When Dai Chengfeng turned around, the smile on his face had already vanished, leaving behind only a perfectly measured warmth and a trace of fatigue that was barely noticeable.
He stood quietly, his gaze calm as he looked at Bibi Dong across from him—composed and serene like the clear sky after a storm.
It was as if the mischievous youth from earlier had been nothing more than an illusion.
Bibi Dong gazed at Dai Chengfeng's face, which faintly showed signs of "fatigue" yet remained gentle. Her heart softened inexplicably, and her voice unconsciously softened as well: "You've accompanied me for so long…"
She paused briefly, as if carefully choosing her words. "Let's have dinner together… before you leave, alright?"
"Alright," Dai Chengfeng replied without a moment's hesitation, even with a hint of gratitude in his tone. He bowed slightly. "Since Teacher has invited me to dine with you, this disciple will naturally comply."
With that, he naturally walked to Bibi Dong's side, half a step behind her, standing quietly with his hands clasped in front of him. His posture was impeccably proper, leaving no room for criticism.
Seeing Dai Chengfeng suddenly become so obedient—and even somewhat restrained—Bibi Dong felt a twinge of unfamiliarity.
After all, the Dai Chengfeng from before had never been this… docile?
"Has he changed his nature?"
This thought crossed Bibi Dong's mind, but she said nothing further, only nodding lightly. "Mm, then let's go."
"It should be ready by now."
She took the lead, walking with the same elegant and proud demeanor unique to the Pope of the Spirit Hall.
Dai Chengfeng followed quietly behind her, his gaze resting on her graceful figure. A faint, almost imperceptible smile flickered deep in his eyes.
Soon, the two arrived at the dining hall.
The setting was elegant and solemn. The massive crystal chandelier cast a soft glow, and the long dining table was covered with a pristine white tablecloth. The silverware gleamed coldly under the light.
As the supreme Pope of the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong wielded power greater than that of any emperor. Naturally, her schedule was meticulously recorded and managed by attendants.
Thus, when the two entered the dining hall, the waiting maids immediately began serving the dishes in an orderly fashion.
However, today, the maids couldn't help but glance curiously at the extraordinarily handsome Fourth Prince of the Star Luo Empire who followed closely behind the Pope.
They had served the Pope for many years and knew well that Bibi Dong's temperament was icy and aloof. Aside from her direct disciple, Hu Liena, they had never seen any man share a meal with the Pope—not even elder title-holders like Yue Guan or Gui Mei.
Dai Chengfeng was the first!
Still, curiosity aside, their training quickly kicked in. They lowered their gazes, knowing full well that staring or asking questions were strictly forbidden.
As one exquisite dish after another was silently placed on the table, the aroma filled the air.
Once all the dishes were served, Bibi Dong gave a slight wave of her hand to the waiting maids, her voice calm and devoid of emotion:
"You may leave."
"Yes, Your Eminence."
The maids responded in unison, retreating swiftly and quietly. The heavy carved wooden door closed silently behind them, sealing off the space inside.
The vast dining hall was now left with only Dai Chengfeng and Bibi Dong.
"Let's eat."
Bibi Dong took her seat at the head of the table, picking up the crystal-clear goblet beside her and pouring herself a small amount of rich red wine.
She gently swirled the glass, her gaze falling on Dai Chengfeng, who sat quietly across from her.
Dai Chengfeng didn't immediately pick up his chopsticks. Instead, he picked up the serving chopsticks, scanning the array of dishes for a moment before settling on a plate of steamed crystal shrimp dumplings, their translucent appearance and delicate presentation enticing.
He picked up one, his movements natural yet imbued with a subtle sense of respectful caution, and gently placed it onto the small plate in front of Bibi Dong.
"Teacher, please try this—it looks very fresh and delicious."
His voice was gentle, carrying just the right amount of concern.
Bibi Dong's fingers holding the wine glass faltered almost imperceptibly.
Serving food…
This gesture, laden with obvious intimacy, hadn't been done to her in her long reign as Pope—except perhaps by a young Hu Liena.
She raised her eyes to look at Dai Chengfeng. His handsome face radiated pure concern, his gaze clear and innocent, as if this was nothing more than a disciple's ordinary consideration for their teacher.
A subtle warmth, unnoticed even by herself, quietly brushed against her heart.
She lowered her eyelids, her long lashes casting a small shadow over her eyes, concealing the fleeting complexity of emotions within.
She neither refused nor thanked him but instead used her silver chopsticks to pick up the delicate shrimp dumpling, elegantly bringing it to her lips.
The sweet, springy texture melted on her tongue. Whether it was her imagination or simply because it had been so long since she'd eaten, Bibi Dong couldn't help but feel that…
It seemed… more delicious than usual?
Dai Chengfeng, seeing that Bibi Dong had tacitly accepted his gesture, felt a slight sense of reassurance.
He no longer deliberately served her food but quietly began eating himself, his movements refined and polite. The dining hall was filled only with the occasional soft clink of utensils.
However, this surface calm did not last long.
Just as Bibi Dong focused on the food before her, her guard slightly relaxed, she suddenly felt a warm and familiar touch on her left hand, which rested on her lap.
It was Dai Chengfeng's hand.
His movements were extremely gentle, carrying a hint of exploration. Beneath the shadow of the table, he quietly covered the back of her hand resting on her lap.
The warmth of his fingertips seeped through the thin fabric of her clothing.
Bibi Dong's body stiffened instantly, her right hand holding the chopsticks freezing mid-air.
She almost instinctively wanted to pull her hand back, or even slap him again as she had in the study.
But…
This was the dining hall, not the study.
Moreover, the warmth of the youth's palm seemed to carry a strange, soothing force.
She raised her eyes to look at Dai Chengfeng across the table.
He was bowing his head, focused on scooping soup with a spoon. The lines of his profile appeared especially soft under the light, as if the "mischievous" hand beneath the table had nothing to do with him.
A mixture of frustration and helplessness welled up in her heart.
Bibi Dong took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to pull her hand back.
Fine, it's just the back of her hand… Perhaps he was merely… unintentional?
Besides, wasn't this better than being overly respectful and distant?
Thinking this, Bibi Dong ultimately chose to remain silent.
No scolding, no pulling away—she simply allowed that warm palm to rest gently on the back of her hand, its fingertips even brushing lightly against her skin.
She lowered her head again, continuing to eat.
Her chewing slowed slightly, and an almost imperceptible blush crept up the edges of her ears.
In the dining hall, the soft glow of the crystal chandelier enveloped the two.
At some point, Dai Chengfeng had already set down his utensils, both hands now cradling Bibi Dong's slender, fair hand, gently playing with it.
Bibi Dong continued to feign complete ignorance, eating her dinner as if nothing was amiss. This tacit understanding persisted until…
Knock, knock, knock.
A knock sounded at the door.
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