Chapter Text
She stood on tiptoe and pulled Xie Jing Xing’s collar to bring him closer to her and kissed him fiercely.
“You even kiss me like this.” She said.
It felt like a wave of shock and incredulity had crashed upon Xie Jing Xing. Particularly due to a certain foolish little girl in his arms. How he had allowed himself to be compromised to such close proximity by her, he doesn’t know. The touch of her soft lips met his. Plum blossom wine.
As if noticing his inaction, Shen Miao pushed more eagerly against him. He soon found his senses and swiftly pushed the overzealous girl back. With one hand stabilising her back, Xie Jing Xing pinched Shen Miao’s chin tightly. A dark chuckle brewed from his lips. This fool!
“Is this lady so eager to send oneself to another's door?”
Xie Jing Xing said in a soft, teasing voice. The tone almost akin to a lover's whisper if it weren't for it being a colder, huskier sound.
“Little Shen girl, you exceed my expectations, truly very capable,” He droned out sarcastically.
His eyes trace her face, from her lips to her red-rimmed eyes, brought from her previous crying and drunken state. Indeed, the rumours seemed to be some parts truthful about this foolish little Shen girl. He just didn’t expect that she would be someone of three hearts and two minds [1] and that he would become her next target. One couldn’t fault him for this thinking. After all, not too long ago, she caused quite a stir with her affections for Prince Ding and became a popular topic of gossip between furens.
Deliberating all this, Xie Jing Xing couldn’t help pinching her chin harder.
Caught off guard due to her sluggishness, Shen Miao met his eyes dazedly. She felt his hands locking and pinching her, instinctively feeling wronged in her heart. Now he wouldn't even let her kiss him.
One must know how sticky he was before, strolling around close to her everywhere in the manor as if one was afraid people didn't know she was his wangfei. A sour tinge hit her nostrils, and her red eyes angrily glared at him. He truly is a bad man! Words bubbled up in Shen Miao's throat, ready to curse this swindler into Yama’s reign[2].
Feeling her scorching gaze, Xie Jing Xing knew the restless girl in his arms would soon resume scolding his character till black and blue. A trace of helplessness crept up in his heart, leaving an indescribable feeling.
Before Shen Miao could utter another word about his shamelessness. Xie Jing Xing flicked her forehead. His force was not light at all, not accommodating his strength for the unruly female. Shen Miao choked on her words, feeling wronged at the slight stinging on her forehead.
“I suggest that little Shen girl return to the Shen household. It’s really not suitable for a vulnerable drunk like you to be alone at this time of night.”
Xie Jing Xing gazed around the moonlit pavilion full of untouched delicacies. The cold wind blew through the open air. Shen Miao suddenly felt a small chill and unconsciously hid further into Xie Jing Xing’s arms.
He paused for a second, tracing the youthful features of the girl in front of him. His gaze eventually fell on her eyes. Less than a month ago, it was as if another soul took hold of her body. Whilst her body remained, her air changed, and her eyes turned deep with calmness only one who had withstood trials and tribulations could have. Such an inconsistent character chasing his shadow every day caused him to carry heavy suspicions.
Now, looking at the coquettish thing squirming in his embrace, he wonders what kind of medicine this lady is taking. Xie Jing Xing sighed lightly. Forget it. Count this as her blessing. He ignored the subtle familiarity slithering into his mind.
“Stop writhing lest I deliver you to the hoodlums in the streets.”
Xie Jing Xing starts to walk, dragging her gently towards the back entrance of the Yan Yu Pavilion. His hold not giving her any chance to escape.
“Who can bear it if the treasure of the first household gets harmed overnight?” He teased lowly, pinching her cheek.