Chapter 40: I Won’t Lose Next Time

A Flustered Yu Li

“Ugh… Xiao Ai, stop…” Yu Li gasped, her eyes misty and dazed. She looked at Ai Xinglan, pleading. Ai Xinglan snapped out of her anger and jealousy. Too late—a red mark marred Yu Li’s tender skin. “Xiao Ai… can you let go now?” Ai Xinglan felt the soft sensation in her hand. She yanked it back, standing quickly. “Mmm…” Yu Li hummed softly as the pressure eased.

An Awkward Apology

“This… it’s your fault for always…” Ai Xinglan faltered, embarrassed. Her provocation had clouded her mind. She’d nearly lost control, wanting to claim Yu Li. That mark on her skin was proof. The other touch… purely accidental. But it felt good. Yu Li sat up, glaring resentfully. This was beyond her expectations. She thought she’d measured her limits perfectly. This time, she’d completely crashed.

A Hidden Observer

Yu Li glanced at the corner. There was Feng, back turned, hiding. Yu Li sensed her excited expression. Was this Feng’s doing? Ai Xinglan had returned to her shy self. Yu Li’s frustration boiled over. “Hmph…” She grabbed Ai Xinglan’s finger and bit it.

A Retaliatory Bite

“Hiss…” Yu Li glared as Ai Xinglan winced. She released her finger. “…Now we’re even.” Yu Li feigned calm, as if her revenge was complete. She turned to leave, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her. Her heart wasn’t calm at all. “Wait.” Ai Xinglan grabbed her hand, stopping her.

A Gentle Gesture

“Still… not enough, Xiao Ai?” Yu Li turned, her blush deepening. Tension filled her face, fearing more from Ai Xinglan. But Ai Xinglan didn’t explain. She pulled Yu Li aside and grabbed a jacket. She draped it over Yu Li’s shoulders. “Huh?” It was Ai Xinglan’s jacket—Yu Li recognized it.

A Subtle Cover

“It’ll cover… a bit.” Ai Xinglan spoke softly, embarrassed. Was she hiding the exposed skin or her mark? Yu Li clutched the jacket instinctively. “I’m… leaving now?” She watched Ai Xinglan cautiously. “Mm.” Ai Xinglan’s bold actions had surprised even herself. Yet, she felt oddly relieved. Yu Li’s cautious demeanor erased her strange thoughts.

A Hasty Escape

Yu Li nodded and bolted out the door. Ai Xinglan stared at the empty doorway. She stood frozen, unable to process. Yu Li’s presence lingered in her mind. “Ughhh! What did I do?!” Her actions were impulsive, she realized. She’d been holding it together by sheer will. Her face burned, steam practically rising. She covered her face, mortified.

A Lingering Image

“Am I… a pervert?” Yu Li’s image haunted her. Her heart pounded wildly. Thankfully, no one else saw her behavior. If anyone had, she’d die of shame. “At least… no one saw…” Before she finished, she spotted Feng. The maid was giving a thumbs-up from the corner. “Feng!!!”

Yu Li’s Turmoil

Yu Li leaned against the door, panting heavily. Her hand touched her chest—her heart raced. She’d never felt this intensity before. Why such a strong reaction? Just a touch, a bite—nothing more. Why was she so rattled? She couldn’t understand. She gripped Ai Xinglan’s jacket tighter. Its scent enveloped her, once comforting. Now it felt invasive, making her blush.

Liuli’s Teasing

Liuli popped out, her fox face smirking. (Ahem, off to feed? Xiao Ai won’t do anything~) Her mocking voice echoed in Yu Li’s ear. Yu Li swiped at her but caught nothing. (Miss Yu Li, you crashed hard! I told you not to push!) “Shut up… this is your fault.” Yu Li tried to calm herself, but her heart raced on.

A Convenient Excuse

(You’re blaming me?!) “This body… it’s too sensitive.” “That’s why I reacted like this.” (Slander! You’re just smitten! Blaming my body!) “…Shut up.” Out of excuses, Yu Li clutched her chest. Her right eye turned gold, now one silver, one gold. Her emotions visibly stabilized. (Wow, using your ability on yourself?) “This was a fluke. Next time, I won’t lose.”

Fu Qingyue’s Preparations

At Fu Qingyue’s home, her butler scrutinized her. Fu Qingyue looked exhausted. “Perfect, Young Miss! You look perfect!” Fu Qingyue’s eyes widened. Since yesterday’s talk of going out with a friend, preparations began. From midnight to now, she’d tried clothes for two hours. Either Liang wasn’t satisfied, or she wasn’t. Finally, they were done.

A Supportive Send-Off

“I’m off, Liang Shu.” “Slow down, Young Miss. Stay safe!” “And… good luck!” The butler dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief. He nodded, beaming with pride. Fu Qingyue gave a wry smile. She nodded and left. “Friends… that’s wonderful…” The butler muttered to himself. “I can’t relax yet. She might bring her friend home.” He began his own preparations. “Even if not today, it’ll happen someday.” “I’ll prepare gifts, just in case.”