The days leading up to the challenge—which doubled as the ceremony—were spent with Lanling and Meixi painstakingly working to uncover what other triggers Alba had placed on Haruki.
Lanling had been strongly opposed at first. Testing the curse meant putting Haruki in a position of pain, and he wanted no part in that.
But Haruki, ever compliant, had been far too easy to convince. Meixi had dangled the possibility of finding a balance—one that might allow him to retain some memories without triggering the reset.
Lanling couldn't deny it—he wanted that, too. He wanted Haruki to remember at least a piece of what they had shared. And just like that, he was pulled into the plan without much resistance.
They had three days to spare, and though Lixuan desperately wanted to meet the man who had dared seduce his son, he found himself thoroughly blocked—by that very son.
"If you meet him before the ceremony, I will enjoy French kissing him before facing the dragon."
