Chapter 077: Please, Don’t Do This!

The next day, in the rear courtyard of Flower Rain Pavilion, Tianyu recounted the events of the previous night to Jiner.

“He told you not to bother me?” Jiner asked in surprise. Really? He actually cares about such trivial matters? That’s not like him at all.

“Yes, he did. I teased him for a bit—you should have seen his face, so cold it looked like shards of ice were about to fall off! Haha!” Tianyu laughed triumphantly.

Many on the island feared Liuyue, but not Tianyu. Liuyue had never treated him as the master of Star Palace; he always maintained an indifferent composure. At first, Tianyu thought such a person would make an excellent friend, but Liuyue was like ancient, immovable ice—impossible to get close to, even in front of the island lord he wore an expressionless mask. Eventually, Tianyu gave up on befriending him.

Yesterday, he’d finally found a chance to make Liuyue lose his cool, and he seized the opportunity to tease him thoroughly. Truth be told, he’d never seen Liuyue so angry before—just thinking about it made him want to laugh.

Jiner, unimpressed by Tianyu’s victorious grin, merely pursed her lips and walked aside to practice martial arts.

Her relationship with Liuyue had grown ever more complicated and awkward over time. She no longer dared to examine it closely. Thankfully, for now, she could devote herself to finding a cure for her poisoning; as for revenge, that could wait. After all, a gentleman waits ten years to exact revenge, does he not?

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A year later.

“Haha! If you dare, have some yourself—the taste is really wonderful!” On the grass, Jiner’s cheeks were rosy, sweat beading on her brow, as she held a handful of red serpent fruits, eating while provoking Tianyu.

She had just lost another speed race, but at least this was one skill at which Tianyu could never surpass her. That was something to be proud of.

By her side, Xiaobai sat primly on the ground, happily munching on a small pile of red serpent fruits. Its round, rolling eyes looked at its master with disdain, as if to say, “See? Even little Jiner can eat them—why don’t you dare? Pathetic!”

Tianyu chewed on a stalk of foxtail grass, sighed helplessly, and flopped down beside her. “You only ever use this to show off. And you! All these years raising you for nothing!” He pointed scoldingly at Xiaobai halfway through his speech.

Xiaobai shrank back, then hopped straight into Jiner’s arms, seeking refuge and whimpering softly.

Jiner was delighted by Xiaobai’s cuteness, wrapping one arm around it and lowering her head to whisper gently, “Don’t be afraid, Xiaobai. With me here, he won’t dare bully you!” Before she finished, Xiaobai propped its paws on her soft chest, nuzzling her chin with its downy head.

The sudden touch made Jiner squirm and laugh, her enchanting face radiant beneath the sunlight, dimples deepening like goblets brimming with intoxicating wine, leaving Tianyu across from her utterly mesmerized.

A year had passed swiftly. Tianyu had shed much of his youthful awkwardness, grown taller, more handsome, his voice gaining a magnetic timbre.

Jiner, too, had grown, her childish roundness replaced by the elegant grace of a young maiden—tall, beautifully proportioned, ethereal as a fairy.

On that sun-drenched lawn, they looked like a golden couple from a fairy tale, inspiring admiration in any onlooker.

Just then, the brilliant sky suddenly darkened. As they looked up, fat raindrops began to pelt down.

“Oh! It’s raining! Let’s go!” Tianyu jumped up, grabbed Jiner’s arm, and pulled her to her feet, running toward Flower Rain Pavilion.

Within moments, the rain turned torrential. Jiner, clutching Xiaobai, laughed and shrieked as Tianyu dragged her along.

A year might not be long, but it wasn’t short either. In that time, Tianyu had accompanied her daily in martial arts practice and taught her lightness skills. With her rapid progress and frequent interaction, the initial awkwardness faded, replaced by the warmth of friendship.

“Hurry, get inside!” Tianyu pulled her back into Flower Rain Pavilion. Outside, the rain fell in sheets.

“Goodness, the weather changed so fast! Not even a chance to find shelter, really…” Jiner brushed rainwater from her face, looked up, and suddenly covered her mouth, laughing.

Seeing her laugh, Tianyu wiped his own face, puzzled. “What are you laughing at?”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen you soaked like a drowned rat,” Jiner said, struggling not to laugh.

“Look who’s talking—have you seen yourself?” Tianyu grinned, unable to help laughing as well.

At that moment, Xiaobai shook itself in her arms, spraying water everywhere. Jiner looked down and burst out laughing.

The usually fluffy and adorable Xiaobai now looked shrunken, its wet white fur clinging pitifully to its body—a comical sight indeed.

Realizing it was being laughed at, Xiaobai squirmed in embarrassment, burrowing into Jiner’s armpit, which only made her laugh harder.

Meanwhile, Tianyu found his gaze fixed on Jiner’s full bosom, his cheeks flushing inexplicably as his heart pounded uncontrollably.

Jiner, wearing only a thin shirt, was completely soaked—the fabric clinging to her body, accentuating her perfect figure. Especially her chest, which heaved with every laugh.

After a while, Jiner noticed Tianyu’s dazed expression. She followed his gaze downward.

“Ah!” she cried, hastily crossing her arms over her chest and stumbling back, her face burning.

“Ow!” Xiaobai, trapped in her armpit by her sudden movement, let out a yelp.

Hearing it, Jiner quickly loosened her arms, not even checking on Xiaobai before glaring furiously at Tianyu. “Pervert!” she snapped, then turned and ran to her room.

Tianyu, just beginning to feel embarrassed, saw her slender waist and rounded, sensual hips as she turned away, and his heart pounded even faster, his breathing quickening.

He swallowed hard and spun around, taking deep breaths—then realized with horror that his body was beginning to react.

Damn it! In broad daylight, and… hopefully she didn’t notice?

He smacked his forehead in frustration and, mortified, dashed out into the rain, vanishing without a trace.

Jiner changed into dry clothes, toweled off her hair, then stepped outside—only to find no sign of Tianyu.

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The rain outside was still pouring—had he really run straight back in that weather?

Recalling the recent scene, Jiner blushed again, pouting inwardly: So lecherous at such a young age! Serves him right if he gets sick!

She looked out again, saw no sign of him, and returned inside to dry Xiaobai.

But when she reentered the room, Xiaobai was nowhere to be found.

“How odd—why are they both gone so quietly…” Jiner muttered, turning to close the door. But when she turned again, she collided with a solid wall of flesh.

“Ow!” She bounced back against the door, but before she could react, a pair of burning lips pressed against her cool ones.

Jiner stiffened, eyes wide, forgetting even to breathe.

A moment later, a strong hand slid around her waist and pulled her forward, arching her back.

Damn it, she couldn’t breathe! After a long moment, she finally came to her senses and frantically tried to push her assailant away.

Even though she hadn’t seen his face, the faint, familiar scent on him told her who it must be.

“Mmm! Mmm!” As she struggled, he kissed her even more fervently, his tongue prying open her lips.

Too much! Jiner bit down, and the taste of blood spread in her mouth. At last, he released her lips.

Blushing, furious, she glared up at him. “Bastard! What are you doing?!”

Liuyue gazed back, expressionless but breathing hard, blood still staining his lips, his deep eyes burning with something fierce.

Seeing he didn’t reply, Jiner tried to struggle and pressed, “How did you get in here? When did you come in? Wait—were you here earlier when I was changing?”

The possibility that he had been hiding and secretly watching her suddenly occurred to her, and her heart leaped in alarm.

Liuyue’s grip on her hands tightened, his face showing a hint of torment.

After a long, deep look, he suddenly swept her into his arms and strode to the bed.

“Ah! What are you doing? Let me go! Someone help! Save me!” Jiner struggled and screamed, but with the rain pouring outside, her cries were swallowed by the empty Flower Rain Pavilion.

“Liuyue! If you dare to—Mmm!” Before she could finish warning him, he pressed her onto the bed and crushed his bloodied lips to hers again, half his body covering her.

A surge of nameless panic flooded her heart. She tried to hit him, but he seized her wrists and pinned them above her head on the pillow.

Now she grew even more frantic.

She bit down again, but this time Liuyue neither dodged nor let go—if anything, he kissed her even more desperately, bruising her lips and tongue.

The taste of blood and pain mingled on her lips; Jiner felt sick and helpless, unable to bite again, and as his kisses left her dizzy and breathless, she was nearly overwhelmed.

If she still had any strength to resist, it vanished when his other hand slid to her proudly arching breast.

“Mmm!” she whimpered, pleading, but Liuyue paid her no heed, leaving her lips to rain kisses down her neck, his hand growing ever bolder.

Finally, her lips free, she gasped for breath, trembling, and begged, “Yue, please, don’t—please!”

The sound of his name on her lips made Liuyue freeze. After a long moment, he slowly raised his head. Seeing her biting her lips, tears streaming down her cheeks, his heart clenched.

He frowned, released her wrists, and after a deep look, suddenly sprang up and rushed for the door.

Jiner, startled by his abrupt retreat, struggled upright just in time to see the open door and the rain pouring outside. His figure was already gone, as if he had never been there at all.

She tugged her loosened collar tighter, drew her knees to her chest, and sat trembling against the wall, still shaken and unable to calm herself.

Hadn’t he left the island? Why had he suddenly appeared here? What had come over him just now? Why had he done that to her?

——————————————

Outside in the rain, Liuyue trudged forward, soaked to the skin, his steps uncertain. The heavy rain battered his face, making it hard to even open his eyes.

What had come over him? He’d almost—how could he do that to her?

He’d meant to keep his distance, trusting her to the care of her master and Snow Aunt. But things had gone far beyond his expectations.

After nearly a year away from Misty Flower Island, he found himself constantly thinking of her—memories of their time together, wondering how she was, if her health was well, if she’d advanced in martial arts…

Not long ago, distracted by thoughts of her during a mission, he’d nearly made a fatal mistake. Terrified, he decided to return and check on her.

But when he arrived, he saw her and Tianyu running in from the rain, laughing together.

In that moment, panic, anxiety, and faint dread flooded his heart. He’d never experienced such a tumult of emotion and could only hide, desperately trying to calm himself.

But by accident, he glimpsed her changing clothes.

After a year apart, she had grown even more—her beauty, her figure, more alluring than ever—and his body had responded in spite of himself.

When she ran into him, the emotions he’d suppressed for so long erupted. He couldn’t restrain himself, didn’t know what to do or say. After a struggle, he gave in to his body’s desire, leading to everything that followed.

For the first time in his life, he so desperately wanted to be with a woman—never before had he lost control like this.

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So many firsts, all because of her—it left him anxious and unsettled.

He didn’t like it, truly he didn’t. But… he simply couldn’t control himself.

The rain gradually stopped, and he arrived home, climbing the steps heavily. Pushing open the door, he crossed the courtyard in deep thought, only realizing as he reached the front hall that someone was inside.

“Master?” he called, surprised.

“I heard you’d returned, so I came to see you. You didn’t come to see your master first—where have you been? And why are you soaked like this?” Liuchen Sha looked him up and down, frowning. “Go change your clothes first. I’ll wait here.”

Liuyue nodded, pressed his lips together, and went to his room.

Soon after, he returned, freshly changed.

“Sit,” Liuchen Sha said.

Liuyue obeyed, taking a seat across from his master. His face had regained its usual composure, betraying no hint of earlier turmoil.

“How are things outside? Any news worth sharing?” Liuchen Sha’s sharp gaze fixed on Liuyue.

“Jin is negotiating in secret with Tu, apparently planning to join forces against Shui and Huo and split the world between them. However, the crown prince of Tu is ailing, and the old emperor seems more concerned with his son’s health.

“Meanwhile, the border between Shui and Huo has been calm in recent years, likely due to pressure from the two larger kingdoms,” Liuyue replied seriously.

Liuchen Sha nodded thoughtfully, then smiled. “So, is that the only reason you returned this time—for news?”

Liuyue’s eyelids flickered. He nodded. “Yes, Master. It’s been a year—I wanted to see you as well.”

“Oh?” Liuchen Sha gave him a knowing look, until Liuyue finally looked away, visibly uncomfortable.

Seeing his reluctance, Liuchen Sha decided to be blunt. “You went to see Jiner first, didn’t you? Why did you come back looking like that?”

Liuyue frowned slightly, dropping his gaze. “You misunderstand, Master. I wasn’t looking for her—just wandering around.”

Liuchen Sha raised an eyebrow. Since he wouldn’t admit it, he could only sigh and shake his head. “Ah! I used to think you cared for that girl, but I see I was mistaken. Well, it makes things easier for Tianyu, at least.”

Liuyue felt a surge of foreboding. “Tianyu? What about him?”

Liuchen Sha caught the flash of anxiety in his eyes and smiled. “Didn’t you know? That boy is truly smitten with Jiner. He’s been with her every day this past year, training together—and even with me present, he can’t take his eyes off her.

“At this rate, he’ll soon ask me to arrange things between them.” Liuchen Sha glanced at Liuyue, noting the way he clenched his jaw, striving for control, and couldn’t help but feel amused.

Stubborn boy—he’s certainly good at enduring.

“I think they’re well matched,” Liuchen Sha continued. “If they become a pair, it will settle two worries for me at once.” Before he finished, Liuyue had turned sharply away, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles cracked beneath his sleeves.

Seeing this, Liuchen Sha stopped teasing him and spoke earnestly. “Yue, I don’t know if Jiner is truly your destined one, but if you care for her, don’t keep running from your feelings.

“I’ve watched you grow up. Strict though I’ve been, I only want what’s best for you. The way you treat Jiner proves she holds a special place in your heart.

“Think it over—don’t wait until you’ve lost her to regret it. In this life, to meet the one you love is a blessing.”

With a sigh, a trace of wistfulness flickered in Liuchen Sha’s eyes.

Liuyue stood rigid, pondering his master’s words, his heart more troubled than ever.

Don’t wait until you’ve lost her to regret it?

But he was never meant to have her…

“Thank you for your advice, Master. I’ll take my leave now.” Without another word, Liuyue strode out.

Liuchen Sha watched his proud, stubborn figure disappear, shaking his head. He’d said all he could—the rest was up to Liuyue himself.

But if fate held a trial of love in store, even a master could do nothing to change it.

————————————————

That night, Liuyue sat alone beneath the moon, leaning on the railing, drowning his sorrows in wine. Yet no matter how much he drank, his mind remained clear, his suppressed desires growing more unruly and threatening to overwhelm his reason.

The transparent liquor poured down his throat, spilling from the corners of his mouth, soaking his clothes. He drank and drank until every jar in the house was empty, the ground littered with empties, and only then did the alcohol finally numb his mind.

Staggering back to his room, he collapsed onto the bed, unmoving.

“Jiner… Jiner…” His body could no longer move, but his lips murmured her name in pain—the name he’d longed to speak for so long, at last uttered aloud…

In Flower Rain Pavilion, Jiner still sat on her bed, her gaze vacant. She wanted to confront Liuyue, grab him by the collar and demand answers, but deep down she didn’t know if she could face him again. So she remained, unmoving.

But would this solve anything? Clearly not.

With a sigh, Jiner stretched her stiff limbs, lay down, and closed her eyes to sleep.

Rest—she had martial practice tomorrow. She would not waste any more time.

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