106,6 - Little Peasant Wife

Shen Lümàn hurriedly fled, leaving Liu Er and Wu Yiling puzzled about her sudden departure. The two exchanged a questioning glance, wordlessly agreeing to turn their attention to Jing Aoxue, who was standing there with a mysterious, meaningful smile on her face. She approached Liu Er, who had grown into a young woman, her height reaching almost to Jing Aoxue's neck. Jing Aoxue patted her on the shoulder and said, "Tonight, I'm going to sleep with your mother. You and Wu Yiling can make do outside for the night." Liu Er: "..." Wu Yiling: "..." Was it really okay to be so direct with the child? Wu Yiling sighed, accustomed to the frivolous antics common in the demon realm. She gave Jing Aoxue a sharp look before turning to leave for the mountains, unwilling to be a hindrance here. Liu Er hesitated for a moment before awkwardly smiling and saying, "Alright, after lunch, I'll stay at my godmother's. I wonder how long it will take?" As she finished speaking, she thought of the little baby she'd long awaited. It finally seemed within reach. Over the years, she saw Wu Shanshan and Gu Yimu having one child after another, while there was no movement on her own mother's side. It was a lie to say she felt no urgency. Initially flustered by Jing Aoxue's blunt remarks, she quickly gathered herself and said, "I'll stay longer at my godmother's; their second child has just been born, and they likely need help. I'll help look after Wushuang, and return next time Mother goes to the mountains to train." Jing Aoxue, pleased by her thoughtfulness, whispered to her, "I'll do my best to make you a sister." A surge of heat rose to Liu Er's ears. She was already knowledgeable about such matters, thanks in no small part to a memorable incident involving Jing Aoxue. To prevent her from making a similar mistake, Grandpa Gu Qing had given her several educational books on the subject. Her godmother and mentor had gone even further, closing the study door to explicate the details of human reproduction. Thus, she had learned much. Yet, hearing her mother mention it now still made her blush uncontrollably. She cleared her throat a few times, fearing her mother might say something even more embarrassing, and hurriedly said, "I'll go help prepare lunch with Mother in the kitchen. You should... prepare yourself first." Jing Aoxue was momentarily taken aback, thinking to ask what preparations Liu Er was referring to, but Liu Er quickly bolted into the kitchen. Shaking her head with a rueful smile, Jing Aoxue retrieved the letters from the mailbox and headed to the living room to enjoy snacks while reading. Qin Wushuang, being young, wrote in an unorganized manner, jotting down thoughts as they came. Most of the letters were for Liu Er, which did not interest Jing Aoxue, so she set them aside. Interestingly, the remaining letters were all addressed to her. Raising an intrigued eyebrow, she began to read, already guessing Qin Wushuang's complaints about her 'kidnapping' Liu Er away. What a joke: Liu Er was her daughter, naturally closer to her. She didn't see it as childish at all to be quarrelling over this with a child. She skimmed through the letters quickly, learning that Qin Wushuang had turned four in early April, was no longer a baby, and aspired to be a great general capable of defeating her, the 'villain.' She could only wish her good luck, knowing her strength could easily overpower Qin Yishu if she relied solely on brute force. But Qin Yishu's mind was a labyrinth of strategy, her plans woven at least ten steps ahead, a pace Jing Aoxue couldn't keep up with. Sure enough, though Qin Yishu had never set foot outside the village for years, she had the court wrapped around her finger, showcasing her superior intellect and flawless tactics. Over these past years, the Crown Prince had not been decided, leaving the eldest and second princes constantly scheming, with the emperor having failed to name a legitimate heir. As a result, his sons fantasized about claiming the supreme position. Among them, the First, Second, Third, and Sixth Princes were the most prominent contenders. The First Prince was the son of the former queen, holding the upper hand in line as the legitimate heir. But the former queen was of an undistinguished background, randomly chosen by the emperor's father when he paid little attention to him, and her family was neither wealthy nor influential and lacked any charm. She never found favor with the emperor. Since his ascendancy, the emperor had kept the First Prince at arm's length after the "accidental" death of his mother, a fact known to the court ministers. But the First Prince's legitimate claim meant the conservative factions of the court supported him, and his gentle demeanor made him popular. The Second Prince was the current queen's son, a hot-tempered man with a military post. He was a warrior but lacked strategic finesse in combat, often suffering defeats. Still, his mother's powerful backing within the court meant he had considerable support. The Third Prince seemed more interested in wealth and travel, appearing indifferent to the throne, yet he had contributed significantly, responsible for alleviating recent crop shortages with corn and sweet potatoes, innovations he funded. Thus, even without an interest in rallying followers on the court, he held the highest public esteem, surpassing even the current king. The Sixth Prince was born to the emperor's one favored concubine, a woman of humble origins, reportedly raised in an ordinary farming family. However, she had an unusual past as a servant to the State Preceptor. Having caught the emperor's eye and giving birth to the Sixth Prince, she gained backing from the State Preceptor, becoming one of his and Liu Wenyao's people. With the current emperor fond of the State Preceptor, it ensured considerable ministerial support for the otherwise mediocre Sixth Prince. Each prince had unique traits, all seeking to survive in the treacherous waters of court intrigue. Not only the princes but the emperor's brothers—various lords controlling military power—also contemplated staking their claim. Thus, discord fractured the court, leading to a game of one-upmanship and blackmail that left governance in disarray. Meanwhile, the emperor, enthralled by the creation of elixirs and caught between the State Preceptor and Liu Wenyao, remained oblivious to the near-collapse of his realm. Such internal strife weakened the borders, as greedy foreign rulers eyed the decaying empire, and commanders sustained losses, threatening its lands. Though such problems existed, it was Qin Yishu navigating behind the scenes that hastened the empire's decline in mere years. She skillfully orchestrated the rifts between the First and Second Princes. For years, she built networks and extended her influence throughout the realm so that at her command, she could close her web. Hoarding knowledge and leverage over most princes, she had the power to undermine any of them. Beyond that, her strategic genius was most evident at the border, where trusted commanders, secretly loyal, seemed to lose battles while actually shielding citizens and their wealth. Even when enemy forces took cities, they found them empty. These silent setbacks went unnoticed by the emperor, allowing Qin Yishu to rule as an undisputed power without a crown. Though only a thin veil separated her from the supreme position coveted by many. Facing such a formidable adversary, it would indeed be foolish for Jing Aoxue to engage in a battle of wits with her. Jing Aoxue chuckled at the thought, discarding Qin Wushuang's letters to focus on those sent from the Wu family. The characters on the paper were neatly arranged, exuding a sense of a young woman's elegance. It was undoubtedly Wu Mengqiu's letter. She mentioned the birth of her aunt's twins and a full moon banquet, the gist of which Jing Aoxue had quickly gathered. Additionally, she spoke of Liu Er, expressing a desire to celebrate her birthday together in early May. Jing Aoxue let out a soft "hmm." She had a favorable impression of the girl and figured she might as well pass the letter on to Liu Er, perhaps suggesting that she visit. As Liu Er grew older, her friendships had naturally begun to fade. Wu Xunchun had been sent to study in the town's academy, returning only infrequently, while Liu Er spent much of her time in the mountains, leaving little opportunity for meeting. However, Wu Xunchun took advantage of the fact that Shen Taihua, a renowned scholar, resided at the Qin's, persisting in his academic pursuits by visiting under the guise of seeing his friend to seek Shen Taihua’s guidance. Having studied for years, he had overcome his previous aversion to books. Now, with two younger brothers, he felt the need to set a good example. His sharp mind, though not on par with Liu Er's brilliance, marked him as a promising student. With years passing, Shen Taihua, while caring for the growing Qin Wushuang, had softened, willingly offering guidance now and then. Therefore, Wu Xunchun gets to see Liu Er occasionally. As for Wu Mengqiu, she was being taught by the governess brought in from the capital. Despite Wu Zhi Yong not pressuring her to learn so much, she was a determined girl, always striving to do her best in anything she undertook. Nowadays, she no longer seemed like a typical village girl, resembling more of a noble lady. But that's not entirely wrong. Qin Yishu is almost certain to become the emperor in the future, being someone who values loyalty and kindness, she would naturally promote Wu Zhi Yong and Wu Zhi An. After all, it was Wu Zhi An who figured out the correct methods for cultivating sweet potatoes and such. They had long since earned Qin Yishu's favor, and possessing genuine talent and knowledge, they were sure to be granted official titles in the future. By then, Wu Mengqiu would indeed become an official's daughter. In truth, Liu Er's temperament would greatly complement Wu Mengqiu's if they were together, especially since over the years, Wu Mengqiu seemed to have developed some feelings for Liu Er. However, Liu Er had long been bound by the dominant creature, Yao Wang Feng Huang, and had shown no interest in such matters over the years. It seemed she would need to apologize to young Mengqiu as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Jing Aoxue sighed. Raising a child was no easy task. When Liu Er was younger, child-rearing was fun, but now as she had grown, she kept everything locked inside. It was hard for both her and Shen Lümàn to witness. But matters like this couldn't be rushed. Liu Er was in her teenage years, a time of unique challenges she well remembered from her rebellious youth and the 'middle-eight' syndrome she had seen in her peers. So Jing Aoxue knew she couldn't impose but could only be Liu Er's supportive pillar, offering a safe haven no matter what the future held. In this context, perhaps it wasn't the best idea to attempt to have another child. Jing Aoxue stroked her chin, pondering, "Perhaps it's best to keep the glowing stick set aside for tonight. There's no rush for more children until Liu Er is through this." As she contemplated, Shen Lümàn completed lunch preparations, and Liu Er joined them at the table. Though she was nearly able to sustain herself without food, family meals were a cherished tradition in the Jing household, symbolizing their close bond. Liu Er wouldn't spoil this by refusing to eat alongside them, always taking a few bites regardless. After lunch, they rested briefly. Shen Lümàn and Liu Er finished reading through their mail, gaining a rough understanding of recent events. Jing Aoxue stood up and announced, "Let's go pay a visit to Wu Zhi An's family." The trio headed for the Wu residence, and on the way, Jing Aoxue hesitantly asked, "Liu Er, what do you think of Wu Mengqiu?" Liu Er paused, catching on to Jing Aoxue's implication right away. She smiled faintly, a subtle mask for her true emotions, and said, "Sister Mengqiu is a good person, and she's reached the age for marriage discussions. I'll congratulate her this time I visit, and wish her a husband who truly cherishes her." Though Jing Aoxue knew this was likely, she couldn't help but sigh at the confirmation. Shen Lümàn added, "Mengqiu is just an ordinary mortal; she can't cultivate. It's challenging for anything to come of her and Liu Er. Besides, Liu Er has that marriage contract with Yao Wang Feng Huang, whose possessive nature would never allow it..." "Mother," Liu Er abruptly stopped and asked, "What is... the marriage contract?" Shen Lümàn froze, seeing that Liu Er's usual faint smile had vanished, leaving a blank expression. She exchanged a glance with Jing Aoxue, who, realizing that Shen Lümàn had let slip, thought it impossible to hide this forever. Liu Er was mature, and it was better she learned sooner rather than later. The truth would inevitably surface, and since it had been brought up, they couldn't just brush it aside. Knowing Liu Er was exceptionally smart, if she didn't get an answer here, she would seek Bai Ma Ji Si Wu Yiling's insights, only adding another person to the matter. Jing Aoxue pursed her lips, explaining, "Liu Er, do you know that your mother and I signed the Qianqian Marriage Contract years ago? The symptoms I experienced then were identical to yours when you fell unconscious by the roadside. That's how your mother deduced your connection with Feng Huang." She took a step closer, softly adding, "I know this is complicated and possibly hurtful, but this marriage contract binds you so deeply that even death can't sever it. I don't understand why Feng Huang made this pact with you, but..." Liu Er's gaze dimmed as she quietly murmured, "Faced with reality, right?" Seeing her like this, Jing Aoxue's heart softened. She approached and held the child she cherished so dearly. She genuinely cared for Liu Er, regretting how they failed to protect her back then. She had faced significant turmoil at a young age, maturing more because of it. Each time she saw Liu Er acting overly mature, it ached her heart. Yet, she couldn't show it; watching Liu Er strive so tirelessly, as her mother, she couldn't be a hindrance to her progress. She truly wished Liu Er had grown up carefreely, much as she had, albeit an orphan, but without burdens. Not like now, like a seedling forcibly stunted by harsh reality. She swallowed her sorrow and said, "Liu Er, maybe things aren't so dire. After all, Feng Huang hasn't awakened to trouble you all these years, right?" Liu Er felt warmth in her eyes, understanding the implications of such bonds. Even though she lacked current interest, being suddenly bound to some predetermined partner was daunting, even if she held some affection for Feng Huang. Particularly being so self-reliant now, the idea of forced destiny felt overwhelmingly constrictive. She took a deep breath, calming her turbulent emotions, trying to see the positive. The little grey phoenix had always treated her well, aside from their initial encounters; it had been there for her consistently. No matter how long it took, her debt of gratitude was profound; she had accepted life as a subordinate. Suddenly shifting from subordinate to intended partner, one might think she should be thrilled with the status change. Though self-consoling this way, there remained an internal knot. Nestling against Jing Aoxue's shoulder, she confessed, "Mother, I'm exhausted. I want to be alone in the mountains for a while." Jing Aoxue sought her reassurance, "Are you sure? Liu Er, if you don't mind, your mother and I can accompany you. The trip to the Wu family can wait." Forcing a smile, Liu Er said, "I just need... some solitude to think. There's work you need to focus on, and this is something I must resolve myself." After speaking, she moved to Shen Lümàn, hugging her tightly before deftly turning, infusing her feet with energy, and vanished in the blink of an eye. With guilt on her face, Shen Lümàn lamented, "I said something wrong." Jing Aoxue embraced her, "Don't overthink it. I would have had to tell her eventually. Better now than when Feng Huang awakens, and Liu Er doesn't understand the full contract implications, preventing future misunderstandings." This was undoubtedly a painful process, but she believed Liu Er would overcome it. Hopefully! With a self-deprecating chuckle, she added, "Dear, though Liu Er asked us not to follow, maybe..." Shen Lümàn shared the sentiment. They exchanged a glance before taking to the sky, Jing Aoxue retrieving Wu Yiling's gifted flying sword spirit tool, riding it towards the green speck marking Liu Er. Upon arrival, they settled on the grass, cloaking their presence. Liu Er was positioned on a large stone beneath the waterfall, the tumultuous water pouring over her surely painful upon impact. Yet, she sat unmoving, eyes tightly shut. Time passed until dusk fell before Liu Er stirred, relocating to lie on the grass. Jing Aoxue narrowed her eyes, feeling something had happened, though seeing nothing of it. She glanced at Shen Lümàn, hoping her higher cultivation allowed her to see what she couldn't, but Shen Lümàn shook her head, urging continued observation. Liu Er stared blankly at the sky, lips moving as if speaking without uttering a sound. In reality, Yao Wang Feng Huang had suddenly, in her muddled consciousness, expressed impatience, sneering, "I knew something was off with this contract; turns out it was mismarked!" It materialized from her being, irritably exclaiming, "What are you doing staying under the water? I despise water! Get me to a dry place, and I'll deal with you later!" Liu Er allowed herself a bittersweet smile, forced to comply, which led to the earlier scene. In a daze, she gazed skyward, where the restless little grey chick flitted about, incessantly muttering complaints. Liu Er mused, "Did you make the contract intentionally, or was it..." Xiao Hui angrily retorted, "Do you think I'd fancy a mortal! This contract was... was intended by True Monarch Qingmu..." At this point, Xiao Hui suddenly hesitated, clenching its teeth with frustration. "I knew that woman was up to no good. She deliberately made me remember events from a hundred thousand years ago, recalling the pact with Jiu Xiao and the method of this contract, all to trap me!" Seeing Liu Er's expression of hopelessness, Xiao Hui became even more exasperated. "It's only been a few years, and you look like this? What's with that deadpan face? Signing a marriage contract with a dignified Yao King like me—is that not good enough for you?" Liu Er blinked, finding the situation unexpectedly amusing. "Who is Jiu Xiao?" Xiao Hui, almost caught off guard, grumbled but answered, "She is the name of the female cultivator who created the subhumans a hundred thousand years ago. She…" As it spoke, Xiao Hui suddenly realized Liu Er's ploy to change the topic and angrily rebuked, "Stop deflecting! I'll tell you this!" It boldly stomped onto Liu Er's forehead, looking her straight in the eye. "Since we're bound by this contract, there's no going back. You are the Phoenix King's… uh, female companion. Even if you're a subhuman, remember, I am the one on top!" At these words, Liu Er was incensed. Leaning into the situation with a sardonic grin, she retorted, "Alright, the position on top is yours, underneath is mine!" Xiao Hui, oblivious to her sarcasm, nodded contently. "As long as you acknowledge that, I'll be on top and you'll never rise above me!" It was still unaware of the flag it had just planted for itself. Given Liu Er's propensity to hold grudges, future events would surely be amusing. Hearing this, Liu Er burst into laughter, "You're really… amusing." Xiao Hui was bewildered by her sudden laughter, unaware of what had changed. But undeniably, this expression suited her better; that prior morose look was just tiresome to behold. Clearly, it, the resplendent Phoenix King admired by all, found it unfathomable for Liu Er to show any displeasure. She required a proper reminder of who truly held power… above, naturally! Xiao Hui confidently raised its chin, glancing towards Jing Aoxue and Shen Lümàn's direction, "Your mother and parental mother still see you as a child, trailing after such a trifle matter. Had I not awakened in time, they'd have hurried over." Liu Er paused, glancing towards the indicated direction. Resigned, she thought to herself: It seems she's worried her parental figures yet again. Indeed, as Xiao Hui implied, this was but a small matter, unworthy of such distress. After all, she harbored no romantic inclinations. Ever since the incident with Zhang Qiao Er, she withheld trust in anyone but her parents. Perhaps in the future, she might have a sister, or maybe a brother… And presently, there was the Phoenix Xiao Hui with whom she shared the marriage contract. Reflecting on it, she realized her past irrationality—drawing conclusions about the contract without understanding it fully. How immature. If her mentor knew, there would surely be more studies awaiting her. Liu Er lowered her gaze and stood, saying, "Xiao Hui, my parental mother and mother know of your existence. Would you like to meet them?" She suggested it, knowing Xiao Hui's prideful nature might make it reluctant. She shifted her tone, eyes brimming with anticipation, silently persuading Xiao Hui. Despite its initial urge to refuse, words failed it. Huffing loudly, it said, "Fine, I'll meet them. They're mere mortals and a demon clan, after all." With these words, it transformed into its true form. Like before, it appeared as a small, dusty chick. Years ago, it said it was injured, but in truth, it was severely wounded. Years of slumber had only healed its body without advancing its cultivation or knowledge. In stark contrast, Liu Er progressed swiftly, fully understanding and subtly directing Xiao Hui's actions. Liu Er smiled gently, appearing by the mountain, "Mother, Parental Mother, are you here?" Jing Aoxue sheepishly touched her nose, surprised Liu Er noticed her presence. But soon her gaze landed on the towering grey chick atop Liu Er's head. She froze briefly before forcing a smile, "Liu Er, could this be the legendary Phoenix?" Liu Er nodded, and Xiao Hui proudly declared, "That's me! How dare this mere human…" Before it could finish, Jing Aoxue snatched it, ignoring its struggles and curses, examining it curiously multiple times. "The phoenix is really unique, huh? Imagine, our family's…" "Ouch!" she exclaimed suddenly, the chick having bitten her finger. Liu Er quickly interjected, "Xiao Hui, don't." Xiao Hui flapped its wings and soared, angrily kicking at Jing Aoxue's nose, "How dare you touch me with your filthy hands!" Jing Aoxue: "..." Jing Aoxue coldly laughed, rolling up her sleeves, and quipped to Shen Lümàn, "Darling, I suddenly feel like having roasted phoenix tonight. Care to help?" Xiao Hui, incensed, prepared to unleash fire, but was gently caught by Liu Er, who whispered, "It's better you return to my body; I'll handle things here." Xiao Hui huffed, casting a final glare before diving back into Liu Er's heart. Jing Aoxue approached Liu Er, seriously questioning, "So it truly is a phoenix? Has it always tormented you?" She recalled finding Liu Er years ago, her palms covered in wounds; now it seemed the phoenix was indeed responsible. That wretched phoenix—Jing Aoxue fumed, feeling an urge to roast it then and there! Stepping back, Liu Er said, "Mother, despite its proud nature, it has treated me fairly well. It was the one who helped solve the Lihuo problem for mother and assisted in restoring mother to life. Xiao Hui is like a newborn; please don't hold it against it, alright?" With her appeal, Jing Aoxue could hardly justify further persecuting the phoenix. Her expression turned complex as she exhaled, "Liu Er, it's not about holding a grudge. I just wanted… to understand its true nature." Having tested it, she felt a chill, realizing she couldn't rely on it. Clapping Liu Er on the shoulder, she cheerfully said, "When your mother advances her cultivation enough, we'll find a way to break your contract." Liu Er smiled, now less concerned, though her mother's care and warmth touched her deeply. Leaning into her embrace, she mentioned, "Mother, please have a sister for me. I'd love to have a sister to look after and grow with, and who would help me. Then I'd have more than just you and Parental Mother looking out for me." Jing Aoxue paused, Wu Mengqiu suddenly coming to mind. Wu Zhi An, after having multiple children, likely had similar considerations. With many siblings, Mengqiu would have a strong familial backing when married. Originally, Jing Aoxue wasn't planning on more children, at least not so soon. But Liu Er had a point—a sibling growing up alongside her would forge a close connection. In modern times, she had envied classmates with siblings, appreciating their inherent unbreakable bond. Nonetheless, no rush, a few days to mull it over seemed wise. Patting Liu Er's shoulder, she concluded, "Alright, Mother will give it thought. It's late now; let's get some rest. Tomorrow we can celebrate with Wu Zhi An and visit Qin Yishu's, as they had a second baby." Since she was still wavering, seeking Qin Yishu's advice might provide insight. Liu Er obediently agreed, and the three returned home. After bathing, Liu Er retreated to her room, calling out Xiao Hui, "What are the specific rules and constraints of this marriage contract you formed with me?" Appearing again with a disgruntled look, Xiao Hui explained before grumbling, "You need to quickly raise your cultivation, otherwise, I'll be stuck caring for you!" Liu Er calmly replied, "Perhaps you should treat me more kindly. We are equals now, and technically, I'm your fiancée. Shouldn't you be gentle with your betrothed? Anger me and risk me never giving you any children." Xiao Hui froze, suddenly flustered, its grey fuzz seemingly blushing. It softly replied, "I just reborn, there's no rush for children, and..." Despite countless cycles of life and death, even with memories often passed down, they were mere flashes, not lived experiences. Each rebirth of a phoenix was unique, creating a distinctly new entity, regardless of the shared lineage. Yet, digging into inherited memories, Xiao Hui realized it had never before bonded with anyone intimately. In the past, many from the demon clan sought to attach themselves to it, but Xiao Hui was very picky and had no interest in such matters. It would rather sleep or play than waste time on meaningless pursuits. Thus, it was unsure if it could even have offspring in the future. Moreover, Liu Er was a half-human, while it was a pure demon. To have Liu Er bear its children seemed somewhat... challenging. At least for now, it didn’t understand how it would work. Determined, it resolved to find out upon returning to the demon realm, asking around for methods, knowing the demon clan, with their many peculiar interests, would likely know how a half-human could bear children. There was no rush, time was on its side. Suddenly, glaring at Liu Er, it warned, "Since you've claimed to be my wife, you mustn't flirt around or be promiscuous. Stay away from that Wu girl and Qin's half-human! Don't think I was asleep and unaware of what’s happening around." Liu Er felt a jolt of panic and asked, "So you know about the Bai Ma Priestess?" Xiao Hui tilted its head in confusion, "Bai Ma Priestess? Who is that?" Liu Er: "..." So Xiao Hui only paid attention to the trivial events connected to her while ignoring the significant ones? She couldn't help but chuckle, rubbing her forehead, and said, "Since you're awake, I'll tell you: there was a priestess from the demon realm who appeared a few years ago, before you were born, and I saved her and brought her home... After these events, she showed up again at my doorstep a few days ago, granting fortunes to everyone in my family... She's in the mountains now." Upon hearing this, Xiao Hui snorted dismissively, "This priestess doesn't seem impressive at all, needing a child like you to save her. Her mind must be lacking, but as for now…" It suddenly looked grim. "Tomorrow, take me to the mountains to find her. I need to know what happened in the demon realm these past few thousand years. Why is she coming alone to the mortal world to find me?" Seeing that it's troubled, Liu Er nodded. "Alright, I'll go with you." Satisfied, Xiao Hui hopped onto Liu Er's body. "Sleep, I'm tired!" Liu Er squinted and asked, "Sleep if you must, but why on my chest?" She wasn’t particularly bothered but didn’t want to be taken advantage of either. Xiao Hui, much more innocent in thought, queried, "You're so skinny, only your chest is soft and comfy, where else should I sleep if not here?" Finishing its little rant, it imposed, "If you dare put me on the floor, you're done for!" Liu Er sighed, exasperated, "Alright, do as you please." As she closed her eyes, she felt Xiao Hui’s claws lightly kneading her chest, where she was still tender from growth. Though just a gentle touch, it produced a strange sensation due to its sensitivity. She thought to herself: After all, Xiao Hui is her future companion. However, it seemed like it was still just a little grey chick, so she decided to treat it like a pet. With such thoughts, she drifted off to sleep. Vaguely, she felt Xiao Hui kneading her chest again, but paid it no mind, likening it to a pet's harmless touches. Simple-minded Xiao Hui contentedly found its comfort zone, and with legs upturned, drifted into slumber. In another room, Shen Lümàn sighed, "What should we do about Liu Er?" Jing Aoxue, equally troubled, lamented the phoenix's cunning nature, knowing Liu Er would only suffer under its whims. She sighed deeply, "Oh well, all we can do is strive to increase our cultivation. We'll find a solution someday." Shen Lümàn paused, omitting the fact that the contract was irreversible. She feared if Jing Aoxue knew, it would only add to her distress. "It's getting late, let’s turn in." Hearing this, Jing Aoxue looked at her with a puppy-dog pout, "I was planning to get frisky with you! But again, fate intervenes! Don’t worry, soon I'll make my move!" Such words ignited Shen Lümàn's ire, prompting her to clench her fists, "Say that again, and see who gets 'dealt with'!" Jing Aoxue, feigning innocence, quickly lay on the bed, "I didn’t say anything just now, come over here, I'll warm the bed for you." Shen Lümàn chuckled, "It's already spring, the weather's not cold; I hardly need you for that." Jing Aoxue replied with a playful smile.