Chapter 85: Offering Herself?!

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“In our line of work, when someone tells a dancer that she is only allowed to dance for him or her from now on, it means they intend to redeem her. If the dancer agrees, she will follow them, and then…” At this point, Qingyue hesitated.

“And then… what happens?” Jin’er’s sense of foreboding deepened with every word.

Qingyue paused for a while, took a deep breath, and said, “She gives herself to them.”

At those words, Jin’er was instantly petrified, her thoughts thrown into chaos.

She felt her eyebrows twitching, the corners of her eyes spasming, and cold sweat streaming down her face.

“Wait, are you being serious…?” Jin’er’s voice trailed off as she looked up at him, testing the waters.

“Of course I’m serious. Matters of life should never be taken as a joke,” Qingyue replied with utmost solemnity.

“But I haven’t redeemed you!” Jin’er exclaimed anxiously.

“I am already a free man, so there’s no need for you to redeem me. Still, by the rules of our profession, since you said you wanted me to dance only for you, and I agreed, our bond is sealed. So, from now on, I belong to you.” As he spoke, Jin’er was so startled that she lost her balance and nearly fell to the side.

With a raised brow and quick reflexes, Qingyue rushed forward and caught her just in time.

In that moment, Jin’er forgot to push him away. Still in shock, she gazed at his devilishly handsome face, so close to hers, and murmured, “Why… why would you agree to this…?”

Qingyue looked deeply at the lovely woman in his arms, parted his lips gently, and said softly, “Because I like you.”

Jin’er’s heart gave a sudden jolt, a beat skipped, and she stared at him wide-eyed, dazed.

What should she do? What was she supposed to do now? She had never expected that answer. Damn, why was her heart beating so fast?!

Yes, she admitted she liked him, that she truly enjoyed watching him dance and listening to his flute, that she found him beautiful… but this… this…

Seeing the struggle in her eyes, Qingyue was certain of his guess. She liked him—otherwise, she could have pushed him away and rejected him outright, instead of standing here, torn and troubled.

With that thought, a faint smile played at Qingyue’s lips. Suddenly, he lowered his head and kissed Jin’er’s soft, rosy lips.

In an instant, it was as if the whole world fell silent.

So quiet that Jin’er could hear the furious pounding of her own heart.

She stared wide-eyed at the enchanting face before her, her whole body frozen, unable to move.

Meanwhile, Qingyue closed his beautiful eyes and pressed his lips gently to hers, as though savoring a delicacy he cherished too much to devour at once.

He kissed her with such sincerity, such tenderness, such deep affection, that Jin’er’s heart began to soften, little by little.

Unknowingly, Jin’er slowly closed her eyes, lost in the honeyed tenderness of his embrace.

At first, she simply responded passively, feeling his warmth, his kiss. Gradually, their breaths grew uneven, and she parted her lips ever so slightly, no longer tense with nervousness.

Yet, even then, he did not take advantage of her, but continued his gentle, delicate caresses. She could tell his kiss was inexperienced, but that only made the feeling sweeter, making her feel safe and secure, unlike that night…

The memory of Liuyue’s forcible kiss flashed through her mind, and Jin’er abruptly snapped back to herself. Flustered, she pushed Qingyue away and broke free of his arms.

“It’s—it’s late. We should rest!” Jin’er blurted out, then turned and fled to her room. In a blink, she had vanished from sight.

Qingyue bit his lip, watching her panicked retreat, waves of emotion surging in his chest.

He had kissed her—truly kissed her! And she hadn’t pushed him away at once. In fact, he had felt her begin to accept him, involuntarily.

“Jin’er, I won’t let you slip away from me…” Qingyue whispered, his enticing lips curling into a smile. Then, still smiling foolishly, he returned to his own room, reliving the sweetness of the moment.

Inside her room, Jin’er sprawled on her bed, arms and legs splayed, her face a picture of regret and despair.

What was wrong with her? She’d only known him a few days—how had things reached this point? Oh, this was mortifying…

Worst of all, she’d actually let herself get lost in that kiss, so shameful! And what was with him saying he belonged to her from now on—could he possibly be serious?

Oh, heavens! Surely this was all just a dream—it couldn’t be real!

She pinched her own cheek hard, yelping at the pain.

Damn, it wasn’t a dream—it was all real! What was she going to do?

No, the more she panicked, the less she could think straight. Calm down, she needed to calm down!

Jin’er rolled over, lying flat on her back, staring at the white canopy above as she took deep breaths. Only after a long while did her heart settle, and she began to consider Qingyue’s claim about following her from now on.

The more she thought about it, the more she realized something was off.

Wait a minute—she’d just said those words offhandedly, without any proof or promise. How could he cling to her over that? And how could she be so silly as to believe everything he said? Was there even such a rule in their profession as he claimed? Hmph! She’d clear things up with him tomorrow.

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The next morning, Jin’er meditated in the courtyard, cultivating her inner strength, until a servant came to prepare her breakfast.

As she ate, she mulled over when to leave the mountain. The sooner the better, she thought, but since she had only just assumed the role of the Poison Sect’s leader, perhaps it was wiser to stay another ten days or so.

Still, she felt impatient, eager to return and tell Aunt Xue her mission was accomplished, and finally rid herself of the cold poison within.

“What are you thinking about, being so distracted even while eating breakfast?”

Jin’er snapped out of her reverie to find Qingyue standing beside her.

Slightly embarrassed to face him, she suddenly noticed something different about him today, and couldn’t help but look him over more carefully.

He wore a robe of pale moonlight, softer than the dazzling white he usually favored. His ink-black hair fell naturally, with a few strands artfully draped over his chest.

His face, beautiful enough to topple kingdoms, seemed even more exquisite than usual—his eyebrows were meticulously drawn, his lips more vivid and alluring, and his cheeks dusted with a faint powder.

Raising her brow, Jin’er suddenly put down her chopsticks, stood, and tiptoed closer to inspect him.

Qingyue, startled by her sudden move, leaned back and asked, “What… what are you doing?”

“Haha! You—you’re wearing makeup?” Jin’er laughed dramatically.

A faint blush rose on Qingyue’s cheeks as he took a step back. “Yes, is that a problem?” It was the first time he’d seen her display such playful cuteness, so different from her previous coldness toward her enemies.

Yet, he liked both sides of her.

Jin’er remembered Qingyue had been a dancer, likely accustomed to wearing makeup every day. She smiled, sat back down, and said, “You’re the Poison Sect’s deputy steward now, no longer a dancer. Isn’t it unnecessary to wear makeup?”

Qingyue’s expression shifted slightly. Lowering his gaze, he asked, “Is it not attractive?”

Ugh… Jin’er could almost hear a flock of crows flying overhead.

Had he not heard a word she said? Or was he just ignoring her…?

“It’s attractive, very much so. You’re beautiful even without makeup. But generally, men don’t wear makeup, right? Aren’t you afraid people will laugh at you?”

It was hard to deny his beauty. Qingyue, ethereal as a fallen immortal, wore only a touch of makeup, enhancing his already bewitching charm. True, male celebrities on TV wore makeup, but this was real life in a conservative era. Did he not care about others’ opinions?

Qingyue scoffed lightly and replied, “What’s there to laugh at? In the Water Kingdom, most young men wear makeup.”

“Oh? Is that so? I’ve never heard of such a thing. I’ll have to visit the Water Kingdom someday,” Jin’er said with a smile, already picturing streets full of painted men, secretly amused.

“What’s the point? Even if you searched the whole Water Kingdom, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone more beautiful than me,” Qingyue said, a hint of displeasure in his tone.

Jin’er blinked in surprise. Was he… jealous? Was he worried she wanted to visit the Water Kingdom just to see handsome men?

She glanced up and caught his slightly sullen, awkward expression.

Goodness! He really saw himself as hers now…

Wait—Water Kingdom?

“Aren’t you the top dancer of the Golden Kingdom? How are you from the Water Kingdom?” Jin’er asked.

Qingyue’s brow furrowed. He lowered his head, a familiar melancholy in his eyes.

After a long pause, he said sadly, “I was originally a dancer in the Water Kingdom, but due to certain events, I was forced to leave, and fled to the Golden Kingdom. Within half a year, I became famous there, and then… I was brought here by these people…”

Jin’er nodded without pressing further. Clearly, he didn’t wish to share why he’d been exiled. It didn’t matter; everyone had their secrets, and she wouldn’t force him.

Seeing his sudden sadness, she decided not to bring up yesterday’s events just yet.

She would wait for a better time.

“Let’s go for a walk,” she suggested, hoping to lift his spirits.

“Alright,” Qingyue agreed with a gentle smile, following her outside.

Just like that, the awkwardness of last night faded away in the lighthearted discussion of makeup.

They walked side by side in silence, neither of them speaking.

Jin’er admired the flowers and plants as they passed. In truth, this place was far less beautiful than Flower Mist Island. Indeed, there was likely nowhere in the Five Spirits Continent as breathtaking as that island.

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If she could spend her life in peace on Flower Mist Island with the one she loved, that would be a wonderful thing. Yet, something so simple seemed impossibly far away for her.

“Jin’er, what are you thinking about?” Qingyue’s gentle voice broke her reverie, and Jin’er turned to him with a smile, shaking her head.

“Do you know, you are truly beautiful when you smile,” Qingyue said, gazing at her earnestly.

“Really? Thank you,” Jin’er replied with a sweet smile.

Who didn’t like to be complimented? Especially when praised for her beauty by a man as outrageously attractive as Qingyue—her heart soared. She was perfectly content with her appearance now, and in a couple of years, she was certain she’d be the kind of beauty that would steal countless hearts at a glance.

“You’re so interesting,” Qingyue said with a soft smile.

“Why?” Jin’er asked, puzzled.

“Most people, when complimented, respond with ‘not at all’ or ‘you flatter me’—but you just say thank you. I’ve never heard that before,” Qingyue replied, half smiling.

“Oh, well… I just think saying thank you is more polite, I suppose…” Jin’er laughed awkwardly, making a mental note to adapt her modern manners to local custom.

As she was steeling herself to change, Qingyue quickly added, “I’m not mocking you. I find it unique. Besides, what’s good is good—there’s no need for false modesty.”

“Is that so?” Jin’er’s eyes lit up, as if she’d found a kindred spirit. “Then I won’t change, hehe.”

“No need to change. Just be yourself. That’s the you I like,” Qingyue said, gazing at her, his eyes brimming with open admiration.

Jin’er could feel his burning gaze without even looking—her heart raced uncontrollably.

Strange, wasn’t he easily embarrassed? So why was he so bold at a time like this?

Blushing, Jin’er stared at the ground and hurried forward, unsure what to say.

Qingyue, seeing her nervous and shy demeanor, couldn’t help but smile.

She was beautiful when she smiled, beautiful when she didn’t; captivating in her confidence, endearing in her playfulness, and now, so bashfully endearing that he longed to gather her into his arms and cherish her.

Lost in these thoughts, Qingyue stared at her in a daze, until Jin’er suddenly stopped, turned, and with feigned annoyance, glared at him. “Why are you looking at me like that? You’re giving me goosebumps.”

Qingyue’s cheeks reddened, but he didn’t look away. Instead, he gazed steadily at her puffed-up face and said with a gentle smile, “I like you even when you’re angry.”

“You!” Jin’er bit her lip, exasperated by the depth of his affection.

Good. He seemed to be in good spirits again—no need to hold back any longer.

With that, Jin’er took a deep breath, looked up, and said, “Listen, about what you said yesterday—about following me from now on—it doesn’t count, understand?”

“Why not?” Qingyue’s faint smile vanished, replaced by a look of disappointment.

“Isn’t it obvious? Don’t you think it’s absurd?” Jin’er couldn’t stand the look of wounded longing on his face and turned away, frowning.

“Absurd? You saying that really hurts me,” Qingyue replied, his voice tinged with sadness.

Jin’er pursed her lips, frustrated, and didn’t dare look at him. She could only grit her teeth and add, “No matter what you say, it doesn’t count. I decide what matters.”

How could she take such a thing lightly, especially when she had no time for romance?

“I don’t care! You stole my first kiss, so you have to take responsibility!” Qingyue, seeing her resolute stance, became willful.

Jin’er’s mouth twitched. After a long moment, she turned to glare at him, exasperated. “What do you mean, I stole your first kiss? You were the one who…” She trailed off, unable to finish, still fuming.

What kind of person was this? He took advantage of her and now insisted she be responsible?! She hadn’t even made him pay for that!

“I don’t care. My first kiss was given to you, and you said yourself you wanted me to dance for you alone. Don’t even think about backing out!” Qingyue tossed his head and pouted, looking every bit like a petulant lover.

Jin’er was caught between laughter and tears, certain this man would be impossible to deal with in the future…

Enough. Since he was being so persistent, she’d rather not waste words arguing. She needed to solve her own problems and strengthen her power—only then could she control her own fate. Who could force her then?

With that, Jin’er pursed her lips, turned, and continued her leisurely walk.

Qingyue, puzzled by her abrupt change, hurried to catch up.

The two walked on in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. At last, unable to restrain himself any longer, Qingyue seized Jin’er’s slender arm, pulling her to face him.

“Jin’er…” he called softly, his hands resting gently on her narrow shoulders.