Shen Jianxi didn't know how long Qiu Tao and Cheng Wenyu talked. After they changed the topic, she had 77 turn off the surveillance. Although the demonic energy that entered her body wasn't much, it still had an effect over time. Right now, she was so sleepy her eyes felt glued shut.
She forced herself to circulate spiritual energy to expel the demonic energy. As soon as she sat down to meditate, she lost track of time.
When she opened her eyes again, the sky outside was already dark. The room was dim, and she could vaguely see a dark figure sitting opposite her.
"Who?!"
As she spoke, she unleashed a stream of spiritual energy, only to have it easily neutralized. The next second, she was pinned to the bed.
"You truly gave me a huge surprise, Xiao Ci'er, oh no, I should call you Shen Jianxi, right?"
Qiu Tao's voice, gritted with teeth, echoed in her ear. Shen Jianxi moved her wrist, only to be met with his even more forceful suppression.
"What, you're allowed to lie to me, but I'm not allowed to lie to you, Qiu Tao?"
In front of Lin Xinglan, she might feel some guilt and nervousness. In front of Qiu Tao, she feared nothing. After all, they were two of a kind, and neither had spoken the complete truth, had they?
Besides,
"Do we have any relationship that requires us to tell each other the truth?"
Qiu Tao chuckled lowly. Shen Jianxi could clearly feel the vibrations from his chest. After a long moment, his deep voice spoke, "How can we not have a relationship? You are my savior, Xi'er."
Shen Jianxi gritted her teeth, "I am not only your savior, but also your sister-in-law."
At this, Qiu Tao's body stiffened. The next second, his voice was heavy, "Don't provoke me, Xi'er."
His voice whispered by her ear, like vines entwining Shen Jianxi's heart, tightening in an instant.
77: "Beep! Random mission issued! For world love and peace, please host speak gently to Qiu Tao within a month and do not refuse any request he makes."
Shen Jianxi: ???
"Are you sure this is for peace??? And missions come with preambles now? Artificial intelligence, huh?!"
Shen Jianxi finally understood what 77 had said when she first arrived in this world. Good heavens, not only could she not refuse Qiu Tao's requests, but she had to speak gently. This was clearly meant to provoke Cheng Wenyu!
"What are you thinking about, Xi'er?" At some point, Qiu Tao had moved to sit beside her and was staring at her intently.
Shen Jianxi gave him a look of utter despair, not wanting to speak. The moment she spoke, she'd have to be gentle.
As if to spite her, Qiu Tao bombarded her with questions one after another.
"Is it because I refused to marry you that you chose him?"
"Or have you fallen for him?"
"When did you two meet?"
"Hm? Why aren't you speaking, Xi'er?"
Shen Jianxi had intended to play mute and get through it, but 77 suddenly spoke, "Host, you must answer his questions, otherwise it will be considered as not accepting his request, and the mission will fail. There are penalties for mission failure."
Upon hearing this, Shen Jianxi jolted upright, tidied her slightly disheveled hair, and plastered a customer service smile on her face. Sweetly, she said, "No, I haven't fallen for him, and we met recently."
Qiu Tao looked at the distant smile on her face, a bitter feeling spreading through him. He suddenly felt lost.
Now that she had fallen for Cheng Wenyu, what should he do?
Should he fight for her or not?
With this question in his heart, Qiu Tao became dejected. He stood up and walked out without a word.
He needed to think things through properly.
Seeing him leave, Shen Jianxi let out a long sigh. If she stayed any longer, she was afraid Qiu Tao would make a request that she would have no choice but to accept.
Seeing that it was getting late and remembering what she had promised Cheng Wenyu during the day, she quickly put on her shoes and went to find him.
She had expected Cheng Wenyu to be asleep, but the room was brightly lit. He sat by the bed, his dark hair falling around him, his lips pressed into a tight line, his head bowed as if lost in thought. Sudan Novel Network.
"Brother Wenyu," she called out softly, afraid of disturbing him.
Hearing her voice, Cheng Wenyu raised his head to look in her direction. He curved his lips into a smile, "Xixi, you're back."
"Mhm."
She walked over and touched Cheng Wenyu's hand. As she expected, it was cold. "Why aren't you in bed resting?"
Cheng Wenyu stared blankly at her. As soon as she entered, a familiar scent wafted into his nostrils.
It was the scent of Qiu Tao.
Qiu Tao was vain and loved to use fragrant powders. This was his usual scent.
The realization that the scent was so clear and strong only when they were close made Cheng Wenyu's expression dim. His heart felt as if it were being squeezed. He now deeply regretted bringing Shen Jianxi up the mountain.
"Xixi."
Shen Jianxi was warming his hands and looked up at him when she heard him speak, "Yes?"
"Do you want to go home?"
Shen Jianxi froze for a moment. The targets of her mission were all here, so she absolutely could not go back. She shook her head. Remembering that Cheng Wenyu couldn't see, she added, "No."
"...Mhm, I understand."
She gave him a look of apology. Shen Jianxi knew he was jealous, but she couldn't say more. Perhaps telling him the truth about this marriage could stop things before they got worse.
With that thought, she prepared to speak, "Brother Wenyu, I—"
"Xixi!" Cheng Wenyu suddenly raised his voice, interrupting her. Then, his voice returned to normal, "Let's go to sleep."
He didn't know what she wanted to say, but his intuition told him it wasn't something he wanted to hear.
Shen Jianxi extinguished the lamp and climbed into bed. She could hear the breathing of the person beside her.
Suddenly, Cheng Wenyu flipped over, pressing himself against her. His warm lips touched her ear, and he murmured, "Xixi, I [want] you."
His tone was tinged with insecurity and fear, though he hid it well.
Before Shen Jianxi could refuse, her lips were sealed. He kissed her with a frantic intensity, and she could even taste the metallic tang of blood. All her words were swallowed.
...