In the estate outside the city.
Nestled together, Chen Ye and Zhou Yun'e finally finished after several rounds.
They lay on their backs on the bed, their chests rising and falling.
Their panting sounded especially clear in the room.
Zhou Yun'e's hair was disheveled, her eyes full of surprise.
They had not seen each other for some time.
She discovered that Chen Ye's body had grown even stronger, as though his cultivation had advanced.
Zhou Yun'e asked softly, "When are you leaving?"
Chen Ye sat up. "Probably the day after tomorrow."
Zhou Yun'e nodded. "I'll deliver the medicine before you leave."
"All right."
Chen Ye glanced at the sky. Feeling it was about time, he bent down and picked up the clothes scattered on the floor.
Zhou Yun'e obediently moved closer and naturally took the robe from his hands. Like a wife, she gave it a gentle shake and helped him dress.
As she did so, her expression held the familiar intimacy of long-established habit.
After fastening his clothes, Zhou Yun'e quietly stepped aside.
Chen Ye nodded and brushed his hand over her warm cheek, a faint smile lifting his lips. "Wait for word from me."
A trace of a smile appeared in Zhou Yun'e's eyes. "Then I'm sorry for the trouble, Young Master Chen."
Chen Ye laughed heartily.
Without lingering any longer in that haven of tenderness, he turned, pushed open the door, and left.
By the time he left the estate, it was already past three in the afternoon.
He rode slowly along the main road. The biting winter wind swept over his face, clearing his thoughts.
This trip to Danfeng Prefecture would mean staking his life in battles with real blades. Bringing one more trustworthy person would give him someone else to watch his back.
Zuo Dongxi