Turning around, as expected, the first thing Yun Fan saw was Sparkle's petite figure running toward him with small, quick steps.
However, at this moment, the girl's attire was different from usual. Her original red Japanese-style outfit was nowhere to be seen, replaced instead by a stylish black JK uniform—the very same one from the "Thousand-Star Journey" PV.
"Darling, so you're here!" As she trotted up to Yun Fan, Sparkle immediately wrapped her arms around his and flashed him a sweet smile. In the eyes of passersby, the girl resembled an angel who had descended into the mortal world, radiating pure, innocent charm. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she was the ideal girlfriend in every man's dreams.
But Yun Fan wasn't the least bit pleased by Sparkle's affectionate display. Instead, he stared at the Masked Fool with a dark expression. Though Sparkle certainly had her charms, his instincts told him this troublemaker was definitely up to no good.
Sure enough, his premonition was soon proven right.
"Huh? Darling, who is she?! Why are you…?!"
Sparkle's exclamation was loud and completely unsubtle, instantly drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
The crowd of onlookers watched the unfolding scene—what appeared to be a "wife catching her husband with another woman"—with great interest, their eyes gleaming with excitement. Noticing this, Yun Fan felt a vein bulge on his forehead. I really didn't spank her hard enough last time. Just three days without punishment, and she's already daring enough to tear the roof off.
"Darling, who is this woman?!" Sparkle glared at Yun Fan indignantly before pointing at Robin and pressing further.
"Huh? I, I'm…"
Robin, encountering such a situation for the first time, couldn't help but feel nervous. Given her special status, if she were exposed here, the Family would undoubtedly…
"Oh? Who she is… I think you already know the answer in your heart, my little Sparkle~" Yun Fan smiled as he lifted Sparkle's chin, his eyes filled with a gaze so "tender" it made her uneasy.
Yet despite this, Sparkle forced herself to remain composed, her eyes welling up with feigned tears.
"Is she your new lover? I knew it… I knew you couldn't possibly devote your heart to me alone… But please… at least… at least don't let me see her. Let me keep living in that beautiful dream…"
Sparkle pretended to cry, recycling the exact same act she had pulled in the lobby of the Reverie Hotel.
"What's going on here? Two beautiful girls fighting over one guy—is this a love triangle?"
"I don't think so. Didn't you hear what the girl who arrived later said? It sounds like the guy found a new lover and abandoned the black-haired girl."
"Damn, this guy's got skills! Both the black-haired girl and the blue-gray-haired one are absolute stunners! I'd gladly take either as a rebound!"
"Pfft, keep dreaming. Even as a rebound, you wouldn't stand a chance."
"Heh, personally, I prefer the blue-gray-haired girl. Her hair color looks just like Miss Robin's."
"Tch, what's the point of liking her? She's already taken…"
"Oof, harsh, bro…"
As the murmurs around them grew louder, Robin grew increasingly anxious—especially when someone mentioned her resemblance to "Miss Robin." Her heart practically leapt into her throat.
"Maybe… I should head back first. You can stay with this lady."
Robin spoke softly, her voice laced with panic. Yet despite her words, the fleeting look of grievance in her eyes didn't escape Yun Fan's notice.
Seeing this, Yun Fan gently patted Robin's head, his heart aching. Since this mess was his fault to begin with, how could he bear to let Robin suffer unjustly?
"Huh? You…"
Caught off guard by the sudden warmth on her head, Robin looked up in surprise. But soon, she found herself melting into the comforting touch.
So warm… This feeling… It's different from my brother's…
Watching Yun Fan and Robin's interaction, an inexplicable anger rose in Sparkle's heart. Not that she had any romantic feelings for Yun Fan—far from it.
It was just that his blatant favoritism triggered her competitive side as a woman. Why is this guy so gentle with this girl but so indifferent to me?!
"Fan… So, you've chosen her?" Sparkle clung to Yun Fan's arm, tears "unconsciously" streaming down her face as if she had suffered a devastating blow. Her body swayed weakly, as though she might collapse at any moment.
"What about me… and the baby in my belly? How could you bear to let little Fan grow up without a father from birth?"
Damn, even a perfect six can't compare to how shamelessly you're acting right now!
Yun Fan was utterly speechless. He had truly underestimated a Masked Fool's ability to twist words. She could probably turn pure white into pitch black with that mouth of hers.
At the very least, Robin and the surrounding spectators had completely bought her act.
Especially Robin, whose goodwill toward him had just risen slightly—only to plummet back to square one. Now, Yun Fan truly understood the saying: "Rumors take a moment to spread but a lifetime to dispel."
"Mr. Yun Fan…"
"She's lying. This girl is a Masked Fool." Yun Fan's voice echoed directly in Robin's mind, startling her. Though surprised by his method, Robin—having seen much of the world—managed to keep her composure.
"Don't be alarmed. I'm communicating telepathically. For you Harmony followers, this should be second nature, right?"
"Yes, though I didn't expect you to possess such an ability, Mr. Yun Fan." Robin replied mentally.
"Haha, never underestimate the power of causality. In a broad sense, even Harmony is but a manifestation of causality."
"Then… what should we do now? Masked Fools are complete madmen. Once they latch onto something amusing, they won't let go easily."
"Don't worry. Leave it to me."
Ending their mental conversation, Yun Fan turned his attention back to Sparkle. This time, however, his demeanor shifted completely as he gently helped her up with unexpected tenderness.
"Of course not, my little Sparkle~"
His voice was dripping with affection, but to Sparkle, it sent a chill down her spine, followed by a surge of icy dread. To teach her a lesson and ensure she wouldn't cause him trouble in the future, Yun Fan released a faint trace of his Aeon's aura.
To ordinary people, this aura only induced a slight shiver. But to Sparkle, who had once witnessed the Aeon of Elation in person, it was sheer horror.
Cold sweat drenched her back. No matter how much she speculated or guessed, she had never once connected Yun Fan to an Aeon.
"Hmm? What's wrong, my little Sparkle~?"