Shrouding the Heavens: The Years I Was the Female Emperor's Strictest Master

The pavilion returned to calm.

Tan Lin's originally restless blood and turbulent mind had completely settled with Shao Hanyun's "help."

At this moment, he seemed to have entered a wondrous state of complete enlightenment. He did not spare even a glance for the soft, fragrant beauty beside him, nor did he acknowledge the peculiar scent permeating the air.

A long while passed.

Silence spread between the two of them. The place was so quiet that only the faint sound of flowing water outside the pavilion could be heard.

Tan Lin lay flat upon the "carpet" made from his black robe, the depths and tranquility of his usual gaze restored.

Only, his brows were imperceptibly furrowed, as though he were processing everything that had just happened.

Not far away, Shao Hanyun lay on her side beside him, her silver hair spilling down like a waterfall and concealing most of her bewitching face.

Her eyes were closed as if she were asleep. Her long lashes cast small shadows beneath her eyes, but her faintly trembling fingertips revealed that her heart was far less calm than she appeared.

Another while passed.

Finally, Shao Hanyun slowly opened her eyes.

The usual seductiveness and aloofness had faded from her dark golden eyes, replaced by an indescribably complex expression.

There was confusion, a trace of annoyance, and a fleeting sharpness and satisfaction.

She turned her head and looked at the silent youth beside her.

At that moment, Tan Lin seemed to sense it as well. He turned his head and met her gaze.

Whoosh...

Their eyes met, and neither spoke.

"Now..."

After a moment, Shao Hanyun was the first to break the silence.

There was a trace of hoarseness in her voice. It had regained its original magnetic, beguiling quality, yet lacked the deliberate provocation from