Chapter 79 Crossing the Line Xiao Qiyu suddenly felt that being a dog wasn't so bad...

A snowflake fell into Cui Ying's eyes, stirring up a strong, bittersweet feeling, a cool, tingling pain.

My heart suddenly felt much warmer at that moment, and my heartbeat quickened considerably.

She stared blankly at Xiao Qiyu's face, which was so close to hers, without blinking.

Strangely enough, even though she had only not seen Xiao Qiyu for a few days, she felt as if she had been in another world.

Their eyes met, and the snow fell silently.

The surrounding maids had already held their breath and lowered their heads, quietly stepping back a few paces.

Why are you here?

Cui Ying blurted out this sentence, her voice still carrying a hint of drunkenness, inexplicably coquettish, like honey being stretched into thin threads.

Xiao Qiyu helped her steady herself and released his hand from around her waist.

“Grandmother misses you,” he said calmly, his gaze shifting from her flushed face. “She mentioned you several times yesterday and sent me here specifically to ask when you plan to return home.”

His voice was deep and pleasant, mixed with the scent of wind and snow, making it sound particularly cold and clear.

After returning to Beijing for several days, his skin, weathered by the wind and frost of southern Jiangxi, returned to its original cold white jade color. Now, standing tall in the snow, the two complement each other, a subtle yet vibrant beauty.

Cui Ying was stunned for a moment, and after a long pause, she remembered to reply, "It was my fault. I lost track of time while staying at home and made my grandmother worry. I'll pack my things now and go back to keep her company today."

After saying that, he took his maid back to his room to pack his valuables.

She walked briskly, her bright red fox fur coat standing out against the icy snow, the only vibrant color in the landscape.

Xiao Qiyu stood still, not in a hurry to get under the eaves to avoid the snow. His right hand was unconsciously raised slightly, his fingertips loosely clenched, as if he was still savoring something.

His eyes darkened slightly, and he took a deep breath of the cold air without making a sound before slowly relaxing his hand.

...

Upon returning to the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence, Cui Ying first went to the Bodhi Hall to pay her respects to the old lady. The old lady held her hand and looked her up and down. Seeing that she had a rosy complexion, smiling eyes, and was even more lively than before, she was completely relieved. She chatted with her for a long time and gave her many gifts.

As we left the Bodhi Hall, a light snow began to fall from the sky again.

Suddenly, Cui Ying felt an interest and ordered a small red clay stove and tea set to be prepared in the warm pavilion in the garden. He then sent a maid to invite Xiao Shu and Xiao Wan, who had already taken their winter break and were now at home, probably wondering how to pass the time.

Not long after, Xiao Shu arrived surrounded by many maids. Xiao Wan, however, declined, saying it was too cold outside and she couldn't go out.

Thick brocade curtains hung at the four corners of the pavilion, but only two sides were rolled up at this moment, which not only blocked the cold wind but also allowed people to enjoy the snow scene in the garden.

On the stone table in the center of the pavilion, a small red clay stove was burning brightly, and a purple clay teapot sat on it, its spout spouting white steam and making a soft "gurgling" sound. The aroma of tea and the smell of charcoal fire mingled with the cool snow outside the pavilion.

Cui Ying sat opposite Xiao Shu, skillfully warming the cups, adding tea, and pouring water. He then pushed a clear and bright cup of tea in front of Xiao Shu and thoughtfully placed a plate of pastries he had brought from the Duke of Wei's mansion in front of her, saying, "These are pine nut and lily pastries I brought from home. Please try them."

Xiao Shu took a bite of the pastry and felt the fragrance linger on her lips and teeth, melting in her mouth. She then took a sip of tea, the aroma of which relieved the slight greasiness of the pastry, making it a perfect match.

"tasty!"

Xiao Shu praised it highly, and while eating snacks and drinking tea, she continued to pester Cui Ying for her experiences in southern Jiangxi.

Having never witnessed such a life of swords and shadows, Xiao Shu was completely captivated, listening intently as if to a storyteller, her eyes never blinking for half a day.

Just then, a sharp and urgent cry suddenly came from outside, seemingly coming from outside the garden. It should have been far away, but because the sound was so loud, it was impossible not to hear it.

"Why won't you let me see the old lady? I want to see the old lady! Your Marquis's mansion can't treat people like this! I'm going to complain to the old lady! I want the old lady to stand up for me!"

The woman's voice was loud and clear, a mix of crying and cursing, filled with resentment and bitterness.

Cui Ying listened intently, then frowned and said, "Why does this sound so much like Third Sister-in-law's voice?"

Xiao Shu rolled her eyes impatiently: "Who else could it be but her?"

Cui Ying looked at her face and said, "Something's not right. Something big must have happened at home while I was away. Tell me quickly, what happened?"

Although Qian Qiuchan was straightforward and outspoken, she was also very good at putting on a show and would not lose her composure like this unless absolutely necessary.

Xiao Shu hesitated for a long time, then finally sighed and said, "It's not something to be proud of, but I won't lie to you, Third Sister, you might not believe me, but my brother is keeping a mistress in his private residence."

Cui Ying's eyes widened immediately, her face filled with shock, and she stammered, "Third Brother? Mistress? Third Brother keeps a mistress? He keeps a mistress?"

“It was something that happened before you left.” Xiao Shu was both amused and exasperated by her reaction. “Don’t even mention you, when I first found out, my jaw almost dropped to my feet. But my mother was quite happy about it and even tried to bring the person in, but my brother kept refusing, saying that the house wasn’t quiet enough and that it was better to go outside.”

Xiao Shu raised her chin towards the door, her expression immediately darkening: "Even so, she still found out."

At this moment, the noise grew louder and louder, almost reaching the entrance of the garden.

Cui Ying lifted the felt curtain and saw Qian Qiuchan with her hair disheveled, a few strands of hair clinging to her tear-stained cheeks, her eyes red-rimmed, and her originally beautiful features appearing somewhat ferocious due to agitation and anger.

She shoved away the maids and servants who tried to stop her, trembling all over, gritting her teeth, her eyes almost spitting fire:

"It was you! It must have been you who instigated this! You were the ones who wouldn't let the old lady see me! It was your Marquis's mansion that was greedy and snobbish, trying to kick me aside after I've served my purpose! You think you can just discard me now that I can't have children? Let me tell you, no way! I, Qian Qiuchan, was born a member of the Xiao family, and I will die a member of the Xiao family. Even if I die, I will die in the Marquis's mansion!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Shu could no longer contain herself and stood up. She walked to the pavilion and, though she tried her best to remain calm, her voice still betrayed an uncontrollable annoyance: "Sister-in-law, please be mindful of your status and demeanor. After all, this is in front of the servants. Don't lose your composure."

"Manners? Your Marquis's mansion is talking to me about manners?"

Qian Qiuchan laughed out loud as if she had heard the funniest joke in the world, her tears flowing even more fiercely as she pointed at Xiao Shu:

"Back then, it was your Marquis's mansion that carried me in with an eight-bearer sedan chair! Now you allow Xiao Heng to keep those prostitutes and courtesans outside, just to kick me aside? Is this your decorum? Is your Marquis's mansion's decorum to favor concubines and neglect wives, just for that lowly wretch to humiliate me, the legal wife!"

Xiao Shu's temper flared instantly, and she immediately stepped down from the pavilion to confront Qian Qiuchan directly: "You know in your heart what means you used to marry into this family! Who are you trying to impress with your wailing and crying now! What are you complaining about? It's my brother and our whole family who should be feeling wronged!"

Cui Ying quickly stopped Xiao Shu from rushing forward.

Several rough-looking old women finally caught up and tried to persuade Qian Qiuchan while pulling her away, creating a chaotic scene.

Cui Ying had to coax and plead with Xiao Shu to finally pull her back into the pavilion.

Xiao Shu's tears kept falling, and she kept saying, "What sins have I committed?"

Cui Ying spent a long time coaxing Xiao Shu to stop her tears. Cui Ying didn't dare to keep her outside any longer and personally took her back to her residence. They talked for a long time until sunset before returning to Qiyun Pavilion.

...

As night deepened, the dragon fire inside Qiyun Pavilion burned brightly, its warmth dispelling all the winter chill. The air was filled with the scent of pear blossoms, creating a languid and peaceful atmosphere.

Cui Ying took a relaxing hot bath, her skin radiating warmth and filled with the fragrance of roses.

She slowly put on her soft nightgown and walked out from behind the screen. Her long, wet hair was loosely tied up with a white jade hairpin, and her fair face was flushed with moisture, like she had applied rouge, adding a touch of allure that she didn't usually possess.

The lights were bright.

Xiao Qiyu lay half-reclined on the bed, having changed his clothes and now wearing only a plain undergarment with the collar slightly open. His dark hair was unbound and casually draped over his shoulders.

He held the storybook she hadn't finished reading during the day in his hand. His profile was clearly defined in the dim candlelight, his long eyelashes drooping, concealing the sharpness in his eyes, which was unusually relaxed and easygoing.

He seems quite focused.

Cui Ying dried her hair, walked over, and said naturally, "I'm going to sleep. You can leave now."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qiyu slowly raised his eyelids from the storybook, his gaze lingering for a moment on her rosy, moist cheeks before lowering his eyes again and saying indifferently, "The ground is cold, I won't sleep."

"The ground is cold?" Cui Ying was almost laughing in anger. "Xiao Qiyu, your ability to lie through your teeth has improved. This underfloor heating is so hot it's almost like an oven. You're telling me it's cold? Nobody believes you. Get down there and sleep on your makeshift bed!"

Damn it, she was still too good to him. They had only been living together in southern Jiangxi for a few months, and he actually thought he could steal her bed?

Provocation! Absolutely provocation!

Xiao Qiyu seemed not to have heard her order to leave. He turned another page of the storybook with his slender fingers and casually said, "I'm tired, I can't move."

Cui Ying tossed the long towel she used to dry her hair onto the table, strode onto the bed, raised her delicate, snow-white foot, and kicked his shin hard: "Tired, huh? Can't move? No problem, I'll help you move. Get off!"

Her strength was very strong, even for an ordinary person.

But for Xiao Qiyu, it was more like a grazing than a kick.

Her feet are too delicate; they shouldn't be used for kicking people.

A disgusting thought flashed through Xiao Qiyu's mind. Unable to concentrate on reading, Xiao Qiyu finally put down the storybook, grabbed Cui Ying's slender ankle, and tried to quiet her down.

But when his calloused palms touched the girl's warm, fragrant skin, Cui Ying didn't quiet down; instead, he himself became quiet.

"You dare to fight back?" Cui Ying was shocked, her long eyelashes trembling with her breath, as if she were experiencing something extraordinary.

Xiao Qiyu looked up at her.

The tent was dimly lit, but by the flickering candlelight, he could clearly see the water droplets clinging to her temples, small and clear, winding down her neck and flowing into the delicate hollow of her collarbone.

He suddenly felt his mouth was dry and his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

“Back in southern Jiangxi, we always slept together.” Xiao Qiyu lowered his eyes, his voice clearly calm and indifferent, yet subtly revealing an indescribable emotion.

Similar to feeling wronged.

Cui Ying tried to pull her foot back, but the large hand gripped her too tightly, the veins on the back of the hand bulging, and she couldn't move.

So she simply sat down, put her hands on her hips fiercely, and said, "How can that be the same? Southern Jiangxi is Southern Jiangxi, and Beijing is Beijing. Back then, we were forced by circumstances to sleep in the same bed, otherwise we would both freeze to death. Now it's so hot that we're about to die, why would we need to huddle together for warmth? Oh, I feel hot right now, so let go of my hand!"

Xiao Qiyu finally loosened his grip slightly.

Cui Ying felt like she was hallucinating.

For some reason, she always felt that when he withdrew his palm, his fingertips seemed to lightly scrape her skin.

Looking up at Xiao Qiyu again, he had already silently gotten off the bed, walked to the floor cot, lifted the quilt and lay down, his back to her, his movements swift and decisive, as if the person who had been stubbornly refusing to get off just now was not him at all.

Cui Ying was surprised that he was so obedient this time. She was stunned for a moment, withdrew her foot, and curled her toes uncomfortably. She felt empty inside.

She quietly lay down and pulled the quilt over herself.

The room was quiet, with only the soft, clear sound of snowflakes falling outside the window.

Cui Ying closed her eyes, thinking she could fall asleep peacefully.

But for some reason, her heart started beating much faster.

She recalled her time with Xiao Qiyu in southern Jiangxi, how he risked his life to save her when arrows appeared, and how he always gave her his bed while he slept on the cold floor.

Cui Ying felt increasingly distressed as she thought about it, and naturally attributed the reason for her racing heartbeat to a guilty conscience.

She sat up with a jolt, and facing the figure on the ground, resolutely said, "You get up and sleep in the bed, I'll sleep on the floor."

Xiao Qiyu remained motionless, his breathing even and deep, the contours of his body rising and falling slightly with each breath.

Cui Ying's expression gradually shifted from resolute determination to confusion. She looked at the back of his head, which was still quiet, scratched her head a couple of times in puzzlement, and muttered to herself, "He's asleep already?"

All that remains of her memory is the silent, swaying lamplight.

Cui Ying breathed a sigh of relief and lay down comfortably again.

Now I can truly feel at ease.

"It's not that I don't want you to sleep in the bed, it's just that you fell asleep too quickly and missed your chance."

Cui Ying: "You missed out, it's not that I'm being domineering."

As she spoke, Cui Ying yawned, perhaps because she was sleepy. Her tone suddenly became much more serious, sounding unusually earnest:

"Didn't we agree that whoever crosses the line first is a dog? You've been sleeping with me all this time, do you want to be a dog?"

"Ugh, why am I talking to a sleeping person like this? How boring."

Cui Ying turned over, her back to the outside, and quietly drifted off to sleep. Soon, her even, long breaths could be heard.

However, Xiao Qiyu, who was lying on the floor, opened his eyes.

He didn't fall asleep at all.

The flickering lamplight, like ripples on water, flowed across the embroidered screen in the room, much like the hidden, undulating thoughts deep within people's hearts.

Xiao Qiyu looked at the embroidered screen, but what appeared before his eyes was not the lamplight, but the scene of Cui Ying arguing with him on the couch.

The girl's flushed cheeks, damp hair clinging to her snow-white neck, the faint fragrance emanating from her body, and the delicate, creamy touch of her ankle when grasped...

These images kept replaying in his mind uncontrollably, becoming clearer and clearer, and more and more impossible to shake off.

A familiar, hot sensation rose from his lower abdomen and quickly spread to his limbs and bones, even hotter than the earth dragon, burning his throat dry and causing his heartbeat to lose its usual rhythm.

Xiao Qiyu's breathing was hot and he could barely control himself. He could only turn his head to look at the slender figure on the bed, trying to fight poison with poison.

On the couch, Cui Ying slept soundly, her breathing even and peaceful. The hair at the back of her head was piled up smoothly on the pillow, and her pink and round earlobes were like ripe cherries, delicate and tempting.

Xiao Qiyu's breath became even hotter.

At the same time, a tingling, stinging pain spread through my chest.

Compared to Cui Ying, who was fast asleep, Xiao Qiyu felt that his current torment was particularly ridiculous.

He was in such a chaotic state due to war, yet the culprit didn't even have time to sleep.

However, Xiao Qiyu did not feel disheartened because of this; instead, he brought out even more unbearable thoughts from the depths of his heart.

He was thinking—if Cui Ying slept so soundly every night, would he be able to do anything to her without being discovered?

Whoever crosses the line first is a dog.

I recall that slender waist that I could wrap my hand around in the snow.

Xiao Qiyu suddenly felt that being a dog wasn't so bad.

-----------------------

Author's Note: I'll finish the remaining 1500 words late tonight, so you'll see it when you wake up [shy].

Now let's get down to business. I've read all the previous comments, including those who don't support the secondary couple. So I've made some adjustments to try and reduce the romantic storylines of the supporting characters. The reason I'm reducing them, rather than deleting them, is because all the romantic storylines and plotlines are interdependent and pre-designed. It's like moving one part affects the whole plot, and rewriting them would be too much of a brain drain (and I'm not a very smart person, so...).

The development of the relationship between Third Brother and Jingnu will no longer be discussed in the main story to ensure that readers who do not like this couple will not be disappointed. However, a separate side story featuring the two of them will be released after the story is completed, and those who like this couple are free to subscribe.

Then, after the story ends, there will be a "big feast" version of the extra chapter. Similar to the ending of this chapter, the male lead only fantasizes about what to do with the sleeping female lead, but he is a pure and innocent puppy by nature so he won't actually do it. However, in the extra chapter, he will directly pounce on her and have a delicious meal of pan-fried dumplings (cough cough).

In short, I wish everyone happiness, health, and prosperity every day! [fireworks]