**Chapter 308: Itchy**
“Yun Zhonghe, what do you think we should do to break through next?” Mu Jixue rested her chin on her hand, gazing up at Yun Zhonghe. His aquamarine eyes, illuminated by the flickering candlelight, sparkled like the brightest star in the night sky, making Mu Jixue’s heart flutter more than a few times.
Yun Zhonghe looked at her, and couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly.
Just a while ago in the forest, Mu Jixue was as brave as a lion, showing off her proud demeanor like a true hero. Why had she suddenly become so dependent on him now?
But Yun Zhonghe could understand her feelings. After all, she had gone through countless trials in that illusion, living a hundred lifetimes. She had certainly done enough, and it was about time she took a break.
Now, it was time for the good brother to step up.
Yun Zhonghe shut his eyes, propped his chin on his hand, and fell into deep thought.
The strange female voice echoed in his mind, singing lyrics that must contain some hidden meaning they needed to decipher, especially since it started off with a song.
“Red peach soaked in spring’s embrace, hard to summon the boy Dong…”
Yun Zhonghe repeated this line calmly, with no fluctuation in his tone, over and over.
He glanced down to where a red veil had fallen on the ground and slowly picked it up.
“I think you and I are the characters in this song.”
As soon as he said this, Mu Jixue immediately caught on and murmured, “So that’s it…”
In the last illusion, they had broken the original tragedy and arrived at a Happy Ending; surely there should be a standard conclusion for them too.
For Liu Yan, becoming one with “Dong Lang” was her greatest happiness.
However… their roles’ genders were a bit off—the roles had her playing Dong Lang while Yun Zhonghe was playing Liu Yan.
This twist made Yun Zhonghe smile awkwardly.
“Red peach soaked in spring’s embrace…”
Mu Jixue kept mumbling that line as her thoughts raced. It seemed she finally realized some critical information, a flicker of clarity flashing in her eyes.
Since they were the characters in this song, it meant they had to fulfill the wishes of the two ghosts who couldn’t complete their story and realize their innermost desires.
Red peach soaked in spring’s embrace… how did that phrase feel… so unorthodox!
Did it hint at some intimate act?!
No way, it couldn’t be that straightforward… right?
Mu Jixue felt ripples in her heart; her body stiffened, cheeks flushed, breathing quickened.
Even though this was just an illusion, they still had their real bodies. This sudden hint of intimacy left her flustered!
What’s this nonsense about needing to get cozy to leave the room?!
Sitting on the happy bed, Mu Jixue found herself clutching the red wedding blanket tightly, both nervous and expectant.
Meanwhile, Yun Zhonghe seemed oblivious to Mu Jixue’s weirdness as he sauntered over to the wine cabinet, rummaging around. Moments later, he unearthed a jar of Plum Green Wine, a satisfied grin creeping onto his face.
“This is it—the Plum Green Wine mentioned in the song.”
As he said this, he placed the jar on the table.
“Drink, until you’re drunk.”
Yun Zhonghe sat beside Mu Jixue, slightly raising his eyelid in a silent cue for her to drink up.
Mu Jixue froze.
So “soaked” literally meant getting drunk…
She thought it meant something else entirely…
At that moment, she suddenly understood, her face burning with embarrassment as she felt a mix of shame for her wild thoughts moments before.
Seeing her reaction, Yun Zhonghe raised his glass of Plum Green Wine and downed it in one go, exuding a nonchalant aura.
Then, he turned his gaze to Mu Jixue, seemingly asking why she wasn’t drinking.
Mu Jixue pressed her lips together, hesitating for a while before finally lifting her own glass of Plum Green Wine.
The wine was crystal clear yet bore an unexpectedly intense aroma, making her heart swoon. Compared to the Spirit Wine she had tasted in the flower house, this was in another league. The moment she drank, it felt like hot fire coursed down her throat, sending waves of pain through her stomach.
It was like her throat was being poked by something hefty over and over.
Yun Zhonghe saw her discomfort and a flicker of concern crossed his face. “Should we just skip it?”
But Mu Jixue merely dabbed at her lips and replied, “I’m fine. I can handle it.”
With that, she plunged forward again, chugging down glass after glass, determined to drown herself.
Yun Zhonghe watched her, worry creeping into his exotic gaze. He reached out and held her wrist just as she was about to pour more wine.
“That’s enough, you’re drunk.”
Mu Jixue’s cheeks were flushed, eyes glazed, and her words slurred with the aroma of alcohol, “I’m… not drunk, I… hic! I can drink more than you. Last time you… hic! You lost your mind while I was still sober…”
Before she could finish, another hiccup escaped her, deepening the rosy hue on her cheeks, making her already gloomy demeanor appear even more pronounced.
And here she thought they should be getting busy doing “that” thing…
At this point, Mu Jixue’s blurry eyes locked onto Yun Zhonghe, as if the alcohol had granted her unprecedented courage and candor.
“I like…”
She slightly tilted her chin, her gaze sincere, ready to spill the secrets of her heart.
Yun Zhonghe froze, his heart leaping, almost skipping a beat. He was stunned, mouth agape.
What… like?
But Mu Jixue suddenly grabbed a handful of Yun Zhonghe’s hair, a youthful smile hanging on her lips, mumbling incoherently, “Your hair color is so nice.”
Yun Zhonghe: “…”
What?! So that’s what she meant!
His lips twitched, momentarily speechless. He had no particular fondness for his golden locks.
He certainly didn’t want to be known as Yellow-haired.
At this moment, Mu Jixue was completely intoxicated, her eyes hazy, breathing faintly scented with alcohol, feeling as if her bl**d was rushing to her head. The wine glass slipped from her fingers, crashing onto the floor with a “thud.”
The aftertaste of Plum Green Wine was smooth, and with her reckless chugging, getting drunk was practically guaranteed. She felt light-headed, as if stepping on clouds.
Finally, unable to maintain her balance, she fell forward, landing perfectly in Yun Zhonghe’s solid embrace.
Her little face was flushed, looking more like a red peach thanks to the drink.
Yun Zhonghe intended to gently push her away, carefully placing her onto the bed so she could rest. Just as he was about to let go, Mu Jixue’s long eyelashes fluttered slightly, her brows furrowed as her head tilted and nestled against Yun Zhonghe’s warm neck, their skin touching.
Her warm breath brushed past his ear, carrying the light scent of alcohol and the fragrance of youth, sending waves of turbulence through Yun Zhonghe’s heart.
So fragrant, so soft, she’s so adorable.
His heart was almost overflowing, as if just a slight ripple could cause a dam to burst.
Since meeting Mu Jixue in that alley in Tianhai City, he had felt his emotions altering, and everything about him just felt off.
Unable to resist, he lowered his head, examining the lovely figure in his arms, and in that moment, Mu Jixue seemed to sense something in her daze, leaning up slightly. Their lips brushed against each other unintentionally.
In her daze, Mu Jixue felt an unusual sensation on her lips, a light itchiness that made her instinctively hum before drifting back into her dream.
That fleeting moment, however, stirred up gigantic waves in Yun Zhonghe’s heart.
He swallowed hard, fighting to suppress the urge and desire swarming within him, as his hands gently cradled her head, slowly laying her back down on the bed.
Once that was done, he quickly grabbed the wine jar, pouring glass after glass down his throat.
Cold stem, cold stem, cold stem, cold stem, cold stem, cold stem, cold stem, cold stem…
His mind was flooded with visions of Mu Jixue’s petite figure, especially her holding him, charging through the perilous forest as they flew to safety—each recollection rolling through his head, each replay stirring up his emotions, making him more restless, longing, almost losing grip on himself.
The candle’s glow flickered, casting shadows on the red silk, adding a touch of haziness to the serene night.
This dreamy night was so quiet; not a single breeze stirred, as if the whole world was holding its breath. The only real sound was Mu Jixue’s gentle, even breathing, cutting through the thick silence.
Perhaps the alcohol was making her uncomfortable, as she began to toss and turn restlessly, emitting soft, tempting moans that ignited the sinful fire deep within Yun Zhonghe.
With a whimper, Mu Jixue’s soft voice sent shivers down his spine, making him feel like he was about to break.
His body felt like it was turning to jelly.
Gradually, Mu Jixue’s breathing grew more erratic, her chest rising and falling rapidly, her complexion turning redder, as if she was struggling to breathe.
Finally, a surge of heat compelled her to open her eyes, her once-clear gaze now misty and deep. She parted her soft lips, her voice strangely sticky, calling out for Yun Zhonghe.
“Yun, Yun Zhonghe~”
There was reliance and longing in that call, mixed with something off-kilter, making it all feel very strange.
Mu Jixue was definitely not herself!
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Realizing something was off, Yun Zhonghe quickly scrambled to support Mu Jixue.
As soon as he touched her, an overwhelming heat radiated through his palm, nearly making him gasp in shock.
Mu Jixue was burning up.
She typically had a lower body temperature, thanks to her rare ice-element spiritual root; however, she now felt like she was on fire, practically melting away.
Yun Zhonghe watched, anxiety churning within him. He immediately suspected the jar of Plum Green Wine, wondering if it had been tampered with, but he himself had consumed plenty and felt absolutely normal.
At that moment, only Mu Jixue knew the torment raging inside her.
She felt incredibly itchy!
The Plum Green Wine must have been problematic, but why was she reacting so strongly while Yun Zhonghe seemed untouched?
That wine surely contained something… questionable!
