491. Harboring Hidden Intentions
Added 2025-01-08 05:58:12 +0000 UTC
"Who would’ve thought? Just as I planned to visit you, I received a letter from Uncle Ning," said Qian Renjue, pinching Ning Rongrong’s delicate nose with mock annoyance.
"Ah~"
Ning Rongrong lightly shook her head free, grabbed Qian Renjue’s large hand, and huffed:
"This is all because Brother Holy Son is biased!"
"Alright, it’s all my fault."
Qian Renjue chuckled softly, readily admitting his mistake.
He simply found spending time with Ye Lingling much more relaxing. At that time, stationed in the Pope’s Hall, he was utterly exhausted. Perhaps his feelings were also influenced by their different levels of maturity.
Though he didn’t want to admit it, he was, after all, a normal man.
"Hmph! Brother Holy Son, you’re so sly~"
Ning Rongrong pouted, dissatisfied with Qian Renjue skipping over the comforting part and admitting fault directly.
"Don’t be mad," Qian Renjue coaxed softly, lowering his head with a gentle smile.
As he leaned closer, Ning Rongrong gazed at his handsome face, her eyes sparkling as she stood on tiptoes to meet him halfway.
Qian Renjue planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
But Ning Rongrong wasn’t satisfied with that. She raised her arms, wrapped them around Qian Renjue’s neck, and with a blush, shyly yet delightedly tasted his lips.
"Ah?"
Xiao Wu, watching from the side, stood up enviously, staring longingly.
Zhu Zhuqing, holding a cup of hot tea, also gazed at Qian Renjue’s gentle demeanor with envy.
Unlike Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing’s attempts at teasing their teacher would always make him retreat. Yet when it came to Ning Rongrong, he seemed to indulge her every whim.
Watching their lips meet, Zhu Zhuqing frowned slightly, tempted to push the overly excited Ning Rongrong aside and take her place as the eldest disciple.
Pop~
After leaving a glistening trace on Qian Renjue’s lips, Ning Rongrong released him.
She raised her head, catching her breath, and pouted coyly:
"Brother Holy Son, Rongrong was also at fault for being too willful."
"Alright, as long as you’re not upset," Qian Renjue replied calmly, standing upright as he placed his large hand over half of Ning Rongrong’s soft, warm face, letting her nuzzle against it.
He then turned his attention to Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu, speaking softly to avoid any misunderstandings:
"Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, I assume you two are already acquainted?"
"Mhm!"
Both girls nodded in unison.
"Good. In that case, no need for introductions."
Qian Renjue smiled, taking the tea from Zhu Zhuqing’s hands.
Leaning against Qian Renjue, Ning Rongrong glanced at Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu with a mix of pride, triumph, and mischief in her eyes.
Looking up, she grinned and said:
"Brother Holy Son, Rongrong is thirsty. Let me have a sip first."
Qian Renjue hesitated briefly, while Zhu Zhuqing frowned immediately.
"That tea is for our teacher!"
"Hehe."
Ning Rongrong smirked at Zhu Zhuqing, clearly unfazed.
"As your teacher's wife, isn’t it fine for me to take a sip?"
"..."
Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists, resisting the urge to retort to this “flat-chested wife” in front of Qian Renjue.
She could only remain silent, her gaze shifting toward Qian Renjue.
"Alright, go ahead," Qian Renjue said casually, handing the tea to Ning Rongrong.
Zhu Zhuqing’s expression dimmed slightly—not out of grievance, but out of disappointment. To her, this tea wasn’t just a drink; it was one of the few ways she could express her feelings.
However, Qian Renjue’s next words nearly made Zhu Zhuqing’s heart soar with joy.
"Rongrong, let’s keep things separate from now on."
"Huh?"
Startled, Ning Rongrong quickly put down the cup, licking the tea that had spilled onto her lips.
"Why?"
"You’re around the same age as Zhuqing and Xiao Wu. As long as you understand in your heart, it’s enough."
Qian Renjue smiled as he spoke.
He understood Ning Rongrong’s personality well enough to avoid letting her take liberties and use his words as leverage.
"Great! This is perfect!"
Xiao Wu immediately clapped her hands in approval, while Zhu Zhuqing’s lips curled into a subtle smile.
Catching Ning Rongrong’s unwilling gaze, Xiao Wu quickly covered her mouth, falling silent.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing cast a deliberate glance at Ning Rongrong’s figure, her eyes full of playful mockery, making Ning Rongrong grit her teeth in frustration.
Brother Holy Son, you big idiot! Do you even realize Zhuqing’s intentions?
Your disciple is plotting against you! If you keep indulging her, there will be trouble!
"Understood, Rongrong?"
Qian Renjue asked again.
"Got it! Hmph!"
Ning Rongrong could only pinch her nose and reluctantly agree, knowing there was no point in protesting.
She couldn’t control Zhuqing’s behavior, no matter what she said.
Even if Brother Holy Son hadn’t mentioned this, Zhuqing wouldn’t easily back down.
This "official acknowledgment" hardly made a difference.
Fine, I’ll endure for now. But when the opportunity comes, I’ll expose them!
"Thank you for understanding, Teacher."
Zhu Zhuqing smiled gently as she stepped forward, wrapping Qian Renjue’s arm in hers, holding it close to her heart.
"Teacher, you should sit down and relax."
"No rush, someone hasn’t come out yet. Wait a moment."
Qian Renjue gently released his disciple, producing a ring in his hand.
Ning Rongrong gritted her teeth, staring at Qian Renjue’s arm that Zhu Zhuqing had so brazenly claimed. Watching Zhu Zhuqing flaunt her figure made her furious.
But Qian Renjue’s voice drew her attention back.
"Rongrong, let me introduce someone to you."
"Who is it?"
Ning Rongrong asked curiously, her gaze fixed on the ring in Qian Renjue’s hand.
"My elder sister."
As Qian Renjue finished speaking, the ring in his hand emitted a bright light, and a golden humanoid figure appeared beside him.
She had long golden hair, enchanting golden-purple phoenix eyes, and a sacred golden angel mark on her forehead.
Her straight nose and full, rosy lips added to her noble and divine appearance, exuding an aura of majesty.
She bore a striking resemblance to Qian Renjue, with six or seventy percent similar features. Her figure was slender yet curvaceous, perfectly proportioned and harmonious.
At that moment, her delicate fingers rested in Qian Renjue’s hand—or rather, it was the ring in her hand that he was holding.
Ning Rongrong gazed at the stunning figure before her. Though she had heard rumors of Qian Renjue’s sister, seeing her in person brought only shock and admiration.
"Brother Holy Son's sister is so beautiful!"
"Hehe~"
The woman’s melodious laughter brightened the entire room.
"Jue, your little fiancée has quite the sweet tongue," she said with a smile, holding Qian Renjue’s hand and raising an elegant eyebrow at him.
"Not really. She’s just being honest."
Qian Renjue glanced at her softly as he replied.
Hearing this, the woman’s smile became even more radiant and tender.
Was Jue subtly complimenting her?
"Hello, Miss Xue!"
Xiao Wu greeted her politely, her demeanor unusually obedient.
"Greetings, Martial Aunt."
Zhu Zhuqing followed suit, not wanting to fall behind.
She, too, was amazed by Qian Renxue’s beauty, which had become even more striking than before. That otherworldly aura of hers was truly captivating.
"There’s no need for such formalities. Please, take a seat. Renjue brought gifts for all of you."
Qian Renxue waved her hand with a smile.
At that moment, Ling Yuan’s figure appeared nearby, also smiling warmly at Ning Rongrong and the others.