This official is so weak

They galloped across the desolate wilderness.URbhOVSkRdpkYSIbJBYBodojKiTVAe

vTSgrcmIFaghfXf

By the time the sun had set behind the western mountains, they finally arrived at the foot of a hill. The sky above was already darkening, with a bright moon hanging high.DjXePainftideMDkaWMXYqbQdzhpDk

wMuawLsgpxYnSAC

Ahead, a wild path led to a grove of osmanthus trees.oUjkVrHeKKjFPurljYcsMCwdkquyWx

InndWGSDWLNOiNU

As soon as Ning Rushen dismounted, the fragrance of the osmanthus flowers wafted towards him, and faintly, he could hear the sound of running water.YwqEAlCXnXDuUjLaujkxCpwgXOWLFG

BpghMmHRxsWvCQF

Surprised, Ning Rushen looked around. Who would have thought that in the barren lands of the northern border, there could be such a natural hot spring?GDfIFAybeeLiNhDGHvLzavGYcDsiJx

BksTgxZKKqrmmYl

…Where did Li Wuting find this place?byONvOaedvcRnXXPdGzfjAgGPlnevk

tKWKjbRHeuWDucl

Beside him, Li Wuting casually tied the reins to a tall osmanthus tree and then turned to instruct De Quan and the guards to keep watch 200 meters away. After that, he called out to Ning Rushen.ROjFSJgcBUoRfeXFzaTarHWNqHCTRE

lnYeINSsoDhZdac

“Come on, it’s just ahead.”ApkjayFoBQnfSUWJegeqPeTFljAiEr

svabpwdCaILGwJT

Ning Rushen followed, “Alright.”LVkJUGWZZbGQorrzBFyyhujcEyoGwh

IawefDWBHJIeEIR

After walking a short distance, a warm, moist breeze greeted them.yrnZjwEOthgfTfWGXNORYfUtpdlsTR

UbbjQbOByLthHyu

As they rounded the osmanthus grove, an open-air hot spring came into view. Lush trees concealed the edge of the pool, and the bright moonlight overhead illuminated the wisps of steam rising from the water.bhkvkABsueLIWPpkemgFQirrUbSSFK

yhHLzxHLqvElqny

Golden osmanthus petals were scattered all over the ground, dotting the water’s surface, which reflected the moonlight.WpOvynTEcXKtsdJPzFItVUIucpKqWv

QfzNUKlkSDuYgWH

Ning Rushen’s breath caught for a moment.TJMvyZPKLuJUbKsXISoivuwWYwnHwV

pPYfnjovVgsgAnm

Then Li Wuting’s low voice came from beside him, “Do you like it?”aPzDpTNBstgygzwMEldwdlMsKMCjBm

zlEQDgSQwlTCkLw

Ning Rushen steadied his breathing, “…I do.”yRJuJHLLBkBusKvphNEYJxzMkeDEsx

WzMrtPCQbkKEKwJ

“Go ahead, didn’t you want to take a dip?”TBsbcNDfoKbiDNGjPIxAzuMQlWzcYT

GIkuXiCwjuqbUdM

“Mm.” Ning Rushen snapped out of his daze and began to take off his outer robe.ydNpZyOknnggKDRQvcunHHWBdbPuWE

hXwbCbBiuNxFGSy

He still held the clean undergarments he’d just retrieved. He felt that the ones he had on were too dirty to wear into the spring, but he was too embarrassed to go in completely bare.ZwqyqedxeGdiquvOTadqUZcElnBWzJ

dQRnbvvlEgHjNBG

After some thought, he quickly changed into the fresh clothes.WirSXOCvxpeMbRRmstwiWVUuJSXFoI

GFXggudzYfyOySA

With his back to Li Wuting, Ning Rushen couldn’t tell if the other was watching him. After he finished changing, he plunged into the hot spring with a splash, and the scalding water immediately wrapped around him.ikanZEBtgzvgrYoxBqPofDFhDTKKxi

JIuAOnQdmqeVjvd

From behind, he heard the rustling sound of clothes being removed.fzAxDwxwZQxLDvqoHEZxOuYWzkEjEz

RJsfoybtasbLPTf

“Shall I join you?”LxgOsiCYXJnkZAnSEphMNcNmCDfUJk

MdgSnCcDmXAJdjM

“……”EAlrRTJlNzdeSYTYBUEaQSXDNWrqIL

OvKOcwKBNxRFszu

Ning Rushen was enveloped in the steam, the hot water sending waves of heat through his chest. He thought, isn’t Li Wuting just asking the obvious? What, did he expect him to stay up there and just watch?SBmyqHYNeHVCtJseRMfuvhuUcbAWxL

CZZRIfXRbEfSVAv

Moreover, he was already undressing, wasn’t he clearly planning to come in?ysFJMFGAYCxYzWOpEdzXZPtYugdQMo

EOyukggqGeKrBjX

Ning Rushen licked his slightly damp lips, “Mm.”MIEZbIShANDcaoBaQlsGdvPNwJGSou

XRvMHrSuKYmgsxj

The water splashed as Li Wuting entered, creating ripples that spread out.kChNdQywlOdeieynVcHzyFhQlbJWeg

nYeSaDAqzXBKkuX

When Ning Rushen turned his head, he saw Li Wuting standing at the edge of the pool, bare-chested. The water just barely covered his lean waist. His broad shoulders and narrow waist formed a smooth, graceful silhouette that merged into the water under the moonlight.pceFIrufLgGAlfeLiHsaOJfoHjkFDX

GwKbVqgxeetlAJU

The water was not murky; it was clear and shallow.HFGhBeLagJUsAtXYdibRZlxmOvsDMT

tPBtJHQBrGgFdwx

Reflected in the water were the shadows of leaves and the bright moon, making the surface shimmer.RvPdpQNKFknyjOrtNWRhfCHuUDaEfn

gBCEixuAcmWOAaZ

Ning Rushen caught a glimpse and quickly turned away, his face heating up as he floated to one side.aFWwErSuTkSBrYVOsevQAsdzauCRiX

IeYJfeUltRbuOCB

He had just drifted a couple of feet away when he was called back, “Don’t float around aimlessly.”qYSYEirUcXjgAyxjIqcLRhuYcqDEzn

vvAefAFVaCejmPx

He glanced over at Li Wuting, “?”iItRladqDjhAmSDfXptzPTlDXbgeRi

BJbgAVRCpnkfQMC

“I’m afraid you’ll end up bubbling under again.”zVEdyvOXPNnweKDjJlWHBCtqoPHjBp

IKoJtaeuwHYdXAB

“……”VwYGGmgqocLtZIGLjLjOzAYUPsxXyA

RPiLKJFmIZwCUKl

The image of a granny by a small bridge with red flowers flashed in Ning Rushen’s mind.weXnkGqJiExFqzHhSwSOWFhgRuVhoe

qLiSNCIRnVJSRLb

He swallowed nervously and then adjusted his slightly disheveled inner robe before moving back closer to Li Wuting.YAvwdGeWkwlbbjSuJQfHchQEsJfZam

WQdLuVFDpHSiJAd

Li Wuting looked over at him, “Feeling good?”FmyrLCQTLnCKhOieVtGokmzKcbgoir

yHcRwjIKLPeERcU

Ning Rushen finally remembered that he was here to relax. He let go of his worries, leaned against the edge of the pool, and closed his eyes slightly, “Feels good.”BzsMKAEQWNevuaBPofBmLcfodHdjPT

TbxRhOnZtJdoYWj

The hot water soaked through his entire body, as if soothing every part of him.DIlZJNmGDXigIluhPPzFpOuCLVniZj

fuaqxWeTXELjRBI

He rested on his elbow, the frost-white nape of his neck tracing a line through the water, while the snow-colored sleeves and forearms gathered some of the golden osmanthus petals from the edge of the pool. The petals were bright and delicate, like scattered gold.zgHFpCwhmdvVvdOHsnyvUpvOqfmPau

XsFARZDqFrCbRXh

His pale complexion was warmed to a rosy hue by the spring water.nqsPwdnKGJXRPzYYESINvJZcfaHENc

hbxfMKDhKfhmKfz

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered for a few moments before he lifted his hand to brush against Ning Rushen’s flushed cheek, spreading warmth across his skin.cAUwjZalgSUdbtxCKGTmRLZrBBjWyf

LWalozfssCBEFEJ

Ning Rushen’s eyelashes fluttered as he opened his eyes, meeting that deep, tranquil gaze. His heart skipped a beat, and he propped himself up slightly. “What’s wrong?”RYOlZtyZpwgGGyhNEbZwVZqxeOZFoE

TAgbkwqtAdtRoJC

The broad, warm palm slowly caressed his cheek.gpdeJQbGjJZGJdnLWiKiTtJtZQuZhI

qzHeXWRSHNauCGO

Li Wuting lowered his eyes. “I’ve made my Ningqing suffer.”JslHKIetraQXNqYILDcPTysxtwHfgR

sqKcuUAmkmoUSUT

Ning Rushen pressed his face into Li Wuting’s palm, momentarily stunned.vLpMaCHfsjTTtlgATqLOLZkgzfFCES

aspkqBAJWtVLMvi

The water was hot, the hand was hot, and the heat spread to his chest.xwbRkNWKjgBLyDnjRpWIZiHVbgKYOx

UAuvxLOOSFuwfMb

All those unspoken burdens he had carried alone, the feigned calm during their negotiations, and the harsh winds and cold moons of the frontier—all seemed to melt away in this pool of spring water.YdlKHCzoCzjpzllDLvPKAuobgbWzkw

eJvjGnMvsmqwbKr

He grasped Li Wuting’s wrist, “It’s alright…”QwMxHaGGYLuPERUzOWeGnRqimDLGdA

FMAqCeAMNmJlVZo

“Besides, I’ve returned safely.”YovshgWdULuxxyYSCFJSsJaAFfvJWw

ISoncOVobubKasp

The thumb moved slightly, lifting his face a bit.POfdqfdiYPSrwcsLNwtFmwnhvYRqlk

LVTfetcNrffYhKS

Li Wuting studied him closely, a surge of emotion rising within him. “I want to kiss you.” After a brief pause, he added, “There’s no one else around now.”ZnkzHnOkofmxqiBTbiiSUYLwXDIsJT

gdhctKlJzlhXobz

The intense light in his deep eyes was almost scorching.xhRkLakauQRMfbsnYHFSpvOHjGyRUI

ueoaoXOLUVerImm

Ning Rushen looked at his expression, suddenly recalling the restrained and fleeting kiss from earlier in the day. Li Wuting clearly wanted to kiss him again, but had held back at the time.dKeVLEOxUcbRYVVRuzFqgXGyBmrbCN

qSpblCAWceCpbzV

Judging by his look, had he been thinking about it ever since…cioSBBIxeXQdbXCBtgGopGxGHBvAck

wlOGXtAzdmBuTyj

Ning Rushen’s emotions were stirred.achMFTfoAwzFUudhUffGOgPUflqcRD

kdxonXYQNQgtwkV

The fingers resting behind his ear gently hooked, while the man in front of him remained still, just staring at him.fPQfTcnSJsOUzUAHGOyhTvxyeZjRSj

LlrnItfuAinVzlx

Unable to resist, Ning Rushen leaned in and met his lips.wZmfHfHoYzpPFkEkHsmacbtUbkmCTU

zVITxtfWvMzxwrd

·QszaGaKuHilEBHtNUZygToDAYsVXRr

TfcmHgjYvvYUiSN

The soft lips and tongue pressed in, prying open his teeth.bxcWXKfLkuLJBjAsBtHKExmOTIaReQ

PMVfdpNhRvACPgb

“Mmm…” Ning Rushen closed his eyes amidst hurried breaths, letting himself be swept up in the intense, passionate kiss. The rough palm brushed against his sensitive ear, sending shivers through him.hQEmlBsGjHPXshAaAeZVYAzfUmZFsH

sKzPdjDvzlNgSvY

Li Wuting leaned back against the edge of the pool, his shoulders and back becoming wet.gCiLjwiZyPJgViXSOOzfXkhHAnKYoH

ywqcrKGESYkbodh

Ning Rushen’s fingers trembled as he was kissed, barely able to cling to Li Wuting’s damp shoulder, almost slipping into the water.TIGLXkkGecqLzhspXASCocUsAkEGKu

KsWzQcnGmcgvmIr

Through his soaked undergarments, a warm hue could be seen. A large hand gripped his waist tightly through the thin fabric, the heat making him tremble.bVtdQlVRwJAebFxXFXHJysquXMxpLj

ufzaLusBdNybFtu

Just as he was about to slip into the water, the hand holding him lifted him up, setting him down directly across from Li Wuting.HHFaPNHdHsEWPFywVYTcduogUHRdfo

NautmBlqLwqOcLU

The kisses continued to rain down. Ning Rushen’s mind was spinning, on the verge of suffocating from the overwhelming heat inside and out. He could only tilt his head back, responding to the relentless kisses.ksOGPRWTzlNMCTuWgacIJymXtCxens

IviVcvnzGFgkQZi

Amidst the kisses, he suddenly felt his hair loosen.UkyYyJVUtUlSogMReoUpGowtGeZHnV

dTyAnulSCKakdBv

Li Wuting had removed the hairpin from the top of his head with one hand, setting it aside on the edge of the pool.CyCMeAykePpyEWDBGxnkrjXwawAsWB

yJpKcsQNBqXivvQ

His long, black hair fell down, cascading over his thin shoulders and back, trailing into the water.YzWUOIhOonHItzIznhKlSpxSnANaZn

pwGLvhONaVYixhb

A breeze blew, sending a shower of golden osmanthus petals drifting through the air, covering his black hair and shoulders. The rich fragrance filled his lungs.qDyjXvpHHfWXlXxHmTxbanXbFDwgpQ

qefVVZzPOzdwJzC

Ning Rushen’s eyes were wet and red, almost drowning in the warmth of the flower-scented pool.yzMzpuukPfCmVwNggRhvhcpckRjICx

HtvDDcmBJSUEgTx

Li Wuting opened his eyes slightly, taking in the scene before him. The emperor’s rationality and composure seemed to shatter in an instant—WGihFMSZLejgGxmrcrXJdivNWeqGyc

JQRrympEkCPZhTT

He pulled Ning Rushen closer and kissed him even more deeply.pISaJCZHwgBVUlAbfePaiPsuBbpUXX

yLjOVLWvXqbvdHP

In the midst of the intoxicating dizziness, Ning Rushen suddenly sensed something. His heart was racing wildly. He pushed Li Wuting lightly to catch his breath, but his neck was quickly kissed again. “Your Majesty… Your Majesty…”BhHDkEqoJQxjXWkaKPxtwBcuUwLBXV

PKWHDOBVawbvXWP

He shivered, unable to bear it any longer, and struggled to get up.IeXFRvkrJIZCEaepoYrppBEAEUsCBF

MfZMJqMGOsraOTL

The large hand behind him pressed him back down, and Li Wuting kissed his forehead in a comforting manner. “Why are you hiding?”EqsjTGdaDDzxJmHuLtNhaDzaNCqDGV

EkUTNmiFLKoyOtx

“I’m just like you.”aFqdGmOCvLSyGWJLCWLpgqrfMzaXJe

woPgjQOuJEmuRcP

Ning Rushen clung to his shoulder, meeting that gaze.rNArklsKmCEHzPWQAriIhEYMqzQZJU

VGywymMFXlIJFDs

Li Wuting’s usually cool and composed face was flushed with color. He looked at Ning Rushen for a few moments, his large hand still firmly gripping him. “Uncomfortable? Let me help you.”iPUOzoncnnvAIoiOfLoqZghJWyuFcy

jnkfcvDUyGEHpSf

Boom…! Ning Rushen felt something snap in his mind.gnldiXOmsUccjtEZkyUgdAoUXaGFGS

ObnjaBOUuAmbwUg

Around them was an open-air hot spring, in the wilds, far from anyone.knGmDGjahHvtKqkqLDSlHuiUMlWlAj

ZjrVPedaZROkXAX

At this moment, they were far from the capital, momentarily detached from the roles of monarch and subject, from the constraints of power. In their gaze, only each other existed, with heat rising and emotions surging.KzMpEyIOmCkTvcGRlnnDZCcEvCZuxy

ksAcZsZLCnDhLln

It was as if a fire had been lit inside him, burning away his rationality.rTBoimuccqaROoddpqtEZJwxgOydHC

oLRwzRhgSAOLkaj

Ning Rushen was dazed for a few seconds, then instinctively blurted out:LeTjrmekeCbeYTsElNNhpGCToYWYYu

flPDmoceULFRCPf

“But De Quan and the others are still—”MRwjHgQRrMhpHzobbrtQJYckUnMYhZ

xenIfVwmVoNhyqr

Li Wuting looked at him and smiled, his neck flushed red, eyes filled with heat. The usually dignified gentleman had shed his noble restraint for the first time and said something he’d never said before, “…As long as we keep it quiet.”FPWrnWOeWvplwkRIqWmFdBcgVKeCeT

FcDXOVhJHwNELjT

Ning Rushen’s heart wavered at the seductive words.pFrdfSqJsFsaZAJCnXQqbEgivWrWUn

ZRJCDeYddmmXfde

The night wind carried golden osmanthus petals down around them, the surrounding foliage rustling softly, and the moon hung low over the water.wPAWChvhBFygqrEeGpVuZSylCXyDWl

MeqJixMJhzlwSQZ

His heart pounded wildly. He had never been so bold, but he took Li Wuting’s hand, closed his eyes, and pressed a consenting kiss to his lips. “Mm.”nFeevvNByIfQQaLyJbzDNRbvqJRvGB

ebeTfdbOGRANEaL

The figure in front of him, as immovable as a mountain, suddenly trembled.MUUaxDQlmoTEGzhVypHKSWUMcxDNjB

doiIeOnABJJaMEz

A wave of golden osmanthus petals was swept into the hot water.FgjrlnWxRyBXKVgHsIRNLjNahlzJpV

IdWhXxMTqCeqffO

…fCnVtutEdSKVrUtNrbBRdIkHPmgJEV

xAsAgkcjZPKZTFo

By the time Ning Rushen’s mind cleared, he had no idea how much time had passed.yticxTtjHQkLwShGoSVVsLoEpThWQW

YwVslvLWcboYJLb

He lowered his eyelashes, leaning into the crook of Li Wuting’s shoulder, his forehead resting against it, one hand gently stroking his back.wuCviuoNoRiRVyyluuiSCXXHZmtczO

UrrjpMFtgIcfOnF

He couldn’t believe it—he actually…QdmNMBVkwbIxHIDOoWXMlPmmEwlASf

ZpGGxWSHPzBQccv

Feeling so embarrassed he could faint, Ning Rushen closed his eyes, trying to calm his emotions.THQEzBdgaWBkCBApByHttRbJMWEksO

pDHbUsuSCfcJDFY

Li Wuting held him close, gently washing him with the water.pUjcOSOfkOawhYUCNCaANhOSVaCgoa

yHcEDhhxwmYILjg

His fingers ran through Ning Rushen’s long hair, now spread out in the water, carefully wiping down his neck and arms.LAupWzNazreOeBmBPltebnrXimyibS

CCovgFEBEjTzJXz

Ning Rushen just lay there, accepting the ministrations: after all that, this was nothing in comparison.piSYaycpRgvAuDyuquorDfStvpYDPT

qQJbqpkGmdVQQyE

After a while, he asked, “Your Majesty, what time is it now? Are we still riding back later?”oPmJwHWDghhDrDmrNenDlHaHLhRlha

qhZdHUAjRdLmWqP

A low voice came from above, “Mm. We can’t stay too long; you won’t be able to handle it.”zSVbDWAaaeDsPpfxZVttZmdeSiGHhH

LUobVprkykNPVAX

“…?” What do you mean *I* can’t handle it!kIyCgsGXissflVOhKDquAAWsrPFNih

cWQKvxtNvxNDGCf

Ning Rushen, determined as ever, sat up and looked at Li Wuting.dpEDbIOIchRRlHLPGteHsvFFfaPUNC

egoLgfgWfCdBTfd

They stared at each other for two seconds before Li Wuting smiled. “I can’t handle it either.”OrVGAywNSBVJHTdVXlzYFmemXButns

PCKXsKCsdxHuDZE

Satisfied with that answer, Ning Rushen lay back down: that was more like it.BURQDzdradEXbmjJwghogKCMJnavnV

XJnddHdKKUMNMgV

He soaked in the warmth, letting Li Wuting continue to wash him. Just as Ning Rushen was on the verge of dozing off, he heard Li Wuting call out:uClWaKlkkCBNwoxhWNYEdgPzXMcgVL

XlcaLBhiyZHMXcd

“De Quan.”zpARhsfCeFnbBRlFkYjznZPfmtFSUi

WTydZxeCzLMuIKG

A rustling sound came from nearby, and De Quan stopped a respectful ten steps away. “Your Majesty, I am here.”SsvIWGcrLnbVLuOIrzkSRvTCzqJmVZ

RhbFLaVzmIYKhjF

“Place the clothes and dry towels over there.”JtKrHZSjyzfpiiaTaGyRCtXyhVyFHz

FaWlzFhKorBAhaj

“Yes, Your Majesty.” De Quan set the items down, hesitated, then cautiously added, “Shall I leave the Yulu healing balm here as well?”PrNQfmyKqNDLuFdUiVfUieJdhhyVOp

VMmrLQwpvsOmeOH

Li Wuting: “…”qkfOSdgNqtZATsFZsdLDMaqoUzllED

OzOhRdqeVjZLEOF

Ning Rushen: ???JIlfgROfcTCRixgsQAUbZjBgyASlOW

dVIrwLjfZQPOKLZ

He suddenly opened his eyes, trembling: that De Quan! Always spouting nonsense!!!EBluivdfzzqCRnpLMNzeXuAGNlMXjK

GGNhBLUdRghAWEN

The arm around him tightened, and he felt the heartbeat beside him quicken. Then he heard Li Wuting’s hoarse voice, “No, take it away.”mzGxxirSrYXnAqDsQnZRmlRIMSDFec

HZGtIOlTGlSUrWp

De Quan sounded disappointed, “Oh…”rMYEPdCacfeaRNeclztPZPWkfSFDzc

ZUUHpwdOrtrcjfF

Ning Rushen: .YkLKJNvmoNRelLBXZYyoHmlySkITky

HDYypJjKMOiRhUs

·tKdcOzkbxknJvMKMgggRWHNifKKqiF

adsSbqbqmJVBUlB

The clothes and dry towels were left on the side.IrReolNElxrzsJHHMadDHcopJEwQZl

tghymMXPCPYBEbm

In the end, Ning Rushen couldn’t bring himself to let Li Wuting dry him off. As soon as he heard the splash of Li Wuting rising from the water, he quickly got out of the pool, dried himself, dressed, and retrieved his jade hairpin in a flash.wQrvRkZJcKSGfaFMqyJerdGwnvkmbT

GLtepechAOOTFSz

This particular hot spring had almost no sulfur smell.bpQyctoPuRRfOmUXMvBMUywWoLvGWX

VhrdLUWAEruIfSK

His body retained only a faint scent of osmanthus flowers.zyfnZrNKaICMtImYmRgekfDYQQziSo

NOLewOBPqfYNxxi

After Ning Rushen finished dressing, Li Wuting approached and rubbed his hair until it was half-dry, then skillfully smoothed it down, surveying him with satisfaction. “Alright, let’s go.”OTPTpoFitFEjwCUpypVMLCGrCDleKL

waoXswHARcshbQx

With that, he swiftly mounted his horse, pulling Ning Rushen up with him.mXHyHHSeWlZNlcRMmxwKiEAHscTgUb

YggndDbNbhRvYuu

Ning Rushen leaned back into Li Wuting’s embrace, trying his best not to think about what had just transpired. Gripping the horse’s mane, he responded, “Okay.”JJDBDLHpLajJkfKgHkbEpcziNDSnOI

AqbjcAaKjazEzPO

The horse’s hooves kicked up golden petals as they galloped into the night wind.JPXWPaCGWzRDDRjQvEXYmCrTwmOCTZ

XoEqiFnkqiarGzH

By the time they returned to the military camp, it was already midnight.milHXgFzXcQtHqHooMUHfxVUReTJtB

oAmLYjlsTtxLvNN

Most of the soldiers had already settled down for the night, and only the patrolling guards acknowledged them with a salute, not asking any questions.IXVEmotrloBuvratvJGbrwQmgVhuOK

vyqlaYuSXUaqzPf

Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting back to the main tent.DynyCfKfFbjcEWYbMtLNdLYNkjZxrj

BSKUpbCicNcPDcG

His hair, dried by the wind during the ride, was now disheveled as drowsiness took over. He quietly climbed onto the imperial bed.qtJFTIzPAziTNVprjxDiPzkMEAAMRO

AAxOXgQzIIgFIgu

Li Wuting, who was in the middle of unfastening his cloak, noticed Ning Rushen’s natural and familiar movements and couldn’t help but smile.xRQnTCiRMcrmYkLkDxNCbVqIRhVrDM

SKBbogIOXsWkEfR

As soon as Ning Rushen settled into the bed, Li Wuting pulled back the covers and lay down beside him.GpUyGRQeNAixnwffpIdLWkSZSOzaOZ

pmzxqBYrlJcsHgM

The faint candlelight illuminated the space between them, casting a warm glow over Li Wuting’s handsome features.QrDzARAsSDcHsRzAWlNIaeStZrhmVc

qKOXmHWuQdEBObd

Ning Rushen, staring at Li Wuting, suddenly felt his reason return. A delayed sense of shame crept up on him—had he been too bold earlier?mKIahvHvpEWyBJNdpezCqHYAFSzVis

VpezJRNBnimfEbj

He hadn’t hesitated or played coy, just straightforwardly welcomed it.uxpTDhPfsyfpdEWnhbhmVCuWDmhypK

xfQyFCDKfIpXrPF

He had even taken the initiative to grab Li Wuting’s hand.oKehFlWuTtuFaYgdDWPjXIjxdZfWSF

XfKcFwtyDSdDCld

Would Li Wuting think he was too forward… too brazen?IwTZdqpWKqfLqlDHaMSrXKEYtFUZaA

nHkYhcFNrouaEgf

Ning Rushen slowly burrowed under the covers, mentally preparing to say something. “Your Majesty, in truth, I’m very pure-hearted.”ueHbOZZlYvsfbJgfDHZAeEIHyyrwoV

sYvyMnmemIopJsd

“…” Li Wuting’s movement paused: ?idlKmCLzejvUaOzIbHoXBdiIUtaoUV

qnRtiYOMZWqCUKu

Ning Rushen continued, “Though I may have had some… unexplainable reactions, deep down, I’m just an innocent blank slate.”JnVcxjXMpblQynNjoKTMYFwzbIxmWD

dCOhnACTdNZOeDH

Li Wuting propped himself up on one arm, looking at him.YFGtXKSpTnUjsdKaRBSsTUbpSIBvix

yhnAlIuPEzPulHN

Ning Rushen lay back down, “I long for things that are fresh, sunny, and wholesome…” Suddenly, his foot hit something. As he spoke, he instinctively pulled at it with his toes. *Jingle—*nXfwdtoexFzrwWlLhcULHOuRKmkhhJ

XzDPfKcTSGYLnff

The sound abruptly cut him off.FTsGhTXpPZBJCGwDoXsdHtQMBNcFre

vYhvVfjfLvSXknH

Li Wuting’s gaze shifted to the foot of the bed: TtjetDfTatCGakpEIltAidQMjkKXmD

zbCkKrqLaGPeTVX

?qnxurNhWMcSiWEDVWCtGmKnABzpofd

fraLZTVWsEDBdPH