Chapter 122: Our Little Chick Is About to Be Snatched Away by a Cunning Fox
The private box was equipped with a Snow Wind Pearl, keeping the room cool and comfortable despite the three people crammed onto a single armchair. However, Yan Zhen, sandwiched between his good sister and Instructor
Yu Xuan, felt a bit suffocated and restricted in his movements.
He tried to pull his arms free from their embrace, but they only tightened their grip, making him abandon the attempt.
He was caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to offend either woman.
“Little Brother Yan Zhen~” Ji Ya’s voice, naturally seductive, sent shivers down his spine. “What kind of snacks would you like? Older Sister will get them for you.”
“Thank you, Sister Ji Ya, but I just ate. I’m not hungry.”
“Then how about some fruit? Would you like some honeydew melon?”
He was about to agree when he felt her deliberately push her chest forward, pressing his arm deeper into her cleavage. Her intentions were clear.
Thump-thump! He had been barely suppressing his instincts, but her teasing sent his heart racing, his face burning with heat.
“If you don’t say anything, I’ll assume you want some.”
She picked up a toothpick and selected a slice of honeydew melon from the fruit platter, holding it to his lips.
“Open wide~”
He opened his mouth like a robot, taking a bite of the melon, chewing and swallowing obediently.
“Is Older Sister’s honeydew melon delicious?”
“Y-yes, it’s delicious.”
“Would you like another slice?”
“Sure… Mmm!”
Before he could finish, he felt a sharp pinch on his side. He quickly changed his answer. “One slice is enough.”
“Why?”
“Honeydew melon is too sweet. Eating too much at night will give me cavities.” He offered a random excuse.
She didn’t seem to mind. She discarded the toothpick, picked up a plump, crimson cherry, and held it between her delicate fingers, bringing it to his lips.
“Then have a cherry! It’s healthier. Say ‘ahh’~”
He couldn’t refuse. He glanced at Instructor Yu Xuan, but she didn’t react. He carefully avoided her fingers, taking the cherry like a puppy, chewing and spitting out the pit.
She didn’t seem bothered by his saliva, catching the pit in her hand and placing it on the side of the platter.
“Delicious?”
“Delicious.”
She smiled, her eyes gazing at him with affection. “I’m glad you like it. But the cherries here aren’t the best quality. When we get to headquarters, I’ll give you better ones~”
Her tone was suggestive, making him blush.
“…Thank you, Sister Ji Ya.”
Instructor Yu Xuan frowned slightly. She wanted to feed him too, but there was no fruit platter near her.
— This woman is cunning!
However, she was more concerned about Ji Ya’s words:
“When we get to headquarters…”
As in her previous life, Yan Zhen would soon request a leave of absence and accompany Ji Ya to the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters for treatment.
She didn’t know the details. After a moment of consideration, she asked, “What do you mean by ‘headquarters’? Are you leaving the academy, Yan Zhen?”
“Uh, well, Instructor, I– Mmm!”
Before he could answer, Ji Ya popped another cherry into his mouth, her teeth gently breaking the skin, releasing a burst of sweet juice.
“—I’ll explain, Little Brother Yan Zhen.” Ji Ya smiled faintly, her gaze meeting Instructor Yu Xuan’s. “To be honest, I’m suffering from a certain ailment. Only Little Brother Yan Zhen can cure me. The treatment is quite complex, requiring at least a month. And some of the rare ingredients needed aren’t available here. I need him to accompany me back to headquarters.”
She gestured for him to spit out the pit, catching it in her hand and setting it aside.
Their interaction was so natural and intimate, more like lovers than siblings.
“I’d like to request a month-long leave of absence for Little Brother Yan Zhen, Instructor Yu Xuan. He’ll return to the academy after he’s cured me.”
“Forgive my boldness, but what kind of illness requires such a drastic measure? Yan Zhen might be talented, but he’s only a Tier 1 Pill Master. Surely the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce has no shortage of Tier 1 Pill Masters. Why him specifically?”
“You’re practically family, Instructor Yu Xuan. I’ll be honest with you, but please keep this confidential.”
“Of course.”
Yan Zhen sensed trouble brewing. He was about to speak, but Ji Ya silenced him with another cherry.
She continued, her cheeks flushed. “I have an excess of medicinal energy accumulated within my body, which has damaged my meridians. I experience frequent bouts of pain. The only way to cure me is through dual cultivation with a Mystic Refiner who possesses an Extreme Flame. We’ll use my body as a cauldron to refine the accumulated medicinal energy into a new pill. Little Brother Yan Zhen is someone I trust and care about. And he possesses the Gold and Silver Fire, an Extreme Flame, as well as exceptional alchemy skills. He’s the perfect candidate for dual cultivation~”
— Oh no, this is bad.
He closed his eyes, resigned to his fate.
Instructor Yu Xuan’s expression darkened upon hearing about the dual cultivation treatment. Her eyes widened in shock.
“Head Shopkeeper, you’re not serious, are you? How can dual cultivation cure an illness?”
“It might sound strange, but it’s true.” Ji Ya sighed dramatically, her finger reaching into his mouth to retrieve the cherry pit, adding it to the growing pile. “I’ve been suffering for three years. If I don’t find a cure soon, I’ll be beyond saving. I can’t delay any longer. Please, Instructor Yu Xuan, grant him a leave of absence. I would be eternally grateful.”
— Is the leave of absence the main point here? It’s the dual cultivation part that matters!
Instructor Yu Xuan sensed something was amiss.
If dual cultivation was necessary for treatment, how come their relationship in her previous life had remained platonic? Their current intimacy was undeniable, practically screaming “lovers.” After dual cultivation, wouldn’t they just get married?
“Is dual cultivation really the only option?”
“There’s no other way.” Ji Ya shook her head sadly, wiping her hands with a silk handkerchief before resuming her cherry-feeding ritual.
This time, after he took a bite, she withdrew her hand and, as if struck by a sudden whim, said, “I’ll try some too.”
She popped the half-eaten cherry into her mouth.
Yan Zhen blushed, while Instructor Yu Xuan fumed.
She was certain Ji Ya was up to something!
Her attitude wasn’t one of reluctant acceptance. It was more like… triumphant gloating.
“Yan Zhen, is she telling the truth?”
He steeled himself. “It’s true, but I’m still trying to find an alternative method that doesn’t require… intercourse. Hopefully, I’ll figure something out before we reach the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters.”
Ji Ya raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased.
— That little rascal is still thinking about that method!
— Hmph, even if you figure it out, I won’t use it! Give up!
— No, I can’t let him resist dual cultivation! I need to find a way to completely break down his defenses before then!
Instructor Yu Xuan was even more unhappy. She had initially assumed he would only be gone for a few months, leaving her feeling lonely and heartbroken. But this… this was like watching her precious little chick being snatched away by a cunning fox! By the time he returned, he would be completely devoured!
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