Dai Chengfeng's technique wasn't polished, but his patience and care were evident. Whenever his fingertips brushed her scalp or nape, she'd shiver faintly.
Qian Renxue stiffened slightly, warmth blooming in her chest at this rare tenderness—mingled with deeper shyness.
She'd never imagined this man—usually so arrogant, so reckless—could be… this gentle.
"I can do it myself…"
She reached for the towel, voice barely above a whisper.
"Don't move."
Dai Chengfeng pinned her hand, voice low, brooking no argument. "Let me."
She stopped resisting, surrendering to his ministrations.
Silence filled the chamber, broken only by the soft rasp of towel on hair and their close, mingled breaths.
Candlelight cast their entwined shadows on the wall—intimate, inseparable.
"You visited Her Holiness earlier?"
Dai Chengfeng asked casually, still drying her hair, tone perfectly neutral.
Qian Renxue's heart fluttered. "Mm. Mother said she had a headache. Told me to rest."
"A headache?"
His hands stilled briefly, amusement coloring his voice. "Well, the Supreme Pontiff's duties are endless. Mental exhaustion is bound to cause such things."
He set the towel aside, then turned her to face him, arms circling her waist.
Her lowered lashes cast delicate shadows, making her look heartbreakingly vulnerable.
He traced her cheekbone with his knuckle—a rare tenderness in his touch.
Candlelight bathed them as they gazed into each other's eyes, close enough to count each other's lashes.
The air thickened with unspoken tension, something tender and dangerous growing between them.
His breath warmed her skin, quickening her pulse, deepening her flush.
Dai Chengfeng watched her flustered beauty, throat tightening. Darkness flickered in his eyes.
He leaned down toward her parted, glistening lips—
Qian Renxue panicked, turning her head. His kiss landed on her cheek instead.
The fleeting heat made her tremble.
"Don't…"
Her voice shook. She pushed weakly at his chest.
Dai Chengfeng didn't press. He stayed close, nose nearly brushing hers, chuckling softly.
"Have you forgotten your promise from last time?"
Her face burned crimson, neck flushing scarlet.
She remembered—yet shame overpowered courage at the final moment.
"I… I…"
She stammered, eyes darting away. "This is the Spirit Hall… we… we can't…"
"Why not?"
He arched a brow, deliberately misinterpreting. His lips neared her earlobe, warm breath teasing. "Is it the place? Or… the person?"
"Both! Neither!"
Flustered, she shrank from his scorching breath on her ear. "Grandfather's here… if he finds out…"
"The old man's not that bored," Dai Chengfeng murmished, nipping her earlobe. Feeling her shiver, he pressed: "Or are you afraid Her Holiness will find out?"
At the mention of her mother, Qian Renxue froze. The earlier unease resurfaced. She shook her head instinctively.
"No… it's just…"
"Just what?"
He kissed along her jawline, stopping at her lips—teasing, feather-light.
Qian Renxue melted, mind blank. "I'm… not ready… and… really can't… here…"
Her voice trembled, edged with tears.
Dai Chengfeng's heart softened. He pulled back, studying this proud angel heir—now a blushing, trembling rabbit in his arms. Affection surged.
"Alright. No pressure."
He brushed away her damp eyelashes with his thumb, voice velvet-soft. "I told you—I can wait."
Qian Renxue met his gaze. Seeing desire tempered with patience, she relaxed—then guilt bloomed.
"I'm sorry…" she whispered.
"Silly girl." He laughed, pulling her close again, chin atop her head. "I was too eager. You're right to be cautious here."
He paused, tone shifting to coaxing: "But… when we find another place, hmm?"
She buried her face in his chest, nodding faintly:
"Mm…"
Her silent consent lifted his spirits.
He held her, pacing slowly through the chamber, savoring the quiet intimacy.
Qian Renxue stiffened at first—then gradually relaxed, leaning deeper into his warmth, lulled by his steady heartbeat. A peace she'd never known wrapped around her.
"By the way," Dai Chengfeng murmured, "how long will you stay this time?"
She hesitated. "It's currently undecided. Depends on Grandfather… and Mother. Tian Dou's stable for now."
"Mm." He didn't press further.
He cared little for Tian Dou's politics—as long as it didn't disrupt his plans… or his Xue'er.
They stood embraced in silence, moonlight spilling through the window.
After a while, Qian Renxue stirred. "You… should go."
Although reluctant, he was aware: he couldn't stay. Discovery by guards or maids at dawn would be disastrous.
Dai Chengfeng understood. He kissed her hair. "Alright. I'll leave."
Releasing her, he felt her shiver at the sudden chill.
Instinctively, she grabbed his sleeve, eyes pleading.
Seeing her clinging look, his heart clenched. He laced his fingers with hers—and leaned down again.
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