Chapter 47: Mastering the Water Temperature

Cheng Guang gazed at Bai Shuxuan, unmoved by her feigned shyness, maintaining his gentle smile as he looked at her in silence.

Seeing that Cheng Guang made no further move, Bai Shuxuan’s tense posture eased somewhat. She had never truly intended for Cheng Guang to touch her; her words were only a probe, testing whether he harbored any thoughts about her.

“If I could choose a way to make it up to you myself, perhaps…” Cheng Guang mused for a moment before speaking slowly.

Bai Shuxuan’s beautiful eyes lifted, her gaze settling on Cheng Guang’s face, almost expectant that he might say something revealing. As long as Cheng Guang developed interest in her, her beguiling physique would unknowingly influence him. Even if she did nothing, he would become attentive to her feelings, protect her mood, and his every action would turn toward pleasing her.

While pondering, Bai Shuxuan saw Cheng Guang brace a hand against the table, his lips curved in amusement.

After a pause, he said with interest, “If I could choose my own compensation, why not pledge myself to you?”

Hearing this, Bai Shuxuan breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed her plan had succeeded. Cheng Guang indeed had some feelings for her, and her charm was working; otherwise, Bai Shuxuan thought, Cheng Guang would never have spoken so delicately.

Of course, part of this was due to his own hidden ailments. No matter how much he desired her, he would not act on it. Still, to tease her with such ambiguity, despite his illness, surely meant he was attracted to her.

Bai Shuxuan felt certain her scheme was secure. Her lovely face broke into a smile; she pressed her skirt to her fair, painted legs as she slowly stood. Rising, her figure was accentuated, curves alluring.

Cheng Guang, with the eyes of a gentleman, surveyed her uprightly.

Bai Shuxuan, appearing both bashful and indignant, her face as delicate as jade tinged with a blush, came to Cheng Guang’s side.

She poured tea softly, her touch grazing his body ever so lightly, maximizing the influence of her beguiling aura.

At the same time, Cheng Guang sensed a multitude of rosy halos emanating from Bai Shuxuan, enveloping his soul.

Even as those pink glows dissipated instantly when the mark of his Enchanting Eyes flickered, Cheng Guang could not help but feel his heart stir.

His eyelids twitched; he took up the teacup and sipped.

And Bai Shuxuan, without deliberately employing her powers, relied only on her innate allure, yet had such an effect. Even with his immunity to enchantment, Cheng Guang felt uneasy.

He mused, if the real heir were here, he would hardly last a night. With prolonged contact, he’d soon be reduced to a groveling admirer, devoid of dignity.

After pouring the tea, Bai Shuxuan spoke softly, “My lord, how could a humble girl deserve your pledge? It’s enough if you don’t despise my brothel origins.”

Having said this, she seemed to think the moment was ripe, yet feared Cheng Guang might lose control and reach for her, so she quietly stepped back.

Cheng Guang noticed her subtle retreat, smirked, but said nothing, only raising his opinion of her skill at gauging temperature.

In these brief moments, Bai Shuxuan appeared to draw near, yet at critical junctures, withdrew. To an outsider, it would seem she was reserved. But it was precisely this elusive distance, this coyness, the hot-and-cold attitude, that made her irresistible to sycophants.

No wonder, then, that the real heir—never having touched her hand—became her devoted admirer.

He believed it was love, never realizing it was only his own illusion.

His heart was firmly held by Bai Shuxuan.

Cheng Guang picked up her thread, smiling, “Why should I care? A brothel girl or not, if she’s the one I love, I wouldn’t mind if she were a beggar.”

Bai Shuxuan appeared moved and delighted, wiping the corners of her eyes. “I never imagined such nobility could be so genuine. If only I could marry you, it would be the greatest happiness.”

Cheng Guang replied with a light “Mm,” his gaze drifting to the window.

Night blanketed the sky, clouds obscured the moon, its rays faint and flickering.

After watching the night outside, Cheng Guang turned to Bai Shuxuan, smiling, “If you wish to marry me, it’s simple—just seize this opportunity.”

Bai Shuxuan covered her mouth with a handkerchief, a strange thought crossing her mind, and asked knowingly, “What opportunity?”

Cheng Guang did not answer directly, but his eyes lingered on her figure.

Bai Shuxuan understood his meaning, as she had expected. She arched her brows and quickly changed the subject. “My lord, I’ve always heard you are refined—though a frequent visitor to the brothel, never entangled with a single flower. How could a humble girl dare aspire so high?”

“I only hope that, given time, I might win your heart and be worthy of your hand.”

Cheng Guang listened in silence, his eyebrows raised, catching her use of “given time.”

Bai Shuxuan apparently did not grasp his meaning, her jade-like face puzzled, thinking he meant only what he said.

She was about to nod, when Cheng Guang suddenly stood and approached.

He came before her, her fragrance filling his senses.

His eyes showed timely infatuation, his performance flawless.

He half-closed his eyes, chuckling softly.

“Since you say it’s for the future, then let’s rest early tonight—it’s getting late.”

Bai Shuxuan froze, not daring to dodge obviously, her face stiffening as she realized what he meant by “the future,” feeling a strange confusion.

Your body is ruined; what future can there be?

Though Cheng Guang’s actions caught her off guard, she was not anxious; should he do anything untoward, she could simply knock him out.

With a smile on her face, Bai Shuxuan was about to laugh and speak, but Cheng Guang stepped back and turned toward her bed.

He no longer wished to continue their ambiguous dance—it was too exhausting.

He decided to play along, stay the night, win Bai Shuxuan’s trust, and draw out the assassins sooner.

Even if Bai Shuxuan harbored ill intentions, she would not act against him herself.

Otherwise, the system’s prompts would not have allowed the real heir to spend so much time with her, still alive, even rising to the celestial realm later.

…