Chapter 777: The Enemy is Too Cunning
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Yuwen Chu, following his instincts, was about to take action when Mingzhu retracted her hand and yawned, “I’m so tired.”
Yuwen Chu wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip away. He pounced on her, nibbling and biting, “Don’t sleep yet, there’s still important business to attend to.”
Mingzhu pushed him away forcefully, “You reek of alcohol, it’s disgusting.”
Fueled by liquid courage, Yuwen Chu was emboldened and annoyed at her complaint. Clearly, the drunk one was her! He ruthlessly stripped her and tossed her into the bathtub. The splash of water and the sudden sensation of weightlessness startled Mingzhu for a moment, but she soon relaxed into the warm, fragrant water, closing her eyes contentedly.
Yuwen Chu didn’t believe she could actually fall asleep. He stood by with his arms crossed, observing. He noticed something interesting: whenever Mingzhu seemed about to slip underwater, she miraculously straightened up, keeping her face and head above water.
She was faking it well, clearly trying to avoid work. Yuwen Chu leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Actually, I lied about the medicine. They all said it was perfectly fine. Come on, take your medicine.”
Mingzhu didn’t respond. If she reacted immediately, it would be too obvious. This man was too cunning. Who knew if he was lying? As long as she didn’t drown, she would outlast him. She refused to believe he would leave her in the water all night. It was a battle of endurance.
Seeing no reaction, Yuwen Chu pushed her shoulder down. Let’s see if she drinks bathwater. Mingzhu had anticipated this, holding her breath as she slid underwater, blowing bubbles lazily.
As mentioned earlier, her body was robust, and she was daring. Though not a swimmer, she had secretly played in the water as a child. This amount of water was nothing.
Yuwen Chu counted to five, then to ten. Still no movement. He grew worried and annoyed. She had been holding her breath for too long without a struggle. It seemed too fake. But what if she was genuinely asleep or in trouble?
Better not to risk it. Just as he was about to reach for her, Mingzhu exaggeratedly thrashed in the water. Annoyed yet amused, Yuwen Chu grabbed her shoulders, pulling her up, and sealed her lips with his own. Let’s see if you can hold your breath now.
Mingzhu, desperate for air, yanked his hair, finally turning her head to gasp deeply.
Yuwen Chu watched her with a wry smile, “Done pretending?”
Mingzhu rolled her eyes and fainted.
Yuwen Chu suppressed a smile and muttered to himself, “How unexpected, she fainted just like that. Oh well, might as well try it out in the water, it could be interesting.” With that, he began to undress. He chose his spot carefully, positioning himself so that the light cast a flattering shadow behind him, maximizing the presentation of his attributes. There was no need to mention his broad shoulders, long legs, and narrow waist; even his facial contours seemed more charming, with his gaze appearing deeper.
Mingzhu felt an overwhelming heat, more intense than usual. She blamed the alcohol. Despite being an old married couple, it felt like their early days of marriage—full of anticipation and anxiety. What was he up to? Surely on purpose.
She sneaked a glance at Yuwen Chu, expecting a smug or scheming expression but saw only his usual serious face. He undressed with the same solemnity as writing calligraphy. Even doing mischief, he remained composed; it was so typical of him.
Mingzhu debated whether to escape now or later. This time, she wouldn’t fall for it. Run or stay? She decided to stay, resolute not to be coerced.
Yuwen Chu, noticing her fluttering eyelashes and changing expressions, felt a surge of frustration. He took a swift step towards her.
His speed startled Mingzhu. She cried out, “No!” but when she opened her eyes, she met his teasing gaze. She clutched her head, “So dizzy, so dizzy. I’m drunk, oh no, I need to puke. Move aside…”
Yuwen Chu wrapped an arm around her waist, coaxing softly, “Relax, if we were to have a child, it would’ve happened already. This one time won’t change anything.”
Mingzhu shook her head. Impossible. She had thought this through. The medicine wasn’t new. Discussing it right after reuniting would spoil the mood. If he agreed, fine; if not, he’d be angry. She wasn’t foolish.
Yuwen Chu’s eyes narrowed. “Did you take action without my consent?”
Mingzhu felt a chill but shook her head.
“Two options: confess and I’ll be lenient, or stay stubborn and see how I deal with you!” Yuwen Chu’s body radiated heat.
Mingzhu thought carefully, deciding to come clean. “I listened to you. When you said it was harmful, I stopped taking it.”
In other words, she had taken it before. Yuwen Chu tightened his grip, making her yelp in pain. “Gently! I might die. I didn’t want to upset you before. Didn’t I come clean later? Why not let it go?”
“You make a point, but I still feel wronged. You hid the truth, pretended to be drunk, making me suspicious. So, what now?” Yuwen Chu’s eyes sparkled. “You must compensate me.”
“How will I compensate?” Mingzhu heard a hint of softening in his attitude and immediately perked up. Yuwen Chu leaned in close to her ear and whispered something that made her blush furiously, but she reluctantly nodded in agreement.
As the water rippled gently, Yuwen Chu relaxed, squinting his eyes as he indulgently watched the busy yet enchanting Mingzhu. He felt completely at ease from head to toe, as if he were living in a fairy tale.
“Done yet?” Mingzhu, exhausted, whispered as she massaged his shoulders, “I’m about to drop dead, Your Highness. Are you satisfied?”
“Tired, huh? Then rest.” Yuwen Chu magnanimously relented. Mingzhu was delighted and about to slip away when he caught her and whispered in her ear, “Now it’s my turn. The medicine is edible, I’ve placed it on the nearby table. Be a good girl and take it.”
Tears of bitterness welled up in Mingzhu’s eyes, not because she was foolish, but because her enemy was cunning.
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