"You rotten man, thank you so much!"
There was a playful note in the Ice Empress's voice.
She suddenly stepped forward and pulled Chen Jue into a tight embrace.
Her cheek gently rubbed against his shoulder, a barely perceptible shyness tucked within that intimacy.
A teasing smile slipped onto Chen Jue's lips as he replied softly.
"Rather than just thanking me with words, why not do something practical?"
As he spoke, a sly gleam flickered in his eyes.
It brought a faint blush to the Ice Empress's cheeks, like peach blossoms opening for the first time.
Seeing her reaction, Chen Jue knew when to stop.
"Haha, let's have breakfast first!"
With that, the three sat together and began eating breakfast.
After the meal.
A calm smile curved Chen Jue's lips. His gaze turned tenderly toward Zhu Zhuyun as he said softly.
"Little Scorpion and I are getting ready to leave!"
After all, it was time to get down to business!
At his words, a barely noticeable shadow of sadness flickered through Zhu Zhuyun's eyes.
But she quickly composed herself, her lips forming a sweet yet faintly bitter smile.
Beautiful as that smile was, it carried reluctance and sorrow.
"Mm!"
Just as Chen Jue and the Ice Empress were about to cross the threshold, a soft yet slightly urgent call came from behind them.
"Brother Chen Jue, wait!"
Chen Jue and the Ice Empress involuntarily stopped, exchanging puzzled looks.
Then Chen Jue slowly turned, his gentle gaze settling on Zhu Zhuyun's slightly uneasy figure.
Zhu Zhuyun lightly twisted the hem of her clothes between her fingers, her expression showing a young woman's bashfulness and apprehension.
"Come to my room for a moment!"
Seeing this, Chen Jue nodded lightly, then turned his gentle gaze toward the Ice Empress standing quietly outside and