| PN | Itchy Hand | 189
While the president was immersed in the shock of being abandoned by the emperor, netizens were equally astounded by the sudden emergence of the Puppet Master Alliance.
[Wait, what is the Puppet Master Alliance? Why did this organization suddenly appear? How is it different from the Association?]
[No idea. A few days ago, there wasn’t a single mention of it, but now it’s all over the place. It’s really suspicious.]
Everyone knew that the Association was the only puppet master organization officially recognized by the emperor.
It monopolized nearly all information and trade related to puppets, leaving no room for other organizations to survive. Thus, the sudden emergence of the Puppet Master Alliance left many puzzled.
Even stranger, the usually domineering Association, which wouldn’t tolerate even a hint of competition, had shown no reaction whatsoever. This was clearly out of character.
[So, the difference between the Puppet Master Alliance and the Association is that they share puppet-making resources? And to join, you just have to demonstrate a genuine love for puppets? Is it that simple?]
[Wow, that’s great news for all those puppet makers who couldn’t join the Association because they lacked talent!]
It was evident that this new alliance had significantly lower barriers to entry compared to the Association.
[You’re thinking too simply.]
[What do you mean?]
[There was a puppet master next door who could only make D-grade puppets. When they heard that the Alliance shared puppet-making resources, they planned to join. But as soon as they approached, they were blacklisted by the Alliance—not only banned from joining but also prohibited from purchasing mother-stone resources owned by the Alliance.]
[The Puppet Master Alliance has mother-stone mines?!]
A newly emerged civilian organization possessing something as significant as mines? That was shocking enough, but the real question was why a puppet master ended up on their blacklist.
[Didn’t they say anyone who loves puppets could join? Are they lying?]
[They’re not lying. That puppet master kept claiming they loved puppets, but the Alliance found out that after making low-grade puppets, they would toss the ugly ones in the trash to fend for themselves while locking the prettier ones in cages to be enjoyed by perverted idiots with certain fetishes.]
[...Enjoyed? That’s disgusting.]
[So, the Alliance actually investigates puppet masters who want to join? Huh, that’s strict. The Association doesn’t care about any of this stuff.]
[Ugh, it’s just those puppet fanatics making a big fuss again. Isn’t it just a toy? Why put so much effort into this?]
As soon as this comment was posted, it was met with agreement from many people. To most casual internet users, puppets were nothing more than distant, ornamental toys. They couldn’t understand the Alliance’s mindset and thought these enthusiasts were simply overthinking things.
However, for those who had closer experiences with puppets and a sense of moral boundaries—whether that may be puppet masters or empathetic netizens—their perspective was different.
They knew that puppets had emotions. Seeing the Alliance’s approach naturally garnered their goodwill.
[People who haven’t interacted with puppets up close have no right to comment. From the videos shared by Master Qi before, it’s clear that puppets can make mistakes and argue, just like humans. Imagine how it feels to lock a human in a cage.]
[Agreed. I’ve always disliked the Association’s view of puppets as mere tools, which is why I left the Association in the first place. I didn’t care much for the Alliance initially, but this move seriously won me over. I’m filling out the application form right now!]
The Alliance and the Association clearly held completely different attitudes toward puppets.
Regardless of how various netizens viewed the two puppet master organizations, the Alliance had firmly stepped into the public spotlight.
As long as neither the Association nor the royal family banned the Alliance, discussions about it were bound to continue unabated.
At the same time, Qi Chao, after seeing the despondent and crumbling president, thoughtfully poured him a cup of coffee and gave him space to process what had just happened.
Leaving the room, he walked into his own office at the Association. There, he casually opened the high-level group chat of the Puppet Master Alliance. Three of his apprentices were administrators of this group and were currently working in an organized manner, arranging the Alliance’s next steps.
The Alliance’s high-ranking members were mostly Shen Yuxi’s subordinates, such as Bugu, while the rest consisted of puppet masters who had passed their rigorous evaluations early on, like Xiu Mei.
Counting them carefully, there were about ten high-level members—nearly half again as many as the Association’s top-tier members.
However, data from the grassroots level painted a less optimistic picture. Only about a hundred puppet masters had joined the Alliance so far, whereas the Association had over a hundred puppet masters in just the Linjing District alone.
[Qi Chao, seventy puppet masters applied today. Eight have passed the evaluation, and fifty have been blacklisted by the Alliance,] You Zhao reported, sending the data to the high-level group while tagging Qi Chao to ensure his teacher noticed the important update at a glance.
[Got it,] Qi Chao replied briefly, lowering his head as he typed.
This data was entirely expected. Since their Alliance aimed to replace the Association, it was imperative to maintain strict entry requirements, ensuring that no unscrupulous puppet masters who might harm puppets were allowed to join.
[Thank you for your hard work. Now that the president knows about the Alliance, it’s likely that the emperor will soon start stripping the Association of its power bit by bit. When that happens, I’ll need you all to continue working hard to invite suitable puppet masters into the Alliance,] Qi Chao wrote.
[It’s no trouble at all, teacher. Just thinking about the Association going down makes me happy,] You Zhao replied.
[We’ve already started compiling a list. It should be ready within a week,] Bugu chimed in, tagging their leader as they added, [Boss, we’ll need you to review and confirm it when it’s ready.]
Shen Yuxi, seemingly also watching the discussion, responded quickly: [Got it.]
[Qi Chao, when will you drop by my livestream again? My viewership has been amazing these past few days!] asked Xiu Mei, who had seen her audience skyrocket after fans pressed her for the reasons she left the Association.
[Xiu Mei! Sister, please be more mindful—this is a work group chat!! Save these unimportant things for private messages!] replied Guo Li, one of Qi Chao’s apprentices and someone close to Xiu Mei.
Xiu Mei: [Alright then.]
Her interruption livened up the group chat considerably, and Qi Chao couldn’t help but smile as he watched the exchange.
In less than two months since he joined the Association, the Alliance had grown from nothing into a fledgling organization. Qi Chao knew this wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of Shen Yuxi, his three apprentices, and Bugu.
Their efforts had been crucial in shaping the Alliance so quickly.
However, there was still an issue.
Although Qi Chao had confidently told the president earlier that the Alliance was an officially recognized organization, his statement wasn’t entirely accurate. It was more precise to say that the Alliance was recognized solely by the emperor.
Many councilors with ties to the Association were still resisting, unwilling to relinquish their vested interests.
Fortunately, this impasse wouldn’t last much longer.
Two days ago, Elliton had informed Qi Chao that several councilors had mysteriously fallen ill and been hospitalized, their energy levels significantly diminished since. Only one or two councilors still stubbornly clung to the Association’s status.
Qi Chao had originally planned to wait until the situation was more settled before informing the president. However, the president had recently grown suspicious, probing openly and covertly.
After consulting with Shen Yuxi and Elliton, Qi Chao decided to inform the president ahead of schedule, which would also set the stage for the next step of their plan.
Mulling over the situation, Qi Chao decided to head home first to discuss the plan with Shen Yuxi.
Just as he was about to leave, he spotted the vice president in the corridor. The man appeared hesitant, but upon seeing Qi Chao, his face lit up with delight.
"Qi Chao!"
The vice president, though younger than the president, was already advanced in years with graying hair. Leaning on a cane, he approached with a mixture of affection and nervousness. "Young Master Qi, I wonder if I might see the president now?"
"Not for the time being," Qi Chao replied, looking down at him. His deep brown eyes held a trace of pity. "I tested the waters with the president earlier, and he still doesn’t trust you."
The vice president's face turned ashen at these words. His lips quivered as he stammered, "I truly didn’t expect that... just because I didn’t go to receive him back then, he would suspect me of trying to usurp his position..."
The vice president refrained from mentioning that it had been the emperor who had stopped him from going to greet the president. Now, with the president doubting him, the vice president felt utterly wronged.
He couldn’t directly explain the situation to the president either. Once someone believed you were vying for power, any explanation would seem like a feeble excuse.
Seeing the vice president’s dejected state, Qi Chao let out a seemingly sympathetic sigh.
In truth, he felt no emotion about the matter.
Qi Chao fully understood the source of the conflict between the president and the vice president. He also knew that the vice president had been set up by Elliton.
Still, if the fallout hadn’t occurred, Qi Chao wouldn’t have so smoothly taken over the Association’s key affairs during the president’s marginalization.
Back then, the president had been highly favored by the former emperor and given full authority over matters concerning ability users. Most of the Association’s operations were delegated to the vice president.
After the president began suspecting the vice president of seeking power, all of the latter’s responsibilities fell into Qi Chao’s lap.
Meanwhile, the president, having been out of touch with the Association’s administrative matters for so long and harboring a lingering passion for puppet research, never took the initiative to involve himself with critical Association documents.
When the emperor continuously refrained from mentioning puppet research, and Qi Chao gradually reduced the frequency of reporting critical documents, the president finally sensed that something was amiss.
"Do I truly have no chance left?"
The vice president, distraught, muttered nervously to himself.
"Of course not," Qi Chao quickly reassured him. "I’ve been speaking up for you all along. Besides, haven’t you been in constant communication with the councilors?"
"The emperor’s fixation on the Alliance is baffling," Qi Chao continued, feigning confusion. "Our Association is the legitimate authority. If you collaborate with the councilors to resolve the Puppet Master Alliance issue, the president will eventually recognize your dedication."
Qi Chao was feeding the vice president bad advice.
Since the vice president lacked real power, all collaborative plans with the councilors had to go through Qi Chao for approval. This was the main reason why Qi Chao and Elliton managed to hold their ground in the tug-of-war with the councilors.
Now that most of the councilors had mysteriously fallen ill and withdrawn from the conflict, leaving only one or two stubbornly resisting, the vice president’s role had become far less significant.
"I understand."
The vice president, who had lived in constant fear over the past two months, now found himself without guidance, unsure of what to do. He could only rely on Qi Chao to make a final attempt.
In the vice president's eyes, Qi Chao, as the wealthiest heir of the Qi family and a puppet master, held an esteemed position. He had no reason to deceive someone like the vice president. This was why the vice president trusted Qi Chao so much.
"Qi Chao, please continue to speak well of me to the president," the vice president said, his lips trembling.
"Of course, don't worry."
Qi Chao replied with conviction, "I’m just here for a few months to lend a hand. In the future, I’ll need you, my capable assistant, to continue helping the president solve problems. How could I stand by and watch the two of you continue to be at odds?"
"Good, good..."
The vice president was deeply moved.
When he learned that Qi Chao was about to return home, he no longer wanted to delay him. He quickly stepped aside, making way for Qi Chao to leave the Association.
"No need, you should head back as well," Qi Chao gently refused the vice president's offer to accompany him to the transport station. He then boarded his flying vehicle, glancing at the Association building in the distance.
After a moment's thought, he rubbed his fingers together, and a black eyeball materialized on the dashboard.
The eyeball seemed to understand its mission. Once the window was opened, it darted inside the Association like a diligent little bee.
Given that the president was already aware of Qi Chao and Elliton’s scheming, having an extra monitor in place seemed like a prudent precaution.
As Qi Chao watched the monitoring device disappear into the building, his thoughts naturally drifted to Ayu and the other children at home. He chuckled softly, wondering what mischief they might be up to while he was busy.
Every evening when he returned, they would gather around him, creating an atmosphere of obedient sweetness. However, Qi Chao’s sharp intuition told him they were hiding something.
Since Shen Yuxi hadn’t mentioned anything, it likely meant their activities weren’t dangerous.
They sure have plenty of little secrets.
Though curious, Qi Chao didn’t feel the need to pry into their affairs.
To him, the puppets were independent individuals. Like children, they would eventually grow up.
As long as they didn’t cross boundaries or put themselves in harm’s way, their choices were their own.
Still, there was a faint sense of melancholy in his heart.
After returning home, Qi Chao went straight to the greenhouse to find Shen Yuxi. He wrapped his arms around Shen Yuxi, who was lounging on a recliner, drowsing.
Shen Yuxi no longer looked pale and frail like when he had been ill. Thanks to Qi Chao’s care and his determination to shield Shen Yuxi from any hard work, he now radiated vitality.
Every day was filled with gentle pampering, and his features carried a serene warmth that only came from being meticulously cherished.
“What’s wrong? Is everything going smoothly?”
Shen Yuxi chuckled softly, savoring the feeling of being held so tightly by Qi Chao.
Qi Chao kissed his brow, resting his chin on Shen Yu Xi’s shoulder while embracing him from behind. “It is going smoothly—so smoothly it feels a bit unusual.”
“Really?” Shen Yuxi didn’t find it strange at all.
After all, when Qi Chao took charge, success was almost inevitable. Whether it was quietly exploiting the discord between the president and vice president to marginalize the former, or orchestrating the vice president’s dealings with the councilors, everything had been flawlessly executed.
This wasn’t something just anyone could achieve.
The reason Qi Chao succeeded wasn’t solely due to his family background or his status as a puppet master. His personal charm that earned people’s trust effortlessly, played a significant role.
Shen Yuxi thought for a moment, concluding that the only truly unusual aspect of everything was the sudden illnesses among the councilors. His lips curved slightly as he tilted his head, brushing against Qi Chao’s cheek affectionately. “Have you seen the children at home?”
The mention of the "children" caught Qi Chao off guard for a moment. After a brief pause, he nodded. “Yes, they’re studying in the living room.”
Wait.
Qi Chao stopped mid-thought, a strange suspicion creeping into his mind. The children were always at home, so he hadn’t considered connecting the councilor's illnesses to them.
But if he thought about it carefully, it seemed that only these children at home could make the councilors sick one after another at the same time.
Shen Yuxi, observing Qi Chao’s expression, instantly guessed what was going through his mind.
After a brief silence, Shen Yu Xi added, “The puppets didn’t harm any humans, nor did they put themselves in danger.”
That was practically an admission that Qi Chao’s suspicion was correct.
They are really brave, Qi Chao thought, feeling a mixture of emotions.
“Let me guess,” he said, his tone a blend of amusement and resignation, “the puppets did this to help me, as a surprise?”
“Correct,”
Shen Yuxi did not deny it.
“Then why are you telling me this in advance, Brother Shen?” Qi Chao asked.
Shen Yuxi raised his gaze to meet Qi Chao’s. “Because you’re feeling down about the children hiding things from you, aren’t you?”
When it came to the people he trusted, Qi Chao rarely masked his emotions. During their conversation, Shen Yuxi had easily picked up on what was off.
Of course, another main reason Shen Yuxi chose to tell Qi Chao was that Qi Chao might not necessarily appreciate the puppets taking such actions on his behalf.
Shen Yuxi enjoyed watching Qi Chao scold the family puppets. The guilty expressions on the puppets' faces whenever they were reprimanded always gave Shen Yuxi a sense of warmth—like they were an inseparable family.
Qi Chao had a remarkable ability to embrace all of the puppets’ flaws, never abandoning a single one of them.
Qi Chao, sensing Shen Yuxi’s thoughts, ruffled Shen Yuxi’s hair lightly before standing up. “Alright. I’ll go have a heart-to-heart with the kids.”
In truth, Shen Yuxi wasn’t wrong—Qi Chao’s hands were indeed itching to give the kids a lesson.
Those little rascals! He’d told them from the very beginning not to get involved, yet they had the audacity to meddle so boldly.
Though Qi Chao understood their actions came from a place of care, just as the kids worried about him, he too worried about them.
A good scolding—or perhaps something stronger—would do the trick.
Qi Chao flexed his fingers, loosening them with a series of audible cracks.
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