266 - The Demon Fox Wife is a Foodie

Every dish was meticulously prepared, with generous portions for Yan Zhao to taste. Yan Zhao turned, offering a small piece of meat carved by Yan Wu to the little fox by her side. "You should eat too." Initially feeling uneasy, the little fox took a covert glance at Yan Wu, who was serving food and paid no attention to the interaction between Yan Zhao and the fox. Ren Qing Yue hesitated briefly, but with Yan Zhao offering directly, it would seem rude not to eat. The little fox opened her mouth and chewed, her internal resistance towards Yan Wu dissolving. Yan Wu's movements were unhurried, perfectly matching Yan Zhao's eating pace. She occasionally served a drink, much to Yan Zhao's satisfaction. Enjoying the food, Yan Zhao felt the bliss of good dining, her features softening in contentment. Han Li also smiled gently, knowing Yan Wu never disappointed. The table was laden with a variety of dishes, reflecting Han Li's command for a feast of the highest standard, most of which ended up in Yan Zhao's stomach. Lazily, Yan Zhao let out a satisfied burp, for once truly understanding the sensation of being sated. Perhaps due to her enhanced cultivation, unlike her first drinking experience which ended after just three glasses, she managed to consume three jars of spirit wine throughout the banquet. Only as the feast wound down did the effects of the alcohol fully take hold. Supporting her head with a hand, Yan Zhao felt increasingly dizzy. A soft voice spoke beside her, "Young Mistress, you're drunk. Have some sobering soup." Turning her head, Yan Zhao saw the face of an unfamiliar woman, who seemed rather pretty despite the slightly blurred features. "Who are you?" Yan Zhao asked. With patience, Yan Wu offered the sobering soup, "Young Mistress, my name is Yan Wu." Not quite hearing, Yan Zhao dismissed it, asking instead, "Where's my senior sister? Have you seen her?" The little fox looked on with a mix of emotions; Yan Zhao was clearly intoxicated. Distracted during the banquet, the little fox had missed the chance to intervene before it was too late. Yan Wu appeared puzzled, "Senior sister?" Present at the table were only Jiang Ying, Lei Shuang, and the Azure Arrow Demon. The "senior sister" Yan Zhao mentioned was unknown to them. Without losing balance, Yan Zhao rose unsteadily, clinging to the little fox, insisting, "I must find my senior sister." Just then, she nearly tripped over the table leg. Quick on her feet, Yan Wu caught her arm, providing support to steady her stance. Yan Wu looked to Han Li for guidance, seeking direction silently. Upon Han Li's nod, she supported Yan Zhao out of the hall, advising softly as they crossed the threshold, "Mind your step, Young Mistress." Jiang Ying exchanged a look with Feng Jin. Among those present, only Feng Jin and Jiang Ying had drunk moderately, while Lei Shuang was thoroughly inebriated. Feng Jin understood immediately, apologizing to Han Li for leaving. Han Li, aware of their true intentions, yet unconcerned. Shortly after Feng Jin's departure, Jiang Ying also rose. Han Li asked, "How was the banquet?" Jiang Ying replied, "Everyone enjoyed themselves." Han Li chuckled, "Such eloquence." Assisting the unconscious Lei Shuang, Han Li summoned a demon servant. "Escort them to the guest rooms." Yan Wu led Yan Zhao to the room prepared by the lord. Opening the door, she attempted to guide Yan Zhao inside. Yet, overwhelmed by the alcohol, Yan Zhao's steps faltered, her body becoming heavy. Stumbling over the threshold, she lost her balance and lurched forward. Yan Wu gasped, unable to catch Yan Zhao, and almost fell herself. Suddenly, a woman in a green dress appeared, a steadying hand lightly resting on Yan Wu's shoulder, helping her regain balance. Wide-eyed, Yan Wu realized, "So you're the senior sister the Young Mistress mentioned?" "It is I." Ren Qing Yue pursed her lips, feeling awkward about her earlier exposure of her intentions. She avoided eye contact with Yan Wu and took Yan Zhao from her. "Thank you for your efforts today. I'll take it from here." She securely held Yan Zhao at her waist, allowing Yan Zhao to lean against her without falling. Having delivered Yan Zhao to the room, Yan Wu felt her duty complete and refrained from lingering, nodding in agreement. "I'll take my leave then." Echoing footfalls faded down the corridor as Ren Qing Yue gently closed the door with a flick of her sleeve. With the familiar scent comforting her, Yan Zhao finally settled down, having been anxiously seeking Ren Qing Yue earlier. Ren Qing Yue lifted her up, carrying her to the bed. Just as they neared it, she paused. With her head nestled against Ren Qing Yue, Yan Zhao, who hadn't been still for long, began to stir. Burying her face into Ren Qing Yue's shoulder, captivated by her refreshing fragrance, Yan Zhao inhaled deeply, like a small animal, snuggling restlessly. The gentle graze of her nose against Ren Qing Yue's neck sent thrilling shivers through her. Ren Qing Yue’s heart skipped a beat, nearly loosening her hold. But maintaining her composure, she avoided disaster. Crossing the short distance from the doorway to the bed, with Yan Zhao unchecked, her antics intensified—rubbing her nose led to her cheekily sticking out her tongue to taste Ren Qing Yue's fragrant skin. Ren Qing Yue jolted, stumbling, and with a thud, dropped Yan Zhao heavily onto the bed. Yan Zhao’s head spun, consciousness flickering with the jolt, while the alcohol slightly sobered her. She gazed at Ren Qing Yue stabilizing herself at the bedside. "Did senior sister also drink?" Yan Zhao grinned, noticing her rosy cheeks. "Your face is so red." Ren Qing Yue brushed her own cheek, finding it warm, yet not as intensely as the spot Yan Zhao had licked, which now felt burned into her skin. Ignoring the teasing, she firmly laid Yan Zhao back down. "Stay still and take off your shoes to sleep." "But I'm thirsty." As she replied, Yan Zhao resisted Ren Qing Yue’s attempt to remove her shoes, trying to rise clumsily. Drunk, her strength was amplified, yet balance was elusive, and her movements haphazard. Attempting to assist her, Ren Qing Yue found it impossible, their synergy nonexistent. Ren Qing Yue miscalculated, colliding with Yan Zhao. The room spun, a loud thud reverberated as Ren Qing Yue was struck on her back. Regaining her senses, she found herself lying on the bed, Yan Zhao awkwardly perched on her waist, cheeks flushed, drunkenly tilting her head to clear her thoughts. "I'm so dizzy." Yan Zhao struggled to stay upright. Swamped by alcoholic heat and thirst, her clothes seemed suffocating. Without hesitation, Yan Zhao yanked at her collar. With a rip, the sash snapped and her clothing sagged off her shoulder. Ren Qing Yue gasped internally. Prepared to intervene further, Yan Zhao unexpectedly received a firm bump to her forehead, halting her motions and causing her to lean backward. Swiftly, Ren Qing Yue snatched her, gritting her teeth. "Hey, little rascal, that's enough!" Chapter 290 Yan Zhao, stunned by the blow, rolled her eyes and passed out. Ren Qing Yue caught hold of her collar, keeping Yan Zhao from tumbling off the bed. "Drinking so much when you're not used to it!" Irritated, she tugged Yan Zhao’s cheeks. The malleable skin stretched comically, resembling a rosy-pink dog. After a few pulls, regret softened her grip, releasing Yan Zhao to rest again, prodding her forehead. "For a moment, I thought you'd become a bit wiser! Yet you drink recklessly in unfamiliar places. Haven't you had enough misfortune?" Fast asleep, Yan Zhao remained unresponsive, oblivious to Ren Qing Yue's exasperated words. Resigned, Ren Qing Yue retracted her finger from Yan Zhao's forehead, gently adjusting her hair to reveal a serene, tranquil face. "Only you would be so audacious." Ren Qing Yue murmured softly, caught between amusement and concern. Yan Zhao continued to sleep blissfully, her innocent visage reflecting a carefree indulgence in the present, unconcerned by future worries. Despite her vocal grievances, Ren Qing Yue found herself helplessly charmed by Yan Zhao, secretly hoping she never changed—retaining her genuine honesty amidst life's countless challenges. In her heart, she was constantly conflicted. Yet, Yan Zhao's consideration for her brought both delight and deep gratitude. Ultimately, Ren Qing Yue shook her head, removing Yan Zhao's shoes and socks. She cast a Cleansing Spell to rid the lingering alcohol scent from Yan Zhao, then fastened her clothes anew before lying down beside her, fully dressed. With things as they were, there was nothing more to be done. Accepting the situation gracefully, she took the opportunity to rest well and gather strength for the journey ahead. Outside the room, Feng Jin stood briefly before turning away. • Led by a demon servant, Jiang Ying guided Lei Shuang to their guest quarters. Stopping outside the doors, the servant informed them, "Your rooms are adjacent, and there are guards outside. If you need anything, just call." Jiang Ying nodded gratefully, opened one room, and helped Lei Shuang inside. Drunk as ever, Lei Shuang stumbled clumsily. Jiang Ying patiently dragged her to the bed and quickly released her burden onto it. Lei Shuang tumbled back, inadvertently hitting her head with a thud on the bed's edge, waking with a start. "Ouch." Lei Shuang groaned, blinking confusedly, "Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?" Jiang Ying tapped her forehead. "Have you forgotten even your own name?" After a moment, Lei Shuang recalled, "Oh, I’m the renowned, all-powerful Lei Protector!" Jiang Ying: "..." You are such a fool. Pointing at herself, she asked, "Do you know who I am?" Lei Shuang squinted, finally recognizing her. "You’re that annoying woman who always criticizes me needlessly." "Oh?" Jiang Ying's lips twitched in a humorless smile. "So that's what you truly think of me." Suddenly, a chill swept over Lei Shuang, making her shiver. Despite her drunkenness, survival instincts kicked in, and she hesitated, quickly amending, "Er, that's a misunderstanding..." Seeing Lei Shuang drunk yet so wary, Jiang Ying felt a wave of discouragement. A mind as simple as hers might never warm to another, despite Jiang Ying's belief during their time at the Floating Cloud Sect that Lei Shuang cared for her. What sort of fate, nudged by unseen forces, made her fall for such a fool like Lei Shuang so unconditionally? "Seems you don't need my care," Jiang Ying said coldly, turning aloof. "Rest on your own, I'm leaving." As she moved to depart, a hand unexpectedly gripped her wrist. Drunk strength was formidable, and the sudden force pulled Jiang Ying back. Her legs hit the bed, causing her to topple directly onto Lei Shuang. Lei Shuang curled up, holding Jiang Ying tightly around the waist, burying her head in Jiang Ying's embrace, "Don't go." Jiang Ying's heart skipped erratically, caught off guard. "What are you doing?" Receiving no response, except for the feeling of Lei Shuang's shoulders trembling, Jiang Ying grew curious, gently unveiling Lei Shuang's face. To her shock, she found Lei Shuang tear-streaked, silently weeping with her lip bitten in Jiang Ying's embrace. "What’s wrong?" Jiang Ying's previous resolve to let go suddenly faltered, her heart aching. She wiped away Lei Shuang's tears with her sleeve. "Aren't you too grown up to be crying?" Her heart was set on the promise not of the moon, but on meeting you. [Site support for server expenses is user-supported, with no advertisements or profits. Visit the donation page to add contact info and support the site!]