Xiao Chi Zhan’s body recovered quickly, but after only a few days of rest, a pile of memorial drafts awaited his review.
In the evening, Ye Luan brought tea and snacks into the study. Seeing him still there, she frowned slightly.
"Still not finished?"
Xiao Chi Zhan, wearing only a thin robe, sat at the desk by the window. The soft moonlight cast a faint glow upon him.
He looked up as soon as he heard Ye Luan’s voice and pulled the approaching person onto his lap.
"Why aren't you asleep?"
His wounds had almost healed, so Ye Luan wasn't afraid of pressing on him. She sat quietly in his embrace and yawned.
"Why are you still working? Look how high the moon is outside."
Xiao Chi Zhan smiled and kissed her forehead. "You're sleepy, go to bed first."
"No."
Ye Luan sat up, tilted her head to look at the official documents on the desk, and asked, "There are so many, until when will you be working?"
"I'll stay here with you, okay?"
Xiao Chi Zhan was more than happy for her to stay. He hugged her waist and said, "Okay."
Seeing this, Ye Luan nestled into his embrace, found a comfortable position, and listlessly watched the moon outside the window.
Every corner of Yun Shang Que was built with exquisite ingenuity. Take this study for instance; from the desk, one could look up and see the full moon through the window lattice, a truly magnificent sight.
She became lost in her gaze, her mind constantly replaying all their past moments.
Love, hate, anger, obsession, greed, resentment.
Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, it was all predestined.
"Xiao Chi Zhan, your injuries have mostly healed. I'll return to the Bai Manor tomorrow."
As soon as she spoke, the hand around her waist suddenly tightened, gripping her fiercely.
Ye Luan raised her clear, watery eyes to look at him and pouted, "You can't go back on your word. We're not married yet, and I can't always stay in the Northern Palace."
"But I still feel some pain in my chest. Can you wait until I'm completely recovered before leaving?"
He gently placed a hand over his chest, his high nose bridge brushing against hers as he nuzzled her affectionately.
Ye Luan changed his dressing daily and knew exactly how his injuries were healing. Hearing him act so childishly, she playfully pushed him away.
"There must be mutual respect between two people; you can't force things."
"I'm not forcing you; I'm discussing it with you."
"---"
Xiao Chi Zhan leaned back against the chair, lifted her, parted her legs with his knees, and forced her to straddle him.
"Wait a couple more days. I'll go to the Bai Manor to propose."
Upon hearing this, Ye Luan gave him a look. "You have the nerve to propose? My uncle probably doesn't even want to see you."
Hearing her words, Xiao Chi Zhan seemed to recall something and awkwardly averted his gaze.
Ye Luan playfully tugged his ear. "Tell me, why were you so hated before?"
You're still hated now, you just hide it from me.
Xiao Chi Zhan coughed lightly and coaxed her, "Alright, alright, I was wrong. Don't be angry."
Ye Luan didn't want to dwell on the past. She snorted, released him at the opportune moment, and hugged him.
"Can you stop being so wicked and cruel in the future? Don't stab people or gouge out eyes at the drop of a hat."
"I wouldn't be cruel to you."
He was ruthless and vicious, but he doted on her endlessly, unwilling to even utter a harsh word.
Ye Luan rested her head on his shoulder and continued, "In any case, you're not allowed to kill innocent people anymore, and those torture chambers, the Burial Corpse Pits, in your manor are too terrifying."
Xiao Chi Zhan hugged her tightly and said, "I'll have Blood Blade flatten them all when we get back, alright?"
"Really?"
He chuckled. "Of course. I must listen to you."
The treasure he had exchanged for his life could only be indulged, must be indulged!
Ye Luan smiled happily. Just as she was about to say something, she turned her head and saw the stack of memorial drafts on the table.
"Why don't you get back to work? I'm delaying you too much here. I'll sit by the side and wait for you."
Saying this, she started to get down.
Xiao Chi Zhan held her tightly and pressed her into his embrace.
"No hurry, let's do something important first."
"Hm?"
Before Ye Luan could react, his slightly cool hand unfastened her belt. His lips brushed against her ear as he softly called her name.
A tremor ran through her back, and she couldn't help but shift her body.
"Stop fooling around."
"Luan Luan." Xiao Chi Zhan held her hand and guided it downwards. "Look, it's already..."
Ye Luan's face turned completely red from his actions, and she shyly retreated.
Sensing her body gradually softening, he pressed against her ear at the right moment.
"Luan Luan, let me, I'm in so much discomfort."
This soft, almost pleading sentence sent an electric current through Ye Luan, making her entire body go numb.
"No, I--"
Before she could finish speaking, his lips covered hers, his kiss unusually rough.
"Mmm~"
He held her head down, kissing her passionately.
Ye Luan was slightly startled. She struggled but couldn't break free, so she simply wrapped her arms around his back and responded.
Beneath the moonlight by the window, they held each other tightly, kissing with fervent abandon.
Xiao Chi Zhan, not content with such closeness, cupped her and lifted her, placing her onto the table behind him.
The cool surface of the table touched her skin, sending a chill through her back.
Ye Luan immediately regained consciousness from her daze and slightly opened her eyes.
Xiao Chi Zhan looked at her, his throat dry, and tugged at his robe. His crimson eyes flickered with danger.
Her dark hair was spread across the tabletop, and she wore only a red robe, which made her smooth, fair skin appear even more luminous.
Her alluring, foxy eyes were moist, her lips bitten, making her appear both innocent and bewitching.
He almost suspected she was deliberately seducing him.
"Luan Luan."
Ye Luan quickly pushed against his chest, stating seriously, "We had an agreement before. We can't."
Xiao Chi Zhan caught her hand and brought it to his face, his voice deep.
"Don't you like this face of mine very much?"
Ye Luan looked at his cheek. Their eyes met in the air. She felt as if she had been burned and quickly tried to withdraw her hand.
Was this scoundrel deliberately trying to tempt her?
"Hm?"
His voice in the night was incredibly pleasant and alluring.
Ye Luan's earlobes quietly flushed red.
Seeing her shy and charming demeanor, Xiao Chi Zhan's red lips curved into a smile. He leaned down and buried his head in her neck, nibbling.
"Xiao--"
"Good girl, call me husband."
Hearing him, Ye Luan's fair cheeks flushed. She involuntarily stiffened her neck, tilting her head back slightly.
"Baby?!"
He gently squeezed her.
Ye Luan trembled slightly, biting her lip, finding it hard to speak.
The strong body pressing down on her paused for a moment.
Then, his icy voice suddenly echoed in her ear.
"When you were in Bei Qi, why did you call him Bei Han Ge Ge?"
His tone shifted subtly, carrying an inexplicable hint of killing intent.
Ye Luan noticed the change in him, her slightly dazed eyes clearing.
Was he referring to the time in Bei Qi when she deliberately provoked him at the Shen Manor?
Now, he was bringing up old grievances.
"During your time in Bei Qi, did you privately call him that?"
His tone was so sour.
Ye Luan felt like laughing inwardly, but she maintained a composed expression, looking at him with feigned confusion.
"What are you talking about?"