Chapter 238: Took the Punishment for Master, Woof~ Drinking Milk in Front of the Empress (2)
"Although our first meeting wasn't exactly pleasant, I've always valued talent above all."
"I hope we can forget that little clash and get along better going forward."
Su Qing spoke quite seriously.
"Indeed. Lord Su, I'll take my leave."
The Pavilion Master cast one last look at her disciple and turned to leave.
As the third person exited, the area finally quieted down.
"Master, doing all that for me… it's really not worth it."
Shenyue's tone was soft.
Her master was a Pavilion Lord—truly a talented and capable woman.
For someone like her, a mere bodyguard, to have caused such a clash… it really wasn't worth it.
"Whether it's worth it isn't up to you. I think it is—that's enough."
"To me, you're what really matters. No doubt about it."
Su Qing reached out and gently stroked her head, his voice full of care and tenderness.
The words weren't flowery, but they held unmistakable sincerity.
Shenyue's heart trembled slightly, and she gripped his hand a little tighter.
If she had a tail, it'd definitely be wagging nonstop right now.
Looking at the obedient girl, Su Qing couldn't help but pull her into his arms.
From a certain point of view, he should actually be thankful the Pavilion Master had shown up.
Otherwise, who knew how much longer he would've stayed hanging from that tree?
"Master, don't you… have anything you want to ask me?"
Shenyue's soft body leaned into Su Qing's, her small head resting on his shoulder.
"If you don't mind, you can tell me about what happened between you and your master."
Su Qing found a place to sit, still holding his little bodyguard in his arms.
Listening to a girl share her past while cuddling her—way better than being tied to a tree.
Shenyue gave a grateful smile and softly began to tell their story.
It started after she was chosen by the White Jade Pavilion, thanks to her powerful bloodline talent.
Because of her exceptional potential, she quickly caught the Pavilion Master's eye and was trained under her guidance.
In terms of teaching, the Pavilion Master was undeniably a qualified master.
But their philosophies clashed—badly.
Her master believed in completing the mission above all else—even if it meant sacrificing people or things.
She was like a cold execution machine, caring only about results.
But Shenyue had started training to find her lost sister, and she couldn't accept that kind of logic.
At first, they coexisted peacefully.
But over time, that deep ideological divide caused a rift they couldn't mend.
That rift exploded during last year's Pavilion Lord selection.
Because of one moment of mercy, Shenyue missed her chance to inherit the position.
Her master was utterly disappointed in her and had been cold ever since.
"Uh… so, there's no deep grudge between you two?"
"I could've sworn she was ready to kill you just now."
Su Qing looked a little dumbfounded.
"Master, she's actually always been like that. She's pretty mild with me, really."
"Didn't you notice? She's not someone who talks much."
"Rather than speaking, she prefers to act."
Shenyue said softly.
"So it's that whole 'tough love, disappointed mentor' thing, huh?"
"And here I went and played the villain for no reason!"
Su Qing rubbed his face, clearly feeling a little embarrassed.
If that was really the case, then he probably didn't need to go that far earlier!
"So… that's why I feel guilty, Master. Maybe you should… do something?"
Shenyue whispered.
Just thinking about what had happened earlier made her cheeks flush with guilt.
How was she supposed to face her master after seeing all that?
Still, at least her master wasn't someone who dwelled on those things.
Aside from that lingering guilt, she just felt sweet.
Like she'd swallowed a drop of honey—blissfully content.
That was what gave her the courage to make such a bold request.
"Do something?"
Su Qing blinked.
He was still caught up in his own awkwardness and didn't immediately get what she meant.
Shenyue's face turned bright red.
Something like that only needed to be said once—no way she was repeating it.
So… she'd use her actions to show what she meant.
Her soft body pressed in tighter, her slender waist subtly swaying.
Though she didn't say it aloud, the message couldn't be clearer.
Right now, her whole heart was his—and she was offering herself freely.
"Ahem, Shenyue, you might be misunderstanding me just a little."
"I'm really not that kind of guy. I didn't do all that to earn a reward or anything!"
Su Qing cleared his throat and turned her down with a straight face.
He was never soft on bad women and had no problem using all kinds of methods to deal with them.
Things like transactional favors and calculated payback—that was basic survival.
But when it came to his own people, he was always generous and easygoing.
Doing something kind and immediately asking for a reward?
That would make him a manipulator, and ruin their relationship!
"Mmm..."
Shenyue's expression filled with hesitation and unease.
"What's wrong?"
Su Qing asked, a bit confused.
Didn't that heartfelt speech just now score him some major affection points?
It made sense for her to be clinging to him, begging cutely.
But instead, that expression on her face—Su Qing was honestly baffled.
"Don't tell me... Master, do you want me to pretend to be my teacher while you bully me?"
"I know you have that kind of weird kink, but it's not right… I feel so conflicted..."
Shenyue's voice carried hesitation and inner struggle.