The bedchamber was quiet for a moment, with only the faint sound of wind drifting in from outside the window.
After a long while, Bibi Dong finally came back to herself, her voice still steady. "I understand. If there is nothing else of importance, withdraw."
"Yes. This subordinate takes his leave."
Yue Guan answered respectfully, and the sound of his footsteps gradually receded.
Only after Yue Guan's footsteps had vanished completely did Bibi Dong stand by the door for a while longer before slowly turning around.
Her expression had already returned to calm, but the complex emotion deep in her eyes had not entirely faded.
Dai Chengfeng rose from the bed, walked up to her, and gently took her hand.
Her hand was a little cold, so he wrapped it in his own, warming it bit by bit.
"Teacher," he called softly.
Bibi Dong looked up at him without speaking. She only raised her face slightly and closed her eyes.
Dai Chengfeng lowered his head and kissed her lips again.
This kiss was gentler than the one before, carrying a soothing tenderness.
Bibi Dong rose onto her tiptoes and returned the kiss.
After a long while, the two separated again, both their breaths a little ragged.
Bibi Dong lightly pushed Dai Chengfeng away, tidied her slightly disheveled long hair, and said in a low voice, "I still have some official business to handle. You should... sit over there for a while."
Dai Chengfeng nodded and very cooperatively went to sit by the bed, watching as she walked toward the broad desk.
The desk was piled with documents and scrolls, official business Bibi Dong had not yet had time to deal with today.
Bibi Dong sat down in the ornate chair and lit the candlestick on the desk. Warm yellow light