Chapter 345: Just a Little Brother?
“Just don’t look at him then.”
Seemingly sensing what Yún Zhōnghé was thinking about, Táo Jiǔ’er gave him a pair of doe eyes that could melt the coldest of glaciers. With a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, she teased him.
Yún Zhōnghé awkwardly replied, “What do you mean by that? Are you trying to say I’m wrong here because my mind is dirty?”
“Isn’t it though?” She said with a shrug. “But you know, you boys your age, these things happen.”
She paused for a dramatic effect before giving a knowing wink. “But, Young Master, never forget your special condition. You can’t just squander your primal yang; it’s important stuff. If you’re that eager, how about… you let me show you? Let you have your fun?”
With that, she leaned in closer, her posture and gaze filled with a mix of challenge and allure.
Yún Zhōnghé felt a chill down his spine.
This servant girl… was freaking terrifying!
He couldn’t tell if Táo Jiǔ’er was joking or not. But ever since they were kids, she loved playing pranks on him, pretending to test his resilience under the guise of trials. If he faltered at any point, she’d be there to criticize him mercilessly.
So, he guessed this time she was up to her usual tricks.
But the sweet scent wafting from her body made Yún Zhōnghé’s heart flutter like a rabbit in his chest. He swallowed hard.
Feeling a tickle in his nose, he rubbed it and coughed gently, trying to compose himself. In a feeble attempt to keep calm, he said, “No thanks.”
Táo Jiǔ’er didn’t seem to let up. Raising an eyebrow with playful curiosity, she asked, “Hm? What do you mean by that? Do you mean she can satisfy you better than me?”
Yún Zhōnghé quickly waved his hands in denial, “No, no! I’m just not interested…”
If he were being honest, he absolutely was interested!
Táo Jiǔ’er was a sight to behold—top-notch beautiful, flawless figure, every inch sculpted to perfection.
Plus, she was someone he’d always admired and revered, with a remarkable knack for handling any situation.
Her abilities alone had made them close over the years, forging a connection that went beyond words.
“Alright, Young Master…”
Táo Jiǔ’er’s playful banter suddenly turned serious. A chilling realization washed over Yún Zhōnghé; he knew she had been testing him!
A fact he couldn’t ignore: Táo Jiǔ’er had total say in who could be his partner!
Given to her by his mother as a privilege, it meant if Yún Zhōnghé dared get involved with anyone Táo Jiǔ’er hadn’t signed off on, his mother would severely punish him.
So, unless Táo Jiǔ’er approved, Yún Zhōnghé couldn’t pursue anything further.
And let’s not forget—he wasn’t exactly a virgin anymore.
So dealing with her now, Yún Zhōnghé felt a hint of shame and uncertainty.
In comes Xüe Yúnjiàn, spoiling the moment to join in: *Master, take this chance to show my cuteness. I’m sure Miss Jiǔ’er will love it, and we can party all night long!*
Yún Zhōnghé replied, *Stop that!*
But he knew Táo Jiǔ’er could tell he was up to something by monitoring his energy levels. Since she couldn’t extract his energy, she wouldn’t suspect anything between him and Xüe Yúnjiàn.
Sitting there quietly, Táo Jiǔ’er gestured for him to sit too. He knew he couldn’t escape; the interrogation was inevitable.
First up, why a voluptuous woman showed up in his room.
And not your average lady, but oh-so-strange indeed.
Yún Zhōnghé spilled everything that happened in Tiānhǎi City.
He trusted Táo Jiǔ’er implicitly. In fact, if he couldn’t trust her, he didn’t know whom else he could.
So he even shared his secret sword techniques with her.
Of course, he also knew there were some things he couldn’t tell her, like how he used kisses to share spiritual energy with Sū Xiǎoxiào.
As Yún Zhōnghé spoke, Táo Jiǔ’er’s worried eyes softened.
“So, poor girl,” she sighed with sympathy.
Yún Zhōnghé hurriedly added, “Yeah… I just couldn’t leave her behind, so she came along. And last night, I wanted to tell you, but it was too late, and I knew I shouldn’t go into girls’ quarters without permission…”
Picking apart his rambling, Táo Jiǔ’er’s frown relaxed.
“Alright, I won’t press for this time alone with women last night, nor shall I tell Mother,” she declared.
Yún Zhōnghé thanked her profusely.
“But,” she continued sternly, “you must focus on your cultivation. Don’t lose yourself in these distractions. As for Miss Chen…” she reassured him.
Yún Zhōnghé knew Táo Jiǔ’er had always backed him.
His emotions overtook him, “I love you, Jiǔ’er!”
“Oh!”
Táo Jiǔ’er’s face flared a blush.
Dope.
She scolded mentally but still felt a tinge of happiness.
Just then, Chen Léléing’s stomach gurgled.
“I’ll get breakfast ready,” Táo Jiǔ’er stood up. “We’ll talk later.”
“Thanks, Jiǔ’er.”
“Young Master, no snatching a peek at people when I’m away!”
“No way, I’m not that kind.”
Táo Jiǔ’er giggled warmly, “True.”
If only Yún Zhōnghé had more courage, he’d have swooped Mù Jìxuě, Lín Zhōngyú ages ago.
With those final words, Táo Jiǔ’er went to fetch the food.
Yún Zhōnghé watched her go, replaying her words “You haven’t got the guts.” It irked him.
Back then, he might have been manipulated easily by Táo Jiǔ’er. Now, he felt manly…
But…
“d*mn it, Jiǔ’er never stops playing pranks on me.”
Yún Zhōnghé had complicated feelings for Táo Jiǔ’er, a mix of admiration and respect.
Once, he loved her, but she dismissed his confessions lightly, treating them as a joke.
In her eyes, he was a little brother, not a lifelong partner.
Gradually, he let go of those feelings.
“Focus…”
He noticed Chen Léléing staring at him, probably thinking he was mad about his pants.
“I’m fine. It’s my fault—I messed up. Later, Jiǔ’er will take care of it. Breakfast together!”
Yún Zhōnghé felt renewed.
“Feed me! Feed!”
“Ah! A new phrase learned!”
Looks like it wouldn’t be long before he could chat freely with her.
