The next morning.
Inside Zhu Zhuqing's side hall.
"Aoyu, you're lying on my hair..."
"Oh, right."
Long Aoyu looked at the beauty beside him, amusement in his eyes, his hand settling on a certain spot as though guided by automatic navigation.
"No, it's time to get up..."
Zhu Zhuqing blushed and gave Long Aoyu a very gentle push.
They fooled around a little longer before finally getting up.
After getting dressed, Long Aoyu looked at Zhu Zhuqing beside him and suddenly smiled. "Zhuqing, that white outfit looks lovely on you."
His gaze made Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks burn, and she instinctively gathered her plain white dress around herself.
"I only just realized what a smooth talker you are."
Zhu Zhuqing raised a hand and lightly punched him, though she could not hide the smile in her eyes.
"Vina gave me this a few days ago. She even had the design altered to fit my figure, so it wouldn't get in the way when I cultivate."
Long Aoyu paused slightly at her words, warmth surging through his heart.
"So that's how it is. My sister-in-law was very thoughtful."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded gently. "While you were in seclusion, I stayed here in the side hall alone. Most of the time, Vina would come keep me company."
"She cultivated with me and told me amusing stories about the sect, worried I would feel lonely on my own."
At this point,
Zhu Zhuqing's voice softened considerably.
Within the Body Sect, aside from Long Aoyu, the person she felt closest to was the gentle, attentive Vina.
Long Aoyu reached out and gently smoothed her slightly tousled hair, his fingertips brushing her smooth cheek. "Thank you for all your effort."
"It wasn't hard on me."
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, wrapped her arms around his waist, and