314. Was She Soft?

Ling Yuan lowered her head and looked shy as she walked forward, looking extremely obedient.

Hu Liena didn’t have a chance to take a closer look before Qian Renjue took her small hand and led her outside.

Hu Liena looked at their joined hands, happily hugging Qian Renjue's arm, and quietly asked with a smile, "Senior Brother, did you scold Sister Ling Yuan?"

"No, I didn’t," Qian Renjue replied a bit guiltily. He had just spoken with her, but it had nothing to do with scolding.

“Really?” Hu Liena tilted her head.

She just thought Ling Yuan’s demeanor was very similar to her own when she’d been scolded before.

Ling Yuan, meanwhile, was too preoccupied to notice the conversation between the senior siblings.

She was hurriedly adjusting her appearance and composure.

Even though what His Highness had done earlier brought a little joy to her heart, she knew that once she left the room, any unusual behavior would surely be noticed by the Pope.

If the Pope knew she’d been trying to charm His Highness, there was a good chance she’d face severe punishment.

In a short time, Qian Renjue had left the corridor and stepped onto the room’s floor, heading toward the courtyard.

“Senior Brother, I made your favorite cream puffs as dessert today,” Hu Liena beamed.

“Thank you, Nana,” Qian Renjue replied, glancing back to check on Ling Yuan, who was almost done tidying up.

Only then did he feel at ease.

Qian Renjue wasn’t sure why he felt the need to be so discreet.

But if Bibi Dong or anyone else noticed, it would feel uncomfortable.

“Teacher, Senior Brother is back,” Hu Liena announced happily, running ahead to inform Bibi Dong.

Upon hearing her clear voice, Bibi Dong, who was tending to the flower beds, put down her small shovel.

“Jue, it’s nearly dark, isn’t it?” Bibi Dong looked back at him with slightly resentment yet affectionate eyes.

“Mom,” Qian Renjue called softly to the beautiful figure amidst the flowers.

Smiling, he explained, “Some things came up and took a bit longer than expected. Sorry about that.”

Bibi Dong gave him an understanding look.

As his mother, she could read even his subtle expressions, so she didn’t mind his occasional little white lies.

Perhaps he’d spent a bit of extra time with his girlfriend and was too shy to say it.

Bibi Dong then smiled and instructed Hu Liena, “Nana, bring everything out, let’s start the meal.”

“Yes, Teacher.” Hu Liena happily ran to the kitchen.

“And you, Jue, why are you still standing there? Go wash up quickly,” Bibi Dong chided him playfully.

A bit embarrassed, Qian Renjue nodded. “Right, I’ll go wash up.”

Bibi Dong watched him dash off with a hint of curiosity.

Seeing this, Ling Yuan felt a sense of unease.

Facing Bibi Dong, she bowed her head slightly and greeted in her soft, charming voice, “Your Majesty.”

“Mm,” Bibi Dong nodded, stepping out of the flower bed. Looking at Ling Yuan with a smile, she said, “Ling Yuan, wash up too and join us for dinner.”

“No, no need, Your Majesty,” Ling Yuan quickly waved her hands.

Feeling uncomfortable in her damp clothes, all she wanted was to go back and soak in a bath.

“I wouldn’t want to intrude on Your Majesty’s meal.”

Bibi Dong frowned. She might have overlooked it if Qian Renjue was acting strange on his own, but with Ling Yuan behaving so suspicious as well?

Suddenly, something seemed to dawn on her.

She looked at Ling Yuan’s flushed face and carefully scrutinized her graceful figure.

Ling Yuan’s face turned red again as she bowed slightly, “Your Majesty, I’ll take my leave now.”

“Go on,” Bibi Dong said, her eyes narrowing.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Not daring to linger, Ling Yuan shot a glance at Qian Renjue and quickly hurried out of the courtyard.

Bibi Dong watched Ling Yuan leave, her gaze shifting thoughtfully.

She glanced over at Qian Renjue, who was watching Ling Yuan leave, a suspicion forming in her mind.

Before long, Qian Renjue and Hu Liena had finished setting the table.

“Mom, it’s time to eat.”

“Yes, coming.” Bibi Dong joined them, taking a seat next to Qian Renjue.

Moving closer to him, she could clearly smell Ling Yuan’s scent lingering on him more than usual.

“Mom, have some soup first,” Qian Renjue said, handing her a bowl.

“Mm.” Bibi Dong took it, then leaned close to his ear, her breath warm as she asked softly, “Jue, is Ling Yuan’s body very soft?”

“What?!”

Qian Renjue’s eyes widened, looking at Hu Liena, trying to explain, yet unsure what to say.

“This… well…”

Seeing his reaction, Bibi Dong’s suspicions were confirmed.

Sending Hu Liena to fetch Qian Renjue from the secret room had indeed been the right call.

If she had gone herself, she might have walked in on Qian Renjue and Ling Yuan in an awkward situation.

“Mom, it’s all my fault…” Qian Renjue murmured, admitting his mistake, though he didn’t know how Bibi Dong had figured it out.

“Oh, Jue, taking responsibility, are we?” Bibidong smiled, though her voice held a colder edge.

Qian Renjue’s face reddened with embarrassment.

“Teacher, Senior Brother, what are you talking about?” Hu Liena asked curiously, unable to understand their private conversation.

Bibi Dong smiled gently. “Oh, it’s nothing. Let’s eat first.”

The more she thought about it, the more exasperated Bibi Dong felt.


Guard against others all you like, but it’s hard to guard against your own family!

It was bad enough dealing with her disciple, and now Ling Yuan was getting involved as well.

Perhaps it was time to take a firmer hand with Jue. Certain things couldn’t be allowed to get out of hand; it wasn’t good for his health.

If only Xiao Xue were here, she wouldn’t need to deal with this.

“Oh,” Hu Liena said, dropping the subject and focusing on her meal while Bibi Dong filled Qian Renjue’s plate.

“Jue, eat up. We can talk about other things after the meal.”

“Thank you, Mom”

Qian Renjue temporarily set those matters aside and enjoyed his meal.


---

Night fell.

The bedroom was pitch black as Qian Renjue held the warm, soft figure in his arms, looking slightly uneasy, answering Bibi Dong’s questions.

“Jue, speak up,” Bibi Dong prompted, gazing up at him. “Tell me honestly, how many women have you been involved with?”

“Mom, isn’t ‘involved’ a bit of a harsh term?” Qian Renjue’s mouth twitched slightly.

“Don’t change the subject!” Bibidong pinched his cheek. “You know what I mean. Now, be honest and don’t lie to me.”

“Well…” Qian Renjue stammered. “There… aren’t that many.”

“How many is ‘not many’? Be specific. And what’s the extent of your relationship with them?”