At the restaurant in District 3, C?u D?ng’s family had arrived. The waiter immediately recognized the familiar guests at a glance and quickly stepped forward to welcome them:

  – “Good evening, Mr. D?ng, Mrs. Linh. The table you reserved has been prepared. Please come this way.”

  C?u D?ng took the opportunity to display his generosity in front of the surrounding guests. He pulled out some cash and handed it to the waiter:

  – “Well done. Only you truly understand my family’s preferences. Take this.”

  The waiter bowed deeply, delighted:

  – “Thank you very much, sir and madam. Please follow me.”

  The family entered the VIP dining room. Huy was already waiting inside. Seeing his in-laws arrive, he quickly stood up:

  – “Hello, Father and Mother. I just got here.”

  C?u D?ng asked immediately in a stern tone:

  – “So, what’s the result?”

  Huy looked pleased at being introduced to a job he liked, but he couldn’t reveal that it was at a casino. So he altered the truth:

  – “My friends introduced me to a job at an imported fruit shop. The position is fruit sorting staff. The salary is quite good, with additional allowances.”

  M? Linh said nothing, but her displeasure was evident, as she considered the income insignificant. Seeing this, Anh Tú stepped in to support Huy:

  – “Huy doesn’t have a university degree. With his situation, finding a job like that is already suitable, Mom. He also has a daytime job, so combining both incomes would be quite decent.”

  Join nodded in agreement:

  – “Yes, that’s right. It’s good enough that someone is willing to hire him. The unemployment rate is very high these days.”

  C?u D?ng coldly pulled out a chair and sat down:

  – “Everyone, sit. And Huy must work hard to support his wife and child. Now that you’re married, if I still have to spend money on you and trouble your wife’s family, I will call your parents over for a talk.”

  Huy was the last to sit, his attitude humble under the authority of his wife’s family:

  – “Yes, Father. I understand. I will work hard to take care of Th?.”

  ***

  Meanwhile, at the Bình Chánh headquarters, the reunion feast continued in a lively and warm atmosphere. After everyone had tasted the artistic mooncakes, Demon King Satan stood up, his deep voice echoing through the grand hall:

  – “Now, let us go to the Garden of Eden. It has been magnificently decorated today. Let us enjoy the scenery and the BBQ feast together.”

  Applause erupted. The little demons jumped with excitement, their bat wings spreading wide behind them, flapping loudly as they spun in the air like a swarm of bats set free.

  The grand doors opened, leading straight to the Garden of Eden behind the palace. The outdoor space glowed in red and gold hues of the Mid-Autumn night. Hundreds of red lanterns hung in tiers from towering ancient trees, their warm light falling like starlight, swaying gently in the night breeze. Among them floated strands of metallic lights and multi-colored ghost flames, slowly shifting colors and casting an otherworldly glow over the garden.

  The stone pathway wound around a lake reflecting the full moon. The rippling water mirrored lanterns and glowing embers, making the entire garden seem alive with light.

  The BBQ area was arranged in long counters made of stone and rosewood. Red-hot charcoal burned brightly, releasing warmth and fragrant smoke. On the grills, marbled beef slices sizzled, the melting fat dripping onto the coals with crackling sounds. Pork marinated in honey and herbs turned glossy amber. Giant prawns, squid, and octopus were brushed continuously with sauce, curling under the heat and releasing a rich ocean aroma. Lobsters and king crabs were placed on separate grills, their shells gradually turning red as steam rose with their natural sweetness.

  Beside them were trays of colorful vegetables: glossy red, yellow, and green bell peppers; sliced sweet corn; tender okra; deep-purple eggplant; and ivory king oyster mushrooms — all lightly oiled and grilled until the edges turned golden.

  The long banquet table was covered with dark cloth, standing out under the lantern light. Vietnamese dishes were arranged throughout: lotus root salad with shrimp and pork accented by fresh herbs, golden prawn crackers stacked like towers; stir-fried glass noodles with crab glistening as translucent strands wrapped around the crab meat; and a bubbling hot pot of fermented tofu duck stew, its rich golden broth fragrant with fermented bean curd and lemongrass.

  The night breeze blew softly, making the lanterns sway and their light dance across each face. Laughter, the crackling of charcoal, the aroma of grilled food, herbs, and hot tea blended together — transforming the Garden of Eden into an outdoor Mid-Autumn feast that was both magnificent and intimate.

  On the Dark Planet, three horse-drawn carriages carrying Velvet Crave petals, along with the steward’s carriage, stopped in front of a factory that had long been abandoned. The structure lay sunken deep within a pitch-black forest, where trees grew so densely they seemed determined to swallow every trace of civilization. Thorny vines crawled across the cracked stone walls, slipping into deep fissures like dried veins.

  The roof had collapsed unevenly. Rusted metal sheets hung loosely, clanging each time the wind blew through — clang… clang… — the sound long and chilling. Shattered windows exposed dense pockets of darkness inside, resembling countless hollow eye sockets silently watching the newcomers. From deep within the factory, whether wind or something else, low vibrations echoed — sometimes near, sometimes distant.

  Black mist crawled along the ground, coiling around wheels and horse hooves like cold fingers. Damp air carried the scent of decayed metal and rotting wood. Occasionally, a rotten door inside creaked open on its own without being touched.

  Flocks of black crows perched along a broken chimney, turning their heads in unison to look down, their eyes faintly glowing red. The silence was so complete that the faint jingle of reins and the tense breathing of the coachman could be heard — as though one more step would cause the darkness around the factory to close in behind them.

  From the darkness within the abandoned building, a man slowly emerged. His stride was upright and firm, each step landing on the damp ground with a dry, hollow echo — as though he were accustomed to others making way for him.

  He wore a tailcoat in an aristocratic style, tailored to fit his figure, the back tails extending past his knees. The fabric was jet black, woven with subtle classical patterns. The edges and motifs were embroidered with fine gold threads that caught the light in discreet glimmers. Beneath was a charcoal-gray waistcoat fastened with metallic buttons engraved with ancient insignias, their surfaces gleaming cold like steel. A long cloak with a high collar draped over his shoulders, its deep crimson lining occasionally revealed with each movement, evoking the solemnity of an old parliamentary robe.

  His white shirt collar stood stiff, a dark cravat folded precisely at the throat. Black leather gloves encased his hands, and the metal tip of his cane struck the ground with a firm, heavy click.

  His thick silver hair was styled into large curls, brushed neatly back and tied low with a black ribbon, though a few strands fell lightly across his forehead in disciplined order. His face was stern, features sharp and deeply set, his gaze cold and steady — the look of one accustomed to passing judgment, needing no raised voice to command silence.

  His presence was not loud, yet carried invisible pressure — like a powerful official whose mere arrival lowered the sound of the surrounding space.

  The steward stepped down from his carriage as well, his leather shoes touching the ground without unnecessary noise. A cigar still burned between his fingers, its ember casting a faint glow upon his composed face. He brushed his sleeve lightly, his gaze sweeping over the group as if inspecting tools rather than people.

  He spoke in a calm, measured tone — yet beneath each word lay an unmistakable sense of superiority:

  – “The goods have arrived. The esteemed gentleman may begin extracting the essence immediately.”

  He exhaled a thin stream of smoke and continued slowly:

  – “Hopefully no one delays the schedule this time. Lord Nicolas does not have the habit of waiting… nor does he enjoy hearing explanations.”

  The other man immediately gave his order:

  – “Move the goods inside. And remember — do not let the Velvet Crave essence lose its quality. Hurry, dawn is approaching.”

  The soldiers bowed in unison:

  – “Yes, sir.”

  In front of the factory lay only dark, damp mud and a thick carpet of rotting leaves covering the entrance as though no human had ever walked there. The air was so still that even the faint scraping of insects within decayed bark could be heard. Then suddenly, from beneath the ground, a deep vibration rose — low and heavy, like a colossal piece of metal turning.

  The earth split open in a perfectly straight line. Mud and dead leaves slid aside, revealing a black alloy door cleverly disguised beneath a biological coating. Mechanical-electronic locks lit up with rings of red and blue symbols, scanning for recognition before unlocking simultaneously. The twin doors parted with an eerie smoothness — no hinge sound, no friction — only the sensation that the forest itself had been pushed aside.

  Beneath was an entirely different world.

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  A multi-layered metallic structure stretched deep underground. Walls and ceilings were seamlessly joined with silver-gray alloy. Strips of white-blue LED lights ran along the stair edges, their cold glow resembling a top-secret military laboratory. Touch panels continuously displayed data, graphs, and streams of code cascading like rain.

  A chill from the pressure systems rose upward, carrying the faint scent of metal and ozone.

  Beside the descent, a magnetic conveyor had already activated, its platform glowing in grid patterns. The four horse-drawn carriages were secured instantly by automatic clamps before sliding down the transport shaft, disappearing into the depths like being swallowed by a colossal machine.

  The two men descended last. Their shoes struck the metal steps with crisp, hollow echoes. The lights swept across their backs before fading with each step.

  Once they vanished from sight, the disguised door above sealed shut. Mud and decayed leaves slid back into place automatically. The abandoned factory lay silent once more within the deep forest — rotten and lifeless — as if it had never concealed a high-tech facility operating tirelessly beneath it.

  Back on Earth, at the Bình Chánh headquarters, everyone gathered around the outdoor barbecue while gazing up at the brilliantly lit sky. The glowing embers flickered, the scent of grilled meat drifted through the night air, and laughter blended with soft music to create a warm and lively atmosphere.

  Against the deep sky, bursts of fireworks shot upward like streaks of stars, trailing shimmering light before exploding into circles, fans, and layered star patterns. The booming sounds echoed endlessly like the rhythmic drums of a festival.

  Red fireworks bloomed like roses of flame. Golden ones cascaded down like glittering rain. Blue and violet spiraled into rings of light, leaving behind sparkling trails like magical dust. Their glow reflected across the garden, the banquet tables, and every face present, transforming the scene into something both mystical and heartwarming.

  Trang watched the fireworks launched by the agents with shining eyes, visibly moved:

  – “So beautiful… seeing fireworks like this reminds me of the Tet holidays back when I lived in a poor boarding neighborhood. We never saw real fireworks — only heard the echoes in the sky — and the whole alley would squeeze together in front of an old TV, still laughing happily. Everyone shared small pieces of candied fruit, a cup of soda, just a little cake… yet it felt incredibly warm. Back then we lacked so much… but our hearts felt fuller than they do now.”

  The Demon King Satan, then known as Mr. Nhan, revealed a distant nostalgic look in his eyes:

  – “Back then, I had pots of braised meat, jars of pickled vegetables, and the agents — acting as neighbors — would prepare stuffed bitter melon soup or jars of pickled scallions... But this year we have new members among us. This T?t will be even more joyful and warm.”

  Standing behind her, Erion whispered softly into Trang’s ear:

  – “This T?t, you have me by your side. Everything will be more complete.”

  Charles placed a hand on his old friend Satan’s shoulder, speaking sincerely:

  – “I have thought about your offer, and I have decided to stay here. During this time, all of you have given me the feeling of a family — something a cast-out angel like me has never had.”

  Satan continued watching the blooming fireworks, their multicolored light reflecting upon his solemn face:

  – “We all come from different pasts and origins, without shared blood. But the destiny of the universe has bound us together. The fact that we have met is a blessing, and we should cherish, love, and support one another.”

  The Grand Madam Advisor raised her glass with a dignified smile:

  – “Let us congratulate Professor Charles and welcome him into this great family.”

  Arian looked at Trúc Di?n and Erion, teasing:

  – “Hopefully the two brothers-in-law will get along and stop competing with each other.”

  H?u K? laughed and shook his head:

  – “That’s difficult, Your Highness. Building a ladder to heaven would be easier.”

  Master V?nh looked at Trúc Di?n with hopeful amusement:

  – “I hope my junior brother will try to reconcile. It wouldn’t be good to argue during T?t.”

  Everyone laughed together as the fireworks continued to thunder across the sky — each radiant burst like applause celebrating the members of the Satan Royal Family.

  In Dì T?’s room, Phong Túc and Bách Di?n cut their uniquely designed mooncakes together. Phong Túc’s black cat–patterned cake held a premium mixed filling with scallops, lobster, and molten salted egg yolk, its golden core shimmering richly. Bách Di?n’s chameleon-patterned cake had a lighter taste — mung bean and lotus seed blended with osmanthus, dotted with buttery salted egg, its gentle fragrance spreading throughout the room.

  On the small table were neatly arranged hot dishes: Sizzling grilled shrimp, squid, and octopus; two steaming boxes of king crab soup; crisp lotus root salad; and glossy crab glass noodles. Two jars of peach blossom wine sat side by side, their pale pink color catching the light as if glowing. The warmth and aroma intertwined, creating a cozy, secluded feeling behind the half-closed door.

  Bách Di?n rubbed his hands eagerly, picking up a piece of grilled octopus dipped in green chili salt sauce. The crunchy texture mixed with spicy heat made him raise his brows in delight, exclaiming in satisfaction.

  – “So delicious, as expected from a Royal chef. Hurry and eat, D?ng’s family will be back soon.”

  Phong Túc didn’t hesitate either. He picked up a freshly grilled shrimp, its red shell still steaming lightly. As he ate, he glanced at the gift boxes from the two Canadian witches placed nearby, his eyes calculating.

  – “So how do we give it to those two without raising suspicion?”

  Bách Di?n took a sip of peach blossom wine, speaking calmly:

  – “Just say it’s from Professor Charles.”

  ***

  At the restaurant, C?u D?ng’s family was also having dinner. The table was filled with luxurious dishes, yet Huy felt pressured — even when he wanted to pick up a chicken drumstick, he had to watch his in-laws’ expressions.

  Seeing this, Anh Tú placed another piece of pan-seared salmon onto his plate:

  – “Brother-in-law, eat comfortably. You need strength to work, especially handling two jobs at once.”

  Huy had let go of much of his resentment toward Anh Tú and felt more at ease:

  – “Thank you, Second Brother, for your concern.”

  Anh ?ào spoke up, her tone colder:

  – “So when is your interview?”

  Huy replied a little awkwardly:

  – “The day after tomorrow, sister. They require a health check, so I have to go to the hospital tomorrow morning.”

  Anh Tú asked kindly:

  – “Do you have enough money? I can lend you some — just return it when you get paid.”

  Huy happened to be running out of money, so he nodded quickly, his eyes lighting up:

  – “Then please lend me some, Second Brother. I’ll return it as soon as I receive my salary.”

  C?u D?ng looked at his eldest son-in-law with satisfaction and pride.

  – “Choosing Tú was indeed the right decision. Well-bred, highly educated, proper in conduct. As for that wretched one — greedy and scheming, getting my daughter pregnant just to enter this family. Someone like you can be dealt with easily.”

  M? Linh continued eating, but her mind kept calculating.

  – “From tomorrow, I must manage the finances tightly. Anh Th?’s credit card must be limited. As for the house we gave them, delay the transfer. Trying to trick my daughter into putting both names on it? Not that easy.”

  It was late at night when C?u D?ng’s family returned home after dinner. One by one, everyone went back to their own rooms to rest, and the hallway gradually sank into silence. Just before Join and Mary entered their room, Dì T? approached them, holding a small gift wrapped in deep blue brocade fabric.

  She lowered her voice and called softly:

  – “Children, earlier Professor Charles sent this gift and asked me to pass it to you.”

  Join and Mary were both surprised yet intrigued. Join received the gift with both hands, politely:

  – “Thank you very much, Auntie. I wonder what the professor gave us.”

  Mary eagerly looked at the box:

  – “Let’s open it in our room. I’m so curious.”

  Join glanced toward Mr. Tài’s villa across the way and whispered:

  – “Then we should buy something in return for the professor. Let’s go get it tomorrow morning.”

  Dì T? gently reminded them, her eyes turning serious:

  – “Don’t let anyone know, this is a secret. The professor instructed so.”

  The two exchanged puzzled looks before quietly returning to their room and softly closing the door. Dì T? remained standing there for a moment, letting out a light sigh:

  – “They are not bad people… perhaps it’s time for them to choose their own way of life.”

  Inside the room, Join placed the gift box on the bed. Mary sat down, unable to hide her impatience:

  – “Open it, let’s see what he gave us.”

  Join quickly removed the brocade cloth and saw a small card placed on top of the box lid. The card was black with gold-patterned borders and sealed with a wax stamp. He opened it to read, his hand trembling slightly — not from fear, nor from dread, but from a feeling he could not quite name.

  Seeing Join’s pale expression, Mary softly called:

  – “Brother Join, what does it say? Why do you look frozen like that?”

  Join snapped back to reality, took a light breath, then read aloud:

  – “Greetings, as the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, I offer this small gift as a token of goodwill to the two young members of the Witches’ Council. Signed: Demon King Satan.”

  Mary stammered, her eyes wavering:

  – “It’s him… but Aunt T? said Professor Charles sent it. Could it be that the professor has ties with Demon King Satan?”

  Join suddenly recalled a detail and lowered his voice:

  – “Did you notice when we were at Mr. Tài’s house, the moment Demon King Satan appeared in the mirror? We and the professor were standing outside and saw it clearly.”

  Mary nodded immediately:

  – “I remember now, that was indeed strange. You and I are witches, so we’ve had contact with the demon realm before. But the professor is human — yet when he saw Demon King Satan in the mirror, he wasn’t afraid at all, he was very calm.”

  Join spoke seriously, closing the card:

  – “We’ll have to ask him directly.”

  Mary still couldn’t take her eyes off the wooden box:

  – “Then let me see what’s inside first.”

  Join agreed. When Mary opened the lid, both of them widened their eyes at the extraordinary gift. The box was divided into two compartments, holding two artistic mooncakes bearing symbols of Canada, along with several packets of freeze-dried herbal tea.

  The first artistic mooncake was round, in a pure ivory-white shade, its surface smooth like porcelain, coated with a faint shimmer that reflected light softly like morning mist. Upon that white base rose a 3D sculpted red maple branch at the peak of autumn brilliance. The dark brown branch, slightly rugged in texture, was delicately carved with wood grain and curved naturally as though emerging from the cake itself.

  The maple leaves spread wide, their serrated edges sharp and their veins distinctly embossed. Their colors transitioned deeply — from coral-red at the stem, gradually blending into vermilion, then deepening into wine-red at the tips. Some leaves were dusted with ultra-fine gold shimmer along the edges, creating an effect as if catching the evening sunlight. Some leaves were slightly curved, others tilted, giving the impression of a branch gently swaying in the cool early autumn breeze.

  Beneath the leaves was a miniature figure of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer in full ceremonial uniform. He wore a bright scarlet red tunic, long in form, with a standing collar and five gold buttons aligned down the front. Dark epaulettes rested on the shoulders with sharp tailoring, while subtle golden trim adorned the collar and cuffs.

  He wore deep blue riding breeches with yellow stripes running down both sides — a signature detail of the RCMP. A wide brown leather belt wrapped around his waist. On his head sat a light brown Stetson hat with its wide brim and high crown, instantly recognizable.

  He wore knee-high brown leather riding boots, seated upright in a traditional mounted posture, one hand holding the reins.

  The chestnut horse beneath him was sculpted with defined musculature, its mane neatly groomed. A dark brown saddle rested on its back, covered with a dark saddle blanket trimmed in gold. The horse’s head was slightly raised, one foreleg lifted gently, as if stepping slowly in a ceremonial parade.

  The second mooncake was also round, with a snow-white surface smooth like glazed porcelain, its edges softly rounded and coated with a thin sheen reflecting light like morning dew. Upon that white base rose a miniature 3D scene of a northern pine forest.

  Dark green pine trees were sculpted in layered tiers with pointed crowns and dense foliage, their tips lightly dusted with white powder resembling snow. The grey-brown trunks bore rough textures carved down to the smallest cracks, giving the impression of ancient trees. The varying heights of the trees created depth, like a forest extending inward across the cake’s surface.

  Winding through the forest was a clear blue stream made from translucent sugar jelly infused with pale blue hues. Its surface was gently rippled, catching the light as though water were flowing. Along the banks lay small silver-grey pebbles and patches of green moss, enhancing the natural feel.

  Beside the water sat a beaver figure in dark brown, its fur intricately textured layer by layer. Its signature ivory-colored front teeth peeked slightly forward. Its broad flat tail bore clearly carved lattice patterns. The beaver sat slightly tilted, holding a small log with its forepaws, as if preparing to build a dam.

  A few tiny wild grasses and forest flowers in pale yellow and smoky purple dotted the stream’s edge, making the entire cake resemble a slice of untouched nature — tranquil, cool, and vividly alive.

  Together, the two mooncakes resembled miniature autumn reliefs — the pristine white background highlighting the brilliant red of maple leaves and the dignified tones of royal symbolism, both poetic and powerful. The other carried the wild essence of North American nature, fitting perfectly as a special diplomatic gift from the Demon King.

  Mary stared in awe, admiring the artistic masterpiece:

  – “It’s so beautiful… I don’t even want to eat it.”