Chapter 253: Drunken Wang Dong, Soft and Sweet
Click~
The door opened, and Wang Dong walked out together with Ye Chen.
"Ah, you're out! Aunt Ye's been waiting; supper's already ready for you~" Xiao Xiao quickly came up to greet them, slipping her hand around Ye Chen's arm.
"Xiao Xiao, how could you pick up bad habits and start eavesdropping?" Wang Dong gave her a small glare and muttered with mock displeasure.
"I didn't, I wasn't, I just—"
Xiao Xiao quickly denied it, but her face was full of guilt.
She hadn't meant to interrupt anything between them; the words had just slipped out…
"Alright, alright, so you listened a little. No need to get all red about it." Ye Chen chuckled and patted Xiao Xiao's hand, smoothing the mood. "I can already smell the food—it's torture. Let's go before I starve."
Xiao Xiao exhaled in relief, then eagerly held onto Ye Chen's arm as they walked toward the courtyard.
"Hmph, even Xiao Xiao's learning your bad habits now…"
Wang Dong gave a small tug and huffed softly.
In her eyes, Xiao Xiao was the innocent one—she'd never eavesdrop unless someone like Ye Chen had corrupted her.
"Yes, yes, it's all my fault~"
Ye Chen smiled helplessly.
They reached the stone table in the courtyard, where the rich aroma of food wafted through the cool night air.
Ye Yunxi's cooking was excellent. Though it was only a late-night meal, she had clearly put care into it.
The thick, pearly rice porridge steamed invitingly, topped with green scallions and finely cut shredded meat. A plate of golden-fried fish was crispy outside and tender inside.
A few dishes of lightly pickled vegetables added freshness.
There was even a small bowl of freshly sliced seasonal fruit, looking so appetizing that it made their mouths water.
Moonlight poured down like mercury, bathing the courtyard in pale silver.
The early autumn breeze carried the crisp scent of flowers and leaves, blowing away the heat of the day and leaving the air cool and soothing.
"Wow! It smells amazing! Aunt Ye, you're incredible~"
Wang Dong's eyes sparkled as her stomach growled loudly, wiping away the last trace of embarrassment. She sat down first, unable to wait any longer.
"Eat while it's hot."
Xiao Xiao quickly helped arrange the bowls and chopsticks with skilled hands.
Ye Chen sat down as well, ladling steaming porridge for each of them.
The fragrant blend of rice and tender meat stirred up everyone's appetite instantly.
"By the way," Wang Dong suddenly said, eyes gleaming with mischief, "how can a night like this go without some wine? Ye Chen, I remember you bought quite a few bottles from the Treasure Pavilion, didn't you?"
"I did. There's that special osmanthus brew for soul masters—it should be perfect." Ye Chen nodded and pulled a jar from his storage soul device.
He knew that Wang Dong's alcohol tolerance wasn't great, but her lively nature made her enjoy such cheerful moments.
Opening the jar, he poured three full cups. The golden-amber liquor glowed under the moonlight, releasing a sweet fragrance that intoxicated the senses even before tasting.
"Alright, to celebrate Xiao Xiao's advancement to Soul Sect, and Wang Dong's successful absorption of a ten-thousand-year soul bone—cheers!"
Ye Chen raised his glass, smiling brightly.
"Cheers!" Wang Dong's clear voice rang out crisply, her face glowing under the moonlight, eyes twinkling like stars.
Xiao Xiao nervously raised her cup and mumbled softly, "Cheers…"
Her gaze darted between Wang Dong and Ye Chen before settling shyly on Ye Chen's face, her cheeks slightly pink.
Ye Chen clinked glasses with them both. "Cheers."
The osmanthus wine was sweet, smooth, and warmly fragrant.
After a few rounds, the atmosphere grew even lighter and friendlier.
"Oh right, Wang Dong, what's your soul bone ability?" Xiao Xiao asked with a flushed face, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"Hehe~ It's an enhancement ability—amplifies the power of Light-attributed soul skills~"
Wang Dong grinned proudly. "All my soul skills are Light-type, so this bone strengthens every one of them."
Though a strengthening ability sounded simple, it applied across all her techniques.
Essentially, it was like having a built-in auxiliary effect similar to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—with almost no extra energy cost.
Not only that, but since all of Wang Dong's future soul skills would also be Light-based, even if she became a Titled Douluo, all nine of her skills would benefit from it.
That 6-million-gold-soul-coin price tag was more than worth it!
"Wow~ That's amazing…"
Xiao Xiao, though also possessing a soul bone, couldn't help feeling a hint of envy.
Wang Dong had already been strong—now, with that bone, her battle power was simply sky-high.
"Hmph~ Of course! Don't worry, Xiao Xiao, just follow my lead—I'll protect you from now on~" Wang Dong proclaimed confidently, resting one hand on her hip and patting Xiao Xiao's shoulder with the other.
As the three chatted and joked, Wang Dong kept drinking the most.
Before long, she had downed several cups.
Her fair cheeks were dyed with a rose-colored flush, her pink-blue eyes turned watery and drowsy, and her voice softened, carrying a cute, tipsy lilt.
"I'm telling you guys… this soul bone—hiccup—it's just… just too perfect for me!"
Wang Dong swayed slightly as she held her cup, slurring, "It's like… it was waiting just for me! Ye Chen… you're too good… spending so many soul coins for me…"
As she spoke, she leaned closer, her breath warm and lightly tinged with the scent of wine, her gaze tender and hazy.
Then, without warning—smack!
Wang Dong planted a kiss at the corner of Ye Chen's lips. Her mouth was soft and hot.
Ye Chen froze for a moment, and Xiao Xiao's eyes widened in shock.
Wang Dong, however, showed no embarrassment at all. She wrapped her arms around Ye Chen's neck, rubbing her face against his and murmured softly, "...just think of it… as your early reward…"
Her voice was warm and sticky-sweet, completely soaked in drunken haze.
"Wang Dong, slow down on the wine."
Xiao Xiao tugged gently at Wang Dong's sleeve, trying to coax her.
In front of Xiao Xiao sat a nearly full cup; she hadn't drunk much, though her cheeks glowed faintly pink—a soft, tipsy radiance.
She wasn't much of a drinker, preferring the cozy atmosphere and delicious food more than anything else.
"I'm not drunk! Not at all!" Wang Dong protested immediately, standing stiffly. "I can still… still…"
She tried to stand to prove her point, but her legs gave out, and she nearly collapsed.
Ye Chen caught her fast.
His hand landed on her soft waist as half her body sagged against him—warm, fragrant, and pliant.
Wang Dong tilted her head up, her dewy eyes gazing into Ye Chen's with unguarded affection. "Why're you holding me… I can walk… myself…"
Her words said no, but her body didn't lie, leaning fully into his arms.
Ye Chen sighed helplessly and looked at Xiao Xiao, who was still nibbling on her fish. "Xiao Xiao, Wang Dong's had too much. I'll take her back to rest. You should get some sleep too—Aunt Ye must've prepared your rooms."
"Mm-hmm, okay." Xiao Xiao nodded obediently, her eyes briefly lingering on Ye Chen with reluctant warmth before glancing worriedly at the unsteady Wang Dong.
With one arm supporting and one guiding her, Ye Chen led the swaying Wang Dong toward the west wing.
She stumbled lightly, mumbling incoherent words under her breath.
(END CHAPTER)
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