Chapter 15

Although Yuan Ying appeared as calm as the stillness before a storm, her Restlessness Period had already reached its mid-phase. There were certain things she needed to know now.

Zhu Feng: The reason I left so abruptly back then was because Zhu Yin died.

Who was he? Yuan Ying asked.

The fact that she was willing to ask questions was a good sign, indicating she still maintained some rationality.

Zhu Feng patiently explained: He was my biological father. I have an older brother and an older sister – the three of us each have different mothers.

This part sounded somewhat believable, but considering he claimed to be a dragon, Yuan Ying didn’t know whether to believe him or not.

Seeing that she had stopped asking questions, Zhu Feng continued: The Dragon Realm is the world where I live. It coexists with the human world but remains completely separate. One needs to pass through a Special Passage to travel between the two worlds. The Special Passage opens once every three months, remaining accessible for three hours each time. Zhu Yin was the King of the Dragon Realm and held a key symbolizing power. That key can open the Dragon Realm’s largest Private Treasury. The person who possesses the key not only gains exclusive access to enormous wealth but also becomes the Dragon Realm’s next new King.

Alright, now he was starting to talk nonsense again.

Yuan Ying took a few seconds to process this before asking: What does this have to do with you leaving without saying goodbye?

At that time, there were only two weeks left until your 25th birthday, Zhu Feng said.

Yuan Ying: ?

The enormous wealth in the Dragon Realm Private Treasury would make perfect birthday gifts.

Hearing him mention her birthday, Yuan Ying was momentarily stunned.

Zhu Feng looked into her eyes, his voice so soft it almost melted into the air: When I received news of Zhu Yin’s death, the Special Passage was going to close in two minutes. I didn’t have time to inform you, so I had to leave immediately.

After a long silence, Yuan Ying said: Let me get this straight… You’re saying your true identity is that of a dragon, and you left without saying goodbye to return to some Dragon Realm to compete with your half-siblings for an enormous inheritance to give to me.

Yes.

Yuan Ying let out an incredulous laugh: The Special Passage was about to close, so you didn’t have time to notify me. What about afterward? Couldn’t you spare even a moment then?

The human world and the Dragon Realm are completely separate dimensions. It’s impossible to make phone calls or send messages between them, Zhu Feng answered.

Yuan Ying narrowed her eyes: Impossible to make phone calls, huh? Then how did you manage to call me later… Oh, I remember now. The time you called was exactly three months after you disappeared. Which means you came to the human world but didn’t come find me, and then told me over the phone not to look for you?

Zhu Feng looked completely sincere: At that time, we were at a critical stage in competing for the inheritance and fighting for the key. My situation was very dangerous, and I was afraid of involving you or making you worry. That’s why I specifically made that call.

Yuan Ying smiled: What about the three years after that? Were you also in danger?

Exactly. For three whole years, I was constantly surrounded by dangers. How could I dare to contact you easily? Zhu Feng sighed. It’s only now, after eliminating all obstacles, that I dare to come find you.He had very beautiful eyes that could look deeply affectionate even at a dog.

After staring at him for a long time, Yuan Ying expressed genuine admiration: You actually managed to explain all that away. Quite impressive.

Everything I said is true, Zhu Feng demonstrated his sincerity.

Yuan Ying raised an eyebrow: Then turn into a dragon and show me.

The Human Realm Entry-Exit Act clearly states that dragons cannot reveal their true forms in the human world. Violators will be severely punished, and even I, as the King, am no exception, Zhu Feng explained.

Yuan Ying remarked sarcastically, Oh my, you’re a dragon—why would you fear rules made by us mere mortals?

Dragons in the past weren’t afraid, but now it’s different, Zhu Feng said helplessly.

Yuan Ying: Why is it different now?

Zhu Feng: You have nuclear bombs.

Yuan Ying: …

Too speechless to respond, she fell silent.

Zhu Feng sat with his legs pressed together like a schoolboy, his long limbs looking awkward and constrained.

After a long pause, Yuan Ying spoke slowly, So, is that your full explanation?

Zhu Feng thought for a moment. Regarding his sudden departure back then, it seemed he had said all there was to say.

Yes.

Yuan Ying: Is everything you said true?

Zhu Feng: Of course.

Yuan Ying: Swear it.

Zhu Feng raised three fingers: I swear it’s absolutely true, or may I be struck by lightning.

Yuan Ying smiled faintly: Stop joking. You’re a dragon—why would you fear being struck by lightning?

I’m even afraid of nuclear bombs, Zhu Feng admitted. Sometimes, he really was a very timid dragon.

Yuan Ying: …

No matter when she heard the words nuclear bombs, it always left her utterly speechless.

Yuan Ying couldn’t be bothered to argue further and commanded directly, Change your oath.

To what? Zhu Feng inquired humbly.

Yuan Ying: If you’re lying, may you never find a wife in this lifetime and be unable to pay off your debts for thirty years.

Zhu Feng’s pupils trembled slightly.

Recognizing every micro-expression of his, Yuan Ying curled her lips into a smile, her voice so gentle it was unsettling: Swear it.

Zhu Feng remained silent.

Yuan Ying let out a cold laugh and immediately stood up to leave. Zhu Feng swiftly grabbed her arm and pulled her back into the chair.

Fine, I admit it—I did embellish part of the truth, the stubborn dragon conceded reluctantly, frightened by the vicious oath. But the part I embellished involves my privacy. Isn’t it normal for couples to have some secrets between them?

Who said we’re a couple? Yuan Ying’s patience was wearing thin.

Zhu Feng leaned back in his chair, resorting to his usual shamelessness: You and I. We got married three years ago.

Yuan Ying: How come I don’t remember getting a marriage certificate with you?

Dragons don’t need certificates to marry. Soul Binding is enough—we’ve already completed the Soul Binding.

Great, another new term.

Yuan Ying inquired humbly, What is Soul Binding?

To put it simply, it’s when we… you know, I extend a hook to latch onto you, leaving my mark inside you. A dragon only has one such mark in their lifetime, and I’ve given mine to you. Zhu Feng leaned in close, seeking praise.

Dragons are rather liberal creatures—otherwise, there wouldn’t be legends in the human world about dragons fathering nine offspring. But a mark like this, symbolizing a lifelong commitment to one partner, is something most dragons would rather take to their graves than give away.

For example, his late father Zhu Yin had countless lovers in his lifetime, three of whom even bore him children, yet he never received a mark from any of them, nor did he give his own to anyone.

Zhu Feng was different. Before even reaching maturity, he had already given his mark to Yuan Ying.

This is a promise for a lifetime, Zhu Feng said cheerfully, resting his chin in his hand.

Yuan Ying also smiled: You really have a talent for writing erotic fiction.

Everything I said is true.

Yuan Ying: Then tell me, since you extended your hook, why have I never noticed it before?

You were too focused on feeling good at the time…

Yuan Ying stood up and began stretching.

But I didn’t trick you into marriage. Before the Soul Binding, I asked you repeatedly – even if I weren’t human, would you still be willing to marry me? You said that from the first day we met, you never considered me human anyway, so whether I’m human or not wouldn’t change anything…

Yuan Ying ignored him and continued stretching.

Thinking back now, that night was actually quite pleasant… What are you doing? She had been moving her fists and feet around, and Zhu Feng finally snapped out of his beautiful memories.

His question was like pressing an explosion button, instantly igniting all of Yuan Ying’s fury.

I’ll beat you to death!

She lunged at him, and Zhu Feng quickly caught her. The simple folding fishing chair couldn’t withstand their combined weight and immediately collapsed beneath them.

Zhu Feng’s back hit the ground, landing on the scattered remains of the folding chair and hard little stones. Being thick-skinned and tough, he didn’t feel any pain. Instead, he had the presence of mind to hold her thighs to prevent her from falling off him.

Seeing Yuan Ying’s flushed, angry face, he couldn’t help but laugh.

Though saying this would invite trouble, compared to her pretending to be elegant and good-tempered, he preferred her in this vibrant, lively state.

You bastard! I gave you a chance to explain, and you feed me this nonsense! Have I been too lenient with you lately? Think you can fool me like I’m an idiot? A dragon? Dragon my ass, you lunatic!

Yuan Ying was truly furious, straddling him while cursing and hitting him simultaneously.

She wasn’t someone who enjoyed violence, but Zhu Feng always easily provoked her anger. Like today – she had genuinely intended to let bygones be bygones with him.

But him? Not a shred of remorse, and even claiming to be a dragon.

Dragon his father!

Dragon his grandfather!

Dragon his great-grandfather!

The more Yuan Ying thought about it, the angrier she became. Looking at Zhu Feng, even after being beaten by her, he was still laughing happily – utterly shameless to the extreme.

Yuan Ying’s mind went blank with rage, losing all reason. Her eyes scanned around until they landed on a large rock.

Before she could act on it, Zhu Feng had already grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his embrace.

Yuan Ying had been particularly sensitive lately. Being held like this immediately stirred sensations in her, and for a moment she forgot about her anger and beating him, struggling instead. But the more she struggled, the tighter Zhu Feng held her, almost crushing her into his body.

To avoid him noticing the unusual state of her body, she had to calm down: Let me go.

No. What if you hit me with a rock? Zhu Feng was calmer than her.

Yuan Ying’s fists clenched again, but she could only say: If you let me go, I won’t hit you with a rock.

And won’t hit me either?

…Won’t hit you.

Zhu Feng still didn’t want to let go, but after smelling the gradually intensifying fragrance from her body, he released his grip.

Yuan Ying pushed herself up using his hard pectoral muscles, deliberately kneeing his abdomen on the way up. Hearing his pained groan, she finally felt she had vented some of her anger.

Your ten-day stay expires at noon today. Pack your things and get out. I never want to see you again. Boss Yuan coldly issued the eviction notice.

Zhu Feng propped one arm under his head, lying on the ground and meeting her gaze: I want to extend my stay.

Yuan Ying flatly refused: Impossible.

After saying that, she left with a stern face, leaving the trash ex lying alone on the ground.

Having dealt with Feng Zhuangzhuang’s threat, Yuan Ying had been in high spirits earlier today and even went to the pond to enjoy the scenery. But after the physical altercation with Zhu Feng, her hair was disheveled, her clothes wrinkled, and she was filled with displeasure.

In Jin Yuanbao’s living room, Shu Lin paced anxiously, wishing he could rush back to the pond to witness the King and Queen’s reconciliation with his own eyes.

The other two in the living room were far more relaxed—Xiao Yu stood by the water dispenser filling her cup, while A Ye curled up in a corner munching on potato chips, completely oblivious to his current agitation.

Just as his anxiety peaked, Yuan Ying returned in a disheveled state.

Shu Lin hurried to meet her: Boss Yuan, where’s the King… Zhu Feng?

Dead, Yuan Ying declared coldly.

Shu Lin’s heart sank: But he was fine just now! How did he suddenly die?

How should I know? Maybe he told too many lies and got beaten to death, Yuan Ying said before heading straight upstairs.

Shu Lin chased halfway up when a loud slam echoed from the third floor. He shuddered and silently returned to the living room.

In the living room, Xiao Yu sipped water from her cup intermittently, while A Ye finished his third bag of chips and was opening a fourth.

Shu Lin glanced between them before settling beside A Ye, lowering his voice to ask: Why do you think the Queen is so angry?

A Ye, lacking his subtlety, replied at normal volume: Isn’t it obvious? They just had a wild fight.

Pfft—

Xiao Yu sprayed water two meters across the room, staring at A Ye in shock.

Shu Lin quickly explained: He absolutely didn’t mean it that way!

I meant exactly that, A Ye calmly crunched chips. Boss Yuan bears many battle marks, and Zhu Feng is already dead. Clearly, she emerged victorious from this campaign.

Shu Lin: …See? I told you he didn’t mean it that way.

How boring. Xiao Yu rolled her eyes at them and turned back to the front desk.

Shu Lin maintained a strained smile until she sat down, then glared daggers at A Ye: Should I thank you for at least using mortal titles for the King and Queen in front of Xiao Yu?

No need. Though A Ye considered his adaptation skills in the human world exemplary, he didn’t require special gratitude.

Shu Lin felt darkness clouding his vision, barely avoiding fainting on the spot.

As silence fell over the corner, Xiao Yu—who had just posted job listings—peeked at them: Hey, your stay expires today. Renewing?

Of course! Shu Lin answered without hesitation.

Xiao Yu: Then you’ll need to see the boss first. While I can blacklist you, I don’t have permissions to remove you.

Blacklist? Shu Lin blinked.

Xiao Yu smirked: What do you think?

Shu Lin: …

Just as he was speechless, the dead King returned.

A Ye reacted faster than Shu Lin: Isn’t he dead?

Shu Lin—who had wanted to ask Zhu Feng for details—nearly choked on his saliva, staring wide-eyed: Forget that Boss Yuan was obviously speaking in anger… are you insane? You actually thought she could really beat him to death?

Boss Yuan is amazing and very clever, said A Ye, who had bought lots of snacks with the red envelope from Yuan Ying, now pledging unwavering loyalty to only one person. She can do anything.

Shu Lin was speechless at his sincere expression and turned to ask Zhu Feng, What’s the situation now?

I’ve told her everything that needed to be said, but she can’t accept it for now, Zhu Feng replied.

Shu Lin understood: Indeed, it completely overturns her understanding of the world… So what do we do now?

Let her calm down first, Zhu Feng said, glancing at the empty staircase, his fingertips still lingering with the fragrance from her.

Shu Lin added, Our accommodation expires today. Xiao Yu said if we want to extend, we need to inform her first.

Zhu Feng looked at him.

Shu Lin nodded: Let’s still give her some time to cool off first.

Yuan Ying did need time to calm down, but in a different way.

Only when the cold water from the showerhead hit her body did she feel the discomfort stirred by Zhu Feng’s embrace begin to ease.

Yuan Ying took a ten-minute cold shower, until she felt her mood had calmed enough to become a monk, then stepped out of the bathroom.

Her bedroom was over twenty square meters, decorated entirely according to her preferences, with a large, soft bed covered in a beautiful pure cotton lace bedsheet.

Yuan Ying slipped into pajamas, collapsed onto the bed, watched two episodes of a TV series, grabbed a carbonated drink from her mini-fridge, and even the worst mood would lift.

Zhu Feng’s nonsense had already been pushed to the back of her mind; she was now considering their stay-or-leave issue.

If it were ten days ago, Yuan Ying would have undoubtedly told them to get lost without hesitation, but after ten days of interaction, she was hesitating again.

Of course, if it were only Zhu Feng alone, she would definitely still insist on kicking him out, but the problem was there were also Shu Lin and A Ye.

These three were a package deal—if she drove Zhu Feng away, Shu Lin and A Ye would surely follow. She really liked Shu Lin and A Ye and didn’t want them to leave this way.

But not expelling Zhu Feng truly couldn’t ease the resentment in her heart.

Yuan Ying tossed and turned on the bed, having instant noodles for both lunch and dinner in her room, not going downstairs until after dark.

Around six in the evening, Xiao Yu finished processing the day’s orders and prepared to clock out.

Hey, she called toward the corner of the living room.

Shu Lin, still worrying there, looked up confused: Hmm?

Are you extending your stay tonight? Xiao Yu asked. If not, I’ll open your room for external bookings.

Extend, extend, we definitely want to extend, Shu Lin said hurriedly.

Xiao Yu replied, Then quickly confirm with the boss so I can update the guest information.

Shu Lin scratched his head: Can we discuss it in a few days?

Xiao Yu was speechless: What do you think?

Logically, they should have been asked to renew or clear their luggage by noon. It was only because they’d gotten along well recently that she kept their rooms reserved for so long without any action from them.

Shu Lin also felt it wasn’t quite right and compromised: Then I’ll go talk to her now.

Go ahead, just let me know tomorrow morning, Xiao Yu said, then slung her canvas bag over her shoulder and left work.

Shu Lin stood alone in place for a long while, then walked upstairs with a heavy expression.

He didn’t know if the Queen had finished calming down. If not, would she take her anger out on him, slam the door in his face, or even kick them out overnight, leaving them to sleep on the streets?

The more Shu Lin thought, the heavier his steps became. By the time he reached the second floor, he could barely lift his feet.

Maybe I’ll just bring it up tomorrow morning.

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he turned to head back downstairs. But before he could retreat, the door to the Wealth Chamber creaked open.

Zhu Feng stood at the doorway, freshly showered, his gaze meeting Shu Lin’s from a few steps away.

King, Shu Lin greeted.

Zhu Feng: What are you doing up here?

Looking for the Queen, Shu Lin replied. Our room reservation expired at noon today. If we want to keep staying, we need to renew the check-in.

But thanks to the King, they were on the blacklist, and Xiao Yu couldn’t process it for them.

Zhu Feng glanced at the staircase leading to the third floor, hesitated for a moment, and said, I’ll go.

Shu Lin had been waiting for exactly that. He urged him repeatedly not to anger the Queen and to prioritize settling the accommodation issue above all else.

Keep talking and I won’t go, Zhu Feng said coldly.

Shu Lin saw right through him: Come on, even if I talked ten times more than this, you’d still go. Otherwise, why did you open the door?

Zhu Feng made a move to kick him.

Shu Lin turned and bolted.

Zhu Feng couldn’t be bothered with him. He casually wiped his silver hair with the towel draped over his shoulder and headed upstairs.

Yuan Ying had just finished her long phone call with Fang Qiqi and was about to wash her face and put on a mask when her phone buzzed.

She opened it and saw a WeChat friend request notification.

A vaguely familiar avatar was requesting to add her, with a note below: Sorry, I was grading middle school entrance exams recently and only got my phone back today.

Yuan Ying stared at the avatar for a moment before suddenly remembering who it was.

It was the blind date Qiqi had introduced to her.

She quickly sent Fang Qiqi a message: Did you pressure him into adding me?

Fang Qiqi replied with a question mark.

Yuan Ying sent her a screenshot of the friend request page.

Fang Qiqi responded quickly: Him? I’ve been busy arguing with my dad lately and haven’t spoken to him. Why?

So he’d added her on his own.

It wasn’t just out of obligation. Yuan Ying felt a little relieved and replied: Nothing, just saw that he added me.

Fang Qiqi sent several exclamation marks, followed by a long message: Add him now! Start talking right away! I refuse to believe being a matchmaker is this hard. It’s been almost half a month and you haven’t even exchanged a single word.

Reading her reply, Yuan Ying didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Zhu Feng’s arrival had completely disrupted her life, and with everything that had happened recently, she’d completely forgotten about the blind date.

But she really did still need to go on one.

Thinking about her increasingly abnormal physical condition, Yuan Ying bit her lip, thought for a few seconds, and accepted the friend request.

The other person wrote: Hello, I’m Yu He, a friend of Qiqi’s.

Yuan Ying thought for a moment and apologized first: Hello, I’m Yuan Ying. I’m really sorry about last time—you came all that way for nothing.

Yu He: I should be the one apologizing. I’ve been in the exam grading group and didn’t reply to your message in time.

Yuan Ying: Are you a teacher?

Yu He: Yes, I work at Jinlin No. 1 High School. I teach Chinese.

A Chinese teacher.

Yuan Ying repeated it silently to herself. Just as she was about to reply again, her door suddenly rattled with a knock.

Startled, she asked softly, Who is it?

Me.

Recognizing the voice, Yuan Ying immediately lost her patience. I’m asleep!

Open the door, I need to talk to you. Zhu Feng seemed to be born with a screw loose, completely unaware of his unwelcome presence.

Yuan Ying’s reply was straightforward: No!

Then I’ll climb through the window, Zhu Feng said leisurely.

Yuan Ying laughed: Go ahead if you want.

There were only two rooms on the third floor—her bedroom and the storage room facing each other across the hallway—with no windows accessible for climbing.

Unless he went down to the yard and scaled the wall from the first floor.

As soon as she said this, the noise outside promptly ceased.

Yuan Ying let out a soft sigh, pondered for a moment over her phone, and solemnly typed a line: No matter what, I was rude first. If you don’t want to get to know me better because of this, I understand.

After hitting send, Yuan Ying rolled over and sprawled out on the bed.

The summer night in Jinlin Town was pleasantly cool. With the window open, she wore only a spaghetti strap nightgown, her pale arms and legs exposed as she stretched comfortably in the fresh air.

Suddenly, there was a faint noise from the window.

Yuan Ying instinctively turned her head and met a pair of roguish eyes.

Her: !!!

Zhu Feng leaped in gracefully and spoke before she could react: You told me to climb in.

…Just because I said so, you did it? This is the third floor! Yuan Ying exclaimed in frustration.

Zhu Feng strode over with his long legs, pulled a chair to the bedside, and sat down, pressing against her knees.

The gesture was too intimate. Yuan Ying shifted back, then suddenly remembered she wore nothing under her nightgown and immediately grabbed a pillow to cover her chest.

What’s there to hide? It’s not like I haven’t seen before, Zhu Feng said nonchalantly.

Yuan Ying retorted, That was then, this is now.

Hearing this, Zhu Feng suddenly pretended to lunge at her: I want to see now too!

Ah! Yuan Ying screamed in panic.

Zhu Feng sat smiling in the chair, making no move to follow through.

Yuan Ying took a deep breath, snatched the pillow, and hit him several times.

There, everyone felt better.

What do you want? Yuan Ying asked.

Zhu Feng replied, Take me out of your blacklist.

Fine, Yuan Ying nodded.

Zhu Feng looked surprised: That easily?

I have a condition, Yuan Ying added.

Zhu Feng wore an I-knew-it expression: Go on.

Kowtow to me three times right now, admit all the nonsense you said by the pond this morning was just lies, and I’ll take you out of the blacklist, Yuan Ying said, crossing her arms as she watched him.

Zhu Feng responded, I’ll kowtow—a hundred times if you want—but I can’t deny what I said this morning.

Yuan Ying narrowed her eyes slowly: Still stubborn at a time like this? Do you really want to sleep on the streets?

Everything I said is true. What will it take for you to believe me? Zhu Feng sounded helpless.

Yuan Ying repeated, Same as before—turn into a dragon for me.

I’ve told you, the punishment for transforming in the human world is severe. As the King of the Dragon Realm, it could easily escalate into a political issue, Zhu Feng negotiated. How about this: next time the portal opens, I’ll take you to the Dragon Realm and transform for you there?

Yuan Ying laughed: Is your Dragon Realm’s detailed address in some Myanmar compound?

Zhu Feng scratched his silver hair, seemingly at a loss for how to explain.

Seeing him so troubled, Yuan Ying finally felt a bit better.

But feeling better didn’t mean she intended to let this liar off easily: There’s another way to prove everything you said is true.

What is it? Zhu Feng asked immediately.

Yuan Ying reached out her hand to him: Didn’t you seize a fortune? Give it to me.

Zhu Feng nodded: Okay.

He agreed?

Yuan Ying looked astonished and was about to ask where the fortune was when he solemnly grasped her hand.

The Dragon Realm has strict rules: for the first three months after a new king ascends, no assets from the Private Treasury can be used. And I came to find you the day after I became king, so…

Yuan Ying nodded: You didn’t bring it.

Right. After three years apart, Zhu Feng found himself increasingly in sync with Yuan Ying.

Yuan Ying tried her best to remain calm: Why did you come if you weren’t going to bring it?

To find you.

Yuan Ying: Couldn’t you have waited three months until after you got the inheritance to come find me?

That would’ve been too late.

Too late for what?

To have Little Dragons with you. Zhu Feng made a show of starting to unzip his pants.

Yuan Ying: …

Great, we’re back to the dragon talk again.

Yuan Ying watched him undress without stopping him.

From Zhu Feng’s understanding of Yuan Ying, she was like a volcano about to erupt at this moment, ready to bury him at any second.

He zipped his pants back up and suddenly reached out to grasp her knee.

Body heat transmitted through skin and flesh into her bloodstream, an electric tingling sensation shooting straight to her heart. Yuan Ying trembled slightly and was about to slap his hand away when she heard him ask in a low voice: Feeling it pretty strongly, aren’t you?

Yuan Ying stared at him with a stern face, though her eyes uncontrollably grew moist: Not at all!

Zhu Feng looked into her eyes: Don’t you find it strange? Even the most sensitive ordinary person wouldn’t react this strongly to just a touch, yet you’ve been in this state constantly lately.

Yuan Ying frowned: …I don’t understand what you’re talking about.

Zhu Feng could have continued pressing closer, touching her, until she had no choice but to admit the changes in her body.

But he did nothing of the sort, instead moving back to create distance between them.

The moment his presence withdrew, Yuan Ying immediately felt she could breathe easier, yet another kind of emptiness swept over her.

Yingying, remember what I told you about the Restlessness Period before?

Why bring that up again? Yuan Ying frowned.

That’s real, Zhu Feng’s eyes darkened, After a dragon undergoes Soul Binding with a non-dragon partner, the partner’s body undergoes changes due to the imprint within. One of them is the Restlessness Period.

Yuan Ying: Oh.

Humans reach adulthood at 18, but the brain doesn’t fully mature until 25. Similarly, dragons reach adulthood at 18, but only gain the ability to reproduce at 28. The years after 28 are what we call the mature period. When a dragon enters the mature period, their partner also enters the Restlessness Period.

Yuan Ying rarely saw him so serious, her expression softening slightly: Oh, so what?

I entered my mature period just over a month ago. Isn’t that when your body started feeling unusual too?

Yuan Ying paused, surprise flashing in her eyes.

After locking eyes with her for a moment, Zhu Feng leaned back in his chair: Alright, you can suspect me now.

…Are you crazy? What would I suspect you of? Yuan Ying was speechless.

Zhu Feng raised an eyebrow: You don’t even believe I’m a dragon. How could you not suspect that I did something to cause your physical abnormalities?

Staring at him, Yuan Ying had to admit that even at this point, she hadn’t suspected him of doing anything.

Zhu Feng, despite being sharp-tongued, a jerk, domineering, unreasonable, and treating laws as nonexistent, was transparent enough that he would never do anything to harm her body.

Whatever, can’t be bothered arguing with you, Yuan Ying jumped off the bed and impatiently pulled open the door, Get out already, stop lingering around in my Jin Yuanbao.

Zhu Feng stubbornly refused to leave.

If you don’t leave now, I’m calling the police, Yuan Ying threatened.

Zhu Feng looked completely unbothered: Go ahead and call.

Frustrated, Yuan Ying began patting her pockets for her phone.

After searching around, she couldn’t find it.

Zhu Feng stood up, his 190cm height making the 20-square-meter bedroom feel cramped.

He picked up Yuan Ying’s phone from the bed, deftly entering the passcode while grinning provocatively: Go ahead, report me. Let’s see if you’ll…

Before he could finish, the chat interface abruptly appeared before his eyes.

Yu He: How could that be? Qiqi says you’re an excellent girl. I’m really looking forward to meeting you.

Yu He: Are you free this weekend? Let’s have dinner together.

The exchange was polite and formal, yet anyone could instantly tell what was happening between them.

Zhu Feng froze.

Zhu Feng fell silent.

Zhu Feng stopped gloating.

His reaction was so abnormal that Yuan Ying, who had completely forgotten she’d been chatting with a blind date candidate, asked suspiciously: What’s wrong with you?

Zhu Feng expressionlessly put down the phone and looked up at her.

Yuan Ying took a step back toward the door: …What are you doing?

Zhu Feng didn’t speak, just kept advancing step by step.

Hey… hey hey…

Before her warning could fully form, this bastard had already reached her, his long arm scooping her up from the ground.

With her feet suddenly airborne, Yuan Ying instinctively grabbed his shirt. Her off-balance body leaned backward, slamming the door shut.

Yuan Ying was stunned. Just as she opened her mouth to curse, he pressed forward and captured her lips.

With her mouth hijacked, she couldn’t utter a single word. Yuan Ying barely managed to cry out Zhu Feng, but he took the opportunity to nip her tongue. A sharp, tingling numbness immediately spread from her tongue throughout her entire body.

Her fingertips trembling, Yuan Ying gradually stopped struggling, leaning against the door to enjoy the kiss.

A flicker of amusement passed through Zhu Feng’s eyes, but he suddenly stopped putting in effort, teasing her like a cat toy – occasionally brushing against her, luring her to take initiative.

Realizing his intention, Yuan Ying glared at him indignantly. Provoked by her gaze, he actually pressed closer, allowing their body curves to fit perfectly together.

Feeling his hardness, Yuan Ying’s breath hitched as she stared fixedly at him.

He’d been terrible three years ago, and now he was even worse. His kissing skills seemed much more practiced too.

Bastard, Yuan Ying cursed expressionlessly.

Zhu Feng nudged her nose: Curse me some more.

Dazed but still clinging to rationality, Yuan Ying asked: How many girlfriends have you had these past few years?Hearing she was preparing to settle accounts, Zhu Feng laughed and asked back: ‘I’m married.’ Why would I have girlfriends?

Yuan Ying gave him a weak glare: No girlfriends, but you kiss so well?

Mmm, practiced with you in my dreams. Did it many times, Zhu Feng murmured while nuzzling her face.

Yuan Ying pushed him but couldn’t break free, instead getting kissed again.

A sober kiss and physical contact felt a hundred times more real than in dreams. She shuddered, her hands pressing against Zhu Feng’s chest.

Hmm, nice firmness.

Yuan Ying pinched him hard.

Tch…

Zhu Feng’s voice was hoarse and deep, even his pained groan radiating sex appeal. Hearing it made Yuan Ying’s pulse race, so she pinched him again.

Looking resigned, Zhu Feng pulled her hand under his shirt, pressing it directly against his back.

Don’t play favorites. Scratch here too, Zhu Feng said nostalgically. It’s been so long since you’ve left bloody marks on my back.

Yuan Ying: …

Why did he make it sound like she had some sadistic fetish?

The emotions suppressed for over a month finally found release at this moment. Yuan Ying felt she must have lost her mind—part of her mind chanting this shouldn’t be happening while she couldn’t resist being coaxed by Zhu Feng.

When her back pressed against her beautiful cotton bedsheet, her rationality screamed like a boiling kettle, yet she still couldn’t stop her hands from wandering beneath Zhu Feng’s shirt.

The air grew heated, tension building to a breaking point. Zhu Feng’s composure cracked, his breathing strained as he continued to linger against her.

Just as they were about to cross the threshold, Yuan Ying’s fingertips suddenly brushed against something smooth and hard.

Why did it feel so much like… scales?