Wu Ping’an couldn’t quite describe what was different. Perhaps it was that his lips felt warm yet cool against her cheek, his breath damp and soft. As he held her head and slowly pressed her down beneath the tree laden with unripe apricots, the fruit wine on the table was accidentally knocked over during her struggle.
The intoxicating, astringent scent of the wine made her mouth water incessantly. A hazy mist gathered before her eyes, and her mind went strangely blank.
Ji Yuwei didn’t use his hands to channel spellcraft and press it against her chest to extract breath. Instead, he held her wrist, his lips slowly grazing her face.
First her forehead, brow bone, bridge of her nose… finally hovering over her slightly dry lips. By then, his cheekbones were already unnaturally flushed, and he began to pant, his gaze toward her eyes moist and turbulent with suppressed confusion.
He asked Wu Ping’an, “Wei wants to extract from here. Is that alright, Ping’an?”
There was three parts testing in his words, five parts desire for a kiss, and the rest were emotions she couldn’t decipher. But even the mere fraction of kiss-desire was enough to tempt her.
After Ji Yuwei finished speaking, even though she knew he could extract breath without touching her, her heart still beat strangely fast, as if refusing him would cause it to shatter from the excessive speed.
She couldn’t catch her breath, wanting to inhale deeply, yet afraid he’d mistake opening her mouth as consent. So she pressed her lips together, unsure how to refuse him.
Ji Yuwei didn’t think she would refuse either. After waiting a few breaths, he lowered his head and brushed his lips against her tightly pressed ones.
To be honest, the dry skin on her lips irritated Ji Yuwei, which was why he frowned and thought of using his tongue to moisten them for her.
But Wu Ping’an misunderstood, startlingly pushing him away in alarm.
Her wildly beating heart seemed to skip half a beat as he released her, then resumed its frantic rhythm.
Because the youth who had been pushed away looked up at her with a cold, enchanting beauty, his flushed cheekbones so thin they seemed to radiate an eerie ghostly aura. He grabbed her wrist, panting unevenly, “Ping’an?”
Wu Ping’an’s heart raced so fast, as if a motor had been forcibly installed inside her—thump, thump, thump—beating wildly until she couldn’t breathe. It felt as though her heart had become a drum, with countless tentacles acting as sticks striking it alternately without pause.
She desperately tried to suppress the rapid palpitations, panting as she refused, “No, not here.”
Hearing her urgent refusal, Ji Yuwei frowned and glanced around.
This place was specially arranged by him—beautiful scenery, fragrant wine. How could it not be suitable?
He didn’t understand, struggling to steady his breathing and maintain composure, saying gently, “Then come inside with me.”
“No.” Wu Ping’an refused again without thinking.
It wasn’t because it was too exposed outside or that she felt embarrassed. It was because he wanted to kiss her, not extract breath. She couldn’t describe the feeling.
It was like someone drowning, struggling desperately and calling for help, finally seeing a hand reach out to save her, only to realize it was a cat’s paw.
And the cat didn’t understand her embarrassment at mistaking it for a person. After quickly calming down, it stared at her and pressed, “Not inside the room? Where would Ping’an like to go? Wei can go anywhere.”
His tone was utterly accommodating toward her, but… no, that wasn’t it.
Wu Ping’an wanted to cover her burning ears and said directly, “Because… we’re not in a relationship. It’s not appropriate for you to kiss me, and… it’s even less appropriate for me to kiss you. You should just extract breath the way you used to.”
She wished she could cut ties with him immediately, but his concern was: “What is ‘dating’?”
This was another term Ji Yuwei had never heard before, so his fox-like eyes fixed on her, intently listening to every word she was about to utter, ready to take them apart and study them later.
Wu Ping’an didn’t know how to explain dating. Suppressing her racing heart, her lips felt as if they were on fire: “In our place, only dating couples or married couples can kiss. Others kissing is not in line with socialist moral values; it’s an improper social relationship.”
She had no idea what she was saying, nor whether he could understand, only wanting to dissuade him.
Unexpectedly, even though Ji Yuwei didn’t understand, he was willing to try.
He had his own set of logically coherent thoughts. After she finished speaking, he fell silent for a moment before smiling slightly and saying, “Wei understands Ping’an’s meaning. You mean that without proper status, we need to spend time together first. If we’re suitable, we can marry; if not, we can part ways and each find our own families, right?”
“Yes, yes, yes.” Wu Ping’an was immensely moved. He was truly too clever, able to grasp the correct meaning from her few words.
But Ji Yuwei mistakenly thought she wanted status.
If not for his short fate, he would have long been the next head of the family. Even so, he remained the most highly regarded young master of the Ji Clan, so it was natural for Wu Ping’an to want status.
Although he would not marry Wu Ping’an, he did not let go of her hand, softening his voice: “Willing to date Ping’an.”
Boom—
Wu Ping’an’s face flushed crimson, and she stammered, “No…”
But before she could finish, she heard Ji Yuwei ask her: “Does Ping’an not think Wei is beautiful?”
Wu Ping’an: “Beautiful.”
The youth leaned closer, his eyes rippling with a hazy allure. Between his long brows and slender eyes, a touch of crimson rouge adorned him. When he smiled, his vermilion lips were exquisite, his voice gentle and slow, stepping over her uneven, panting breath as he asked with vivid charm: “Since Ping’an thinks Wei is beautiful, why can’t we love each other? Since we can part if we’re not suitable, why not try with Wei? Does Ping’an feel she’s losing something?”
A barrage of questions struck her. Wu Ping’an stared blankly at the youth, unable to deny that he was extraordinarily beautiful. Anyone with vanity would be moved by such words.
She… was just an ordinary person, equally fond of beauty, equally facing a confession from someone so beautiful when she had never dated before, filled with normal anticipation and fearful apprehension.
But she didn’t know how to describe it, truly didn’t know. Perhaps he was too perfect, making her feel unworthy.
“Ping’an.” The youth seemed unwilling to hear her refuse again and again. His lips pressed against hers, his trembling raven-black lashes seeming to hold a faint light as he intimately licked her dry lower lip, like a murmur in a dream.
“Try with Wei. If we’re not suitable, we can go back to being confidants. Ping’an won’t lose anything. Aren’t you moved right now?”
He held her hand against his chest, his voice growing even softer. While licking her lips, he tickled Wu Ping’an’s ear.
“Listen, my heart is beating fast too.”
Wu Ping’an’s palm pressed against his chest, feeling the intense thumping. Though not as frantic as hers had been earlier, it was still extremely fast, unmistakably declaring that Ji Yuwei’s heart was racing for her.
“Ping’an.”
He kissed her lips, lifting his damp eyelids. His coolly beautiful face was tinged with a faint flush, his pupils veiled in a layer of moist haze as he exhaled scorching breaths of passion, speaking softly: “Not just me—your heartbeat is also racing. I can feel it just by holding your palm.”
The overly rapid heartbeat left Wu Ping’an nowhere to hide, unable to refute this normal physiological reaction. It seemed as though she was falling for Ji Yuwei.
But could she really be with Ji Yuwei?
In that moment, hesitation flickered through her heart. The youth seemed to possess eyes that could see through people, reading the hesitation within her. He lowered his damp lashes and turned to kiss her ear.
Half of Wu Ping’an’s body went numb from his kisses. Dizzily, she heard him say: “Ping’an doesn’t know that once Wei sets his mind on something, he will surely obtain it. Love between people is merely a matter of sooner or later—why not try it in advance? If it doesn’t suit, we can part ways then. Why suppress the stirrings of the heart?”
Yes.
Wu Ping’an also felt his words made sense. In this life, one must first seek enjoyment. Yet something remained lodged in her heart, impossible to spit out or swallow down.
Ji Yuwei gave her no chance to ponder further. Tracing downward from her fair earlobe, he kissed her slender neck damp.
Wu Ping’an was laid back onto the carpet by him, her body tense as she stared with restless eyes, her hands pressed against his forehead. Blushing, she gasped: “Ji Yuwei, don’t kiss like that.”
“Kiss how?” He lifted his face—also damp, flushed with heat, his eyes misty with confusion as he gazed at her with innocent bewilderment.
Wu Ping’an couldn’t say it. She had been kissed to that point.
Since she truly couldn’t say it, Ji Yuwei kept staring at her.
In truth, he didn’t want to kiss Wu Ping’an. She wasn’t beautiful, her figure unremarkable, not slender like a graceful willow. So he merely enjoyed watching her helpless expression when he kissed her—the moisture welling in her eyes, trembling along her sparse lashes yet refusing to fall.
From this, he could discern her stubborn nature.
And breaking that stubbornness, making her yield and shed uncontrollable tears, brought him immense pleasure.
Thus, kissing her was not his desire; he merely wanted to watch her struggle fruitlessly. This was one of the few amusements he found in Wu Ping’an.
So in the end, Wu Ping’an still spoke, her face flushed.
She said his kisses made her whole body go numb, her lower abdomen ache, her head feel as if flooded with blood, unable to think of anything else—so she asked him to stop.
Ji Yuwei smiled, encroaching further: “Because Ping’an likes me. Otherwise, why would your heartbeat accelerate?”
Tears still glistened in Wu Ping’an’s eyes. Hearing this, she suddenly froze.
Was that it? It seemed so.
Did she also like Ji Yuwei?
“Ping’an.” He smiled, biting her tense collarbone, his tongue vaguely licking as he murmured: “I won’t kiss anymore. I’m going to extract breath.”
Before Wu Ping’an could nod, her breath was abruptly seized. The oppressive sensation made normal thought impossible; all her senses focused on the dampness of his lips and chest.
Just as she was about to be kissed to climax, Ji Yuwei suddenly stopped.
He lifted his healthy, vibrant, beautiful face, his lips red like a demon who had just consumed vital essence: “Ping’an, it’s done.”
Wu Ping’an was helped up by him, watching as he sat beside her, stacking talismans and using cinnabar mixed with wine to draw patterns she couldn’t comprehend.
She couldn’t help but raise a hand to touch her still-burning face, unable to believe she had been kissed damp by Ji Yuwei.
After Ji Yuwei finished drawing the fu talisman, he turned his head and his gaze fell on her crimson ear tips. Pausing for a moment, he said, “Ping’an, go back to the previous courtyard and stay for a while. Wei will help you find the monster beast.”
Wu Ping’an lowered her head and nodded.
Ji Yuwei set down the talisman, cupped her face with both hands, leaned forward, and licked her eyelashes. “Ping’an, don’t show such an expression. Wei likes it and will want to kiss you.”
Wu Ping’an immediately straightened up, suppressing her expression and pretending that the earlier intimacy hadn’t affected her. She moved her head away from his hands. “Then… I’ll go back first. I’ll trouble you with Dai’er.”
Ji Yuwei rubbed his eyes and smiled softly. “Ping’an, don’t worry. Wei will send someone to inform her.”
Wu Ping’an was still under suspicion of murder, so although she wasn’t imprisoned in the Dark Prison under supervision, she couldn’t leave the estate until the truth came to light, to prevent her from fleeing to avoid punishment.
Ji Yuwei escorted her back to the courtyard.
Just as before, everything inside remained unchanged.
Wu Ping’an stood in the courtyard, looking at Ji Yuwei. Several times she opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say.
Fortunately, Ji Yuwei bent down and pressed a light kiss to her forehead. Taking advantage of her dazed state, he said, “Rest early. Wei will clear your name as soon as possible.”
Wu Ping’an lifted her gaze to look at him. “Thank you, Ji Yuwei.”
He kissed her cheek again, breathing out a warm breath as he urged her to change how she addressed him: “Wulang, or Wu Zhi.”
Wu Ping’an hesitated under her tongue for a long time, unable to say it, and finally called out dryly, “Ji Yuwei, stop kissing.”
The faint smile at the corner of Ji Yuwei’s lips froze, unsure whether he was displeased that she hadn’t addressed him intimately or that she told him to stop kissing.
He calmly straightened up, returning to the reserved demeanor of the aloof gentleman he once was, though his tone remained gentle. “Ping’an, rest early. Wei will come see you tomorrow.”
Wu Ping’an nodded, watching his retreating figure, his long sleeves fluttering gracefully and ethereally.
Only when that figure stepped onto the bridge corridor leaning against willows and beside the water did she raise her hand to touch her still tingling forehead.
How strange.
She had heard before that every scene in the estate was arranged according to Ji Yuwei’s preferences—a bridge, a tree, a lake, all so beautiful they drew attention. What about her was worthy of his affection?
Was it because she came from the Otherworld and had different views from the people here, making her unique in his eyes?
Or was it because, beyond her ordinary appearance, he saw the qualities hidden within her, causing him to unknowingly fall deeply in love?
Wu Ping’an had read novels that described such things, but now that it was happening to her, she couldn’t understand it.
But since she had already agreed to be in a relationship with him, it seemed she couldn’t break up immediately. At the very least, she should give it some time.
Wu Ping’an sighed and turned back into her room.
Beneath the shade of trees blocking the sun, the youth with an immortal-like grace walked slowly along the stone path. The spring-like affection floating in his beautiful brows added a hint of ambiguous satisfaction to his clear, jade-like elegance.
Entering the Apricot Grove, he dismissed the attendants and, alone in the bedroom filled with bottles and jars, retrieved the fu talisman containing the living essence. He burned it to ashes in the furnace, then took out the living essence and consumed it completely.
He absorbed the living essence for his own use, with no intention of searching for it. As for whether Wu Ping’an had killed anyone or not, it was merely a matter of his word. Naturally, he wouldn’t waste the living essence to painstakingly search for some monster beast.
The vibrant vitality of life flowed within his body. Ji Yuwei picked up a bronze mirror to admire himself.
The reflection in the mirror showed a healthy glow on his cheeks, red lips, clear eyes, curved brows, and full cheeks—all brimming with natural living qi.
Such beauty made him curve his eyes in delight, reaching out to touch the healthy reflection in the mirror.
The abundant vitality naturally reminded him of Wu Ping’an. She always gave him the sense of a vigorous life that could quietly thrive even in sunless corners, despite her dullness and unremarkable nature.
And now, this ordinary Wu Ping’an was firmly in his grasp, making him feel so exhilarated that he even wanted to return and kiss her face, brimming with healthy living qi. But soon, the delight faded from his eyes.
Remembering that Wu Ping’an disliked his kisses, the youth’s brows turned cold, and he suddenly smashed the bronze mirror for no reason, angered by her lack of cooperation.
If not for Wu Ping’an’s origins in the Divine Realm, why would he ever kiss her?
Ji Yu rose and ordered the servants to clear the shattered mirror from the room, leaning coldly against the window as he watched the distant golden light gradually fade.
The servants swept up the broken mirror from the floor and bowed as they withdrew.
As dusk deepened and the sky darkened, lanterns were lit throughout the estate. Night rain suddenly swept over the Apricot Grove, and the warm candlelight grew hazy with mist. The youth, having just risen from the water, draped himself in a wide-sleeved robe, stepped into wooden clogs, and carried a swaying oil lamp into his bedchamber.
A new bronze mirror had already been placed on the dressing table, reflecting his unhurried steps until he set down the lamp.
He sat before the mirror, carefully examining his reflection.
His lips were still crimson, his affectionate eyes glistening with a faint mist, and his cheeks flushed with a delicate rouge-like hue—no different from usual.
He blew out the lamp, let his hair down, and stepped barefoot onto the frameless bed, closing his eyes to rest as he always did. Yet, the moment his eyes shut, he suddenly recalled the events of the day.
Ji Yuwei turned and hugged a pillow, burying his face deep into its softness.
As time slipped away, the prolonged suffocation made his breath grow slightly heavy, and his ears flushed red from the stifling heat.
He wanted to bite the pillow.
This sudden urge led him, in the pitch-black solitude of the night, to sink his teeth into the embroidered seams of the square pillow. What began as a search for comfort unexpectedly left him breathless.
Soon, his jaw slackened, his body jolted, and a suppressed, soft moan escaped his lips. The half-visible corner of his eye remained closed, its moisture unintentionally condensing into damp beads that soaked the pillow.
The long night passed, and as dawn broke over the horizon, the servants in the Apricot Grove were unexpectedly summoned to the young master’s bedchamber.
Since the young master disliked having others in his room, they were only allowed entry when called. Today, they were summoned just as the sky began to lighten.
One servant inadvertently caught sight of the youth, barefoot in a loose robe, his dark hair slightly disheveled, a vivid vermilion mark between his languid brows. He leaned lazily by the window, neither wholly human nor divine.
Sensing the servant’s gaze, Ji Yuwei’s dark eyes, fixed on the disarrayed bed, slowly shifted and unerringly landed on the peeping servant. His expressionless face, chillingly cold to the extreme, took on an almost bewitching allure.
Meeting his gaze, the servant’s face paled with terror. Still holding a bronze basin, he abruptly knelt, spilling water across the floor.
But he paid it no mind, frantically pleading, “Spare me, young master! Spare me!”
Ji Yuwei stared at him unmoving.
The silence was shattered by something darting in through the window at an imperceptible speed, tearing off half the skull of the servant who had spilled the water while begging for mercy.
The pleas ceased abruptly. The other servants acted as if they had seen nothing, diligently replacing the damp, tangled bedding and the crumpled, embroidered square pillow. Some knelt to wipe the water and blood from the floor, each focused on their assigned tasks.
Ji Yuwei leaned against the windowsill, slowly tilting his head back, allowing a sliver of morning light to fall precisely upon his fair jawline, casting a layer of soft, almost divine radiance.
He was lost in thought.
What was Wu Ping’an doing?
Wu Ping’an had also just risen. Having been chased by Shadow Ghosts several times, she had a sudden impulse to practice Baduanjin in the courtyard early in the morning.
In truth, she was just going through the motions, as she didn’t actually know Baduanjin. She merely used the name to comfort herself.
For convenience, she had threaded a sash through her wide sleeves, tying it from her shoulders to the back of her neck. Her long skirt was also tucked at the waist to resemble a short skirt. Wearing wooden clogs and white socks, she waved her slender arms and legs back and forth with practiced flair.
Fortunately, summer was gradually approaching, and the morning light was warm.
After a few haphazard movements, Wu Ping’an lost heart. She realized her practice was utterly useless.
She really wanted to learn spellcraft.
With a dejected expression, she turned around and was startled to see a pale green-clad youth standing behind her.
It was Ji Yuwei.
Today, he wore a pale green cross-collared robe with wide sleeves. His long, raven-black hair, which fell past his hips, was half tied back with a floral hairpin. The delicate shades of green and pink petals made him look like a lady adorned with light makeup and striking features, though his tall, slender stature suggested otherwise.
Wu Ping’an also noticed that he had applied a light dusting of powder to his face today, but it lacked the greasy, vulgar quality of rouge. Instead, he resembled a fresh, verdant spring blossom.
Ji Yuwei must have been there for a while. Seeing her suddenly stop practicing, he stepped forward and stood before her, lowering his gaze to her exposed arms.
His eyes trailed downward, fixating intently on her two slender calves as he asked softly, “Why have you stopped, Ping’an? Did Wei disturb you?”
Wu Ping’an averted her gaze from his exquisitely androgynous beauty and began untying the sash around her neck while letting down the long hem of her skirt to cover her wooden clogs and white socks.
“I had nothing to do this morning, so I was just practicing casually. When did you arrive?”
Ji Yuwei naturally took her newly lowered hand and guided her outside. “Not long ago. When I woke up, I thought Ping’an might not have eaten yet, so I wanted to join you.”
Since the two had just begun their relationship yesterday, Wu Ping’an still felt a faint awkwardness when she saw him. Now, with him holding her hand, she instinctively tried to pull back a few times but gave up when she realized he was holding on tightly.
She asked, “I’m still under suspicion. Can I go out to eat? What if I run into your elder brother?”
Truthfully, Wu Ping’an wasn’t particularly keen on having breakfast with him, but considering they had just gotten together, refusing seemed inappropriate. Though she had never been in a relationship before, she had friends who had.
Hearing her concern, Ji Yuwei glanced sideways with a smile. “Even if we do, it won’t matter. I’ll protect Ping’an.”
He didn’t care whether they encountered Ji Cizhao. He simply wanted to share breakfast with her, gradually and imperceptibly deepening her affection for him—nothing more.
Wu Ping’an didn’t know how the two brothers interacted, but since he said it was fine, she naturally set her worries aside and followed him to eat.
This was her first time having a meal with Ji Yuwei, and also her first time witnessing the extravagance and elaborate dishes that accompanied his dining.
For just breakfast, the entire square pearwood table, carved with flying immortals and golden wheels, was laden with exquisite vessels filled with pastries, side dishes, and fragrant soups. In the center stood a carefully arranged floral arrangement, while servants stood in two rows beside them.
At first, she found it extravagant, but then she thought of the slums she had previously lived in, where countless people struggled to make ends meet and could only afford food that filled their stomachs. Once again, she witnessed the stark difference between the nobility and the common people.
Ji Yuwei led her to sit down, and his gaze inadvertently swept over her face, immediately understanding what she was thinking.
As the servant ladled the porridge, Wu Ping’an heard the person beside her speak.
“Today is the first time I’m having breakfast with Ping’an, so I had them prepare a little extra. Next time, I’ll have them make less. As for the leftovers that haven’t been touched, I’ll have the clean portions separated and taken out to feed the stray cats and dogs without homes.”
Upon hearing this, Wu Ping’an shook her head. “No, I actually think it’s quite normal.”
Ji Yuwei tilted his head to look at her, seemingly puzzled by her response.
Wu Ping’an picked up the porridge and drank it with lowered eyes. It tasted excellent.
In truth, she knew that the Ji Clan was a prominent family with substantial resources, and their extravagant, wasteful morning meals were to be expected. She would not impose her own moral standards on others, demanding they align with her views or cater to her preferences.
Ji Yuwei watched her for a moment. Seeing that she truly made no remarks about “extravagance and waste,” he slowly began his meal as well.
After both had finished eating and rinsed their mouths, Wu Ping’an asked him, “When will the monster beast be found?”
Ji Yuwei blinked and asked her, “What is Ping’an worried about?”
He had never actually intended to find any monster beast; how long it took was entirely up to him. Moreover, the trace of living essence he had extracted had already been consumed by him.
Wu Ping’an said, “I’m thinking of Dai’er, left alone at home. Even though someone will inform her, I’m still afraid she might worry.”
Ji Yuwei’s expression softened as he considered this, then replied earnestly, “It should be soon.”
With that, Wu Ping’an felt reassured.
After discussing the monster beast, they sat together in the dining hall for a long while, neither speaking.
Just as she began to feel the silence was too heavy, Ji Yuwei asked her if she would like to go to the Apricot Grove to listen to the melody he had composed the previous night.
Having stayed at Ji Manor before, where she used to sing along to the tunes Ji Yuwei composed daily, this felt normal to her, so she naturally agreed.
When they arrived at the Apricot Grove,
she saw servants laying out mats on the ground, setting up a stove with tea and snacks, and bringing over floral arrangements and a qin. Before they even took their seats, she heard Ji Yuwei softly ask her,
“Ping’an, do you want to kiss Wei?”
“Ah…” Wu Ping’an turned her head in confusion, seeing him kneeling gracefully with his black hair cascading softly over the cushion past his hips, his gaze steady as he looked at her lips.
“I… don’t think so, do I?” She wanted to say she wasn’t very inclined, but seeing the young man’s smile fade with her words, she hesitantly asked him instead.
Did she want to?
And asking him naturally yielded the answer that she did.
Ji Yuwei had barely glanced at the konghou yet. When she said she wanted to, he leaned in, raising his slender, jade-like hands to slowly thread his fingers through her hair from the nape of her neck, then cupped her chin.
Wu Ping’an saw his dark eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, casting a faint blush over the pale skin of his cheekbones.
He coiled around her like an animal winding around a pillar, lifting her entire face from below. The overly intimate posture made Wu Ping’an nervous, and she couldn’t help but clutch the skirt draped over her knees.
As he drew closer, Wu Ping’an thought he might kiss her fiercely and passionately. So when his kiss landed on her lips, she instinctively parted them, but he only licked her lips.
Beneath the lush, verdant Apricot Grove, he held her face, licking her lips, the crimson mole on his fair skin vivid, while his eyelids flushed with an intoxicated blush from the pressing kisses, licks, and gradually quickening breaths.
The young man panted softly, continuously lifting her face upward until she was forced into a posture like a hanged ghost, her body leaning entirely against his chest as she tilted her head back to be kissed.
He seemed to kiss with fervor, but Wu Ping’an was lost in thought, her face only slowly warming after a long pause.
Wu Ping’an clutched the draping sleeves of his robe, feeling too awkward for words inside.
Ji Yuwei didn’t know how to kiss—why had she opened her mouth!
The young man was pure and innocent, thinking kissing merely meant pressing lips together and licking to savor the taste. He knew nothing of probing deeper.
But he was already panting heavily from just that much, his damp eyelashes fluttering against her eyelids, and he only released her after licking her lips numb.
After letting her go, Ji Yuwei lifted his beautiful, tear-glistening lashes. A faint blush covered his snow-white face as he parted his crimson lips, gasping for breath, and said, “Ping’an, let’s sing and play music with Wei now.”
His face was filled with satisfied desire, clearly having enjoyed the kiss immensely.
Wu Ping’an pressed her tingling lips and nodded with mixed feelings. “…Alright.”
He sat back down, raised his hand to stroke the vertical strings, the flush on his face not yet faded, and soon became lost in the melody again, entranced.
Wu Ping’an felt not only conflicted in her heart but also sang with complexity.
In this place of romantic refinement, where some even bared themselves after consuming the five-mineral powder, viewing the union of emotion and desire as a natural rule, Ji Yuwei actually didn’t even know how to kiss properly.
Before, she had thought those few times were due to his restraint, but now, with their relationship as it was, she had already convinced herself, yet he still only licked her lips.
Suddenly, Wu Ping’an realized she wasn’t as unwilling to be in a relationship with Ji Yuwei as she had thought. She, too, lacked morals, enjoying innocent youths who knew nothing of the world.
She inwardly condemned herself for being such a person, gradually immersing herself in the melody he played.
Ji Yuwei did not become as entranced as she had imagined. From the moment she showed a strange expression, he hadn’t missed a single emotion on her face, and his fingers plucking the strings were somewhat distracted.
He didn’t miss the surprise on Wu Ping’an’s face and couldn’t help but wonder if he had done something that seemed off to her.
Did she think he wasn’t affectionate enough? Suspect he was being insincere, deceiving her?
The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became. He was far from pure-hearted, and without reason, he snapped a string.
With a sharp twang, he pushed the konghou aside and calmly picked up a nearby cloth under Wu Ping’an’s gaze, pressing it against his burning fingertip, his expression composed and proper.
“Ping’an, you sang beautifully, but Wei’s konghou has been used for a long time without being replaced, and the string accidentally snapped. I’m afraid we cannot continue together today.”
Before Wu Ping’an could speak, he lowered his thick lashes and said softly, “Let Wei escort Ping’an back, and go find a monster beast for you.”
Hearing that he would personally go find a monster beast, Wu Ping’an quickly nodded. “Alright.”
Ji Yuwei stood up and lovingly stroked the phoenix-headed konghou he had used for many years, instructing the attendant who had heard the string snap to burn it.
The konghou was still in good condition and exquisitely crafted, yet it was to be burned just because of a broken string. Wu Ping’an, who also cherished beauty, and who, since meeting Ji Yuwei, had spent the most time with this konghou, instinctively stopped him.
Ji Yuwei glanced sideways, his gaze fixed on her.
Wu Ping’an crouched before the konghou, picked up the broken string, and said, “Let me try to see if I can fix it. It’s a shame to throw it away.”
Ji Yuwei’s face showed little expression. Seeing her wipe away the bloodstain on the string, he told the attendant not to burn it.
Wu Ping’an returned to her courtyard with the konghou.
Ji Yuwei had to go find a monster beast, so he didn’t stay long. Left alone, she tinkered with how to repair the broken string.
Fortunately, the attendant by Ji Yuwei’s side usually took care of all the musical instruments and told Wu Ping’an how to repair the konghou string.
It required silk threads—specifically, those that were pure white and uniform in thickness. The process involved soaking, cleaning, drying, twisting, shaping, and polishing, which couldn’t be completed in just a day or two.
Wu Ping’an didn’t know when she would clear her name of the murder accusation. She might stay in Ji Manor for a long time, and since she had nothing else to do at the moment, she decided to go select silk threads.
Having just selected the silk, she was summoned by a servant to see Ji Cizhao the very next day.
The place she went to was the Dark Prison. As soon as she followed the servant inside, she was hit by the overwhelming smell of blood, nearly making her retch.
The servant handed her a handkerchief to cover her nose, which she accepted with thanks.
The servant smiled, then bent down and continued leading her forward.
When they reached the bottom, she first saw the massive carcass of an animal hanging on a wooden rack, bloodied and gutted, with Ji Cizhao standing beside it.
Hearing the sound of retching behind him, Ji Cizhao set down his dagger and turned to see Wu Ping’an leaning against the wall, her face pale as she looked at him.
Ji Cizhao glanced at the monster beast beside him. “This is a monster beast.”
Wu Ping’an nodded; she could see that.
Ji Cizhao paused, then said, “This was sent by Ji Yuwei not long ago. He said it was a monster beast that fed on Yulian.”
Wu Ping’an turned her gaze to him, her voice muffled behind the handkerchief covering her lips. “What do you mean, sir?”
Ji Cizhao calmly took the handkerchief handed to him by someone nearby and wiped the blood from his dagger. “Nothing. It’s just that you are now cleared of suspicion and may leave at any time.”
From his words, it seemed he thought this monster beast was just something Ji Yuwei had randomly found.
Wu Ping’an didn’t care whether the monster beast was truly the one that had fed on Ji Yulian. In any case, she had never killed anyone.
“Thank you, sir.”
Her gaze swept over the gutted monster beast, and she silently added another label of cruelty to Ji Cizhao in her mind.
As she was about to leave, Ji Cizhao stopped her.
“Lady Wu, wait a moment.”
Wu Ping’an watched as he set down his dagger and stood before her.
Ji Cizhao said, “Previously, I saw you being chased by a Shadow Ghost. Would you allow a servant to check if you have been tainted by something unclean?”
Wu Ping’an had previously carried the living essence of Ji Yulian on her, but the last trace of it had been taken by Ji Yuwei. There was nothing left on her now.
She was not particularly fond of him and politely declined.
Ji Cizhao seemed about to speak again when a young servant hurried down from above to report.
Ji Yuwei was waiting for her outside.
In the end, Ji Cizhao let Wu Ping’an go.
As the woman’s figure disappeared at the end of the path, Ji Cizhao turned and stood once more before the monster beast.
He had not found the living essence that had attached itself to Ji Yulian after her death on this monster beast, so he could not confirm whether it was the beast that had killed her. That was why he thought of Wu Ping’an’s earlier claim of being chased by a ghost—a female ghost, no less.
He wanted to see if the living essence of Yulian after her death had attached itself to Wu Ping’an.
Unfortunately, Ji Yuwei had arrived too promptly.
Ji Cizhao thoughtfully examined the monster beast before him.
Ji Yuwei was waiting for her outside, and today, too, he carried himself with an air of distinction.
After just one night apart, Wu Ping’an felt as if she were seeing him anew. She couldn’t help but ask, “Earlier, at your elder brother’s place, I saw a monster beast. Was that truly the murderous beast?”
The two walked side by side. Because the topic was discreet, Wu Ping’an leaned in close to him and whispered.
Ji Yuwei lowered his gaze and saw her hand covering her lips as they moved softly.
“Hmm.” Unlike her whispered words, his voice was clear and calm. “Yes.”
Wu Ping’an felt relieved. She had thought earlier that Ji Yuwei might have randomly found a monster beast for her sake.
Seeing her sigh softly, Ji Yuwei smiled faintly and casually asked, “Ping’an, did you think Wei had just picked one at random?”
Wu Ping’an shook her head. “No, I just thought it was too quick. Besides, you have the living essence—how could you possibly pick one at random?”
She looked up at him with clear eyes and a gentle, accepting expression. Hers was an ordinary face, yet one that, because of the trust she exuded, made others feel drawn to her.
Ji Yuwei’s gaze drifted down from her eyes to her lips, then shifted away before she noticed, as he said with a smile, “Don’t worry, Ping’an.”
Wu Ping’an trusted him completely. Since this matter had already been concluded, she wouldn’t delve into why the monster beast had killed Ji Yulian. These things had nothing to do with her in the first place, and being dragged into it was just her bad luck.
The two walked side by side for a while before Wu Ping’an remembered to tell him, “I haven’t fixed your broken string yet. I might have to take it back with me later and return it once it’s repaired.”
“Hmm.” The young man replied absentmindedly.
Wu Ping’an tilted her head to look at him.
Noticing her gaze, Ji Yuwei asked, “What is it?”
Wu Ping’an shook her head. “Nothing, just wondering what you’re thinking about.”
“You seem a bit distracted,” she described.
Ji Yuwei didn’t say anything, just kept looking at her.
Wu Ping’an felt strangely uncomfortable under his gaze and glanced around, only then realizing the attendants were no longer following them.
As they talked, she and Ji Yuwei walked into the Apricot Grove.
The early summer sunlight was bright and warm today. A scorching, brilliant sun hung in the sky, having baked the growing apricots in the grove all morning. The small, unripe fruits hung from the branches like green lanterns swaying in the breeze. Even before tasting one, Wu Ping’an’s teeth tingled with sourness.
Because she knew Ji Yuwei might try to kiss her again soon.
Sure enough, the moment the thought crossed her mind, he leaned down, his tall nose bridge brushing against the tip of hers.
Wu Ping’an, leaning against a tree, couldn’t help but turn her head, but he wouldn’t allow it.
Their eyes met, and she saw his dark, moist pupils shimmering with a deep, obscure light.
Ji Yuwei didn’t speak, but his breath grew heavier as his gaze deepened, exuding the naive ambiguity of youth.
It was a green, slightly lustful look that Wu Ping’an couldn’t quite describe. In his eyes, she saw a deep longing to kiss, making her feel as nervous as when she secretly read those blush-inducing novels back in her school days.
She couldn’t breathe normally and wanted to lick her lips but restrained herself.
In her torment, Wu Ping’an finally saw him extend a crimson tongue, sticking to her lips like an animal.
This time, he even knew to tilt his face slightly, allowing for more contact.
Wu Ping’an didn’t open her mouth but let him kiss her.
The young man’s tongue, hidden between his lips, was so wet it reminded her of clean seaweed soaked in warm water until slightly sticky. His licking made her whole body tense, her heart pounding loudly in her ears—thump, thump, thump.
Even at this level, Wu Ping’an, as a young “maiden” who had never been in love, naturally reacted with her own inexperience.
Wu Ping’an didn’t know when she closed her eyes, but they now opened dazedly. Her face flushed with heat, and in her daze, she felt as if she were about to melt into water.
So even just pressing lips together could evoke such feelings.
Ji Yuwei had learned to tilt his face, but he still didn’t know how to kiss properly. After pressing for a while and repeatedly licking, he found it unsatisfying. With a flushed, confused face, he breathed lightly and softly, murmuring as he took her hand and placed it on his waist.
Wu Ping’an, lost in wild thoughts, felt her face flush violently—no exaggeration. Blood rushed from her neck to her face in an instant, and she nearly fainted under the warm, heavy breaths.
She heard the young man panting, murmuring dazedly.
“Ping’an, it feels so sore here, like it’s swelling.”
Author’s Note: Student Mountain Ghost: Teacher Ping’an, something’s not right with me. Am I broken?
Teacher Ping’an: Hmm, it’s broken, reached the age where I can’t hold it in anymore.
This chapter has fallen into the V red envelope, the next chapter updates at 0:00.
Chapter 21: Thump-thump, Nibbling the Pillow Surface at Will
Wu Ping’an picked up the porridge and drank it with lowered eyes. It tasted excellent.
In truth, she knew that the Ji Clan was a prominent family with substantial resources, and their extravagant, wasteful morning meals were to be expected. She would not impose her own moral standards on others, demanding they align with her views or cater to her preferences.
Ji Yuwei watched her for a moment. Seeing that she truly made no remarks about “extravagance and waste,” he slowly began his meal as well.
After both had finished eating and rinsed their mouths, Wu Ping’an asked him, “When will the monster beast be found?”
Ji Yuwei blinked and asked her, “What is Ping’an worried about?”
He had never actually intended to find any monster beast; how long it took was entirely up to him. Moreover, the trace of living essence he had extracted had already been consumed by him.
Wu Ping’an said, “I’m thinking of Dai’er, left alone at home. Even though someone will inform her, I’m still afraid she might worry.”
Ji Yuwei’s expression softened as he considered this, then replied earnestly, “It should be soon.”
With that, Wu Ping’an felt reassured.
After discussing the monster beast, they sat together in the dining hall for a long while, neither speaking.
Just as she began to feel the silence was too heavy, Ji Yuwei asked her if she would like to go to the Apricot Grove to listen to the melody he had composed the previous night.
Having stayed at Ji Manor before, where she used to sing along to the tunes Ji Yuwei composed daily, this felt normal to her, so she naturally agreed.
When they arrived at the Apricot Grove,
she saw servants laying out mats on the ground, setting up a stove with tea and snacks, and bringing over floral arrangements and a qin. Before they even took their seats, she heard Ji Yuwei softly ask her,
“Ping’an, do you want to kiss Wei?”
“Ah…” Wu Ping’an turned her head in confusion, seeing him kneeling gracefully with his black hair cascading softly over the cushion past his hips, his gaze steady as he looked at her lips.
“I… don’t think so, do I?” She wanted to say she wasn’t very inclined, but seeing the young man’s smile fade with her words, she hesitantly asked him instead.
Did she want to?
And asking him naturally yielded the answer that she did.
Ji Yuwei had barely glanced at the konghou yet. When she said she wanted to, he leaned in, raising his slender, jade-like hands to slowly thread his fingers through her hair from the nape of her neck, then cupped her chin.
Wu Ping’an saw his dark eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, casting a faint blush over the pale skin of his cheekbones.
He coiled around her like an animal winding around a pillar, lifting her entire face from below. The overly intimate posture made Wu Ping’an nervous, and she couldn’t help but clutch the skirt draped over her knees.
As he drew closer, Wu Ping’an thought he might kiss her fiercely and passionately. So when his kiss landed on her lips, she instinctively parted them, but he only licked her lips.
Beneath the lush, verdant Apricot Grove, he held her face, licking her lips, the crimson mole on his fair skin vivid, while his eyelids flushed with an intoxicated blush from the pressing kisses, licks, and gradually quickening breaths.
The young man panted softly, continuously lifting her face upward until she was forced into a posture like a hanged ghost, her body leaning entirely against his chest as she tilted her head back to be kissed.
He seemed to kiss with fervor, but Wu Ping’an was lost in thought, her face only slowly warming after a long pause.
Wu Ping’an clutched the draping sleeves of his robe, feeling too awkward for words inside.
Ji Yuwei didn’t know how to kiss—why had she opened her mouth!
The young man was pure and innocent, thinking kissing merely meant pressing lips together and licking to savor the taste. He knew nothing of probing deeper.
But he was already panting heavily from just that much, his damp eyelashes fluttering against her eyelids, and he only released her after licking her lips numb.
After letting her go, Ji Yuwei lifted his beautiful, tear-glistening lashes. A faint blush covered his snow-white face as he parted his crimson lips, gasping for breath, and said, “Ping’an, let’s sing and play music with Wei now.”
His face was filled with satisfied desire, clearly having enjoyed the kiss immensely.
Wu Ping’an pressed her tingling lips and nodded with mixed feelings. “…Alright.”
He sat back down, raised his hand to stroke the vertical strings, the flush on his face not yet faded, and soon became lost in the melody again, entranced.
Wu Ping’an felt not only conflicted in her heart but also sang with complexity.
In this place of romantic refinement, where some even bared themselves after consuming the five-mineral powder, viewing the union of emotion and desire as a natural rule, Ji Yuwei actually didn’t even know how to kiss properly.
Before, she had thought those few times were due to his restraint, but now, with their relationship as it was, she had already convinced herself, yet he still only licked her lips.
Suddenly, Wu Ping’an realized she wasn’t as unwilling to be in a relationship with Ji Yuwei as she had thought. She, too, lacked morals, enjoying innocent youths who knew nothing of the world.
She inwardly condemned herself for being such a person, gradually immersing herself in the melody he played.
Ji Yuwei did not become as entranced as she had imagined. From the moment she showed a strange expression, he hadn’t missed a single emotion on her face, and his fingers plucking the strings were somewhat distracted.
He didn’t miss the surprise on Wu Ping’an’s face and couldn’t help but wonder if he had done something that seemed off to her.
Did she think he wasn’t affectionate enough? Suspect he was being insincere, deceiving her?
The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became. He was far from pure-hearted, and without reason, he snapped a string.
With a sharp twang, he pushed the konghou aside and calmly picked up a nearby cloth under Wu Ping’an’s gaze, pressing it against his burning fingertip, his expression composed and proper.
“Ping’an, you sang beautifully, but Wei’s konghou has been used for a long time without being replaced, and the string accidentally snapped. I’m afraid we cannot continue together today.”
Before Wu Ping’an could speak, he lowered his thick lashes and said softly, “Let Wei escort Ping’an back, and go find a monster beast for you.”
Hearing that he would personally go find a monster beast, Wu Ping’an quickly nodded. “Alright.”
Ji Yuwei stood up and lovingly stroked the phoenix-headed konghou he had used for many years, instructing the attendant who had heard the string snap to burn it.
The konghou was still in good condition and exquisitely crafted, yet it was to be burned just because of a broken string. Wu Ping’an, who also cherished beauty, and who, since meeting Ji Yuwei, had spent the most time with this konghou, instinctively stopped him.
Ji Yuwei glanced sideways, his gaze fixed on her.
Wu Ping’an crouched before the konghou, picked up the broken string, and said, “Let me try to see if I can fix it. It’s a shame to throw it away.”
Ji Yuwei’s face showed little expression. Seeing her wipe away the bloodstain on the string, he told the attendant not to burn it.
Wu Ping’an returned to her courtyard with the konghou.
Ji Yuwei had to go find a monster beast, so he didn’t stay long. Left alone, she tinkered with how to repair the broken string.
Fortunately, the attendant by Ji Yuwei’s side usually took care of all the musical instruments and told Wu Ping’an how to repair the konghou string.
It required silk threads—specifically, those that were pure white and uniform in thickness. The process involved soaking, cleaning, drying, twisting, shaping, and polishing, which couldn’t be completed in just a day or two.
Wu Ping’an didn’t know when she would clear her name of the murder accusation. She might stay in Ji Manor for a long time, and since she had nothing else to do at the moment, she decided to go select silk threads.
Having just selected the silk, she was summoned by a servant to see Ji Cizhao the very next day.
The place she went to was the Dark Prison. As soon as she followed the servant inside, she was hit by the overwhelming smell of blood, nearly making her retch.
The servant handed her a handkerchief to cover her nose, which she accepted with thanks.
The servant smiled, then bent down and continued leading her forward.
When they reached the bottom, she first saw the massive carcass of an animal hanging on a wooden rack, bloodied and gutted, with Ji Cizhao standing beside it.
Hearing the sound of retching behind him, Ji Cizhao set down his dagger and turned to see Wu Ping’an leaning against the wall, her face pale as she looked at him.
Ji Cizhao glanced at the monster beast beside him. “This is a monster beast.”
Wu Ping’an nodded; she could see that.
Ji Cizhao paused, then said, “This was sent by Ji Yuwei not long ago. He said it was a monster beast that fed on Yulian.”
Wu Ping’an turned her gaze to him, her voice muffled behind the handkerchief covering her lips. “What do you mean, sir?”
Ji Cizhao calmly took the handkerchief handed to him by someone nearby and wiped the blood from his dagger. “Nothing. It’s just that you are now cleared of suspicion and may leave at any time.”
From his words, it seemed he thought this monster beast was just something Ji Yuwei had randomly found.
Wu Ping’an didn’t care whether the monster beast was truly the one that had fed on Ji Yulian. In any case, she had never killed anyone.
“Thank you, sir.”
Her gaze swept over the gutted monster beast, and she silently added another label of cruelty to Ji Cizhao in her mind.
As she was about to leave, Ji Cizhao stopped her.
“Lady Wu, wait a moment.”
Wu Ping’an watched as he set down his dagger and stood before her.
Ji Cizhao said, “Previously, I saw you being chased by a Shadow Ghost. Would you allow a servant to check if you have been tainted by something unclean?”
Wu Ping’an had previously carried the living essence of Ji Yulian on her, but the last trace of it had been taken by Ji Yuwei. There was nothing left on her now.
She was not particularly fond of him and politely declined.
Ji Cizhao seemed about to speak again when a young servant hurried down from above to report.
Ji Yuwei was waiting for her outside.
In the end, Ji Cizhao let Wu Ping’an go.
As the woman’s figure disappeared at the end of the path, Ji Cizhao turned and stood once more before the monster beast.
He had not found the living essence that had attached itself to Ji Yulian after her death on this monster beast, so he could not confirm whether it was the beast that had killed her. That was why he thought of Wu Ping’an’s earlier claim of being chased by a ghost—a female ghost, no less.
He wanted to see if the living essence of Yulian after her death had attached itself to Wu Ping’an.
Unfortunately, Ji Yuwei had arrived too promptly.
Ji Cizhao thoughtfully examined the monster beast before him.
Ji Yuwei was waiting for her outside, and today, too, he carried himself with an air of distinction.
After just one night apart, Wu Ping’an felt as if she were seeing him anew. She couldn’t help but ask, “Earlier, at your elder brother’s place, I saw a monster beast. Was that truly the murderous beast?”
The two walked side by side. Because the topic was discreet, Wu Ping’an leaned in close to him and whispered.
Ji Yuwei lowered his gaze and saw her hand covering her lips as they moved softly.
“Hmm.” Unlike her whispered words, his voice was clear and calm. “Yes.”
Wu Ping’an felt relieved. She had thought earlier that Ji Yuwei might have randomly found a monster beast for her sake.
Seeing her sigh softly, Ji Yuwei smiled faintly and casually asked, “Ping’an, did you think Wei had just picked one at random?”
Wu Ping’an shook her head. “No, I just thought it was too quick. Besides, you have the living essence—how could you possibly pick one at random?”
She looked up at him with clear eyes and a gentle, accepting expression. Hers was an ordinary face, yet one that, because of the trust she exuded, made others feel drawn to her.
Ji Yuwei’s gaze drifted down from her eyes to her lips, then shifted away before she noticed, as he said with a smile, “Don’t worry, Ping’an.”
Wu Ping’an trusted him completely. Since this matter had already been concluded, she wouldn’t delve into why the monster beast had killed Ji Yulian. These things had nothing to do with her in the first place, and being dragged into it was just her bad luck.
The two walked side by side for a while before Wu Ping’an remembered to tell him, “I haven’t fixed your broken string yet. I might have to take it back with me later and return it once it’s repaired.”
“Hmm.” The young man replied absentmindedly.
Wu Ping’an tilted her head to look at him.
Noticing her gaze, Ji Yuwei asked, “What is it?”
Wu Ping’an shook her head. “Nothing, just wondering what you’re thinking about.”
“You seem a bit distracted,” she described.
Ji Yuwei didn’t say anything, just kept looking at her.
Wu Ping’an felt strangely uncomfortable under his gaze and glanced around, only then realizing the attendants were no longer following them.
As they talked, she and Ji Yuwei walked into the Apricot Grove.
The early summer sunlight was bright and warm today. A scorching, brilliant sun hung in the sky, having baked the growing apricots in the grove all morning. The small, unripe fruits hung from the branches like green lanterns swaying in the breeze. Even before tasting one, Wu Ping’an’s teeth tingled with sourness.
Because she knew Ji Yuwei might try to kiss her again soon.
Sure enough, the moment the thought crossed her mind, he leaned down, his tall nose bridge brushing against the tip of hers.
Wu Ping’an, leaning against a tree, couldn’t help but turn her head, but he wouldn’t allow it.
Their eyes met, and she saw his dark, moist pupils shimmering with a deep, obscure light.
Ji Yuwei didn’t speak, but his breath grew heavier as his gaze deepened, exuding the naive ambiguity of youth.
It was a green, slightly lustful look that Wu Ping’an couldn’t quite describe. In his eyes, she saw a deep longing to kiss, making her feel as nervous as when she secretly read those blush-inducing novels back in her school days.
She couldn’t breathe normally and wanted to lick her lips but restrained herself.
In her torment, Wu Ping’an finally saw him extend a crimson tongue, sticking to her lips like an animal.
This time, he even knew to tilt his face slightly, allowing for more contact.
Wu Ping’an didn’t open her mouth but let him kiss her.
The young man’s tongue, hidden between his lips, was so wet it reminded her of clean seaweed soaked in warm water until slightly sticky. His licking made her whole body tense, her heart pounding loudly in her ears—thump, thump, thump.
Even at this level, Wu Ping’an, as a young “maiden” who had never been in love, naturally reacted with her own inexperience.
Wu Ping’an didn’t know when she closed her eyes, but they now opened dazedly. Her face flushed with heat, and in her daze, she felt as if she were about to melt into water.
So even just pressing lips together could evoke such feelings.
Ji Yuwei had learned to tilt his face, but he still didn’t know how to kiss properly. After pressing for a while and repeatedly licking, he found it unsatisfying. With a flushed, confused face, he breathed lightly and softly, murmuring as he took her hand and placed it on his waist.
Wu Ping’an, lost in wild thoughts, felt her face flush violently—no exaggeration. Blood rushed from her neck to her face in an instant, and she nearly fainted under the warm, heavy breaths.
She heard the young man panting, murmuring dazedly.
“Ping’an, it feels so sore here, like it’s swelling.”
Author’s Note: Student Mountain Ghost: Teacher Ping’an, something’s not right with me. Am I broken?
Teacher Ping’an: Hmm, it’s broken, reached the age where I can’t hold it in anymore.