Chapter Anything~
After finishing dinner, the six of them were planning to get a room for one night’s rest.
Mu Jixue, Lin Zhongyu, and Su Xiaoxiao needed some serious recovery time, Qin Hongye had to recharge her Spirit Stones for the Spirit Boat, and Tao Jiu’er wanted to give Yun Zhonghe a thorough check-up.
Tao Jiu’er leaned close to Yun Zhonghe’s ear and issued an ultimatum: “Young Master, while I was away, you got yourself another woman. I need to stay on top of my duties. After we get to the room, be ready to take your pants off.”
She spoke with a serious attitude, not joking at all.
Yun Zhonghe: ?
Yun Zhonghe was exasperated; he thought he had explained everything over dinner. Clearly, his relationship with Su Xiaoxiao was pure! But Tao Jiu’er didn’t buy it; she trusted only his state of virility.
Thankfully, Qin Hongye came to the rescue.
“We should distribute the rooms first. We got three double-bedded rooms for six of us… Perfect!”
Everyone froze; they went from plotting to attentive within seconds.
Under the original plan, Yun Zhonghe was to have his own room, Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu would share, and Tao Jiu’er and Qin Hongye would room together. Only male Yun Zhonghe needed special care.
But now, with Su Xiaoxiao joining…
Yun Zhonghe’s ears perked like he heard bugles. Everyone seemed ready to duke it out.
Yun Zhonghe: ?
Tao Jiu’er attacked first: “This is simple. As Young Master’s attendant, I should be in his room. Let Su miss and Qin miss share a bed.”
Qin Hongye protested: “No, no, these rooms are due to my diplomatic efforts. I will share with Yun Gongzi, you should rest.”
Mu Jixue sneered insincerely, seeing through Qin Hongye’s ulterior motives: “Miss Qin, that’s unfair. Two people in each room, there’s no concept of sharing.”
Lin Zhongyu also clenched her fist firmly behind Mu Jixue: “Miss Qin, living with a guy can be inconvenient. But since we ride on your Spirit Boat, this discomfort is our duty to bear.”
Inside Mu Jixue approved: Well said, little Yu!
Internally, Qin Hongye gritted her teeth: That d*mn dwarf! Stay out of this!
Mu Jixue’s eyes flared up: Who are you calling short?!
A tense standoff loomed just moments away.
Su Xiaoxiao: OvO?
Su Xiaoxiao kept quiet, feeling like a toy manipulated by others. She could handle whatever came her way.
But while others treated her like a clown, Yun Zhonghe and company cared for her genuinely. It was dizzying—this was almost dream-like.
Just a day, she went from lone wolf to having a whole pack. Impossible things were happening.
Maybe Yun Zhonghe was right; when she adjusted her mindset, luck turned up.
Her eyes darted around, memorizing everyone. These were people she’d cherish forever.
Her gaze lingered on Yun Zhonghe.
Though her age matched theirs, Yun Zhonghe felt like a big brother who made her feel safe.
Under the sun, Yun Zhonghe’s faint facial hair glimmered. Golden reflections flashed off his curved lashes and high-bridged nose. His thin lips pursed slightly. Upon closer look, his eyes shone emerald green.
He was the most grateful person in her book, always catching her at the door. She was glad to have the courage to be there.
If she ran off then, she might’ve missed this scene.
Su Xiaoxiao’s gaze softened; her heart raced. She realized—she liked being noticed and protected.
She yearned…to be protected forever.
“No no no, I’m just a friend. Friends don’t protect each other like that…”
Her reason held her back.
Besides, friendship involved mutual support and sacrifice.
But…could Su Xiaoxiao just enjoy it all?
Lazing at home, being doted on—no outings or social circles, just someone to look after you…
This was the life of a true shut-in!
Lovingly pampered by Yun Zhonghe? No effort needed? Heh heh heh…
“No no no, I shouldn’t slack off. I should grow strong like Brother Yun says, earn respect!”
Ah, what to do!
Su Xiaoxiao struggled in her thoughts.
…
They discussed further. Yun Zhonghe got his room, Su Xiaoxiao squeezed in with Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu, and Tao Jiu’er and Qin Hongye shared.
With that settled, they dispersed.
At that moment, a seductive figure swooped down, straight for Yun Zhonghe. Fox eyes—Chu Yan, the mischief from the second floor hall, followed Yun Zhonghe, undeterred by Su Xiaoxiao tagging along.
If Su Xiaoxiao could, why not her!
Better than a few dozen noble heirs she flirted with before.
As she lunged toward Yun Zhonghe, a sudden hot-cold stare shot over.
Qin Hongye and Mu Jixue, already upset, found fresh fire to burn.
Chu Yan paused, fearing their wrath.
Unseen, Tao Jiu’er appeared out of nowhere, eyes icy cold. None could see her move, not even Mu Jixue and Qin Hongye, who gasped.
First hint of strength, however small. A show of power, unnerving both.
No idea how deep Tao Jiu’er went.
Her stance shifted with different women. Su Xiaoxiao got a glance, Chu Yan faced her blade.
Women around Yun Zhonghe faced Tao Jiu’er’s scrutiny. Power bestowed by Chen.
“I…”
Surrounded, Chu Yan swallowed nervously. No chance to act out.
“Yun Shaoye, I am here to apologize.”
Attitude soured. She aimed her charms at Yun Zhonghe.
“With you pleased, I’ll do anything you ask.”
Afraid of retaliation. Yun Zhonghe’s family was massive; helping Su Xiaoxiao meant bad news for her potentially.
She resented Su Xiaoxiao, a plague in Yun Zhonghe’s favor.
Chu Yan’s antics displeased Mu Jixue, Qin Hongye, and Tao Jiu’er.
Su Xiaoxiao grew nervous, remembering Chu Yan’s reputation as Suzhou’s famous flower. If Yun Zhonghe succumbed…
Yet Yun Zhonghe remained detached: “Anything?”
Chu Yan rejoiced internally: A chance!
She fluttered her eyes coyly: “Of course.”
“Good.” Yun Zhonghe grinned wickedly. “Could you walk—without your Spirit Boat—to report to the sect?”
“Huh?”
Chu Yan stood dumfounded.
This request was like asking her to do advanced math homework on the spot.
What kind of twisted demand was this?
Chu Yan felt defeated.
He could’ve asked anything else but chose to make a mockery of her.
Misjudging men, assuming charm led to power? Ha!
Yun Zhonghe radiated reliability!
This warmth reassured Su Xiaoxiao, making her long to confess. Being by his side was bliss.
Cloudy headed yet determined, Yun Zhonghe left her behind.
Before parting, he warned: “I’ll watch you closely. No tricks.”
Chu Yan blacked out.
Walking to the sect was impossible. This was a direct challenge, forbidding her from reporting.
Regretting her audacity, Chu Yan’s dreams of charm died a painful d*ath.
She wished she hadn’t taken such liberties with Yun Zhonghe.
