Chapter 68: The Martial Aunt Stands Outside, The Martial Niece Inside, and the Goddess is Full of Revenge (2)
Yun Rong couldn't quite shake the feeling that something was amiss.
Why did his voice sound so urgent? Was he dealing with something pressing?
Leaning against the doorframe, Yun Rong listened to Su Qing while gazing at the lush scenery of the courtyard garden.
A sea of green stretched before her, full of life and vibrancy.
Yet, for some reason, the overwhelming greenness felt a little piercing to the eye.
Listening to his voice, Yun Rong felt at peace and made up her mind.
She would guide this lost young man back to the right path, offering him love and warmth in her own way!
She lightly placed a hand on her chest, feeling the subtle thrum of her own longing.
Unknowingly, she had begun to develop a peculiar feeling toward Su Qing.
Even simple conversations filled her heart with joy.
A radiant smile blossomed on her stunning face.
If only this sense of peace could last forever, how wonderful would that be?
At this moment, Yun Rong had no idea what was happening inside the room.
If she knew, she certainly wouldn't be smiling so innocently.
Finally, Su Qing was finished with his task.
Upon receiving permission, Yun Rong pushed open the door and entered.
Inside, Su Qing sat at the table, brewing tea.
She met his gaze and, without realizing it, a smile graced her lips.
Sunlight bathed his face, highlighting his handsome features with an almost artistic beauty.
It wasn't just men who appreciated beautiful women—women also admired handsome men.
And Su Qing, undoubtedly, was the most charming young man within miles.
His presence alone commanded attention.
"Aunt Yun, come and taste my tea," Su Qing said with a warm smile.
"Mm, Xiao Qing, what made you think of putting a tablecloth on the table today?"
Yun Rong chuckled as she approached and sat down.
The table, which she had seen before, now had a thick cloth draped over it, covering it completely.
"Oh, I was writing something earlier and didn't want to stain the table, so I laid it down," Su Qing explained with a slight pause and a playful smirk.
Yun Rong didn't dwell on it and instead sat down, watching him brew tea with a gentle expression.
Unlike the meticulous tea ceremonies practiced by some, Su Qing's movements were simple and fluid.
Yet, even in their simplicity, she found them captivating.
After preparing the tea, he poured them each a cup and lightly tapped his fingers on the table.
At that moment, the tabletop trembled slightly.
Something underneath the table was moving.
It wasn't too obvious, but it was enough to pique Yun Rong's curiosity.
Just as she was about to lean down for a closer look, Su Qing gently took hold of her hand.
His gaze softened as he looked directly into her eyes, as if seeing through her very soul.
"W-what is it, Xiao Qing?"
Caught off guard by his sudden touch, Yun Rong's fair cheeks flushed crimson, and her voice faltered.
The last time she held hands like this was with the princess consort, and she had been too nervous to dwell on it.
But now, in this private moment, the intimacy of the gesture was amplified tenfold.
"It's nothing, Aunt Yun. I just find myself enjoying holding your hand more and more."
"Would you indulge this small request of mine from time to time?"
His voice was rich with emotion, his gaze unwavering.
Such a gaze—filled with longing—was Yun Rong's greatest weakness.
"W-why?"
Her mind momentarily blanked, her voice unconsciously lowering.
As for the strange movement under the table, it had completely left her thoughts.
"Why else? I simply enjoy being close to Aunt Yun."
"If only we could spend every day together. But since we can't, I can only cherish moments like this."
Su Qing's voice was sincere, his tone deep and filled with affection.
"…Alright. But only if the timing is appropriate—I don't want to be put in a difficult situation."
Yun Rong struggled to maintain her mature composure, but her face burned hot.
She didn't need a mirror to know how flushed she must have looked.
She tried to convince herself that this was just Su Qing seeking familial warmth.
But was that really the case?
For a martial heroine known for decisiveness, she suddenly found herself afraid to delve deeper into her own emotions.
"Of course, I'd never make things difficult for Aunt Yun."
Su Qing replied righteously, his fingers lightly stroking her delicate hand.
Yun Rong opened her mouth to speak but ultimately said nothing, allowing him to hold her hand.
The sunlight, the fragrant tea, the warmth of the moment—everything was perfect.
Except for one minor detail.
A peculiar scent lingered in the air.
Had he recently been writing something? Perhaps that was why there was a faint ink-like aroma?
Yun Rong didn't dwell on it for long. Compared to the atmosphere between them, such trivialities hardly mattered.
Underneath the table.
Ye Xueyi clamped her hands over her mouth, curled up in a humiliatingly tight position.
She had spoken so boldly earlier, determined to take control.
Yet, in the end, she had been thoroughly subdued.
Now, she lay hidden beneath the table, her entire body tense with fear.
If she were discovered, her image as the obedient martial niece would be utterly shattered in her martial aunt's eyes!
She listened to Su Qing's affectionate words above, feeling an immense sense of grievance.
Clearly, she had made a mistake.
But even now, a stubborn fire of defiance burned in her eyes.
After all, she had at least held the upper hand in the beginning!
From her angle, she could clearly see her martial aunt's position.
Her strapped sandals revealed her delicate toes, which curled slightly as if she were nervous.
Ye Xueyi bit her lip, suppressing a strange sensation while silently cursing the two above her.
When did the two of them become so close?