Bibi Dong glared at Dai Chengfeng, but her gaze, still shimmering with unshed moisture, lacked any real intimidation...
Instead, it added a touch of charming indignation.
But in the end, she said nothing, tacitly allowing Dai Chengfeng's "overstepping," and turned her back to him to carefully adjust her disheveled clothing.
When she turned back around, though her hair was still somewhat messy and the flush on her cheeks had not completely faded, the dignified presence of the Pope seemed to have returned for the most part.
Only the lingering traces of warmth in her eyes and her slightly swollen red lips silently testified to what had just transpired.
"Ahem,"
Bibi Dong cleared her throat softly, her voice still carrying a hint of hoarseness.
"It's getting late. It's time for dinner. Stay here tonight."
Although Bibi Dong wanted this little troublemaker Dai Chengfeng to leave, the thought that he would soon be going to obtain his soul ring and they wouldn't see each other for a long time lingered in her mind…
In the end, Bibi Dong couldn't resist and made her first attempt to keep Dai Chengfeng.
"Yes, Teacher."
Upon hearing Bibi Dong's reluctant invitation, Dai Chengfeng readily complied, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
He stepped back and elegantly gestured with a "please."
His demeanor was respectful, as if the person who had kissed Bibi Dong nearly breathless moments ago wasn't him.
Seeing this, Bibi Dong shot him an annoyed glance, then led the way out of the hall.
Her high heels clicked lightly on the floor; her steps were still graceful, but unconsciously quicker than usual.
Dai Chengfeng followed leisurely, half a step behind Bibi Dong, his gaze brushing over her slightly reddened ear tips, deepening his smile.
...
For dinner, Bibi Dong had the maids set up the meal in a small dining room adjacent to the Pope's chambers.
Unlike the grand banquet halls, this room was more exquisitely and warmly decorated.
At this moment, exquisite tableware was already laid out on the table. The candlelight emitted a soft glow, and several delicately prepared dishes gave off an enticing aroma.
The attending maids kept their heads bowed, not daring to look directly at the Pope, especially when they sensed the unusual aura emanating from the Pope tonight—a blend of languor and subtle restlessness—making them hold their breaths even more.
"You may all leave!"
Following Bibi Dong's command, the maids bowed and withdrew.
Soon, only Dai Chengfeng and Bibi Dong remained in the room.
They took their seats.
Bibi Dong sat upright in the main seat, her back straight, trying to maintain the dignity expected of the Pope.
She picked up the silver utensils, her movements seemingly elegant as always, but the slight trembling of her fingertips betrayed her inner turmoil.
She deliberately avoided Dai Chengfeng's gaze, focusing instead on the exquisite dishes before her, as if they were some intricate puzzle requiring her full attention.
Dai Chengfeng noticed her tension, the smile on his lips growing deeper, yet he didn't rush to expose it.
He leisurely poured himself a glass of red wine. The dark liquid swirled gently in the crystal glass, reflecting the flickering candlelight, also revealing the undisguised amusement and possessiveness in his eyes.
He didn't hurry to eat, only occasionally lifting the glass to take a sip, his gaze subtly lingering on Bibi Dong.
"Teacher," After a long while, Dai Chengfeng finally spoke, his voice low, carrying a hint of lazy amusement. "The dishes here seem a bit more refined than the usual meals in the Pope's Hall."
"Were they specially prepared for someone?"
Bibi Dong's hand holding the knife paused almost imperceptibly. Without looking up, she responded indifferently: "It's just a regular dinner. You're overthinking."
"Is that so?"
Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly, leaning forward slightly. The candlelight cast alternating shadows on his handsome face.
"But I can't help but feel that this wine… is particularly rich, this light… is unusually gentle, and even the air seems to carry the unique fragrance of Teacher."
"How dare you!"
Bibi Dong raised her eyes to glare at him, her cheeks involuntarily flushing again, this time more out of embarrassment and irritation.
"Eat your food properly. If you utter another inappropriate word, leave immediately!"
"All right, all right…"
Dai Chengfeng made a gesture of surrender, but the smile in his eyes grew even more pronounced.
"As you wish, Teacher."
He agreed but didn't restrain himself. Instead, he picked up the communal chopsticks and, quite naturally, placed a piece of tender fish onto the plate in front of Bibi Dong.
"Teacher has been working hard lately. Eat more. This fish looks good…"
"…You should eat too."
Bibi Dong fell silent for a moment but eventually picked up her chopsticks, lightly prodding the piece of fish before finally picking it up and putting it into her mouth.
The smile on Dai Chengfeng's face deepened. Taking advantage of the situation, he moved his chair closer, reducing the distance between them.
"Teacher," he leaned closer, lowering his voice even more, "you have some sauce on the corner of your mouth."
"Where?"
Instinctively, Bibi Dong raised her hand to wipe it, but Dai Chengfeng gently caught her wrist.
His palm was warm and firm, leaving no room for refusal.
"Don't move," Dai Chengfeng's voice was close to her ear, his hot breath brushing against her earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine.
"Let me help you."
Without using a napkin, he leaned forward and, under Bibi Dong's astonished gaze, naturally used the pad of his thumb to gently wipe away the barely noticeable sauce stain from the corner of her mouth.
The motion was slow and suggestive, the warmth from his fingertip more stirring than a kiss.
After finishing the gesture, he didn't immediately pull away but maintained the close proximity, his nose almost touching her cheek, his deep eyes locking onto her slightly flustered pupils.
"There."
He whispered, his gaze slowly moving from her eyes to her slightly swollen, alluringly glossy red lips.
Soon after, Dai Chengfeng seemed to think of something…
He picked up the crystal goblet in front of him, the dark red liquid shimmering enticingly in the candlelight.
"Teacher," Dai Chengfeng's voice was low, carrying a hint of lazy hoarseness. "This wine is indeed rare. Drinking it alone would be a pity…"
"How about we share a glass?"
Hearing this, Bibi Dong raised her eyes to glance at him, a trace of caution in her gaze, but more so, an uncontrollable curiosity stirred within her.
"Share a glass?"
She hummed softly. "How do you propose to share?"
"Surely you don't intend to take my glass as well?"
The curve of Dai Chengfeng's lips widened. Without directly answering, he slowly brought the glass to his lips, taking a deliberate sip under Bibi Dong's watchful eyes.
He didn't swallow but held the wine in his mouth, then gently placed the glass back on the table, creating a crisp tapping sound.
Immediately, before Bibi Dong could react, he suddenly leaned closer.
One hand gently yet firmly caressed her cheek, the burning heat of his fingertips preventing her instinctive retreat.
"This is how we share."
His murmur was muffled by the wine in his mouth, and before the words faded, he had covered her lips with his own.
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