"…Alright, alright?"
After what seemed like an eternity, Bibi Dong's entire body went limp, and she could barely sit upright.
The blush on her cheeks was intoxicating, spreading all the way to her ears, neck, and even beneath the water's surface, hinting at areas left to the imagination.
She turned her head slightly, glaring at a content Dai Chengfeng with a mix of annoyance and shyness. Her usually stern phoenix eyes shimmered with moisture…
Carrying traces of reproach, weakness, and a lazy allure that even she hadn't noticed.
Seeing Bibi Dong in this delicate state stirred something within Dai Chengfeng once more.
But he knew well the principle of moderation.
Lowering his head, he placed a gentle kiss on her smooth shoulder, his voice hoarse yet filled with immense satisfaction:
"Mm, Teacher, you've worked hard."
This mention of "hard work" made Bibi Dong flush with embarrassment, prompting her to squirm slightly in his arms, only to be met with a tighter embrace.
"Rebellious disciple…"
She muttered softly, but her tone had already lost its initial authority, instead resembling the playful banter between lovers.
Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly and stopped teasing her.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the flames reigniting within him. He picked up a large, soft towel from the edge of the pool and carefully wrapped it around Bibi Dong before casually drying off the water droplets from his own body.
Then, bending down, he scooped up the still somewhat weak-legged Bibi Dong in a standard princess hold.
Bibi Dong instinctively gasped, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.
The towel enveloped her curvaceous figure but couldn't hide the lingering blush on her exposed, fair skin.
Water droplets rolled off their bodies, dripping onto the smooth marble floor, leaving winding trails that shimmered with an ambiguous glow under the hazy moonlight and palace lanterns.
Dai Chengfeng carried his exceedingly noble Pope Bibi Dong, step by step, away from the hot spring pool saturated with suggestive ambiance, heading towards the inner chambers of the bedchamber.
They passed through intricately carved corridors into the bedroom adorned with soft carpets.
The room was perfumed with a subtle calming incense, mingling with Bibi Dong's unique body scent, swirling around Dai Chengfeng's nose.
He carefully laid Bibi Dong onto the grand, luxurious imperial bed, his movements tender as if handling a rare treasure.
As her body sank into the soft bedding, Bibi Dong's heart did not fully settle.
She expected that, given this rebellious disciple's earlier eagerness and audacity, returning to this private chamber would certainly lead to further advances.
She had already mentally prepared herself to be "teased" again, her long lashes trembling faintly, eyes tightly shut, and her body stiffening imperceptibly…
Part of her was afraid, yet deep down, there was an unspoken anticipation.
However, the anticipated assault did not come.
Instead, Bibi Dong felt the bed dip slightly beside her, followed by a warm body pressing against her back. An arm snaked around her waist, gently pulling her into an embrace.
His hug was firm and warm, without any further overtures, simply holding her quietly, his chin lightly resting on the top of her head.
Dai Chengfeng's voice sounded in her ear, carrying a sense of languidness after fatigue and calmness after fulfillment:
"Teacher, sleep now."
Bibi Dong was stunned, slowly opening her tightly closed eyes, surprise flickering across her beautiful gaze.
He actually… just slept like this?
Just holding her?
This was entirely inconsistent with his earlier, almost voracious demeanor in the hot spring pool.
After the initial shock, an indescribable warmth and gratitude quietly welled up in Bibi Dong's heart.
She suddenly understood…
This rebellious disciple wanted more than just her body.
This simple embrace touched the softest part of her heart far more than any fierce possession.
The feeling of being respected and cherished was so unfamiliar and intoxicating for someone in her high position, accustomed to solitude and calculation.
Her stiff body gradually relaxed, even unconsciously leaning back, pressing closer into his warm embrace.
Her nose was filled with his fresh, sun-kissed scent mixed with the humidity of the hot spring, strangely making her feel secure.
Feeling the relaxation and dependence of the body in his arms, a barely noticeable, gentle smile tugged at the corners of Dai Chengfeng's lips.
He was indeed restraining himself; strong desires still coursed through his body. But he knew better than to take forcefully from a woman like Bibi Dong.
Emotional conquest was far more important and enduring than physical possession.
Moreover, the fatigue from his journey had genuinely tired him out.
Thus, soon, his breathing became steady and long, seemingly falling into a deep sleep.
And upon confirming that Dai Chengfeng was asleep, Bibi Dong's heart completely softened.
Carefully adjusting her position, she turned around. In the dim light of dawn, by the faint moonlight filtering through the window lattice, she gazed at the young face mere inches away.
His sleeping visage lacked some of the usual aggression and depth, gaining a quiet and harmless tranquility fitting his age, with a hint of unnoticed fatigue between his brows.
A wave of tenderness surged in Bibi Dong's heart.
She was well aware of the dangers lurking in the Great Star Dou Forest.
These three months must have been fraught with hardships for him.
She extended her slender hand, gently brushing aside a few stray strands of hair from his forehead, her movements careful and filled with a gentleness she herself hadn't realized.
Then, she adjusted to a more comfortable position, resting her head against his chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat. A sense of unprecedented peace and belonging enveloped her.
Soon, Bibi Dong also fell into a deep sleep…
Her sleeping face serene, with a faint, barely-there smile playing on her lips.
Until, the next morning.
When the first faint rays of dawn filtered through the intricate window lattice, dispelling the last vestiges of darkness in the bedchamber, Dai Chengfeng woke first.
He moved slightly, feeling the comforting presence of the fragrant warmth in his arms. Lowering his head, he saw that Bibi Dong was still nestled in his embrace, sleeping soundly.
The morning mist cast a soft glow over the room, illuminating her exquisite profile. The usual sternness and aloofness of the Pope were gone, replaced by a gentle vulnerability akin to a sleeping beauty, breathtakingly beautiful.
Dai Chengfeng's heart was filled with serenity and fulfillment.
He gently propped himself up, careful not to disturb her peaceful slumber, then lowered his head, placing a feather-light kiss on Bibi Dong's smooth forehead.
This gentle touch caused Bibi Dong's eyelashes to flutter, and she slowly opened her eyes.
Her initially drowsy phoenix eyes carried a hint of moist confusion, less sharp than usual, imbued with a languid, feminine softness.
For a moment, she seemed somewhat disoriented. Upon recognizing Dai Chengfeng close by and realizing their still intimate embrace, two rosy blushes appeared on her cheeks.
But unlike the previous night, she didn't shy away in embarrassment, merely blinking softly.
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