Gu Yuena: If You Truly Wish to Befriend Him, Crown Prince Qinghe Should Share a Bed and Meals with Chen Fan

The instant Qian Renxue grasped Chen Fan's hand, her heartbeat suddenly quickened.

Finally...

Finally, she could get close to him openly and without restraint.

She could clearly feel the warmth of his palm, and that sense of security brought a trace of satisfaction to her heart.

But when her gaze fell upon the Silver Haired Girl standing quietly beside Chen Fan, whose beauty was beyond compare, the flutter in her heart was swiftly suppressed by reason.

She couldn't wrong Na'er.

Qian Renxue repeatedly warned herself inwardly, yet the smile on her face only grew brighter.

"To have a talent as extraordinary as Brother Chen Fan is truly the fortune of Heaven Dou—and the fortune of me, Xue Qinghe!"

Her words were heartfelt and sincere, leaving no room for criticism.

Even Na'er was somewhat puzzled. Did She Xue'er really hold such a high place in Xue Qinghe's heart?

A mere token was enough to make him value her so greatly.

Right!

The two of them had most likely been in contact before.

Gu Yuena analyzed the matter, nodding her little head.

As for the closeness between Xue Qinghe and Chen Fan...

Well!

It was a good thing!

For one in a position of power to be so intimate with another meant lowering himself to befriend them. Clearly, Xue Qinghe thought extremely highly of Chen Fan!

Win!

After the pleasantries, seeing the dust of travel still clinging to their clothes, Xue Qinghe spoke considerately.

"You two have traveled a long way and must be tired. I have already ordered hot water prepared. You may bathe first and wash away your fatigue."

Hearing this, Na'er smiled and replied, "All right."

She first accompanied Chen Fan to an exceptionally spacious and luxurious bathing chamber. Mist filled the air, while steam rose from the enormous white jade pool.

Just as Chen Fan was about to remove his clothes, Na'er did not leave.

Her Purple Eyes shimmered like rippling water, carrying a faint smile as she softly said, "Chen Fan, let me scrub your back."

Chen Fan paused.

The Maiden's voice was soft and sweet.

Looking at Na'er's slightly pale face and the glimmer in her deep violet eyes, he ultimately could not bring himself to refuse her.

"...All right."

Within the warm pool, Chen Fan bared his upper body, his firm muscular lines appearing and disappearing through the mist.

Na'er fetched a soft silk cloth, soaked it in water, and stood behind him.

Her slightly cool fingertips brushed over his solid back, sending a faint shiver through him.

The Maiden's movements were very light and gentle, as though she were tending to some priceless treasure.

Chen Fan closed his eyes, feeling the delicate touch on his back, while ripples stirred within his heart.

This tenderness, this intimacy, intoxicated him and made his heart ache for her even more.

Na'er had given far too much for him.

"All done."

After an unknown amount of time, Na'er's voice sounded beside his ear.

She set down the silk cloth and said, "I'll go to the pool next door."

Chen Fan gave an "Mm," preparing to enjoy this rare moment of relaxation alone.

"Ah—!"

A short scream suddenly came from next door!

It was Na'er's voice!

Chen Fan's heart sank. Almost instantly, he leaped from the water. As Soul Power surged through him, every drop of water on his body evaporated. He did not even have time to dress before flashing toward the adjoining room.

Behind the screen, the water in another white jade pool rippled.

Na'er sat by the edge of the pool, her Silver Long Hair cascading down like a waterfall. She wore only a thin gauze robe, her fair skin faintly visible through the water, beautiful beyond anything mortal.

Where was the slightest sign that she had been frightened?

Her Purple Beautiful Eyes curved into lovely crescents, looking at him with a sly smile.

"Since you're already here," Na'er said in a lazy, seductive voice, "let's soak together!"

Chen Fan stood where he was, speechless for a moment.

He had been tricked by his Na'er again.

After bathing and changing into clean, fresh clothes, the two emerged feeling refreshed.

Xue Qinghe had long been waiting outside. When he saw them emerge, he immediately stepped forward with a smile.

"Did you both enjoy your bath?"

"Thank you for your hospitality, His Highness the Crown Prince," Chen Fan said with cupped hands.

After a few polite exchanges, Na'er suddenly pushed Chen Fan forward.

She raised her little face, looked at Xue Qinghe, and said in an innocent tone, "Your Highness, Chen Fan has told me many little stories from history."

"Those emperors and great ministers, when they wished to win over true talent, would show their utmost sincerity by sharing beds and meals with them, living and eating together to demonstrate their closeness and esteem."

"While bathing just now, I saw that Chen Fan still had some travel dust on him. Asking him to pull Your Highness in to bathe with him wouldn't be very appropriate."

"But sharing a bed and meals, living and eating together, should be fine, right?"

The moment those words were spoken, the air froze.

The gentle smile on Xue Qinghe's face instantly stiffened, and astonishment filled her golden pupils.

She looked at Na'er, her voice somewhat hoarse.

"Y-you're serious?"

Qian Renxue's heart was already in turmoil.

Sharing a bed and meals... with Chen Fan?

This suggestion was simply... simply...

Anyway...

It wasn't bad.

But she was currently Xue Qinghe, the Heaven Dou Crown Prince. She had to maintain the dignity and bearing of an heir apparent.

A trace of reluctance appeared on her face as she prepared to offer a few perfunctory refusals.

Chen Fan also grew anxious and hurriedly said, "Na'er, don't talk nonsense! His Highness is of noble status. How could I possibly..."

Before he could finish, Na'er gave him a playful wink, then turned and ran away.

"You two talk. I'm going to rest first!"

Her silver-bell-like laughter drifted away, leaving Chen Fan and Xue Qinghe facing each other in awkward silence.

Xue Qinghe was still the first to break it.

The stiffness on her face had long vanished, replaced by an even more sincere and eager smile.

"Brother Chen Fan, I felt an immediate kinship with you. Meeting you feels far too late."

"Though Miss Na'er's suggestion was somewhat abrupt, it spoke directly to my heart."

She stepped forward and grasped Chen Fan's hand again, her eyes blazing.

"How about you and I share a bed tonight and talk through the night?"

With things said to this extent, what else could Chen Fan say?

He could only agree through gritted teeth.

Night had deepened.

Within a guest room of the Crown Prince's Mansion, candlelight flickered.

Chen Fan lay on the soft, spacious bed, yet sleep would not come. His heart was filled with torment.

How was he supposed to explain this to Na'er?

Was he supposed to tell her that this gentle and refined Crown Prince was actually Qian Renxue, the very person she regarded as a love rival?

There was no way to explain that.

He could only hope the night would pass quickly.

Xue Qinghe beside him seemed to have already fallen asleep, her breathing steady and deep.

Just as Chen Fan tossed and turned, the person beside him suddenly moved.

Xue Qinghe rolled over and directly treated him like a human-shaped pillow, wrapping both arms tightly around his waist while draping one leg over him.

Warm breath lightly brushed against his neck.

Chen Fan's body instantly stiffened.

Though she wore men's sleepwear, the disguise could not change her figure.

Through the thin fabric, the astonishing softness against her chest pressed tightly against his arm. The sensation was so clear that his scalp went numb.