105,6 - Little Peasant Wife

Liuer had just stepped outside when a gust of wind rushed at her. In the next moment, she found herself enveloped in Jing Aoxue's embrace. Jing Aoxue gently kissed Liuer's cheek, her smile radiant. “It’s been a few days. Did you miss your mother?” Liuer, with her arms around Jing Aoxue’s neck, replied dutifully, “I missed Mother, and I missed Mama too.” Leaning against Jing Aoxue’s chest, she was about to say something more when Jing Aoxue frowned and said, “Hmm, why do I feel like Liuer has changed a bit? Let me have a closer look.” Liuer stared at her blankly as Jing Aoxue playfully pinched her cheeks, making them pout. Jing Aoxue remarked, “Ah, so that’s it. I thought you looked different because you’ve lost a bit of weight. When we get home, I'll have your Mama cook more meat for you.” Liuer blushed and couldn’t help but touch her own cheeks. “Perhaps it's because I'm growing older, and my body is stretching, so I seem a bit thinner. Mother, you came back a few days later than usual this time.” Jing Aoxue explained, “I'm sorry. I was on the verge of a breakthrough, so your Mama asked me to stay a few more days to advance further. That's why…” Liuer affectionately held onto her. “It's alright, Mother. I'll just tell my foster mother we’re leaving, and then we can head home.” Jing Aoxue nodded, expressed her gratitude and farewells to Qin Yishu, left behind a few bottles of newly refined pills, and then turned with Liuer to head home. The evening village was swept by a chilly breeze that sent shivers down the spine. Being a cultivator, Jing Aoxue was quite resistant to the cold and, after walking outside for a while, hardly noticed it. Liuer, however, had just come from Qin Yishu’s home, where a warm stove had been burning, making it much warmer compared to other places. So, when the cool breeze hit, she snuggled tightly into Jing Aoxue's embrace. Seeing no one was around, Jing Aoxue pulled a garment from her storage pouch and draped it over Liuer, crafting a protective shield with her spiritual energy to fend off the evening chill. Upon reaching home, they found Shen Luman had lit a stove in their house too, keeping it comfortably warm. Liuer quickly greeted her mother in the kitchen and placed the items she had brought from Qin Yishu’s house in her bedroom. When she came out, Jing Aoxue was opening a chest. Inside were many neatly arranged, exquisitely crafted boxes. Seeing her approach, Jing Aoxue took one from the top layer, handed it to her, and said, “Liuer, open it and see if you like it.” Curious, Liuer opened the box to find a lustrous green jade pendant carved with a character meaning “fortune.” Its quality was exceptional. Having studied with Qin Yishu, she learned to recognize not only jade pieces but also porcelain and even livestock. With one glance, she could tell this jade pendant was of remarkable material—worth at least hundreds of silver taels if sold. Surveying the chest brimming with small boxes, she wondered aloud, “Mother, why did you bring back so many jade pendants?” Jing Aoxue explained, “It’s not just jade pendants. There are also hairpins, peace locks, longevity locks... These pieces are exquisitely made, and their styles are more diverse than those in the cultivation world. We can exchange them for spirit stones, as gold and silver hold little value in the cultivation realm. These items especially appeal to female cultivators and children, so there’s no worry about finding a market.” Her foresight extended to even this. Liuer nodded in understanding. “Mother, you are truly insightful. I admire you greatly.” Jing Aoxue chuckled, tousling her hair. “Alright, praise me any more, and I might become conceited. Feel free to select a few to gift to your friends. You can also wear whatever you like since our family doesn’t lack these.” Liuer was taken aback. After learning from Qin Yishu, she realized how hard her Mama had struggled in the past. Despite that, the money they earned wasn’t much. Yet these jade pendants, costing at least a few hundred taels each, amounted to a year's expense for a family in the village with three generations living together. And her mother was telling her to give them away. Such generosity... having wealth is indeed wonderful. Thinking of her two friends, whom she hadn’t seen in a while, she decided she would visit them tomorrow to give them small gifts. She nodded in agreement and began picking through the small boxes. After dinner, when Jing Aoxue mentioned going to town to shop, Liuer suddenly remembered Lan Yiniang’s situation. She quickly said, “Mother, my foster mother told me that Lan Yiniang has been staying in town, running a charity hall that takes in homeless orphans. She ensures they’re well-fed and clothed and even hires expensive tutors from the capital to educate them.” “Families in town and the village are willing to pay to send their children there. But considering it’s Lan Yiniang…” “There must be something suspicious!” Jing Aoxue interjected with a grim expression. Lan Yiniang was just like that woman from the state temple, someone Jing Aoxue had pegged as deceitful back in the mountain village, even more cunning than the state priestess. The memory of the emaciated bodies in the mountain haunt flashed in her mind, making her shudder. “Liuer, you shouldn’t get involved in this. I’ll visit the Wu family tomorrow to warn Wu Zhiyong and Wu Zhian.” Liuer nodded, hesitantly asking, “Uncle Wu wouldn’t send Sister Mengqiu there, would he?” “That’s uncertain. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if we tried to interfere, no one would trust us. Qin Yishu, with all her abilities, chose to stay out of this, indicating it’s problematic. So let’s… focus on ourselves. These days, your Mama and I will stay home to prepare for the New Year, and Liuer, you’ll stay under my watchful eye. I don’t want a repeat of what happened last time.” Liuer nodded quickly, holding hands with Jing Aoxue and Shen Luman. “Mother, Mama, this time I’ll be vigilant.” But if New Year’s was coming, that meant her sixth birthday was too. Her eyes sparked with excitement as she turned to Shen Luanman. “Mama, my sixth birthday is soon!” Jing Aoxue paused and asked, “Liuer’s birthday is in the first month?” Shen Luman nodded. “Liuer was born late at night on the first day of the first month. So New Year’s is her birthday…” In the past, she seldom celebrated Liuer’s birthday. Being of the demon tribe, she never found significance in festivities, and with just the two of them, celebrations seemed unnecessary. Moreover, with New Year’s coinciding with her birthday, they didn't live lavishly. A bowl of longevity noodles and a new outfit for Liuer was as festive as it got. But Jing Aoxue immediately stood up. “Why didn’t you mention it earlier? Wife, tomorrow morning we’ll go to town to get more stuff.” While she didn’t care about celebrating her own birthdays, Liuer was different. Having endured enough hardships, Jing Aoxue naturally wished for Liuer to experience a happy childhood, at least to have a delightful birthday. She glanced at Liuer, who appeared a bit lost about what a birthday celebration involved. Her heart ached as she approached to kiss Liuer’s forehead. “Don’t worry, Liuer. Your Mama and I will definitely prepare a grand birthday for you.” Liuer wanted to say there was no need, but Jing Aoxue was unwavering, and Shen Luman always sided with her. Her words didn’t hold weight, so the decision was made. After bathing and lying down, Jing Aoxue held Shen Luman’s hand, saying, “You and Liuer really had it tough before. The original owner of this body was truly awful.” Shen Luman’s expression remained calm. “It’s all in the past. No need to mention it again. Knowing you care is enough.” Jing Aoxue turned her head and gazed at her by the dim candlelight, which only accentuated Shen Luman's beauty. She couldn’t resist leaning over to kiss her, mindful that Shen Luman couldn’t engage in more intimate activities. Her kisses were gentle. Their lips and teeth met, not laden with desire, but carrying warmth and tenderness. Jing Aoxue hugged her wife’s arm, trying to be as gentle as possible. “You’re so good to me, my dear.” As Shen Luman felt the warmth spread from her arm, she said, “We have to get up early for town tomorrow. Didn’t you say you’d first stop by Wu Zhiyong’s place?” Jing Aoxue nodded. “Yes, Wu Mengqiu is a good girl, and Wu Zhiyong is a dear friend. We should always keep them in mind. If Mengqiu were to fall into such a treacherous place… it could lead to severe consequences for us.” When Wu Zhiyong had helped them save Liuer, they felt indebted. Now it was time to reciprocate. Even though this was all still speculative, tackling the source before the issue escalated seemed the safest course. Jing Aoxue was aware of her past shortcomings and was determined to correct them. Looking at Shen Luman, she said, “I don’t think I’ve told you about my past.” Shen Luman turned her head to meet Jing Aoxue’s smiling eyes. Jing Aoxue began to narrate the tale of her previous world. Her words were few, but the waves of emotion beneath her calm tone were palpable. When she finished, Shen Luman embraced her and said, “Now you have a family. You won’t be alone anymore.” Warmth filled Jing Aoxue’s heart. She didn’t care about her past; she just hadn’t known how to share it with Shen Luman until now. So, after much delay, she finally chose this evening to share. As anticipated, his reaction was exactly as she had expected. She felt that being reborn into this alternate world had given her life a clear purpose. The two wrapped themselves together, warming each other in the cold of winter. The following morning, after breakfast, Jing Aoxue took Liuer to visit Wu Zhiyong’s home. While Liuer went to find her friends and deliver gifts, Jing Aoxue brought up the matter of the charity hall with Wu Zhiyong. Wu Zhiyong was taken aback. “Really?” He thought for a moment. The charity hall had appeared in early September this year and was initially obscure until the county magistrate subtly promoted it and even sent his own children there. That’s when word began to spread around town. He confessed that news of it reached their village quite late—he only heard his sister-in-law mention it last month. Her family hadn’t been supportive, sometimes even a burden, and couldn’t care for the children, so they sent them to the charity hall. It was only through such family ties that his sister-in-law mentioned it in passing, having been impressed by it. He noticed she had considered sending their two children there as well. But then the family came into money, and the idea was dropped. Instead, when he later went to town to do business with Baicao Hall, he heard everyone discussing it and thought it seemed decent enough to consider sending his beloved daughter there. But to think… it was another den of monsters. Recalling their earlier ordeal with the Liu family, he shuddered and clapped Jing Aoxue on the shoulder. “Thank you for warning me, or I’d have made a grave mistake!” Jing Aoxue smiled, relieved that she’d thought it through, preventing another disaster. She and Wu Zhiyong watched the three children playing in the yard. Liuer had developed quite a poised demeanor, while Chun-ge'er still had his simple, honest character. But Mengqiu carried a hint of melancholy in her expression. Wu Zhiyong sighed with a wry smile. “Mengqiu lost her mother early. The family couldn’t even afford enough food, let alone focus on her education. Chun-ge’er is a boy, still young, and will likely grow into a strong lad. But Mengqiu…” “Perhaps she inherited her mother's thoughtful nature. These days, she’s been insisting I buy books from town. She studies whenever she can, day or night. If she were a boy, she might even attempt the imperial exams someday.” Understanding his parental concerns from personal experience, Jing Aoxue suggested, “Why not have Mengqiu be mentored by Qin Yishu? Even if her time is limited, she has many connections, and bringing in a tutor from the capital is no big deal. You have some extra money now; there's no reason not to do it.” Wu Zhiyong was tempted but hesitated. “It seems a bit much to bother General Qin over something so minor.” Jing Aoxue rolled her eyes. “What's more important, the child's future or bothering General Qin? Besides, doesn't General Qin live isolated at the village edge? She’d probably welcome the company. Plus, you were once her right-hand man.” Convinced, Wu Zhiyong nodded, determined. “Alright, I’ll visit General Qin this afternoon. Thank you!” Jing Aoxue waved it off. “No problem. I thought of going to town today, but it’s no rush. Let’s go tomorrow instead. Oh, are you all set for the New Year?” Wu Zhiyong shook his head. “It’s still early. I’ll... well, since that’s settled, let's go to town together tomorrow for shopping. It’ll be easier with more people.” Finding the idea agreeable, they set the plan. As the Lunar New Year approached, life grew more hectic. Such festivities were significant in the mortal world—New Year’s was the most essential celebration. Consequently, everyone gave it due attention. The town was bustling with people, and purchasing anything required navigating through thick crowds. By the time Jing Aoxue had gathered everything she needed, she was exhausted and began questioning her life choices. It wasn’t that she was genuinely tired; the chaotic ambiance simply wore on her nerves. Thankfully, such an event only happened once a year. After completing their purchases, she and the Wu family hurried back home. They had two or three days left before the New Year. Shen Luman spent her time cleaning the house, and Liuer tidied up the study. When Jing Aoxue returned with red paper and cloth, the skillful Shen Luman quickly picked up the scissors to craft various window and hanging decorations for the home. Once the decorations were complete, Jing Aoxue admired the house’s transformed appearance, a satisfied smile on her face. Seeing Liuer rummaging through their purchases, she suddenly remembered the dangerous firecrackers in there and quickly pulled her away. “Be careful. There are fireworks and firecrackers in there. They can be dangerous.” Liuer hadn’t played with such things before and had only seen village children use them. She obediently nodded, “Mother, if they’re dangerous, why buy them?” Jing Aoxue chuckled, “Because New Year’s is all about the festivities. Even though it’s just the three of us, if we celebrate well, it can feel livelier than thirty people.” Liuer nodded in agreement. “Okay.” She thought of her foster mother. Without any relatives nearby, Qin Yishu would probably spend New Year’s alone. Her mother had said such occasions should be spent with the closest family. If she wanted to visit Qin Yishu, it would be polite to call on her the first day of the New Year. With two and a half days still to go, there was no need to rush. But while she wasn’t in a hurry, others were. Early the next morning, several discreetly luxurious carriages arrived at Qin Yishu’s estate. An elderly man with grayed hair stood in the main hall, speaking emotionally, “Yishu, you’ve had a tough time these past years. I know you resent me, but… I couldn’t let the Qin family be disgraced. I’ve come this New Year to see you, and I…” Qin Yishu coldly interrupted, “Grandfather, stop the performance. Why don’t you just get to the point?” The old man hesitated, embarrassed. The older gentleman beside him, wearing a straw hat, burst into laughter, “That’s the spirit, Yishu. Give this stubborn old man a taste of his own medicine. Can the Qin family’s name fill your belly or quench your thirst? That petty emperor wronged your precious granddaughter, and yet you still kowtow to him daily!” His bluntness stung. Qin Yishu’s grandfather, Qin Zhengming, was livid, nearly ready to strike. The straw-hatted old man quickly moved to Qin Yishu’s side, giving Qin Zhengming a mocking glance. Qin Zhengming, once a great general like his granddaughter known as the “War God,” still commanded respect in the military despite lacking her fame. He held the title of First Rank Protector Duke, a figure to whom even the emperor had to give some face in court. However, the straw-hatted old man loved to antagonize Qin Zhengming. Their youthful rivalry over a pretty girl had evolved into mutual teasing in their old age. The straw-hatted elder, Shen Taihua, was no ordinary figure either. Once the emperor's imperial tutor, he had guided three generations of kings. He retired to seclusion after the state priestess seized power, refusing visitors, even shooing away the crown prince with a broom when he came seeking guidance. Yet, among civil officials, his reputation soared across several nations, and the crown prince dared not challenge him. Shen Taihua associated with those who lived with serene and pure aspirations. Initially, Qin Zhengming was similar until he grew obsessed with the Qin family’s reputation, becoming increasingly rigid, much to Shen Taihua's disdain. Naturally, this evolved into their current relationship—lively bickering each time they met. Qin Zhengming knew Shen Taihua’s contentiousness came from a good place but was still irked. He sat stubbornly on the bench, refusing to leave. Shen Taihua chuckled and said to Qin Yishu, “I’m glad you didn’t inherit his disposition, or I wouldn’t have troubled my old bones to come all this way.” Qin Yishu felt grateful. The man before her had been her mentor. She smiled warmly and said, “Master, why not stay here for a while? This village is peaceful and serene. Due to various reasons, the state priestess won’t interfere here, making it a rare quiet haven. You might find it quite enjoyable.” Seeing Shen Taihua seemed interested, she sweetened the offer. “In fact, I recently took in a foster daughter. She is even more talented than I was. With her potential, surely you wouldn’t miss the opportunity to nurture such a prodigy?” Shen Taihua’s interest piqued, he leisurely sat across from Qin Zhengming and said, “Well, my disciple has grown up with her own thoughts now. Not even married, and already with a foster daughter. Quite capable, really. As for this foster daughter, let’s see how fate unfolds. I am getting on in years…” Before he could finish, Qin Zhengming sternly interrupted, “Yishu, I must say, you didn’t consult me when you decided to adopt a village girl as your daughter and, what’s more, plan to pass on the Qin family legacy to her. This is going too far.” Qin Yishu's expression turned cold, and she sneered, “Grandfather, what are you trying to say? Do you think those idle descendants of the family can inherit my position in the future? You're getting old, Grandfather. Do you remember what you said when you handed me the family token back in the day?” Qin Zhengming's face alternated between shame and anger. What could he say? Qin Yishu had always been his favorite grandchild, his pride and joy before the incident back then. But... the Qin family's reputation. It all boiled down to empty fame, but for some, reputation mattered more than life itself. Shen Taihua, with a lazy sigh, remarked, “Since this old Qin fellow is so unwilling, I simply must meet this foster daughter of yours, Yishu. Bring the child to me, and I’ll test her talents. If she truly is as you claim, I’ll make it a point to nurture another young prodigy with these old bones.” Qin Yishu smiled, “Alright, but the child was just taken home by her mother a few days ago. You see, with the New Year approaching, it’s only right for her to spend it with her biological parents.” Shen Taihua looked surprised. “What? Your foster daughter isn't an orphan?” Qin Yishu shook her head with a sigh, “I’ll explain everything in detail later. Master, you’ve traveled far and must be tired. I’ll have the servants prepare some food. Let’s eat and rest, and we can talk after the New Year.” Shen Taihua stretched with a yawn. Since Qin Yishu had laid it out like that, there was no rush, and he agreed. He glanced at Qin Zhengming, still red-faced with inner conflict, and with a mocking snort, wandered off. Once Shen Taihua was out of earshot, Qin Zhengming hesitated before saying, “Yishu, you’re not getting any younger. Maybe you should find yourself a wife and have your own child.” Qin Yishu gritted her teeth, her anger flaring. “Grandfather, don’t bring this up again, or I’ll ask you to leave immediately! You’re not welcome here!” Qin Zhengming, looking somewhat abashed, nodded in agreement, though he secretly planned to approach Gu Baiwei about it. He saw that Gu Baiwei genuinely liked his granddaughter. Given that, perhaps he could play matchmaker for this couple who were meant to be together. With this thought, he felt considerably better. After soothing his granddaughter with a few kind words, Qin Yishu, who wasn’t heartless, softened her attitude towards him—the only family member who truly mattered. The three of them ate together at the table. Qin Yishu hadn’t planned for the New Year, so her courtyard remained quiet and bare despite the approaching holiday. With Qin Zhengming’s arrival, unwilling to let his granddaughter be deprived, he promptly suggested going to town for some New Year's shopping. Shen Taihua, seeing through his intentions, merely smirked without comment. After Qin Zhengming left for town by carriage, Shen Taihua sipped his tea, sighing, “Your grandfather is stubborn. Yishu, those things you did didn’t escape notice. He’s been quietly erasing traces of them, battling guilt the whole time. I’ve always taught you to distinguish between right and wrong; you shouldn’t resent your grandfather.” Qin Yishu nodded, “I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Master.” Shen Taihua, relaxing a bit, fetched a book from the study. Noticing some immature handwriting in the margins, he commented, “Is this the handwriting of your foster daughter? Though it's a bit rough, there’s a hint of character. She seems like a diligent type, much like you.” Thinking of Liuer, Qin Yishu couldn’t help but smile and shared various anecdotes about her, piquing Shen Taihua’s curiosity. Qin Yishu mused, thinking: Her Master, once an imperial tutor, possessed not only genuine learning but also a liberality she lacked. For Liuer, destined for the path of cultivation, he was undeniably the ideal mentor. All she genuinely wanted was the best for Liuer. Meanwhile, back at home, Liuer sneezed. Jing Aoxue quickly said, “You might have caught a chill. Liuer, don’t stay outside. Come inside and warm up by the fire.” Liuer acknowledged and made her way inside, where Shen Luman was sewing a new outfit. The fabric was bright New Year’s red, looking cheerful and festive. Liuer leaned against Shen Luman’s back, “Mama, you smell so nice and warm.” Jing Aoxue, who had been infusing wood-elemental abilities into a jade pendant, joined them. Encircling Shen Luman with Liuer, she inhaled deeply, “Liuer’s right. Mama does smell lovely. What do you think it smells like?” Liuer, prompted, took another whiff, “I think it smells like herbs, like the kind you find in the mountains.” Jing Aoxue playfully sprawled across Shen Luman’s shoulders. “No leaning on me! Can’t you see I’m sewing? Go and have your fun elsewhere with Liuer.” Jing Aoxue pouted, “No way. I say your scent is like vanilla cake.” She paused mid-sentence, realizing something, as Liuer curiously asked about cake. Jing Aoxue jumped off her seat in excitement, remembering she’d forgotten something. During the apocalypse, she’d neglected personal celebrations, forgetting the tradition of birthday cakes. In this otherworld, cakes didn’t exist, but she vaguely remembered the ingredients and could attempt to make one. After all, doing something kept her occupied. With this in mind, she excitedly pulled along Shen Luman, the only one in the family with decent culinary skills. Shen Luman sighed, setting aside her sewing, realizing the outfit wouldn’t be finished today. Maybe tomorrow. With a fond smile, she looked at Jing Aoxue, “What grand idea have you come up with now?” These past days, Jing Aoxue had kept her busy with endless activities, from cutting paper decorations to curing preserved meat; now, it seemed, it was cake—something she had never even heard of. While Jing Aoxue’s enthusiasm required little more than talking about it, the specifics often escaped her, leaving Shen Luman to figure out the details. Life in the mortal world during New Year’s was exhausting. In the cultivation world, such festivals lacked significance. People lived freely, sometimes spending a decade or two in closed cultivation, celebrating only breakthroughs to the Golden Core or Nascent Soul stages. A Nascent Soul cultivator could change the fate of a family or sect—something truly worth celebrating. Shen Luman glanced at Jing Aoxue, wondering when such a milestone might come for them. Oh well, better not to dwell on it. She asked, “Do you know how to make a cake?” Jing Aoxue hesitated, “I know the basics. Anyway, isn’t that what you’re here for? Your cooking skills are remarkable, and you’re smart. I’m sure you can figure out how to bake a cake.” Shen Luman rolled her eyes, knowing Jing Aoxue was just here to make her life more complicated. Resigned, she rubbed her temples, watching Jing Aoxue enthusiastically promise Liuer how delicious cakes were—soft and sweet. She suspected Liuer would indeed appreciate it, thinking further. In the meantime, Liuer got more excited about the cake, eyes sparkling with anticipation as she looked at Shen Luman. Without a choice, Shen Luman agreed, “Alright, I’ll give it a try in the kitchen.” Their cheers followed her as she led the way into the kitchen, trailed closely by Jing Aoxue and Liuer. Jing Aoxue pulled out eggs, sugar, salt, flour, and other ingredients she recalled would be useful. Shen Luman attempted kneading dough sweetened with sugar water, resembling sweet buns. Sensing a possible failure, she resolved to see it through anyway. She set the dough to steam and cracked open eggs, separating the whites from the yolks. Jing Aoxue chimed in, “I can handle this part—I remember this step is quite the chore.” She took the bowl, whipping the egg whites, adding sugar in three stages, until the mixture resembled the creamy texture she remembered. Finishing up, she rubbed her sore arm, inviting a taste test. “Try it. How is it?” Throughout, Shen Luman had been watching the process with curiosity, intrigued by this new method, and marveled at how different the result was from plain egg whites. Liuer eagerly tasted a spoonful of the cream and widened her eyes in excitement. “Mother, this is delicious.” Soft, like cotton candy, but even fluffier. How peculiar. She scooped some for Shen Luman, “Mama, try it.” Shen Luman licked her lips; the taste wasn’t too sweet, aligning with the family’s preference for light flavors, as considered by Jing Aoxue. Finding it pleasant, she smiled, “It’s really good. We should make it for Liuer more often—simple and tasty.” Noticing a dab of cream on Shen Luman's lips, Jing Aoxue took advantage of Liuer’s distracted spoon-licking to lean in and lick the spot clean. Initially caught off guard, Shen Luman only realized what happened after Jing Aoxue returned to enjoy the cream with Liuer. She gingerly touched her now-damp lips, blushing deeply. She shot Jing Aoxue a reproachful gaze before turning back to check on how the steamed bread was doing. Jing Aoxue suddenly slapped her forehead and exclaimed, “I got it wrong! The cake should be baked, not steamed. Honey, let's try again.” Shen Luman: “…” It seemed her earlier thoughts were right—Jing Aoxue was indeed here to make her life difficult. After several attempts, they finally managed to create a cake that satisfied Jing Aoxue. Liuer ended up eating so much that she was stuffed. After a bath and reading for a while to settle her stomach, she finally fell asleep. That night, Shen Luman lay in bed as Jing Aoxue entered the room with a bowl. “What were you up to? Coming back this late?” Jing Aoxue placed the bowl on the nightstand, took off her outerwear and dress, then rubbed warmth into her body with fire energy to chase away the chill before slipping into bed. With a mischievous smile, she said, “Well, I prepared something special as a treat just for you, my dear. You'll have to give it a taste in a bit.” With that, she turned and pressed Shen Luman beneath her, unfastening her clothes and undergarments before Shen Luman realized what was happening. Blushing, Shen Luman quickly moved to cover her chest. “What are you doing? I told you we shouldn't indulge in desires.” Jing Aoxue dipped her fingers into the bowl of whipped cream and raised an eyebrow. “Well, let's see how well you can maintain your composure, my dear. You must keep calm and resist any urges!” She spread the soft, creamy whipped cream over Shen Luman’s chest and leaned down to tenderly kiss and lick it away, inch by inch. Shen Luman: “…” She felt the urge to swat her away! No advertisements, permanent domain (xbanxia.com)