Chapter 82 I'm really moved
After an unknown amount of time, until Li Bao'er was almost suffocating and limply collapsed in his arms, Mu Cenlin finally seemed satisfied and slowly ended the extremely aggressive kiss.
The two separated slightly, their foreheads touching, their breaths still rapid and hot, their intimate moments intertwined in the cramped carriage.
Li Bao'er's cheeks were flushed, her eyes were watery, and her lips were slightly swollen from being kissed, glistening with an alluring moisture. She was still in a dazed and confused state.
Mu Cenlin's deep gaze was fixed on her rare, charming appearance. His fingertips unconsciously caressed her flushed cheeks. The darkness in his eyes had not completely faded, but his voice had regained some of its usual coldness:
Who is that man?
How did you meet him?
"And when did you become the owner there?"
He asked three questions in a row, his tone steady, his phoenix eyes holding a hint of scrutiny, but his arm around her waist remained firmly in place.
Before Li Bao'er's heart could calm down, she blinked her misty eyes and tried to organize her thoughts in the face of this soul-searching question: "Mingyu... she is actually a woman. She has liked to dress as a man since she was a child, which makes things easier for her. We... have known each other for many years and are considered to be life-and-death friends."
Upon hearing the word "woman," Mu Cenlin raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his heart. He had been away for many years and had seen many disguise techniques, but this woman's disguise was flawless. The low pressure around him dissipated at a visible speed, and the fierce look in his eyes softened considerably.
Li Bao'er breathed a slight sigh of relief and continued to explain, "As for the black market... it was a way to make money that I accidentally discovered when my mother's dowry shops were poorly managed and almost went bankrupt. At first, it was just to fill the gaps and secretly resell some rare items. Later... by chance, it grew bigger and bigger, and it has reached its current scale. Mingyu is meticulous and skilled, so I entrusted it to her to manage."
She omitted many of the hardships and risks involved, the place which developed in the year she came of age.
After listening, Mu Cenlin remained silent for a moment, his fingertips still lightly stroking her cheek, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
“So,” he said slowly, his voice devoid of emotion, “you brought Feng Li here today to use my name to intimidate the crowd?” He immediately saw through Li Bao’er’s deeper intentions.
Li Bao'er, her thoughts exposed, pursed her lips somewhat shyly, but did not deny it. Instead, she looked up at him, her eyes clear and bright: "Recently, there have been people causing trouble, and I'm worried that Mingyu won't be able to handle it. Your Highness... could you help me this time?"
She softened her voice, adding a hint of coquettishness that she herself was unaware of, as if she was certain he would agree.
Seeing her unusually vulnerable expression, and considering the hardship she endured running this huge business alone, Mu Cenlin lightly pressed his fingertip against her lips, a gesture of slight punishment.
"If this happens again, just tell me directly. There's no need for all this beating around the bush."
That means you've agreed.
Li Bao'er was overjoyed, and a bright smile immediately bloomed on her face. She leaned forward and quickly kissed him on the chin: "Thank you, Your Highness!"
Mu Cenlin was taken aback by her sudden intimacy. A faint smile flashed across his eyes, but he quickly straightened his face and pulled her back into his arms to sit properly: "Sit still, this is improper."
Li Bao'er was pulled back into Mu Cenlin's arms, her cheek pressed against his cool python-patterned fabric, she could clearly hear his steady and powerful heartbeat, and the crisp and pleasant scent of his body lingered around her nose.
An unprecedented sense of security enveloped her, making her even somewhat reluctant to be embraced.
Just as the atmosphere became intimate and romantic, [ding-dong~]
001's gossipy voice suddenly rang in Li Bao'er's mind: [Host, host! Multiple abnormal physiological indicators have been detected! Increased heart rate, elevated body temperature, and continuous dopamine secretion. According to the analysis of this system's vast database, these symptoms... could it be that you've actually fallen for our Great Demon King?!]
!!
Li Bao'er felt as if she had been struck by a tiny electric current, and her body stiffened almost imperceptibly.
Does he like... Mu Cenlin?
The thought was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples in her heart.
She subconsciously recalled that she had just taken the initiative to cup his face. Although it was an accident, it didn't seem to be entirely an impulsive act.
And that domineering and aggressive kiss he just gave her—besides the initial shock, she didn't seem to feel any disgust or resistance? Even when he took the initiative, her heart raced...
Even now, sitting in his lap, feeling his body temperature and heartbeat, she felt surprisingly at ease and even didn't want to leave.
These subconscious behaviors and the body's most genuine reactions cannot be faked.
She seems to have developed feelings for this unpredictable, ruthless man who would protect her and tolerate her at crucial moments, feelings that go beyond "ally" and "mission objective."
She secretly raised her eyelids, trying to peek at Mu Cenlin's expression at this moment, but she met his lowered, deep and unfathomable gaze.
With just that one glance, Li Bao'er knew she would never forget it for the rest of her life; those eyes, filled with her, were brimming with an unprecedented tenderness.
As if burned, Li Bao'er immediately lowered her head, pretending to adjust her posture, but her heart was pounding wildly and she could no longer calm down.
"You...you shut up! What nonsense are you analyzing!" Bao'er scolded the system, but her voice clearly lacked conviction.
001: [Hehe, host, you're just being stubborn~ The data doesn't lie! But speaking of which, although the Great Demon King is a bit difficult to conquer, his looks and fighting skills are both top-notch, and he's quite handsome when he's protective of his own... Oops, his corruption level has dropped to 60%! Congratulations, host!]
Li Bao'er ignored 001's teasing and fell into a state of confusion and helplessness.
Just then, Mu Cenlin's cold and clear words seemed to echo in her ears again: divorce, set her free. That was the promise he made to her on their wedding night, and also the boundary he drew.
It doesn't matter if we're not a loving couple.
If Your Highness ever meets someone you truly love, I, Li Bao'er, will gladly relinquish my position and let go without hesitation, without any lingering regret.
This was also a "covenant" she herself solemnly made on her wedding day to clarify her stance and draw a clear line.
She spoke so freely and so clearly, but what about now?
She actually harbored inappropriate fantasies about her nominal husband, someone from whom she was destined to part ways.
"Your Highness..."
Mu Cenlin did not lower his head, but simply gave a very soft "hmm?" with a slight upward inflection at the end.
Li Bao'er's heart skipped a beat. She carefully chose her words and spoke cautiously:
Why were you so angry just now?
She paused, as if feeling her question wasn't clear enough, and added softly, "Do you... care about me even a little bit?"
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