"Brother Xiao Yuan, I want to tell you something," Xiao Yu said, her voice breaking the stillness that had settled around them. Her tone was soft, almost hesitant, carrying a weight that Xiao Yuan hadn't expected. He turned toward her, his eyes quietly taking in this shift in her demeanor. It was rare to see her like this. Usually strong and unyielding, she now seemed vulnerable, as if opening up a hidden part of herself just for him. Xiao Yuan realized, almost instinctively, that his influence had helped shape this gentler side of her, molding her personality in ways he hadn't consciously intended.
"Yes, and what is it?" he asked, his voice warm and friendly, his curiosity piqued. He offered her a gentle smile, encouraging her to continue. She hesitated, looking down as though gathering her thoughts, then looked up and met his gaze with newfound resolve.
"I agree with your previous proposal," she said finally, a small hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. "Of sharing you with Xun'er." Her voice was calm, her tone determined, and yet, her words were laced with a hint of shyness. Xiao Yuan blinked, genuinely surprised. He hadn't anticipated this response, not so soon anyway, yet he could see she was resolute.
"You agree? Okay," he replied with a smile, letting the warmth of his words convey his approval and appreciation. He gently leaned forward, closing the distance between them, and brought his lips to hers. Their kiss was slow, unhurried, an exploration of a connection that had been building between them. Her lips were soft, warm, and inviting, and he could feel a subtle energy from her fusion with the Seven-tailed Vixen. It was almost intoxicating—her taste, her presence, everything felt intensified, almost magical.
Unknown to them, Ling Ying was watching from the shadows, his gaze sharp as he witnessed the unexpected exchange. His usual calm composure gave way to surprise as he processed what he was seeing. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "I have to report this to Miss Xun'er." His duty to Xun'er was unwavering, and he knew that she needed to be informed of what he'd just witnessed. Without another thought, he slipped away into the shadows, moving with the quiet grace of a practiced observer. He blended into the surroundings, swift and silent, intent on reaching Xun'er as quickly as possible.
Back with Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yu, their kiss deepened, drawing them into an unspoken connection. Their lips moved together naturally, slowly, as if savoring each second. In that moment, Xiao Yuan felt a familiar sensation—a notification triggering in his mind.
[Ding…Detecting host has acquired new skill. "Golden Tongue," Upgrading it.]
[Ding…Upgrade Successful.]
The notification faded from his consciousness, but he felt a slight surge of energy, a sense of newness within him. Yet, it was easy to push aside; right now, his focus was entirely on Xiao Yu, on this shared moment. Their mouths intertwined as they exchanged breaths, her taste lingering on his lips, a mix of sweetness and warmth. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them, connected in this moment that was theirs alone.
After what felt like half a minute, they finally parted, their lips gently separating. A shared breath lingered in the air between them, their gazes meeting with unspoken words, a depth of understanding that didn't need to be voiced.
'•Spurt•…•Spurt•'
The faint sound marked the moment their lips parted fully, and for a brief second, they lingered, eyes locked, smiles subtle but meaningful. Xiao Yuan could feel the lingering warmth, the taste of her kiss still on his lips. The shared intimacy was unmistakable, leaving a quiet satisfaction in its wake. They both stood there, savoring the moment, letting the silence between them say what words couldn't.
For Xiao Yuan, this kiss was more than a simple gesture. It was an affirmation, an acknowledgment of the bond that had formed between them. He felt a sense of satisfaction, a quiet contentment that warmed him from within. And he could see that Xiao Yu felt the same. Her gaze held a mixture of trust and affection, a silent promise that this connection would endure.
In that quiet pause, he allowed himself a soft smile. The journey ahead was still uncertain, filled with challenges he couldn't yet predict, but he knew he wasn't alone. He had companions, allies—and now, something more. The air between them was charged, calm yet vibrant, as if the world itself had stilled to witness their union.
Slowly, Xiao Yuan took her hand, letting their fingers intertwine. It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes. They remained like that, silently acknowledging the path that lay ahead, a path they would now face together. And for a moment, in the tranquility of that connection, all else faded, leaving only the comfort of companionship and the promise of what was to come.
Ling Ying hurried back to Xun'er, slipping out of the shadows to appear respectfully in front of her. "Miss, there's news I'd like to share," he said, his voice carrying both urgency and respect.
Xun'er looked up at him, a slight frown creasing her brow. "Yes, Uncle Ling? What's the news?"
Ling Ying hesitated, as if unsure how to proceed. "Miss… Young Master Xiao Yuan kissed a girl named Xiao Yu," he said softly, each word carefully measured.
Xun'er's expression froze for a moment. "Brother Xiao Yuan…?" she murmured under her breath, her voice so low that only she could hear it. Though her face remained calm, a pang of jealousy stirred within her. She'd anticipated something like this might happen eventually, knowing how Xiao Yuan's charm affected others. But hearing it confirmed—it was different. A slight tension crept into her demeanor, even if she tried to remain composed. She had always wanted to be first in Xiao Yuan's heart, and knowing that he'd shared an intimate moment with another stung more than she'd expected.
Ling Ying shifted slightly, his keen eyes picking up on the subtle change in her expression, but he said nothing further, awaiting any instructions from her. Xun'er quickly regained her composure, nodding at Ling Ying in thanks as he quietly stepped back.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yuan, completely oblivious to the reaction his actions had caused, was sitting alone when he suddenly felt a strange sensation in his mind.
Ding!
A message appeared before him:
[Detection: A Lot of Jealousy]
[Titles Acquired: 'Filthy Playboy', 'Harem Maker']
Xiao Yuan blinked, barely believing what he was seeing. Harem Maker? He scratched his head, trying to understand how he'd earned such titles without even realizing it. The notifications were both amusing and perplexing. Had he really caused so much chaos just by being himself?
As he mulled it over, a small grin played at his lips. Well, what can you do? He was only one man, after all, and the hearts he'd apparently affected were out of his control—weren't they?