Morning of the next day.
Pale golden light filtered through the narrow gaps in the heavy velvet curtains, spilling across the smooth marble floor in delicate stripes.
Dai Chengfeng woke first.
He remained on his side, his arm still loosely draped around Bibi Dong's waist.
He hadn't moved all night—now his arm was slightly numb, but he didn't care. He had no desire to stir.
Bibi Dong was still asleep.
Facing him, her expression was serene—stripped of its usual authority and distance, revealing a rare softness.
Her long, thick lashes cast faint fan-like shadows beneath her eyes; her breaths were even and deep.
Strands of black hair lay tousled across the pillow, a few clinging to her fair cheeks, fluttering gently with each exhale.
Dai Chengfeng watched her quietly—his gaze drifting from her brows to her softly parted lips, down the elegant line of her jaw, and finally to the delicate collarbone peeking from the neckline of her sleep robe.
Morning light kissed that patch of skin, making it glow like polished jade.
He stared for so long that the sunbeam had shifted an inch before he finally moved—slowly, carefully trying to withdraw his tingling arm without waking her.
But even that slight motion disturbed her slumber.
Bibi Dong's brow furrowed faintly. Unconsciously, she burrowed deeper into his chest, letting out a tiny, sleepy hum of protest.
Dai Chengfeng froze instantly, not daring to move another muscle.
A moment later, her lashes fluttered—then slowly lifted.
Her violet eyes were hazy with sleep at first, misty and unfocused as they gazed at the face so close to hers.
After a few seconds, clarity returned—and with it, that familiar, subtle veil of distance.
"Awake?"
Dai Chengfeng asked softly, his voice rough with morning huskiness.
Bibi Dong didn't answer immediately. She simply studied him in silence, then gave the faintest "Mm," her gaze drifting toward the sliver of sunlight at the window.
"What time is it?"
"Still early."
He raised a hand, brushing the back of his fingers gently along her cheek.
"You can sleep a bit longer."
But she shook her head and pushed herself upright.
Dai Chengfeng loosened his arm just in time, letting her sit up.
The silk robe slipped slightly with the movement, revealing more of her shoulder and collarbone. She glanced down, then calmly gathered the fabric closed with slender fingers, tucking away the glimpse of bare skin.
Dai Chengfeng sat up too, leaning against the headboard, watching her with quiet amusement.
In the morning light, Bibi Dong possessed a different kind of beauty.
The loose robe draped over one rounded shoulder, exposing the graceful curve of her collarbone.
Her long hair fell in disarray, strands trailing over her chest, ends still faintly damp from the night before.
A lingering flush of sleep colored her cheeks; every line of her face radiated languid ease.
"What are you staring at?"
She caught his open gaze and shot him a sideways glance.
"At you, Teacher," he replied without shame. "You're beautiful in the morning light."
Bibi Dong said nothing—only turned her face away and threw back the covers, preparing to rise.
But Dai Chengfeng was quicker. He swung his legs out of bed first and reached for her feet, which dangled just above the cold floor.
"The floor's chilly," he murmured.
Bibi Dong stiffened slightly.
Her feet were exquisite—arched elegantly, toes long and perfectly proportioned, nails neatly trimmed and tinted the palest pink.
Now cradled in his hands, her porcelain skin contrasted strikingly against his sun-kissed palms.
"Let go," she said quietly, her tone unreadable.
Dai Chengfeng acted as if he hadn't heard. Instead, his thumb began tracing slow circles over the top of her foot—the skin there impossibly smooth, like fine silk.
"Dai Chengfeng." Her voice sharpened.
"Hmm?"
He answered—but didn't release her. In fact, he used his other hand to capture her second foot, bringing both together in his palms as if admiring twin treasures.
"Your feet are truly lovely, Teacher," he remarked with a low chuckle, his fingertips gliding along the graceful curve of her arch.
Bibi Dong's violet eyes lowered to her own feet, held so tenderly in his grasp.
Then, unexpectedly, she let out a soft laugh—lazy, low, and rich with amusement, echoing gently through the quiet chamber.
"So fond of them?"
She tilted her head, loose strands sliding over her shoulder, the tips teasingly brushing the back of his hand.
Dai Chengfeng looked up—and met those violet eyes, now gleaming with playful mischief.
"I am," he admitted plainly.
"Then…" Her voice drew out, laced with teasing provocation, "kiss them?"
His hands stilled.
Bibi Dong's smile deepened. She wiggled her toes lightly against his palm. "What? Disgusted?"
Dai Chengfeng met her gaze—those eyes now bright with rare, private whimsy. This was the Bibi Dong only he ever saw: relaxed, subtly indulgent, almost coquettish in her solitude.
"Teacher," he said, voice dropping lower, "you're teasing me."
"Yes," she agreed readily. With effortless grace, she freed one foot and used her toes to lift his chin. "I am teasing you. What of it?"
Dai Chengfeng caught the mischievous foot in his hand again, feeling the cool softness of her skin.
His eyes dropped to her toes—slightly curled now, nails gleaming with healthy pink luster.
"When I took you in my mouth," Bibi Dong said suddenly, her tone calm and matter-of-fact, "you never refused."
Dai Chengfeng blinked, stunned.
"Am I wrong?"
She tilted her head, genuine curiosity in her voice—almost childlike. "Before, when I gave you…"
"Ahem—that's different!"
Dai Chengfeng cut in hastily, flustered.
"How is it different?"
She stepped forward, emerging from shadow into the light.
Her violet eyes were clear, direct, unflinching. "Is it because that was my lips… and this would be yours? Or do you think my feet are somehow less worthy than your…"
"Teacher!" Dai Chengfeng groaned in exasperation.
Seeing his helpless expression, Bibi Dong gently pulled her foot free and stepped barefoot onto the cool marble.
"Alright, I'll stop teasing you," she said, a lazy smile playing on her lips as she turned toward the dressing table.
"But—" Dai Chengfeng caught her wrist from behind, his voice dropping into a slow, deliberate drawl, "I'd like Teacher to…"
Bibi Dong paused mid-step and glanced back—a single look brimming with allure and feigned reproach.
"You rejected my feet," she said, lifting her chin with mock indignation, though her voice had softened, "and now you want me to give you…"
"Teacher—"
Dai Chengfeng immediately switched to a pitiful, wheedling tone, giving her wrist a gentle shake.
He leaned closer, his forehead nearly brushing her shoulder, warm breath ghosting over the sensitive skin of her neck.
"How could I ever reject you…"
They held each other's gaze for a heartbeat—hers half-scolding, half-amused.
Then, with elegant poise, Bibi Dong sank gracefully to her knees on the plush carpet.
She tilted her head upward…
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read the completed exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect' + get up to 30 Chapters ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)