Chapter 87: Insolence

Xue Ao was a man of his word. Not long after she chased Song Ling and a few others out, he climbed in through the window.

“Chuchu, it’s cold outside. Take this.”

Liu Chuyan had just gotten out of bed, barefoot, without shoes or socks. He wrapped an arm around her waist, draped a cloak over her shoulders, and fastened the twin clasps beneath her chin.

There was no fire lit in the room, and all was pitch-black. Yet she could tell this cloak was his—thick and warm, carrying his scent, intoxicating her and bringing a flush to her cheeks.

Xue Ao noticed, with some guilt, that in his impatience, she hadn’t even had time to put on her shoes and socks; she was still standing barefoot on the ground. So he lifted her up and sat her on the edge of the bed with him. His eyesight, far keener than hers from years of training, quickly found her silk stockings and embroidered shoes. He grasped her ankle, lifting her foot before him, and reached out to help her put them on. But to his surprise, Liu Chuyan’s body trembled and she pressed down on his hand.

“I’ll do it myself.”

“Are you shy?” Xue Ao teased, his forefinger gently stroking her tender foot as he smiled.

“No, that’s not it.” Liu Chuyan realized she was contradicting herself, hung her head, and murmured, “Mm.”

“What’s there to be shy about? Besides, it’s so dark I can’t see a thing.” This was a blatant lie—when he first entered from the bright outdoors, his eyes had been a little blurry, but now he could see everything more and more clearly. Her feet were pale and delicate, her toes lined up in a row, curling bashfully. His Chuchu—there wasn’t a single part of her that wasn’t beautiful.

Could he really not see? Liu Chuyan clearly felt his breathing grow quicker. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she saw his bright, deep gaze fixed on her feet, as if he might devour her.

Xue Ao admired her for a while; when he saw her holding her breath and looking flustered, he finally picked up a stocking and slipped it onto her foot.

But whenever he brushed against her toes, Liu Chuyan couldn’t help but giggle, “It tickles… tickles… Let me do it…”

Her sweet, coquettish protests only made Xue Ao’s heart itch all the more. He leaned in to nibble her earlobe, breathing mischievously, “Chuchu, it’s my heart that tickles.”

“Stop it.” Liu Chuyan had to push his face away, pouting, though the blush had already spread from her cheeks to her ears.

“Chuchu, if you’re already this shy, what will you do when we’re married? Will you die of embarrassment?”

“Xue Ao!” He was always teasing her—so shameless and brazen. Liu Chuyan couldn’t help but put on a stern face, scolding him softly.

“All right, all right, I won’t tease you. Don’t be angry.” Xue Ao finished dressing her with a few swift motions, then lifted her to her feet. His expression was serious, but laughter sparkled in his eyes.

Liu Chuyan could do nothing with him and turned her face away.

“Chuchu, come now, I won’t tease you anymore. Don’t ignore me, all right?” Xue Ao gently turned her face toward him, coaxing her softly.

This was more like it. Liu Chuyan pursed her lips, grumbling, “How are we supposed to leave?”

“We’ll slip out quietly, of course.” Even as he said it, Xue Ao had already wrapped an arm around her waist and whisked her out the window.

Liu Chuyan was afraid of heights—she didn’t even dare look climbing out the window. She clung to his collar, burying her face in his chest. “I’m scared of heights. Don’t you dare scare me on purpose.”

“How could I?” Xue Ao laughed heartily, scooping her up and setting her in the carriage.

They stopped abruptly. Liu Chuyan blinked open her eyes, only to realize they were at the rear gate of the General’s Manor. Such gates were always guarded, especially at a place like the General’s residence, but today there wasn’t a soul—clearly Xue Ao’s doing.

She was standing atop a carriage, with Qin Yan and Qin Su standing ahead, staring at the ground, their faces expressionless. Yet in the red glow of the lantern, their dark faces looked even more flushed, lips pressed tight to stifle their laughter. It was comical. But what were they laughing at—her? Liu Chuyan looked herself over in confusion. What was so funny?

“Chuchu, hurry inside,” Xue Ao called as he vaulted into the carriage.

Liu Chuyan pouted and climbed in.

He’d already noticed those two mischief-makers snickering and rewarded each of them with a sharp rap on the head. “No laughing. Or you’ll never get wives.”

Qin Yan straightened instantly, not daring even a smile. If he truly angered this ancestor, he’d die a bachelor for sure.

Qin Su, however, couldn’t help himself. He snorted, pointing behind Xue Ao. “Master, there’s something behind you.”

“Something?” Xue Ao reached around and grabbed it—of course. That red thing must have gotten hooked from Liu Chuyan’s bed. If she found out, she’d kill him. But those two rascals—how dare they stare at Chuchu’s private belongings! He glared, and both men quickly lowered their heads. Xue Ao quietly stuffed the item into his chest.

Inside the carriage, Liu Chuyan vaguely sensed Xue Ao was up to something outside, heard mention of a “thing,” and lifted the curtain to see his tall figure in the lamplight. “Brother Zisheng…”

“Yes?” Xue Ao heard the slight complaint in her voice—so soft and sweet it made him feel as if basked in spring sunshine. He smiled and ducked inside.

“What were you saying to them?”

“Nothing, just reminding them to keep their mouths shut.”

“Oh.” That was necessary. Liu Chuyan nodded.

Xue Ao nodded, too, then sat beside her and ordered the carriage to depart.

“Why take a carriage?” Liu Chuyan wondered. With his skills, there was no need for all this—he could have just carried her and run, more discreetly too.

Xue Ao had his reasons, but in front of her, he only said, “Aren’t you afraid of heights?”

Oh, right. Liu Chuyan smiled inwardly—he really was thoughtful. If he’d really carried her leaping and darting about, by the time they arrived, her legs would have turned to jelly; she might not have been able to get up the next day.

“I remember you weren’t afraid of heights as a child. When did that change?”

Liu Chuyan’s smile faded. She rested her head on his shoulder, her slender hand gently covering his. “Do you remember when we fell off that cliff together? Since then, I’ve been afraid of heights. I don’t know why.”

Xue Ao sighed softly, squeezing her hand to pass on his warmth. “I remember you weren’t scared then. Maybe it hit you later. That kidnapping left a shadow in your heart after all. Chuchu, it was my fault.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” Liu Chuyan raised her head, gazing into his eyes, her other hand smoothing the crease from his brow.

Xue Ao opened his mouth to say more, but swallowed the words, only reaching out to stroke her delicate ear. “Chuchu, from now on, I’ll protect you. No one will ever bully you again.”

A smile tugged at Liu Chuyan’s lips. “Except you, right?”

Xue Ao paused, then pressed his left cheek to her right, his lips brushing the corner of her mouth. “Yes. Except for me, no one may bully you.”

Liu Chuyan nestled into the crook of his neck. After the day’s banquet, she was exhausted, and soon drifted off to sleep.

Soft, fragrant jade in his arms, the gentle swaying of the carriage pressing her most tender places against his arm—Xue Ao, though never having broken his restraint, could hardly withstand such temptation. With her pretty, delicate face so close—this was the Chuchu he’d longed for ten years. Xue Ao felt a surge of heat, remembering the private item tucked in his chest, and lost all self-control.

But with subordinates outside, he dared not be reckless. He could only suppress his urges, his large hand lightly caressing her. He seemed to feel something firm beneath his palm, bulging just as his own chest did—yet the curves, the softness, that uniquely feminine grace, was beyond anything he’d ever imagined.

Xue Ao’s mind tangled with longing, aching to uncover her beauty.

He saw her body swaying slightly, and held her tighter, his thoughts growing ever more wild.

But this wouldn’t do. They weren’t married yet; he couldn’t go too far. Besides, he had no experience—what if Chuchu was uncomfortable? He pictured their wedding night, both of them ignorant—how would they even consummate their marriage? Yet to gain experience, wouldn’t he have to rely on Chuchu? No, that wouldn’t do. She’d kill him. Would she? Could she bear to?

Still, Xue Ao couldn’t truly dishonor Liu Chuyan. He might have no shame, but she certainly did. He reckoned hugs and kisses were his limit for now. Hadn’t she turned pale just hearing him mention marriage that evening?

With her wonderful body in his arms, silky hair brushing his face, Xue Ao could hardly control himself. The place his hand rested—every slight movement sent a tingling wave of pleasure through him. The sensation was indescribable.

In her sleep, Liu Chuyan vaguely felt a restless hand caressing her chest, and a prickling on her neck, as if someone were kissing her.

Xue Ao, unsatisfied, nearly forgot there were people outside. His sharp ears picked up nothing but her breathing as he kissed her slender neck, then slid downward, pressing his lips to her exquisite collarbone.

Liu Chuyan opened her eyes to find his head buried at her chest, her collar already half-pulled open, the pale pink edge of her undergarment exposed. Her breasts, tightly bound, were being squeezed and reshaped in his hands, causing her pain. A rush of shame surged up—she raised her hand, ready to slap him, but realizing it was Xue Ao, she hesitated. Her voice turned cold. “Xue Zisheng.”

Xue Ao, lost in her body, was startled by her angry call. He immediately let her go, face flushing. “Chuchu… I…”

“You…” Liu Chuyan knew Xue Ao was bold with desire, but she’d always trusted him. That he wanted to kiss and hold her was fine; she’d long ago set her heart on him. But this—this crossed her bottom line. Were it not for being in the carriage, she would have slapped him twice.

“Chuchu…” Liu Chuyan had never been so angry with him—not even amid all their old misunderstandings. Now that there was no barrier of status between them, she was unafraid, but he was truly afraid she’d hate him. Xue Ao hurried to embrace her, fixing her clothes. “Chuchu, it’s my fault. I was too impatient. I didn’t mean to disrespect you. It’s just… when I hold you, look at you, I can’t help myself. If you’d just marry me soon, I wouldn’t have to suffer like this.”

“So in the end, it’s my fault?”

Liu Chuyan arched a delicate brow. Xue Ao’s heart trembled three times—Chuchu, when angry, was truly terrifying.

“No, no, Chuchu, it’s my fault.” Xue Ao bowed his head. “I said the wrong thing, did the wrong thing.”

“Hmph. If you want a woman, go find one—why, why here…” Liu Chuyan, seeing him so contrite, felt a wave of grievance and bitterness rise up. She clutched her chest, tears streaming down her face, sobbing uncontrollably.

On her birthday, he’d lost control and now had her weeping and angry. Xue Ao was at a total loss, stammering, unable to explain himself.

“Chuchu, that’s not what I meant, really… I like you. I like everything about you, so I can’t help myself… But you can’t say such things to me. I’ll never want another woman. Even if you made me a bachelor all my life, I’d gladly accept it.”

But no amount of comfort could help now. If he dared do this in the carriage, what would he do once they reached his private residence, where he would rule?

“Xue Ao, I’m not going. Take me back to the manor.”

“Chuchu…” Xue Ao was dumbfounded. He’d truly angered Liu Chuyan this time. Even a beating might not be enough to appease her.

Author’s note:
The cover for my new novel, “A Handbook for Male Maniacs,” is done! I’ll be launching it tomorrow—please add it to your favorites! Click the picture below to travel there~