Chapter 10: The Charismatic Catch

Li Wei couldn't help but enjoy the view. The moment he stepped out into the village square, it felt as though the entire place shifted. Every woman, whether she was carrying a basket, mending clothes, or simply walking by, cast lingering glances at him, their eyes softening the moment they saw his rugged yet handsome face. It was impossible not to notice.

His confident stride, the slight tilt of his head, the smirk that never fully left his lips—everything about him exuded an undeniable charm. And the women? They couldn't get enough.

One of the younger villagers, a fiery redhead named Mei, practically stumbled over her feet as she approached him, her cheeks flushed with an unmistakable glow.

"Li Wei," she practically purred, leaning in just a little too close for a simple greeting. "The Trial of Strength wasn't enough to show us how strong you are, but your confidence is enough to make any woman weak in the knees."

Li Wei chuckled softly, clearly pleased with the attention. "Mei, I think you flatter me. But tell me, am I so irresistible that even your legs can't hold up?"

She laughed, her laughter like music to his ears, but Li Wei noticed the way her hand lingered a moment too long on his arm, and how her fingers seemed to trace his skin just shy of obvious.

"Maybe just a little," she teased, before stepping back, her gaze still locked onto his.

Li Wei winked, reveling in the way she quickly turned away, looking over her shoulder at him once more before disappearing into the crowd. The game was fun, but it wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Later, as he walked through the village, more women made their way over to him. There was Lian, the herbalist, whose beauty was like a soft spring breeze, graceful and alluring. She was always calm and collected, but when she locked eyes with him, even she couldn't maintain her usual composure.

"Li Wei," Lian said in her melodic voice, her hand gently brushing against his. "You've already proven yourself in the trial. But tell me, what do you think of the women of this village? They say men are drawn to beauty, but it seems you're drawn to more than just that."

Li Wei's lips curled into a devilish grin. "It's true," he admitted, his tone low and teasing. "Beauty catches the eye, but strength, confidence, and wit... now, those are things that hold my attention."

Lian smiled, a knowing gleam in her eye. "It seems you've captured both our hearts and minds. What will you do with such power?"

"Maybe I'll keep it as a treasure," Li Wei said with a wink. "But I haven't yet decided which treasure I value most."

Lian's laughter was soft and fleeting, but the way her eyes lingered on him told him everything he needed to know.

As the day wore on, Li Wei found himself in the heart of the village, surrounded by yet another group of women. This time, it was a more deliberate gathering. Freya, the village leader's daughter, had gathered a handful of her closest friends, all of whom were now staring at him with open admiration.

Freya, always the bold one, didn't waste time with pleasantries. "Li Wei," she said with a playful glint in her eyes, "I heard that you handled yourself quite well during the trial. Some of us think you could show us a thing or two about strength. Why don't you join us for a little demonstration?"

Li Wei raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing wider. "A demonstration? What exactly did you have in mind, Freya?"

Freya took a few steps closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "A contest of sorts. We'll see if you can keep up with us, see if your strength is more than just muscle."

The challenge was set, and there was no turning back. Li Wei knew better than to turn down a challenge, especially not when it came from a woman like Freya, who was more than capable of stirring up trouble.

"Alright," he said, his tone smooth. "But I warn you, I don't play fair."

A few of the other women giggled, clearly excited by the idea of spending more time with the handsome stranger who had become the village's center of attention. But Li Wei wasn't in the mood to be distracted for long.

The contest began with simple games of balance, agility, and wit. He wasn't surprised when Freya's group proved to be incredibly competitive, but what he didn't expect was how quickly the rest of the women began fawning over him. Every move, every smile, every teasing comment, they all became the center of attention, drawing more eyes and admiration with each passing second.

By the time the contest ended, Li Wei had won, not only the games, but the hearts of every woman in the village, whether they admitted it or not. The power of his charm was undeniable, and it wasn't just physical attraction anymore. It was admiration. It was obsession.

"You're not bad at this, Li Wei," Freya said, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "You've managed to impress us all. But let's see how long you can keep us interested."

Li Wei smiled, unbothered. "I think I'll manage just fine."

Later that night, as the village settled down, Li Wei couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had become the centerpiece of attention, and the women, each with their unique charms, had been more than happy to indulge him.

But as he leaned back against a tree and gazed at the stars, he knew this game was just getting started. He had made his mark, and now he had to decide who was worth keeping close. With a smirk, he let the night breeze ruffle his hair, knowing tomorrow would bring more women, more games, and more chances to further cement his position as the village's most coveted treasure.