At the entrance to Dai Chengfeng's room in the Spirit Hall.
"Well, I'm going back."
Hu Liena stopped and was about to take her leave as usual.
However, just as she was about to go, she suddenly felt her hand gently grasped. "You…"
Hu Liena glared at Dai Chengfeng, the instigator of this action, but before she could say anything, he had already naturally released her and smiled:
"We've reached the door. Why don't you stay for dinner?"
"After all, if you go back now, Xie Yue has probably already finished eating. You'd have to ask the kitchen to prepare something, and then wait. It's troublesome."
Seeing Dai Chengfeng's kind invitation, the retort Hu Liena had been about to throw at him unconsciously died on her lips.
But instinctively, she glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, feeling a natural urge to decline.
Yet at this moment…
"Big Fox, after several battles today, you must be tired too. Why not join us? The sooner we eat, the sooner we can rest."
To her surprise, Zhu Zhuqing, standing nearby, spoke up, addressing Hu Liena.
Hearing this, Hu Liena shot a surprised glance at Zhu Zhuqing, who was encouraging her, and then looked at Dai Chengfeng, whose smile was gentle. The refusal she had been about to voice faltered.
In the end, she gave a slight nod, her voice softer than usual:
"...Alright."
Dai Chengfeng's smile deepened. "Then let's go!"
Soon, he pushed open the door.
"Mother, I'm back."
Inside the room, Zhu Hongxiu was quietly conversing with Grand Priestess Zhu Hongye. Seeing Dai Chengfeng, Hu Liena, and Zhu Zhuqing walk in together, a flicker of satisfaction passed through her eyes, and she nodded.
"You're back, perfect timing. Let's prepare for dinner."
After speaking, she subtly glanced at Zhu Hongye beside her, as if to say: See? My son is truly exceptional!
Receiving Zhu Hongxiu's gaze, Zhu Hongye rolled her eyes at this Star Luo Empire queen who always liked to praise her son in front of her.
Still, she couldn't deny that Zhu Hongxiu had a point.
Tonight's dinner atmosphere seemed more harmonious than usual.
Zhu Hongxiu continued to enthusiastically play matchmaker, occasionally asking Dai Chengfeng to serve dishes to Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Chengfeng, pass some of that to Nana; she can't reach it."
"Zhuqing likes this. Give her more."
Dai Chengfeng complied willingly, taking care of the two young women.
Although Hu Liena's cheeks flushed slightly, she didn't refuse in front of Zhu Hongxiu, the elder. She softly thanked him and ate the dishes he served.
Zhu Zhuqing responded quietly, silently accepting Dai Chengfeng's attentiveness.
Watching this scene, Zhu Hongxiu's smile grew even more content.
The dinner ended in this subtle atmosphere.
After the meal, Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing rose to take their leave.
"Mother, I'll see them out."
"Go ahead."
Zhu Hongxiu waved her hand dismissively.
Soon, the three walked out of the room and into the corridor outside.
The gentle evening breeze dispersed some of the lingering warmth from the meal.
They chatted casually along the way until they reached a fork in the path—one leading to Hu Liena's quarters and the other to Zhu Zhuqing's room.
Dai Chengfeng stopped and smiled. "I'll see you off here. Go back and rest early."
"Mm." Hu Liena nodded, glanced at Dai Chengfeng, then quickly averted her gaze. "You too."
"Goodnight," Zhu Zhuqing said softly.
The two women slowly departed, but Dai Chengfeng remained standing where he was.
He watched their figures disappear around the corner of the corridor, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Without returning to his room, he turned and silently melted into the shadows.
---
In Zhu Zhuqing's room at the Spirit Hall.
Since this wasn't the Star Luo Empire, Zhu Zhuqing's room was very simple, yet it still reflected her delicate sensibilities as a young woman.
Pale purple gauze curtains were tied back by the window, and moonlight streamed in, casting soft patches of light on the floor.
A neatly made bed was adorned with an elegant satin quilt. On the bedside table stood a small soul-guided lamp, emitting a warm glow.
The walls bore no excessive decorations—only a finely carved wooden cat figurine, lifelike and adding a touch of liveliness to the room.
The air carried a faint, sweet fragrance that contrasted with her otherwise cold demeanor.
Upon returning to her room, Zhu Zhuqing walked over to the bed, her body collapsing softly as she buried her face deeply into the soft pillow, lost in thought.
"I didn't expect your room to be quite cute."
Suddenly, a male voice filled with amusement unexpectedly sounded in her room.
Zhu Zhuqing's body trembled violently as she lifted her head in surprise, following the sound...
There, leaning casually against her dressing table, was Dai Chengfeng, who had somehow appeared in her room unnoticed. He was examining her room layout with a smile.
"You!"
Zhu Zhuqing sat upright immediately. "What are you doing here? Didn't you say you were going back to rest?"
Looking at Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Chengfeng moved closer and sat naturally on the edge of the bed, his intense gaze fixed on her.
"What do you think I came to do?"
Dai Chengfeng leaned close, his warm breath almost brushing against her earlobe.
Zhu Zhuqing's heartbeat quickened instantly. She instinctively tried to pull back, her gaze flitting away, unable to meet his eyes. "I… how would I know what you want to do… You should go back and rest..."
"Hmm~"
Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly. He reached out, his fingertips gently lifting her chin, forcing her to raise her face to look at him. Then he slowly lowered his head, moving closer.
"I'll rest soon, but before that, there's something else I need… to do!"
As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng's face drew nearer and nearer.
Instantly, Zhu Zhuqing understood his intentions. She jerked her head aside, her voice tinged with embarrassment and urgency.
"No… No! Yesterday… yesterday was to thank you…"
"And today…"
Dai Chengfeng paused briefly, his thumb lightly caressing her smooth jawline. His voice was low, carrying an undeniable dominance.
"Just consider it another thank-you!"
"But… but why do you need to thank me again? Once isn't enough?"
Zhu Zhuqing was overwhelmed with embarrassment. She tried to struggle, but Dai Chengfeng's arms encircled her, gently restraining her movements and limiting her ability to escape.
"Once? That's hardly enough."
As he spoke, his breath drew closer once more.
This time, Zhu Zhuqing froze. Her usually icy eyes shimmered with emotion, reflecting Dai Chengfeng's approaching face. In the end…
"You scoundrel!"
She slowly closed her eyes, her long lashes trembling like butterfly wings—whether in silent consent or powerless resistance.
Looking down at the little kitten-like girl in his arms, surrendering herself to his "mercy," a satisfied smile played on Dai Chengfeng's lips.
He leaned down slightly and, as desired, kissed those soft, cool lips once more, savoring them gently.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)