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"As long as one carefully hollows out the interior of one of the leaf-shaped decorations, stores the petal of the Yearning Heartbroken Red inside, and ensures the petal stays close to the skin..."
"It should be foolproof, absolutely concealed and secure."
Dai Chengfeng found this idea increasingly suitable.
Compared to Tang San's method in the original story—letting Xiao Wu casually hang the flower on her body where a gust of wind could easily blow it off—this approach was undoubtedly much more reliable.
"This is it." Without hesitation, he purchased the "Cloud Chain."
Carefully stowing away the small gifts, Dai Chengfeng quickened his pace to catch up with the four girls ahead.
They were stopping at a stall selling candy figurines.
"Brother Dai, what did you buy?" Xiao Wu asked curiously, while the other three also looked over.
Dai Chengfeng smiled mysteriously, avoiding the question: "Nothing much, just some small things. How about it, are the candy figurines nice?"
Ning Rongrong huffed: "He definitely didn't do anything good, being all mysterious."
Dai Chengfeng didn't defend himself, just smiling as he watched them.
After a little more browsing, seeing that the night had deepened, he led the reluctant four girls back to the courtyard.
After exchanging goodnights, Dai Chengfeng returned alone to his room.
After sitting quietly for a moment, estimating that the time was right, he got up and silently approached Xiao Wu's door.
He knocked gently.
Inside the room, Xiao Wu had just finished washing up and was preparing to rest when she heard the knock. She asked cautiously:
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Dai Chengfeng." His voice was low and steady, carrying a reassuring strength.
From inside the room came faint rustling sounds, like someone hastily sitting up on the bed.
A moment later, the door opened a crack, and Xiao Wu's puzzled face peeked out from behind it.
She seemed to have just washed up; her long, smooth black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, the tips still damp with moisture.
She wore a simple pink silk nightgown, which outlined her budding figure with soft curves.
Perhaps because she was preparing for bed, her usual lively demeanor was replaced by a hint of charm and languor.
Under the soft lighting of the room, she looked especially enchanting.
"Brother Dai?"
Xiao Wu blinked her signature large eyes, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings, curiosity mingled with a barely noticeable tension.
"It's so late. Is there something you need?"
Dai Chengfeng gave a gentle smile and whispered: "I have something for you. Can I come in to talk?"
Xiao Wu hesitated briefly but stepped aside to let him in:
"Mm, come in."
Dai Chengfeng stepped into the room, a faint scent of fresh youth and post-bath freshness lingering around him.
He casually left the door slightly ajar, deliberately leaving a noticeable gap.
This subtle gesture avoided the awkwardness of a man and woman being alone in a room and demonstrated his upright gentlemanly demeanor.
Xiao Wu's room was simply yet neatly arranged, exuding the unique warmth of a young girl.
On the windowsill sat a pot of lush green plants, their leaves unfurling under the moonlight.
Her gaze fell on Dai Chengfeng, filled with inquiry.
Dai Chengfeng didn't immediately explain his visit but first took out the carefully selected "Cloud Chain" from the night market.
The silver chain flowed with a warm luster under the room's soft lighting, the delicate leaf decorations on it vividly lifelike.
In particular, the specially treated middle leaf had its internal structure altered.
"This is…"
Xiao Wu's attention was instantly captivated by the exquisite chain.
The innate love women have for beautiful accessories made her eyes involuntarily sparkle with admiration and curiosity.
The chain's design was distinctive without being ostentatious, perfectly matching her taste.
"This is a leg chain, also a kind of special soul-guided artifact."
Dai Chengfeng had already prepared his explanation. With a serious expression and steady tone, he said:
"Xiao Wu, you should know well that the Spirit Hall's headquarters is in this city, where powerful individuals gather, and the perception of Title Douluo-level masters is unimaginably sharp."
At the mention of "Spirit Hall" and "Title Douluo," Xiao Wu's body trembled almost imperceptibly, a trace of indescribable fear flashing deep within her eyes.
She instinctively tightened her lips.
Dai Chengfeng noticed her reaction, understanding clearly, and continued in a soothing tone:
"Although you've hidden your presence well, one can never be too careful."
"This chain," he pointed to the crucial leaf, lightly brushing his fingertip over its surface. "Especially this leaf, is the core…"
"You'll place the Yearning Heartbroken Red inside, then wear it around your leg, keeping it as close to your skin as possible."
"In doing so, it will better help you conceal your aura, providing an extra layer of security."
"With it, you can feel safer in Spirit City."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu was completely stunned.
She stared blankly at the shimmering silver Cloud Chain in Dai Chengfeng's hand, then looked up at his deep, gentle eyes under the light.
She hadn't expected Dai Chengfeng to pay such attention to the matter of the Yearning Heartbroken Red…
Suddenly, a surge of indescribable warmth rushed to her heart—bittersweet, grateful, warm, dependent.
Her hand trembling slightly, she took the Cloud Chain from Dai Chengfeng's hand.
"Brother Dai…"
Xiao Wu's voice was noticeably choked. She tried to force a smile but appeared on the verge of tears. "Thank you… really, thank you so much… I…"
Seeing her like this, Dai Chengfeng instinctively reached out, ruffling the top of Xiao Wu's head, messing up her smooth hair slightly, his tone comforting:
"What's there to be polite about with me?"
"Remember, always wear it close to your skin. Unless necessary, never take it off."
"Mm! I'll remember!"
Xiao Wu nodded vigorously, clutching the Cloud Chain tightly in her palm.
She lowered her head, trying to fasten the chain around her slender left ankle.
However, perhaps due to her agitated emotions making her fingers clumsy, or perhaps because the clasp was indeed quite small and intricate, she fumbled with it several times, unable to fasten the tiny lock properly.
The more flustered she became, the more her hands fumbled, her fair cheeks flushing faintly from embarrassment and effort.
Standing beside her, Dai Chengfeng watched her somewhat clumsy and endearing actions, softly offering:
"Is the clasp difficult to fasten? Let me help you."
"Ah?"
Xiao Wu looked up, her blush deepening even more.
Letting a man, especially Brother Dai, personally fasten her anklet… it was far too intimate and ambiguous.
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