In her chamber, Qian Renxue leaned against the windowsill, still lost in the lingering warmth of that kiss and the ache of Dai Chengfeng's departure. Her cheeks glowed faintly; her gaze drifted, dazed.
Suddenly, a soft knock sounded at the door.
She jolted awake from her reverie, eyes snapping toward the entrance.
"Who is it?"
A familiar, stern voice answered—laced with barely contained fury: "Xue'er, it's me."
Grandfather!
Her heart lurched. Her just-paled cheeks flushed crimson again.
'Why would he come now?'
'Did he… discover something?'
Dai Chengfeng's recent escape flashed in her mind—alongside her grandfather's unfathomable power. Panic surged.
Forcing calm, she took a steadying breath, smoothed her hair and robes, and hurried to open the door.
Outside stood Qian Daoliu, face thunderous. His gaze held her—pained, resigned, and brimming with the despair of a gardener whose prized cabbage had been trampled by a pig.
"Grandfather… w-why are you here?"
Qian Renxue lowered her head, unable to meet his eyes.
Seeing her flustered, love-struck expression—and recalling that insolent boy in the garden—Qian Daoliu's fury reignited.
He stormed past her into the chamber, eyes scanning every corner like a hawk hunting evidence.
"Hmph! If I hadn't come, some reckless brat would've stomped all over the Spirit Hall's rules!"
His words dripped with implication.
Qian Renxue's blush deepened. She bit her lip, silent.
Watching his granddaughter—so clearly smitten, so utterly charmed—Qian Daoliu seethed with helpless anger.
He stopped before her, sighing heavily. His tone softened slightly, yet frustration lingered.
"Xiao Xue, you're grown. Grandfather can't control your choices."
"But a girl must protect herself! Be reserved! Be cautious!"
He paused, teeth grinding as Dai Chengfeng's arrogant smirk replayed in his mind.
"This world's full of pigs who eye other people's fine cabbages!"
"Keep your eyes open—don't let someone sell you and count their coins for them!"
Qian Renxue cringed at his crude yet apt metaphor—embarrassment warring with exasperation. She stamped her foot, pouting.
"Grandfather! What are you saying… He's not like that…"
"Not like that?" Qian Daoliu's brows shot up. "Sneaking out of your room at midnight—what decent man does that? Hmph! That boy's trouble incarnate!"
He opened his mouth to continue—but seeing Qian Renxue's protective, almost blissful expression, he knew words were useless.
Daughters grow beyond control, the old proverb rang true.
With another heavy sigh, he waved a dismissive hand, voice weary.
"Fine, fine! Just… remember this: if he hurts you—even a little—tell Grandfather. I'll skin him alive!"
He gave her one last, lingering look before leaving, his back oddly forlorn.
Qian Renxue watched him go, heart tangled.
She knew his concern—but remembering Dai Chengfeng's tenderness, that kiss that stole her breath… her loyalty had already tilted toward that "troublesome brat."
She closed the door, leaning against it, fingers brushing her still-warm lips—a bittersweet smile playing on her face.
...
Dawn broke silently.
Morning light filtered through gauze curtains, spilling onto the bed where Dai Chengfeng slept deeply.
Last night's "excitement"—Qian Renxue's embrace, Qian Daoliu's ambush—had drained then relaxed him utterly.
Half-asleep, he sensed movement nearby—someone approaching.
Instinct flared. His eyes snapped open, sharp as blades, body coiling to strike—
Only to find a breathtaking face hovering above him.
Qian Renxue sat quietly at his bedside, watching him with tender eyes. At his sudden wakefulness, a smile flickered in her gaze.
His wariness melted into astonishment, then lazy delight.
Muscles uncoiled. He swept an arm around her waist, pulling her down. His head nestled against her supple thighs like a contented big cat, nuzzling greedily.
"Mm… when did you get here?"
His voice was rough with sleep, muffled against her robes as he inhaled her crisp, unique scent.
Qian Renxue flushed but didn't pull away. Gently smoothing his tousled hair, she chided: "What time is it already? The sun's high, you lazybones."
Dai Chengfeng shifted closer, arms tightening possessively. He shook his head petulantly.
"Not getting up… Finally holding you, smelling you… Not even the Jade Emperor could drag me out."
His shamelessness made her laugh despite herself—sweetness blooming in her chest.
She nudged him. "Get up! It's past noon. What if someone sees?"
"Let them see."
He tightened his grip. With a yelp, she found herself hauled onto the bed, pinned against his side, his arm locked around her waist.
"You!" Flustered, she squirmed. "Let go…"
"Don't move." He buried his face in her neck, voice husky. "Just holding you. Nothing more. Last night scared me half to death—let me recover."
At the mention of Grandfather, her struggles softened. Guilt and worry flickered in her eyes.
"Grandfather… he didn't hurt you last night, did he?"
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