Zhu Zhuqing's Alluring Charm

"Mm."

"After taking the trophy, is 'mm' all you have to say?"

"The championship belongs to everyone."

Dugu Yan looked at him for a moment before withdrawing her hand.

"That was at least pleasant to hear."

Ye Lingling approached from behind.

The Nine-Hearted Begonia bloomed in her palm, and White Light fell over everyone in turn.

"Recover your Soul Power first, then return to your quarters."

Yu Tianheng raised his right arm.

"Lingling, we've already won."

"The exhaustion hasn't disappeared."

"Alright."

Yu Feng sat at the edge of the Competition Platform, letting the white light fall over him.

"Captain, this time I didn't let Feng Xiaotian get near the back line."

"You did well."

Yu Feng froze for a moment, then looked up.

"Captain, why are you being so generous today?"

"A champion's reward."

Dugu Yan raised a hand and patted his shoulder.

"Don't disturb him."

Yu Feng immediately shut up.

By the time they returned to their quarters, the sky had already darkened.

Spirit City's streets were still brightly lit.

News of the championship had spread throughout the city, and passing Spirit Masters kept casting looks toward Heaven Dou Royal Academy's team.

Tang Feng did not linger.

After returning to his room, he placed the championship trophy at the corner of the table and took out two jade boxes.

Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and Yu Feng all gathered around.

Zhu Zhuqing stood by the doorway.

She did not hurry inside. Her long black hair hung behind her shoulders, and the bandage on her right hand had already been changed.

"Let's look at the Right Arm Spirit Bone first."

Dugu Yan pulled out a chair and sat beside Tang Feng.

"Leave the Head Spirit Bone for last."

Tang Feng opened the first jade box.

Pale golden Soul Power drifted out from within.

The Right Arm Spirit Bone was entirely golden, its surface covered in fine patterns.

Tang Feng reached out and touched it.

Soul Power flowed into his body through his arm.

A moment later, he withdrew his hand.

"It enhances strength and penetration."

Yu Tianheng looked up.

"It suits close combat."

"It can also temporarily strengthen the Soul Power in the right arm."

Dugu Yan looked at his right arm.

"Then absorb it."

Tang Feng did not act immediately.

"I'll absorb it after we return to the academy."

"Why?"

"It isn't convenient here."

Dugu Yan nodded.

She closed the jade box again, then looked at the second one.

"What about the Head Spirit Bone?"

Tang Feng opened the lid.

Mental fluctuations spread outward.

Zhu Zhuqing finally entered the room.

She stood beside the table, her gaze falling on the Spirit Bone in the jade box.

"Mental enhancement."

Tang Feng said:

"It also comes with a mental attack."

Zhu Zhuqing glanced at him.

"You no longer need that kind of ability."

"I do."

"You can sense changes in Soul Power in advance."

"Sensing isn't the same as attacking."

Zhu Zhuqing did not argue further.

Dugu Yan put both jade boxes into Tang Feng's Storage Soul Tool.

"You are not allowed to cultivate tonight."

Tang Feng looked at her.

"The Spirit Bones haven't been absorbed yet."

"That's exactly why you aren't allowed to."

Ye Lingling nodded.

"The exhaustion from the match hasn't fully recovered yet."

"I'll rest."

Dugu Yan pointed at the bed.

"Lie down."

The room fell silent for a moment.

Tang Feng looked toward the bed not far away.

"You're all here."

"So what?"

Dugu Yan crossed her arms.

"We'll watch you rest."

Ye Lingling handed him the cup of water on the table.

"Finish it before you sleep."

Tang Feng took the cup.

The warm water carried a faint Honey Flavor.

After finishing it, he placed the cup back on the table.

Zhu Zhuqing had been standing beside him the entire time.

She glanced at Tang Feng, then at Dugu Yan.

"I'm staying tonight."

Dugu Yan turned her head.

"Shrek Academy's quarters are on the other side."

"I know."

"What are you staying for?"

"My arm needs its medicine changed."

Dugu Yan looked at her bandage.

"The infirmary has already treated it."

"I want Tang Feng to check it once more."

Tang Feng stood up.

"Alright."

Dugu Yan's gaze fell on his face.

"You agreed very quickly."

"Her injury hasn't fully healed."

Zhu Zhuqing walked up to Tang Feng and untied the outer knot of her bandage.

Her black dress clung to her waist as she moved, its hem falling to her ankles and revealing a stretch of fair calf when she walked.

She held out her right hand to Tang Feng.

"Here."

Tang Feng lowered his head to inspect it.

The wound had already scabbed over, leaving only several faint red marks around the edges.

He took out an ointment and applied it around the wound.

Zhu Zhuqing stood very close.

Her shoulder lightly brushed Tang Feng's arm, and her dark hair slid down from her shoulder, grazing the back of his hand.

"Does it hurt?"

"It doesn't hurt anymore."

"Then why do you still need the medicine changed?"

"You said injuries should be treated."

Tang Feng looked up at her.

"You remembered."

"I remember everything you say."

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers paused in his palm.

Tang Feng wrapped her bandage again.

This time, he did not let go immediately.

Zhu Zhuqing did not pull back her arm either.

In the room, Dugu Yan arranged the jade boxes on the table while Ye Lingling stood by the window, putting away the Nine-Hearted Begonia.

No one disturbed them.

A moment later, Zhu Zhuqing said softly:

"I'll sleep inside tonight."

Dugu Yan looked at her.

"You've already decided?"

"Mm."

"Then where will Tang Feng sleep?"

Zhu Zhuqing looked at Tang Feng.

"He'll sleep outside."

Tang Feng nodded.

"Alright."

Dugu Yan put away the jade boxes.

"You two certainly settled that quickly."

Zhu Zhuqing did not respond.

She took a loose black robe from her Storage Soul Tool and held it against her chest.

Ye Lingling walked up to Tang Feng.

"I'll go back and rest first."

Dugu Yan stood as well.

She raised a hand and straightened Tang Feng's collar.

"You are not allowed to leave tonight."

"I won't."

Dugu Yan looked at Zhu Zhuqing.

"If he starts cultivating again, call me."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded.

"Alright."

Dugu Yan withdrew her hand.

She walked to the door, then looked back at Tang Feng once more.

"I'll come get the trophy tomorrow morning."

"The trophy is on the table."

"I meant, look at you."

Tang Feng did not answer.

Only then did Dugu Yan turn and leave.

Ye Lingling followed after her.

After the door closed, only Tang Feng and Zhu Zhuqing remained in the room.

Zhu Zhuqing placed a change of clothes beside the bed.

"Turn around."

Tang Feng walked to the window.

The sound of fabric rustling came from behind him.

A moment later, Zhu Zhuqing spoke.

"Okay."

Tang Feng turned back around.

She had changed out of her black dress and into a fitted dark gray gown.

The hem fell below her thighs, concealing most of the lines of her legs.

Barefoot, she sat at the edge of the bed, her fair feet resting on the soft carpet, her toes curling slightly.

Zhu Zhuqing looked up at him.

"What are you looking at?"

"Your injury."

"The injury is on my arm."

"I know."

"Then why are you looking at my legs?"

Tang Feng looked away.

"You asked."

Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head and glanced at her own legs, then reached for the thin blanket by the bed and covered everything below her knees.

"Come sit over here."

Tang Feng walked to the bed and sat on the outer side.

Zhu Zhuqing shifted slightly inward.

The bed was not wide, and their shoulders soon pressed together.

She pulled the thin blanket up to her chest and turned to look at Tang Feng.

"Are you happy about being champion?"

"Not bad."

"You won the entire tournament, and it's only not bad?"

"The team worked together well."

"You should say you're happy."

Tang Feng looked at her.

"I'm happy."

Zhu Zhuqing studied him seriously for a while.

"Say it again."

"I'm happy."

Only then did she look away.

"That's more like it."

Tang Feng raised a hand and dimmed the lamp on the table.

Only moonlight from outside remained in the room.

After Zhu Zhuqing lay down, her black hair spread across the pillow.

She raised her hand and patted the spot beside her.

"Lie down."

Tang Feng did not move.

"Didn't you say your arm needed new medicine?"

"I've already changed the medicine."

"Then why are you staying?"

Zhu Zhuqing looked at him.

"I want to sleep here."

"Fine."

"Stay with me."

Tang Feng lay down beside her.

The mattress sank slightly.

Zhu Zhuqing turned onto her side to face him. As she moved, the collar of her gown slipped aside, revealing a stretch of fair skin at her neck.

She raised a hand and straightened her collar.

"Did you see that just now?"

"I did."

"And after seeing it?"

"Your collar was loose."

"That's all?"

"Mm."

Zhu Zhuqing reached out, her fingertips landing on his chest.

The Champion Emblem was still pinned to his uniform, its silver edge reflecting the moonlight.

"Today, when you stood on that stage, everyone was looking at you."

"The competition is over."

"I was looking too."

Tang Feng lowered his gaze to her fingers.

"I know."

"You knew I was looking at you?"

"You were standing at the entrance to the passage."

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers paused.

"You saw me then?"

"I did."

"Why didn't you call me over?"

"You didn't come over."

"If I had come over, would you have called me?"

"I would."

Zhu Zhuqing lifted her eyes.

"You always answer so quickly."

"The question wasn't difficult."

She did not press further.

The room fell quiet.

Zhu Zhuqing withdrew her hand and lay back down.

After a while, she moved closer to Tang Feng.

Her forehead rested against his shoulder, her long hair spilling between them.

Tang Feng raised a hand and tucked the strands that had fallen beside her face behind her ear.

Zhu Zhuqing did not close her eyes.

"Did you take care of Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling like this before?"

"When they were injured, I treated them."

"What about when they slept beside you?"

"No."

Zhu Zhuqing looked at him.

"So I'm different from them?"

"You're sleeping beside me now."

Her eyelashes fluttered softly.

"Only now?"

"You can do so in the future too."

Zhu Zhuqing said nothing more.

She reached out and gripped Tang Feng's sleeve.

This time, her fingertips held tighter than before.

"Tang Feng."

"Mm?"

"I don't want to sleep alone tonight."

"You won't be alone."

"I mean, I don't want you to leave."

"I won't leave."

Zhu Zhuqing lifted her face.

Moonlight fell into her eyes.

She moved a little closer, her lips lightly brushing the corner of Tang Feng's mouth.

After lingering for a moment, she pulled back.

Tang Feng looked at her.

"Is this a reward?"

A faint blush spread across Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks.

"A champion's reward."

"I already have the trophy."

"This one is mine."

Tang Feng raised a hand and supported the back of her neck.

Zhu Zhuqing did not avoid him.

The distance between them narrowed once more.

This time, she closed her eyes first.

When their lips met, Zhu Zhuqing's fingers tightened around Tang Feng's sleeve.

She did not rush to pull away.

Tang Feng's palm settled at her waist, steadily supporting her through the soft fabric of her gown.

Zhu Zhuqing's breath caught for a moment.

She raised a hand to press against Tang Feng's shoulder, wanting to retreat, but she did not truly move away.

"Is that enough?"

"You decide."

"Then a little longer."

She leaned in again.

Outside the window, the moonlight slowly shifted.

The thin blanket slipped to the side of the bed.

Tang Feng picked it up, covered Zhu Zhuqing's legs again, and tucked the edges in around her.

Zhu Zhuqing leaned against his chest, her black hair scattered beside his arm.

"Are you still looking at my legs now?"

"No."

"You looked just now."

"The blanket had fallen."

Zhu Zhuqing looked up at him.

"You always have an excuse."

"That's the truth."

She reached out and pinched his sleeve.

"Then tonight, you can only look at me."

"Alright."

Only then was Zhu Zhuqing satisfied.

She leaned closer, pressing her entire body against Tang Feng's side.

Her long legs were tucked beneath the thin blanket, her knees touching the side of his leg.

Tang Feng raised a hand and tucked the corner of the blanket around her.

Zhu Zhuqing closed her eyes.

"Dugu Yan will come tomorrow morning."

"Mm."

"If she sees me sleeping here, what will she ask?"

"She'll ask whether you changed your bandage."

"And then?"

"She'll ask you to eat with her."

Zhu Zhuqing opened her eyes.

"You know her well."

"We've spent a long time together."

"Then do you know me?"

Tang Feng looked at her.

"You're not used to unfamiliar places."

Zhu Zhuqing fell quiet for a moment.

"What else?"

"You don't like talking about what's on your mind."

"What else?"

"When you want to stay, you won't explain yourself beforehand."

The tension in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes slowly eased.

"This time, you got it right."

She raised her hand and lightly touched the side of Tang Feng's face.

"Then do you know why I stayed?"

"You wanted me to keep you company."

"Just keep me company?"

"And change your bandage."

Zhu Zhuqing looked at him for a moment, then raised her hand and covered his mouth.

"You're not allowed to mention training or wounds again tonight."

Tang Feng did not speak again.

She withdrew her hand and leaned back into his embrace.

"This is enough."

Tang Feng did not cultivate.

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers still clutched his sleeve, her body pressed against his shoulder.

After a long while, her breathing gradually steadied.

Tang Feng lowered his head for a look.

Zhu Zhuqing was already fast asleep.

Her legs were covered by the thin blanket, but her ankles were exposed.

Tang Feng reached out and pulled the blanket down slightly, covering the tops of her feet.

In her sleep, Zhu Zhuqing moved closer, her forehead resting against the side of his neck.

Her fingers did not loosen.

"Tang Feng..."

"Mm?"

She did not say anything else.

Tang Feng withdrew his hand and let her lean against him.

Moonlight fell beside the bed through the window.

The two slept until the sky began to brighten.

Morning light streamed through the window lattice.

Tang Feng sat by the bed and raised his hand to fill the cup on the table with water.

Zhu Zhuqing was still lying on the inner side of the bed.

She opened her eyes, glanced at the distance between them, then looked at Tang Feng.

"You woke up early."

"It's time to train."

"I know."

Zhu Zhuqing sat up, her black hair slipping down from behind her shoulders.

She gathered it behind her ear. Her long dark robe draped down with the movement, its collar resting against the side of her neck.

"Did you sleep last night?"

"I did."

"When?"

"After you fell asleep."

Zhu Zhuqing looked at his shoulder.

"I used you as a pillow all night."

"Mm."

"Isn't your shoulder numb?"

"No."

She raised a hand and pressed lightly against Tang Feng's shoulder.

Her fingertips lingered over the fabric for a moment.

"What about here?"

"It's fine."

Zhu Zhuqing withdrew her hand and lowered her head to straighten the thin blanket.

"You always say you're fine."

"That is the truth."

"Then next time, I'll switch to the other side."

Tang Feng glanced at her.

"That's fine."

Zhu Zhuqing lifted her face.

Their gazes met.

She did not look away, and a faint smile appeared in her eyes.

"You agreed very quickly."

"There's no problem."

"What if I deliberately press down hard enough to hurt you?"

"You wouldn't."

"How do you know?"

"You sleep very quietly."