Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 381 Aftermath: A Night Meeting with Hengwu
With master and servant of one mind, Shi Shu secretly hated Li Gui. Seeing that her young lady was losing her composure, she quickly began to tell the rest of the story.

"I heard that the second young lady had a fight with the eldest mistress and was immediately dragged to the hall and given thirty lashes. Luckily, Li Gui was strong and healthy, but even so, he was half-dead. Now the servants have dragged him back."

After a pause, she continued, "When Granny Li received the news, she came crying and begging for Li Gui's forgiveness, but by the time she arrived, he had already been sent back."

Xi Chun couldn't help but ask, "What about Brother Bao? Did he come to beg for Li Gui's forgiveness?"

Shi Shu frowned slightly, then shook her head and said, "I haven't heard of that... but since it wasn't mentioned, I suppose Master Bao didn't go either."

Tan Chun curled the corners of her lips, her face slightly sarcastic, and said, "Second Brother Bao hates Granny Li's meddling the most... Besides, when have Fourth Sister ever seen Second Brother Bao get involved in such matters?"

Xi Chun thought about it and realized that it was true. From the beginning of Qian Xue, Bao Yu would only make a scene in front of his mother and grandmother, and then forget about it after three or five days. He never cared about the life or death of the people around him.
As the saying goes, it's not that you don't know the goods, it's that you don't compare them. Born into the Jia family, the two sisters were used to their father and brothers' philandering, and had long since accepted that male philandering was commonplace.

But compared to Chen Siyuan, his father and brothers were immediately far inferior. Jia She and Jia Zhen were lustful and treated their concubines as mere playthings; Baoyu, on the other hand, always showed some genuine affection, but this affection, once given to one, could be given to another. And it came quickly and went even faster!
Unlike Chen Siyuan... Look at Xiangling, and then look at Qingwen, who was originally in Baoyu's room. They were all protected by Chen Siyuan like treasures. That's why Qingwen went to find Chen Siyuan without any regard for the consequences last night. Even Xiangling and Wu'er, who stayed in Zhuijin Tower, kept looking towards the east side.

Xi Chun was still young and didn't understand the meaning of the word "love". She was fond of and admired Chen Siyuan, but this was mostly because she had no one to rely on at a young age and regarded Chen Siyuan more as an older brother.
After giving birth, Tan Chun was already a young woman of marriageable age. She was also quite intelligent, and thanks to Aunt Zhao's encouragement, she had long harbored feelings for Chen Siyuan. However, Chen Siyuan had already made a betrothal to her second sister, Ying Chun, so she had to suppress her feelings.

The two sisters had different thoughts. After the meal, Xichun was still very sleepy, so she bid farewell to Tanchun and returned to Ouxiang Pavilion.

Tan Chun was grateful to Ying Chun and sent Shi Shu out to keep an eye on things, waiting for Ying Chun to return so she could thank her in person.

Shi Shu was quick-witted and knew her mistress's thoughts, so she would rush back and forth whenever she received any news.

After a while, he said, "The magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture personally came to our door, but there's no one of any use in the family. The eldest mistress urged Master Bao to entertain the guests, so we hurriedly invited Master Yuan to help out."

A while later, someone came again and said, "The Xia family sent two old women and a maid to see Master Bao. Master Bao was getting impatient with the small talk, so he simply went to see the Xia family."

After a while, she brought definite news: "Miss, I just saw the Second Miss return to Zhuijin Tower. Also, I heard the old women gossiping that the maid who came back from the Xia family this time is Baochan, who serves Miss Xia."

Tan Chun thought for a long time before she remembered who Bao Chan was. The Third Miss was too lazy to care about what was going on in Bao Yu's room, so she simply got up and led her maid to Zhui Jin Lou.

Upon reaching the upstairs, they found Xing Xiuyan there as well.

Upon seeing Tan Chun coming upstairs, Xing Xiuyan smiled and said, "What did I tell you? Third Sister is here now!" Turning to Yingchun, she said, "Then I'll play chess with Second Sister later."

Yingchun rose to see them off. Xing Xiuyan and Tanchun nodded to each other and passed each other. Yingchun sent Hongyu to see Xing Xiuyan off, and then pulled Tanchun into her boudoir.

Yingchun smiled and said, "What brings you here, Third Sister? I heard Fourth Sister had a nightmare yesterday, are you feeling better now?"

Tan Chun was a straightforward person and had no patience for rambling. She simply said gratefully, "Thank you, Second Sister, for standing up for me."

Yingchun smiled, completely unconcerned, and said, "It was just a coincidence... Such a tainted heart should be sent away from the manor, otherwise he will be a scourge sooner or later if he stays." She paused, then smiled and said, "Besides, it was he who suggested this. If Third Sister wants to thank him, she should thank him instead."

He... was naturally referring to Chen Siyuan.

Tan Chun was slightly surprised, unaware that Chen Siyuan was involved. Tan Chun pressed for details, and Ying Chun gave a brief explanation, which only intensified Tan Chun's heart.

She pondered, wondering if Brother Yuan had feelings for her... or if he simply regarded her as a younger sister.

But it was too late to think about anything else now, so Tan Chun forced a smile and said, "Then please thank my brother-in-law on my behalf, Second Sister."

Yingchun blushed deeply and reached out to gently pinch Tanchun's cheek, saying, "You little rascal, now you even tease me!"

Tan Chun giggled and laughed non-stop. After breaking free from Ying Chun's clutches, she teased her for a few more minutes before saying, "I happened to get some South Sea pearls when I was celebrating my birthday. When Second Sister sends me the shoe pattern later, I'll embroider two pairs of shoes for her. It'll be a nice addition to her dowry."

Yingchun agreed sheepishly, then retorted sarcastically, "Third sister, don't be in such a hurry. In three to five years, you'll have your day too. Don't expect me to show mercy then."

Tan Chun smiled and said, "Three to five years? That's still a long way off." As she said this, Tan Chun felt a deep sadness in her heart—she didn't know why, but whenever she thought about the day she would get married and her husband would not be Chen Siyuan, she felt heartbroken.

..................................................................

After seeing the Shuntian Prefecture Magistrate off at the gate, Chen Siyuan turned and entered the ceremonial gate. Immediately, a little maid named Yunxiang came up to him and pulled him to the side of the south hall, whispering, "Master, Master, the Xia family has arrived. The one leading them is Baochan. They're heading to Qixianzhai right now."

Chen Siyuan replied, "Understood."

Yunxiang continued, "It's not over yet. As soon as Baochan arrived, Xiren left Qixianzhai with a gloomy face. I just saw her and Zijuan go for a walk in the garden to clear their heads."

Chen Siyuan seemed thoughtful. Ever since he started colluding with Xiren, he had subtly hinted at his intentions. Xiren, who was always eager to curry favor, had probably already realized that Baoyu was unreliable. Moreover, now that Xia Jingui was pregnant, she had specially sent Baochan, the most beautiful maidservant, over. Ostensibly, it was to visit the Jia family after hearing of their misfortune, but in reality, it was to prevent Baoyu from forgetting Xia Jingui. Perhaps she had also sent Baochan to help Xia Jingui secure her favor.

Chen Siyuan was too lazy to care about Baoyu's messy affairs, but he was thinking about how Xiren should deal with it. Xiren had already hinted that she wouldn't be able to become Baoyu's concubine, and he wondered if she would make up her mind after this.

Yunxiang stared intently at Chen Siyuan. After a while, Chen Siyuan snapped out of his daze, nodded at Yunxiang, and said, "Not bad, I'll give you an extra string of cash next month."

Yunxiang, observing the situation, knew that this matter was not to her master's liking, and the only reason he gave her the reward was because of her hard work. Yunxiang pouted and said unconvinced, "It's not over yet. There was also a commotion in the madam's courtyard. Aunt Zhao dragged Third Master Huan into the garden to see the Third Miss, but later, I don't know what Sister Yuchuan said, Aunt Zhao muttered for a long time, and finally led Third Master Huan back to his room."

After a pause, he added, "And another thing, Lai Sheng just sent someone to urge Madam Zhen to come back. I heard that Madam Zhen will be returning to the East Mansion soon."

Is Lady You going back to Ningguo Mansion? Now that the Jia family has no male members at home except for the useless Baoyu, Chen Siyuan should go and take a look, both out of courtesy and reason.

He nodded and instructed Yunxiang to go back and tidy up the Qingtang Thatched Cottage. He then quickly entered the Grand View Garden and soon found the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

The wet nurse was strolling around the courtyard with Ugly Boy in her arms. Silver Butterfly walked out with her head down. When she looked up and saw Chen Siyuan, her face immediately lit up with joy. She smiled and said, "Master Yuan, you've come at the right time. Our mistress is going back to the mansion, but the mansion is in a mess and she has been frightened. We were just about to ask Master Yuan to come and help us out."

Remembering that Madam You had narrowly escaped death yesterday, Chen Siyuan didn't say much, only nodding and saying, "I only rushed over after receiving the news. When will Sister-in-law Zhen set off?"

It seemed as if Chen Siyuan's voice could be heard inside. Soon after, Daiyu politely escorted You Shi out of Xiaoxiang Pavilion. You Shi first greeted Chen Siyuan, then pulled Daiyu aside to say some words of gratitude before bidding farewell to Daiyu.

Chen Siyuan had no time to talk to Daiyu. He just looked at her with concern. Daiyu had bright eyes and white teeth. When their eyes met, she smiled.

Unlike Baochai, who both hoped her husband would achieve high office and feared for his safety, Daiyu was hesitant to act for the sake of appearances. Daiyu believed that if her husband understood her, she would also try to understand his thoughts.

Her smile made Chen Siyuan smile and nod in response, everything understood without words. He then invited Madam You and called two maids to accompany her, escorting Madam You to Ningguo Mansion.

They walked in silence until they passed through the East Corner Gate and entered Huifang Garden. Just after crossing the pier, Madam You turned her head to look back. Yindie understood and immediately stopped the wet nurse and maidservant who were accompanying them. Only after Madam You and Chen Si had walked a dozen steps away did she quietly follow them.

As Madam You entered Ningxi Pavilion, she couldn't help but tremble as she exclaimed, "Rong-ge'er wants to kill me!"

Chen Siyuan glanced sideways, sighed, and remained silent. He had already offered his advice earlier, but You Shi was too smug, believing that with Jia Zhen's protection, Jia Rong would no longer be able to cause trouble. As a result, the two maids Chen Siyuan had sent were placed in the servants' quarters at the back by You Shi. When the incident occurred, the two maids could only guard the door and could not help in the slightest.

Madam You sobbed slightly, her eyes reddening, and said, "Brother Yuan, what should we do?"

Knowing that Madam You was in a state of panic, Chen Siyuan comforted her, saying, "It's just a desperate act. Now that you've escaped this predicament, he has no other options."

Madam You shook her head and said, "It's different. He's his son, after all. I'm just a second wife."

Chen Siyuan said in a low voice, "Jia Zhen is the most cold-hearted person. He has never liked Jia Rong. This time, Jia Rong deliberately killed Chou Ge'er. Although he will probably have to suppress this matter for the sake of his reputation, Jia Rong can forget about returning to Ningguo Mansion for the rest of his life."

Madam You was still uneasy and pondered, "Is there...is there no way to solve this once and for all? Brother Yuan, I know you don't like me, but for the sake of my eldest sister, you have to help me this once!"

Chen Siyuan's expression immediately changed, and he said, "Are you using my eldest sister to coerce me?"

When Madam You met those clear eyes, she panicked and hurriedly shook her head, saying, "No, no, I just want you to give me a proper idea." After a pause, afraid of angering Chen Siyuan, she whispered, "Don't worry, I will take care of Eldest Sister. When I take charge of the household in the future, I will prepare a dowry for Eldest Sister."

Chen Siyuan said, "I will raise my daughter myself, so you don't need to worry about her." Seeing You Shi looking at him with a pitiful expression, Chen Siyuan's heart softened and he said, "I answered the Shuntian Prefecture earlier and reported that Jia Rong was missing. If you want to solve this once and for all, you might as well find a corpse and say it was Jia Rong."

"This, this—" Madam You was startled and stammered for a long time before she dared not respond.

Chen Siyuan scratched his head, thinking that even if Madam You was a little smarter than Madam Xing, she was probably only a little smarter. Everything had to be explained to her carefully before she would understand the true meaning.

Chen Siyuan frowned slightly and lowered his voice, saying, "Jia Zhen will be back tomorrow. You should cry and beg, and then have someone else offer this plan. At that time, Jia Zhen will be angry, and in order to appease you, he might just agree to it. In this way, Chou Ge'er can inherit the title in a natural way, and it will save Jia Zhen from having to go through all the trouble of getting in touch with the Ministry of Rites."

Madam You blinked, thought it over in her mind, and suddenly felt that the plan was ingenious. She had always coveted Chen Siyuan's body, and now that she had such a good idea, she couldn't help but be distracted and started to have impure thoughts about Chen Siyuan.

Just then, they were about to turn, but Madam You was walking straight ahead. The two of them, one turning right and the other going straight, collided.

Yu cried out "Oh dear!" and was about to fall, but Chen Siyuan was quick-witted and grabbed her, preventing her from hitting a pillar.

Chen Siyuan frowned and said, "What are you thinking about? Watch your step!"

These words were quite blunt, yet Madam You blushed, lowered her head, and softly agreed. After leaving Ningxi Pavilion, she whispered again, "Later... after Third Sister goes to settle the accounts, I... I'll go see Eldest Sister."

Chen Siyuan felt disgusted and thought to himself: Are you going to see the eldest sister? You're clearly just lusting after me!
He said coldly, "Do you want to cause someone's death?"

After hesitating for a moment, Madam You said, "Whatever Second Sister does, so can I do..." Second Sister You was extremely uninhibited in bed, so Madam You's words were... Chen Siyuan couldn't help but have wild thoughts. Looking at Madam You's obedient and submissive appearance, he couldn't bring himself to refuse, so he simply followed Madam You to the East Courtyard in silence.

After settling Chou-ge'er in the East Courtyard, the two headed towards the inner hall of the Central Courtyard. Due to the misfortune that had befallen them, the night had been chaotic, and Lai-sheng had been leading his servants in and out of the inner courtyard during the day, so there was nothing to hide at this moment.

After regaining some of her composure, Lady You, having received Lai Sheng's report on various matters, made decisions on the most difficult ones and instructed that the remaining matters be handled according to established procedures. She then entrusted all matters concerning the outer courtyard to Chen Siyuan, and summoned two trusted daughters-in-law to manage the affairs, while she went to the east courtyard to discuss matters behind closed doors.

Chen Siyuan entered the mansion last night to arrest the thief, and Lai Sheng and the others were all convinced of his authority. Moreover, there are established rules for all matters in the outer courtyard, and Lai Sheng only needs to make a token report, while the specific matters are handled by his subordinates.

Chen Siyuan sat comfortably in the inner hall, enjoying tea and snacks, and stayed there until dusk before bidding farewell to Madam You and returning to the Grand View Garden.

It was late at night when Chen Siyuan entered. As soon as he entered, Qingwen helped him wash his hands and said, "Just now, Miss Biao, Miss Qin, and Miss Yun came over and sat for a while. When they saw that Master had not returned, they went back to their respective homes."

Chen Siyuan responded, and Qingwen laughed, "Miss Biao didn't say anything, but Miss Yun and Miss Qin kept asking about what happened last night. I told them, and they were both amazed. Hehe, I noticed that Miss Qin's eyes were different; she must be smitten with Master."

Baoqin?

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "She has a lot of clever ideas and is very good at hiding them. Ordinary people probably can't guess what she's thinking."

Qingwen said in surprise, "Miss Qin has a lot on her mind? I didn't realize that."

Chen Siyuan affectionately flicked Qingwen's pert nose and laughed, "If you could see through it, how could I be considered scheming?"

Qingwen pouted and said coquettishly, "What you're saying makes it sound like I can't tell the difference between good and bad people."

After saying this, she began to ponder again—hadn't she been wholeheartedly devoted to Baoyu before? Relying on her beauty and excellent needlework skills, she would have a big argument with Baoyu whenever she was in a bad mood. She thought that she was sent by the old lady and would definitely become a concubine in the future, but who knew that she would be tricked and driven out of the mansion.

As for that Second Master Bao… she was practically dying, and Baoyu hadn’t shown any concern whatsoever. On the contrary, when she herself went to his door to demand her indenture, he made a scene. Now, thinking back, Qingwen felt only contempt—all that fuss, couldn’t he at least take a moment to check on her life or death?
Thinking about it this way, it seems... I really can't tell the difference between good and bad people?
Qingwen blinked, her face immediately contorting with conflict. Seeing the playful look on Chen Siyuan's face, Qingwen simply hugged Chen Siyuan's arm, leaning half her body against him, and said coquettishly, "Whatever you say, Master, is what you say. I'll listen to you from now on."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily, then asked in a low voice, "Are you feeling any better?"

Qingwen looked around hurriedly, and seeing that Xiangling and Wu'er were far away, she nodded and hummed in agreement. Recalling the enchanting moments of the previous night, Qingwen opened her mouth as if to speak, but then stopped herself.

Then, unable to resist, he said, "Sir, how about... I go to the west wing today?"

Chen Siyuan said considerately, "No need, let's just rest well today."

A smile immediately bloomed on the girl's face, her bright eyes filled with Chen Siyuan's image. She turned her head to steal a glance, and before Xiangling and Wu'er could see, she pressed her little head against Chen Siyuan's arm, then quickly pulled away.

After a while, Wu'er returned with a food box. Chen Siyuan had eaten a lot of tea and snacks in the afternoon, so he couldn't eat anything now. Moreover, he was thinking about meeting Baochai at Hengwu Garden that night, so he distributed the evening snacks to several maids, ate two pieces of pastry himself, and then went to his study.

As dusk settled, Chen Siyuan could no longer contain his thoughts. He changed into a black robe and, under Qingwen's surprised gaze, secretly went to Hengwu Garden.

She climbed over the back wall and quietly made her way to the back door. She reached out and knocked lightly. After a moment, the door creaked open, but the person inside was not Baochai, but Ying'er.

Just as Chen Siyuan was about to speak, Ying'er shushed him, pointed with her finger, and then turned her head and pointed inwards with her middle finger. Seeing that Chen Siyuan understood, she led him to hide behind the screen.

A moment later, Xiangyun said from the bedroom, "A pillow is enough. I'll just stay at Qin's place for a few days. It's not like I'm not coming back."

Baochai smiled insincerely and said, "Don't come back. What kind of proper young lady can't even sleep peacefully at night like you?"

Xiangyun then smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Good sister, are you really willing to part with it?"

After a while, Baochai chuckled and said, "Whatever you want, stay as many days as you like. I can sleep more peacefully without you." Then she instructed Cuilu that the two girls were both young and should not be allowed to misbehave.

Cuilu smiled and readily agreed. Xiangyun then said she wanted to embroider a handkerchief for Baochai, and only then did she pick up her pillow and leave Hengwu Garden.

Baochai escorted Xiangyun and her maid out of Hengwu Garden. As she returned to her room and closed the door, a pair of strong arms suddenly embraced her.

Baochai breathed heavily, and upon smelling the familiar scent, blushed and said, "What the hell! Ying'er is still here, quickly let go."

Chen Siyuan chuckled, released Bao Jie, then turned her around by her shoulders before carefully examining her with a smile.

Since Xiangyun moved in, Chen Siyuan has had no more opportunities to steal kisses and seduce her. Even when the two occasionally meet at the Qingtang Thatched Cottage, they can only linger briefly and cannot resolve their feelings.

Their eyes met, and they were naturally moved.

Fearing being seen by the old women outside, Baochai quickly looked away. Seeing that Ying'er had discreetly gone to the study, she then pulled Chen Siyuan towards the bedroom.

Chen Siyuan casually sat down on the bed, and Baochai carefully moved the candlestick to the window so that her silhouette would not be seen by outsiders.

Turning around and walking closer, she saw Chen Siyuan leaning to the side, smiling at her. Baochai suppressed her laughter and came over, reaching out to feel around: "Yesterday was so dangerous, were you hurt?"

Chen Siyuan let Baochai touch him freely, and just smiled and said, "I am always cautious. If I wasn't absolutely sure, why would I risk my life? Don't worry, sister, I'm really not hurt anywhere."

Seeing that she was indeed unharmed, Baochai breathed a long sigh of relief. Chen Siyuan reached out and pulled her close, and she pressed herself against his chest, pouting as she whispered, "I was so worried about what happened last night, but I couldn't help at all."

Chen Siyuan said, "Swords have no eyes, I will handle this matter, sister, you don't need to worry."

Baochai didn't know what else to say, so she simply wrapped her arms around Chen Siyuan's waist, pressing her body even closer. The two whispered sweet nothings for a while, and before they knew it, the topic of Aunt Xue came up. Baochai immediately frowned suspiciously and said, "You said..."

She started something, but then stopped after a while.

Chen Siyuan asked, "What did I say?"

Baochai shook her head and said, "It's nothing... It's just that Mother seems to have an upset stomach. I saw her dry heaving several times. I asked Tongxi and Tonggui in private, but they said Mother was fine. I guess they were instructed by Mother to keep it from me."

Chen Siyuan broke out in a cold sweat, afraid that Baochai would notice his abnormal heartbeat. So he moved his body so that Baochai leaned against his lap. Looking at her charming appearance, he said, "Then I will ask the imperial physician to come and examine the concubine later."

Baochai frowned and said, "The imperial physician has been invited, but Mother refused."

Chen Siyuan said, "The concubine and the madam are somewhat estranged... Besides, the imperial physicians in the manor aren't particularly skilled. I'll find Doctor Ding to examine the concubine later."

“Mm,” Bao-jie replied.

Fearing that Baochai would hold a grudge about this matter, Chen Siyuan quickly brought up the matter of going to Ningguo Mansion to oversee things in the afternoon.

The fact that Jia Rong colluded with outsiders and looted the Ningguo Mansion could no longer be concealed. If it weren't for the gag order issued by both the East and West Mansions, it would probably have been known to everyone long ago.

Currently, only Xiangyun, Xichun, and others are unaware of the inside story, while those like Baochai, who have reliable head maids by their side, have already heard the news.

Upon hearing Chen Siyuan's words, Baochai couldn't help but ask, "I heard... it was Rong-ge'er who did this?"

Chen Siyuan didn't try to hide anything and simply nodded in agreement, saying, "If the upper beam is crooked, the lower beam will be crooked too."

Baochai remarked, "He's run away. Does he mean he'll never come back? I wonder what Brother Zhen will do to Jia Rong when he returns."

Chen Siyuan coughed lightly and said, "As you know, my sister... I have some kind of relationship with Sister-in-law Zhen."

Baochai thought of You Erjie and You Sanjie, nodded, and waited for Chen Siyuan to continue.

"When I went to Ningguo Mansion in the afternoon, Sister-in-law Zhen cried and begged me to let her go. I softened for a moment and gave her an idea." Chen Siyuan then explained his dirty trick.

After listening, Baochai pondered for a while before saying, "I'm afraid Sister-in-law Zhen will be disappointed." Seeing Chen Siyuan's confusion, Baochai said, "Your idea is certainly good... but the Ningguo Mansion is already empty. Where would they get the money to pay for Jia Rong's funeral? I think after Brother Zhen gets the news, he will probably delay for a year or two, then report to the Ministry of Rites that he has disappeared, and then change the person who inherits the title."

Chen Siyuan suddenly realized and laughed, "Oh right, I had completely forgotten about that. My sister is so clever."

Baochai said modestly, "You have many thoughts, so it's inevitable that there are some things you haven't thought of... I was just being foolish."

As they spoke, their eyes met, and Chen Siyuan could no longer restrain himself. The hand that had been playing with Baochai's hair quietly moved down, supporting her waist and capturing Yingrou, before leaning down to kiss her.

The two had not been close for a long time, and it was inevitable that they would be drawn to each other. In addition, the events of the previous night had left Baochai feeling anxious, joyful, and sorrowful, so she couldn't help but indulge Chen Siyuan a bit.

Chen Siyuan was the type to take advantage of anyone, and seeing that Baochai was indulging him, he was no longer going to be polite. In no time, he manipulated Baochai until she was writhing and trembling, her body trembling and her limbs quivering. After two orgasms, she begged for mercy repeatedly.

Chen Siyuan then said with a fawning smile, "Good sister, I've served you twice, shouldn't you at least repay me in some way?"

Baochai shyly agreed, extending her delicate hand as if to make her move, but Chen Siyuan refused. He then whispered a few words in Baochai's ear, immediately making her blush with embarrassment, and she said, "How...how can you treat someone like this?"

Chen Siyuan tried to coax and persuade her with a smile, and whispered a few words in her ear. Baochai rolled her eyes at him, and seeing that Ying'er still hadn't come over, she shyly moved her legs onto the bed, took off her socks, and revealed a pair of fair and tender feet...

(End of this chapter)