At dusk.
Lake Heart Island, Spirit Hall.
Bai Chenxiang had just helped the newly returned Ye Xuan fasten the sash of his robe. Her fingertips still retained the cool feel of the fabric when a faintly teasing voice sounded before her.
"What? Taking such thorough care of me—are you hoping to share my bed tonight?"
Ye Xuan lounged against the edge of the bed, a roguish smile curling his lips as his gaze fell upon her flushed little face, his eyes carrying a hint of amusement.
Under the candlelight, the girl's skin was fairer than snow, her ear tips tinged red. Her long lashes trembled lightly like butterfly wings, and her helpless appearance was simply too tempting to tease.
Bai Chenxiang stiffened all over, as if struck by lightning. Her cheeks instantly turned scarlet, the flush spreading from her ears down to her neck, and even her breathing grew hurried.
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but stammered for a long while before managing only a few incoherent syllables.
"I... I didn't... Lord... Lord Ye Xuan..."
In her panic, she did not even know where to put her small hands and could only clutch the hem of her clothes tightly.
In truth, in Bai Chenxiang's heart, Ye Xuan had long ceased to be the ruthless, despicable man from the rumors three years ago.
When she had first been taken to the Spirit Hall Empire, she had spent every day in constant fear, terrified that this Holy Son of Spirit Hall would do something to her.
After all, she was Tang San's cousin and Ye Xuan's "spoils of war." Having fallen into an enemy's hands, what dignity could she possibly retain?
But after three years together, she had discovered that Ye Xuan was completely unlike what she had imagined.