Chapter 199: Chapter 199: — She Also Seems to Be Slowly Opening Her Heart

"Can you please stop making yourself miserable?"

Cui Lingyao wrapped her arms around his waist. "I admit I’ve lied to you about a lot of things," she said, her voice muffled, "but I’m really not lying about this."

It was starting to dawn on her, too.

Three years. Not three months.

For more than a thousand days, she had been surrounded by countless suitors, many of them outstanding and talented young men.

While most were put off by her cold demeanor, a persistent few remained.

And yet, without consciously saving herself for anyone, she hadn’t given a single one of them a second glance.

Her classmates were all enjoying their youth, falling in and out of love, but she hadn’t been swayed in the slightest by the restless hormones in the air. She had lived like an ascetic Cultivator.

’Why?’

The answer was painfully obvious.

Three years ago, she had made a clean break, not daring to think about anything.

She had been so ruthless, she’d even managed to deceive herself.

But...

There were too many little details that couldn’t bear the scrutiny of memory.

Cui Lingyao felt a pang in her chest. She buried her face in his embrace and mumbled, "Jerk."

Suddenly labeled a jerk again, Xie Jinbai clicked his tongue and couldn’t resist pinching her cheek.

"I wouldn’t dare claim that title. When it comes to being a jerk, no one outdoes you."

Cui Lingyao was rendered speechless.

She sniffled but, surprisingly, didn’t argue.

Nestled obediently in his arms, she looked especially pitiable.

Xie Jinbai couldn’t bear to upset her again. He gently wrapped his arms around her and coaxed softly, "Alright, don’t be sad. I’m the jerk, okay?"

Skin pressed against skin in their tight embrace.

He forced his body to relax, softening his tense muscles, as his hand slowly caressed its way down her spine.

"Still in the mood?" Xie Jinbai lowered his head and nipped at her earlobe. "Want to go again?"

Cui Lingyao pressed her lips together and looked up at him.

Her gaze was accusatory.

Xie Jinbai pecked her cheek, his voice husky as he promised, "I swear I won’t tease you this time... You like it gentle, right? I can do gentle..."

He gripped the back of her knee.

The hand on the small of her back slowly slid lower.

Cui Lingyao buried her head in his chest, perfectly still and silent, showing no resistance.

Xie Jinbai didn’t break his promise.

He summoned all his tenderness, kissing her little by little, starting from her red, swollen eyelids and moving downward.

His touch was gentle, a soothing balm like a fine spring rain.

"Don’t cry like this again. If something’s bothering you, just tell me..."

She had been crying for so long just now; his heart had ached for her.

Cui Lingyao sniffled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

It was a rare show of initiative from her.

He never expected that making her cry would, in turn, make her a little more passionate toward him.

For the past few days, the chasm between them had felt tangible, holding them apart.

Even in their most intimate moments, their hearts had not been one.

She would nestle obediently in his arms, but her heart remained as cold as an iceberg.

But now, that iceberg seemed to be melting.

’It seemed she was slowly opening up to him.’

Xie Jinbai didn’t know if he was imagining it.

But in this moment, he was willing to believe.

’Sincerity can move mountains.’

Even a stone could be warmed eventually.

Let alone a girl as delicate as her.

He slowly lowered his hips.

Cui Lingyao’s body went rigid, and her legs, which were wrapped around his waist, couldn’t help but twitch.

A moment later, he gripped the backs of her knees.

Xie Jinbai’s dominant nature was bone-deep; he wouldn’t allow her to retreat.

"Yaoyao, whatever you like, I can give it to you. Don’t look at anyone else."

He said slowly, "You can only do this... with me. Understand?"

Cui Lingyao couldn’t help but frown. She placed a hand on his shoulder and gave a slight push.

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