Chapter 18

Yuan Ying wasn’t narcissistic enough to think her ex-boyfriend who’d been missing for three years still carried a torch for her and couldn’t bear to see her get hurt. Rather, given Zhu Feng’s personality, it was strange that he could resist coming out to watch the commotion.

This was highly abnormal.

The more Yuan Ying thought about it, the more uneasy she became. After wrestling with her thoughts for a while, she returned to the door of Fortune’s Arrival room.

If you don’t open the door, I’m coming in myself.

With other guests in adjacent rooms, Yuan Ying kept her voice low to avoid disturbing them, but she was certain Zhu Feng’s sharp hearing would have caught her words.

After speaking, she counted to ten in her head. When Zhu Feng still didn’t come to open the door, she directly pressed down on the handle.

The door was unlocked.

Without further hesitation, Yuan Ying pushed the door open.

The room was unlit, with only faint starlight from downstairs filtering through the gap in the imperfectly drawn curtains.

The modest space was utterly silent, devoid of even breathing sounds, yet the bulging quilt in the darkness clearly indicated someone’s presence.

Taking a step inside, Yuan Ying stepped on something and instinctively looked down to see a pair of utterly ruined leather shoes.

Truly ruined.

The LV logo remained visible, but the shoes looked as if they’d been through artillery fire – scratches, peeling, abrasions, everything you need, with even the soles worn thinner.

…Did you run a marathon in these dress shoes? Yuan Ying said incredulously. How did they get so destroyed?

The person on the bed didn’t answer her question, lying perfectly still.

Yuan Ying closed the door and stood there for a moment, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the darkness before slowly moving to the bedside.

Zhu Feng lay stiffly straight on the bed, the quilt covering him from neck to ankles, with only his head and feet exposed.

The posture was so standardized, it was as if he’d died peacefully in his sleep.

With her dark-adapted vision, Yuan Ying looked at his feet.

Sure enough, with shoes that ruined, his feet weren’t much better. Even in such dim light, she could see numerous wounds.

Yuan Ying snapped the light switch on.

Zhu Feng, drenched in sweat and pale-faced, was abruptly exposed before her eyes.

Yuan Ying had only intended to ask about the injuries on his feet, never expecting to find him in such a weakened state. Her expression instantly changed.

Zhu Feng? Are you okay? Zhu Feng! Zhu Feng, wake up!

Slap, slap, slap.

Her pats grew increasingly forceful, but the person on the bed showed no signs of waking.

In her panic, Yuan Ying turned to rush out for help, but just as she turned, her wrist was grabbed.

You’re awake?! Yuan Ying whirled around.

Seeing her worried expression, Zhu Feng smiled weakly: With hitting like that, you’d revive the dead.

Still able to quip, means you’re not that sick. Though her words were cutting, Yuan Ying couldn’t stop staring at him.

Zhu Feng was drenched in sweat, his silver-gray hair plastered to his forehead, looking utterly dejected and somewhat pitiful.

…How did you end up like this? Feeling the scorching heat radiating from his palm, Yuan Ying couldn’t help asking.

Zhu Feng looked at her quietly for several seconds before saying: I was tortured during police interrogation.

Yuan Ying: !!!

They whipped me and sprayed me with chili water, saying I’m just a wild dragon despised by my wife anyway, and even if I were beaten to death, no one would stand up for me, Zhu Feng’s voice trembled weakly, using what little strength remained to clutch her wrist. Yuan Ying, you’re so cruel to send me to such a place.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ying silently sat down by the bed.

Just as Zhu Feng thought she was about to start repenting, she slowly spoke: Zhu Feng.

Hmm? Zhu Feng mustered some energy with difficulty.

Yuan Ying: Do you know how long you can be sentenced for spreading rumors about the police?

Zhu Feng: …

Yuan Ying: Actually, I don’t know either, but if I call the police again, we should find out.

Zhu Feng: …

Can you speak properly now? Yuan Ying asked.

Zhu Feng: Yes.

Yuan Ying: How did you get sick?

Zhu Feng opened his mouth to make up some nonsense, but when he met Yuan Ying’s gaze, he became honest: Probably caught a cold.

Yuan Ying was taken aback: Caught a cold?

Isn’t catching a cold a common illness? Zhu Feng laughed weakly. Why are you so surprised.

Yuan Ying twitched the corner of her mouth but said nothing.

Catching a cold was indeed common for ordinary people, but not necessarily for Zhu Feng – this was someone who could wear nothing but underwear while eating ice cubes in winter without any issues.

How could this beast-like creature catch a cold in weather around twenty degrees?

Though puzzled about why his constitution had deteriorated so much after three years apart, Yuan Ying didn’t dwell on it. Seeing how exhausted he looked, she moved to get the thermometer.

But the moment she stirred, Zhu Feng tightened his grip on her hand and directly dragged her onto the bed.

The man who had been too weak to speak properly moments before suddenly sprang up, flipping over to press her into the bedding.

The bedding had all been personally selected by Yuan Ying – soft, smooth, and high quality. The moment she was dragged under the covers, it felt like falling into an oil-slicked pit, so slippery she couldn’t find any leverage to escape.

Flailing like an upturned turtle with limited success, Yuan Ying suddenly grew furious: Let me go! Zhu Feng, are you insane?

Won’t let go, Zhu Feng used his long limbs to restrain her, then buried his face in her neck, letting his burning breath wash over her collarbone. I’m sick, you need to stay with me.

…Don’t use your illness as an excuse to act crazy! Get off me now! Yuan Ying pushed with all her might, her face flushing red with effort, but the man didn’t budge.

His body was feverishly warm and sweaty. Though not unpleasant-smelling, being held by him didn’t improve her mood.

Yuan Ying struggled a few more times, but he remained completely immovable.

Taking a deep breath, she tried reasoning with him: You’re burning up right now, you probably have a fever. There’s a thermometer and fever medicine downstairs. Let me go get them.

Zhu Feng continued holding her tightly without moving. If not for his still-scorching breath, Yuan Ying would have thought he’d died.

After waiting endlessly for a response, Yuan Ying resorted to threats again: If you don’t let go, I’ll have to use force. You don’t want to get beaten while you’re sick, do you?

Mmm…

My body is much stronger than three years ago, and my fists pack quite a punch. If you value your life, you’d better behave. Yuan Ying intensified her threats.

Zhu Feng nuzzled her shoulder, and upon detecting a layer of clothing, tugged at her collar with his teeth until his lips touched her skin, then contentedly continued sleeping.

This was a little habit he had developed back when they were dating.

Zhu Feng, with his untamed nature, never liked wearing clothes at home and pursued an even more primal state in bed. After moving from the guest room bed to the master bedroom, he not only maintained this habit but also tried to make her the same way.

Yuan Ying, who was accustomed to sleeping in pajamas, firmly refused. Undeterred, he often took advantage of her falling asleep to strip her completely naked.

After several repetitions, Yuan Ying had had enough. One night, she grabbed a pillow and pummeled him wildly. The man calmly pulled her back into his arms, essentially saying, Go ahead and hit me, but I’m still going to strip you bare.

When this guy acted stubborn, even eight oxen couldn’t drag him back. But Yuan Ying had her ways of dealing with him.

I haven’t been sleeping well at all lately, she said with a stern face.

Zhu Feng paused.

When I don’t sleep well, I lose my appetite. Haven’t you noticed I’ve lost weight? she pressed.

Zhu Feng released her, cupped her face, and studied it carefully. His brows gradually furrowed. You really have lost weight.

Of course she had—her company had recently taken on a new project, keeping everyone busy and exhausted, and many had lost weight from the stress.

But Yuan Ying wasn’t going to tell him the truth.

Not only did she withhold the truth, but she also pinned the blame squarely on him: All of this is because you insist on changing my sleep habits! You don’t care about me at all—you only think about yourself!

The previously stubborn Zhu Feng fell silent for a long moment. Finally, he slipped the oversized T-shirt back onto her. He was so practiced at dressing and undressing her that it was clear he’d done it countless times.

Once she was dressed, he pulled her back into his arms, buried his face in her collar, and nuzzled until the collar was askew, his lips pressed against her shoulder.

Let’s sleep like this from now on, he said, sliding his hand under her clothes to knead her softly.

Yuan Ying, annoyed by how tightly he was holding her, was about to protest.

Zhu Feng murmured quietly, Though I still prefer sleeping with nothing on.

Yuan Ying instantly became compliant. I like sleeping like this too.

And so, from then on, they always slept that way.

Now, three years later, lying in the same bed again, the moment his lips touched her, Yuan Ying immediately guarded her chest defensively.

But he didn’t knead her this time—he just tightened his arm around her waist.

Yuan Ying was stunned for a second, suddenly realizing that while some of his habits remained unchanged, others had undergone dramatic shifts.

For instance, he now wore pajamas to sleep—not only that, but he buttoned them all the way to the top. He also no longer habitually groped around.

So, three years really could change a lot of things.

Reflecting briefly on the power of time, Yuan Ying began kicking and thrashing. Are you done taking advantage of me? Do you really think I’m easy to bully? We’ve broken up, broken up! What happened the night before last was just a moment of weakness. Whether you’ve had a change of heart or you’re up to no good, there’s no way we’re getting back together. You’d better give up on that idea right now!

After struggling for ten minutes, the man still clung to her like ivy. Exhausted from two days of running around, Yuan Ying panted breathlessly and reluctantly fell asleep.

She slept deeply and soundly, without even a dream. When she opened her eyes the next morning, she felt refreshed and clear-headed.

She would’ve been in an even better mood if her ex-boyfriend’s limbs weren’t tangled around her.

With a displeased expression, Yuan Ying pushed away Zhu Feng’s arm, which was resting on her chest. The moment her fingers touched his skin, she could tell his fever had broken.

He hadn’t drunk a sip of water or taken any medicine, yet his fever was gone.

What a beast.

Yuan Ying jumped out of bed, slipped on her shoes and headed out, only to turn back halfway to the door.

The sleeping figure appeared relaxed, the quilt covering only up to his waist. His morning arousal stood like a sharp sword, nearly piercing through the bedding.

Yuan Ying: …

Once he was gone, she’d throw this quilt away.

She pinched the bridge of her nose and glanced at his feet.

Perhaps due to poor lighting when she last looked, her imperfect vision had exaggerated his injuries. Now in daylight, the wounds appeared minimal—a few small cuts had even healed, leaving only faint traces.

But it might not have been her misperception. After all, she’d witnessed his remarkable recovery ability when they first met. Injuries that would have confined her to bed for three months left him perfectly mobile by the second day at her home, lounging on the couch asking how to use the TV remote.

Zhu Feng, likely needing extra sleep after recovering from his ordeal, remained unconscious despite Yuan Ying entering and leaving his room multiple times.

He didn’t truly wake until past eleven.

Zhu Feng stretched wearily and immediately noticed the medicine on his pillow.

Picking up the box, he carefully examined the instructions.

Perfect.

When Shu Lin entered, he found the King sitting on the bed with one hand beneath the covers, the other holding a medicine box, wearing an expression of subtle satisfaction.

Apologies, Your Majesty, for interrupting your… manual labor. Shu Lin immediately turned to leave.

Zhu Feng lifted his gaze. Get back here.

That’s… inappropriate, Shu Lin said with his back turned, refusing to face him. I don’t enjoy watching such things. And Your Majesty, shouldn’t you be resting? Why would you… with a box of medicine… Did you know the door was open? Why are your preferences so peculiar?

Get. Back. Here. Zhu Feng dragged out each word.

Shu Lin promptly rolled back.

The quilt had been thrown aside, revealing Zhu Feng’s perfectly intact pajamas. No awkward scent lingered in the air.

It seemed he’d overthought things. Shu Lin silently sighed in relief and pretended he’d never asked.

Need something? Zhu Feng opened the medicine box and extracted a tube to fiddle with.

Shu Lin produced a neatly folded paper from his pocket. This.

What is it? Zhu Feng didn’t accept it.

Shu Lin sighed. A fine from the Dragon Realm’s embassy in the human world. How could you be so careless as to reveal your True Form?

When did I reveal my True Form? Zhu Feng asked, baffled.

The citation states magnetic field abnormalities on the evening of July 3rd, Shu Lin calculated the timing. Seems to be the day you were captured.

Zhu Feng paused, recalling how Yuan Ying had suddenly told him to get down mid-kiss.

That must have been when it happened. It had been too long since he’d held her like that—he’d momentarily lost control.

How much is the fine? Zhu Feng asked.

Shu Lin read from the citation: ‘Minor magnetic fluctuations, determined as unintentional brief manifestation. No impact on nearby residents. Penalty: 100,000…’ Most dragons would only be fined 50,000 for such cases, but the Dragon Realm ambassador insisted you deserve heavier punishment given your special status—to ensure you remember.

After a silence, Zhu Feng remarked, I believe I was the one who appointed that ambassador.

Shu Lin nodded. Precisely why we admire your discernment—selecting the most impartial and rigorous dragon.

Zhu Feng: …

He rarely had moments of shooting himself in the foot, but this was one of them.

However…

If all it took was paying a fine to reveal his identity to Yuan Ying…

Don’t even think about it, Shu Lin saw right through him. The magnetic fields of unconscious manifestation and conscious manifestation are different, and so are the punishments. Don’t entertain any wishful thinking.

Zhu Feng twitched the corner of his lips.

Your Majesty, maintaining the balance between the Dragon Realm and the human world is no easy task. You mustn’t entertain such thoughts, Shu Lin said with rare seriousness.

It was truly an accident back then. It won’t happen again, Zhu Feng waved his hand dismissively, then suddenly remembered something. We have no money. How are we going to pay the fine?

The ambassador said you can pay it when you open your Private Treasury, Shu Lin replied.

Zhu Feng narrowed his eyes: Since when is he so kind-hearted?

With a late fee of two hundred thousand, Shu Lin added.

Zhu Feng: …

Successfully witnessing the speechless expression on Zhu Feng’s face, Shu Lin chuckled and began showing concern for the King’s dragon physique: How are you feeling now? Still uncomfortable?

Zhu Feng glanced at him briefly.

Shu Lin, never one to keep things to himself, immediately said: A Ye and I smelled Dragon Blood on Boss Yuan last night.

Did she kill a dragon? Zhu Feng feigned surprise.

Shu Lin looked exasperated: Stop joking. Why did you feed her Dragon Blood?

Zhu Feng shot him a glance and dropped the act: It can slightly suppress the Restlessness Period for a few days.

But with just this one sentence, Shu Lin instantly imagined countless implications, which ultimately condensed into one thought—

The Queen’s Restlessness Period actually requires Dragon Blood to suppress it. He really is a complete failure as a dragon.

What are you thinking? Zhu Feng narrowed his eyes.

Shu Lin shuddered: Nothing, absolutely nothing.

Zhu Feng stared at him for a moment before suddenly laughing softly.

Feeling the pressure, Shu Lin quickly pointed at the medicine in his hand to change the subject: Did Boss Yuan give you this?

He thought it was a redundant question, since the only things the King would carefully handle were those related to Boss Yuan.

But it turned out that when it came to Boss Yuan, no question was truly redundant.

Sure enough, Zhu Feng became pleased again upon hearing this and couldn’t be bothered to punish him for his disrespect: Mm.

What kind of medicine is this? Shu Lin leaned in for a closer look. For external wounds?

Zhu Feng casually lifted his chin: Mm.

Where are you injured? Shu Lin scrutinized him repeatedly before finally noticing the minor injury on his foot.

This needs medicine too? Shu Lin stared wide-eyed.

Zhu Feng sighed: She’s always been like this—she tends to make a fuss over every little thing concerning me.

Shu Lin: …

Buddy, she rejected you even during her Restlessness Period, and here you are putting on airs.

What do you want to say? Zhu Feng asked quietly.

Shu Lin smiled: I want to say Boss Yuan really loves you.

The atmosphere around Zhu Feng suddenly turned heavy.

Shu Lin: ?

Wait, was there something wrong with what he said?

It just goes to show that a dragon rejected by his mate is prone to extreme mood swings.

He cleared his throat and changed the subject again: Your Majesty, how are you feeling now?

Zhu Feng knew what he was really asking and leaned back against the bed listlessly: Fine enough to kill three of you.

…You could use other analogies, I’d still understand, Shu Lin was speechless, but when Zhu Feng shot him a look, he immediately gave a thumbs up. You recovered after just one sleep—you truly are the strongest dragon in the Dragon Realm.

Dragons are robust, long-lived, possess the sturdiest and most beautiful scales capable of withstanding countless injuries, and can fly—they could be considered the most perfect creatures in the world.

The only imperfection is their blood’s poor regenerative ability—extremely poor. Even losing a single drop can trigger symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and weakness.

To directly soothe the Restlessness Period would require at least ten drops of blood.

For any other dragon, it would take at least a week to recover, but Zhu Feng returned to normal in just one day—undeniable proof of his strength.

Faced with Shu Lin’s flattery, Zhu Feng couldn’t muster any energy: I had a fever last night.

That’s normal. We dragons are fragile like that—losing a bit of blood makes us sick, Shu Lin expressed understanding.

Zhu Feng: With my constitution, I shouldn’t have gotten a fever.

Then why…Shu Lin humbly seeks advice.

Zhu Feng collapsed onto the pillow, eyes vacant: After losing blood, I didn’t rest properly and was exposed to wind the entire way back.

Huh? Shu Lin looked at him.

Zhu Feng: The money you gave me wasn’t enough for the taxi fare.

Shu Lin: …

Zhu Feng: There are four top-tier hospitals in the city, all far apart from each other. The taxi reached the first one, and the fare already hit my limit.

Shu Lin: …

Recalling the experience from two nights ago, Zhu Feng bitterly wished he were a horse instead of a dragon.

Yuan Ying’s message to Shu Lin only mentioned she went to the city for a check-up but didn’t specify which hospital or hotel. He had to search radiating out from the four hospitals.

The task was immense. Fortunately, she carried his mark within her, and when close enough, Zhu Feng could sense her presence. After three hours of nonstop searching, he finally found her.

Then came scaling walls, soothing her, and feeding her his blood.

He accidentally fed her too much, lost control of the amount, and passed out on the bed, holding Yuan Ying all night. The next morning, she almost discovered him.

After that, the ruler of the Dragon Realm—penniless—walked two hundred miles back to Jin Yuanbao, collapsed upon entering his room, and developed a high fever that night.

On the way back, I really wanted to hijack a car, Zhu Feng murmured gloomily.

Calm down. Robbery is a serious crime—you’d have your passport revoked and be deported to the Dragon Realm. Even you, as the King, wouldn’t be exempt, Shu Lin hurriedly advised.

Zhu Feng shot him a sidelong glance, not wanting to speak.

Shu Lin immediately understood—he was just venting.

Of course. Boss Yuan was still here—how could he allow himself to be deported?

It was nearly noon, and the sunlight grew more intense, warming the room comfortably.

Seeing Zhu Feng pale-faced still clutching the medicine Boss Yuan gave him, Shu Lin couldn’t help but sit by the bed: Your Majesty, why did you use Dragon Blood to suppress Boss Yuan’s Restlessness Period?

Zhu Feng looked up at him.

You know this—Dragon Blood can only suppress a partner’s Restlessness Period once, and it only lasts a week. After that, the Restlessness will return doubly fierce. No amount of blood will help then; only Bonding can calm it, Shu Lin tried to reason with him. What’s the difference between Bonding now or Bonding a week later?

Zhu Feng retorted, Is there no difference?

Shu Lin was momentarily stunned by his question, widening his eyes: Of course not. Boss Yuan is annoyed with you now, and do you think he won’t still be annoyed a week later…

Before he could finish speaking, a pillow came flying over, knocking Shu Lin to the ground like a bowling pin.

Dizzy and disoriented, he picked up the pillow, shaking it repeatedly in his hands. Only after confirming it was filled with cotton rather than a lead ball did he silently clutch it and struggle to his feet.

There were only two pillows on the bed—one currently supporting Zhu Feng’s head, the other now held tightly in his own arms.

Shu Lin confirmed that there were no handy tools around Zhu Feng before continuing: But regardless of whether Boss Yuan finds you annoying or not, she’s currently in her Restlessness Period. Her body definitely likes you—there’s no need to go the roundabout way of feeding her Dragon Blood.

For non-dragon partners in the mid-stage of Restlessness, if they haven’t undergone Bonding with a dragon, they’ll experience symptoms like frequent dreaming, burning sensations, and intense cravings. Moreover, they can’t easily separate from the dragon, otherwise the symptoms will worsen. Only through regular contact with the dragon can these symptoms be somewhat alleviated.

But it’s merely alleviation.

Dragon Blood, however, can completely suppress these discomforts, allowing her to live like a normal person—though this normality only lasts for a week.

Besides, Dragon Blood only provides temporary suppression, and this suppression can cause rebound effects. It’s a very inefficient approach. I truly don’t understand why you’d choose this method. Shu Lin bravely finished his piece and prepared to get beaten up.

Zhu Feng suddenly stood up, making Shu Lin yelp and cover his head.

The expected beating didn’t come. After waiting for a long while, Shu Lin couldn’t help but look up.

Zhu Feng had already returned to bed, pulling the covers tightly over himself.

Go, he calmly ordered, tell Yuan Ying that I’m dying from illness. If she doesn’t want Jin Yuanbao to become a haunted house, she’d better come keep me company quickly.

Shu Lin: …

After several seconds of silent staring, Shu Lin confirmed Zhu Feng was serious. He sighed and went to find Boss Yuan.

Three minutes later, he returned.

Boss Yuan isn’t here.

Zhu Feng paused: Where did she go?

I don’t know either, Shu Lin shrugged, Xiao Yu said she went to have dinner with a friend.

Friend.

Dinner.

Some unpleasant information wormed its way into Zhu Feng’s mind. He shot up from the bed, showing no signs of being terminally ill.

At a western restaurant five kilometers from Jin Yuanbao, Yuan Ying was cutting her steak while making awkward conversation.

I wasn’t too busy before, but I’ll get busy starting next semester since I’ll be a homeroom teacher. Basically need to be on call twenty-four hours, the literature teacher in shirt and trousers sat across from her, taking a sip of his drink before asking, What about you, Miss Yuan? Is running a guesthouse very busy?

Yuan Ying smiled: It depends on the season. Generally winter is busier.

I see. Yu He nodded.

They exchanged glances, both offering polite smiles.

No spark.

This was Yuan Ying’s first blind date in her life. Before coming, she thought it would be simple, but after meeting the person, she realized this highly purposeful way of socializing really didn’t suit her.

Especially when there was no mutual attraction.

Yu He noticed her discomfort and smiled: Just relax, think of it as making a friend.

Yuan Ying offered an apologetic smile: Sorry about making you come for nothing last time.

Why bring that up again? Yu He dramatically mimed covering his head, Didn’t we already move past that?

Yuan Ying laughed at his antics, and the atmosphere lightened slightly.

But only slightly.

After finishing lunch, they politely said goodbye. The moment Yu He left, Fang Qiqi video called Yuan Ying.

Before Fang Qiqi could finish speaking after the call connected, Yuan Ying said first: We’re not each other’s type.

Fang Qiqi made a disappointed sound before rallying: Never mind, I’ll introduce you to a few more.

Forget it, Yuan Ying quickly surrendered. I just realized today that I’m really not cut out for blind dates.

Fang Qiqi: You’ve only been on one.

Yuan Ying sighed: Some experiences only need to happen once.

Fang Qiqi pursed her lips and asked: Then what about your Restlessness Period?

Yuan Ying immediately turned down her phone volume, made sure no one was around, and lowered her voice: Let nature take its course.

…In a backwater place like Jinlin Town, if you let nature take its course, you might never find anyone in this lifetime. Fang Qiqi was speechless.

But Yuan Ying remained optimistic: Not necessarily. Maybe the moment I step outside, I’ll meet the right person?

Fine, I can’t win against you, Fang Qiqi scratched her head. At worst, I’ll buy you some toys. In modern society, can men really compare to technology?

Yuan Ying didn’t want to discuss this in the restaurant and quickly changed the subject: How’s your uncle doing now?

Don’t even mention it. He’s already recovered from his illness, but the moment he heard I was coming back, he started causing trouble. Fang Qiqi was thoroughly annoyed. I might need a few more days before I can return.

Yuan Ying comforted her: He just misses you too much and doesn’t want you to leave.

Nonsense. He just thinks me running a supermarket in Jinlin Town is unproductive and is finding every way to stop me from coming back. Fang Qiqi curled her lip.

Yuan Ying chuckled, finding her frustration with her parents quite amusing.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Fang Qiqi was called by her parents for dinner.

After hanging up, Yuan Ying let out a light sigh and stood up to leave.

It was already past noon, and the fast-food restaurant was getting increasingly busy. Yuan Ying carefully avoided the hurried waitstaff carrying dishes, lifted the door curtain, and stepped outside.

Early July in Jinlin Town was beginning to feel like summer, but compared to her hometown, it was still as refreshing as spring.

Yuan Ying tilted her face up to bask in the sunlight, her lips curling into a happy smile.

So happy?

The hauntingly familiar voice made her smile vanish in an instant.

Turning around, she indeed saw that nearly thirty-year-old who still dyed his hair silver like a nonconformist.

What are you doing here? Yuan Ying frowned.

Zhu Feng stared at her for a few seconds, then turned and walked away.

Yuan Ying: ?

What’s his problem now?

Zhu Feng walked about ten meters away, then turned back and asked expressionlessly: Are you going on blind dates to solve your physical…

Yuan Ying slapped her hand over his mouth, cutting off whatever he was about to say.

A couple happened to pass by, startled by the crisp slapping sound, and kept glancing back even after walking some distance away.

Baby, you can’t hit me like that in the future, the boy whined.

The girl glanced at him: We’ll see.

The boy: …

As the couple walked away, Yuan Ying was about to remove her hand when a warm, wet tongue suddenly licked her palm.

She jerked her hand back in shock, wide-eyed as she stared at the man before her: Are you crazy?

Zhu Feng watched her startled expression, and his bad mood instantly dissipated.

He shrugged nonchalantly: Yeah, I am. Didn’t you know?

Yuan Ying remembered his fever from last night, her expression shifting slightly: Do you still have a fever?

Zhu Feng locked eyes with her for a few seconds: Horny.

Yuan Ying: ?

Did he think she couldn’t tell the difference between flat and curled tongue sounds?

Sometimes, when people are too speechless, they just fall silent.

Seeing her suddenly go quiet, Zhu Feng turned serious: Only I can soothe your Restlessness Period. No one else will work.

I admit you have some skills. An issue even medical checkups couldn’t detect was actually spotted by your naked eye. I won’t even bother arguing about that fabricated ‘Restlessness Period’ nonsense. But as for your last statement… Yuan Ying looked up at him, then suddenly let out a light scoff. There are billions of men in this world. Why do you think you’re the only one who can satisfy me?

Zhu Feng maintained eye contact with her for a long moment. Just as he was about to speak, Yuan Ying murmured, If you spout more bullshit about dragons or marks or whatever, get the hell away from me.

Zhu Feng closed his mouth.

Zhu Feng began thinking.

Zhu Feng reached a conclusion and looked confidently at Yuan Ying: Come here, I’ll tell you why.

Yuan Ying’s eyelid twitched. Her intuition told her he was up to no good.

But damn it, every time he spoke to her with such conviction, even though she knew he had no good intentions, she couldn’t help her curiosity – and every time, she fell for it.

This time was no exception. Seeing him like this, she couldn’t resist taking a step forward.

Their reflections in the glass window suddenly drew closer. The smiling Zhu Feng, with one hand in his pocket, happily leaned down toward her ear.

His scorching breath brushed past her earlobe, bringing a faint tingling numbness. Yuan Ying’s eyelashes fluttered. With just a turn of her head, she could see Zhu Feng’s deep-set brow bone and straight nose bridge.

It was that nose bridge of his – because it was too high, it always pressed uncomfortably against hers during kisses, leaving the tip of her nose red.

Yuan Ying spaced out for a second. The next moment, Zhu Feng kissed her cheek.

Yuan Ying: ???

Yuan Ying: !!!

Realizing she’d been tricked again, Yuan Ying roared and prepared to take him down, but Zhu Feng controlled her arms, spun her around, and pressed her into the Cold Noodles shop across from the western restaurant.

What are you doing? Yuan Ying asked irritably.

Zhu Feng went to order first, only answering her question after finishing: You weren’t full earlier, were you.

Impossible, Yuan Ying immediately retorted.

Zhu Feng chuckled. When the owner brought the Cold Noodles, he first mixed them with chopsticks, added some chili oil, then pushed the bowl toward her.

The aroma of Cold Noodles coated in sesame paste and chili oil was overwhelming, looking incredibly appetizing at first glance.

Yuan Ying didn’t fight her appetite. Picking up chopsticks, she began eating seriously.

Zhu Feng crossed his arms, watching her with a smile. Only when her eating pace slowed did he suddenly say: That guy’s mediocre.

Yuan Ying: ?