"What's the inconvenience? You've taken me out before; why is it a problem now?"
Her usually pretty face puffed up in a pout, sitting there looking utterly adorable.
The man couldn't help but squat down to see her more clearly at her level.
"It's not that you can't stay."
Lin Ruirui's eyes suddenly widened, sparkling as she gazed up at him.
"Really, master?"
"However, you mustn't overstep. If you promise to stay within the boundaries, then you can stay by my side."
The man felt like he was speaking more to himself than to the young girl, repeatedly telling himself that he must not cross the line—he couldn't bear to harm the woman he loved so deeply.
Lin Ruirui jumped up happily and hugged the man's neck.
But he quickly pushed her away, although Lin Ruirui wasn't discouraged and cheerfully said,
"I knew you were the best, master. I promise I won't overstep."
Her smile was radiant, twinkling with mischief, making it difficult for the man to look her directly in the eyes.
Master took Lin Ruirui to the market of the demon realm, buying her various novel trinkets and treating her to many delicacies.
At night, he escorted her back to her room, reminding her to rest well.
However, as he turned to leave, a subtle smile appeared on Lin Ruirui's face. She knew that her plan could now proceed smoothly...
The nights in the demon realm were never quiet, hence, later, a knock came at Lu Yuan's door.
Lin Ruirui stood at the doorstep, clutching a pillow.
"Master, I'm scared."
"You're a cultivator; how can you be scared? You just haven't experienced much. It'll get better with time."
With a wave of his hand, the man tried to dismiss Lin Ruirui and then shut his door.
As the door clicked shut, the man clutched at his wildly beating heart, pounding it twice.
The image of the young girl clutching her pillow was too striking; no celestial maiden could compare to her.
Keeping her close was too dangerous; he thought to distance himself or make her dislike him, so she would leave of her own accord.
Touching his chest to calm the still throbbing pain, he wondered how he would bear it if she did not reciprocate his feelings.
Moments later, his door was knocked again. It was Lin Ruirui, her eyes brimming with tears, looking pitifully at him as if about to cry any moment.
"Little girl, what are you trying to do?"
"Master, I'm scared. Can I sleep with you for a few days until I get used to it? I promise I won't cling to you."
"That's not possible. Men and women should not share a room."
"Master, I'll sleep on the floor. I won't sleep in your bed. I'm just scared."
Seeing her woeful expression, his heart seemed to melt.
"Come in, then. You sleep in the bed; I'll make do on the floor. Get some rest. You can't just meditate here like in the cultivation world; you need proper sleep to stay healthy."
Wary of any tricks, he gave her a stern reminder.
Lin Ruirui's tears turned to laughter, and she hurried into the room. The man looked around—the room only had one bed, so he resignedly laid out his bedding on the floor.
As he lay down, Lin Ruirui suddenly climbed off the bed.
"Master, the floor is cold. Let's sleep together," she pleaded with innocent, wide eyes, her voice coquettish.
The man's face turned red, and he stuttered a refusal, "No... no need, I'm not cold."