Chu Yin’s narrow eyes glinted with a wicked smile, never letting go of the slightest reaction from her. His lips pressed freely against that softness, grinding and rubbing without restraint.
Suddenly, an unexpected spicy sensation entered her mouth. Yu Jiao hadn’t even had time to react before the heat spread quickly.
Chu Yin listened to her muffled whimpers, his chest pressed against her hands clutching his collar. The amusement in his eyes deepened, and he nibbled at her lips again.
Yu Jiao felt tears welling up. If she didn’t let him die on her bed, she would first die from the chili.
Her lips tingled from both the spice and the numbness left by his nibbling, making it impossible to distinguish which sensation was which.
Her entire body rested in his arms, mouth slightly open, breathing rapidly.
Chu Yin lowered his gaze. His Adam’s apple rolled, and he licked the corner of his mouth with lingering satisfaction. He had gotten carried away just now—his bites had been too heavy, leaving the areas red and swollen.
This look… was irresistibly alluring.
A little addictive.
Yu Jiao met his eyes, a glimmer of tears in them, mixed with a trace of reproach.
Chu Yin reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His hand on her waist moved just slightly, enough to make her shiver instinctively.
“Delicious?” His mood seemed bright.
She wanted to say it was anything but delicious, but fearing he might lean down and do it again, her lips still tingled.
Yu Jiao nodded frantically, obediently picking food to feed him.
Warmth radiated from his embrace, making the meal smell even more appetizing.
Indeed, the little rascal needed a proper scolding to behave.
After a meal that seemed to take forever, Chu Yin suddenly furrowed his brows. Blood seemed to surge within him, as if the calm surface of a lake had rippled.
He quickly pulled out a handkerchief, and with a cough, the white cloth was stained crimson.
Yu Jiao froze for a moment before realizing—just now she had mischievously fed him chili.
She seemed dazed, then suddenly grabbed his wrist.
Placing her hand on his pulse, her face turned pale.
As expected… the insect inside him became restless because of the chili.
Yu Jiao’s eyes reddened, a look of a child who had done something wrong. Tears shimmered in her eyes, and she choked out, “Your Highness, I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have made you eat something spicy, I…”
She wanted to say she would help expel the insect from his body; if given time, she could do it.
But if the only daughter of Yan Capital’s richest man suddenly became skilled in insect magic, rumors would spread. Yan Capital strictly forbade witchcraft and poisons. If anyone found out, her head would roll.
And she hadn’t even started her secret savings yet—she could die before that.
Thinking of her small stash, she also remembered the belongings Chu Yin had taken. Her chest ached.
If anything happened to him, her money might not even cover the costs.
Knowing his temperament, he might make her pay for medicines to restore his health and blood.
Chu Yin paused, wondering how she had suddenly become so pitiful.
The teasing joy he felt vanished; panic welled up in his heart, her tears felt like they had fallen on him.
Tormenting others was easy for him, but how was he supposed to comfort this sobbing little girl?
He hastily wiped the tears from her face and snorted lightly, “Stop crying. It’s just a little blood. I, don’t care.”
Yu Jiao’s wails grew even louder. “I care! Boo-hoo!”
Chu Yin lowered his head, lost in thought, murmuring, “You care…”
He held her tighter, suppressing the discomfort with his inner strength, smiling with a devilish charm.
Tilting his chin, he lifted his eyelids to look at her. “See? I, said it’s nothing.”
Yu Jiao hesitated. He really did look like it was nothing. She secretly checked his pulse.
He noticed her little movement and raised an eyebrow, letting her be.
The little thing seemed to be hiding a secret.
He rarely smiled, but this time, he pulled her up in his arms. “Alright, I, have finished eating. Go settle the bill with the shopkeeper.”
The shopkeeper was right outside—why not just have him come in?
Perhaps he didn’t like the shopkeeper.
Yu Jiao hesitated but turned to go outside.
As soon as she left, Chu Yin coughed several times, blood staining his lips. Ying Feng and Ying Jue, alarmed, emerged from the shadows.
“Your Highness, the Imperial Physician said you shouldn’t…”
He raised a hand to stop them. That pitiful little white rabbit earlier had made him not want to hear admonitions.
By the time Yu Jiao returned, Chu Yin was already standing, the corner of the property deed peeking from his arms.
She remembered the astronomical bill from earlier—she hadn’t expected a single meal to cost hundreds of taels, spending all her savings.
Her eyes darted around, and she clung coquettishly to his neck, standing on tiptoe to plant a kiss.
Just one kiss would suffice, she thought—maybe then he’d give her a little extra.
Chu Yin lifted his head, pressing down her small head. “Flattery won’t work. Only ten percent.”
He had clearly seen the look in her eyes just now.
The little money lover behaved so obediently for money, even learning to give kisses.
Unfortunately, the metallic taste of blood in his mouth hadn’t faded yet.
Yu Jiao pouted in disappointment.
They exited the private room, and while going downstairs, bumped into someone.
Seeing the numbers, the other person froze.
This was… Yu Jiao?
Second Prince Chu Ming paused.
The Yu Jiao before him wore red, matching Chu Yin’s outfit in style. Yu Jiao was petite; in the past, she either wore mourning white or gaudy clothes.
He had assumed that bringing her to Yan Wang’s Residence would result in her death. Then he could marry Yu Ning’er and take the Yu family fortune for himself.
He hadn’t expected her to survive.
Moreover… the red dress added a touch of allure, yet her face retained a hint of childish innocence, making her all the more enticing.
Chu Ming’s heart twitched, and he sneered.
When she chased him, professing her love, she had always looked unlucky and unremarkable, catching his attention. Now, after he discarded her, she had become alluring.
Hmph, clearly still trying to get his attention.
He stepped forward.
Yu Jiao instinctively stepped back. This man looked sleazy—his smile didn’t mask the arrogance in his eyes.
She pressed against Chu Yin, frowning at him.
“Who are you?”
Chu Ming froze, then quickly recovered, smiling again. “Yu Jiao, naughty, throwing a tantrum again?”
Yu Jiao shivered from his oily manner, clinging tighter to Chu Yin’s arm, glancing disdainfully up and down at him. “Arrogant man.”
“You… what did you say?” Chu Ming’s smile froze.
“I said you’re so ordinary yet so confident. Why block my Prince?”
Chu Yin raised an eyebrow, tilting his head to study her face with interest.
The day before the wedding, Ying Feng had investigated Yu Jiao. She had indeed been the infatuated girl always chasing Chu Ming. She had thought he loved her deeply, but it turned out that the one she adored most had been delivered to Chu Yin’s bed by imperial decree.
He thought—the feeling of betrayal must be delightfully entertaining.