Within three breaths after the scream died away, the air froze like solid amber.
Xiao Cheng kept his back to the hall doors, facing the palace wall without moving. He even deliberately softened his breathing. Behind him came hurried splashing, rustling clothes, and low curses laced with embarrassment and panic.
"Don't turn around! Turn your head away!"
"I didn't turn around."
"You're not allowed to peek!"
"I'm not looking."
"If you dare look even once, I'll throw you into the Phoenix Blood Pool and pickle you—"
"Sis..."
Leng Yulai's low voice rang out, unable to conceal her embarrassment. "Enough."
Footsteps sounded behind him. First came Leng Yaozhu's, heavy steps thudding against the stone slabs; then Leng Yulai's, light and quick, like a startled bird fluttering its wings.
Xiao Cheng heard them stop a few steps away. Then Leng Yaozhu's murderous voice sounded behind him. "Fine. Turn around."
Xiao Cheng turned around.
Leng Yaozhu stood three steps away with her arms crossed, her face flushed red. It was hard to tell whether it was from anger or from soaking in the pool.
Her collar was slightly crooked, wet hair clinging to the side of her neck. Her entire body radiated an embarrassed fury that screamed, "If you say one wrong word, I'll strangle you!"
Leng Yulai stood half a step behind her. Her clothes were neat enough, though water still dripped from her hair tips. She kept her gaze lowered, refusing to look at him, while her earlobes were tinged pink.
Although both women had feelings for Xiao Cheng, their relationship had yet to be settled. Now he had directly seen their naked bodies—how could they not be ashamed and angry?
Xiao Cheng fell silent for a moment, then spoke with utmost sincerity. "I really came to meet up with you."