series in patreon in a month or less, thanks for supporting me