The temperature in the room gradually rose. Xiao Wu's hands began to grow restless, and she pressed herself tightly against him.
Fu Qin carried her to the bed, gently laid her down, then leaned over her, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Although it wasn't their first time, Xiao Wu's cheeks still flushed a little, and her breathing was uneven.
"Promise me you won't be so intimate with Rongrong again."
Xiao Wu's voice was very quiet, as if she knew how unreasonable her demand was.
Hearing her words, Fu Qin's lips curled into a playful smile.
"So... what are we to each other now?"
His words struck Xiao Wu's heart like a heavy hammer, filling her with panic.
"I... I'm yours..."
Xiao Wu's voice caught in her throat, but Fu Qin didn't seem to mind at all.
"Shh—"
"Kiss me."
The night deepened.
Xiao Wu curled up in Fu Qin's arms like a docile kitten, feeling his scorching body heat and powerful heartbeat.
She knew that the bond between her and Fu Qin had to stay hidden from the world.
In the room.
Fu Qin's fingertips lightly traced her hair. Though he had lived two lives, this was the first time he had experienced the pleasure of Cao Mengde.
Xiao Wu lay on the soft little bed.
Clusters of tiny water droplets, about to fall, still hung on the wooden wall behind her.
Just then, Tang San's hesitant voice came from outside the door.
"Xiao Wu, can I come in and explain? I really didn't mean anything by it."
Nestled in Fu Qin's arms, Xiao Wu heard Tang San's voice. A trace of impatience flashed in her eyes, but she still forced herself through her discomfort and called out,
"Third Brother, you don't have to explain. I know you didn't do it on purpose. But if you want me to forgive you, then from now on you can't refuse any of my requests!"
Her voice carried a soft, trembling, almost syrupy quality, completely unlike its usual crispness.
Outside the door, Tang San heard Xiao Wu's reply and, for some reason, felt a sudden rush of joy.
Xiao Wu was willing to forgive him. That meant he and Xiao Wu could still be as loving as they had been in his previous life.
"Xiao Wu, I understand. I acted like a fool the other day. I promise nothing like that will ever happen again."
Inside the room.
Xiao Wu turned her trembling head toward Fu Qin, a sly smile tugging at her lips.
"See? Tang San is like a well-behaved dog in front of me. I'll never let him touch me—not even once."
Hearing Xiao Wu's words, Fu Qin's strength only grew more forceful.
"Sister Xiao Wu, you're so wicked. Good thing Third Brother doesn't know about us. Otherwise, I'm afraid he'd be furious."
Xiao Wu snuggled deeper into his arms, closing her eyes with a look of contentment. Her voice was languid.
"Xiao Qin, you're just too kind. You'll have to be more wary from now on, or some other woman might steal you away."
At daybreak, after helping Xiao Wu change the bedsheets and bedding, Fu Qin returned to his own quarters without a sound.
If nothing unexpected happened,
Oscar should break through to Soul Elder tonight.
So, to keep anyone from noticing that anything was amiss with Xiao Wu, Fu Qin stopped cultivating early and gave her time to rest.
Soon,
after three hours of recovery, Xiao Wu could walk normally again.
But a trace of lingering languor and alluring charm still lingered between her brows. When she looked at Fu Qin, her eyes held not only an overwhelming love, but also a hint of lingering apprehension.
At the breakfast table at eight, the group's conditions were worlds apart.
Fu Qin looked full of life, with not a hint of fatigue in his eyes. Instead, he radiated vigorous, masculine energy.
Xiao Wu wore a pale pink dress. Her skin was as lustrous and white as fine mutton-fat jade, her eyes held a springlike softness, and her bright, almond-shaped eyes were clear and lively, brimming with charm whenever she glanced around.
Even with her hair simply tied back, her breathtaking beauty was impossible to hide. But when she stood, her step faltered slightly, and Fu Qin discreetly steadied her.
Zhu Zhuqing still wore a purple outfit that accentuated her graceful figure. Her skin was cool and fair, and her sharp, blade-like eyes only made her features seem more exquisite. Like a black rose covered in thorns, she was stunningly aloof and intimidating, making people hesitate to approach.
Ning Rongrong wore a pale yellow gauzy dress, her hair styled in twin buns and her cheeks round and full.
Her bright, almond-shaped eyes were lively, and her skin looked soft enough to break with a touch. When she smiled, two shallow dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth. Sweet as a ripe peach, she perfectly embodied the charming, pampered little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Tang San, by contrast, was pale as paper, with heavy dark circles under his eyes. Those same dark circles hung beneath his eyes, and he looked ready to topple even while seated. Clearly, he had been drained dry the night before.
After Xiao Wu had turned him away the previous night, he remembered how Dai Mubai and the others had urged him time and again. In the end, he had gone to the brothel. He had meant to use alcohol to numb the hurt of being misunderstood, but after a night of indulgence, he had somehow worn himself down into this sorry state all over again.
When he saw Xiao Wu glance his way, Tang San thought she was worried about him. He forced himself to straighten up and squeeze out a smile, trying to show off his manly spirit.
He had no idea that his pale face and unsteady steps had already given everything away.
A flash of undisguised contempt crossed Xiao Wu's eyes, and she sneered inwardly.
Reborn, she clearly remembered how devoted and faithful Tang San had been before becoming a god in her previous life. But this boy, who was already frequenting brothels in his teens, bore no resemblance to the husband she remembered.
She had even been angry with him last night over what he had done. Looking back now, she had simply thought too highly of him.
A man like that couldn't compare to Fu Qin. He wasn't even as good as Dai Mubai of Shrek Academy. At least Dai Mubai didn't end up as feeble as Tang San after doing that sort of thing.
At nine o'clock sharp, Flender and Zhao Wuji appeared at the meeting point right on time.
Before the dean could say a word, Oscar eagerly jumped forward, his face alight with joy and his voice loud enough to carry across the entire academy.
"Dean! I broke through! I'm now a level-thirty quasi-Soul Elder! I just need one Soul Ring to advance to Soul Elder!"
Flender's eyes lit up. His already shrewd gaze flashed, and he slapped his thigh with a hearty laugh.
"Good lad! Those laps weren't for nothing! In that case, we're changing the itinerary. Old Zhao and I will take you to the outskirts of Star Dou Forest to hunt your third Soul Ring!"
Everyone cheered, except Ning Rongrong, who pouted and muttered, "We have to walk again? Can't we hire a carriage?"
Even so, there was still a hint of anticipation in her eyes. Star Dou Forest was a novel place for her, too.
Flender acted as though he hadn't heard her complaint and waved his hand grandly. "Let's go!"
As soon as he spoke, everyone prepared to set off. But Xiao Wu had barely taken a step when she stumbled, her brows knitting together at once.
Fu Qin had been far too rough with her last night. At the moment, forget running—even walking quickly made her legs feel weak.
Her eyes shifted, and she looked at Tang San nearby. Her voice carried just the right amount of weakness. "Third Brother, I'm feeling a little unwell. Could I trouble you to carry me for a while?"
Tang San's eyes lit up at once!
He had been fretting over how to explain things to Xiao Wu. This was a heaven-sent chance to make amends!
He forced himself to stand and thumped his chest. "No problem, Xiao Wu. Climb on!"
Fu Qin stood to the side, watching Tang San's unsteady steps and laughing to himself.
That little rascal Xiao Wu had decided Tang San was weak. In the end, she'd still make Fu Qin carry her.