In a moment of impulse, I forcibly kissed my brother's best friend.

After a long while, Xie Yige finally peeked her little head out of his arms again.

Cui Yutang saw the lingering tears and fear in her eyes; her long eyelashes were like wet butterfly wings, as if they would shatter at the slightest touch.

He suddenly regretted it—he shouldn't have scared her.

Although she chose the book herself, he failed to fulfill his responsibility to remind her.

"You'll have to take me back to my room later," she said softly, her voice full of dependence. "It's so dark outside."

"Okay, I'll stay with you." He couldn't help but hug her even tighter.

"I don't want to sleep alone tonight." Xie Yige said listlessly, like a flower that had been hit by frost.

Cui Yutang's heart stirred, and a fleeting look of anticipation flashed across his deep eyes.

"I need Bichun to keep me company, waaaaah..."

Cui Yutang's expression froze for a moment.

Is there any way to make that maid disappear for one night?

He can stay with you. He can just stay by your bedside.

"Let's leave now, I'm too scared to go back any later." Xie Yige pulled him up.

On the way back to Yiyuan, she held his hand tightly the whole way, not daring to let go.

She actually wanted him to carry her.

But this is outside.

Tonight, the moon is shrouded in a layer of gray mist, as if the whole world is enveloped by layers of dark power.

The shadows of the trees loomed, as if something was lurking in the darkness, watching. Occasionally, a night breeze would rustle eerily through the pear orchard.

Xie Yige tightened her grip on his hand even more.

Upon reaching the entrance of Yiyuan, Cui Yutang stopped and reached out to soothe her pale cheek, the warmth of his fingertips bringing a sense of comfort.

"Get some rest tonight. If anything happens, have someone contact me immediately."

"Okay, sure."

Xie Yige watched his departing figure, feeling even more depressed.

When can we get married?

Bichun was very worried when she saw her listless and dejected appearance.

She quickly prepared hot water and helped Xie Yige wash up. The steam from the hot water rose up, carrying the fragrance of soap, which dispelled some of the chill of the night.

"Bichun, let's move the couch next to my bed together. Can you sleep on the couch tonight and keep me company?" Xie Yige sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her expectantly.

"Of course," Bichun smiled, moving the bed as she spoke. "In the past, Bichun would always stay with you like this during thunderstorms."

Xie Yige lay down, and Bichun tucked her in and turned off the light.

In the darkness, moonlight streamed through the gauze curtains, casting soft shadows on the floor.

The wind whistled through the cracks in the windowpane, making a faint sobbing sound, like something crying softly in the distance.

She closed her eyes, trying to stop herself from thinking about the pair of red embroidered shoes.

She was suddenly awakened in the middle of the night.

A pair of red embroidered shoes were placed in front of her bed.

She opened her eyes abruptly, gasping for breath, her forehead covered in cold sweat. The room was empty; there was nothing there.

Bichun was fast asleep on the couch next to her, her breathing even and steady.

She covered her eyes with her hands, took several deep breaths, her chest still heaving violently. It was a dream within a dream, so terrifying!

【Master, what's wrong?】

The beeping sound echoed in my mind, filled with worry.

"Dudu, I'm scared." Xie Yige curled up in the blanket, the voice in her mind trembling with tears.

[My dream was so scary... those red shoes... were right in front of my bed...]

Dudu looked at her eyes brimming with tears and paced anxiously in her mind.

"Or... shall I send you into Cui Langjun's dream? With him by your side, you won't be afraid."

Is this even possible?

Yes, you can. Close your eyes and think of him.

After a moment of disorientation.

She found herself standing in his study again, in the same spot where she used to choose books from the bookshelf.

However, something is not right.

My whole body felt a little cool. The air and my skin were in close contact without any obstruction.

The luminous pearls floated around, emitting an ambiguous halo.

She suddenly realized something and panicked. But she seemed unable to move.

Suddenly, she felt someone press tightly against her from behind.

She could even feel his firm, warm skin without any obstruction, carrying his unique cool sandalwood scent, enveloping her from behind. The heat seeped through her skin, making her heart tremble.

"Yi Ge." His voice was captivating and enchanting, as if it came from a very deep place, echoing, or as if he were whispering against her ear.

He slowly reached out and pulled her into his arms.

The arm pressed down on the softness of the peak.

The temperature of my palm was amazing.

His nose hovered over her slender shoulder, gently sniffing something. His breath sent sparks flying, as if something had exploded on her skin.

They've gone mad.

Her heart was pounding in her throat, thump, thump, thump—fast and heavy.

Her mind and eyes were racing. What should she do?

Suddenly, he noticed a pair of red embroidered shoes by the door.

Ahhh... This is terrifying, she's going to die!

She suddenly regained her mobility and, without hesitation, immediately turned around, grabbed his shoulders and neck, and jumped, hanging herself on him.

Then she was horrified to discover that he seemed to be empty-handed as well.

Her slender and shapely figure contrasted sharply with his strong and muscular physique.

The moment their skin touched, she felt the warmth of his chest and the equally frantic heartbeat within it.

A bolt of lightning suddenly streaked across the sky, its pale light illuminating the entire room in an instant.

She looked out the window, her heart skipped a beat, and her body went limp and she slid down.

Something is blocking it.

Her whole body went numb, as if an electric current was coursing through her body, even her fingertips were tingling.

Suddenly, a clap of thunder struck, the enormous roar shaking the room. She screamed, her limbs jerking forward.

That area was both painful and numb.

I'm going crazy.

Cui Yutang could no longer hold back. Amidst the rumbling thunder, he held her tightly.

It swayed back and forth.

The various sounds in the room mingled with the thunder, creating the most thrilling and vivid memories.

All night long.

She was in a dream.

He died and came back to life.

Traces were left all over the study.

On the couch where they had sat during the day

There are a lot.

When she woke up again, it was already broad daylight.

Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a warm golden glow in front of the bed.

Tiny dust particles floated in the air, dancing slowly in the beam of light.

Xie Yige dangled her rounded feet outside the curtain, and Bichun immediately knew she was awake.

She helped her lift the curtain and saw her young mistress's charming face, her skin smooth and flawless, as if it had been washed with water, with a faint glow, and even her pores were invisible.

"Miss, shall we go back after breakfast? Otherwise, the young master will worry."

Xie Yige blushed and gave a vague reply.

Suddenly remembering something, she quickly said, "Bichun, put your clothes there first, I'll change myself. You can go out for a bit."

"Yes, miss."

After Bichun closed the door, she quickly lifted her nightgown to check the red spots on her body.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately.

Still.