Drunk on Madness - Chapter 12

Su Mo approached slowly and gently touched Li Xiang’s shoulder. When she turned around, she realized he was standing so close.

She leaned back slightly, and Su Mo reached out to steady her waist, giving it a light, teasing squeeze. His peach-blossom eyes glinted with mischief.

His heated gaze lingered on Li Xiang’s lips, causing her fair earlobes to flush red. Su Mo’s Adam’s apple bobbed as his breathing grew rapid, his body rising and falling with each breath after his workout.

His low, husky voice brushed against her ear: “Xiangxiang, it’s been a whole day since I last saw you. Did you miss me?”

Faced with Su Mo’s intense gaze and his sweet, almost cloying words, Li Xiang found herself flustered. “You’re back a bit late. I’ll go make dinner now,” she said, trying to pull away from the hand at her waist. But Su Mo only tightened his grip on the fabric of her clothes, refusing to let go.

His lips drew nearer, and Li Xiang could catch the crisp, clean scent of him. She lowered her head and pleaded, “Let go, please.” Her voice, no longer as composed as before, carried an unconscious hint of coquetry.

Su Mo gently lifted her chin, their eyes meeting, his shimmering with unspoken emotion. Suddenly, he leaned down, his hot, urgent breath claiming her lips in an instant.

His straight nose brushed against her cheek as their breaths intertwined. His kiss grew fiercer, their lips entwining in a delicate, intoxicating dance.

When they finally parted, Su Mo wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder. She melted into his warm embrace, their hearts pounding wildly against each other.

After a moment of calm, Su Mo murmured, “Tomorrow, I’ll write to my mother and have her prepare the betrothal letter.” He pressed another soft kiss to Li Xiang’s forehead.

Li Xiang lifted her head from his chest. “There’s no rush. Let’s talk about it when we return home this year.” She wasn’t ready for marriage so soon, this body was only sixteen or seventeen, still too young.

A faint smile played at Su Mo’s lips. “So… you’re saying you agree?”

Li Xiang lowered her head, her face burning red. Su Mo pressed his lips together, but the laughter he had been holding back finally spilled out. Overjoyed, he picked Li Xiang up and spun her around. “Xiangxiang, you’ve agreed to marry me!”

Hearing him shout so loudly, Li Xiang hurriedly covered his mouth with her hand. Su Mo stopped immediately, then playfully licked her palm, startling her into letting go. His body trembled slightly as low laughter escaped his throat.

Zhou Mingxuan stood in the shadows, his expression unreadable as he watched the two lost in their kiss. Something in his heart seemed to settle.

Before long, Su Mo and Li Xiang were busy in the kitchen, one tending the fire, the other chopping and stir-frying and soon, dinner was ready. Before the meal, Su Mo insisted she change into a fresh outfit immediately.

In the elegantly adorned chamber of Louhua Brocade Pavilion, the four of them sat facing each other. Li Xiang had taken special care with her appearance, her delicate features radiant, her eyes shimmering. Dressed in a moon-white, soft mist silk inner robe, she sat upright with the poise of a noble lady.

Su Mo, usually casual and indifferent to attire, often wore the standard black short-sleeved robe. Unaccustomed to restraint, he now appeared in an uncharacteristic scholarly outfit, a moon-white brocade robe matching Li Xiang’s. Sitting closely beside her, the two looked perfectly matched.

Su Mo personally filled Zhou Mingxuan and Gu Ci’s cups with sake, drinking three cups himself first. After drinking, he said, “Today I have joyous news. Xiangxiang and I are deeply attached and mutually devoted. As the saying goes, since ancient times, marriages have been arranged by parents and matchmakers. But Xiangxiang has neither parents nor family, so I’ve invited you two close friends to bear witness for us.”

With that, he took Li Xiang’s hand beside him, giving it a gentle squeeze, and gazed at her affectionately as he continued, “I possess neither wealth nor status, only a sincere heart to offer you. In this life, I, Su Mo, vow to marry none but you, to respect you, cherish you, and devote myself solely to you for the rest of my days.”

Li Xiang hadn’t expected Su Mo to make such a promise to her now. Just as she was overcoming her shyness and lifting her head to meet his eyes, the air between them seemed to freeze, thick with unspoken emotion.

After a few moments, she lightly bit her lower lip, her face flushed, and said, “I will not part from these green hills, but follow you through life together.”

Hearing this, Su Mo trembled with excitement, barely managing to steady his voice as he replied, “I will never betray you.”

Zhou Mingxuan’s gaze slowly drifted away from Li Xiang’s rosy lips as he listened to their vows of lifelong devotion. Raising his cup, he toasted the couple, and Gu Ci clinked his glass in turn.

That night, Su Mo kept pouring drinks for Gu Ci, drinking until the world spun. He said he wanted to thank him for his support but also hoped he would soon find someone he truly loved.

As the night deepened, the moonlight spilled like water into the room.

Li Xiang cleared the dishes and covered the drunken Su Mo and Gu Ci with blankets before preparing to return to her room. Suddenly, Zhou Mingxuan, who had been asleep, sat up on his bed and fixed his gaze on her, his voice cool and low as he commanded, “You, come here.”

The sudden male voice from behind startled Li Xiang, making her shiver. When she turned and saw it was the “resurrected” Zhou heir, she was momentarily speechless.

Zhou Mingxuan watched her silently, then gestured for her to approach.

His robe was slightly open, revealing a glimpse of his throat and chest, his long legs crossed elegantly on the bed. His noble bearing and overwhelming presence dominated the room.

As Li Xiang drew near and took in the sight, she lowered her head timidly. Zhou Mingxuan glanced briefly at the two sleeping figures nearby before asking in a low voice, “Did I push you too hard, forcing you into this choice?”

Li Xiang froze, her eyes filled with confusion.

Seeing her silent, Zhou Mingxuan pressed on, “Yesterday at the tavern, my words were excessive. Don’t take them to heart. If you’re unwilling, I can persuade Su Mo to annul today’s betrothal.”

Understanding that Zhou Mingxuan feared her choice of Su Mo wasn’t genuine, Li Xiang hesitated before carefully replying, “To be honest with you, my lord, I’ve known Su Mo for half a year. His care for me has filled me with gratitude.”

“With him, life feels free and untroubled. I forget my station because I know he’ll protect and indulge me. Isn’t that what most women in this world desire? To be loved and sheltered.”

“He has a kind heart even when I was a beggar, he helped me. After I entered the household, he looked after me meticulously. Handsome, skilled in both arts and martial prowess, how could I not be utterly satisfied?”

“Life is short, and the world is unpredictable. I can’t promise this love will last a lifetime. But if he does not forsake me, I will share his fortunes and misfortunes, standing by him always!”

Zhou Mingxuan gave her a meaningful look and scoffed lightly, “That’s just as well.” Without waiting for Li Xiang to respond, he lay down to sleep.

Li Xiang didn’t linger either, walking back to her room alone under the moonlight.