At this moment, Dai Chengfeng also raised his eyes to look at Zhu Zhuqing.
For the first time, he clearly caught a glimpse of that flicker in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes…
Surprise, longing, and even a hint of dazed admiration?
This was a stark contrast to her usual aloof demeanor, which kept others at arm's length.
Dai Chengfeng paused for a moment, then his smile deepened.
He glanced down at Qiu'er in his arms and shook his head with a chuckle: Little one, it seems your "rival" doesn't see you as an enemy at all.
But then again…
Before knowing that Qiu'er could transform into human form, who would harbor any "hostility" toward such an adorable little creature?
Meanwhile, Zhu Hongxiu observed the scene from the side: her son remained calm as ever, while Zhu Zhuqing, the usually cold and proud fourth young lady of the Zhu family, now displayed a rare glimmer of girlish delight, her eyes practically glued to Qiu'er.
Though not because of her son, the unexpected little incident involving Qiu'er seemed to have worked better than her carefully arranged seating arrangement?
For a moment, Zhu Hongxiu's smile widened, and the satisfaction in her eyes almost overflowed.
The atmosphere in the room, thanks to the intrusion of this golden, fluffy bundle, no longer felt so "distant".
Soon after, Zhu Hongxiu glanced up at the sky.
The midday sunlight filtered through the carved window lattice, casting mottled shadows on the carpet.
She looked at Dai Chengfeng, then at Zhu Zhuqing, as if only now realizing the passage of time. In a soft voice, she said, "Oh my, it's already this hour. Chengfeng, Zhuqing, you two keep chatting. I'll go check on how lunch is coming along."
As she spoke, she rose gracefully, her gaze lingering briefly between Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing, carrying a subtle touch of expectation.
As she passed by Dai Chengfeng, she paused slightly, using the pretext of adjusting his collar to lean close and whisper softly into his ear, so low that only the two of them could hear:
"Chengfeng, I've created some private space for you two. Remember to take the initiative—Zhuqing is a good girl."
Dai Chengfeng gave a slight nod, his face still wearing its warm and composed expression. He replied softly, "I understand, Mother."
Whether he truly "understood" or planned to "take the initiative" was something only he knew.
Zhu Hongxiu smiled contentedly, nodded at Zhu Zhuqing, and then turned to leave the room.
Soon, the room was left with only Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing, the two young people, and the small golden lion cub nestled in Dai Chengfeng's lap, occasionally emitting soft, contented sounds of "Meow~ mrrrr~".
Apart from that, the room fell silent.
Dai Chengfeng seemed to have forgotten his mother's instructions, his attention entirely focused on the little creature in his arms.
His long fingers absentmindedly combed through Qiu'er's radiant golden fur, lightly scratching under her chin. Qiu'er squinted her eyes blissfully, her fluffy tail sweeping across Dai Chengfeng's wrist, looking utterly satisfied.
As for Zhu Zhuqing…
Her gaze hardly left Qiu'er. Her lips were pressed together, and her slender fingers unconsciously twisted together. Her usually cold eyes sparkled brightly, brimming with longing and a desire to touch Qiu'er but held back by hesitation.
Though Dai Chengfeng didn't turn to look at Zhu Zhuqing, his peripheral vision took in her every move.
He found it amusing—the charm of this little creature truly transcended gender boundaries, even melting the icy exterior of someone like Zhu Zhuqing.
However, he still didn't initiate conversation or offer Qiu'er to her. Instead, he continued to play with the auspicious beast in his arms.
Time flowed slowly amid the silence and Qiu'er's satisfied purrs.
Dai Chengfeng still hadn't spoken.
In truth, Dai Chengfeng didn't dislike Zhu Zhuqing, but neither did he feel particularly fond of her.
She was completely different from his little angel.
Qian Renxue had genuinely rushed back to Spirit City from Tian Dou City just for his safety, even knowing she might have to confront her own mother, without a moment's hesitation.
Thus, when it came to Qian Renxue, Dai Chengfeng felt moved and took the initiative.
But when it came to Zhu Zhuqing…
Dai Chengfeng simply pretended not to hear his mother's instructions.
Knock, knock, knock…
Until a knock sounded at the door.
Dai Chengfeng looked up, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes.
Mother had just left—had she returned so quickly? Or was it a servant notifying them that lunch was ready?
"Dai Chengfeng, are you in the room?"
But soon, a crisp, melodious voice with an innate seductive charm rang out from outside the door.
"Hu Liena?"
Dai Chengfeng instantly recognized who it was. Though curious why Hu Liena had suddenly come to see him, he still responded:
"Yes, come in."
The door opened, and a graceful figure stepped inside.
At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing also pulled her gaze away from Qiu'er and looked toward the doorway. When she saw who had entered—
The woman standing in the doorway had a lithe and elegant figure, dressed in a perfectly tailored uniform of the Spirit Hall. The material was exquisite, accentuating her youthful and vibrant curves.
Her smooth chestnut hair was tied back, though a few playful strands hung loose by her cheeks, adding a touch of lazy allure.
Her face was flawlessly beautiful, her skin fair and delicate. Her most striking feature was her slightly upturned fox-like eyes, their clear gaze tinged with a misty haze.
Her innate, bone-deep seductive charm couldn't be fully concealed.
Such a bewitching woman?!
Zhu Zhuqing's breath caught momentarily, her pupils contracting sharply. The softness that had just blossomed in her eyes because of Qiu'er quickly receded, replaced by a hint of wariness.
Though Zhu Zhuqing still felt distant and unfamiliar toward Dai Chengfeng, her fiancé, she understood that she had no choice.
Just as Dai Chengfeng, born into the Dai family, had been destined since childhood to face sibling rivalry with no say in the matter, she too was in the same position.
Born into the Zhu family, she had no freedom to choose either.
Thus, upon seeing Hu Liena, this highly seductive woman, suddenly appear, Zhu Zhuqing instinctively felt a surge of hostility.
And while Zhu Zhuqing eyed Hu Liena warily, Hu Liena's gaze swept over the two people in the room.
Dai Chengfeng was familiar to her…
Thus, her gaze landed on the black-clad girl sitting beside Dai Chengfeng—Zhu Zhuqing.
The moment Hu Liena took in Zhu Zhuqing's appearance, a flicker of surprise crossed her fox-like eyes…
What a girl of unparalleled elegance, icy beauty, and striking features!
Especially those bright, slightly wary eyes—even Hu Liena, a beauty herself, had to admit this girl possessed immense charm.
But the hostility in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes puzzled her.
Who was this girl?
Why was she looking at me with such faint hostility?
Hu Liena's fox-like eyes circled Zhu Zhuqing with a hint of curiosity, but she didn't recognize her.
Finally, her gaze returned to Dai Chengfeng's face, and she asked curiously:
"Dai Chengfeng, she is…?"
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