Chapter 84: Not a Single Male Is Worth Trusting

Ji Yin slipped off her clothes, unable to suppress a hiss—there was a burning pain at the base of her thighs! It hurt so much that tears nearly welled up in her eyes. She slowly waded into the water, not stopping until it covered her shoulders. In the water, the pain gradually faded.

“How comfortable!” Ji Yin scooped up a handful of water and poured it over her head, washing away the day’s exhaustion.

The Scarlet Mink darted up the tree and came before Xuan Yuan Ji, where the view was unobstructed.

“Squeak, squeak, squeak!” It was spying on its mistress bathing—male creatures are truly all the same.

Suddenly, Xuan Yuan Ji grabbed the Scarlet Mink. “How about a deal?”

“Squeak, squeak, squeak.” What’s in it for me?

“A year’s worth of meat, all you can eat.”

“Squeak!” Done!

Ji Yin was happily playing in the water when the sound of footsteps suddenly approached from a certain direction, seemingly heading straight for her. She immediately made for the shore.

Suddenly, a figure darted toward her, skimming over the water and lifting her out.

Ji Yin: …!

A garment was draped over her shoulders, wrapping her tightly and instantly giving her a sense of security.

“Let me go!”

“Hush, someone’s coming. Do you want to be discovered?” came the reply.

Of course, Ji Yin didn’t want that, but neither did she want to be held in Xuan Yuan Ji’s arms like this.

Xuan Yuan Ji, holding Ji Yin, landed on the thick branch he had been leaning against moments before.

Ji Yin clutched the garment tightly to her chest; thankfully, it was just enough to cover her small frame. Once she was sure she wasn’t exposed, she immediately put some distance between herself and Xuan Yuan Ji.

Soon, several people arrived.

“I just saw something dart by here—how did it vanish so quickly?”

“We’d better hurry back and report.”

“The lake water is warm! After running around all day, I’m exhausted. A good wash before reporting won’t hurt.”

“We still don’t know what that thing was. There could be unknown dangers. We can’t afford to be careless.”

The group below couldn’t agree, uncertain what they were pursuing.

Ji Yin watched them closely, not noticing that Xuan Yuan Ji was quietly moving closer.

Eventually, the group decided to leave and return to make their report.

Only when they had gone did Ji Yin withdraw her gaze and turn to Xuan Yuan Ji. She hadn’t realized how close they were—her lips brushed his cheek and, by chance, touched his lips!

For an instant, Ji Yin’s mind went blank.

Who was she? Where was she? What just happened?!

At once, Ji Yin quickly retreated and hastily explained, “I’m sorry! It was an accident—just an accident!”

Last time, she’d only touched Xuan Yuan Ji’s little hand and he’d made her stand in the sun for an hour. Would he, in anger, toss her into the lake this time?

Xuan Yuan Ji was still savoring the soft sensation—the spot where her lips had brushed his cheek tingled, the feeling unexpectedly wonderful.

Such a delightful taste made him long to savor it again, slowly and thoroughly.

“Are you sure you weren’t coveting my beauty on purpose?” Xuan Yuan Ji suddenly retorted.

“I know your beauty is beyond my reach, so I merely appreciate it innocently—I promise!” Ji Yin replied earnestly.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Xuan Yuan Ji’s eyes, but he spoke calmly, “At least you know your limits.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Are you finished washing?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go back. If we stay away too long, people will notice.” Once again, Xuan Yuan Ji gathered Ji Yin into his arms.