Zhu Zhuqing turned toward him. Moonlight traced the sharp lines of her profile, her deep eyes glowing brightly in the darkness.
She walked back to the bed and sat down—not beneath the covers, but facing Dai Chengfeng, her expression softer than he'd ever seen it: open, unguarded, tender.
"Chengfeng," she whispered, "thank you."
"If it weren't for you… I wouldn't have gained such powerful Asura God Force…"
Dai Chengfeng arched a brow, a faint smile curving his lips.
"Is that how you thank me?"
Zhu Zhuqing blinked, caught off guard by his response.
She'd expected him to say "You're welcome," or "It's my duty," or perhaps pull her back into his arms.
Her long lashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks. The blush that had just begun to fade returned, creeping up her neck—tinged with confusion and playful reproach.
"Then… how else should I?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Dai Chengfeng chuckled lowly.
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he suddenly reached out, arm circling her slender yet supple waist. With a gentle tug, he pulled her onto the bed and into his warm embrace.
"Ah!"
Zhu Zhuqing gasped in surprise, already pressed against his solid chest.
His arm wrapped around her waist, palm gliding up her bare back, over smooth shoulders.
He could feel every taut, resilient line beneath her skin—the cool silkiness of her flesh.
His gaze drifted downward—to the delicate curve of her ankle half-hidden under the quilt. Her ankle bone was finely shaped; the skin of her foot so thin he could see faint blue veins beneath.
Her ten toes curled slightly—whether from tension or pleasure, he couldn't tell—tips tinged coral-pink.
Against the dark silk, they looked heartbreakingly lovely… and utterly intoxicating.
"Of course…"
Dai Chengfeng's voice dropped to a rough whisper. He nuzzled the top of her fragrant hair, inhaling deeply before murmuring against her ear, "this is how you thank me."
His breath scorched her sensitive ear and neck—his meaning unmistakable.
Heat flooded Zhu Zhuqing's face, spreading down her neck in a wave of crimson.
She instinctively squirmed in his arms—but he only held her tighter, his grip gentle yet unyielding.
"You…" She lifted her eyes to glare at him.
Her fair skin burned scarlet—even her collarbone flushed pink. "You… we just did that…"
She trailed off, too shy to finish. He was simply insatiable—and far too energetic for his own good.
Watching Zhu Zhuqing flustered like this—so unlike her usual composed, resolute self—filled Dai Chengfeng with overwhelming affection.
This rare vulnerability, this softness reserved only for him—it thrilled him more than any power breakthrough ever could.
He knew she wasn't truly refusing. She just needed a little… encouragement.
"That was then," he murmured, kissing her heated cheek, trailing his lips to the corner of her rose-red mouth.
He didn't deepen the kiss—only brushed against her teasingly, voice thick with temptation.
"This is now… My Zhuqing, your power has grown. Shouldn't we… properly consolidate it?"
His logic was shameless—but Zhu Zhuqing found herself torn between exasperation and amusement. Feeling his obvious arousal, her last traces of hesitation melted into something sweet… expectant.
She said nothing. Instead, she lifted her arms, looped them around his neck, buried her face in his shoulder—and gave the faintest, almost imperceptible nod.
But Dai Chengfeng felt it instantly.
Smiling, he stroked her bare back, her narrow waist—each touch drawing delicate shivers from her, her skin blooming with pink.
"Chengfeng…"
She sighed his name, voice softer, more pliant than before—laced with unconscious dependence.
"I'm here."
A long while passed.
Zhu Zhuqing arched her neck, a graceful, vulnerable curve. Her fingers dug into his arms as a muffled, honeyed whimper escaped her lips.
Dai Chengfeng held her tightly, possessively.
Time slowed. Breath steadied.
Zhu Zhuqing lay limp against him, utterly spent, not even a finger willing to move.
Her damp hair clung to her cheeks and neck; sweat beaded her forehead and nose.
More droplets traced the elegant line of her throat, pooling in the hollow of her collarbone—a glistening, shimmering puddle.
Dai Chengfeng's hand idly combed through her hair, stroked her back, his chest still rising and falling.
"So…"
She nestled against his shoulder, voice husky with exhaustion and contentment. "Does this count as thanks now?"
"What do you think?" he teased.
Too tired to glare, Zhu Zhuqing pinched his waist—not hard, but the gesture was so feeble it felt more like flirtation than protest.
Dai Chengfeng caught her hand, kissed her fingertips, then pulled the quilt over them both, tucking her in carefully.
He shifted, settling her into a more comfortable cradle in his arm.
"Still sore?"
"A little… just tired."
She spoke honestly, her voice fading. Her lashes lowered, casting fan-like shadows—sleep already claiming her.
Watching her nestle trustingly against him, Dai Chengfeng's heart softened completely.
"Sleep," he whispered, pulling the quilt higher, holding her close. "I'll stay with you."
Zhu Zhuqing hummed vaguely, nuzzling into his chest to find the perfect spot—then her breathing deepened, slow and even.
Dai Chengfeng, however, wasn't sleepy.
In the moonlight spilling through the window, he traced every detail of her sleeping face.
The black cat pendant rested quietly between her collarbones—still flushed with lingering warmth. Its violet eyes seemed to watch him even in the dimness.
One arm lay across the pillow, wrist slender, fingers curled slightly, nails still faintly pink.
A pale calf peeked from beneath the quilt—ankle delicate, heel rounded. In the cool moonlight, it looked like a masterfully carved jade artifact, radiating silent allure.
Stripped of her usual reserve, her face was peaceful, serene. Her lips were slightly swollen, yet curved upward—as if she dreamed something sweet.
But soon…
She stirred in his arms, brows furrowing faintly.
"No more… I'm full…" she murmured in her sleep.
Dai Chengfeng's thoughts snapped back. Gently, he patted her back, soothing her like a child.
Her frown smoothed. She burrowed deeper into his chest—and slept even more soundly.
Night deepened. Dai Chengfeng extinguished the lamp. Only silver moonlight remained, spilling through the window lattice, wrapping the entwined lovers in its quiet glow.
Outside, all was still—save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind.
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