The next morning.
Tang Qingye leisurely opened his eyes.
A night of intimacy had improved his condition considerably.
By his rough estimate, it would take several months of recuperation to return to his peak.
He wanted to move his somewhat numb arms, only to discover that her arms had locked him firmly against her, a heavy, soft pressure bearing down on his chest.
He raised his gaze, and towering peaks filled his vision.
Master's sleeping posture isn't much better than Jiaojiao's, Tang Qingye reflected, nestling a little closer in that direction.
Tang Qingye's room.
Daylight was faint, pale morning rays filtering through the window gauze and into the room.
Leng Nu Jiao was the first to stir slowly from sleep.
Her mind was still hazy with drowsiness. All she felt was warmth and softness filling her embrace, a warm body pressed tightly against her own.
Her eyelids slowly lifted. When her gaze settled, she realized with a start that Gu Yuena, who had shared her bed last night, was nestled entirely in her arms.
The bolster and stuffed toy they had each held last night had long since been squeezed aside as they tossed and turned. After two dull thuds, they had fallen onto the cold floor, forgotten beneath the bed.
Black hair lay scattered and tangled beside their pillows. Unguarded in sleep, their limbs had long since pressed closely together.
Leng Nu Jiao stiffened all over, abruptly withdrawing her arms and hastily retreating backward.
It's over, young master. I'm no longer pure...
The commotion also startled Gu Yuena awake. Her lashes fluttered, and her eyes snapped open. Once she saw how close they were, unexpected astonishment surfaced on her face. She hurriedly shifted toward the outside, swiftly widening the distance between them.
The bedding was slightly rumpled, the