Her lapels slipped open to either side, revealing the plain white undergarment beneath.
Under the moonlight, that touch of white looked especially pure, and especially... enticing.
The young girl's newly developing curves rose and fell faintly beneath the thin fabric with her hurried breathing.
Qian Xunji's gaze darkened, and his Adam's apple bobbed.
He lowered his head and kissed her delicate collarbone, warm and moist.
One hand gently stroked her waist, slowly moving upward along the smooth fabric until his fingers touched the ties at the edge of her undergarment.
Just as his fingers were about to slip beneath her collar and undo that final barrier.
Bibi Dong suddenly shuddered, as though awakening from a dream.
She reached out and grabbed his wrist.
"Teacher, I'm not ready."
Her voice was breathless, and the haze in her eyes gradually faded.
Qian Xunji froze.
He lifted his head and met her eyes.
Under the moonlight, the girl's cheeks were shockingly red, her lips slightly swollen, her gaze flickering.
Silence spread through the room for several seconds, broken only by their mingled breaths.
Then Qian Xunji smiled.
He obediently let go, lay down beside her, and pulled her into his arms.
"It's all right."
"I was too hasty just now."
Bibi Dong curled up in his embrace, burying her face against his chest. "I'm sorry... I, I just... wasn't ready yet."
"You don't need to apologize."
"This sort of thing should be mutual to begin with."
"We can talk about it again whenever you're ready."
"Dong'er, don't be upset over what happened just now, all right?"
"Being upset won't change anything."
"Look toward the future. We still have plenty of time ahead of us."
"Once we return to Spirit City, once you're ready, once you truly want to..."
He did not finish, but