Deviant: No Longer Human

27th November — 2031!

The shopping plaza buzzed with life—voices merged into a faint hum, footsteps echoed on polished tiles, and the strains of holiday music in the air.

By the belt display, Qian Ruixin tugged at her scarf, fingers twisting the fabric nervously. Her breath turned pale in the cold, cheeks tinted rose—not entirely from the weather.

"Xiao Wang... stop it," she whispered urgently, glancing around. Her voice was low, but tension weighed every word. "People are watching."

Wang Xiao stood tall, calm, a faint smile playing on his lips. The sleek black leather belt in his hand swayed lazily, as though the bustling world around them didn't exist.

"Let them," he said softly, his tone unhurried. His grip on her wrist was light, yet unshakable, making her breath hitch.

Snap!

The belt cracked sharply in the air, startling her. Her scarf slipped slightly, revealing the pale curve of her neck.

"D-don't! I mean it—it'll hurt!" she stammered, trying to tug her wrist free.

"Of course, it'll hurt," he replied, maddeningly calm, as though discussing the weather. "That's the point."

Snap!

"Ah—!" Ruixin flinched, her shoulders jerking. "I knew it! That hurts!"

"Hm." Wang Xiao tilted his head, his gaze steady, almost clinical. "Barely a reaction. Perhaps this one isn't sharp enough."

"Sharp enough?!" she sputtered, her voice rising despite herself. "Xiao Wang, this isn't a science experiment!"

"For science," he replied mock-seriously, flicking the belt again, calm as ever.

She gasped, hopping back to avoid the swish. "Science, my—ow!" she yelped as it lightly grazed her thigh. "Stop messing around!"

"Why? You seem lively," he teased, his chuckle soft but maddening. He reached for another belt, this one wider and softer. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire

"No, no, no—stop it! I'm serious this time!" Ruixin twisted in his grip, her free hand swatting at him ineffectively.

He smiled, his voice taking on a teasing edge. "If you keep squirming, Rui, it might actually hurt."

"Xiao!" she hissed, lowering her voice as she noticed the staff exchanging amused glances.

Her face burned hotter.

"Hold still," he commanded softly, his voice carrying quiet authority. She froze instinctively as he swiped the second belt across her other thigh.

Snap!

"Ah—!" she yelped again, hopping slightly. "You're doing this on purpose!"

"And if I am?" His smirk deepened as he watched her reaction. "It's... enlightening."

"Enlightening?!" she snapped, her voice cracking under flustered breath. "What are you even trying to learn?!"

"How many belts we'll need," he said matter-of-factly, tossing the second one onto the display. Turning to the clerks, he added, "Pack these."

Ruixin grumbled under her breath, fishing her card out of her coat as her blush deepened.

"Buying these is a waste of money," she muttered stiffly, handing over the card.

The staff exchanged knowing glances. "She's paying? That's a twist," one whispered.

"True devotion," another replied with a smirk.

Stepping outside, the November air bit at her cheeks, but the warmth of embarrassment lingered. She tugged her scarf into place, keeping her head down.

"Was that necessary?" she murmured, her tone edged with exasperation.

"Completely," Wang Xiao replied without hesitation.

Qian Ruixin glanced up, then looked away. "Next time, just buy them yourself," she muttered, tightening her coat.

"C'mon, you can't be that delicate," Wang Xiao teased, his tone light as his hand wandered lower. He grabbed her backside, squeezing firmly.

"These? They don't seem too soft to handle a little beating," he added, his gaze playful.

"I am not—" Ruixin's lips parted, but the words caught in her throat. Her eyes flickered, unsure, a flush creeping up her cheeks.

She swallowed her protest, glaring at him, caught between anger and embarrassment.

"Hm? Then what's the problem?" Wang Xiao pressed on, sliding an arm around her shoulders. His tone was light, almost teasing, but his eyes carried a quiet intensity.

She glanced at him, her expression conflicted. Did he really not see it himself?

After a pause, she pursed her lips and murmured, "Why do you keep trying to use your power to suppress others?" Her voice was hesitant, as though testing the waters.

"Do I?" Wang Xiao feigned thoughtfulness, his brows raised in mock surprise.

Qian Ruixin nodded slowly, the hesitation in her movements betraying her inner turmoil. She could understand him doing certain things at first—forcing her, even Wang Jiarong—it wasn't right, but perhaps he had his reasons.

But this? This was different. Even after they chose to stay by his side, he continued to impose his will as though it were second nature.

When she thought he might finally give her a genuine answer, he suddenly reached out, pinching her cheeks lightly between his fingers.

"My Rui, you've sure started to speak your mind lately," he said, his voice low, a meaningful smile playing on his lips as he held her gaze.

Qian Ruixin froze, stunned, her cheeks flushing as her eyes darted sideways to avoid his penetrating stare.

T-This. This was exactly what she was talking about.

And he was doing it again.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her thoughts in mess. Now, she was certain—he was doing it on purpose!

Qian Ruixin certainly got her answer that night.

The next day, back at the villa, she asked about Murong Shan's whereabouts.

"He won't be coming for a few more days," Wang Xiao replied casually.

Sometimes, she felt living near him was like living next to a god—his words felt absolute, as if whatever he declared would inevitably come true.

And true enough, Murong Shan didn't appear.

It wasn't until the 30th of November that Wang Xiao boarded a flight. Did he really need to fly? Certainly not.

But life had its moments, and he thought of indulging a little—perhaps admiring some air hostesses along the way. He wasn't disappointed. With the first-class cabin entirely empty, he effortlessly pulled two of the more attractive attendants aside and enjoyed himself right then and there.

When the flight landed, the two air hostesses clung to him, planting kisses on both cheeks. Wang Xiao's blissful smile froze mid-step, his eyes twitching.

It seemed someone had leaked the news of his arrival.

At the bottom of the ramp, a small group stood waiting, their eyes locking onto him as he strolled down, flanked by two air hostesses clinging to him like he was their last hope of salvation.

"..."

"..."

"..."

Three pairs of eyes blinked—one small, two large.

Zhenxi stood at the front, holding a bunch of party balloons, her mouth wide open like she'd just seen Santa Claus smack someone. She was wrapped in an outfit so out of place for the freezing night that it made him wonder who on earth thought this was appropriate.

The two larger pairs of eyes belonged to Yue and Wenxi, who exchanged glances that screamed, Typical. Neither said a word, but the silent judgment in the air.

Wang Xiao didn't flinch. Why would he? If they were expecting shame, they'd be waiting until the heavens collapsed.

Still, Zhenxi's wide-eyed stare, her expression one of pure judgement. The little girl looked like she was trying to comprehend a math problem way beyond her grade level.

Judgmental already? Wang Xiao mused, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Does she even know what this is about? If she does, well… that's someone else's headache.

Behind them, Anran leaned casually against the car door, lifting her sunglasses—despite the total lack of sunlight—just enough to meet his gaze. Her expression? Amused, smug, and just a touch condescending, as if silently saying, 'Caught in 4K.'

Wang Xiao let out a soft chuckle, unbothered as always. He placed a hand on each air hostess's lower back and whispered something inaudible to them, earning a giggle before they reluctantly let go.

Then, turning his attention to the group before him, he stepped forward like nothing had happened.