Chapter 147: Winning Over Zhang Lexuan
Before long, three or four attendants entered, pushing food carts laden with dishes.
Two sets of fine silverware were placed meticulously on the redwood dining table as gourmet plates were unveiled one by one.
The grilled snow-deer ribs sizzled in a white porcelain dish—golden and glistening with oils—while a bowl of creamy mushroom soup steamed beside a mountain of fresh salad.
Their rich aroma soon filled the room.
Then came the roses, candles, and wine—the perfect candlelit dinner atmosphere.
Ye Chen and Zhang Lexuan sat side by side, so close their shoulders brushed, the air between them heavy with charged warmth.
"Please take care of me tomorrow, Sister~" Ye Chen said after the attendants left, raising his glass with a playful smile.
Even though hunting a spirit beast wasn't necessary for him, searching for the Ice Empress would still be dangerous—he'd need her protection along the way.
"Hmph~ what's the big deal? You're my cutest little brother. Of course your sister will look after you," Zhang Lexuan replied with a radiant grin, tapping her glass against his.
It was obvious how much she enjoyed the moment—her expression soft and dazzling under the warm candlelight.
After their first shared toast, they began eating.
Ye Chen was genuinely hungry; he ate quickly, with big, hearty bites.
Zhang Lexuan, on the other hand, cut her venison carefully, every movement graceful. Yet throughout the meal, her gaze lingered on Ye Chen, a faint teasing smile curling her lips.
They chatted idly, sharing small anecdotes and laughter.
Without noticing, bottle after bottle emptied.
The wine was designed specifically for spirit masters—its special additives prevented it from being expelled by soul power, forcing the body to absorb it naturally.
Zhang Lexuan had drunk quite a bit. Her words slowed, her voice softened, each syllable stretching with a faint, tipsy sweetness.
The candle flames swayed gently, and the mix of roses, wine, and warmth seemed to wrap the room in a hazy spell.
Before long, Zhang Lexuan leaned gently against Ye Chen's shoulder.
"Sister, you're drunk," Ye Chen murmured, turning to see her flushed cheeks glowing under the flickering light. The sight nearly stole his breath.
He couldn't resist—he leaned over and gave her cheek a small bite.
"I'm not drunk… I'm a Soul Douluo, remember? If anyone's drunk, it's you," Zhang Lexuan muttered, sounding unconvinced.
Even if the wine was potent, she refused to believe Ye Chen's constitution surpassed hers.
"Let me help you to bed," he said resignedly, guiding her toward the large, soft bed.
He hadn't realized how many bottles he'd had himself. His body felt warm, his head light—but his immense vitality kept him completely steady despite the alcohol.
The moment they sat on the edge of the bed, Zhang Lexuan suddenly tightened her arms around his neck and shoved him down, lips meeting his without warning.
"Uh—Sister, w-what are you doing…"
Ye Chen tried to push her back, half laughing, half helpless.
Though her scent mixed with the faint aroma of wine was intoxicating, she was clearly drunk—and he refused to take advantage.
"Doing what… whatever you want to do. Don't you like it when Sister acts like this?"
Her voice was low and sweet, her fingers tracing his cheek.
Her eyes, though clouded, flickered with heat. She looked drunk—but not completely gone.
"Sister, you've had too much. You should rest…" Ye Chen said uncertainly, unable to tell what she was thinking, so he didn't dare move.
But clearly dissatisfied with his restraint, Zhang Lexuan suddenly pushed him again—this time harder.
…
Moments later, two sets of clothes lay scattered on the floor.
They lay together, their breaths tangled, eyes meeting silently.
Under the dim light, Ye Chen could still see the bright flush across Zhang Lexuan's cheeks.
"Sister, stop teasing. We have to go to the Extreme North tomorrow…" he said finally, trying to steady himself.
"Hmph, such a coward—always all talk and no action," she muttered, turning her head away, feigning annoyance.
Ye Chen: …
He felt like she'd just mocked him.
Fine then. Enough restraint.
Time to prove himself.
…
…
…
The next morning, rays of golden sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.
Zhang Lexuan stirred awake, her mind blank at first—until she realized Ye Chen was still holding her tightly.
A wave of heat rushed to her face as fragments of the previous night flickered back.
"Last night… I…"
She could hardly believe the words that had come out of her own mouth.
Sure, she'd imagined it before—but she'd never thought she'd say them aloud.
"You're awake, Sister~"
Ye Chen smiled as he noticed her movement, eyes glimmering with mischief.
For a moment, she just stared at him dazedly—until the reality of their situation sank in. Her expression shifted to panic and embarrassment all at once.
"W-why didn't you stop me last night?!" she demanded, cheeks burning as she pinched his face in frustration.
"I tried, but you were the one who pulled me down… and provoked me," Ye Chen said helplessly, shoulders shrugging.
"T-that's because I was drunk! You knew I was drunk—and you still… you did it on purpose!"
She swatted his face again, more flustered than angry. Even her scolding sounded soft and gentle.
"Alright, alright—it's my fault, then. I deliberately got Sister drunk, deliberately…" Ye Chen said, taking full blame to spare her further embarrassment.
"You're awful…"
Zhang Lexuan hid her face under the blanket, her heart in chaos.
Logically, she should've been furious… but instead, warmth and an unfamiliar thrill spread through her chest.
It had happened unexpectedly, yet deep down, she didn't regret it one bit.
Just as she was lost in thought, she suddenly realized something—and gasped.
"Xiao Chen… you still want…"
Ye Chen reddened, stammering, "Let me explain! I—Sister, please!"
Zhang Lexuan: "…"
…
An hour later, the sound of running water came from the bathroom.
Though she thought he'd gone too far, she couldn't bring herself to refuse. And after what had already happened, refusing now would feel pointless.
Ye Chen finished dressing, sitting absent-mindedly on the bed.
It had been… unexpectedly wonderful—but entirely unplanned.
He swore to himself that he hadn't meant to seduce Zhang Lexuan on this trip. He'd only wanted to build more affection.
Maybe he overdid it. Or maybe she'd truly been that drunk. Either way… it just happened.
(END CHAPTER)
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