### Chapter 148: The Invitation
Tao Jiu’er was hiding in Yun Zhonghe’s blanket, nestled right on his chest. But thanks to the weight of the blanket, Yun Zhonghe couldn’t tell if she was just pulling a prank.
But seeing that Tao Jiu’er suddenly looked all bashful, Yun Zhonghe could tell something was off. Was she really thinking he’d fall for her scheme again?
What, did these servant girls think he was an eunuch? Barging into his bed like that bare as the day she came?!
Come on, he’s a healthy teenager going through puberty. Just because he avoids women due to some reservations doesn’t mean his mind is exactly saintly.
And Tao Jiu’er must know this better than anyone. So… is that why she’s not wearing anything?
Hah! A plot! A big fat conspiracy!
“Oh? Really? Jiuer’s not wearing clothes?”
Yun Zhonghe chuckled, his tone a bit too lecherous for comfort. He felt like someone else had taken over his body…or maybe it was his true colors showing. His whole demeanor was that of a conniving j*rk.
He won’t be led around by her nose anymore.
“Jiuer, as a servant, you’ve gone and messed with your master’s bed, even taking off all your clothes—this is against the rules. In that case, I have no choice but to give you a proper scolding.”
As he spoke, he stretched his hand towards Tao Jiu’er.
The moment those words left his mouth, Tao Jiu’er froze. Her face flushed in panic. “Wait… wait, don’t joke around, I…”
“Spare us the explanations!”
In a rare moment of bravery, Yun Zhonghe yanked back the blanket, his face twisted into a wicked grin. He was now fully the villain from a melodrama, ready to pounce on the vulnerable maid.
But then…
He lifted the blanket—and oh boy, what he saw took him aback.
That pale, smooth skin, almost as flawless as a perfectly cooked egg…
cr*p! She was really not wearing anything?!
Tao Jiu’er stared in shock!
In that moment, Yun Zhonghe saw the first hint of genuine embarrassment from her in sixteen years. She quickly wrapped her arms around herself, trying to block his view, but he still caught a glimpse of her delicate pink curls.
Speechless, Yun Zhonghe’s jaw dropped.
Was she serious?
Before he could fully register what was happening, Tao Jiu’er dashed out of the room, leaving him standing there dumbfounded.
It took him a while to finally blurt out, “Eh—!!!”
…
With her breathing controlled, Tao Jiu’er snuck into the dark shadows, quickly returning to her own room. Slamming the door behind her, she pressed her back against it.
Her heart raced and her whole body felt like it was on fire. Replaying the scene in her head, she trembled.
“I can’t believe Young Master actually lifted the blanket…”
His actions far exceeded her expectations. She hadn’t realized her Young Master had grown so bold. He used to be much more cautious.
But… she felt both excited and nervous!
“Ah, I’m such an embarrassment. I shouldn’t have climbed into the bed!”
In her current state of bashfulness, Tao Jiu’er could pass for a teenager… though she had always been one. Just that, to Yun Zhonghe, she seemed reliable and mature.
Now, though, those shimmering peach blossom eyes and her rosy cheeks revealed her innocence in all its glory.
She messed up. She failed to leave before Yun Zhonghe woke up. Normally, she was precise about timing.
True, this wasn’t the first time Tao Jiu’er had snuck n*ked into Yun Zhonghe’s bed.
Perhaps, because Young Master was soon to head out for Xuantian Sect, she couldn’t resist staying longer?
Tao Jiu’er bit her lip and mumbled.
But Yun Zhonghe had caught her red-handed.
Although she initially attempted a quick getaway, using the pretext of a check-up, his sudden advancement left her speechless.
This development surprised her. Yun Zhonghe had never acted that way before.
Nonetheless, it proved Yun Zhonghe was maturing rapidly. If she hadn’t fled in shame…
Recalling how she had lain beside the sleeping Yun Zhonghe, feeling his warmth and marveling at his face she knew by heart, she shivered with heat.
“Ahh… Young Master… Young Master…”
After flopping onto her bed, her hand slid involuntarily downward.
The air in the room filled with a sticky sound…
…
“Jiuer, why did you do that?”
Two hours after waking up, Yun Zhonghe’s mind was still swirling with questions. He felt utterly perplexed when he realized Tao Jiu’er had climbed into his bed n*ked.
When he first realized Jiuer had crawled into his bed bare, he felt a rush of disbelief. For years, he’d thought she treated him like a little brother. Now, things seemed more complicated.
“Maybe she felt lonely knowing I’m leaving? So she sneaked close to me instead of saying it outright?”
He hesitated to jump to any romantic conclusions. It would be embarrassing if she didn’t feel what he hoped for.
Unlike love-struck behavior, Yun Zhonghe considered the possibility they were just fond of each other as siblings.
“But, why take off all her clothes? Does Jiuer have a habit of sleeping n*de?”
He squinted in puzzlement, his thoughts becoming more tangled.
Yet, there was one thing he could be certain of: he didn’t want to let his feelings for Tao Jiu’er go.
Together for sixteen years, they rarely spent time apart. Now, heading for Xuantian Sect, parting would be inevitable.
Surely, even Yun Zhonghe started feeling the sting of separation.
Walking through the halls of the Yun residence, he stumbled upon Tao Jiu’er who just came out of Yun Mu’s room. Fully dressed, of course.
Absolutely not! What am I thinking?!
Yun Zhonghe felt increasingly confused.
Ever since he was roughly handled by Mu Jixue in the Myriad Path Divine Tower, he had become more sensitive.
Like a hungry wolf.
Not good.
“What’s wrong, Young Master? You look troubled. Spill it all. A wise older sister is here to help.”
Tao Jiu’er grinned, seemingly unfazed despite the earlier events.
Yun Zhonghe was amazed. After what happened, she adjusted so quickly.
Only a mature older sister could handle this.
Still flustered about how to act around her, Yun Zhonghe relaxed knowing Tao Jiu’er didn’t seem bothered.
“Jiuer, you free today? Want to go out with me?”
Yun Zhonghe made a bold move.
With his imminent departure from the Yun family and a long unknown time ahead at Xuantian Sect, he wanted one last chance to make the most of family time.
