"Sorry~"
Zhu Zhuqing, listening to Dai Chengfeng's teasing, let her voice stretch out slightly—a rare hint of girlish coquetry that was unmistakably clear.
Hu Liena also nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at grains. She clasped her hands together, wearing an ingratiating smile that she had never shown even to Bibi Dong—a look filled with twelve parts genuine apology and flattery:
"Yes, yes, yes! We're sorry, we were wrong! Brother Chengfeng~"
Hu Liena's voice dripped with sweetness, practically oozing charm. "You're such a magnanimous person—please forgive us two ignorant little women. Tell us, how exactly do we use this Whale Jelly to achieve the physical enhancement you spoke of?"
"Brother Chengfeng… please tell us how to consume it~"
Zhu Zhuqing followed closely behind, clinging to Dai Chengfeng's arm, seemingly 'thirsty for knowledge.'
In the face of this immense temptation—a revelation that shattered their understanding of limits and opened the door to greater strength—the two proud young women simultaneously cast aside their usual reserve toward Dai Chengfeng.
At this moment, Dai Chengfeng gazed at the two beauties before him—one flirtatious with eyes like silk, the other icy yet burning with intensity. Their contrasting yet equally captivating displays of coquettish pleading sent ripples of admiration and satisfaction through his heart.
But soon, Dai Chengfeng reined in his thoughts.
He knew that these expressions would only be seen for the first time—but not the last…
"Wanna know?"
As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng stood up, not directly answering their eager questions. Instead, he walked deeper into the house, heading toward a more secluded courtyard. "Follow me."
"Mm-hmm!"
"Mm!"
Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing immediately rose to their feet, following him without hesitation. Two crisp, melodious voices—filled with unhesitating anticipation—rang out clearly in response.
---
Soon, the three arrived at the back garden.
Compared to the opulent grandeur of the front hall, the back garden was elegantly serene. The rising moonlight flowed like liquid silver across the cobblestone paths.
Dai Chengfeng led them through winding corridors until they finally stopped before a large pool hidden behind artificial rocks and bamboo groves.
The surface of the pool was calm, shimmering faintly under the night sky. Even from a distance, one could feel the subtle chill emanating from the water.
"We're here."
Dai Chengfeng paused, his gaze sweeping over the two beauties behind him. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
Then, without ceremony, he began removing his outer garments, his movements casual and unhurried.
Under the moonlight, his muscular shoulders and back unfolded smoothly. Soon, he was left in only his shorts, stepping into the pool.
The cold water lapped at his waist, creating ripples that spread outward.
Dai Chengfeng stretched languidly, resting his arms casually on the edge of the pool. Turning to the two stunned women standing on the shore, he tilted his chin slightly:
"The water's a bit cold, but it's just right. Come in."
"??? "
Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing looked at the shimmering pool bathed in moonlight, then at Dai Chengfeng, who was now half-naked in the water. The blush that had just faded from their cheeks returned in full force.
This was… bathing together?
Even amidst their current emotional turmoil, the instinctive shyness of young maidens still surfaced.
"Dai Chengfeng, this… what do you mean by this?"
Hu Liena's delicate face flushed crimson. Her enchanting fox-like eyes, usually brimming with allure, were now veiled with a dewy layer of bashfulness, making her appear somewhat uneasy.
Zhu Zhuqing instinctively took half a step back, pressing her lips tightly together. Her chest rose and fell slightly, revealing her inner struggle and unease.
Seeing their reactions, Dai Chengfeng didn't rush them. Instead, he raised an eyebrow leisurely, his tone tinged with playful teasing.
"Oh?"
"You don't want to?"
He tilted his head slightly, the moonlight outlining the perfect contours of his profile. "Then… do you still want to break through the limits of soul rings? Do you still want those so-called geniuses of the Douluo Continent—who are nothing but frogs at the bottom of a well—to tremble in awe before you?"
"Do you still want… to grow stronger?"
Those few words seemed to carry an invisible weight, slamming hard into the hearts of Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Become stronger! Break free from convention, gain power and a future far beyond ordinary people…"
For a brief moment, after an internal struggle—
"Whoosh!"
Zhu Zhuqing made her decision first. "I want to become stronger. I don't want to hold anyone back anymore. And…"
"You're already my fiancé!"
With that, Zhu Zhuqing closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, all hesitation had turned into determination.
She moved quickly, her slender fingers deftly unfastening her clothes. With a slight awkwardness, she shed her black combat attire.
When her simple yet curve-hugging black undergarments were revealed, the moonlight seemed to dim momentarily.
Her figure exuded a cold beauty, with sleek, flowing lines that resembled the finest carved jade. Every inch of her skin was firm and elastic, radiating a pure yet lethal allure—a breathtaking, ethereal beauty.
Without delay, she submerged herself in the icy water, leaving only her slightly flustered head above the surface.
Her arms instinctively wrapped around her lithe, curvaceous body, trying to conceal its captivating allure, though this pose only added to her coy, reluctant charm.
"Zhu Zhuqing, how could you… you actually dare to…"
Watching Zhu Zhuqing take the lead, Hu Liena was momentarily surprised. After a while, she glanced at Dai Chengfeng, then at Zhu Zhuqing, gritting her teeth lightly.
"Damn it! My determination to grow stronger won't lose to yours, little kitten!"
With that, Hu Liena took a deep breath. Though her eyes still held traces of shyness, she also wore a look of resolve.
Reaching out decisively, she untied the sash at her waist and slipped off her alluring outerwear, leaving only her soft, light pink undergarments.
Under the moonlight, her skin was as white as jade, with delicate yet strong curves along her waist. But her upper body—completely unmatched by Zhu Zhuqing's—exuded a heart-stopping charm.
For a moment, even Dai Chengfeng was slightly stunned. "Perhaps only Bibi Dong can compare to Hu Liena's…"
And as Dai Chengfeng's thoughts wandered, Hu Liena bit her lower lip, casting a slightly defiant glance at Zhu Zhuqing. Then, with a splash, she leaped into the pool, sending water flying.
Though the icy water made her shiver, she stubbornly refused to make a sound.
Once both women were in the pool, they once again grew impatient. Their equally beautiful eyes, still tinged with lingering bashfulness but brimming with intense anticipation, fixed nervously on the instigator in the water.
"So… what now, Dai Chengfeng?"
Hu Liena's voice carried a barely perceptible quiver in the water, her sultry tone probing.
Zhu Zhuqing said nothing, but her gaze remained locked firmly on Dai Chengfeng.
Dai Chengfeng took in every detail of their transformation—from initial shyness to resolute determination, and finally to this moment of slight awkwardness mixed with eager anticipation. He nodded slightly, no longer teasing them, his expression turning serious.
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