Transmigration:The Villain Wants A Happy End Without His BeastHusbands-Chapter 97: What A Shame

Staring at the illusion mask resting in his palm, Ningyan traced the edges with slow, curious fingers. He was already dressed in white and blue fabric clinging lightly to him, the pants sitting low on his waist. The robe was sheer and loose, draping around his frame just enough to outline the lean definition of his body. A deep opening at the chest revealed a glimpse of skin beneath.

His white hair had been brushed smooth, loose strands falling over gem-like purple eyes, and long blue tassel earrings hung from his ears, swaying faintly when he moved.

He turned the mask over in his hands. Who gave me this? 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Yunyi’s face surfaced in his mind, and he frowned immediately. He didn’t want to think about her.

Rising, he crossed the room toward the mirror, the mask still in his grip. Up close, the craftsmanship became clearer. White as its base, etched through with intricate golden lines that shimmered faintly under the light. He lifted it, hesitated only a moment, then slipped it over his face.

The change happened instantly.

His reflection stretched taller, broader. His frame sturdier, powerful. Tiger ears rose through his hair, a thick tail flicking behind him.

Ningyan’s eyes widened. "Wow."

He pulled the mask off at once, holding it with both hands now, staring at it like a priceless treasure. "This is... gloriously helpful."

"Yan Yan?"

Zihan’s voice broke through his thoughts as she stepped into the chamber. Ningyan turned toward her, and her smile widened the moment she took him in from head to toe.

"Look at you," she said, amused. "Royalty incarnate. Are you sure you aren’t a runaway beast prince or a hidden clan heir?"

Ningyan smiled lightly. "Not that I know of."

Zhao Zihan chuckled and handed him a cloak. "Here. We should leave now. I don’t want unnecessary eyes on you."

Ningyan accepted the cloak and slipped it on, carefully pulling the hood up. He tucked the illusion mask inside, along with his flute, before following her out of the chamber. They moved through the halls, down the stairs, past beasts laughing, drinking, and feasting below.

As they stepped onto the bridge connecting the two buildings, Ningyan felt eyes lingering on his back, curious, assessing.

His grip tightened slightly beneath the cloak as he followed Zhao Zihan forward.

He chose to brush the feeling aside, though he stayed alert all the same. Anyone would be curious about a cloaked figure, especially here. Not that he was the only one wearing a cloak, but still.

As they crossed the bridge and entered the pleasure establishment, Ningyan’s gaze was immediately drawn to the sight before him. Beautiful beasts, male and female, moved gracefully through the space, clad in light, colorful garments. Their torsos and stomachs were left bare, chests exposed, ears and tails fully visible, swaying with every step.

They reached a balcony overlooking the main hall. Below, high-ranking beast males and females lounged comfortably, watching dancers perform while others sat sprawled across their laps. Zhao Zihan didn’t slow her pace, but Ningyan couldn’t help himself. He craned his neck briefly, taking it all in before following her onward.

They entered a main corridor lined with private chambers. Soft moans echoed from every direction, slipping through doors and curtains, and Ningyan felt a flicker of hesitation curl in his chest.

Zihan led him to one of the most luxurious rooms. Once inside, Ningyan removed his cloak, folded it neatly, and set it aside on a cushion.

Zhao Zihan turned to face him, clapping her hands together lightly. "So," she said brightly, "tell me your preference."

Heat crept up Ningyan’s face. He wasn’t sure why this embarrassed him so much. "My preference..."

"Are you a receiver?"

He blinked. "Yes."

Zhao Zihan snapped her fingers at once and moved to the entrance, where a staff member waited with a tray of desserts, a jar of wine, and two cups. She took it and returned, setting everything neatly on the table.

"Relax, Yan Yan," she said warmly. "Just enjoy yourself."

Ningyan wished he didn’t feel as stiff as he did. He was painfully aware of how tense he looked, like he was draining the mood from the room. But he had been through too much and it all lingered in his body. A trauma response, nothing more.

He managed a weak smile and a nod. Zhao Zihan returned the gesture with a reassuring smile before turning and leaving the chamber, closing the door softly behind her.

Ningyan immediately kicked off his boots and fell back onto the bed with a soft sigh.

Then, he felt it.

A presence.

He turned his head sharply and found himself staring at an ethereal beastman standing quietly within the chamber.

The man was draped in deep green and muted purple robes, the fabric flowing like liquid shadows. His long hair was a rich, dark green, cascading down his back, and his eyes were a striking shade of deep blue.

In his hand was a fan, its surface crafted to resemble extravagant peacock feathers. Behind him, those feathers seemed to spread and stretch, shimmering faintly.

A peacock.

Ningyan pushed himself upright at once, unable to get a proper look while lying down.

The peacock beastman regarded him with equal interest, his gaze lingering openly before a slow smile curved his lips. Ningyan felt a flicker of shameless thought pass through his mind. How about you just seduce this one, disappear with him into the mountains, live anywhere far from all this chaos.

The peacock stepped closer. Ningyan rose to his feet as well, and they came to stand face to face. Only then did Ningyan notice that the man was barely two inches taller than him. Beneath the voluminous robes, his build was much like Ningyan’s, lean, fit, defined. Elegant.

"Madam Zihan did say I would be impressed," the peacock said pleasantly.

Beautiful. The word echoed unbidden in Ningyan’s mind.

And yet, the peacock seemed just as captivated. To him, Ningyan was easily one of the most stunning beasts he had ever encountered.

Ningyan gestured toward the table. "Shall we have a drink?"

The peacock’s smile widened. He closed and opened his fan once... twice... before holding it half-open to conceal his lips. His eyes slowly raked over Ningyan from head to toe.

"I am Tang Ruifeng," he said at last, his voice deep and smooth.

Something about that tone made Ningyan tense instinctively.

"I am Su Ningyan," he replied slowly.

Ruifeng’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "I know."

He lifted a hand.

A parchment wrapped in dark green light materialized in midair before Ningyan’s face. Upon it was a vivid sketch of his likeness, unmistakable in every detail.

The parchment vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

White-gold light flared sharply in Ningyan’s eyes.

"What a shame," he said quietly, staring straight at Ruifeng.

Ruifeng smiled and nodded.

"What a shame indeed," he agreed. "I was expecting a pleasant night." His tone remained calm, almost regretful. "And now, I must kill you."

He tilted his head slightly.

"Are you aware," Ruifeng continued softly, "that there are more than two hundred beasts outside, all searching for you, Su Ningyan?"