Ning Rongrong didn't even need to look up to know who had arrived.
The "culprit" responsible for her restless, sleepless night!
Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena's gazes were naturally drawn by the sound of footsteps toward the staircase.
A moment later, Dai Chengfeng's tall figure appeared at the entrance of the dining room.
The morning light happened to shine from behind him, casting a faint golden halo around his body.
He was dressed in a simple black outfit today, without any additional adornments, which only emphasized his broad shoulders, long legs, and cold, striking demeanor.
His face remained as handsome as ever, with sharp features and an expression…
Calm and unruffled, even more composed than usual, like a deep, still pond that betrayed no ripples.
His gaze swept casually across the dining room, barely lingering on Ning Rongrong, who had her head bowed almost into her bread, as if she were just another piece of furniture.
Then, Dai Chengfeng calmly walked over to the table and sat down diagonally across from Ning Rongrong.
"Morning."
"Good morning, Chengfeng," Zhu Zhuqing responded with a slight nod, her tone as cool as always.
"Dai Chengfeng, good morning."
Hu Liena's smile grew more enchanting, her eyes roaming over Dai Chengfeng's face, trying to find some hidden clue beneath his overly calm exterior.
Dai Chengfeng merely gave a faint nod in response before reaching for the utensils and beginning his meal.
His movements were elegant, without the slightest hesitation or abnormality.
Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong's heart was pounding like a drum at Dai Chengfeng's arrival. Her palms were sweating slightly from nervousness.
She feared he would look at her but secretly hoped he'd give some kind of acknowledgment—even just a glance—anything was better than this complete disregard.
But seeing how utterly calm and even distant Dai Chengfeng seemed…
The inexplicable sense of loss and frustration that had been bubbling inside Ning Rongrong instantly magnified countless times.
This guy… this guy who had taken such immense advantage!
How could he really be so calm? So nonchalant?
Did last night… did it really mean nothing more to him than a cold, calculated transaction to solve her martial soul issue?
Not even a trace of special emotion?
As she thought about it, Ning Rongrong stole a furtive, resentful glance at Dai Chengfeng out of the corner of her eye.
The calmer Dai Chengfeng appeared, the angrier and more indignant Ning Rongrong felt.
At this moment, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but feel that all her tossing and turning last night, her chaotic thoughts, those embarrassing dreams, her confusion upon waking, and all the tension and panic this morning… in the face of his "calm and collected" demeanor…
It all made her feel like a self-directed, utterly ridiculous fool!
An unnamed anger mixed with an indescribable sense of grievance quietly spread through her chest.
"Hmph!"
A barely audible snort, filled with heavy reproach, escaped involuntarily from her delicate nose.
Instinctively, she pouted her soft, rosy lips, her full lips protruding slightly as if she had suffered an immense injustice—or as if silently accusing someone of being "heartless and unfeeling."
This unmistakable display of girlish petulance, combined with her usual coquettish or spoiled demeanor…
To those in the know, it appeared particularly lively and endearing, making her even more lovable.
Although Dai Chengfeng seemed focused on his breakfast, his eyes fixed downward, Ning Rongrong's subtle actions—the small snort, the pout—couldn't possibly escape his keen perception.
After all, his spiritual power far exceeded that of ordinary people. Even without deliberately looking, he could clearly sense the gaze beside him, brimming with resentment and embarrassment.
"This little girl is still too inexperienced—she can't hide anything in her heart."
"This sulky demeanor is much more amusing than her earlier ostrich act."
A faint, nearly imperceptible smile flickered deep in Dai Chengfeng's eyes, vanishing in an instant.
He remained unfazed, continuing to eat slowly and deliberately.
Until… the opportunity arose.
At that moment, Zhu Zhuqing happened to lower her head, using her spoon to scoop up the last bit of porridge in her bowl, while Hu Liena turned slightly to reach for an ornate silver water pitcher at the other end of the table, temporarily blocking her line of sight.
In that split second…
Dai Chengfeng's hand under the table lightly squeezed Ning Rongrong's cool little hand resting on his leg.
The touch was warm and dry, with the slightly rough calluses unique to his fingertips. It sent a faint yet clear electric current shooting through Ning Rongrong's entire body, striking her heart!
"Ah!"
Ning Rongrong jolted violently, like a cat whose tail had been suddenly stepped on, nearly leaping out of her chair.
She yanked her hand back as if shocked, her exaggerated movement nearly knocking over the glass of milk in front of her, which was still half-full.
The glass wobbled, the milky liquid sloshing violently, but fortunately, it didn't spill.
She whipped her head around, her cheeks flushing red all the way down to her neck, even her delicate collarbone tinged with a faint pink hue.
With a mixture of shame and anger, she glared at the culprit, Dai Chengfeng. Her beautiful, crystal-like eyes widened in shock and indignation, and she hissed in a low voice:
"What are you doing?! I hate you!"
Her voice trembled slightly, whether from anger or embarrassment, it was hard to tell.
However, after seemingly pushing him away in disdain, the corners of her mouth on her slightly turned profile unconsciously curved into the faintest hint of a sweet smile—a smile so subtle that even she didn't notice it.
This breakfast ended in a subtle and somewhat awkward atmosphere.
After the meal, Dai Chengfeng looked at the three girls and said: "Get ready—we're going to buy supplies for entering the Great Star Dou Forest."
"Antidotes, dried provisions, fresh water, spare clothes, ropes, tools—all of it needs to be prepared."
"Alright!"
The three nodded and returned to their rooms to pack briefly before meeting at the inn's entrance and heading to the market in the small town.
Because the town was close to the Great Star Dou Forest, it attracted many soul masters passing through, making the market quite lively.
Shops lined both sides of the street, vendors shouting their wares, and stalls were filled with various soul beast materials, medicinal herbs, weapons, and armor.
At first, the three girls stayed close to Dai Chengfeng, watching him skillfully select and purchase supplies, negotiating prices.
But soon, the girls' natural love for shopping became evident.
Though Zhu Zhuqing was aloof, she showed interest in some delicate, compact weapons;
Hu Liena was drawn to a shop selling spices, perfumes, and cosmetics; and Ning Rongrong, whose martial soul had just evolved and who was in high spirits, was curious about everything, touching this and that.
Dai Chengfeng watched as the three girls gradually became distracted by the roadside trinkets and shook his head helplessly.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)