The next day.
The first light of dawn filtered through the gossamer-thin curtains of Bibi Dong's bedchamber, casting a soft and hazy glow on the floor.
Tiny motes of dust drifted lazily in the beams of light, like fragments of time, serene and tranquil.
"Mmm..."
At this moment, Dai Chengfeng let out a soft hum as he woke to the faint chirping of birds outside the window.
A cool morning breeze brushed against his face, bringing with it a refreshing scent.
Before fully opening his eyes, the sensation of warm, soft flesh in his arms and the faint fragrance lingering at his nose made his heart flutter. Unconsciously, a satisfied smile spread across his lips.
Slowly, he opened his eyes, lowered his head, and gazed affectionately at the sleeping face nestled in his embrace.
Bibi Dong was still asleep, her deep slumber a result of last night's exhaustion—both physical and mental.
She lay on her side, facing him, her long purple hair slightly disheveled across the pillow, partially concealing her delicate features, yet adding an alluring touch of languid charm.
Her long, thick eyelashes fluttered like tiny fans, casting faint shadows beneath her closed lids, trembling softly with each steady breath.
Her sleeping face was peaceful, stripped of its usual authority and aloofness, free from the embarrassment and coquettishness she showed when facing him. Only a defenseless softness remained.
Her slightly parted lips glistened with a dewy sheen, like rose petals bathed in morning dew, silently exuding an irresistible allure.
"Beautiful!"
Dai Chengfeng gazed at her intently, careful not to wake her, his eyes brimming with adoration and admiration so palpable it seemed almost tangible.
Finally, unable to resist, he gently reached out and swept away a few stray strands of hair from her cheek, his fingertips marveling at the astonishing smoothness and warmth of her skin.
His fingers slowly traced her smooth forehead, following the elegant line of her nose until finally, with a slight tremor, they came to rest lightly on her slightly parted, tempting red lips.
The softness he felt under his fingertips, along with the even warmth of her breath carrying a faint sweetness, made his Adam's apple bob involuntarily. His gaze darkened instantly, a certain restlessness awakening quietly in the early morning.
Perhaps his gaze had grown too intense, or perhaps his touch had disturbed her slumber.
Her long, thick lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, slowly lifting open.
A pair of drowsy, hazy purple eyes appeared, their depths veiled with a thin mist.
They were as pure as those of a newborn, devoid of the usual depth and calculation.
Bibi Dong blinked, momentarily disoriented about where she was and what situation she found herself in.
But soon, fragments of last night's embarrassing memories began to surface.
Her eyes quickly shifted from confusion to clarity, and a blush spread visibly from her cheeks to her ears. She seemed about to put on her usual stern expression, restoring her papal dignity, but upon meeting Dai Chengfeng's smiling gaze, her feigned coldness melted instantly, replaced by a hint of embarrassment.
To mask her sudden fluster, she stretched lazily, either to dispel the last remnants of sleep or as an unconscious gesture, naturally extending her body.
This stretch caused the soft quilt covering her to slip down slightly, revealing glimpses of her graceful swan-like neck, delicate collarbone, and rounded shoulders...
"Mmm~"
An unconscious, contented moan escaped her throat, adding to her allure.
Dai Chengfeng's breath caught for a moment.
Meanwhile, seeing Dai Chengfeng's almost spellbound expression, an indescribable sense of triumph and the affirmation of her feminine charm quietly replaced her initial panic.
She tried to maintain composure, even tilting her chin slightly, casting him a glance filled with innate seduction.
With a voice still husky from sleep, she said, "What are you looking at? Haven't you seen enough?"
"Not enough."
Dai Chengfeng's voice was low and hoarse, imbued with the magnetic quality unique to mornings.
He tightened his arms around Bibi Dong, pulling her closer and placing a kiss on the top of her head. "I'll never see enough."
Dai Chengfeng's words sent a shiver through Bibi Dong's heart, a warm current spreading uncontrollably throughout her body.
But she quickly snapped back to reality; now was not the time to indulge.
She gently pushed against his chest, her tone softening slightly but firm. "Alright, it's already dawn. You… should leave."
If anyone discovered that the Pope of the Spirit Hall had a man hidden in her chambers overnight, it would cause unimaginable chaos.
Everything she had painstakingly built could be destroyed in an instant.
"Teacher, stay a little longer, just a little while... It's still early outside, no one will find out."
Dai Chengfeng played the part of a stubborn child, holding her tighter, burying his face in the crook of her neck, greedily inhaling her scent.
"No way!"
Bibi Dong insisted, pushing him firmly. "What if someone finds out? What will people think? Get up now."
"I won't."
Dai Chengfeng closed his eyes, his arms tightening like a vice. "Disciple can't bear to part from Teacher."
"Besides, after last night, when Teacher was so… exhausted, disciple wants to take care of Teacher a little longer."
His words carried hidden meaning, spoken in an ambiguous tone.
Bibi Dong blushed furiously, both angry and embarrassed at being reminded of last night.
She hardened her voice, attempting to assert her authority. "Dai Chengfeng! Are you leaving or not? If you don't go, don't blame me for using force to drive you out!"
Seeing that Bibi Dong seemed genuinely upset, Dai Chengfeng reluctantly loosened his grip a bit, though he remained sprawled on the bed, gazing at her with deep, pitiful eyes that contrasted starkly with his earlier aggressive demeanor.
He sighed deeply, his tone wistful.
"Alright, I'll go."
"But, Teacher…"
He changed the subject, a sly glint flashing in his eyes. "Tonight, disciple will come to keep you company again."
Bibi Dong reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, her eyes filled with panic and alertness almost spilling over. "You… what more do you want?!"
Last night's absurdity had already pushed her to the limits of what she could endure emotionally. He dared to suggest…
Dai Chengfeng grinned like a mischievous cat, deliberately leaning closer, his nose nearly touching hers, their heated breaths mingling. "Teacher, what do you think?"
"What disciple plans to do… surely you know, don't you?"
His gaze purposefully swept over Bibi Dong's slightly parted red lips.
Feeling uncomfortable under his stare, Bibi Dong shook her head hurriedly.
"Didn't we agree… it was just, just that once? Don't push your luck!"
"How can once be enough?"
Dai Chengfeng retorted boldly, resuming his shameless behavior. He lay back down, even wrapping an arm around Bibi Dong's waist, pulling her down onto him.
"If Teacher doesn't agree, then disciple will just stay here today and not leave."
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