Dugu Yan lifted her pretty face, her voice soft and alluring, with a hint of coquetry. She was practically hanging on Ye Yin, her full chest pressed tightly against his, a display of intimacy that made the surrounding group of hot-blooded youths blush and look away. Ye Yin naturally wrapped an arm around her slender yet strong waist and hummed softly in acknowledgment.
Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances, small smiles playing on each of their lips. Although they felt a little twinge of jealousy, they knew their situation was much better than Dugu Yan's. She could only visit occasionally, while they got to be by Ye Yin's side every day.
"Yan Yan, what are you doing here?" Ye Yin asked with a smile.
"Grandpa sent me!" Dugu Yan's smile was like a blooming flower. "He told me to let you know that the Crown Prince will be coming to visit tomorrow, and that we shouldn't make a big fuss, just show him around. And, well, it was a good chance for me to see you, too."
Ye Yin immediately understood. "Thank you for making a special trip."
"What's there to thank me for!" Dugu Yan playfully poked his chest with her finger, feigning annoyance. "Do I really have to be the one to say I miss you? Besides, Heaven Dou Royal Academy's team and your Shrek might even meet in the finals! By then… hmph hmph! I'm going to get my revenge!"
She deliberately puffed out her chest in a provocative pose, but the amusement in her eyes couldn't be hidden. Ye Yin looked at her charmingly naive expression, tightened his arm, and pulled her even closer.
"If we meet, I'll still be the one who wins."
"You braggart!" Dugu Yan retorted, though a sweet blush spread across her cheeks as she happily nestled into his embrace. Their intimate display, completely oblivious to everyone around them, was a bitter pill for all the single onlookers to swallow.
The next day, a plain, unadorned carriage without any royal insignia quietly stopped outside the back gate of Shrek Academy. The carriage door opened, and Xue Qinghe, dressed in simple civilian clothes, stepped out. He still carried that gentle, jade-like demeanor that made one feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.
As promised, Ye Yin was waiting there with a faint smile on his face. "Your Highness, you're truly punctual."
"Since it's a promise between friends, how could I break it?" Xue Qinghe's smile was sincere as his gaze swept over the somewhat old and worn exterior walls of the academy. "So this is Shrek Academy? It certainly has a unique… back-to-basics charm." He cleverly used a positive term to gloss over the humble surroundings.
Ye Yin didn't seem to mind, leading Xue Qinghe into the academy via a secluded path. It was already evening, and the afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows over the training grounds, where only a few diligent students were still practicing. The two walked discreetly as Ye Yin showed him the main areas. Throughout the tour, Xue Qinghe maintained a perfect level of polite interest, his words and actions impeccable, perfectly playing the role of an approachable Crown Prince who valued talent.
After the tour, Ye Yin led him to a quiet and clean guest room that Flender kept prepared for special visitors.
"The pleasantries are over, Your Highness. It's time for me to fulfill my promise," Ye Yin said with a slight smile. "Do you remember the gift I mentioned?"
With a flick of his wrist, a jet-black, cool-to-the-touch jade bottle appeared in his palm. The bottle had no patterns, only a profound texture that seemed to absorb all light.
"Oh? This is the generous gift you spoke of, Junior Brother Ye?" A look of polite curiosity flickered in Xue Qinghe's eyes. "What is its wondrous use?"
"This item is called 'Netherworld Essential Oil'," Ye Yin explained, his tone carrying a hint of mystery. "It's made from the rare Nether Grass, which only grows in the coldest, darkest places, combined with various tonifying herbs and refined using a special method. If taken orally, it can calm the mind. But its real use is external. With a unique massage technique applied to the meridians and acupuncture points all over the body, it can greatly nourish one's muscles and bones, clear blocked spirit power, and relieve fatigue. Long-term use can even cleanse the marrow and wash the bones. Legend has it that it can even slightly increase the upper limit of a person's physical potential."
Ye Yin spoke sincerely, with every word carefully chosen to have the maximum impact. The final point, about increasing one's physical potential, was an irresistible temptation for any Spirit Master.
Xue Qinghe's eyes flickered. He clearly understood the immense value of such an item, but… a massage?
"Junior Brother, this item is far too precious. I appreciate the thought," Xue Qinghe said with a gentle smile, subtly declining the offer. "But I couldn't possibly take something you cherish. Besides, I am only here today to visit. How can I accept such a heavy gift? As for the massage, it would be too much trouble for you. I really can't impose."
"Your Highness, you are mistaken," Ye Yin said, shaking his head, his attitude firm. "A promise is a promise. Since I said it was a gift, how can I take it back? And as for the massage, this oil must be used with a special technique to achieve its maximum effect. Otherwise, its effectiveness will be less than one-tenth of its potential, which would be a complete waste. Moreover, Your Highness works tirelessly for the state every single day. Your health is the foundation of everything. A small effort like this from me is nothing. Or… perhaps you don't trust my technique?"
His last sentence carried a playful challenge, but a warning bell was screaming in Xue Qinghe's heart.
Her identity was her biggest secret. How could she let a strange man touch her so intimately? A full-body massage! It was like walking on a knife's edge! The slightest touch could expose her carefully hidden female features! This damned Ye Yin!
[Resentment from Qian Renxue +30!]
"Junior Brother, you jest. Of course I trust you," Xue Qinghe's smile became a little stiff as her mind raced to find another excuse. "It's just… the Royal Family has its own rules. It's not convenient for others to… touch one's body."
"Your Highness," Ye Yin interrupted, his gaze clear and resolute as he stepped forward, presenting the jade bottle. "There are only the two of us here. As friends, why should we adhere to such formalities? You work so hard for our Heaven Dou Empire. As a citizen, shouldn't I be allowed to alleviate some of your fatigue and show my sincerity? Or… are you not treating me as a friend? If that's the case, then let's just forget it."
Looking at Ye Yin's clear, frank, and incredibly persistent gaze, Qian Renxue felt an unprecedented pressure.
Refuse? It would seem too deliberate and out of character. It could arouse his suspicion.
Accept? The risk was enormous! What about her reputation? To be touched all over by a man before she was even married! It was unthinkable! No, absolutely not. She had to find a way to refuse!
[Resentment from Qian Renxue +30!]
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