Note:All characters depicted in romantic/sexual contexts are confirmed 18+ years old in this story. Any youthful appearance is due to in-universe magical effects and is not intended to represent minors.
The awakening girl curled her small body tightly. She had been submerged in the icy pool for far too long; her soaked clothes clung to her skin, her face pale as moonlight.
Lu Lin tried to summon fire elemental energy to dry her garments, but the fire element here was too thin—almost nonexistent.
He pulled firewood from the Dust Song Pot and built a warm campfire.
Both of them were drenched. Lu Lin gently helped Yao Yao remove her wet clothes, dried her with a soft towel, and wrapped her snugly in a thick blanket.
After some effort, color slowly returned to her cheeks. Only then did Lu Lin let out a relieved breath.
Thankfully the Dust Song Pot was well-stocked; otherwise this would have been much harder. Unfortunately, there were no clothes that fit her small frame, so he hung her wet garments near the flames to dry gradually.
He waded back into the pool to gather the floating medicinal herbs.
Qiqi wasn't here, but the system hadn't declared the mission failed, so she was safe for now. He would wait until Yao Yao's clothes dried before searching again.
The girl who was usually so full of energy and helpfulness sat unusually quiet, wrapped in the blanket, watching Lu Lin work. Eventually she changed into a fresh set of clothes and returned to sit by the fire.
"Big Brother Lu Lin… I'm still a little cold. Can you hold me?" Her voice was sweet, laced with a rare, soft pout.
This was the first time Lu Lin had heard her speak in such a spoiled, endearing tone.
Though small and adorable, she had always been sensible and caring—like a tiny adult looking after others. He had never seen her act this way.
He looked down. In the firelight her round, steamed-bun face glowed pink. Her big eyes shimmered with tender affection. The blanket had loosened just enough to reveal a glimpse of fair skin at her collarbone.
Lu Lin slipped his hands under her arms, lifted her gently, and settled her on his lap.
She nestled into his warmth, then asked in a soft, shy voice:
"Big Brother Lu Lin… did you kiss me earlier?"
"Uh… that wasn't really a kiss. It was artificial respiration—to help you breathe after drowning…"
"You… saw everything."
"Er…"
"So… does that mean I'm your girlfriend now? Only a boyfriend is allowed to see a girl like that~" Yao Yao tilted her head up, cheeks flushed—whether from the fire or something deeper, it was hard to tell.
"You're still young. When you grow up a bit—"
"But I'm already eighteen." She cut him off gently.
"Huh?"
"I'm only a few months younger than Sister Xiangling. When I was little, I ate an immortal herb by mistake… it slowed my growth, both body and mind. That's why I look this way."
"So that's it! No wonder Yao Yao is so mature and thoughtful!" Lu Lin suddenly understood.
With that realization, any last hesitation faded. His hand slipped naturally through the blanket's edge and brushed against her gently, drawing a small, surprised breath from her.
"Do you know… what boyfriends and girlfriends do together?"
"N-not really…" The light touch sent a warm flutter through her. Her legs straightened unconsciously.
"Mmm~ Then let me show you."
Lu Lin eased the blanket open just a little.
"Still cold?"
"Not anymore~" Her sweet voice made his heart skip.
To prove it, she reached out with delicate hands and slowly let the blanket fall away completely—like unveiling a beautiful scroll.
Her petite frame glowed softly in the firelight, skin smooth and fair like polished jade kissed by moonlight. The sight stole his breath.
He had seen her earlier while saving her, but that had been frantic rescue. Now, he could truly appreciate her delicate beauty.
Though her growth had been delayed, her figure was already sweetly formed—soft curves that were impossibly endearing.
Lu Lin leaned down, pressing gentle kisses to her smooth skin, savoring the warmth and sweetness of the moment.
"Eyah~ Big Brother Lu Lin~" It was all new to her. She let out a soft sound and squirmed lightly.
He steadied her slender waist. His touch drifted lower, exploring with care and tenderness.
The closeness overwhelmed them both. She began to move instinctively, guided only by feeling, her arms wrapping around him as she found a gentle rhythm.
He hadn't expected her to adapt so naturally.
After lingering kisses and shared warmth, the sensations built until she reached her first quiet peak—clinging to him tightly as waves of feeling washed over her.
"Big Brother Lu Lin~" she whispered, trembling in his arms.
A long moment later, as the afterglow settled, Yao Yao looked up shyly:
"Did I… make a mess?"
"How could you? You're the purest thing in my heart." Lu Lin smiled, brushing a stray lock from her face.
Under her curious, bashful gaze, he brought his finger to his lips for a playful taste, then offered it to her.
She hesitated—then gently touched her tongue to it, a ticklish warmth passing between them.
With such natural instinct, it felt almost a shame not to explore further.
He shifted, letting the blanket fall fully away, and guided her closer still. The fire crackled higher as he added wood, keeping the chill at bay.
Yao Yao's gentle nature shone through—she learned quickly, moving with care and attentiveness, the little bells in her hair chiming softly like a melody.
At the height of the moment, Lu Lin held her close, breathing deeply.
She gave a small cough, cheeks flushed, a faint trace of sweetness at the corner of her lips.
The firelight danced around them, wrapping the two in quiet intimacy.