Liu Erlong leaned against Dai Chengfeng's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Suddenly, the moment felt absurdly real.
She'd never imagined that one day she'd do this for a man so much younger than herself.
"I really am…"
She shook her head with a wry smile. "I never thought I'd be completely wrapped around your finger—let alone… let alone take things from you like this…"
She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence—but Dai Chengfeng understood perfectly.
He chuckled softly, pulling her closer, his chin resting gently atop her head. "There are many things you haven't imagined yet."
Cradled in his arms, listening to his calm heartbeat, Liu Erlong felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in years.
Indeed—so much had surprised her. She never expected to part ways with Yu Xiaogang. Never expected to meet Dai Chengfeng. Never expected to fall in love again—let alone end up here, like this.
Dai Chengfeng watched her relaxed profile, and a fleeting thought crossed his mind:
'If Yu Xiaogang knew that the two women he once loved are now both mine…'
He shook his head, pushing away the unkind notion.
He didn't need to prove himself through such petty victories—but he couldn't deny the quiet, strange satisfaction it brought him.
"What are you thinking about?"
Liu Erlong sensed his distraction and looked up.
"About you," he answered naturally, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Liu Erlong huffed softly—clearly skeptical—but didn't press further. Instead, she nestled deeper into his embrace.
"Tired?" Dai Chengfeng asked, sensing her drowsiness.
"A little," she murmured, eyes already closing. "This medicinal bath is meant to calm the spirit…"
"Then sleep."
He adjusted his posture, making her more comfortable. "I'll stay with you."
She mumbled something incoherent—and soon drifted into deep slumber.
Her breathing grew even and slow; long lashes cast soft shadows on her cheeks. A faint post-intimacy flush still colored her face, lending her an almost childlike tenderness.
Dai Chengfeng watched her quietly, his gaze tracing every feature—from her bold brows to her straight nose, down to her lips, now slightly parted in sleep.
This woman, usually so fierce and decisive, now lay utterly defenseless in his arms. The contrast filled him with a quiet, profound contentment.
Gently, he ran his fingers through her damp hair, using soul power to dry it carefully. He also fine-tuned the water temperature, keeping the medicinal bath perfectly warm.
Night deepened. Candlelight flickered in the humid chamber.
Leaning against the pool wall with Liu Erlong asleep in his arms, Dai Chengfeng realized: this quiet moment moved him more deeply than any victory ever could.
---
After some time, Liu Erlong stirred awake.
Blinking slowly, she found herself still in the bath, securely held in Dai Chengfeng's arms—the water as comfortably warm as before.
"Awake?"
His voice came from above.
"Mm…"
She responded lazily, not moving immediately. Instead, she nuzzled against his chest. "What time is it?"
"Midnight."
Dai Chengfeng said, "Your skin will wrinkle if we stay longer. Time to get out."
Reluctantly, Liu Erlong sat up—and sure enough, her fingertips were pruned from the soak.
She glanced at him, realizing he'd stayed in the water with her all this time. Warmth bloomed in her chest.
They rose together. Dai Chengfeng took a soft towel waiting nearby and wrapped it around her, then began drying her off with gentle care.
At first, Liu Erlong felt a little awkward—but seeing his natural, focused demeanor, she relaxed, letting him attend to her.
His hands moved over the towel, brushing her skin with feather-light touches. She could feel his gaze lingering on her—not with desire, but with the quiet reverence one might give a treasured masterpiece.
"What are you staring at?" she finally muttered, half-annoyed, half-flustered.
"At my woman," he replied simply, eyes smiling.
Liu Erlong's heart skipped. She turned her face away—but her ears betrayed her, turning pink.
Once dried, she slipped into clean sleeping robes. Instantly, she felt refreshed, days of fatigue washed away.
The Snow Spirit Orchid's essence had fully absorbed into her body. She could already feel her soul power circulating more smoothly than usual—even old, lingering blockages from past injuries had eased.
"This bath really works," she said, rotating her wrist with satisfaction.
"Of course it does," Dai Chengfeng replied, already dressed, toweling his damp hair. "I specially formulated the recipe for you—to strengthen your foundation and nourish your meridians."
Liu Erlong's heart stirred. She looked at him. "When did you learn herbal medicine?"
"A skill from a past life," he teased.
Seeing her glare, he laughed. "Alright, alright—I've been studying it myself these past few years."
"In this world, it never hurts to have more skills under your belt."
Liu Erlong studied him deeply—but didn't press further.
She knew Dai Chengfeng carried many secrets. But if he chose not to share them, she wouldn't force him.
Everyone had a past. Didn't she herself have memories she preferred to leave buried?
Back in the bedroom, Liu Erlong sat at the dressing table and picked up a jade comb to brush her long hair.
Dai Chengfeng walked over naturally, took the comb from her hand, and began combing her waterfall of black silk.
In the bronze mirror, their reflections appeared—tall and handsome man, radiant and beautiful woman—an unexpectedly perfect match.
Liu Erlong gazed at the image, suddenly lost in thought.
With Yu Xiaogang, she'd never experienced such quiet, everyday warmth.
Their love had been a wildfire—intense, consuming, ultimately leaving only ash.
But what Dai Chengfeng offered was a gentle, steady stream: small kindnesses in daily life, unspoken understanding, comfort without words.
"What are you thinking about?"
Dai Chengfeng noticed her distant expression.
Liu Erlong shook her head, unwilling to elaborate. "Nothing. Just… this feels nice."
Dai Chengfeng paused mid-stroke, meeting her eyes in the mirror. A tender smile flickered in his gaze.
"Yes. It really is."
After finishing her hair, he set down the comb and placed his hands on her shoulders.
His palms were broad, his pressure just right—kneading away tension from her neck and shoulders.
Liu Erlong closed her eyes in bliss, purring like a cat being petted. Then, she remembered something.
"By the way," she asked, "that drawing today—was it really just something you whipped up on the spot?"
"What, still don't believe I can draw?" Dai Chengfeng smiled.
"It's not that I don't believe you," Liu Erlong chose her words carefully. "It's just… that level of skill isn't built overnight. And the style—it's unique, unlike any ordinary painter's work."
Dai Chengfeng was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "I once studied under an eccentric master. Learned a few… unusual arts. This sketching technique was one of them."
It was a half-truth.
"You really do have a strange collection of talents," she remarked.
"More skills never weigh you down," he said lightly, bending to kiss her hair. "Sleep now. We rise early tomorrow."
Liu Erlong nodded and stood, walking toward the bed.
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