“Eh? Hearing the word ‘lewd’ come out of your mouth is really something new.” John Smith actually found it a bit funny. “I thought you people didn’t care about that at all.”

Lily Carter quieted down, said nothing, and just tossed the clothes over.

Hearing the sound of John Smith wiping himself behind her, Lily Carter suddenly let out a soft sigh and said in a low voice, “If we really didn’t care about these things, why do you think I tried to gouge out your eyes when we first met? Was it just out of cruelty?”

John Smith was taken aback. The sudden sigh from Lily Carter felt a bit out of place, and what she said was even more so… He really found it hard to connect this sect, which always seemed a bit flirtatious, with any notion of chastity—especially since you even run brothels. But somehow, it sounded like he’d misunderstood something?

Suddenly, he understood…

So, you all act all flirty on the surface, but never actually give it up… That’s really too much, you know? No wonder those young heroes who got played are so pissed at you…

Chapter 8: Written as Demon Sect, Read as Girl Group

But then again, making people fall head over heels and never giving it up—John Smith was very familiar with this…

What was his profession? He was a girl group manager, an idol producer… Creating female idols, selling personas, selling purity, selling image—what was the essence of it all? Fans treat idols as lovers, and when a romance is exposed, they cry their hearts out. But does the idol really have anything to do with you? After taking your money, did she ever give it up to you? Even a handshake event leaves you so excited you don’t wash your hands for days…

And if she does give it up, it’s to someone else—when was it ever the fans’ turn?

Demon Sect = Girl Group? This realization amused John Smith greatly. The methods might be different, but the essence was pretty much the same. So, they were in the same business after all. Turns out, he was a branch of the Demon Sect himself, wasn’t he?

Lily Carter snorted, “Whatever, we demon girls are just like this. Think what you want.”

“What if I say I actually prefer demon girls?” John Smith smiled playfully. Looking at Lily Carter now, he couldn’t help but see her from a professional angle. With her stunning qualities, if she went solo, she might just become a national superstar…

Lily Carter had no idea what he was thinking and sneered, “You don’t mean what you say.”

John Smith didn’t know how to explain their professional kinship, so he changed the subject: “Honestly, you saved my life, treated my wounds, and took care of me… No matter what people say about you being demon girls, to me, you’re the closest person I have in this world. If any so-called hero comes after you, I’ll help you take him down.”

John Smith truly meant it. The person he was closest to in this world really was this little girl in front of him. If they ever clashed with the righteous sects, there was no question whose side he’d be on.

Lily Carter laughed, “You? Help us fight? Someone just has to blow and you’ll go flying.”

She said it, but her tone was clearly much lighter: “Since your heartbeat and body temperature didn’t change when you said that, I’ll take it as sincere.”

“As real as it gets.” John Smith seized the chance. “I don’t know martial arts, but you could teach me, right?”

Lily Carter heard he seemed to be dressed, so she turned around. She seemed about to say something, but her eyes suddenly lit up: “Hey, you look really handsome in that brocade outfit.”

Earlier, John Smith had just glanced at it, but now that he was wearing it, he could see the whole effect. It was a style he’d never seen before, somewhat like the fitted outfits of martial heroes in period dramas—tight sleeves, narrow cuffs, fitted pants, easy to move in, unlike the wide, dragging robes of scholars. But the fabric was luxurious, embroidered with brocade, a jade belt at the waist adding a touch of nobility. The white standing collar gave a clean, refined look. Combined with John Smith’s own modern, capable, and free-spirited aura, it was different from the usual martial, aggressive vibe of this world—not the frail, delicate type either, but a unique, striking handsomeness.

As they say, clothes make the man. The bathrobe from before was clearly a bit ridiculous, but now, wearing this, Lily Carter’s eyes practically sparkled.

John Smith looked in the mirror, quite satisfied, and laughed, “Didn’t expect I’d look pretty good in this kind of outfit.”

From behind, Lily Carter asked, “What does ‘handsome’ mean?”

“It means good-looking.” John Smith turned and struck a pose. “See how dashing I am—can’t you teach me martial arts? Or is your sect’s technique only for women?”

“Vain.” She called him vain, but Lily Carter was still looking him up and down, clearly liking his handsome look, and replied, “Our sect’s techniques aren’t limited by gender, but the ones we can teach outsiders are just superficial. If you want to learn the real stuff, you have to join the sect. Because of an incident years ago, we haven’t accepted male disciples in a long time, but there’s no explicit ban. As long as Master agrees, it’s fine. If you get the chance, ask her yourself—I can put in a good word for you.”

John Smith laughed, “So nice to me? Don’t tell me you’re really falling for me? Aren’t you afraid I’m a spy trying to steal your sect’s secrets?”

“If you have the ability, go ahead and steal them. At your age and with your talent, starting from scratch, and with poison deep in your system that can’t be removed… Forget it, not worth talking about.” Lily Carter said carelessly, laughing like a flower. “The sect is full of women, we’re already sick of looking at them. Having a handsome guy around is easy on the eyes.”

John Smith was left speechless.