Chapter 117: Does It Hurt? (First Update) Please Support the Initial Subscription!

In Fang Xu’s view, could it be that he was truly unaware of what had just transpired? After all, he had tried to keep a level head, yet every intimate scene kept flashing before his eyes. No matter how many digits of pi he recited to himself, it changed nothing; he couldn't stop dwelling on the moments he had shared with Shangguan Lian, a realization that made him lower his head in bashful embarrassment.

Behind him, Shangguan Lian was struggling to suppress her overwhelming shyness as she donned her outer garment. The sight of her own thin undergarment, now disheveled, combined with the lingering warmth on her chest, caused her cheeks to flush an even deeper crimson. It seemed she was not the only one replaying those moments in her mind.

Hearing the rustling behind him, Fang Xu knew she was dressing, but he couldn't help but stare at his own palms. Shangguan Lian’s physique had truly exceeded his expectations. She felt remarkably toned, likely due to her practice of martial arts—a habit she had never explicitly mentioned to him. However, the items arranged within her carriage had already hinted at her character; she was clearly different from the typical young lady of her station. While most girls were expected to master needlework and embroidery, Shangguan Lian possessed a spirit all her own.

Having been doted upon by her elders and brothers since childhood, she was never pressured to conform. She had often wondered why a woman couldn't practice martial arts. With a naturally indomitable spirit, she had chosen the path of a warrior. This was the very reason why many young men from the local noble families held her in such fear and awe. It was impossible to harm even a hair on her head without inviting the full, vengeful wrath of the Shangguan clan. Consequently, those young men had been tormented by her since childhood, leaving an indelible shadow in their hearts.

If they were to see her acting so shy and maidenly now, they would surely believe they were dreaming—or that the end of the world had arrived. Yet, here she was, and her demeanor stirred a restless longing in Fang Xu. Had it not been for Zhuge Jun, he suspected they might have crossed the final threshold. Fang Xu felt a complex mix of emotions; he didn't know whether to feel happy or regretful. He couldn't help but chide himself for his own internal turmoil.

Shangguan Lian, standing before him, kept her head bowed in bashful grace. She, too, did not fully understand what had come over her, yet she felt not a trace of anger, but rather a flicker of anticipation. Seeing her flushed, delicate appearance, Fang Xu swallowed hard; her gaze seemed to hint at things yet to come.

Just as he prepared to act, however, Zhuge Jun’s impatient voice drifted in from outside the carriage. Zhuge Jun was genuinely terrified that if Fang Xu and Shangguan Lian took one step too far, their future would be irrevocably sealed. Hearing the urgent knocking, Fang Xu finally snapped back to reality and sheepishly rubbed the tip of his nose.

He hurried to finish dressing, but just as he moved to leave, Shangguan Lian caught his sleeve. Fang Xu looked at her, bewildered—was she oblivious to their predicament? Yet, after everything that had happened, he realized there was nothing she wouldn't dare to do. Then, she did something that left him frozen, his breath hitching: she stepped against his chest and, with hands as smooth as silk, began to straighten his messy outer robe.

"If your clothes are disheveled, people will laugh at you," she murmured softly.

When she caught sight of the hickey on his neck—a mark of her own "madness"—she couldn't help but bite her lip. She hadn't realized she had been so wild. Seeing the tooth marks, her slender fingers trembled slightly as she touched them.

"Does it hurt?" she asked, looking up at him with eyes like pools of water. Fang Xu could only shake his head in a daze.

"But my heart aches for you," she pouted. Looking down at her, Fang Xu felt his blood run hot.

"Ahem! We shouldn't keep Brother Zhuge waiting," he said, and with that, he fled the carriage as if escaping for his life.

Shangguan Lian watched his retreating figure, the corners of her lips curling upward as she whispered, "Dolt."

He really was no different from a fool. She covered her mouth to hide a giggle, though her fingers lingered on her own moist lips, her eyes filled with a new, lingering depth.

Outside, Fang Xu gasped for air, feeling as though his reason had barely managed to gain the upper hand. Just as he tried to compose himself, he noticed the strange looks from Zhuge Jun and Old Wu, which only made him touch his nose in embarrassment.

"Ahem, it’s quite early, isn't it?" He didn't know what else to say, but he was interrupted by a light laugh as Shangguan Lian emerged.

"It’s not too early, is it? Brother Jun, let’s go explore the Danyang Temple Fair," she said, though her hand had already naturally linked itself through Fang Xu’s arm.

"So you two finally realize it’s late? Are you blaming Brother Jun for interrupting your good time?" Zhuge Jun, sensing the heightened intimacy between them, couldn't help but speak with a tinge of sour jealousy.