"Ming'er."
Qian Ran pulled Wu Ming gently into his arms.
Her slender frame trembled slightly but didn't resist his embrace.
Women who were willing to participate in matchmaking events like the Sea God Fate Festival usually had a clear idea of what they wanted. For Wu Ming, there was no man more compelling than Qian Ran. If she was ever to truly fall for someone, he was the only possibility.
"You have an amazing figure," Qian Ran murmured, breathing in the light fragrance of her body as his hands roved appreciatively.
Wu Ming's physique was perfect—a balance between youthful firmness and mature voluptuousness.
Wu Ming's heart fluttered with embarrassment. Despite the slight buzz from the wine she had drunk earlier, she felt shy, especially when Qian Ran called her "Ming'er."
No one had addressed her so intimately since her elders back home.
In terms of age, she was nearly double Qian Ran's. Years ago, she had already been among the most senior in the inner court. Being called so affectionately by someone so much younger stirred an odd mix of emotions within her—embarrassment, but also an inexplicable sweetness.
But when she considered their positions, it wasn't strange at all. Qian Ran was the vice-dean of the academy, and she was merely an ordinary student.
"Would you like to be with me?" Qian Ran asked softly.
"Mm."
Wu Ming nodded almost instinctively, burying her face in his chest.
She hadn't expected Qian Ran's body to feel so solid. The firm, masculine muscles beneath her fingers were a revelation for someone who had never been this close to a man.
Though Qian Ran's build appeared lean under his clothing, his true physical density was extraordinary.
Unbeknownst to most, Qian Ran's weight neared 300 pounds—pure muscle and bone. His bone structure and muscle density were at least twice that of an ordinary person, thanks to his Golden Dragon bloodline and the miraculous materials he had absorbed over the years.
While his strength was something his female companions admired, it was also something they half-dreaded. His weight and power could overwhelm even them.
Though soul masters were naturally more resilient, without actively using soul power, they were not much sturdier than ordinary humans.
"Now I understand why Xiaotao and the others adore you so much," Wu Ming whispered, her fingers sliding beneath Qian Ran's shirt to trace the firm lines of his muscles.
His body felt entirely different from her own—hard and unyielding, exuding strength.
Even without going further, simply being held by Qian Ran like this felt deeply satisfying.
Wu Ming gazed up at Qian Ran's youthful face, her long eyes filled with fascination.
Leaning further into his embrace, she inhaled his scent. It was fresh, clean, and reminiscent of dandelions basking under the sun—completely unlike the fragrances she'd encountered on other men.
Over the years, many admirers had sought Wu Ming's favor, but none carried a scent like his.
To her surprise, just touching Qian Ran made her heart race. She had always considered herself indifferent to matters of romance, but with Qian Ran…
Now she felt like a lovestruck fool, captivated by him. She even entertained absurdly vivid thoughts—what would his skin taste like if she kissed it?
"Sometimes being too exceptional is a burden," Qian Ran sighed.
"I wish I could enjoy the thrill of chasing a girl for once, but the opportunity rarely arises…"
This wasn't Qian Ran being smug.
His body had been refined with countless rare treasures—Gold Essence, Golden Dragon blood, and other divine enhancements. His life force now rivaled that of gods, making him irresistibly attractive on a primal level.
His unique charm had led him to numerous romantic entanglements, from Zhou Yi to Xian Lin'er, Cai Mei'er, Zhu Ying, and Xue Lingxun. Even when Qian Ran acted questionably, his actions somehow left no resentment behind, only fondness.
Women who spent enough time with Qian Ran invariably found themselves drawn to him, emotionally and physically.
After sharing a few more drinks, Qian Ran scooped Wu Ming into his arms and carried her to a hotel room.
But tonight, he chose to act the gentleman.
Qian Ran rarely rushed intimacy. He preferred to let feelings develop naturally, building trust and affection over time. While he occasionally acted impulsively, as with Xue Lingxun, he was generally tender and attentive.
The Next Morning
"I… I fell asleep?"
Wu Ming woke in the hotel room, checking her clothes in a mild panic. To her relief, everything was intact.
Last night, she had drunk more than usual to steady her nerves. Being in Qian Ran's arms, surrounded by his warmth and scent, had lulled her into a deep sleep.
"Did he… really not do anything?" Wu Ming muttered, conflicted as she noticed her clothes were untouched. "Was it because I wasn't appealing enough?"
If Qian Ran had taken her last night, she might have felt things had moved too fast. But now, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Wu Ming recalled the moments they had shared. Qian Ran's embrace, his scent, his warmth—these memories played over and over in her mind.
If she had admired Qian Ran for his talent and charisma before, last night had awakened a deeper longing in her heart.
Even in her dreams, she had…
Qian Ran's presence was magnetic, his body an irresistible allure. For the first time, Wu Ming found herself deeply, physically attracted to a man.
"Did I mess this up? Should I have been more assertive last night?" Wu Ming wondered, her fingers tightening on the bedsheets.
What was their relationship now? Could she take Qian Ran's words seriously?
If Qian Ran didn't choose her, would she have to go through with the matchmaking festival and settle for someone else?
In the past, Wu Ming might have resigned herself to practicality. But now that her heart had been stirred by Qian Ran, she couldn't imagine being with anyone else.
(End of Chapter)