In the fourth year of Imperial Lord Rui’s reign, history was made. He married the love of his life, Marshal Stannis. Such a union was unprecedented, but the Imperial Lord’s word was law.

And besides, the divine mandate of Virelia carried no restrictions on marriage except those between blood relatives thus, there was no ground for criticism.

That day, the ceremony was as grand as the one when Jian Ci and Yu Xi had wed. The only difference was Seraphyne. After years lying in a coma within a life-preserving capsule, she now stood beside her sons, radiant and alive, watching Jian Rui take his vows.

To the people, it was a miracle, the will of the divine. In truth, it had taken a full team of experts, Jian Wei among them, even that eccentric old quack from the sex shop, pouring over confiscated research and devising a treatment plan. After three grueling years, their efforts had succeeded.

The ceremony flowed into a procession, and then into a banquet, a perfect ending to a perfect day. The imperial palace glittered with light, music, and laughter. Jian Ci and Yu Xi approached the newly married couple with glasses raised.

"Brother," Jian Ci said warmly, clinking his glass against Jian Rui’s, "welcome to the club."

Jian Rui smirked. "How is it on the other side?"

Before Jian Ci could answer, Stannis pulled Jian Rui into a firm embrace. "Husband, you are making it sound like torture."

Jian Ci chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "It is torture."

Yu Xi pinched Jian Ci’s waist, his smile sharp. "Keep talking and I will torture you tonight."

The four of them chuckled, the sound mingling with the hum of the banquet hall. Jian Rui leaned back, his tone playful. "It seems like Jian Wei is the only one left. The way he stays single, I am starting to think we should set him up on blind dates."

Jian Ci had just taken a sip of wine when he heard that, and promptly choked. Yu Xi patted his back, concerned. "You good?"

"I am good—cough, cough—good," Jian Ci managed, though his thoughts were racing. There’s no need to set Jian Wei up with anyone.

Xiaobao would kill them without hesitation. He regretted ever asking Xiaobao who she liked, because now she used him as her confidant, dumping all her escapades in trying to lure Jian Wei and even roping him in her plans.

"Drink slower," Jian Rui advised, amused. "No one is taking it from you."

Yu Xi glanced around. "By the way, has anyone seen Xiaobao?"

Stannis replied casually, "She was just here a minute ago."

Yu Xi brushed it off. "She probably went to the bathroom or something."

But where was Xiaobao really?

She had managed to catch Jian Wei just as he exited the restroom, pulling him into an empty room. Jian Wei looked anxious, his eyes darting toward the door as though afraid of being caught. Yet what unsettled him more was the aura radiating from Xiaobao. It was predatory and sharp, like standing before a hunter while he was the prey.

"Come on, Xiaobao," Jian Wei said nervously. "Let’s go back. They might be looking for us."

Her eyes gleamed, and the tension in the room thickened. She stood blocking the door, her posture deceptively sweet and innocent. Yet her eyes told another story. They were sharp, unyielding and filled with intent.

What unsettled Jian Wei even more was that she had grown taller over the past few years, just enough to look down at him slightly. That subtle shift in height made him feel cornered, as though the balance of power had tilted entirely in her favor.

"That’s not what we agreed," Xiaobao said firmly, her voice soft but laced with steel. "You promised you would call me the way we agreed when we started dating."

Jian Wei’s throat tightened. "What if your brother finds out? He will kill me."

Xiaobao’s lips curved into a faint smile. "He’s not here. And besides, I am an adult. He has no right to hit you."

Jian Wei’s heart twisted. He didn’t know when it had happened, but somewhere along the way, he had fallen head over heels for her. By the time he realized it, it was already too late to turn back. He was like a frog in slowly boiling water, trapped, consumed, and helpless.

He loved her, but the thought of Eros terrified him, and Yu Xi’s fierce protectiveness made secrecy essential. That was why Jian Wei avoided using the pet name Xiaobao demanded lest he slip and expose their relationship in front of Yu Xi. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Her silence now was heavy, her expression clouded. "Do you even like me, Wei-ge?" she asked, her voice trembling with hurt.

Jian Wei flinched. He hated hearing her doubt him. Quickly, he reached out, stroking her hair with tender affection. "Don’t say that. You know I love you."

Xiaobao’s eyes narrowed. "I don’t believe it. You haven’t even kissed me in a week."

Jian Wei sighed, coaxing her gently. "You know I was busy preparing for Rui-ge’s wedding. We haven’t seen each other in a week."

Her gaze softened slightly, but the predator’s aura lingered, reminding Jian Wei that he was hopelessly ensnared.

"Then kiss me," she said, her voice a soft, deliberate pull against his resolve.

Jian Wei’s gaze flicked instinctively toward the closed door, a habit born from months of being cautious.

Xiaobao’s hand shot out, her fingers pinching his chin with a firm, possessive gentleness, forcing his attention back to her face. Her smile was a knowing curve. "I locked it, Wei-ge," she murmured, her thumb tracing his jawline. "Hurry up, don’t keep me waiting."

A low groan escaped him as he bit his lower lip, the last vestige of resistance crumbling. He leaned in, and the first touch of their mouths was a spark, a tentative electric connection that instantly caught flame. Once Jian Wei had a taste, things escalated.

He was thirsty for more, a hunger rising from some deep, untapped well within him. His hands found her waist, pulling her flush against his body as he hugged her tighter, the soft press of her curves against his chest sending a jolt through his system.

He deepened the kiss, his tongue seeking entry, and she welcomed him with a hungry sigh, her own hands sliding up to tangle in the hair at the nape of his neck. The kiss became a duel of give and take, a slow, sensual exploration that quickly turned urgent. Their breaths mingled, hot and ragged.

Xiaobao wasn’t one to back down. With a sudden, decisive movement, she reversed their positions, pushing him back until his shoulders met the cool plaster of the wall. She pressed her body against him, one hand cradling his head, the other braced against his chest, and deepened the kiss further.

Her tongue danced with his, a slick, intimate rhythm that made his hips ache. He could feel the faint tremor in her thighs where they pressed against his, the heat of her skin through their clothes.