Chapter 22 Sharing a Bed
They soon arrived at Green Ivy Village. Bai Hua was surprised to see that Aunt Li's house was so lively. As soon as she entered the house, she saw three or four unfamiliar faces, both men and women, all of whom looked young.
She had assumed that only Aunt Li and Li Silang were at Xiaohe's house, and that she would be able to recognize them at a glance. But now that she had entered, there were three men of marriageable age in the house, and she couldn't tell which one was Xiaohe's lover.
Upon seeing her arrive, Aunt Li warmly invited her to sit down.
At the same time, she smiled and introduced to the other guests behind her: "This is the girl I always mention, A Peng. You can't find another one as beautiful as her for miles around. Today you see her in person, and seeing is believing. You know that Aunt Li is not just bragging, right?"
The crowd laughed a few times, some enthusiastically joining in, others remaining shy and silent, but their eyes naturally fell on Bai Hua.
Bai Hua felt awkward in the crowded situation, but she wasn't annoyed by the compliments, so she awkwardly smiled and maintained a friendly attitude.
Xiaohe sat down next to Baihua. After her mother started chatting and regained everyone's attention, she turned her head and whispered to Baihua in a low voice.
“Sister Apeng, look, the two people sitting to my mother’s left are the ones who took a liking to each other a few days ago after being introduced by my mother. They brought gifts today to express their gratitude to my mother. They hadn’t arrived when I went up the mountain to look for you. There are unexpectedly many people at home today, so don’t feel uncomfortable. They should leave in a little while.”
Bai Hua thought to herself that she was just a guest and wouldn't stay for long, so it didn't matter how many people were there.
Seeing Xiaohe's extra care for her, Baihua didn't want to disappoint her and became even more attentive to the matter of 'screening'.
She glanced around the room subtly, scrutinizing each of the male guests before turning her head and asking in a low voice, "Xiao He, which one of you is your Li Silang?"
Xiaohe blushed, not expecting Baihua to suddenly change the subject, especially with her choice of words, which made her feel embarrassed.
After hesitating for a moment, Xiaohe used her sleeve as a cover and quietly reached out her hand, pointing to a seat next to the window.
She said in a low voice, "The one by the window, wearing a dark green robe, is Si Lang. And the one next to him..."
Before the introductions were finished, Aunt Li finished talking with the couple she thought were a good match and then instructed Xiao He to go to the main room to change the water and add tea.
Xiaohe had no choice but to stop talking for the time being. She exchanged a glance with Baihua and got up as instructed.
Seeing this, Li Silang followed his wife out. The two were inseparable, clearly a loving newlywed couple who couldn't live without each other.
As Li Silang approached, Bai Hua pretended to drink tea while glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.
He was quite good-looking, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, very spirited, broad shoulders and thick arms, a robust build, and a tall stature.
Such a man will have a good first impression on a girl if they click with each other.
Bai Hua also heard that Li Silang was a hunter by trade, and everyone in his family knew how to shoot arrows. If Xiao He married him, she would be protected by him and would no longer be bullied by evil people.
A good match.
but……
Bai Hua recalled Xiao He's words when she invited her over. She compared Li Silang to the young master and claimed that Li Silang was far inferior to the young master in appearance.
Because of these words, Bai Hua had imagined beforehand that Li Silang would be a rough and rugged man who would not be appreciated by women. However, she realized that she was wrong when she saw him. He was clearly a handsome young man.
Perhaps Xiaohe was just being modest on behalf of her husband?
Otherwise, why would she deliberately belittle her husband?
Of all the men in the house, the only one whose appearance was lacking was probably the dark-faced, taciturn young man next to Li Silang. He wasn't actually that bad-looking, just too plain and unremarkable; he would have been completely overlooked in a crowd. The key was his dark skin, which further obscured his charm.
The other party is just a complete stranger. Does that seem impolite?
Realizing this, Bai Hua quickly stopped her thoughts.
Xiaohe quickly returned to the house and thoughtfully refilled the teacups for the guests. After they finished their cups, the man and woman who had been chatting most enthusiastically with Aunt Li got up to leave.
Bai Hua also stood up, pretending to see him off.
But they only moved their feet slightly, just enough to show proper etiquette; there was no need to actually go out.
Whether it was her imagination or not, the man who brushed past her before leaving seemed to deliberately slow his pace and glance at her in a faint, almost imperceptible way.
By the time Bai Hua realized what was happening and tried to confirm, the other person had already left, leaving only their back view.
She had no choice but to put aside her suspicions, thinking that she was probably wrong.
When Aunt Li returned from seeing the guests off, she glanced at the dark-faced man, then looked at Bai Hua and smiled knowingly.
Bai Hua didn't understand what that look meant.
Just as I was feeling lost, Aunt Li spoke up: "I didn't expect to have a new guest today. It's much quieter now that you've seen them off. Let's continue our conversation. Miss Apeng, I'm so glad you've come all this way. I heard from Xiaohe that you haven't had lunch yet. It's just so happens that dinner at home is coming late today. Please don't refuse. Just give Aunt Li some face and stay to eat with us."
Bai Hua hesitated for a moment, intending to politely decline.
But then she thought again that she was asked by Xiaohe to help her make an eye on Li Silang. So far, Li Silang's appearance was acceptable, but she knew nothing about his inner character and manners.
If we leave now, wouldn't that be taking it too lightly?
With these concerns in mind, Bai Hua reluctantly agreed.
For some reason, as soon as she finished speaking, the man next to Li Silang choked on his tea and coughed violently. After calming down a bit, he straightened up, his entire face completely red, so red that even the darkest face would be clearly visible.
Bai Hua was drawn to the commotion and glanced over.
The other person awkwardly avoided the question, and this time even their neck showed an unusual color.
Is this man... bad at dealing with strangers?
It's quite unusual for someone who is dark-skinned and robust yet possesses a reserved and shy nature.
...
After dinner, Bai Hua's attention remained mostly on Li Silang, and she listened attentively every time he spoke.
He treated Aunt Li with utmost respect;
He naturally dotes on Xiao He;
When conversing with friends, one can be more composed and take jokes with ease.
Bai Hua was satisfied with his performance and thought that if Xiao He asked, she would definitely speak well of Li Silang.
Having completed the task Xiao He had privately assigned, Bai Hua relaxed and began to focus on her meal.
Aunt Li was a very good cook, and her home-style dishes were delicious. As Bai Hua chewed, she couldn't help but think of Ning Jue.
I left a note when I left the bamboo house, but I didn't say I would stay for a meal. I haven't returned for a long time. Will he be worried?
But then she thought about his distance and indifference towards her in recent days, and realized that her worries were probably unnecessary.
He might even be quite content without her.
...
Suddenly, there was a knocking sound at the door, the sound was urgent.
Li Silang made a move to get up, but Aunt Li called him back, gesturing for him to continue eating, before going to open the door herself.
A moment later, Aunt Li re-entered the house, her smile gone, replaced by a mixture of confusion and realization; her expression was complex.
She glanced at Bai Hua quickly, then looked away and awkwardly shifted her body to make way for the person behind her.
To Bai Hua's surprise, the person she had just been thinking about suddenly appeared right in front of her as if descending from the sky.
She froze, lowered her eyes slightly, and did not react.
Aunt Li breathed a sigh of relief and, forcing herself to speak, introduced him to the crowd: "This is Young Master Ning Jue, a martial arts master who is temporarily living in seclusion in Xianyang Mountain, and also Xiao He's savior."
Upon hearing this, Li Silang was the first to stand up, bowing deeply to express his gratitude.
Xiaohe also stood up and offered him her seat, showing great respect for Ning Jue.
"Young master, what brings you here? Have you had lunch yet? We just sat down at the table and haven't really started eating. If you don't mind, why don't you stay and have a meal with us?"
Ning Jue readily agreed, "Okay."
Upon hearing this, Xiaohe was flattered. She and her mother had invited the young master many times before, but he had always been distant and refused to accept their invitations. The fact that he accepted so readily now truly surprised her.
With a smile on her face, she hurriedly urged the person beside her, "Si Lang, go and get the young master a new set of bowls and chopsticks, the new porcelain bowl on the top shelf of the cupboard, the one with the cassia branch pattern."
Li Silang replied, "I'll go right away."
Aunt Li kindly offered her seat, gesturing for Ning Jue to sit down first.
Ning Jue nodded, remaining silent. Facing the seats offered by Aunt Li, Xiao He, and Li Silang, he sat down without hesitation in Aunt Li's seat, next to Bai Hua on his left and a strange man on his right.
The colder his aura became, the more expressionless he remained, without even turning his head.
Bai Hua felt uneasy and increasingly disappointed.
After Aunt Li brought over stools and everyone sat down around the table again, she tried her best to glance at Ning Jue discreetly.
As a result, he was caught red-handed with just one glance.
The two locked eyes. The unspoken understanding they shared day and night made Bai Hua keenly aware that the young master seemed to be in a bad mood. His eyes were cold and gloomy, and he exuded an aura that made people wary of him.
He didn't even notice that his expression was better when he was a guest in someone else's home; he truly didn't understand social etiquette at all.
But who offended him?
If you're unwilling, why come along?
Bai Hua sighed inwardly, truly not understanding what the young master was thinking.
The atmosphere at the table was somewhat stiff. Ning Jue's presence was too strong, and he wasn't very proactive. No one dared to overstep him and try to liven things up. For a moment, everyone kept silent and followed the rule of 'not talking while eating' at the table.
Aunt Li chewed her food listlessly, her eyes darting around twice.
Having lived most of his life, even if he was simple-minded and dull, he was now slowly beginning to discern some unusual meanings.
Young Master Ning's rare visit was certainly not just for a meal.
His expression was somber, and he didn't even exchange a word with Miss Apeng. The atmosphere between them was strange, as if they were clearly sulking...
So, should we continue talking about this?
Originally, she planned to see off a group of guests first, and then help Sun Wu and Miss A Peng get together. Unexpectedly, just as the dinner party was about to begin, Young Master Ning barged in without saying a word. As soon as he arrived, A Peng's attention was completely on him. She secretly glanced at him and couldn't hide her concern.
Normally there would be no sign of anything amiss, but at this moment, the atmosphere between the two was truly unlike that of an ordinary master and servant.
Aunt Li had a terrible headache, and the more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
But she clearly asked Old Zhao to inquire with Young Master Ning beforehand, and only started to act as matchmaker after learning that he had no objections. Otherwise, why would she do such a thankless and foolish thing?
The situation is now chaotic, and she really doesn't know how to end it.
Just as he was in a dilemma, Ning Jue suddenly turned to face Sun Wu, and after a brief look, asked bluntly, "Is it you who is interested in the maidservant beside me and wants Aunt Li to help arrange the marriage?"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked up, some stunned, some surprised that he would ask such a direct question.
Bai Hua immediately frowned, wondering what the young master was talking about. She didn't know him at all, and it was really offensive of him to ask such a question.
Unexpectedly, the other party blushed and mustered up the courage to nod and admit, "Yes, I fell in love with Miss Apeng at first sight. I am a thousand times, ten thousand times satisfied. I'm just afraid that she will think I'm a rough man and not good enough for her."
He had a rugged and imposing appearance, but his voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
After speaking, he lowered his head, his whole body tense, waiting nervously for her to respond.
Bai Hua blinked, completely stunned. She subconsciously looked at Xiao He, seeking clarification.
Xiaohe smiled shyly at her, nodded, looked knowing, and even winked at her in encouragement.
"..."
Bai Hua then belatedly realized that something was wrong.
Xiaohe insisted on inviting her over, not so that she could see what kind of person Li Silang was, but to help her find a husband and introduce her to other men.
Just as she was wondering what to do, Ning Jue coldly stated without expression, "Her indenture is with me. I bought it at a high price back then. How much are you planning to offer?"
Sun Tzu knew they were master and servant, and misunderstood, thinking that reaching this point meant things were going well, and that he might be lucky enough to win the heart of the beauty.
He immediately straightened his back, made his stance clear, and said sincerely, "Please name your price, sir. I don't mind spending all my wealth as long as I can afford it."
After saying that, he couldn't help but steal a glance at Bai Hua, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and pity.
Ning Jue raised an eyebrow and asked languidly, "Would you trade it for a hundred or a thousand gold pieces?"
"this……"
Sun Tzu was in a dilemma.
He is not yet in charge of the household independently, and he has two older brothers. Even if the family property is temporarily divided, he will not receive that much money.
Although his family was a well-known wealthy merchant family in the grain trade, they were still just ordinary merchants, neither officials nor scholars, so how could they possibly come up with so much money all at once?
Given Yi Ning's character, he wouldn't make such an outrageous demand; perhaps he was deliberately testing Yi Ning's sincerity.
Sun Wu had a general idea of what was going on, and earnestly stated his position: "Although I cannot afford hundreds or thousands of gold pieces, I can give all that I have to Miss A Peng in the future, without keeping anything for myself. I can also guarantee that I will not take any more concubines, and that she will be the only mistress of our household in the future."
The fact that someone would say something like that shows they truly like it.
Bai Hua became increasingly embarrassed, while Ning Jue gave a cold smile.
Xiaohe and Li Silang were just watching the show, while Aunt Li, who seemed to understand something, silently wiped her forehead and listened to their conversation with increasing anxiety.
Aunt Li stole glances at Ning Jue's expression, her heart filled with unease. She could only think of how to change the subject and stop the two from continuing their conversation in a daze.
But Ning Jue had no intention of stopping, and continued, "It's not that I'm deliberately making things difficult for you. There were other people who saw how pretty this girl of mine is and expressed their desire to marry her. That person promised to offer a thousand taels of gold to marry her, but I haven't agreed yet. If I were to lower my demands on you today, I would not only offend that person, but I would also be irresponsible to A Peng. Don't you think so?"
Sun Wu was stunned and asked incredulously, "Who in the vicinity of Jiling City could afford a thousand gold pieces? If there is such a person, I would surely know him. Please tell me the truth, Young Master Ning."
Ning Jue replied, "It's alright to tell you. It's Zang Fan, the young master of the Zang family of Jiling Escort Agency. He can afford it."
Upon hearing this, Bai Hua froze, looked at Ning Jue, and felt completely bewildered.
How could they spread rumors right in front of the person in question?
Ning Jue remained unfazed, picked up his chopsticks, and leisurely selected a tender, plump shrimp from the hot plate of cashew shrimp, savoring the taste.
The others looked at each other, none of them having heard of this.
Sun Wu was shocked, disheartened and unwilling, and said, "Young master, you should carefully consider the other party's character. Zang Fan idles away his days, and at his age, he still doesn't care about the family business. He only knows how to drink and have fun, and has no ambition. How can he be a good match for you?"
Ning Jue remained silent and did not respond, too lazy to explain.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Aunt Li quickly chimed in, trying to change the subject: "The food's getting cold, so let's not just talk and eat first. Let's wait and see how things go. Anyway, Miss Apeng lives on Xianyang Mountain. If they're truly meant to be, they'll never be separated. With Young Master Ning and us villagers helping to keep things in check, Miss Apeng won't suffer any losses."
Upon hearing the reminder, Sun Tzu had no choice but to remain silent.
He couldn't help but glance at Bai Hua again, only to find that her gaze remained fixed on Ning Jue, as if his words of confession had not touched her at all.
This only made them more discouraged.
Ning Jue put down his chopsticks, turned to Xiao He, and casually said, "Happy wedding."
Xiaohe's face suddenly turned red, and she thanked her softly.
Ning Jue then said to Aunt Li, "I've finished eating, I won't stay any longer, thank you for your hospitality."
Aunt Li looked embarrassed, as if she had done something wrong, and she was even more cautious and careful when facing Ning Jue.
She quickly replied, "As long as you eat well, that's fine. The food we prepared is simple and there are many shortcomings."
Ning Jue didn't continue with the pleasantries, nodded, and stood up.
Reaching the door, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and asked emotionlessly, "Aren't you leaving?"
Bai Hua realized he was talking to her, quickly said goodbye to Xiao He and Aunt Li, and hurried after him.
Ning Jue didn't wait for her and had already left.
Bai Hua was filled with apprehension and dared not utter a word as she chased after them.
She meant well by helping others find a partner, but by accident she ended up finding one herself. To this day, she still can't figure out how things got so messy.
...
On the way back, she remained silent, and so did he; the atmosphere was tense.
The two had always been gentle and affectionate in their interactions, and he had never treated her so coldly before. The sense of loss he felt was amplified, and the bleak early winter scenery around him only added to his melancholy and unpleasant feelings.
After walking silently uphill for a while, Bai Hua unconsciously slowed her pace. The two of them walked apart, and as she looked at his distant back, a sense of grievance spread through her heart. Lost in thought, she lost her footing and stepped on the gravel, almost tripping over it.
Fortunately, Ning Jue reacted quickly and grabbed her waist, helping her regain her balance.
Bai Hua took a deep breath, gripped his arm tightly, and glanced back at the slope with lingering fear, thinking that if he hadn't stopped her, she really would have rolled down.
The two faced each other, neither of them quick to let go.
Ning Jue frowned and spoke first: "Your steps are unsteady. Didn't you eat enough? That was a special gathering arranged by Aunt Li, and she prepared all the food for you. Aren't you letting her down?"
His first words to her were sarcastic and mocking.
Bai Hua sniffed, somewhat flustered, and quickly confessed, "I was only invited by Xiao He, I never expected to meet a stranger. I was unaware of what happened today."
Ning Jue's eyes were sharp, and he spoke without any tact: "Is it because you were unaware of the situation, or did you not find the person you were looking at and therefore made up an excuse to back out?"
“What excuse? I truly do not know Aunt Li and Xiao He’s intentions. This is probably a misunderstanding. Please do not make things difficult for me, young master.”
Bai Hua tried to soften her tone. Ning Jue responded better to gentleness than force, so why should she be aggressive and invite trouble?
Ning Jue pondered for a moment, then asked her, "Have I made things difficult for you?"
Bai Hua nodded, her expression growing increasingly aggrieved.
Ning Jue scoffed, her voice tinged with emotion: "What do you have to feel aggrieved about? You're the star of the show today. Someone has only seen you once and is willing to give up their entire fortune for you. With that kind of charm, you should be proud."
"Relationships are a matter of mutual consent. Just because others express their appreciation for me, should I be complacent? Young master, I have seen too many people showing me kindness. If I were to be proud and happy just because of that, I would be grinning from ear to ear day and night."
These words made Ning Jue laugh in anger.
Too many people, how many people?
Bai Hua belatedly realized that her words were inappropriate. She was still projecting her past self, who was once incredibly successful in Jingqi. Now, she was just an ignorant country girl, so why did she have so many suitors?
She regretted that she had been so careless with her words, leaving such an obvious oversight.
Fortunately, Ning Jue's reply did not focus on the difference in their social status.
He said indifferently, "I really don't know what your past experiences are like, how many men you've known, or how many people you've become acquainted with, but I'm not surprised that you're liked by many people."
After saying that, he turned and left, even more decisively than before.
Bai Hua was stunned and didn't react at all before being left far behind.
She blinked, utterly bewildered as to why her slightly narcissistic remark had offended him, and seemed to have made things even worse.
Unable to think of a solution, Bai Hua, in her anxiety, tilted her waist to the side, pretending to fall.
She sat awkwardly among the low bushes, calling out to him anxiously, "Young master... you twisted your ankle, it hurts..."
The sound wasn't loud, but Ning Jue's hearing was exceptional; he couldn't ignore it and simply walked away.
He stopped and went back the way he came.
Seeing Bai Hua slumped to the ground, looking pitiful with her lips trembling slightly, he bent down and helped her up, his face cold.
Ning Jue said sternly, "How could you be so careless?"
Bai Hua murmured, "There are too many fallen leaves and withered branches, making this road increasingly difficult to walk on."
Ning Jue asked again, "Did you hit something hard? Does it hurt?"
Bai Hua nodded, then feigned weakness and replied, "My ankle is a little sore, but I can still manage."
Ning Jue remained silent, glanced at her feet, and then looked away.
Immediately afterwards, his fierce gaze swept unabashedly over Bai Hua's cheeks and lips. Her bright and beautiful face was dazzling, and the visual impact was very direct.
Then he thought, today she was dressed simply, without makeup, having already toned down her flamboyance, yet she still captivated Sun Sheng. And that day, he had seen her most seductive and alluring face, sitting on his hand, like a snake, coiling and twisting... So, having been so deeply moved by her beauty, how should he react?
Ning Jue's eyes were dark and he didn't know how to describe his emotional turmoil. He only knew that since that day, he had dreamed of her every night.
It still had the appearance of a human, but the demeanor of a snake. It coiled around his waist, clung to him, and ate his food. In his dazed state, he only wanted to be trapped in this nightmare forever.
Pulling himself back to reality, Ning Jue's face grew even darker, disgusted with his momentary inability to control himself.
Bai Hua stood to the side, carefully observing his expression. She felt uneasy, thinking that he had seen through her pretense of being injured, which was why he had turned cold. So she dared not push her luck and awkwardly prepared to get up.
At this moment, Ning Jue glanced at her and suddenly spoke, asking, "Carry me or carry me on your back?"
Bai Hua hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out her hand to him: "...I want a hug."
Her voice was soft and sweet, not on purpose, but perhaps she was born with a talent for being coquettish.
Ning Jue's Adam's apple seemed to bob.
Without a word, he reached out and picked her up in his arms, his steps steady, trying not to sway her even on steep sections of the road.
Bai Hua pressed against his chest, her ears burning, and asked softly, "Young Master, can you please stop being angry? I don't like it when you don't talk to me all day and are so cold to me..."
"Do you want me to grin at you all day long?"
He imitated her speech!
Bai Hua looked slightly embarrassed and shook her head, replying, "There's no need for that."
Ning Jue scoffed, and after a moment of silence, said, "I didn't mean to ignore you. It's just that this period is special. If my mind is disturbed, it might affect the effectiveness of my sword practice. And you are one of the few people who can influence me."
Bai Hua asked, "If I just watch quietly from the side without saying a word, will that have any impact?"
Ning Jue: "No."
Bai Hua seemed to understand but was relieved. After thinking for a moment, she discussed with him, "I'm really lonely at home by myself. Why don't you take me with you when you practice your sword? I promise to be quiet the whole time. If you don't speak to me, I definitely won't speak first."
It's not entirely impossible.
But Ning Jue didn't want to agree so easily, so he said, "You need to agree to one condition."
Bai Hua blinked: "What are the conditions?"
Ning Jue said sternly, “From now on, you must not go down the mountain with anyone else without my permission or my assistance, not even someone you know.”
Xiaohe suddenly became the cold, distant "other person" in the young master's words.
Today, her rash decision to go down the mountain led to such an embarrassing misunderstanding, which is enough to give her a headache for a while. She doesn't want to create trouble for herself again in the future.
Bai Hua readily agreed: "Okay, I'll listen to you, young master. I'll remember."
Ning Jue was satisfied with her answer and carried her as they continued up the mountain path.
After a short while, Bai Hua seemed to remember something and said softly, "You just lied in Young Master Zang's name, and you said it with such certainty... He has never liked me, and if he finds out about this when he gets back, he will probably be furious."
"It's alright, we can't say it was me."
Bai Hua smoothly continued, "Why not? Does the young master dislike me?"
Ning Jue lowered his eyes, staring intently at her, and asked in a deep voice, "I'm afraid you won't agree. Otherwise, what should I say? That we're so close, outwardly master and servant, but actually lovers? Living together every day, our relationship is already ambiguous?"
"Of course not..."
Bai Hua lowered her head in embarrassment, clutching his shirt, regretting it so much she wanted to bite her tongue.
She really... just says whatever comes to mind!
...
After they talked things out, their relationship improved, and Bai Hua finally felt much better. She followed Ning Jue to practice swordsmanship near Shixi every day, truly being honest and dutiful, only acting as an observer.
Ning Jue, worried that she might be bored, took the initiative to ask her if she wanted to learn from him.
Bai Hua wouldn't refuse, so she continued to learn a move or two, but she was still so-so and her posture wasn't quite standard.
In contrast to Ning Jue's elegant and fluid swordplay, her swordsmanship was clumsy, as if she were wielding a heavy axe rather than a nimble and swift sword.
She told Ning Jue this, but Ning Jue said coldly, "In the martial world, there are naturally people who use iron axes as their weapons. When they swing them, they are as fast as the wind and as fast as lightning, cleaving the sky. So it's not that wielding an axe is clumsy, but that the person wielding it is too soft."
"..." He subtly implied something.
Bai Hua gave a soft snort, her voice tinged with displeasure as she questioned, "Did you teach me properly? Why is the sword technique I practice completely different from your swift and unpredictable swordplay... Young Master, I suspect you're hiding something from me."
She used a joking remark to express her true inner question.
It's neither stiff nor abrupt; it's just like a coquettish gesture, so it shouldn't arouse suspicion.
Ning Jue watched her quietly, seeing through all her clever tricks and almost seeing right through her thoughts.
She was too naive compared to him.
The slightest hint of probing would immediately reveal a guilty conscience in their eyes, their emotions written all over their faces.
So you still want to deceive him?
If he hadn't willingly been deceived, she would have met a tragic end if she had fallen into someone else's hands.
That's why he had no choice but to gradually make her unable to leave him.
Since she asked, he might as well answer.
"I can't teach you the sword techniques I practice." He deliberately left a hook to pique her curiosity.
Bai Hua asked, puzzled, "Why not? Is it possible that this sword technique is only passed down to men and not women, and that women cannot practice it?"
Ning Jue shook his head: "Of course not, there's no such rule."
Bai Hua was even more confused and curious: "Why is that?"
Ning Jue sighed, a troubled look flashing across his face: "The Lone Goose Sword Technique is a secret of my family, especially the latter half, which is forbidden to be taught to outsiders. Therefore, the steps and rules of my sword technique can only be seen by my future wife. Since you cannot marry me... So, I have no choice but to teach you other sword moves."
After saying that, he stared intently at Bai Hua.
Wasn't he determined to obtain his sword manual? He was willing to return and go back to get it, even at the cost of personal danger...
Given that, he was curious about the extent to which she would go to get what she wanted.
Bai Hua pursed her lips, her expression surprised, and asked again to confirm, "Only by becoming your wife can I see all the sword techniques in the second half of the chapter, is that right?"
“Yes,” Ning Jue added, “We are not husband and wife in name only, but we must share the same bed and be intimate with each other… I will obey my master’s orders and dare not disobey.”
Bai Hua hurriedly lowered her head, her expression revealing her panic.
Ning Jue looked at her calmly, without giving in.
He could use the sword manual as bait, but he is not a saint; he will inevitably demand something in return for what he gives.
She wanted his sword style, so he wanted her.
It's fair, isn't it?
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