Initially, Qian Ran had little interest in the Sun Moon Empire. It wasn't until he thought about Zhang Lexuan that his enthusiasm sparked.
Qian Ran preferred staying in the shadows, but the idea of his wife becoming an empress was something he wholeheartedly supported. An empress, with all her noble majesty… there wouldn't even be a need for uniform roleplay; the title itself was alluring enough for Qian Ran.
When Qian Ran arrived outside Shrek City, Dong'er was already there, waiting for him.
This time, Qian Ran had only informed Dong'er of his return in advance.
Dong'er stood at the city gates in a sailor-style dress with a cinched waist, paired with sheer black stockings. Her presence turned countless heads as people passed by, unable to tear their gazes away.
A young woman's transformation during her teenage years was remarkable.
Even a few months apart could bring significant changes.
At the peak of her development, Dong'er had opted not to diet but to eat plenty of high-calorie food and engage in intense physical activity. Her figure became even more curvaceous without sacrificing its graceful proportions.
This knowledge came from Zhu Lu, who had shared her insights. A woman's prime developmental years—particularly during adolescence—were fleeting. Most girls preferred a slim figure during this time, neglecting the energy needed to fully stimulate their growth.
The Zhu family's extraordinary genetics were matched by their dietary expertise.
Dong'er had no intention of remaining flat-chested, so she indulged in her cravings while balancing it with rigorous training. All the extra calories found their way to the right places.
Of course, genetics still set the limits. Even with these efforts, Dong'er could only maximize her potential rather than achieve Zhu Lu's voluptuousness.
Still, Dong'er was content. She didn't want to be as exaggerated as Zhu Lu—just enough to fit perfectly in Qian Ran's embrace was all she needed.
"Why isn't he here yet?"
Dong'er muttered softly to herself, gazing into the distance.
It had been too long since she'd last seen Qian Ran. Knowing he was returning, she had prepared herself the day before and arrived early in the morning to wait for him.
She wanted to be the first person Qian Ran saw upon his return to Shrek Academy.
"Sweet Dong'er, are you waiting for me?"
Qian Ran appeared from behind her, gently tapping her shoulder. The familiar, long-missed fragrance emanating from Dong'er's body instantly enveloped him. Unable to resist, Qian Ran buried his nose in her neck, letting her soft pink-and-blue hair cascade over his face.
The delicate scent of Dong'er's body and hair filled his senses, overwhelming him with the realization of how much more feminine she had become.
Dong'er had once been a petite and innocent girl—a "forbidden fruit" type of charm, the kind that would have kept Qian Ran captivated for years back on Earth. Back then, she exuded a fresh and youthful allure.
Now, however, she was blossoming into a young woman. Her transformation reminded Qian Ran of Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan in their prime—full of grace and radiating the aura of a school belle.
Dong'er's beauty was truly exceptional. Her pink-and-blue hair and gem-like eyes were mesmerizing, drawing all attention to her.
Qian Ran estimated that Dong'er's peak beauty would fall between 18 and 22 years old—a time when her youthful charm would blend seamlessly with mature allure. Her school belle demeanor was utterly captivating.
"Qian Ran, you're finally back. I missed you so much… wuuu…"
Dong'er clung tightly to Qian Ran, tears streaming from her eyes. In the past, Qian Ran's departures had lasted no more than two weeks. His time at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy marked their longest separation yet.
Without Qian Ran, life felt empty, lonely, and cold.
Had Qian Ran not returned, Dong'er would have likely run off to the Sun Moon Empire to find him herself. She wasn't alone in feeling this way; many others shared her sentiments. Long-distance relationships were hard to bear.
In this world, where entertainment was scarce, there was little to distract her. The more she stayed idle, the more she thought about Qian Ran. As the scent on his belongings left behind at home gradually faded, her longing only deepened.
Burying her face in Qian Ran's chest, Dong'er took deep breaths of his familiar, comforting scent, as if it were the finest perfume, addictive and irreplaceable.
"Why are you crying? It's not like I'm never coming back," Qian Ran said, gently wiping away her tears. His heart ached for her. While Qian Ran, with his roguish tendencies, could find solace elsewhere during his travels, the women he left behind could only endure the long wait for his return.
He couldn't shake the guilt. The devotion of these women felt overwhelming, almost too much for him to bear.
"Wuuu… I just missed you so much…" Dong'er sniffled, refusing to let go of him. She used to share a dormitory with Qian Ran, clinging to him every night as they slept. Her dependence on him ran deep.
"No more crying. Everyone's watching," Qian Ran said gently, hugging her tightly.
"I don't care."
Ordinarily, Dong'er would never dare display such public affection under so many curious gazes. But today, she couldn't bring herself to leave Qian Ran's side for even a moment.
She feared he might slip away, even though she knew that wasn't possible.
With so many sisters to share him with, her alone time with Qian Ran was scarce. No matter how much he doted on her, monopolizing him for too long would undoubtedly stir jealousy among the others.
For now, though, the others didn't know Qian Ran had returned. Dong'er intended to make the most of this moment.
After clinging to Qian Ran for a long time, they slowly made their way toward Shrek Academy. Qian Ran thought Dong'er would lead him to Zhu Lu and the others, but instead, she tugged him toward the academy's restrooms.
"Dong'er, you…"
Qian Ran's heart skipped a beat. Though the place was relatively quiet, Dong'er's boldness still surprised him. Usually, it was Qian Ran who took the initiative…
"Wuuu… I don't want anyone else to know you're back yet. That way, you'll still be mine," Dong'er whispered, pushing Qian Ran into one of the stalls and wrapping her arms around his neck.
"This is all my fault." Qian Ran kissed her gently on the forehead.
"I don't want apologies. If you feel guilty, then make it up to me—with actions. And don't forget the soundproofing," Dong'er murmured, her cheeks flushed.
She lacked the skills to mask sound herself and would die of embarrassment if anyone overheard. But Qian Ran, ever experienced in such matters, was already adept at these precautions.
"Sweet Dong'er, you…" Qian Ran, no longer hesitant, took charge.
He gestured for Dong'er to sit on the toilet's closed lid. Obediently, she perched herself there. Qian Ran grinned mischievously as he lifted one of her stocking-clad feet.
(End of Chapter)
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X