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The next day.
The first rays of sunlight had yet to fully dispel the chill of night, and a faint glow barely seeped through the gaps in the heavy curtains, casting a narrow strip of light onto the luxurious carpet of the Pope's chambers.
The room still lingered with an intimate atmosphere, mingled with a faint trace of cold fragrance and the subtle, unique scent of Dai Chengfeng.
Bibi Dong was curled up in the warm, soft bedding, her cheeks still flushed from slumber.
Her usually cold and stern eyes were now completely relaxed, revealing a rare, unguarded gentleness.
At this moment, a gentle yet persistent knock on the door broke the tranquility of the chamber.
"Your Holiness, it is time to rise and prepare for today's court session."
The respectful voice of a maid came from outside the door.
"Hmm?"
Bibi Dong's long lashes fluttered slightly, her delicate brows furrowing as if she was reluctant to be awakened from her sweet dreams.
She mumbled something indistinct, struggling to pull herself out of the depths of sleep.
After several seconds, she finally managed to open her heavy eyelids. Her eyes were filled with a misty haze, not yet fully focused.
She took a shallow breath, attempting to lift her somewhat weak body, ready to fulfill her daily duties as the Pope.
However, just as she began to move, a strong arm reached out from beside her, pulling her back into a warm and broad embrace with an irresistible force.
"Mmm..."
Bibi Dong let out a vague protest, turning her head to meet Dai Chengfeng's eyes, which were startlingly close.
There was no hint of grogginess in those eyes; instead, they shone brightly with clear amusement and affection, gazing at her unwaveringly.
He shook his head slightly, tightening his hold.
"Let go..."
Bibi Dong's voice carried a heavy drowsiness and a touch of hoarseness, utterly devoid of authority. "The court session cannot be delayed."
Dai Chengfeng rested his chin lightly on her smooth forehead, inhaling the faint fragrance of her hair. His voice was low.
"Teacher... I'm leaving tomorrow."
Such a simple sentence, yet it acted like a key, instantly unlocking a tender vulnerability in Bibi Dong's heart.
Tomorrow's farewell meant months before they would see each other again.
An indescribable wave of emotions surged within her—mixed with reluctance, indulgence, and a tinge of melancholy over his impending departure that she herself refused to delve into.
She fell silent for a moment. The maid outside, perhaps due to the prolonged lack of response, called out again softly:
"Your Holiness?"
Bibi Dong closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, some clarity had returned to her gaze. Yet the decision she made contradicted her usual principles.
Clearing her throat, she tried to make her voice sound steady as she instructed from behind the door:
"Pass on my words—today... I am feeling unwell. Cancel the morning court session."
The maid outside was clearly stunned.
Having served the Pope for many years, they knew how diligent and disciplined this supreme ruler was.
Aside from necessary expeditions or inspections, regardless of weather or season, the court sessions had never been interrupted.
Feeling unwell?
In the maids' memories, this was almost unheard of.
The Pope's formidable strength had long kept her free from ordinary ailments.
After a brief silence, the maid's voice, tinged with disbelief but too fearful to ask further questions, responded respectfully:
"Yes... Your Holiness. Rest well, and I will convey your command immediately."
"Mm, go ahead."
Soon, the sound of the maid's footsteps faded, and the chamber returned to its quiet state.
A triumphant smile silently curved the corners of Dai Chengfeng's lips, but his arms remained firmly wrapped around Bibi Dong.
He lowered his head, his gaze lingering affectionately on Bibi Dong's face. Suddenly, he extended the thumb of his other hand and gently brushed it across her soft lips, where there seemed to be a faint, dried trace.
Bibi Dong noticed his movement, following his finger to the trace he wiped away, instantly realizing what it was.
Her cheeks flushed uncontrollably, and she shot Dai Chengfeng a slightly annoyed glare, her eyes carrying obvious disdain...
But beneath that disdain, there was no real anger—only something akin to playful exasperation.
She swatted his hand away with mild irritation but said nothing more. Instead, she relaxed her body once again into the warmth of his embrace, sliding back into the cozy blankets and adjusting to a more comfortable position.
Turning her back to him, she rested the back of her head against his solid chest.
A low, contented chuckle escaped Dai Chengfeng's throat as he pressed closer with satisfaction.
From behind, he enveloped Bibi Dong entirely in his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head and inhaling the soothing scent. He murmured softly:
"Teacher, sleep a little longer."
"...Mm."
Bibi Dong gave a barely audible response and closed her eyes.
The warmth radiating from behind her dispelled the last traces of morning chill and strangely soothed the slight unease in her heart caused by the unprecedented cancellation of the court session.
In his embrace, fatigue washed over her again. She quickly let down all defenses and sank back into peaceful slumber.
Dai Chengfeng listened to the gradually even and steady breathing of the person in his arms, his smile lingering for a long time.
He closed his eyes as well, savoring this rare moment of tenderness before their separation.
This nap lasted until late morning, and it wasn't until the afternoon that the two slowly woke up.
Upon waking, naturally, there followed another round of intimate affection. Only when Bibi Dong's stomach emitted a faint growl did Dai Chengfeng laugh and call for someone to bring food.
They enjoyed a simple dinner in the chamber. Although Bibi Dong cherished this rare laziness, as the Pope, the accumulated official duties could not allow her to truly slack off.
She ordered the documents that needed reviewing to be brought to the chamber. Wrapping herself in a loose robe, she sat on the soft couch by the window, basking in the warm sunlight of the setting sun as she began to handle official business.
Her expression returned to its usual focus and aloofness, as if the woman who had canceled the court session and lazed in bed that morning was merely an illusion.
Meanwhile, after informing Hu Liena, Zhu Zhuqing, and the High Priest that they would depart from the Spirit Hall the next day to obtain soul rings in the Great Star Forest, Dai Chengfeng hurried back.
As soon as he entered the room, he lazily sidled up to the edge of the soft couch, naturally sitting close to Bibi Dong.
Then, extending his long arm, he pulled Bibi Dong, who was intently reading documents, into his embrace.
Bibi Dong's body stiffened slightly. She glanced at him sideways, seeing that he was merely holding her without making any further moves, so she let him be and returned her attention to the documents in her hands.
The couch was spacious, and his embrace was warm, not overly obstructive to her work.
For a while, the only sounds in the room were the rustling of paper and their intertwined, steady breathing.
Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows on their bodies. The atmosphere was tranquil and beautiful.
However, this tranquility did not last long.
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