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As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Dai Chengfeng grew increasingly uneasy.
Fortunately, the lights were off, and in the darkness, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't clearly see the subtle changes in his expression.
"Mm... The mission's details are confidential. It was personally entrusted to me by the teacher."
Dai Chengfeng could only vaguely respond again, then tightened his arms, pulling the girl closer into his embrace. He gently caressed Zhu Zhuqing's smooth back, feeling her body gradually relax as he tried to change the subject.
"Don't worry, I'm back in one piece, aren't I? It's still dark outside; let's sleep a little longer..."
In Dai Chengfeng's voice, there was a deliberate display of weariness and reassurance.
Sure enough...
Zhu Zhuqing sensed the 'fatigue' in Dai Chengfeng's words and assumed it was due to the exhaustion from the so-called secret mission. The slight irritation she had felt from waiting was instantly replaced with concern.
She obediently found a more comfortable position in his arms, her cheek pressed against his warm chest, softly "Mm"-ed, and closed her eyes again.
However, her arms around his waist tightened slightly.
Dai Chengfeng held the docile girl in his arms, the unique cool fragrance of her enveloping his nose. He rested his chin on Zhu Zhuqing's soft hair...
And slowly closed his eyes, though he wasn't very sleepy.
The room fell silent once more, but this time, the even breathing sounds intertwined into two streams.
Outside the window, the sky gradually shifted from deep blue to pale white, and faint light seeped through the gaps in the curtains, quietly outlining the silhouette of the embracing figures on the bed.
When dawn broke, Dai Chengfeng noticed Zhu Zhuqing stirring in his arms, seemingly about to wake up.
He had been awake almost the entire night, yet he immediately adjusted his breathing, pretending to be sound asleep.
Zhu Zhuqing opened her eyes, blinking in confusion at first. Feeling the solid warmth of the embrace behind her, memories returned, and a barely noticeable softness flashed across her usually cold face.
She carefully moved, trying to get up without waking Dai Chengfeng.
But Dai Chengfeng's arms tightened around her, and his hoarse voice sounded in her ear, still rough from just waking:
"Lie down a bit longer..."
Zhu Zhuqing's body stiffened slightly, then relaxed. She whispered:
"It's morning. We should get up."
Reluctantly, Dai Chengfeng loosened his arms and sat up.
Their eyes met briefly, a blush appearing on Zhu Zhuqing's face as she quickly averted her gaze. She got out of bed to tidy her slightly disheveled dress.
Dai Chengfeng watched her slender back, filled with affection...
Just as they finished tidying up, there was a soft knock at the door.
Zhu Zhuqing went to open it. Outside stood Zhu Hongxiu, her face lined with worry.
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing opening the door, Zhu Hongxiu didn't seem surprised. Her eyes quickly scanned past her and landed on Dai Chengfeng inside the room. Seeing that he was unharmed, she visibly relaxed.
"Chengfeng, you're finally back."
Zhu Hongxiu entered the room, taking his hand and looking him over, "Where have you been these past two days and nights?"
"Not a single message! Do you know how worried I've been?"
Upon hearing this, Dai Chengfeng quickly repeated the explanation he had given Zhu Zhuqing, his tone soothing: "I made Mother worry."
"The teacher sent me on a sudden confidential mission. There was no time to notify anyone."
"See, I'm fine!"
Zhu Hongxiu frowned slightly after hearing this, but since it involved Pope Bibi Dong, she refrained from asking further, merely saying reproachfully:
"Even if it was a mission assigned by Pope Bibi Dong, you should have found a way to send a message."
"Next time, don't do this again."
"Yes, yes, yes, your son knows his mistake."
Dai Chengfeng readily agreed, affectionately linking arms with his mother, "Next time, I'll make sure to report in advance."
After reassuring his mother, Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing went to have breakfast together.
On the way, they happened to meet Hu Liena and Ning Rongrong.
Seeing Dai Chengfeng, Hu Liena's foxy eyes first lit up with surprise, then turned scrutinizing: "Oh, our busy man has finally appeared?"
"Disappearing like a ghost these past few days, where have you been enjoying yourself?"
Ning Rongrong chimed in, her spoiled temperament showing as she teased:
"Exactly, we thought you had been captured and locked up by some Title Douluo!"
Dai Chengfeng inwardly sighed, but outwardly remained calm, repeating the same explanation for the third time:
"Dear ladies, stop teasing me. It was a confidential mission assigned by the teacher. I've just finished and haven't even slept well."
He yawned appropriately, his face showing a hint of fatigue at the right moment.
"Alright, we'll let you off this time. Remember to give us a heads-up next time you disappear, so no one worries."
Ning Rongrong didn't think much of it. Hearing that Dai Chengfeng had been on a mission, her discontent dissipated, and she became curious about the mission's content, which Dai Chengfeng skillfully deflected with the word "confidential."
Breakfast ended in a somewhat awkward atmosphere.
...
After the meal, Dai Chengfeng excused himself, saying he needed to meditate alone, and left the residence.
He then made his way, familiarly, to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's base in Spirit Hall City—a rather quiet and elegant courtyard.
"I wonder if Liu Erlong has left yet?"
By this time, Liu Erlong should have already departed. Dai Chengfeng came to confirm.
After all, he was only halfway through his progress, and now, after such a long unexpected separation, he almost had to start over.
Dai Chengfeng had mentally prepared himself to begin anew.
However, to his mild surprise, although the courtyard was quiet, there was no dust at the entrance, and the plants inside seemed to have been simply tended to, not appearing abandoned for a long time.
"Could it be that she hasn't left?"
A thought stirred in Dai Chengfeng's heart as he pushed open the door and entered.
The courtyard was eerily quiet.
He walked straight to the main house, where the door was slightly ajar.
Gently pushing it open, a strong smell of alcohol mixed with the faint scent of a woman hit him.
The sight inside the room left Dai Chengfeng stunned.
There sat Liu Erlong, wearing an extremely daring black lace lingerie, large expanses of her snow-white skin and seductive curves exposed to the air. She had casually thrown on an open black silk robe, adding to her decadent allure.
Her drunken eyes were unfocused as she slumped in a large armchair, her cheeks flushed, her eyes vacant.
Scattered around the table and floor were seven or eight empty bottles, and the air reeked of a hangover.
She really hadn't left?
And… in this state?
Dai Chengfeng was even more surprised, "Why hasn't she left?"
While pondering this, Dai Chengfeng quietly closed the door, walked over to Liu Erlong, bent down, and softly called:
"Teacher Erlong?"
Feeling someone approach, Liu Erlong's hazy eyes snapped open. Despite her heavy intoxication, her instincts as a Soul Saint remained sharp. A fierce aura suddenly erupted from her, and her hands instinctively gathered soul power, ready to strike the intruder.
"It's me! Dai Chengfeng!"
Dai Chengfeng quickly spoke up while gently deflecting her attack.
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