Chapter 118 Dodging

After being ordered by Jiang Huan to eat properly, Huo Lin finally calmed down and seriously picked up his chopsticks to start eating.

However, the calm on the surface could not conceal the turmoil within him.

Especially when your loved one is sitting within easy reach, those exhilarating memories are still fresh and vivid.

She eats so beautifully, taking small bites like a docile kitten.

Her cheeks are so chubby, you just want to pinch them.

No, no, that's too reckless.

Huo Lin's thoughts clearly entered Jiang Huan's mind, and she unconsciously tightened her grip on the jade chopsticks.

That's quite a performance in terms of inner monologue.

Isn't it better to focus on your meal?

Jiang Huan pretended not to hear anything and buried herself in her rice.

Huo Lin was completely unaware of this, and his gaze fell on Jiang Huan's hands, where her nails were neatly trimmed and had a healthy pink sheen.

These hands, before...

Certain erotic images flashed uncontrollably through Huo Lin's mind, and his Adam's apple bobbed almost imperceptibly.

[Cough, stay calm, focus on your food!]

Huo Lin forcibly pulled himself back to his senses, picked up a piece of green vegetable with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth, looking extremely serious.

Help! Jiang Huan cried out in her heart, "Is the Emperor's stamina really that good? He's only just started..."

No, no, I'm starting to imagine things myself.

She scooped up a spoonful of soup, blew on it gently, and tried to distract herself with the delicious food.

Just then, Huo Lin's thoughts drifted over again.

She looked so cute drinking the soup; her lips were glistening with a little soup.

[Should I wipe her down for her?]

"Yes, I am concerned for her and afraid she will get her clothes dirty. The reason is perfectly legitimate."

Huo Lin completed the logical loop of convincing himself in his mind, and instantly became righteous and confident.

He put down his chopsticks and reached for the handkerchief in front of him.

However, Jiang Huan took the initiative, picked up the handkerchief in front of her and pressed it to the corner of her mouth, the movement as smooth as if she had rehearsed it a thousand times.

Huo Lin's hand froze in mid-air.

Jiang Huan raised her head and gave him an extremely innocent look.

“Your Majesty? Do you wish to wash your hands? Here is another handkerchief.” She pointed to another clean handkerchief prepared by the palace servants.

Huo Lin: ...

The outstretched hand was withdrawn very slowly and stiffly, resting on the thigh, the knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

She moves so fast, even more swiftly than my personal guards.

Was I too obvious? Or was it her...?

Oh well, perhaps it's just a coincidence.

He shook his head inwardly, dispelling his doubts, his face remaining calm.

"It's nothing. I just noticed the soup is a bit hot. Please drink it slowly."

Huo Lin's voice was steady, showing no sign of anything amiss.

Jiang Huan secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly accepted the situation, bowing her head to drink the soup.

She just wanted Huo Lin to calm down a bit; her back was still aching, and she couldn't take it anymore!

Huo Lin's gaze couldn't help but drift towards Jiang Huan again.

Her hair at her temples looked a little messy.

[It must have been done just now.]

[Help her sort it out; it's a logical step.]

Huo Lin put down his chopsticks again, this time choosing a more discreet approach.

He picked up the cup of tea beside him, and as if casually adjusting his posture, his body leaned naturally toward Jiang Huan.

“This tea…” he began, his voice low and pleasant, trying to distract her with his words.

However, before the last syllable of the word "tea" could even finish...

Snap—

Jiang Huan accidentally dropped the spoon from her hand, making a crisp sound.

"oops!"

Jiang Huan exclaimed softly and immediately bent down to pick it up.

This movement caused her entire upper body to lean forward, perfectly avoiding Huo Lin's raised left hand and creating physical distance between them.

She picked up the spoon and deftly handed it to Xiao Zhao, who was serving her nearby.

"Xiao Zhao, get a clean one."

Huo Lin held his teacup, watching Jiang Huan's smooth and fluid movements, while his other hand awkwardly hovered in the air once again.

He slowly withdrew his hand, his fingertips unconsciously tapping lightly on the smooth tabletop.

[Dodged it again?]

That's a really fast reaction!

[Could it be that my thoughts are too easy to guess? Surely not?]

A strange feeling grew in Huo Lin's heart. His gaze fell on Jiang Huan's small face, which was trying to maintain its composure but was obviously showing signs of guilt, and his probing intent grew stronger.

[Strange, how come she always seems to anticipate my movements?]

[It's as if they can read my mind.]

The moment the idea popped into his head, he dismissed it.

[Impossible, it must be a coincidence, or perhaps I was too obvious? Is she shy?]

[Yes, that must be it. I need to be more composed.]

Huo Lin forcibly suppressed his doubts, picked up the teacup in front of him, and slowly sipped a mouthful to conceal his turbulent emotions.

[It seems I'm still not reserved enough; I need to be more composed.]

The atmosphere became subtly tense for a moment. Huo Lin stopped making any moves, but his eyes kept glancing at Jiang Huan from time to time.

Jiang Huan felt extremely uncomfortable, as if she were being roasted over a fire.

She could clearly feel Huo Lin's probing gaze and the growing doubt in his heart.

No, I can't let this slip.

Jiang Huan tried her best to appear calm and composed, picking up a piece of fish with her chopsticks and taking small bites, but inwardly she was wailing.

Although Huo Lin praised her several times, saying she was like a mind reader to him.

But once it's discovered, no one will refuse to get rid of the worms in their stomach.

Using "please" is a bit too polite; most people just call out...

Thinking this, Jiang Huan's stomach clenched.

If this continues, she'll get indigestion.

Huo Lin put down his teacup and his gaze fell on Jiang Huan again.

This time, he suppressed all outward emotions, remaining so calm that no one could discern his thoughts.

He decided to try again, this time even more subtly and naturally!

Her hairpin looks a little crooked.

[I'll help her get promoted; that should be reasonable this time.]

This time, the movements need to be more natural and slower; we absolutely cannot let her notice beforehand again.

Huo Lin took a deep breath, making sure his mental preparation was perfect.

He slowly raised his hand, the movement extremely natural, as if he were merely adjusting his sleeves.

While Jiang Huan lowered her head, he quietly opened his hand and reached for the small pearl hairpin at Jiang Huan's temple.

His breathing slowed down considerably as he tried to make it as perfect as possible.

Although Jiang Huan didn't look up, she knew what Huo Lin wanted to do, and her heart jumped into her throat.

Here we go again, this time it's a hairpin.

To hide or not to hide?

If I don't dodge, he'll definitely attack me.

If I try to hide, my movements will be too deliberate, and he'll definitely become more suspicious.

Jiang Huan was torn between two conflicting emotions, watching those slender fingers draw ever closer to her...