"Th-then you're not allowed to bully me tonight..."
Her voice was tiny, carrying a trace of coy reproach and warning.
"Don't worry. I promise I'll behave myself."
Lin Xuan said with a smile, though there was something dangerous in that smile no matter how one looked at it.
As night fell, the bustle of the little town gradually subsided.
Lin Xuan and Huo Qingtong had a simple dinner in the inn's first-floor hall.
Throughout the meal, Huo Qingtong seemed somewhat absent-minded.
Her bright, starry eyes kept stealing glances at Lin Xuan. Whenever their gazes met, she would swiftly look away like a startled deer, her cheeks flushing pink, rosy as sunset clouds against white skies—so lovely that words could scarcely do her justice.
She knew perfectly well that tonight, they only had one room.
After dinner, the two went up to the second floor side by side and arrived before the door of the inn's only superior room.
When they pushed the door open, they found that the furnishings inside were simple, but the room was clean and neat.
The most eye-catching thing was the broad wooden bed in the center of the room. It was covered with thick bedding and had more than enough space for two people to lie side by side.
Huo Qingtong stood by the door, nervously twisting the corner of her clothes in her hands. Her pale yellow robe gave off a soft sheen in the candlelight.
She wore a small cap embroidered with golden thread, with a long emerald-green feather tucked into its edge. It trembled gently as she lowered her head slightly, making her beautiful yet valiant features seem even more radiant.
"Qingtong, you should wash up first."
Lin Xuan walked to the table and poured two cups of tea. His tone was