Chapter 79
This sudden, somewhat forceful and aggressive restraint made Lemuen's heart skip a beat.
She tried to gently twitch her ankle, but Han Fei gripped it even tighter. She could clearly feel the heat of his palm seeping through her skin, burning intensely.
Han Fei himself was stunned.
He had intended to "suppress" this annoying provocation, but the delicate touch and the exquisite curves in his palm seemed to ignite another fire. He subconsciously tightened his fingers, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing lightly against the sensitive inside of her ankle.
"You..."
Lemuen's voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.
Han Fei's gaze made her uneasy; it held a suppressed undercurrent she had never seen before, along with an aggressive focus.
Her mischievous behavior seemed to have truly ignited something she shouldn't have touched. Beneath the mask of pink on the outside and black on the inside, a trace of genuine panic began to grow. The rubbing sensation from her ankle sent a shiver down her spine, and a strange tingling sensation crept up her calf.
"Han Fei, you..."
She was just about to say something to break the dangerous and ambiguous stalemate.
Snap!
A soft sound, like a glass of water being placed on a table, suddenly came faintly from the direction of Texas's bedroom!
Though the sound was soft, it was like a thunderclap in the still of the night!
The two separated abruptly, as if struck by lightning!
Han Fei released his grip instantly as if he had been burned, stood up almost like a rocket, took a step back, his heart was pounding, his face drained of color and then flushed red again, leaving only the panic of someone who had done something wrong.
At that moment, Han Fei's heart pounded, and his gaze was fixed firmly on Texas's room.
He subconsciously took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down, but his heart was still beating very fast.
He felt he was fully prepared, and even if Texas showed up now, he could pretend nothing was wrong.
However, his pounding little heart was telling him clearly.
No, you're not ready.
Lemuen's reaction was equally swift.
She swiftly pulled down her hem to cover her legs, then quickly slipped her feet back into her slippers, her movements so fast they left only a blur.
Her delicate face was already flushed, the blush spreading all the way to her ears and neck. She lowered her head, pretending to straighten the hem of her skirt, but her fingers trembled slightly. The warmth and rough touch of Han Fei's palm still lingered on her ankles, where he had just held and caressed them.
The living room was deathly silent, save for the two of them breathing heavily, though they tried to suppress it. The air was thick with awkwardness, lingering ambiguity, and the panic of being caught red-handed.
Several seconds passed, and there was no further sound from Texas's room; it seemed that the sound had been just an unconscious rustling.
Han Fei breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at Lemuen, only to meet her gaze as she also subtly looked up. Their eyes met, and both of them quickly looked away as if pricked by a needle.
"Ahem, it's getting late."
Han Fei cleared his throat, looking somewhat pretentious, "I think we should rest; we have important business to attend to tomorrow."
"Um... yes, yes," Lemuen's voice was barely audible, tinged with obvious panic. "It's... it's time to rest."
"I have to go to the Pontifical Hall tomorrow, and I also have to go shut down the power," Han Fei added, as if emphasizing some legitimate reason.
"Yes...yes! We have important business to attend to tomorrow!" Lemuen immediately nodded in agreement, as if she had grasped at a lifeline.
Neither of them dared to look at each other again, much less mention the "incomplete" examination they had just undergone.
"Well, goodnight?"
Han Fei tentatively asked, a question creeping into his mind, "Maya, why is she so suspicious? Let me ask you something."
"Good night!"
Lemuen responded almost immediately, then, like a startled rabbit, she quickly stood up and ran back to her bedroom without looking back. She gently closed the door, leaned against it, and covered her still burning cheeks and wildly pounding heart.
Han Fei stood there, listening to the sound of the door closing next door. He looked down at his hand that had just held Lemuen's ankle, and the delicate, cool touch seemed to linger in his palm.
He scratched his head, somewhat agitated, and couldn't help but mutter softly, "Tsk, will I even be able to sleep tonight?"
No one could answer his question.
Han Fei sighed, found his cup, poured himself a full glass of cold water, and gulped it down in one go, which finally calmed his chaotic thoughts a little.
He slowly walked to his bedroom door, reached out and grasped the doorknob, but didn't push the door open. He subconsciously glanced at Lemuen's bedroom and couldn't help but whisper, "Goodnight, my lovely pink-haired Rao Tai."
Then, as the door opened and closed again, the living room was empty, leaving only the cold moonlight, silently witnessing this ambiguous storm that ended abruptly in the dead of night.
Volume 1: Chapter 116 A Twist of Fate
The next day, Han Fei was awakened by a series of urgent knocks on the door.
With a knock on the door, Lemuen's energetic voice pierced through the door. "Hey, hey, hey! Wake up, wake up! The sun's already high in the sky!"
Han Fei groggily opened his eyes, struggled to open the door, and was met with Lemuen's bright and energetic smile, as if the sunlight was concentrated on her face.
"We still have important business to attend to today! Don't sleep in! Go wash up and have breakfast! Fiammetta arrived a long time ago, we've all been waiting for you!" She spoke rapidly, like a chattering little bird.
"Okay, okay..." Han Fei replied, yawning.
After a quick wash, he arrived at the restaurant. Sure enough, the girls were already gathered at one table. The moment he pushed open the door, several pairs of eyes focused on him.
Han Fei, however, remained calm and composed—who isn't a Yan Zu (a famous Chinese comedian)? He swaggered over, casually pulled out the chair opposite Lemuen, and sat down, with Texas sitting to his left.
"Good morning, everyone," he greeted casually.
"Good morning." Texas nodded slightly, her cool gaze falling on his face, and asked in a flat tone, "Did you sleep well last night?"
Upon hearing this, Han Fei subconsciously glanced at Lemuen opposite him. The latter smiled gently and naturally, as if the romantic yet awkward interaction by the window last night had never happened.
"Well, it's alright." Han Fei looked away, grabbed a piece of bread, and said, "I had a bit of insomnia at first, but then I slept quite soundly, which is why I woke up a little late."
"Really? I thought you wouldn't be able to sleep last night," Texas said casually, then fell silent.
Han Fei nearly choked on his words, quickly gulping down a large mouthful of milk to recover. He glanced at Texas and said, "Why do you say that?"
Texas didn't speak, but silently raised her eyelids, giving him a look that was full of "What do you think?" before lowering her eyes again and focusing on the breakfast on her plate, as if she had just mentioned it casually.
"Eat?"
Han Fei was momentarily speechless, taken aback by that look, wondering to himself: What does that mean?
Before he could figure it out, Lemuen's clear, spring-like voice rang out at the perfect moment, with a just-right hint of a smile, "Alright, alright, let's eat breakfast in peace."
She tilted her head, her bright smile dispelling the awkward atmosphere. "Eat quickly, we have important business to attend to later."
"OK!"
Han Fei readily agreed and immediately went into battle mode. He devoured the classic Laterano sweet breakfast in no time.
A short while later, after finishing the last sip of milk, Han Fei put down the cup and said, "I'm done."
Just then, a slender, pale hand held out a tissue to him. Han Fei almost instinctively turned his head to avoid it—
"Don't move."
The cool, clear voice carried an undeniable authority.
Han Fei glanced sideways and saw that Texas had somehow gotten close and was looking at him calmly.
With delicate yet slightly forceful movements, she pinched his chin, and with her other hand, she held a tissue and carefully wiped away the trace of milk stain remaining at the corner of his mouth.
"Alright." She released her grip, took a step back, her expression remaining calm and composed, as if she had simply completed a routine task.
Han Fei looked at her expressionless face, opened his mouth, and finally only managed to utter one word. "... Okay."
Texas is becoming more and more unpredictable.
"Well then, let's go." Lemuen stood up with a smile. "Xiao Le, take them to the entrance of the First Hall and wait for me. I'll be there shortly."
"Huh? Where are you going?" Han Fei asked instinctively.
"I'll ask a friend for help to see if we can speed up our approval process," Lemuen explained, her tone tinged with uncertainty. "It might not work, but it's better than just waiting around."
Han Fei nodded knowingly and said, "Okay, then we'll wait for you over there."
The group left the apartment, parted ways outside, and walked in different directions.
Before long, the solemn First Hall came into view.
The four of them didn't rush inside. Instead, they found two benches outside and sat down, patiently waiting for Lemuen and her friend who could speed things up.
The waiting process was always somewhat tedious. Han Fei listlessly looked around, pondering how conspicuous he would be if he rashly went in and pulled the switch without a "legitimate reason" provided by Lemuen...
Just then, a large, fluffy, soft pink marshmallow suddenly appeared right in front of him.
"Here! Have something sweet, and wait patiently!"
Lemuen's energetic voice rang in his ears, her face adorned with her signature bright smile.
It's said that girls who smile a lot have good luck. Whether that's true or not is another matter, but seeing Lemuen's bright and cheerful face, Han Fei's mood did indeed brighten up a bit.
He reached out and took the cotton candy, saying, "Thanks."
"You're welcome!"
Lemuen gave a thumbs-up, beaming, "You're my older sister's friend, so you're Lemuen friend too!"
Han Fei took a big bite, the sweet taste melting in his mouth. "Mmm, quite sweet."
"Right!" Lemuen shook her head smugly. "Eating something sweet will lift your spirits, after all, this is Laterano, a paradise for sweets!"
She suddenly changed the subject, leaning closer with a hint of slyness in her voice, "But, I feel like my older sister doesn't really need this anymore."
"Hmm?" Han Fei looked at her in confusion.
"She feels especially happy when she sees you!"
Lemuen blinked, giving Han Fei no chance to interrupt, and continued speaking confidently, "I could feel it! Like at breakfast this morning, the moment you appeared, the emotional fluctuations she exuded immediately became very lively, very... um, excited?"
Han Fei mimicked Lemuen's earlier gesture, giving her a thumbs-up and asking mysteriously, "Want to know why?"
"Why?"
Lemuen immediately widened her eyes in agreement, feigning extreme curiosity.
She vaguely knew the answer, but what's the point of saying it outright? As a naturally playful Laterano, she was determined to have some fun.
"Because I'm incredibly handsome," Han Fei said matter-of-factly. "Really."
"Huh--?!"
Lemuen froze instantly, her eyes widening in surprise, seemingly completely unprepared for this answer.
Immediately afterwards, as if her funny bone had been tickled, she burst out laughing, "Pfft—hahahahahaha!" Her clear, bell-like laughter echoed through the streets of Laterano in the early morning, drawing the attention of passersby.
Just as Lemuen was laughing so hard she was doubled over, a gentle and familiar voice drifted over with a smile:
"What are you talking about that's making you so happy? Why are you laughing so loudly?"
Han Fei looked in the direction of the sound and saw Lemuen walking towards them with elegant and composed steps.
Beside her was a woman with a completely different demeanor.
She had long, flowing purple hair, wore a well-tailored black dress, had a calm face and deep eyes, and exuded a restrained yet powerful aura.
"Sis! You're finally back!" Lemuen immediately stopped laughing and skipped over to greet him. "We've been waiting for you for so long!"
There was a slight delay on the way.
Lemuen explained gently, then turned her gaze to Han Fei and introduced him naturally, "Han Fei, this is Ms. Velliv, a cardinal from the Pontifical Hall."
"Hello, I'm Han Fei."
Han Fei stood up, extended his hand, and smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Same to you."
Velliv extended her hand and gave Han Fei a polite, light handshake, a gesture imbued with the tact characteristic of a cardinal. Then, she turned to Lemuen, her voice calm and direct. "So, shall we go inside?"
"Okay, sure," Lemuen replied softly.
Led by Velliv, the group then headed towards the solemn First Hall of the Pontifical Hall.
They walked slowly, and Velliv explained to the group as she went, her voice clear and steady:
"I need to make it clear in advance that the specific affairs of the First Hall are not under my jurisdiction. Therefore, I cannot guarantee that you will be able to see Mostima immediately today."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the crowd with a convincing authority, "However, I can assure you that your visitation application process will be absolutely compliant and smooth, and will not be unjustly delayed due to unnecessary procedural obstacles or human factors."
Although these words left room for maneuver, they were still an unexpected delight for Fiammetta. After all, when she sought help from her highly respected Gun Knights grandfather, he had flatly refused.
A genuine look of gratitude flashed in Fiammetta's eyes as she nodded solemnly, saying, "Thank you so much for your help, Ms. Velliv. This is already a tremendous help."