Murong Chong reached out, pulling her into his embrace. Whether it was a sense of possessiveness or unease, his teeth ground lightly against Yun Xiao's lips, a tingling sensation accompanied by a faint, sharp pain.
This time, Yun Xiao did not resist. Instead, she let him be, understanding that someone who had been hurt would be more sensitive and more afraid of further pain.
Yun Xiao reached out, wrapping her arms around his neck, and tilted her head up to give him a deep, passionate kiss. Then, she smiled playfully, "A reward for you."
Hearing her words, Murong Chong finally relaxed a little. He reached out and kissed her again, a smile blooming on his face.
As he smiled, his ink-black eyes, like droplets of lacquer, seemed to be veiled with a layer of pale blue glaze, radiantly brilliant and captivating.
His silver mask exuded a wild, untamed charm, and a captivating smile curved his lips. He reached out and gently pinched Yun Xiao's cheek, letting out a soft sigh.
"I'm the one who's more worried. I truly wish I could tie you to my side at all times to feel at ease."
"Heh heh," Yun Xiao knew he was just saying that and didn't take it to heart. However, his next sentence made her eyes widen.
"Why don't I just consume you now? Once I'm sure you're mine, I'll be much more at peace."
"Murong Chong."
Yun Xiao roared like a lioness from the East, her angry cry echoing in the bedchamber. Her small face was flushed a furious red, making her look exceptionally alluring. The faint dimples, like those from fermented rice wine, added to her bewitching charm.
Murong Chong's throat bobbed, his eyes blazing with desire. A tidal wave of passion surged through him, his breathing quickening. His breath, like fragrant orchid dew, whispered intimately against Yun Xiao's ear.
"Does Xiǎo'er want it?"
Yun Xiao's cheeks instantly burned as red as blood. This man was actually seducing her! Damn him, seducing her! It seemed he was asking for a lesson. She flicked her fingers, a silver needle appearing, ready to strike and seal his acupoints.
Heavens, was she becoming a lewd woman? It seemed proximity to the virtuous could make one good, but proximity to the wicked could corrupt one.
However, as her hand moved, Murong Chong's senses were instantly alerted. With a swift movement, he pinned her hand, his grip so strong that she couldn't move an inch.
With his other arm, he embraced her, and then, he darted towards the bed. Together, they tumbled onto the mattress, their positions reversed, with Yun Xiao now on top, squarely straddling him.
This time, the lady was utterly stunned, wishing she could find a hole to burrow into. She had no strength left to deploy her silver needle.
Seeing her head droop so low it almost reached her chest, Murong Chong flipped over and pressed down on her, initiating another languid, passionate kiss. Just as the lady had resigned herself, deciding that if she loved him and had chosen him, then let him have his way.
A devilishly ambiguous voice echoed in her ear, "Our Xiǎo'er's face is so red. Actually, I was just teasing you."
He then burst into laughter. Yun Xiao was furious. She had been ready, and this fellow dared to say such a thing! He was asking for death. She straightened her leg, intending to kick him, but alas, the person on top tightened his legs, pinning her, and continued speaking with a poker face.
"But this is the last time. If you save these boring fellows again next time, I'll consume you, then tie you firmly to my side. Be it walking through mountains of knives or seas of fire, or even death, I will never let go of your hand."
His elegant, enchanting voice suddenly turned somber. Yun Xiao forgot to struggle, gazing at him intently. She saw the misty haze in his deep blue, glazed eyes.
His dark, lustrous eyes were like black pearls veiled by layers of mist, clear and radiant, falling upon Yun Xiao's face. The imposing brilliance seemed to reflect a love that transcended three lifetimes.
"Xiǎo'er, what do we do? Even if I were to die, I wouldn't bear to let you go. Is this kind of me very selfish? I can't be like others, dying and letting the one I love go find happiness. The mere thought of my death and another man possessing you drives me to frantic jealousy, to the brink of madness. Whether it's this life, or the next, or all generations to come, I only wish to meet you."
"Murong."
In this moment, Yun Xiao's lingering apprehension and unease vanished completely. She saw the love residing in the depths of this man's soul, so profound and intense, ardent like wine aged for decades.
With him like this, what else did she have to fear? The anxieties stirred by his outstanding appearance and his impending return to imperial power all disappeared. She should feel proud.
In the world of love, it was always the one who loved more who suffered a little. And his love far exceeded hers, so what was there for her to fear?
Yun Xiao looked up, gently kissed his lips, and her voice, soft as a spring breeze, resonated.
"Murong, I will always stay by your side, forever."
"Xiǎo'er."
Murong Chong slowly slid to the side, reaching out to embrace her. They slept entwined.
"As long as I hold you, I can live an eternity even doing nothing. Because you are my treasure, and I will cherish every day I have you."
"You, you certainly know how to speak sweet words."
Yun Xiao murmured, nestled in his embrace. The most wonderful thing in the world was when a usually cold and bloodthirsty person suddenly began to utter sweet nothings. This feeling was no less than the joy of a sudden windfall.
What you think, and what others think, may not be the truth. Only through experiencing it personally can one understand the flavor.
"Who told our Xiǎo'er to be so lovable?"
Murong Chong's proud voice rang out in the cold night, as if every virtue of Yun Xiao was something he took immense pride in.
"Murong, I really like hearing your sweet words. Say a bit more?"
Were women truly so greedy? Yun Xiao's eyes widened as she gazed at the gently swaying bed curtains above. Her eyelids gradually grew heavy; she was tired.
And the one holding her couldn't help but smile tenderly, his smile distant and warm.
"Our Xiǎo'er is such a lovely girl, beautiful and capable..."
The night slowly passed, with only a tall, handsome man wearing a mask, softly whispering sweet nothings. Even the moonlight outside seemed tinged with blush. Hearing these sweet words, the heart began to stir.
The next day, when Yun Xiao woke up, Murong had already left. She slept until well past mid-morning. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a hazy, warm glow throughout the room.
Wanwan was tidying things in the room amidst the light. Last night's rescue of Ye Wuyun had left the medicine boxes and other items scattered haphazardly.
As the bed creaked with movement, Wanwan looked up. Seeing Yun Xiao awake, she gave her a glance that was ambiguously suggestive.
"Is the Master very tired from last night?"
"Mmm," Yun Xiao nodded. She was indeed tired. Having to draw blood and perform acupuncture on Ye Wuyun in the dead of night, how could she not be? However, Wanwan had clearly misunderstood. Upon hearing Yun Xiao's words, her eyes blinked as if experiencing a spasm, becoming even more peculiar.
"Then, Master, you just recovered. Should you take it easy? Young Master Murong too."
"What does Murong have to do with it?"