Awkward. So damn awkward!
Right now, Li Chang'an wished there were a crack in the ground—he would crawl right in without hesitation.
He had spent so much effort making sure Hu Liena wouldn't tell Bibi Dong about their relationship. Why? All to prevent Bibi Dong from getting jealous. According to his plan, even if the truth came out, it should only be after he had fully secured everything.
But who could have predicted that, despite all his careful planning, he would get exposed at this moment? Absolutely ridiculous!
'What should I do? What should I do?!'
His teacher had seen him and Hu Liena holding hands—something he couldn't deny. That much had to be admitted. But Hu Liena didn't know that he and Bibi Dong already shared an intimate, unspeakable bond.
So his real problem lay with Bibi Dong.
Fortunately, his teacher wouldn't want to reveal their relationship either, which meant she wouldn't show any emotion on the surface. That meant Hu Liena wouldn't notice for now. So, this was at worst a minor jealousy scene.
At that moment, Bibi Dong had already restored her usual demeanor: the solemn, untouchable Pope.
"You two… what is this?"
She had suspected something before—after all, she was the Pope. Information naturally made its way to her without her even asking. But suspicion was one thing. Seeing it with her own eyes was another.
"Teacher, since you've seen it, I won't hide it from you. Chang'an and I are in a relationship."
Hu Liena spoke frankly, though her face carried a touch of shyness. After all, this was basically introducing her boyfriend to her parent.
"Yes… that's right, Teacher." Li Chang'an lowered his head like a child caught doing something wrong. In Hu Liena's eyes, it was an admission of guilt. But in Bibi Dong's eyes, it was guilt of another kind.
'That's right… my relationship with him isn't legitimate. Why should I think so much? He and Nana are the perfect match. Besides, he's never even officially confirmed things with me.'
'But why… why does my heart hurt so much?'
At that moment, Bibi Dong felt like a child whose toy had been stolen, yet she dared not show it.
"And… how are things between you two?" Bibi Dong asked casually. She only intended to say a few words and then retreat to calm herself.
But then Hu Liena shyly glanced at her and said, "Teacher, actually it isn't just us two… there's a third."
Li Chang'an had already prepared what to say to comfort Bibi Dong afterward. But he never expected Hu Liena to suddenly drop a bomb like that!
It was over. What had been a minor jealousy scene instantly escalated into a romantic showdown. Still, as long as he could pacify Dong'er, it was salvageable. But all his prepared words and excuses were now useless. This time, he would have to face things head-on.
"Three… people?" Bibi Dong's pupils dilated. She suddenly felt very, very tired.
She didn't even know how she left. But when she returned to her chambers in the Pope's Palace, she found Li Chang'an already there—standing pitifully, holding a small wooden stick, wearing only a thin robe.
After sending Hu Liena away, Li Chang'an had immediately used the donghuang Bell to rush near the Pope's Palace. Once he calmed himself and made a plan, he entered the hall. After all, with his status now, no one dared to stop him.
"Chang'an, what is the meaning of this?" Bibi Dong looked at him, puzzled. But deep down, she already had a faint guess.
"Teacher, I was wrong. I shouldn't have been so fickle. Please… punish me."
Saying this, Li Chang'an knelt on one knee, stripped his upper body bare, and offered her the stick, looking completely at her mercy.
"Pfft—"
Bibi Dong couldn't help but laugh. She had never seen him like this before. And she had to admit, his well-toned muscles were… tempting.
'What am I thinking?!'
Still, with him acting like this, the heavy feeling in her chest lightened considerably. She was, after all, a mature adult. She could see through many things. And seeing Li Chang'an come to her so sincerely, even begging to be punished, was already enough.
In fact, this was Li Chang'an's gamble—his way of seizing control. He was betting on three things:
First, that his relationship with Bibi Dong had already progressed to a certain depth. Even if they weren't officially lovers, there was no denying their bond.
Second, that his years of quiet, thoughtful care—the cakes, the massages—had long been softening the most tender parts of Bibi Dong's heart.
Third, and most crucially, that Bibi Dong was a grown woman and a mother.
That alone meant she wouldn't truly strike him. Especially when he was acting so pitiful, she wouldn't be able to stay angry. To her, Li Chang'an was still just a boy.
In short, his years of groundwork had all been for this very moment. As for the inevitable full-blown relationship crisis that would come one day… well, he hadn't figured that one out yet.
"Enough, put your clothes back on before you catch a chill. Now tell me what's going on."
Bibi Dong pushed the stick aside and sat on the edge of the bed, gesturing for Li Chang'an to speak.
With that, Li Chang'an knew the storm had mostly passed. The rest depended on how well he explained himself. And he couldn't afford to be careless—Bibi Dong wielded immense power. If she wanted to investigate, she could uncover the truth in no time.
"Teacher, honestly, my relationship with Nana grew over time. From the start, we were both your disciples—taking lessons together, spending days side by side…"
He played the "childhood sweetheart" card, and every word sounded reasonable. Bibi Dong could easily understand how such a bond could develop.
"And the other one?" Bibi Dong leaned lazily against the bedframe, asking.
"The other girl… you should remember her. She arrived at the Pope's Palace the same day I did—Mu Xi. At first, I had no feelings for her. I only wanted to help her out of courtesy, treating her as a younger sister. But later, I learned of her tragic past…"
Here, Li Chang'an emphasized Mu Xi's pitiful background. He wanted Bibi Dong to see that he wasn't attracted to her beauty, but moved by genuine sympathy and the desire to protect her for life.
As expected, both cards were played well. His explanation was logical, and Bibi Dong found herself nodding along. She wasn't naïve—she knew men could be fickle. And she also knew that even if she and Li Chang'an truly became lovers, it would always be hidden. Outwardly, he would still need an official partner.
"But Teacher, in my heart… neither Nana nor Mu Xi is as important as you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been bringing you cakes I made myself since childhood. I can swear—you will always be the most important woman in my life."
Finally, Li Chang'an laid bare his feelings. Before he realized it, he was already seated beside Bibi Dong, gently massaging her shoulders.
"Alright. Teacher doesn't blame you. I can understand all this. And besides, we… haven't actually confirmed anything. Don't overthink it. As long as I have a place in your heart, that's enough."
Bibi Dong was, after all, mature and rational. She wouldn't throw a tantrum. At her level, she could see through many things. There was just a faint bitterness left in her heart.
"Teacher, I will love you well."
Li Chang'an's hands slid from her shoulders, slowly wandering towards her boobs.
Once a woman has calmed down, if you then let her experience true pleasure, all resentment vanishes like smoke. This was Li Chang'an's confidence as both a veteran and a playboy. And his skill… was undeniable.
"Chang'an, no… I haven't forgiven you yet…"
"Mmm~ ah… Look what you've done, you've torn the strap…"
Creak… creak… creak…
Even the bed—crafted from the finest pearwood by the continent's top carpenters—groaned under the strain, unable to bear the power of the two figures upon it.
__
T/N:
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