“Chaochao, are you asleep?” Feng Shaocheng’s voice sounded from outside the tent.
Song Qingchao found it difficult to breathe. She bit Bai Youan’s lip lightly, then tilted her head slightly, squinting at the shadow outside the tent.
“Chaochao?” The concerned voice sounded again from outside.
Song Qingchao pushed the man on top of her. Bai Youan reluctantly pulled away from her lips as if he hadn't had enough, even giving a little sip.
Song Qingchao: “……”
What a disaster!
She hastily pulled him towards the bed, not bothering to take off her shoes. With a blush, she placed a finger on her smooth lips, signaling Bai Youan to stay quiet.
Bai Youan obediently leaned to the side, inside the bed, his mesmerizing eyes fixed on his handiwork. Song Qingchao pulled at the tent curtain with one hand while glaring at Bai Youan, and with the other, she answered Feng Shaocheng outside.
“I’m going to rest, do you need something?”
“I’ve come to bring you medicine. Drink it before you sleep.”
As soon as he spoke, a corner of the tent curtain was lifted. Panicked, Song Qingchao quickly hid Bai Youan, who was clinging to her clothes, under the covers.
Bai Youan was very well-behaved, not pestering her anymore. She leaned back against the bed, nervously watching the blurry figure outside getting closer. Just as the curtain was about to be fully opened, Song Qingchao quickly called out, “Just put it on the table nearby.”
Feng Shaocheng paused, “What? You don’t want to see me?”
The hand Song Qingchao used to press down on the quilt tightened. She cleared her throat, “No, it’s just that I’ve already retired for the night, and it’s not convenient…”
“Oh, alright then…” The voice outside sounded quite helpless, but he eventually complied with Song Qingchao’s request, giving a few more instructions before leaving.
Song Qingchao only relaxed after she was sure Feng Shaocheng was far away.
“How long do you intend to hide me?” A muffled voice came from under the quilt.
Then, Bai Youan’s head popped out from under the covers, shaking. His hair, ruffled by being under the quilt, stood up slightly, looking adorably disheveled and inviting a good scratch.
Song Qingchao, acting on impulse, reached out and ran her hand through it.
“Are you going to talk?” Bai Youan languidly propped his chin on his hand, watching her and allowing her to “groom” him.
“Ah…” Song Qingchao lowered her gaze to Bai Youan’s slightly flushed lips, and then she felt shy.
Her body and mind had been completely occupied by Bai Youan, and she hadn’t noticed the change in her space. She had just realized that the third layer of the lock, which hadn’t moved for a long time, had opened.
“Welcome to the third layer, my dear Director.”
Song Qingchao was quite surprised. Could the space actually communicate directly?
“Search engine function activated. The content of all books and blueprints from the first and second layers is included, and the Director can search and use them directly.”
Song Qingchao was so happy that she was momentarily at a loss. She didn’t understand what a search engine was. However, her understanding was that this function was similar to that of the scholars in the Secretariat, who were responsible for managing, compiling, and proofreading books.
It was wonderful! If she had had this earlier, she wouldn’t have had to consult so many ancient texts when researching medicinal formulas. As long as she thought of something in her mind, the answer she wanted would directly appear, along with related books. This greatly narrowed down the scope of knowledge retrieval and saved her manpower.
“Miss Song?”
“Chaochao?”
“Song Qingchao.”
It wasn’t until Bai Youan called her by her full name in exasperation that Song Qingchao withdrew from the space. It wasn’t her fault for being so engrossed; she had also discovered that the accumulated time had doubled. This was tremendous news for her. She smiled and replied to Bai Youan, “What is it?”
“How long are you going to stay here?” His eyes held a trace of weariness, and his fingers toyed with Song Qingchao’s hair.
Song Qingchao had no resistance to his languid demeanor. It was as if she was the only one who felt awkward.
“Until I recover, Feng Shaocheng won’t let me leave.”
“You won’t leave if he doesn’t let you?” Song Qingchao leaned closer to him, carefully examining his devastatingly handsome face.
“Leave…” She raised an eyebrow, then hooked Bai Youan’s chin with her fingertip, “But we’ll have to wait a little longer.”
“Wait? Until when?” Bai Youan asked impatiently, frowning.
“Don’t worry, it won’t be too long.”
“But…”
“Shh—” Song Qingchao pressed her finger to Bai Youan’s lips, which had just parted, “Let’s not rush this. I have something else to do.”
Bai Youan tilted his head in confusion. Song Qingchao’s voice was soft, her eyes curved into a smile, and then she leaned down and kissed his lips as if stamping a seal. A chaste kiss, like a dragonfly skimming the water, a brief touch and separation.
Just as she thought! The time had doubled!
Bai Youan’s dark eyes, hidden beneath his glasses, curved slightly. He tilted his neck back, chasing after Song Qingchao as she pulled away. Song Qingchao felt the back of her head being held, and then she was pulled back into him. Softness enveloped her once more. This time, it wasn’t just a simple touch; it was a series of intimate kisses on her lips, her nose, and her eyes. His hands, burning hot against her waist, pulled her down onto the bed. She couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp. But it was quickly muffled by Bai Youan’s mouth. He hooked down his “obstructive” glasses with his slender fingers, revealing his beautiful eyes. His dark, bright pupils were filled with mischievous triumph, deeply wicked.
Their breaths grew hotter, and their breathing became ragged.
“Bai… Youan!” Song Qingchao pushed him away, struggling to breathe, “You should go…”
“Hmm?” Bai Youan’s voice was muffled, “Where should I go?”
Song Qingchao finally broke free from him, her head turned, panting, her chest heaving with her disordered breaths.
“Of course, back to wait for me. It’s not safe for you here.” She tried to push herself up by leaning on the bed, but Bai Youan pushed her back down with a single finger.
“I’m not going anywhere today.” Bai Youan rubbed the spot he had just kissed with his thumb, causing Song Qingchao to give him another reproachful glance.
“I can’t get out,” Bai Youan huffed as if jealous. “That kid Feng Shaocheng looks at you like a treasure, with layers upon layers of protection.”
Song Qingchao: “……”
Then why did you risk coming in?
As if reading her thoughts, Bai Youan casually got out of bed and went to wash up. “Of course, it’s because I’m worried about you.” His tone was flat and matter-of-fact. He went to the incense burner and took out a calming incense, lighting it as if he owned the place.
Song Qingchao sat on the bed, watching his actions, stunned. It wasn’t until he extinguished the candle and a burning body climbed onto her bed that she realized what she had done.
In the current situation, Song Qingchao couldn’t distinguish whether she was using Bai Youan or had some other feelings for him. But what was Bai Youan doing now?!
Song Qingchao clutched the quilt at her chest, being pushed back by Bai Youan. Bai Youan’s eyes shone like stars in the darkness. His trailing words were indistinct and soft, like a hook tugging at one’s soul.
“Of course… to sleep…”
Song Qingchao panicked. She hadn’t intended to get herself involved!
“You, you! Mmm…”