Yao Emperor: If I'd Known, I Would Have Blown Up with Nihility Devouring Flame

Listening to Yao Wan's brief yet weighty murmur, Xiao Yan unconsciously took a strand of her dark hair between his fingers and gently wound it around them.

"Mm—could tell."

He breathed in the faint, refreshing fragrance lingering about her, and it eased his mind somewhat. Yet the owner of that scent could not help revealing a trace of exhaustion now, making Xiao Yan's heart ache for her.

Before he realized it, Xiao Yan's hand had slowly climbed to the slender waist at his side, feeling the fine texture of the fabric embroidered with golden vine patterns, as well as the soft warmth still perceptible even through her clothes.

But Xiao Yan knew this was not the time for them to linger over each other or indulge in a little tenderness. He merely held her slightly tighter, letting his body serve as a temporary harbor for the girl in his arms.

After all, with her resilient and unyielding temperament, even Xiao Yan rarely saw her looking so worn out.

A helpless yet affectionate smile appeared at the corner of his lips. His rough fingertips gently brushed her delicate cheek as he teased, "Why are you only saying you're tired now?"

"Can't you say something nicer?"

Hearing Xiao Yan mock her, Yao Wan's lips twitched. She was both annoyed and amused, and could not help lightly poking Xiao Yan's unguarded waist, making the body that had been steadily holding her tremble unconsciously.

Of course, Yao Wan knew Xiao Yan was joking, which was why she responded with such a mildly resentful joke of her own.

"I'll say whatever you want to hear."

Xiao Yan said it half-jokingly, half-seriously.

"Heh..."

Yao Wan could not help laughing at that. "What, are you trying to amuse a child? 'Whatever I want to hear'? Isn't that