Heavy panting filled the room, taking a long time to finally dissipate. In the pitch-black night, the two held each other tightly, as if wishing they could meld their bodies into one. They sought relief from the throbbing heat within them, sharing deep kisses and leaving their lingering warmth on each other's skin.
This profound yearning lingered for a long time without fully subsiding. However, the footsteps of the maids already echoed outside the door; they had arrived with hot water.
Zhao Jing gently rubbed his cheek against Chen Wanqing's, his voice hoarse. "Wanqing, let me go wash up first, all right? After traveling all this way, I'm covered in dust."
Normally, he would never appear before her looking so unkempt. He would have gone to the De'an Courtyard first to wash and tidy himself up, ensuring he looked immaculate before presenting himself. But he had waited for far too long—waited until every inch of his bones and sinews ached.
