Ling Shuanghua felt her body collide with something soft and warm, and she could no longer see anything.

Before she could react, she found that her previously tense body was suddenly overcome by a strong feeling of fatigue, which made her relax completely.

Just then, she heard a gentle voice say, “Miss Ling, you seem very tired. You should get some rest.”

She felt something was wrong. Was this what it felt like to be dead?

Ling Shuanghua raised her head and met Nie Yun’s gentle eyes.

“Why is Young Master Nie’s face so close to mine?” The thought had barely crossed her mind when she smelled a faint, sweet fragrance.

“It smells so good…so nice…” The question that had just arisen in the girl’s mind vanished instantly, replaced by a feeling of ethereal light, as if she were floating on clouds.

“Your body is so light, you’ve already taken flight…” Nie Yun looked at the girl’s fair, smooth, and radiant face and couldn’t help but lick his lips.

“So light…flying…” Ling Shuanghua murmured, repeating Nie Yun’s words. The little light in her eyes slowly disappeared, and she became more and more confused.

Her once sparkling eyes seemed to be veiled by a layer of mist, giving her a pitiful and adorable look.

“Yes, it flew up, like it was asleep… its eyelids were heavy…” Looking at the girl’s beautiful and innocent face, and her graceful figure wrapped in a green dress, Nie Yun felt that his lower body had already pitched a high tent.

“No rush, not yet!” Nie Yun secretly warned himself, suppressing the wicked thoughts stirring in his heart.

Ling Shuanghua felt her eyelids grow heavy, her strength rapidly draining away, and she leaned limply against Nie Yun. In no time, she closed her eyes, like a sleeping beauty.

“The combination of the medicine and acupoint stimulation is indeed very effective, but it’s safer to test it again!” Nie Yun gently pried open Ling Shuanghua’s eyelids, revealing only the whites of her eyes.

“Very good!” Nie Yun’s eyes flashed. “Although we can’t finish it all, we can collect a deposit.”

He stroked Ling Shuanghua’s lips with his fingers, slowly moving down her body, from her neck all the way to her breasts.

Two firm, jade-like breasts were repeatedly flattened and kneaded by a large hand. Even through the clothes, they still brought Nie Yun a strong and wonderful tactile sensation.

He lowered his head and sucked on her rosy, alluring lips, the faint fragrance just as refreshing as he had smelled outside the pavilion.

He slipped his tongue into her mouth, licking her white teeth inch by inch, and finally pried open her jaws, penetrating deep into her mouth to savor her moist tongue and suck it into his own mouth to enjoy the smooth pleasure.

However, the tempting taste did not make Nie Yun lose his mind. After learning the Divine Illumination Skill, his internal strength became more and more refined, and he could hear someone walking towards him in the distance.

He released her mouth and whispered a few words in Ling Shuanghua’s ear, issuing his commands into the unconscious girl’s subconscious. Of course, it wasn’t some perverse order of enslavement.

********************

These past few days, whenever Ling Shuanghua saw Nie Yun, her face would flush and her heart would race, because she would always recall what Juyou had said to her when she woke up that morning: “That night, we found that Miss hadn’t returned to her room, so we went to look for you in the garden. When we got there, we saw Miss sleeping soundly with Young Master Nie in her arms. Although there were tear stains on her face, she looked sweet and peaceful. Young Master Nie had his hands at his sides, and the expression on his face was so amusing.”

As for what exactly his expression was, Juyou didn’t say, but Ling Shuanghua felt it must have been both awkward and stiff.

Although the Huashan Sect Leader was young, he received the greetings like a frail scholar, and this strong contrast made Ling Shuanghua find it very interesting.

If she had seen it then, she would have been all smiles.

Unfortunately, the one who embarrassed Nie Yun that day was none other than herself, which made her extremely ashamed.

She only remembered that after listening to Nie Yun’s analysis of Ding Dian that night, she fainted from deep remorse and had no recollection of what happened afterward.

Now, when she thinks of Ding Dian, she feels a deep hatred, and the sweetness from before is gone forever.

It’s fine if it’s awkward during the day; we can just avoid seeing each other as much as possible.

But at night, Ling Shuanghua dreamed almost every night of being held in Nie Yun’s arms, and in her dream she would boldly kiss Nie Yun, the passion of which made the girl wish she could disappear into the ground when she woke up the next day.

As the days went by, Ling Shuanghua avoided Nie Yun even more. Thus, after their heart-to-heart talk in the garden, the two didn’t see each other or exchange a single word for ten days.

That day, Ling Shuanghua was reading in her room when Lan Rui rushed in, shouting, “Miss, Young Master Nie is saying goodbye to Zhang Ma and Uncle Liu. He’s leaving!”

“Thud!” The book in her hand fell to the ground. Ling Shuanghua felt as if she had been stabbed in the heart. She clutched her chest, her face turning deathly pale.

“Where…where is he now?” Ling Shuanghua’s throat was as dry as a thirsty traveler in the desert, completely different from her usual melodious and clear voice.

“In the lobby, when I arrived, Aunt Zhang and Uncle Liu were trying to persuade him, but… but it didn’t seem to be working,” Lan Rui said.

Seeing Ling Shuanghua’s distraught state, Juyou couldn’t help but say, “Miss, Miss, please go and keep him here!”

“Keep…keep him…but…” Ling Shuanghua’s heart stirred upon hearing Juyou’s words, but her ladylike reserve made her hesitate.

“Miss, don’t hesitate any longer! He’s on Mount Hua, and you’re in Jingzhou. If we part today, I’m afraid we’ll never see each other again in this life!” Lan Rui said anxiously, seeing Ling Shuanghua’s obviously tempted expression.

“After today’s parting, I fear we may never meet again in this life!” This was the only thought in Ling Shuanghua’s mind. Her heart clenched, and a suffocating pain swept over her body.

She ran down the embroidered tower like a gust of wind and rushed towards the main hall.

In the hall, Nie Yun was politely declining Zhang Ma and Uncle Liu’s attempts to persuade her to stay: “You two don’t need to persuade me any further. Now that Lord Ling’s funeral arrangements have been completed, it seems that Miss Ling…”

Nie Yun hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Miss Ling doesn’t seem to be very comfortable with strangers staying in the manor. Moreover, as the head of the Huashan Sect, I naturally cannot linger outside for too long.”

Aunt Zhang and Uncle Liu exchanged a glance and sighed inwardly.

These past few days, their young lady’s attitude towards Nie Yun has left the two elders completely baffled. If it’s because of what happened that night, then Nie Yun clearly didn’t even touch their young lady with a single finger; he was completely like a human-shaped body pillow.

If there were other reasons, Nie Yun’s behavior and manners have been impeccable since he came to the Ling family, and there is absolutely no reason to blame him.

Nie Yun smiled and said, “Please convey my farewell to Miss Ling and tell her to take good care of herself. When she goes for a walk in the garden, she must be accompanied by someone, and she should wear a cloak at night to avoid catching a cold. Miss Ling prefers a light diet and doesn’t like meat, so you can have the kitchen make her meat porridge. Remember not to add ginger, just use cooking wine to remove the fishy smell. The meat must be chopped finely and the tendons removed to avoid indigestion. Also, she is sensitive to cold, so remember to keep a hot water heater on hand in winter…”

As Zhang Ma and Uncle Liu listened to Nie Yun’s tireless instructions, they learned that some of the things were even unknown to them, two elderly people who had lived in the Ling family for many years.

The two were both touched and regretful. Zhang Ma even considered proposing marriage to Nie Yun directly.

Ling Shuanghua, standing outside the door, was already in tears. She hadn’t expected Nie Yun to be so thoughtful and considerate, to know her so well in every way. Before leaving, he had arranged everything so meticulously, from clothing, food, and shelter to health care, from personality and preferences to the details of her life.

She took out the silk handkerchief she had kept by her side, which she stared at every day in a daze, recalling the warmth that had made her feel so at ease that night.

“After today’s parting, I fear we may never meet again in this lifetime!” Lan Rui’s words echoed in my mind once more.

She gently wiped away her tears with a silk handkerchief, readjusted her expression to her usual calm and serene state, and then slowly walked inside.

Upon seeing her enter, Zhang Ma and Uncle Liu’s eyes lit up, while Nie Yun respectfully cupped his hands and said, “Miss Ling.”

Looking at Nie Yun’s obedient demeanor, the girl felt a bitterness in her heart again, just like that night, but this time it was far more intense than before.

“I heard that you are taking your leave, young master?” Ling Shuanghua asked, forcing a smile.

Nie Yun nodded and said, “Yes.”

Unable to contain herself any longer, Zhang Ma hurriedly said to Ling Shuanghua, “Miss, Young Master Nie is leaving tomorrow. You…you don’t have anything to say?”

Looking at Nie Yun’s seemingly unchanging indifferent expression, Ling Shuanghua suddenly had a crazy idea: “I refuse to believe that you are not even a little bit moved by me! Even if you aren’t, I will definitely make you fall for me!”

This idea, which was completely out of character for her, seemed to have popped out of nowhere in her mind, and it solidified her determination to act without the slightest hesitation.

“Since Young Master Nie is determined to leave, I will not insist that he stay. Zhang Ma, please have the kitchen prepare a good meal tonight. I want to see Young Master Nie off.”

“Ah…Miss, no…you really…” Zhang Ma didn’t expect Ling Shuanghua to have no intention of stopping her at all, and she was so anxious that she tried to wink at her and pout.

“Zhang Ma, as the leader of a sect, it’s already quite remarkable that Young Master Nie has stayed in Jingzhou for so long because of my matter. We can’t keep delaying his important business!” Ling Shuanghua said, ignoring the fact that he was not paying attention.

Looking at the two women’s almost identical indifferent expressions, Zhang Ma couldn’t say a word and could only mutter, “Yes, Miss.”

Ling Shuanghua turned to Nie Yun and gave him a slight bow, saying, “Young Master Nie, see you tonight.”

Nie Yun nodded and said, “Thank you for your kindness, Miss. I am truly ashamed.”

Ling Shuanghua glanced at him again, then turned and walked away.

Nie Yun exchanged a few more polite words with Zhang Ma and Uncle Liu before heading towards his room. A slight smile appeared on his lips as he turned away.

“Ling Shuanghua, I’m really looking forward to your farewell banquet!”

Ling Shuanghua had no idea that the man who made her doubt her own charm also dreamed of her every night. Only, in her dreams, she was completely naked…

********************

That evening, Juyou came to Nie Yun’s room and said to him with a smile, “My young lady has prepared a banquet. Please come with me, young master.”

Nie Yun smiled and said, “Okay, thank you.”

That gentle smile made Juyou blush, and she thought to herself, “A true gentleman, gentle and refined. No wonder even the most beautiful woman in Jingzhou has fallen for Young Master Nie. Who wouldn’t like a man like that!”

Juyou did not take him to the usual dining hall, but instead took him to the foot of Ling Shuanghua’s embroidered tower.

“Juyou, why did you bring me here?” Nie Yun asked in confusion.

“Young master, young lady is waiting upstairs. Please come up for the banquet,” Juyou said, standing by the stairs.

“This…” Nie Yun hesitated for a moment, “It might be inappropriate for a man and a woman to be alone together.”

“This banquet today is not only to bid farewell to you, young master, but also to express our gratitude for your saving our lives. There are no outsiders present, so you need not worry.”

Juyou continued, and Nie Yun pondered for a moment before nodding and saying, “Alright, then I’ll take the liberty of speaking then.”

As she spoke, she went up to the embroidered tower.

Entering Ling Shuanghua’s room, one sees pink curtains and an intoxicating fragrance.

The room was simply yet elegantly furnished. To the east was a small table with a jade tea set, a zither, a flute, a chessboard, and a scale. To the south was a desk with books, classics, writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

In the middle of the house, a beautiful woman stood by the table, smiling and nodding at him.

Upon seeing Ling Shuanghua, even though Nie Yun knew she would be dressed up nicely tonight, he still couldn’t help but feel a flutter in his heart.

The girl was wearing a pale yellow dress with delicate dark patterns.

She stood there gracefully, elegant and gentle, with a temperament like a chrysanthemum. Her cheeks were flushed, and her smile was as beautiful as a flower. Her cherry-red lips made one want to devour them whole.

A flash of amazement crossed Nie Yun’s eyes, and he smiled and said, “Please wait for me, Miss.”

Ling Shuanghua shook her head and smiled, “Since we’ve invited you today, it’s only right that we wait as long as it takes.”

The two took their seats, and Ling Shuanghua ordered the dishes to be served. Servants filed in and quickly filled the table with delicacies.

The two ate and chatted, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Looking at the face that appeared in her dreams every night, Ling Shuanghua felt her courage rise and fall several times.

Finally, Lanrui reminded her from the side, “Miss, would you like some wine?”

Ling Shuanghua took a deep breath and said to Nie Yun, “Today is a farewell party for you, young master. I have specially prepared some fine wine, a specialty of Jingzhou. Please have a few more cups later.”

Nie Yun smiled and said, “With such fine wine before us, we should naturally savor it.”

Seeing that Nie Yun agreed, Ling Shuanghua nodded to Lan Rui.

Soon, Lanrui brought over a wine pot.

Ling Shuanghua stood up, picked up the wine pot, and was about to fill Nie Yun’s cup. Nie Yun reached out to refuse, but accidentally grabbed the girl’s delicate hand.

Both of them were taken aback. Nie Yun quickly withdrew his hand and apologized, “I was in a moment of panic and offended you, Miss. Please forgive me.”

He apologized verbally, but in his heart he was still savoring the feeling that had just passed through his hands.

The girl’s skin was smooth and delicate, and her small hands were white and soft. Although the touch was brief, it still made Nie Yun’s heart itch.

However, he was not in a hurry, because he knew that he would completely possess the girl in front of him tonight.

Like a spider spinning its web, Nie Yun has already spun his net, and his prey is about to fall into it. Now he just needs to wait quietly for the harvest…

Ling Shuanghua was blushing with embarrassment because Nie Yun had grabbed her hand, but seeing how Nie Yun was trying to avoid her, she felt inexplicably uncomfortable again.

She pursed her lips, filled Nie Yun’s cup with wine, then filled her own cup as well. She raised her cup to Nie Yun and said, “Young Master Nie, this first cup of wine is to thank you for saving my life that day.”

Without waiting for Nie Yun’s reply, he drank it all in one gulp.

Ling Shuanghua, who had never drunk alcohol before, felt a burning sensation go straight to her throat, choking her and immediately bringing tears to her eyes, while she coughed violently.

Lanrui rushed forward and patted her back with concern, saying anxiously, “Miss, are you crazy! How could you drink it all in one gulp?”

Nie Yun also got up and came to her side, saying, “Please forgive my rudeness.” Then he took her small hand and transferred a gentle, warm internal force to it, while patting her back a few times with his other hand.

Ling Shuanghua quickly felt much better, and a warm sensation spread throughout her body. Looking at her small hand being held by Nie Yun, she suddenly felt very happy.

“Is he… concerned about me?” That’s how simple a girl’s thoughts are.

Nie Yun withdrew his hands, casually brushing them over Ling Shuanghua’s tableware, and said softly, “You don’t have to force yourself if you don’t want to drink; the thought is what counts.”

He nodded, then sat back down in his seat, looking at the wine glass and bowl in front of the girl, his smile widening.