"I haven't changed my mind."
Dugu Linglong instinctively protested.
Only after the words left her mouth did she notice the triumphant smile in Jiang Che's eyes.
"Then sit here for a while."
Jiang Che lowered his gaze to Dugu Linglong in his arms.
"Once you've gotten used to it, I'll let you down."
"..."
For a moment, Dugu Linglong could not find a good reason to keep arguing.
Of course, she could easily leave Jiang Che's embrace.
She only needed to circulate a little true qi to break free of the arms around her waist.
Yet now that Jiang Che was actually holding her, she felt little aversion.
What she felt instead...
Was mostly the nervousness and uncertainty of never having been so close to a man before.
Dugu Linglong's hands rested against Jiang Che's chest, but she never truly pushed.
Her bare, snow-white foot hung slightly in the air.
Her rounded toes alternately tensed and quietly curled.
The nervousness she hid beneath her cool expression was laid bare by these tiny movements.
Jiang Che took in every reaction.
However, he did not push his luck any further.
He merely adjusted his arms a little so Dugu Linglong could sit more securely in his lap.
"Is this more comfortable?"
Dugu Linglong did not answer immediately.
She could clearly feel Jiang Che's palm resting quietly at her waist.
It did not move any lower.
Nor did he take the opportunity to do anything more improper.
After a brief hesitation.
Dugu Linglong nodded gently.
"Mm..."
Her voice was very soft.
Had they not been so close, he would barely have heard it.
"It seems you're not as opposed to this as I imagined, Revered Master."
Dugu Linglong raised her eyes, looking faintly embarrassed.
"If you keep teasing me, I'll get down right