After crying her heart out in his embrace, Ding Mei finally lifted her tear-stained face. Her reddened eyes locked with Xue Wen's calm gaze.
He smiled at her awkwardly, as though trying to ease the tension. "Let's finish the food before it turns cold," he said softly, his tone carrying a gentleness she had never expected from him.
Ding Mei's face flushed crimson, and she immediately scurried away from his arms, lowering her head like a startled rabbit.
She picked up her chopsticks and began nibbling at the food in small bites, her hands trembling slightly.
She didn't dare meet his eyes again, and her cheeks were so red it seemed like they might burn.
Xue Wen only chuckled under his breath and started eating as well.
The meal was simple, but the taste carried Ding Mei's careful effort.
He ate with a quiet satisfaction, savoring every bite.
When he finally stood up, Ding Mei hurried to collect the empty bowls, vanishing into the kitchen to wash them.
"I'm going out," he announced casually, adjusting his robes.
"Wait, dear!" Ding Mei's voice rang out suddenly.
She ran out of the kitchen, her hands nervously clutching the fabric of her clothes.
Her face was still tinged with red from earlier, but her eyes carried a new kind of determination.
Xue Wen frowned slightly, pausing. "Do you need me to bring something back for you?" he asked.
Ding Mei shook her head quickly, still avoiding his eyes.
"Then…?" Xue Wen tilted his head, genuinely puzzled. She had never stopped him before when he went out.
"Ah…" Ding Mei bit her lip, gathering every ounce of courage.
Then, before her nerve failed her, she rushed forward. "Thank you," she whispered breathlessly, and then leaned up on her toes to plant a quick kiss on his cheek.
Xue Wen froze.
His eyes widened in shock at her sudden action, his body stiff as a board.
Never in his wildest imagination had he thought his timid, soft-spoken wife would take the initiative.
Seeing him stand there like a puppet, completely unresponsive, Ding Mei panicked.
Her face turned bright red, and she raised her hands to cover it.
With a flustered squeak, she turned and ran straight into the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her.
It took several seconds for Xue Wen to snap out of his daze.
When he finally did, he quickly walked to the bedroom door and knocked gently. "Mei'er?"
From inside came her muffled, stammering voice. "D-dear… please go away. I… I am sorry…"
Xue Wen leaned against the doorframe and chuckled softly.
Her reaction was just too adorable. Taking in a deep breath, he spoke gently through the wood. "Alright. I won't disturb you. I'll go now. But don't worry, Mei'er, I'll bring back something good for you."
He turned away, a faint smile lingering on his lips.
He understood her better now, just that small kiss must have taken her immense courage.
To push her further would be cruel.
He would give her time to slowly open her heart to him.
Fifteen minutes after the sound of the outer door closing, Ding Mei finally dared to crack her bedroom door open.
She peeked out, confirming he was truly gone, then let out a long, shaky breath.
Clutching her chest, she walked back to the kitchen and resumed cleaning.
Yet the memory of her impulsive kiss and Xue Wen's dumbfounded expression replayed over and over in her mind, making her cheeks heat up again.
"Ahhh… I'm so stupid!" she muttered, burying her face in her hands for a moment before resuming her chores.
Meanwhile, Xue Wen strolled toward the Ding Clan Mansion with an uncharacteristic grin on his face.
He still felt the lingering softness of her lips on his cheek, and the thought made him chuckle to himself.
For the first time in years, he even entertained the ridiculous idea of not washing his face for a few days.
Soon, he arrived at the Clan Depository, a hall where clan members received their monthly allowance of Marrow Beads and other resources.
Behind the counter sat a young woman, managing the records with practiced boredom.
Xue Wen's memories supplied her name, Ding Huian.
She was attractive in her own right, with refined features and carefully combed hair, but compared to Ding Mei, her beauty paled.
Xue Wen's eyes slid over her without much interest. "Allowance," he said in a plain voice, placing his wooden identity plaque on the counter.
The corners of Ding Huian's lips curved into a sneer as soon as she saw his face.
She took his plaque and deliberately moved slowly, as though savoring her chance to humiliate him.
Unbeknownst to Xue Wen, in the shadows of the room, hidden from plain sight, Ding Jing lounged casually on a chair, watching.
After a long pause, Ding Huian finally looked back at him, her voice laced with mockery. "Sorry, but this month the clan faced… difficulties. Low-level members like you won't be receiving any allowance."
Xue Wen's brows knitted into a frown.
He hadn't planned to rely on the Ding Clan's resources forever, but for now, those beads were a convenient stepping stone.
With them, he could reach the Bone Cracking Realm within days, enough to secure his independence by the next month.
His gaze swept over Ding Huian, noting the contempt in her eyes, the exaggerated way she held herself higher than him.
His eyes flashed with cold anger.
It didn't take him long to understand what was happening.
So, those two have already made their move.
His lips curved into a disdainful smile.
Do they really think I'll just let them have their way? I'll make them regret playing games with me.
Outwardly, however, he kept his composure. He tilted his head slightly, his tone deceptively calm. "Is that so?"
Ding Huian smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "What, you can't understand basic language?"
Her condescending remark dripped with scorn.
Xue Wen let out a small sigh. "Looks like I'll have to bring this up with the Patriarch."
The words made Ding Huian stiffen for a moment, but she quickly recovered, scoffing. "Hmph. Patriarch isn't here right now. He'll only return after a few days."
From the shadows, Ding Jing's lips curved into a cold smirk. Everything was going according to plan.