Chapter 30: Awkwardness

Chen Yun nodded desperately, her expression filled with embarrassment. "My aptitude is poor. My teacher said my latent demonic power is too low, making it very difficult for my abilities to evolve. So... it’s highly likely I’ll remain at Level 2 for the rest of my life."

"I know this is incredibly abrupt, especially since we’ve only known each other for a day, but... I have no other choice. My parents worked tirelessly to get me into the Hunter Academy; I am my family’s only hope, yet..."

Chen Yun’s eyes reddened as she spoke, and a few tears slipped down. It was clear the girl felt deeply aggrieved and distressed. But aptitude is not something one can force. Ye Yang didn’t know much about training as a Hunter—at least not yet—but he did understand one thing: latent demonic power.

A person’s latent demonic power is determined the moment they are implanted with evolutionary cells; it dictates how much mutation their body can undergo and how much potential they possess. Of course, even with potential, it isn’t guaranteed to be activated, but without it, one can never become strong.

Lin Tian was the perfect example. He was even unluckier than Chen Yun; he had almost no latent demonic power at all. The evolutionary cells only gave him the convenience of lighting a cigarette. Thus, he remained stuck at Level 1 his entire life, with no room for advancement. Fortunately, he had participated in Hunter research and was a scientist himself, allowing him to carve out a position in the military based on his credentials.

Ye Yang was another example. He had potential, but he didn’t know how to unleash it, and he lacked any formal ability whatsoever. How he was supposed to fight remained an unknown.

"Please, help me. Just this once. I know you know Commander Wang Feng and Deputy Commander Lin Tian, so you must be able to help me. Even if I’m only Level 2, if you just speak to them, you could help me join the field internship."

"I’m actually not weak. My demonic power levels just aren’t high, but I’ve become very proficient with my ability. Plus, I’m a sensory type; I can detect danger in advance. I can definitely be of use to you." As she spoke, Chen Yun gritted her teeth and pressed her hand firmly against the scalding hot pot, causing Ye Yang to instinctively reach out to stop her.

An incredible thing happened: Chen Yun’s hand did not get burned. Instead, the hot pot cooled down rapidly, with a layer of frost even forming on its surface.

"Hiss..." Ye Yang broke into a cold sweat. *Not weak?* She was millions of times stronger than him! If he had touched that, he would have peeled off several layers of skin.

Seeing Ye Yang’s shocked expression, Chen Yun was overjoyed and pleaded, "See? I’m really not weak. If you take me with you, I will definitely be useful. Please, I really don’t want to let my parents and family down."

Ye Yang hesitated. He wanted to grant the girl’s request; regardless of his motives, he didn’t want to disappoint her. But... he didn’t know if he should agree.

Ling Fengyan had said that his field internship would be dangerous. Given his own lack of strength, Ye Yang was already a liability. If he chose a powerful teammate, he might survive, but if he chose someone like Chen Yun—a Level 2—it would likely lead both of them into danger.

It wasn’t that Ye Yang looked down on Chen Yun for her low level; it was that he had absolutely no confidence in himself.

Chen Yun, unaware of his thoughts, continued to plead. Seeing Ye Yang frowning in deep thought, she grew anxious. As she had said, this was her only path. If she didn’t join the field internship to prove her worth, she would remain a Level 2 forever, never standing out from the crowd.

"If... if you agree to help me..." Chen Yun suddenly grabbed his arm, lowered her head, and said in a trembling voice, "You like me a little, don't you? I know. You look at me so tenderly. Can I be your girlfriend? I... I..."

Her lovely, delicate face drew closer, her burning lips pressing firmly against his cheek. Her breath carried the faint, sweet scent of alcohol. Her hands gripped his arm tightly, the friction of their clothing creating an intimate sensation, while her wide, shimmering eyes stared intently at him.

"..." Ye Yang’s heart skipped a beat, and his body jolted as if by reflex. The girl was caught off guard and nearly pushed to the floor. When she looked up, her eyes were filled with confusion and infinite shame.

"I... I’m sorry. Please, don’t do this." Ye Yang felt so embarrassed he wanted to crawl into a hole. He did like Chen Yun, but he already had a fiancée—even if her fate was currently unknown...

It was undeniable that this girl held a fatal attraction for him; he was already shamefully aroused. If this were a pure seduction, he might have agreed, but...

***

If Chen Yun had simply pleaded, Ye Yang might have given in. But he truly detested this. It felt like a transaction, even though he knew the girl’s desperation had forced her into it.

What child would want to let their parents down? And for a lifetime of disappointment at that.

Chen Yun stopped speaking. She pulled her chair away quickly, not daring to look at Ye Yang. Ye Yang felt awkward, and the girl was no different. Drip, drip—a few water droplets appeared on the table, the girl’s tears.

"Sigh." Ye Yang couldn’t stand this kind of thing. He couldn't even be bothered to pour a drink; he picked up the bottle and chugged it dry, then slammed it onto the floor, where it shattered into pieces.

"Boss, check." Ye Yang tossed his wallet over, letting the owner take whatever he pleased. He looked at the girl, hesitating for a long time before