"Mm."
After that.
Chu Youning began another round of eating, eating, and more eating.
Later that evening.
After leaving the banquet.
Chu Youning returned to her own residence next door and settled onto the roof with practiced ease, enjoying the cool breeze.
Qing Qianxue arrived a little later, carrying a cloak, and walked over to drape it around her.
"How many times have I told you? The nights are still chilly lately, yet you keep climbing onto the roof for a cool breeze after eating your fill."
"Hehe, isn't that what my dear Qianqing is here for~?"
Chu Youning turned and broke into a wide grin.
The young girl of those days had now grown into a woman. As her features matured, some of her youthful innocence had given way to a mature, alluring beauty, with an indescribable air of languid nonchalance beneath it.
Of course, most importantly, the bean-sprout figure she herself had once despised could now be considered delightfully curvaceous.
"Honestly, you."
Qing Qianxue sat down beside her with practiced ease, took out a Jade Flute, and began playing a tune. Just as naturally, Chu Youning leaned against his back and gazed into the deep night.
A long while later.
Chu Youning unwittingly closed her eyes.
Seeing this, Qing Qianxue stopped, tucked the Jade Flute into his waistband, and carefully lifted her into his arms to carry her back to her room.
Just as he was about to leave, someone suddenly caught his wrist.
He turned and met those sparkling eyes.
There was not the slightest trace of sleepiness in them.
"Qianqing, I have something I want you to keep safe for me."
"All right."
Without even asking what it was, Qing Qianxue smiled gently and nodded.
Chu Youning took a golden cloth pouch that seemed to contain