Chapter 254: Taking Xiao Xiao
"I'm not drunk… I don't need your help…" Wang Dong protested weakly, but her body only grew softer, pressing completely against Ye Chen.
Ye Chen finally managed to help her into the west wing and onto the bed.
The room was tidy and faintly fragrant.
He gently removed her shoes and covered her with a thin blanket.
Wang Dong's fair cheeks were rosy from wine, her lips slightly pursed, long lashes casting soft shadows across her eyelids. Her breathing was slow and steady—she had fallen asleep.
Her face in slumber was peaceful, pure, and childlike, stripped of all her usual bratty willfulness, leaving only gentle beauty and vulnerability.
Ye Chen stood beside the bed, looking at her defenseless sleeping face. With a quiet sigh, he brushed a strand of pink-blue hair from her forehead and leaned down to plant a light kiss on her lips.
"Rest well."
He whispered softly, then quietly shut the door behind him as he left.
Back in the courtyard, he found Xiao Xiao still sitting at the stone table, resting her chin on her hand.
The late-night meal was mostly untouched, the wine too.
The night breeze stirred her hair as she turned slightly.
"You're done already?" Ye Chen asked, walking over.
"Mmm." Xiao Xiao quickly stood up, a faint blush still lingering on her cheeks. "Is Wang Dong… alright?"
"She's fine. Fell asleep."
Ye Chen smiled lightly. "Want me to walk you back?"
"Ah? Uh… okay."
She hesitated for a moment, her voice barely a whisper. Lowering her head, she walked to his side.
Ye Chen escorted her to her room.
Night had deepened; everything was quiet except for the faint chirping of insects.
Under the moonlight, Xiao Xiao's figure looked slender and delicate.
"Here we are. Good night."
Ye Chen stopped at her door.
"Um… Ye Chen…" Xiao Xiao looked up, her eyes glimmering like twin stars under the moon. It seemed like she wanted to say a lot.
But in the end, she only managed to whisper, "Thank you… I had a really nice time tonight."
Her face flushed deep red, and she spun around quickly, slipping through the door.
"Good night!"
The door closed gently behind her.
Ye Chen stared at the closed door and laughed softly, shaking his head.
After such a long day, he wasn't planning on pushing things further with either Wang Dong or Xiao Xiao tonight. It was better to let them rest.
When he noticed Xiao Xiao's room go quiet—probably bathing—he turned and headed to his own.
His room was just as he'd left it. The small soul lamp on the table glowed softly.
There was still a faint trace of Wang Dong's floral scent in the air.
He removed his coat and lay down, ready to sleep.
Though his strength allowed him to stay awake for days without issue, soul masters still needed rest.
Constant cultivation without breaks could cause mental strain; a night of peaceful sleep was crucial to maintaining clarity and balance.
Just after he had laid down—
Click…
A faint sound broke the silence.
Ye Chen's door creaked open ever so slightly, revealing a slim silhouette slipping inside.
It was Xiao Xiao.
She had changed out of her daytime clothes, wearing only a simple cotton nightdress.
The fabric was a pale lotus hue, without any ornaments. The neckline dipped just enough to reveal her delicate collarbones and a hint of porcelain skin.
The skirt reached just past her knees, outlining the gentle curves of her waist.
Below it, her smooth legs gleamed faintly in the dim light, bare feet making no sound against the cool floor.
Her long black hair draped freely, framing her pure, lovely face.
A faint blush still colored her cheeks—perhaps from the wine, or perhaps from nervousness now.
Her moist eyes shimmered softly, a mix of tension and shyness.
"Xiao Xiao, why aren't you asleep? It's late," Ye Chen said, having noticed her presence long before. His tone was amused but a little helpless.
Xiao Xiao didn't answer. Instead, she rushed to the bed, lifted the edge of his blanket—and in one swift motion, slipped right under it.
Her small, warm body pressed against Ye Chen's side, carrying a faint scent of milk and freshly washed soap.
Like a small animal seeking warmth, she instinctively nestled closer to him.
"Mm… mmm~"
Her muffled voice came from where her face was buried in his chest. She sounded delicate and spoiled. "I can't sleep alone… I want to sleep with you…"
"…"
Ye Chen exhaled slowly, equal parts exasperated and amused.
Xiao Xiao wiggled even closer, curling herself up tightly against him, trying to fit perfectly into his embrace.
The thin fabric of her dress did little to separate them.
Ye Chen turned slightly, wrapping an arm gently around her.
Through the soft nightdress, her body heat was unmistakable.
What made his heartbeat quicken, though, was the unmistakable fullness pressing faintly against his chest—a youthful, tender curve, even through the cloth.
He could feel her heart pounding faster, the rhythm of it echoing against his ribs.
Wait…
No undergarment?
The realization flickered through Ye Chen's mind.
He instinctively slipped a hand down her back to confirm—smooth, bare.
"Xiao Xiao… you're awfully bold tonight. Aren't you afraid I might take advantage of you?"
He teased her in a low voice, his breath brushing against her ear as he drew her fully into his arms.
Her intentions were clear—too clear.
The faint fragrance of wine lingered on her, mixing with her natural sweetness. The soft purity of her aura held an irresistible charm that drew him in.
As his warm breath tickled her ear, Xiao Xiao stiffened instantly. Her ears burned bright red; even her earlobes turned crimson.
Her breathing hitched, her heart skipping a beat before pounding even stronger—thumping against him like a drum.
"Mmph… n-no, that won't do… Wang Dong will be angry…" Xiao Xiao murmured timidly.
After all, she and Wang Dong were close. If Ye Chen touched her first, Wang Dong might be upset.
Even as she said it, her eyes betrayed anticipation.
"Then we just won't let her know," Ye Chen whispered with a smirk. "You came to me on your own—and I'd be a fool to waste the chance~"
He leaned in, biting lightly at her soft cheek, tasting its sweetness first.
As for Wang Dong…
That could wait.
Until he resolved the fragment of Tang San's divine consciousness within her, he couldn't touch her anyway.
"Mmm… you bad man…"
Xiao Xiao trembled as Ye Chen's warm breath brushed her neck, her body melting into his. Her voice came out soft, breathy, and irresistible.
Who could resist that?
(END CHAPTER)
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