Chapter 461: Hugs Can Melt Ice and Snow
Yun Zhonghe knew that getting hold of Huang Aotian’s stuff wasn’t something to take lightly.
The things belonging to the protagonist were closely tied to their fate. If anyone tried to take those by force, Tao would surely compensate the protagonist in some other way.
By taking Mu Jixue’s black crystal stone, Yun Zhonghe had to pay the price.
However, Yun Zhonghe didn’t mind, especially when the person involved was Mu Jixue. He was more than happy to give her his all.
He wished she could drain him dry.
Yun Zhonghe turned around, chuckled lightly, and seriously looked at Mu Jixue: “Of course, there’s no problem. This time, we wouldn’t have won the grand competition without you. So if there’s anything I can do for you, just say the word.”
Yun Zhonghe agreed without any hesitation.
Indeed, during this grand event, Mu Jixue’s performance was crucial. Had she not been watching out for third member of Li Yifeng’s team, protecting him from being disturbed, he might not have been able to focus fully on the battle with Li Yifeng.
If it was within his power, Yun Zhonghe would gladly help.
He began to ponder how Mu Jixue would make her request—something about spirit stones or perhaps one of his treasures or combat techniques?
Throughout this journey, Yun Zhonghe had been doing everything possible to help Mu Jixue grow, but there must have been gaps.
Only Mu Jixue knew what she needed most urgently. Since she was asking, it must be perfectly aligned to bring her massive growth!
Yun Zhonghe thought to himself, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He felt like he was ready for a grand gesture.
Let me, Yun Zhonghe, be your accelerator on the path of cultivation! Let me fill you up with experience and watch you level up fast!
Yun Zhonghe imagined this scenario.
But just when excitement was turning into action, Mu Jixue made a simple move that froze the joy on Yun Zhonghe’s face and even made him break out in a sweat.
Mu Jixue slowly opened her arms, her face displaying a complex mix of expectation and shyness, as if inviting a gentle embrace.
Mu Jixue: “(Expectation~ Expectation~)”
Yun Zhonghe’s eyes widened, momentarily stunned: “This… this…”
(WHAAAAAT?)
Is this… a hug request?
Yun Zhonghe was in a daze, almost thinking he might’ve misread the situation.
Nothing had gone according to his plans.
Wasn’t he supposed to be rewarding Mu Jixue? Why did Mu Jixue end up rewarding him?
Due to unexpected developments, Yun Zhonghe’s brain short-circuited briefly.
Is this some kind of new training technique?
The girl still stood there, eagerly waiting for the person she liked to initiate a hug.
Her heart pounding, cheeks flushed with a shy red hue.
This was the first time she dared to express herself boldly, and it happened when Yun Zhonghe was fully conscious!
Not while she was under some kind of spell, nor in a state of drunkenness, but absolutely sober and aware.
That she could gather the courage to ask Yun Zhonghe for something intimate—her action was indeed strong.
In fact, she had practiced this gesture for quite a while, refining the skill to the point where she finally felt confident enough.
Yet as she eagerly spread her arms, she was met with Yun Zhonghe’s hesitation.
Why? Could she be unappealing?
Mu Jixue: “…”
Mu Jixue: “(Nervous) (Prompting)”
Mu Jixue: “(Pouting) (Pathetic)”
Her expression seemed to say, “Don’t hold back, hurry up and hug me.”
A hint of poutiness and pathos crept onto her face.
Even the slowest person couldn’t ignore the clear emotional cues being sent by Mu Jixue.
From initial confusion, Yun Zhonghe’s gaze sharpened and settled on an incredulous shock.
Such a development was beyond his imagination!
At the same time, he finally understood the meaning behind the looks Lin Zhongyu and Mu Jixue exchanged.
His heart thumped hard.
Though his thoughts were still scattered, there was one thing he knew clearly.
— Making a girl wait too long after extending her hands is definitely uncouth.
Yun Zhonghe swallowed nervously, almost before his mind fully decided, his body moved instinctively.
He reached out to grip Mu Jixue’s slender waist gently.
Their bodies pressed together instantly.
Mu Jixue’s breathing grew rapid at the touch, heart racing fiercely like a volcano primed to erupt, with heat and emotions simmering just beneath the surface.
Mu Jixue: “(Blushing, Blushing)”
Mu Jixue: (p≧w≦q)
So close, Yun Zhonghe could smell something special about the girl.
A sweet rose scent, a subtle jasmine fragrance, and a faint hint of orchid aroma.
These mixed scents created an intriguing allure, drawing one in.
Unconsciously, he swallowed, feeling something magical stir within him.
Mu Jixue’s cheeks were glowing, and her eyes sparkled as she whispered his name with a tremble.
When she called his name, Yun Zhonghe’s heart fluttered.
Although Mu Jixue was cold, Yun Zhonghe felt she exuded warmth.
She could melt him whole.
Just as his breathing intensified and emotions threatened to overcome reason, Mu Jixue gently pushed him away.
Her face burned red as if set aflame; though she tried half-covering her face with her hand, the flush spread to her ears, like the opening peaches of dawn, both beautiful and shy.
“Um… I…”
She lowered her head, voice barely a whisper, eyes avoiding his deep gaze.
As if even the dust in the air was braver than she.
The tone was light, as if ready to dissipate in the wind, disappear forever.
“Thank you…”
With that, Mu Jixue scampered off like a startled deer, vanishing swiftly.
Yun Zhonghe found himself calling out to the empty space.
Meanwhile, the fleeing Mu Jixue hid behind a rock, panting heavily, with Lin Zhongyu standing beside her, stroking her head tenderly, eyes full of encouragement.
“You did great.”
She comforted Mu Jixue, smoothing her hair.
Despite the assurance, Mu Jixue’s breath remained ragged, each inhale seeming strained.
Oh gosh! Her heart felt on the verge of breaking!
Taking such a step was indeed a big deal for her.
Yun Zhonghe stood there dumbfounded, heartbeat racing wildly.
And in the distance, Mu Jixue, now far away, took deep breaths under Lin Zhongyu’s encouragement, heart pounding like a wild drum.
