After Being Certified by the Immortal Lord on the Path of Ruthlessness - Chapter 37

As dawn approached, the first rays of morning light filtered through the window paper.

 

They fell upon the eyelids of the two people by the bedside.

 

Startled by the light, Ye Qingge furrowed her brows and slowly opened her eyes.

 

The sun outside the window had already risen, yet the room remained quiet.

 

Occasionally, someone passed along the corridor, accompanied by faint whispers.

 

Ye Qingge couldn’t make out the words clearly, but she felt an overall sense of comfort.

 

She had slept exceptionally soundly the night before, leaving her somewhat dazed and wistful.

 

Blinking her eyes, still hazy from the sunlight, she reopened them, and everything before her gradually sharpened into focus.

 

It was only when she shifted her neck that she realized she was being held entirely in someone’s embrace.

The person holding her had her head bowed, eyes closed, with her elbow resting against the desk.

 

Jiang Mianhao had fallen asleep in the same position she had held Ye Qingge in the night before, seemingly unmoving all night.

 

And Ye Qingge, held like this, had not only slept soundly but had also lost track of when she had drifted off.

 

This was a rare state for Ye Qingge. One of complete relaxation and lowered guard.

 

The last time she had felt this way seemed to stretch back to her infancy.

 

The embrace of this “grass” before her was remarkably comfortable and warm, even though the season didn’t call for warmth.

 

Yet Ye Qingge found herself somewhat enjoying the sensation, reluctant to pull away.

 

“Goddess! Over here! I noticed the red thread of this little grass has shifted slightly,” a tiny voice whispered.

 

“Please try to engage in more intimate contact with her. Her feelings of affection have already begun to sprout.”

 

The voice of the Matchmaker echoed in her consciousness, tinged with a hint of cheerfulness.

 

But he still offered a reminder.

 

“You must also develop feelings for her as soon as possible. The resolution of your love tribulation is close at hand!”

 

With that, the voice in her consciousness faded once more.

 

Ye Qingge remained lying still, her suddenly awakened mind struggling to catch up.

 

The Matchmaker’s advice lingered in her ears.

 

In truth, even without his reminder, Ye Qingge could sense it herself. A noticeable shift in the perceptions within her heart.

 

Yet, at this moment, another feeling lingered within her.

 

The last time she had slept so well seemed like a distant memory. A full night free from the torment of nightmares.

 

This sensation was long overdue.

Ye Qingge simply gazed at the person before her. Long eyelashes rested like a perched butterfly, ready to take flight at any moment.

 

The young girl had yet to shed her childishness, a hint of plumpness still gracing her cheeks.

 

She looked incredibly soft, tempting one to test whether she felt as tender as she appeared.

 

Before Ye Qingge could fully register her actions, her hand had already reached out and touched them.

 

The one whose cheek was pinched furrowed her brows, shook her head, and let out a soft murmur.

 

Her eyebrows knitted, and her eyelashes fluttered slightly.

 

Aware of her overstepping behavior, Ye Qingge had no intention of withdrawing her hand.

 

Jiang Mianhao’s cheeks were even softer than they looked, still bearing the gentle roundness of baby fat.

 

Watching her frown and shy away, Ye Qingge couldn’t help but feel a faint urge to laugh.

 

This grass might be a bit foolish, but she was quite useful.

 

“Mmm.” Jiang Mianhao frowned and abruptly opened her eyes.

 

Her usually smiling jade-green eyes now held a trace of mild irritation.

 

But upon recognizing the culprit, the flicker of anger in her eyes quickly vanished.

 

“Lu Jiu!” Jiang Mianhao’s eyes instantly lit up. “You’re awake! How are you? Does it still hurt?”

 

Ye Qingge coughed lightly and withdrew her hand, shaking her head gently.

 

Her gaze lingered on Jiang Mianhao’s cheek, noticing she hadn’t held back her strength earlier.

 

Moreover, Jiang Mianhao’s skin was delicate and tender, with obvious red marks where she had just been pinched.

 

“Are you hungry?” Jiang Mianhao gently massaged Ye Qingge’s neck. “Try moving it a little. Sleeping like that might have made it uncomfortable.”

 

As she spoke, Jiang Mianhao stood up. “Sit up first. I’ll call the waiter to bring some water so you can take a bath.”

 

She carefully helped Lu Jiu sit up steadily before standing herself.

 

But as she rose, her vision darkened and her legs went weak.

 

“Ouch!”

 

Jiang Mianhao had stood up too abruptly; her knees nearly buckled, sending her toward the floor.

 

Just as she was about to collapse, a pair of hands wrapped around her waist.

 

The person who had nearly fallen was scooped up and gently carried back to the bed.

 

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Jiang Mianhao inhaled the faint, delicate fragrance behind her.

 

Her heart pounded incessantly.

 

She was pressed extremely close to the person behind her. So close that she could hear Lu Jiu’s heartbeat and smell her scent.

 

Through their clothing, she could even feel the soft warmth of her back against herself.

 

Jiang Mianhao bit her lip, her ears flushing red with embarrassment.

 

“Are you okay?” Ye Qingge whispered close to Jiang Mianhao’s ear. “Your legs are weak.”

 

Jiang Mianhao’s face had already turned crimson, and as she felt the breath of the person behind her against her ear, the redness spread all the way down her neck.

 

Seeing no response from the person in her arms, Ye Qingge gently released her hands and said, “I’m sorry, that was presumptuous of me.”

 

But as her arms left Jiang Mianhao’s waist, they were grabbed.

 

Jiang Mianhao didn’t know why she was being so bold, yet she tightly grasped Lu Jiu’s wrist and whispered, “Don’t apologize.”

 

“Hmm?” Ye Qingge sounded a bit confused, sensing the surge of emotions within her.

 

Guessing Jiang Mianhao’s meaning, she asked uncertainly, “You don’t want me to let go?”

 

Jiang Mianhao’s mind went blank at the question. She cleared her throat softly and murmured, “Mm-hmm.”

 

“Hmm?” Ye Qingge didn’t understand and pressed further. “Does ‘mm-hmm’ mean I can hold you?”

 

Jiang Mianhao didn’t know how to respond. She pursed her lips and lowered her head.

 

Lu Jiu’s wrist was pale and slender. So thin that two fingers could easily encircle it.

 

Pressed so closely together, Jiang Mianhao couldn’t explain why, but being held like this from behind made her heart swell with warmth.

 

“I want to hear your answer,” Ye Qingge’s voice was unusually gentle, carrying a coaxing lilt. “I want your permission. May I hold you like this?”

 

Jiang Mianhao felt shy but stammered, “Y-yes, you may.”

 

“Good.” Ye Qingge chuckled softly. “I’ll only do what you allow me to. If it makes you uncomfortable, just tell me to stop, okay?”

 

Jiang Mianhao didn’t fully grasp the meaning of those words but nodded dizzily anyway.

 

The next moment, she understood exactly what they meant.

 

Ye Qingge wrapped one arm around her waist while the other moved to rest against Jiang Mianhao’s leg.

 

Gently, she began to massage it.

 

Jiang Mianhao’s mind buzzed, completely blank.

 

Though her leg had been numb and tingling from being pressed, it now felt as if an electric current ran through it.

 

A delicate, dense sensation traveled from Lu Jiu’s fingers and palms to her leg, spreading through her entire body.

 

Under Lu Jiu’s touch, the numbness gradually subsided.

 

Yet Jiang Mianhao’s breathing grew heavier, and her ears flushed an even deeper shade of red.

 

On the bed, the two of them remained entwined, each lost in their own thoughts.

 

Unnoticed by either, a shadowy figure paused at the doorway.

 

After hesitating for a moment, Ling Lan finally pushed open another door.

Mi Xiu, already awake, was sitting on the edge of the bed. Startled by the sudden entrance, she quietly retracted her tail, which had been pressed against the wall.

 

Ling Lan had originally intended to call Jiang Mianhao for a meal but lost her courage just before knocking. Only upon reaching Mi Xiu’s room did she realize her mistake, leaving her awkwardly standing at the doorway.

 

“Ling Lan!” Mi Xiu waved warmly. “Come over quickly. I just happen to have something to ask you.”

 

Ling Lan let out a soft, “Ah,” and stepped forward.

 

As soon as she approached, Mi Xiu pulled her down, and Ling Lan found herself seated on the cushion. Mi Xiu shifted closer, narrowing the space between them.

 

The small cushion, now occupied by two people, felt cramped.

 

They were so close that their scents mingled.

 

Ling Lan frowned and instinctively moved slightly to create a bit of distance.

 

Noticing her subtle gesture, Mi Xiu didn’t seem to mind. She lowered her voice and asked, “You like Mian Mian, don’t you?”

 

The sudden, absurd question made Ling Lan spring to her feet instantly, her heart racing.

 

The small wooden table on the cushion toppled, crashing to the floor with a loud clatter.

 

“You!” Ling Lan’s eyes widened, her face flushing bright red. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

 

Seeing her reaction, Mi Xiu knew she had hit the mark.

 

She propped her feet on the overturned table, swinging them casually. “I was just saying it offhand. Why are you reacting so strongly?”

 

“Unless…” Mi Xiu narrowed her eyes and clicked her tongue. “I hit the mark?”

 

Realizing belatedly that she was being teased, Ling Lan’s expression darkened. “Don’t talk nonsense and cause unnecessary trouble for Mianhao!”

 

Instinctively, she reached for the wooden sword at her side. “Since you’re fine, I’m leaving!” she said coldly.

 

“Don’t go!” Mi Xiu laughed heartily. “How is this nonsense? It’s clearly the truth! I could tell from the mountaintop.”

 

As Ling Lan reached for the door, Mi Xiu clicked her tongue twice and continued.

 

“And,” she drew out her words, lowering her voice, “I also know that Mianhao likes you, too!”

The person who had almost reached the doorway froze, her hand resting on the latch, unmoving.

 

Seeing she’d taken the bait, Mi Xiu grinned and added, “I’m not making this up, you know. Onlookers see more clearly than those involved! I don’t think either you or Mianhao have realized it yet!”

 

“Enough!” Ling Lan snapped. “Stop talking nonsense. I know Mianhao’s feelings well enough.”

 

Mi Xiu tilted her head. “You know she likes you?”

 

Silence. A stiffened back was the only response.

 

Ling Lan’s hand hovered over the sword hilt, tightening and loosening in hesitation.

 

Watching her struggle, Mi Xiu formed a plan.

 

She sighed, shaking her head. “You and Mianhao clearly have feelings for each other. I thought you’d get together on the mountaintop, but what’s the deal with Lu Jiu getting between you two? Mian Mian seems very close to her.”

 

Lu Jiu.

 

Hearing that name, Ling Lan’s breath hitched. Her chest felt as if an invisible hand had seized it, twisting and squeezing until it was hard to breathe.

 

“Mianhao is my family,” Ling Lan said coldly, not turning around. “As for Lu Jiu, that’s between her and Mianhao.”

 

With that, she yanked the door open and strode out.

 

But Mi Xiu raised her hand, altering the plan.

 

A purple talisman appeared on the door.

 

Ling Lan’s hand, still resting on the doorway, was instantly repelled.

 

A talisman? Why not a leaf?

 

Confused, Ling Lan turned back to look at the girl sitting opposite her.

 

A strange unease rose from the depths of her heart, and once again, she questioned the true identity of the person before her.

 

Before she could voice her doubts, Mi Xiu spoke preemptively, “I know Lu Jiu came between the two of you, and I have a way to help you!”

Ling Lan frowned, puzzled, and asked, “Help me?”

“Yes!” Mi Xiu waved her hand, the small bells on her wrist jingling a bright, cheerful note. “I can help you win Mianhao’s heart!”