As the last light of day faded, the sky outside was tinged with a faint golden glow.

Song Luan slowly woke up, only to find that Madam Zhao, who had been lying beside her, was nowhere to be seen. After putting on her shoes, she walked into the outer room, where Zhao Nanyu sat by the window, holding a cup of tea. His back was turned to her, but as if sensing her footsteps, he spoke, “You’re awake.”

Song Luan’s throat was a little dry, and she responded in a hushed voice, “Mm.”

Zhao Nanyu set down his tea and turned toward her, explaining, “Madam Zhao went to his grandmother’s to have dinner.”

“Oh,” she murmured softly. Every time she was alone with him, Song Luan couldn’t quite relax; deep down, she was still a little afraid of him.

Zhao Nanyu stood up and slowly walked toward her, stopping in front of her. His tall frame blocked much of the light from her view. He was noticeably taller, and as he lowered his gaze to study her carefully, he pressed his lips together. After a brief silence, he said, “The weather is chilly. You should wear more layers.”

Still drowsy from sleep, Song Luan had only a thin nightgown on. Her face was fresh and unadorned, her expression dazed, as though she hadn’t fully woken up yet.

Song Luan, feeling a little disoriented, was always like this when she woke up—still sleepy, her mind foggy. She went back to the inner room to put on some proper clothes before returning. Her dark hair was loosely draped over her shoulders, and she didn’t bother with an elaborate hairstyle, simply gathering it up into a casual bun and pinning it with a hairpin.

She had thought Zhao Nanyu wouldn’t come tonight, since he had never visited her room twice in one day. But what was it about this place that still drew him in? She couldn’t figure it out, no matter how much she tried.

Seeing her in deep thought, Zhao Nanyu smiled lightly. “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing,” Song Luan quickly snapped back to attention, her response swift.

The sharpness in Zhao Nanyu’s gaze dimmed slightly. He absentmindedly stroked the ring on his thumb before suddenly smiling and saying, “By the way, I almost forgot to tell you—Madam Zhao really likes you. A few days ago, when I didn’t bring him over, he kept thinking about it and subtly mentioned that he wanted to see you. It’s true what they say, a mother and child are always in sync.”

Even though she hadn’t treated Madam Zhao well in the past, a little kindness from her, and the child would eagerly look up to her.

Zhao Nanyu was likely testing her or giving her a warning with his words.

Song Luan clenched her hands tightly, palms sweating. Being scrutinized by him like this made it hard not to feel nervous. A tingling sensation spread over her scalp. She lifted her face, offering a sweet and obedient smile. “I never realized Madam Zhao was so cute. He’s really endearing. I couldn’t help but want to be kind to him.”

“Is that so?” Zhao Nanyu’s expression was unreadable, making it hard to tell if he believed her.

In truth, he harbored some doubt in his mind, not fully trusting what she said. Of course, if it were her sincere words, then that would be even better.

Song Luan’s face grew warm as she lowered her head, her voice barely audible, “Mm.”

Zhao Nanyu didn’t press further, seemingly letting it slide. He softened his tone and asked, “Are you hungry?”

“Just a little.”

Song Luan was actually reluctant to sit at the same table as him for dinner. Each time, she could only focus on the plate in front of her, afraid to eat too much. She kept her back straight, not daring to move, as if trying to prevent him from noticing anything out of place.

Zhao Nanyu nodded and then signaled for the maid to bring in the food.

Tonight’s meal was particularly lavish, with a jar of clear wine placed on the table. The aroma from the jar filled the air, and Song Luan couldn’t help but glance at it several times. She licked her lips, feeling the temptation stir inside her.

She did enjoy fruit wine, and the scent of this ancient wine was even more fragrant than the ones she had tried before. It was truly tempting. However, Song Luan’s tolerance for alcohol wasn’t great, and neither was her behavior when it came to drinking.

She sat next to Zhao Nanyu, not daring to touch the wine cup beside him, quietly eating her food instead.

Zhao Nanyu was terrifyingly observant. His ability to read people was exceptional, and he easily caught on to the thoughts written on her face. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, “Would you like to have a drink with me?”

Unable to resist the temptation, Song Luan nodded, though she tried to maintain an air of nonchalance, her voice cool as she replied, “Mm.”

Zhao Nanyu poured half a cup of wine for her and pushed the glass toward her. “Drink up.”

He watched her with interest, trying to catch any hint of emotion on her face. Zhao Nanyu wasn’t oblivious; after going out and returning, he noticed that Song Luan had changed quite a bit. He was curious to know whether she was truly different or if she was simply putting on an act.

Song Luan, feeling emboldened, took a small sip. The wine left a sweet aftertaste on her lips, far better than she had expected. Without realizing it, half the glass was already gone.

The candlelight flickered softly, casting a warm glow on her delicate face. Her originally fair and smooth skin gradually flushed with a light pink hue, adding a touch of charm to her breathtaking beauty.

Without a word, Zhao Nanyu silently refilled her wine glass. Song Luan, unaware, poured herself another drink, murmuring softly that it was delicious.

After a few more sips, she didn’t feel much at first, but soon her head began to feel heavier, and her face flushed with a rosy tint. The image of Zhao Nanyu before her seemed to multiply, and no matter how hard she tried to focus, she couldn’t make out his figure clearly.

In her dazed state, Song Luan realized she might have drunk too much. She tried to stand but could barely keep her balance, gripping the edge of the table to steady herself. Her upper body swayed as though she might collapse at any moment.

“Hic,” her voice carried the smell of alcohol.

Song Luan remained still, her wide eyes fixed on him. Her corners of her eyes tinged pink, and her brows furrowed in thought.

Zhao Nanyu, unfazed by her stare, chuckled softly. “Are you drunk?”

Song Luan instinctively shook her head, her appearance somewhat silly. “No.”

Aside from the dizziness and blurred vision, she didn’t feel unwell at all—her mind was still clear!

She giggled to herself for a moment, and when the laughter subsided, she raised her face, her eyes shimmering with a soft glow as she gazed at him. Song Luan remembered that he was destined to be the male lead, and from the heart, she complimented him, “You’re really handsome.”

Zhao Nanyu was momentarily stunned as she suddenly lunged toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her petite, delicate body pressed tightly against his, and with her lips slightly parted, she repeated, “You’re really handsome.”

Their faces were nearly touching now. Zhao Nanyu lowered his gaze; her face was flushed, her skin smooth and tender. He reached out, his thumb grazing her cheek, and found the sensation pleasant.

After drinking, Song Luan seemed to have become bolder, her body soft and boneless as she clung to him, no longer fearful of him. She alternated between hugging and touching him, her beautiful eyes crinkling into crescent shapes as she smiled.

Zhao Nanyu was momentarily mesmerized but quickly regained his composure. The weight of her head tilted to the side as she slumped against him, appearing to fall asleep.

He had a feeling something had changed in Song Luan. After a long pause, Zhao Nanyu, for the first time, carefully lifted her into his arms, striding toward the inner room. She was still restless, and as soon as he placed her on the bed and covered her with the blanket, she kicked it off, complaining in a dissatisfied tone, as though throwing a tantrum, “I’m so hot, I’m burning up! I don’t want the blanket.”

Zhao Nanyu had intended to leave, but hearing her, he furrowed his brows, paused for a moment, and turned back without a word, silently covering her with the blanket once more.

Song Luan, unashamed, kicked the blanket off again. Feeling even more uncomfortable, she tugged at her belt, attempting to remove her clothes. The cumbersome attire of the time made it difficult, and she struggled, growing impatient. “I’m burning up! So annoying!”

Zhao Nanyu quietly stood by, watching her for a long time. After a while, he sat on the edge of the bed, carefully unfastening her belt and removing her outer garment. Her bare skin gleamed under the moonlight, pale and flawless.

He did not avert his gaze, his dark eyes betraying no emotion, as if he saw nothing at all. His expression remained indifferent. Song Luan seemed to be in a dream, sleeping fitfully. Her lips moved slightly, as if murmuring in her sleep.

Her voice was so soft that at first, Zhao Nanyu couldn’t make out what she was saying. He leaned closer, straining to hear her words.

“Don’t kill me.”

The four words reached Zhao Nanyu’s ears, and he was only briefly surprised. The woman before him looked so pitiful, her small hands gripping the blanket, her face contorted with a pleading expression. She appeared so fragile that he could easily snap her neck with a single motion.

For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, Zhao Nanyu’s hand moved to the back of her neck. Slowly, he tightened his grip, forcing her to lift her head. Whether from the pain or a nightmare, Song Luan’s eyes welled with tears, and a few glistening droplets slid down her cheeks. To Zhao Nanyu, the sight was stunningly beautiful.

He smiled softly, a rare moment of contentment. The corners of his lips curled upwards.

He suddenly lowered his head, his cool lips gently brushing away the tears on her face. For once, he didn’t feel the usual deep loathing for her. But as his lips lingered, they shifted to her mouth, and with a sudden bite to the corner of her lips, he tasted the metallic tang of blood before pulling away. In her sleep, Song Luan seemed to sense the danger, her small body trembling.

Zhao Nanyu gently stroked her back, slowly calming her. He didn’t stay the night, though. Extinguishing the light in the room, he left in the cover of darkness from Huai Shui Residence.

That night, Song Luan’s sleep was fitful. She tossed and turned through strange, vivid dreams. In the middle of the night, she woke up, parched with thirst, her throat dry and her mouth aching.

Half-conscious, she stumbled out of bed, groping in the dark until she found the teacup. Lifting it to her lips, she gulped down the tea, quenching her thirst just a little.

Song Luan hadn’t expected the aftereffects of those two glasses of wine to be so strong. She almost lost consciousness! She couldn’t quite remember what she had done or said while drunk, but she didn’t think she had been too reckless.

Otherwise, she probably wouldn’t be sitting here, calmly drinking tea.

It wasn’t until Song Luan’s mouth started hurting more that she noticed the tiny cuts on her lips. She gently touched them with her fingertips, and the sharp pain made her immediately pull her hand away.

Oh, it really hurt!

Who did this?! Song Luan didn’t think it was her own doing. After thinking it through, she froze, still holding her cup. Could it be that the male lead had bitten her?

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. Oh no, Zhao Nanyu really was a little beast.

=^_^=

Author has something to say: Sobs

Song Luan: You little animal

Zhao Nanyu: I’m clearly a little cutie!