Jiang Ning was lying there, savoring the lingering scent of Shenhe.
He felt quite satisfied, even wanting to experience it again.
Then he heard Ganyu's words, leaving him completely confused.
What did she mean by "moving forward"?
Still, he instinctively sat up.
"What is it, Senior Sister?"
As he rose, the towel that was covering him slipped.
Ganyu, who had just crouched down in front of Jiang Ning, couldn't help but glance downward.
Her pupils dilated in shock once again. This... this... was this normal for someone his age?!
Though still innocent herself, Miss Qilin had lived long enough to have some awareness of such matters, even if only through hearsay. Hence her extreme surprise.
"Dry yourself off first! Then come out to talk!" Ganyu fled in panic, showing none of her earlier composure in stopping her junior sister's "outrageous behavior."
Jiangning's mind was also in a haze - too much had happened in these few short minutes. So he chose to stop thinking and simply follow Senior Sister Ganyu's instructions.
About ten minutes later, the three disciples were seated in the living room. Ganyu sat in the main seat, with Shenhe and Jiangning facing each other on either side.
Ganyu had intended to maintain a stern expression to convey the seriousness of the situation to her junior sister, while also teaching her junior brother about self-protection. But every time she looked at her junior brother's face, she couldn't help but notice his delicate collarbones, fair complexion, and... No, no, Ganyu, you mustn't think such thoughts...
Ganyu slapped her own cheeks, leaving Jiangning puzzled. What's... going on?
Ganyu looked at Jiangning seriously and said: "Jiangning, sometimes boys need to learn to protect themselves outside, understand? Especially someone like you..."
Someone like you, without any self-defense skills, might be walking down the street in the morning and end up in some wealthy woman's bedroom by evening.
Jiangning nodded vaguely: "Oh, I understand..."
Ganyu didn't dare say too much to Jiangning, thinking he must be troubled and unwilling to recall such a "frightening" experience.
So she only hinted at the matter, but her criticism of Shenhe was like a sudden storm.
"Shenhe, I can't believe you would disregard little junior brother's wishes!" Ganyu's eyebrows furrowed as she scolded.
"Moreover, little junior brother isn't of age yet. Do you know what this is called? This could land you in prison!"
Shenhe answered honestly: "I didn't know..."
Ganyu faltered: "Well, now you know?"
Shenhe still didn't understand: "I was just... expressing my feelings for junior brother... is that not allowed?"
Ganyu replied: "You could have expressed it in a more subtle way! How could you burst in while he's bathing and just... begin like that!"
Shenhe wanted to say: "But..." Miss Ying'er said hesitation leads to defeat...
Ganyu gently stroked Jiangning's face, her eyes full of concern. The poor thing must have been frightened. It's okay, Senior Sister will protect you. Unconsciously, Ganyu had begun treating her delicate junior brother like a precious treasure to be protected by all. She would guard her junior brother's honor as his senior sister!
However, watching Ganyu's interaction with their junior brother, Shenhe had a realization. So she wasn't the only one who had feelings for junior brother... Understood, Senior Sister wanted to compete for first place!
Remembering Ying'er's teachings, Shenhe became internally vigilant. Even if you're Senior Sister, I won't yield to you... Shenhe didn't oppose sharing with Senior Sister, but she must be first. What did Miss Ying'er call it? Ah yes, the primary wife?
Meanwhile, Jiangning understood that Senior Sister thought he had been forced by Shenhe. He quickly tried to explain: "Um, Senior Sister, actually Senior Sister Shenhe didn't..." On the contrary, I quite enjoyed it... but he couldn't say that aloud.
"You don't need to say anything, little junior brother. Senior Sister understands everything." Ganyu patted Jiangning's head. Her eyes were full of gentleness. Look how kind little junior brother is, trying to cover for Shenhe to prevent tension between us and preserve our martial siblings' relationship... Compared to Shenhe, he's truly an angel.
Finally, Ganyu said: "Alright, Shenhe, you need to reflect on this. Let's rest for today."
After they dispersed, Ganyu felt relieved. It was fortunate she hadn't worked overtime today and chose to come home. If she hadn't... In ten months, her junior siblings might have been returning to see their master with a niece or nephew!? Then Master would certainly scold her for not watching over little junior brother properly. And when people connected the child's birth date with junior brother's age... Oh no, Shenhe would really end up in prison! It would become an immortal realm scandal!
Ganyu shuddered involuntarily at that terrible possibility. But she often had to work overtime, while her junior brother and sister were always here... It wasn't safe, not safe at all! Alarm bells rang in Ganyu's mind. She felt she needed to implement some preventive measures. Otherwise, little junior brother would really be taken advantage of.
Ganyu thought it over and made a decision. Little junior brother and Shenhe had joined the Adventurers' Guild because they had nothing else to do... Why not have little junior brother come work with her, helping with tasks within his capability? As for Shenhe, she could be sent on outdoor missions, or kept under Ganyu's supervision. At least they couldn't be left alone together!
Moreover, Ganyu decided to temporarily stop working overtime. In summary: guard against fire, theft, and Shenhe! At least for two or three months, until little junior brother comes of age!
Ganyu silently encouraged herself, then, just as she was about to retire for the night, suddenly remembered something and went to wait outside Jiangning's room in her nightwear.
Sure enough, she caught Shenhe approaching with her pillow.
You really haven't reflected at all! Ganyu glared at Shenhe.
While the senior sisters faced off at the door, inside the room, Jiang Ning was sleeping restlessly.
His handsome face was slightly flushed as he tossed and turned.
He seemed to be having some kind of dream.
After about the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Jiangning suddenly shuddered once, then a few more times, before becoming still.
His expression settled into peacefulness And he continued sleeping quietly.