True Tycoon Her Empire, Her Rules

Winnie’s voice was soft, yet it carried clearly through the room, capturing the attention of everyone present. 

Candace’s eyes widened slightly, she couldn’t believe Winnie would object to the proposed arrangement. 

“Why though?” Candace pouted, a touch of irritation coloring her tone as she turned to scrutinize Winnie, her gaze probing, as if trying to determine if Winnie harbored the same motives as she did. 

After all Candace had joined this reality show with the sole intention of partnering with Kane. 

In the live chat. Candace’s fans were quick to rally to her defense when they saw their favorite pouting, their messages flooding the screen in support. 

“Wait, why is Winnie objecting?” 

“I can see it now; she wants to be with Kane too. You’ve got to admit, she’s got taste.” 

“Come on, guys. Would you rather pick Gentry over Kane?” 

“You’re talking like it’s some boyfriends selection. If this were a ‘dating show, sure, pick Kane, but this is supernatural show!” 

“Being with Kane means more spotlight and clout; even a fool knows what to choose!” 

“Aww, our Gentry is being rejected; it’s just too sad.” 

“Winnie’s so transparent with her motives..I seriously can’t stand her. Can she please just exit the show?” 

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“Candace’s motives aren’t clear–cut? Why single out one and not the other?” 

“Obviously, because their star power isn’t on the same level.” 

The chat continued to buzz with chatter, but it hardly fazed the reality show stars. 

Faced with Candace’s question, Winnie calmly replied, “The show’s format.doesn’t allow it.” 

Her voice was cool and detached, devoid of emotion as she carefully explained, “There are six of us on the show: myself, Mervin, and Gentry–we all have a basic understanding of the mystical arts. With the show’s focus on mystical adventures, whether by design or accident, there’s bound to be a need for our knowledge. Our presence ensures the show stays on theme. which is why pairing up with a novice is the most logical choice.” 

Winnie laid out her reasoning with objective clarity, her personal preferences set aside. Yet Candace’s brow remained furrowed, her expression one of unconvinced dissatisfaction. 

Unruffled, Winnie simply asked her, “Tell me, if you were paired with Kane, could you guarantee to handle situations requiring mystical knowledge?” 

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The live chat, previously critical of Winnie, now quieted down considerably. 

“It finally makes sense: two novices together don’t stand a chance.” 

“You had me at ‘novice“.” 

“I thought the show’s pairing was odd, but there’s a reason behind it. Props to the top student for summing it up.” 

“Hold on, isn’t she not even enrolled yet? Is she sure she represents the mystical category??” 

“Guys, don’t underestimate a genius. When they get competitive, watch out.” 

“Is that all it takes to be a genius now? Your standards are way too low.” 

While some viewers continued to disparage Winnie, their comments were quickly drowned out by others. 

Cutler watched the negative comments get buried with disgust. 

Meanwhile, Candace, having heard Winnie’s explanation, finally showed a flash of understanding, tinged with reluctance. But on camera, she couldn’t let her disappointment 

show too clearly. Instead, she quietly moved to stand beside Gentry. 

As Winnie extended her hand, ready to welcome Candace back into her group… 

Had Candace forgotten that she could choose to pair up with Winnie? 

Candace might be known as “Bitch Candace,” but her simple and naive nature was a refreshing change from the likes of Kathryn Henderson, who seemed to carry a perpetual air of aggression. Winnie had no qualms about teaming up with her. 

But it wasn’t just Candace who had overlooked this option–Kane seemed to have forgotten as well. 

Seeing Candace automatically join Geritry, Kane naturally assumed he was paired with Winnie. 

The live chat erupted with laughter. 

“LOL, seeing Winnie’s ignored hand, I can’t stop laughing. Who said she was after Kane? She’s clearly here for Candace!” 

“Her awkward glance in that moment–I could rewatch it a hundred times.” 

“Didn’t expect that from you, Winnie!” 

“Girls just wanna stick with girls, none of that catty competition here.” 

Oblivious to the roasting in the live chat, Winnie saw the groups had settled and said no more. The six of them ventured into the mansion. 

As the crew had mentioned, the place had been tidied up. If not for the dim lighting, the house’s decor could be considered quite elegant. 

Standing inside, they noticed a large tree obscuring the eastern window, casting a shadow over 

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the house and giving it an ominous feel, despite it being daytime. 

Mervin, leading the way, glanced around and frowned slightly, “The large tree blocks the sun, and only the western side is clear. The house leans towards the shade, and the two cypress trees planted by the front door only add to the problem. This isn’t right” 

As the senior of Breeze Monastery, Mervin spoke with authority about these things, his demeanor that of a seasoned master. 

Candace, clueless, asked, “What’s wrong with cypress trees?” This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Mervin explained, “Cypress trees are known as ‘graveyard trees.‘ What do you think it means to have two planted on either side of the entrance?” 

Candace looked puzzled, her ignorance about the mystical arts evident. 

“What does it mean?” 

“It’s like a tomb,” Kane chimed in, his deep eyes scanning the room, “We rarely use arches in home design, as they’re reminiscent of tombstones. In some regions, there are even specific superstitions against it. This house may have Eastern architecture, and it’s fond of arches.” 

With Kane’s explanation, the other guests and the viewers realized that the house indeed featured numerous arches. 

It was clear that the arch motif was everywhere – the windows, the bathroom door, almost every entryway boasted the same curved design. What had initially struck the viewers as a charmingly quaint detail now sent shivers down their spines. 

“Man, it’s just like Kane said. Creepy!” one of the viewers commented, their fingers hesitating. over the keyboard. 

“Kane has done his homework. Not like the rest of the crew.” 

“Oh Lord, I’m getting goosebumps. There’s something seriously off about this house!” 

A pause lingered in the chat as Kane’s interpretation sank in. Then, the realization hit everyone like a cold draft through the ancient halls. 

They were about to type it out, but the words felt taboo, even in the digital space. 

Yet, the viewers and the guests in the house all came to the same grim conclusion without needing to spell it out. 

They had unwittingly checked into what seemed to be a… “graveyard” of a home.