Zhu Zhuqing didn't answer right away. Instead, she walked to the mirror and held the necklace against her neck.
The black cat pendant settled perfectly between her collarbones—its size and length ideal.
She turned back to him, a rare, unmistakable smile lighting her eyes.
"I like it," she said softly, then added after a pause, "I like everything you give me."
Dai Chengfeng blinked in surprise—then stepped forward with a smile, taking the necklace from her hands. "Let me put it on for you?"
Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly, turning her back to him and sweeping her long hair over one shoulder, revealing the pale nape of her neck.
Standing behind her, Dai Chengfeng carefully looped the chain around her throat. His fingertips brushed her skin by accident—and felt her shiver faintly.
Once fastened, the pendant rested exactly where it should—its deep violet eyes echoing her own, making her fair skin glow like jade.
Dai Chengfeng stepped back, studying her reflection. "It suits you perfectly."
Zhu Zhuqing turned to face him, fingers brushing the pendant at her throat. Her eyes shimmered with complex emotion.
Suddenly, she stepped closer, tilting her head up to look at him.
"Thank you, Chengfeng," she whispered—then rose onto her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
The gesture caught him off guard. After a moment's hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her waist and deepened the kiss.
Her lips were warm and yielding, carrying her signature scent. Without thinking, Dai Chengfeng pulled her closer, savoring the sweetness.
When they finally parted, both were breathing faster.
Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks bloomed with color; her eyes, usually so cool, now shimmered with dewy warmth—soft, almost coquettish.
"Zhuqing…"
Dai Chengfeng murmured her name, thumb tracing her cheekbone.
She met his gaze—and in her eyes, he saw resolve harden, as if she'd finally made a decision.
She stepped back, creating a small space between them—then reached up and began untying the sash of her gown.
Dai Chengfeng's breath hitched. He watched, momentarily speechless.
Her movements were calm, deliberate. The deep violet dress slid from her shoulders, revealing a moon-white undergown that clung to her graceful curves.
"Zhuqing, I—"
His voice came out rougher than he intended.
She looked up at him, eyes shy yet unwavering. "You said cultivating the Asura God Force through conventional methods is too slow."
She paused, then added quietly: "And… I'll be your wife someday, won't I?"
Dai Chengfeng stepped forward, gently taking her hands. "Yes. But I don't want you to force yourself. Are you truly ready?"
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, tightening her grip on his hands. "I'm not forcing anything. Chengfeng… I want this."
She held his gaze, sincerity blazing in her eyes. "All these years, you've protected me, supported me, respected me."
"In Xing Luo, in the Spirit Hall—in everyone's eyes, I'm your fiancée."
"And in my heart…"
She hesitated—then spoke the words she'd kept hidden:
"In my heart, you've long been more than just my fiancé. You're the one I want to entrust my life to."
Dai Chengfeng's chest tightened. He pulled her into a fierce embrace, burying his face in her hair. "Zhuqing…"
She nodded against his chest—then gently pushed him back, taking his hand. "Come."
"…First, let's bathe."
Dai Chengfeng blinked—then smiled. "Alright."
Zhu Zhuqing led him through the inner chamber and pushed open an intricately carved wooden door.
Warm, humid air—scented with night-blooming orchids—washed over them. Before them lay a spacious bath carved from white jade.
The water was natural hot spring water drawn from the mountain behind, its surface scattered with deep violet Nightshade Orchid petals. Wisps of steam curled like gauze across the pool.
Soul-guided stones embedded in the walls cast a soft, diffused light through the mist—illuminating her moon-white undergown and the clarity in her eyes.
She turned her back to him, removed her hairpin, and let her black hair cascade down like a waterfall—making the skin of her nape appear even paler.
The sash of her undergown loosened. The fabric slipped silently from her smooth shoulders, pooling at her feet.
Dai Chengfeng's breath caught.
In the hazy steam, her figure seemed carved from moonlight—every line flowing, luminous, perfect.
She didn't enter the water immediately. Instead, she turned to face him, cheeks flushed deeper—but she didn't look away. Softly, she said:
"You too."
"Alright."
Zhu Zhuqing stepped into the pool first.
Warm water rose past her ankles, her calves, finally cradling her waist.
She tilted her head back with a quiet sigh, droplets tracing the elegant curve of her spine.
Turning, she faced him—wet strands clinging to her cheeks and collarbone. The violet eyes of the black cat pendant gleamed in the waterlight, matching the brightness in her own damp eyes.
Dai Chengfeng followed, ripples spreading from his steps.
The water temperature was perfect.
He reached out, tucking the wet strands from her cheek behind her ear—his fingertips lingering at her earlobe.
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her lashes, unable to meet his gaze. Long shadows trembled beneath her eyes.
Gently, Dai Chengfeng lifted her chin, urging her to look at him.
"Look at me, Zhuqing," he whispered.
She raised her eyes—shimmering with shyness, anticipation, and a trace of nervousness.
Tenderness flooded his chest. He leaned down and kissed her softly.
His hand traced her back, feeling the smooth warmth of her skin, the slight tremor running through her.
"Don't be afraid," he murmured against her lips.
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, arms circling his neck as she deepened the kiss herself.
Her response was clumsy—but utterly sincere. Warmth swelled in Dai Chengfeng's heart. He kissed her more gently, guiding her, helping her relax.
When they finally parted, foreheads touching, both were breathing heavily.
Dai Chengfeng took a soap nut from the side and began washing her hair with tender care.
Zhu Zhuqing closed her eyes, leaning into his chest, overwhelmed by a sense of safety and warmth she'd never known before.
"Chengfeng…" she whispered.
"Hmm?" He looked down at her.
She met his gaze, eyes full of soft affection. "I'm glad… it's you."
Dai Chengfeng's heart swelled. He pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm glad too, Zhuqing."
As the water cooled, he wrapped her in a soft cotton cloth and lifted her from the bath, carrying her toward the bed in the inner chamber.
The bed was layered with plush silk quilts. He laid her down gently—her long hair spilling across the pillow, still dripping.
After drying her hair, Dai Chengfeng leaned over her, watching.
In the candlelight, her skin glowed with a pearlescent sheen. Her eyes shimmered—breathtakingly beautiful.
The black cat pendant at her throat sparkled in the dim light, its deep violet eyes seeming to watch over them both in silent witness.
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