Recklessly Breaking a Delicate Branch - Chapter 29

A pair of fair, tender hands rubbed and teased across his back, feeling like an itch that couldn’t quite be scratched through the surface.

Finally, Zhou Yan could no longer withstand the softness of the person before him. His Adam’s apple bobbed; in an instant, he seized her and flipped her over.

Beneath him, Jiang Wanshu’s body grew scorching hot at his touch, like an ant on a hot pan, trembling under the man’s sudden “stoking of the fire.”

In the middle of the night, a wind rose outside the tent. A Gesang flower swaying in the air quietly drifted onto the grass. As the wind surged, that brilliant flower seemed to drift from outside the tent toward the window, flying onto the jolting, soft bed.

Looking closer, one could see Jiang Wanshu covered in a heavy sweat, appearing utterly exhausted.

Still wishing to feel her softness again, he placed his hand beneath her waist. In a blur, his large palm was enveloped by her hands.

“Enough, Zhou Yan.” Her face was steaming with heat; she still wasn’t accustomed to being wrapped in these strange sensations.

Having tasted sweetness, how could Zhou Yan be stopped by her light words? Especially since he had already made concessions. Ignoring her plea, he looked at her with a face of mock-devotion, promising, “Wanwan, just one last time. I guarantee you’ll enjoy it too.”

Jiang Wanshu’s heart raced at his words. “No… no!”

She curled her body, her hands—pinned behind her by the man—struggled incessantly, yet they did not disturb his movements. In an instant, his palm pressed against her abdomen. Her face flushed red as she accepted wave after wave of sensation.

On the exquisite soft bed, the girl seemed to have collapsed from exhaustion. Her whole body was limp and sore, and she felt a lingering, indescribable sensation that made her feel bashful. She lay quietly, her eyes fixed on the bed canopy, which was slowly settling from its rhythmic swaying.

Zhou Yan, however, displayed the poise of a refined gentleman in the aftermath. He stepped his long legs over her and climbed out of bed.

After a hearty experience, Zhou Yan felt refreshed. He willingly braved the cold wind blowing in from the window, walked out of the tent, and dipped a bucket into the flowing river. After a quick wash in the icy waters of the mother river, he returned.

Worried that his “delicate flower” would be scared if left alone for too long, his bath took less than fifteen minutes. He quickly brought the water to the kitchen to heat it, found the bathtub prepared for her before the wedding, and carried them back into the tent.

The wind from his stride chilled the woman huddled under the fleece blanket. Noticing this, Zhou Yan immediately pulled the curtain shut.

Under Jiang Wanshu’s watchful gaze, he placed the bathtub in the center of the tent and poured the water in. Steam rose, and behind the mist, the man’s deep, exotic features became visible.

In this half-hidden scene, Jiang Wanshu was inexplicably reminded of Lady Yunling, who managed the wealthy households back in the capital. His aggressive handsomeness bore a striking resemblance to her. Yet, despite her familiarity with Lady Yunling, she had never heard of the lady having a son lost abroad.

Jiang Wanshu didn’t have the energy to dwell on it. She pressed her hand against her abdomen, gently massaging the soreness.

Zhou Yan finished the preparations and walked over to her. Just as his hand reached for the fleece blanket, she stopped him. Realizing what he intended, her expression soured. “No need. I can do it myself.”

But a man who had already made up his mind wouldn’t be swayed. He simply picked up her bare body from under the blanket.

“No! I don’t need help!” Jiang Wanshu struggled, her face burning. Her skin was smooth and fair, sliding like a loach against his firm grip.

“Stop,” he said, his tone turning serious, as if there would be consequences if she didn’t listen.

Jiang Wanshu immediately froze—not because of his words, but because of the faint aura of desire emanating from him. She held her breath and went still. Her clear eyes looked at him with trepidation; for a moment, their eyes met before she lowered her head.

Seeing her finally settle down, Zhou Yan said nothing more and carried her to the tub of warm water. Jiang Wanshu didn’t dare move; she thought being carried into the water was better than being teased again. But Zhou Yan had other ideas.

As she settled into the tub, the warm water enveloped her, soothing her body. She let out a comfortable sigh, then quickly covered her chest with her hands, bending her knees to shield herself from his gaze.

As the water rippled, the man’s gaze darkened, his large palm pressing onto her shoulder. His thumb brushed against her skin, causing goosebumps. “I’ll wash you,” he said, his voice deep.

She skillfully dodged his touch and looked up at him. Her face held a trace of the charm left over from their intimacy. “Can I do it myself?” she tested.

Her wet hair clung to her back, creating a sharp contrast with her white skin.

“No,” Zhou Yan replied, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

Jiang Wanshu was truly exhausted and didn’t want to endure any more “accidental” stimulation. She worked up the courage to reach out and grab his wrist. His wrist was nearly twice the size of hers; even with both hands, she could barely encircle it.

Mimicking the way her younger brother used to act spoiled with their mother, she gently shook his arm. “Zhou Yan, just this once, let me wash myself, okay?”

Her voice was soft and sweet, and the hope in her beautiful eyes began to melt his resolve. This version of her was hard to resist.

He gave a half-smile, looking playful. “Kiss me once, and I’ll let you have your way.”

Jiang Wanshu was embarrassed, but to avoid what might happen next, she steeled herself. She stood up, pressed her pink lips quickly against his cheek, and sat back down into the water instantly.

The water splashed everywhere, even soaking some of his clothes.

Zhou Yan was stunned. He hadn’t expected his teasing remark to actually earn him a kiss. He stood there dazed, no longer hearing what she was saying. Like a lovestruck youth, he turned and walked out of the tent.

The cold wind outside helped clear his chaotic thoughts. He stood there, forcing himself to calm down. Inside, Jiang Wanshu watched him leave and felt a sense of relief. She hummed a little tune, feeling quite pleased with herself for making him look so foolish.

However, she gently massaged her waist under the water to soothe the discomfort. She was frustrated at being “eaten clean” again, but relieved that he had kept his word about only using his hands.

As the water cooled, she quickly finished washing, stepped out, and dressed in the clothes he had neatly folded on the stool. The winter night was freezing, so she crawled back into bed as soon as she was dressed. Looking at the now-cold water, she called out, “Zhou Yan, the water is cold.”

There was no answer. She didn’t expect one, so she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Zhou Yan stayed outside for a long time, returning only as dawn approached. In the dim light, he stood by the bed, staring at her peaceful face. When it was bright enough to see her clearly, he took off his boots and climbed into the inner side of the bed.

Instead of using the separate blanket placed there, he grabbed a corner of hers and slid into the warmth she had created. The warmth and her fresh scent enveloped him. Once his body had heated up, he carefully moved closer, wrapped his long arm around her, and finally fell asleep.

The warmth of the woman in his arms instantly filled the void of his earlier daze.

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