Chapter 52: Why Couldn’t You Sleep

Jiang Yao froze in place, her face still pale with fear. This man who had just told her to get out with a hateful expression last night, and then disappeared into the night, had suddenly barged into her room in the middle of the night, saying he agreed.

She forced herself to calm down, and stiffly asked: “What about Mo Zichen?”

She lowered her eyes, the candlelight cast a soft glow on her porcelain face, as if her hair was shimmering. At this moment, even the mention of Mo Zichen couldn’t stir up any ripples in her heart.

“He will be released.”

“When?”

“Later.”

She moved her lips, wanting to ask more, but she felt it was unnecessary. Although Ling Xiao was arrogant and domineering, he always kept his word and wouldn’t stoop to deceit. Releasing Mo Zichen was just a matter of lifting his finger for him.

She fell silent.

Ling Xiao slowly walked towards her, his imposing presence pressing down on her. She instinctively retreated, pursed her lips, and then returned to her original position. She had reached this point, there was no turning back.

She raised her head, his rough fingertips brushed against her face, his dark eyes were filled with desire. Her legs were hanging down, her fingertips curled up, unable to adapt to the scorching temperature of his palm. Her eyelashes trembled slightly as she lowered them, hiding the tension in her eyes.

This time, he was unusually gentle, he didn’t force her to look up, he just lowered his head, leaned in, and found her lips to kiss.

Her whole body froze, she looked at his face inches away. His sword-like brows were sharp, his eyelashes were long, and his eyes were closed, hiding the sharp gaze in his eyes, perhaps to lessen the pressure.

“Mmm…”

Suddenly, she was filled with such a light, shallow kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her into his embrace, stroked her cheek, and buried his fingers in her soft, flowing hair, becoming increasingly unable to control himself, he greedily sought more, his breathing gradually became rough.

She was caught off guard and pulled into his embrace, her two weak hands tugged at his robe, like a drowning fish, deprived of all breath, her face began to turn red.

But he seemed to be enjoying a rare feast, unwilling to let go easily. He kissed her fiercely, his arms tightened around her waist again, as if he wanted to embed her into his bones.

The kiss lasted for a long time, her whole body began to soften, her tongue felt numb, and she couldn’t bear it anymore, she began to struggle.

“Not yet!”

Her little bit of strength was completely insignificant to Ling Xiao. He didn’t want to let go, he wanted to swallow her whole.

He sensed her soft struggles in his arms, and he slightly opened his eyes. He saw that her face was flushed red, her clear, bright eyes were filled with mist, his movements paused slightly, and he reluctantly loosened his grip a little.

Finally, she gained some freedom, her chest heaved as she caught her breath, breathing in the fresh air. Her unpainted face was now flushed with a rosy hue, her misty eyes glared at him with a hint of annoyance, beautiful enough to take one’s breath away.

His throat felt dry, a little hoarse. He wanted more, he tightened his arms around her waist, his touch was even hotter, through the layer of her nightgown, he greedily caressed her.

“More.”

Suddenly, her scalp tingled. His current expression, his demeanor, was like a wolf staring at its prey, ready to devour it completely.

She was really scared.

The atmosphere was tense for two breaths, then he suddenly released his grip on her waist.

The air finally rushed back into her lungs, which had been squeezed tight.

His eyes stared at her deeply: “From now on, report all matters to me at the hour of the monkey every day.”

She was stunned, and when she reacted, her eyes widened.

He suppressed the desire that was almost breaking through his rationality, still greedily caressing her face, but his voice carried a warning: “You have to do it every day, otherwise, I’ll deal with Mo Zichen.”

“…”

She took a deep breath: “Alright.”

Then she turned and left.

Her steps were swift, and she was back in her bed in a blink of an eye. She was afraid that if she stayed a moment longer, she would regret it.

She was willing, but she was also ashamed and embarrassed.

She had only been in the world for half a year, if she really did something like that, it would be justified, but she would be trapped in a moral dilemma.

What a villain, how could he be so fickle? He dared to touch Mo Zichen, she was full of anger, she should teach him a lesson! Why did she have to care about these things?

She looked at his misty eyes, and she was even more furious.

Jiang Yao stood there in a daze, until Ling Xiao completely disappeared from her sight, then she finally found the strength to fall back onto the bed.

For the rest of the night, Jiang Yao couldn’t sleep, she tossed and turned, her mind was a mess of confusion.

The next morning, A’er brought her water to wash up.

A’er’s face was pale, and she hesitated to speak: “Last night, I seem to have heard Your Lordship… Madam…”

Jiang Yao lowered her eyes and pursed her lips tightly: “Don’t say anything.”

A’er’s face froze, she could hardly believe it.

She held the basin stiffly and replied: “Yes.”

A’er helped her with her makeup, her face was a little pale, and Jiang Yao went to greet Mrs. Lin as usual.

As soon as she entered the door, she heard Mrs. Lin laughing loudly: “This case is finally over, we can finally relax and have some peace.”

“We should relax.” Her voice was low, but it carried a hint of joy.

Jiang Yao’s footsteps paused, and the maid announced: “Your Lordship has arrived.”

Ling Xiao turned his head, the smile on his lips hadn’t faded yet. He saw Jiang Yao, who was like a gentle breeze, a stark contrast to his gloomy appearance.

Jiang Yao met his gaze, her hand holding the handkerchief tightened, she quickly looked away and went in: “Mother.”

“A’er has arrived, come in.”

As Jiang Yao sat beside Mrs. Lin, Mrs. Lin smiled: “The Lord just mentioned that he wants to hold a birthday celebration for me. He said he wants to invite a drama troupe to perform, it’s very good. We’ll invite them again for the birthday banquet, and let the mansion be lively.”

Jiang Yao then remembered Mrs. Lin’s birthday. She had been so busy with the chaos that she almost forgot.

“Okay, I’ll invite the drama troupe back, we’ll set up a stage in the pavilion. If we invite guests, we can also have a performance.”

Mrs. Lin nodded repeatedly: “Okay, okay, okay. The scenery is also good. Although it’s autumn, it’s still pleasantly cool.”

“Yes, ice will be delivered today, I’ll have it sent to Mother at noon.”

Jiang Yao was already familiar with managing these matters, and she arranged everything in an orderly manner. Mrs. Lin was very satisfied.

She raised her head slightly and met Ling Xiao’s gaze. He was quietly listening to their conversation, but his eyes were fixed on her lips.

He had kissed her too hard yesterday, her lips were swollen, and they hadn’t subsided overnight. They still hurt a little when touched.

Her heart was burning, and she didn’t dare to meet Mrs. Lin’s eyes.

This man was so good at acting, he could make Mrs. Lin think that his face was pale and that he was worried.

“It’s alright, I just had a little trouble sleeping.” Jiang Yao swallowed.

Ling Xiao looked at her, his voice casual: “What trouble sleeping?”