As Cai Mei'er's dance ended, she shyly brought her hands up to cover herself.
Though her dance dress revealed less than a bikini might, its design and her movements exuded far more allure.
"It's not about how much skin you show," Qian Ran mused, "it's about how you show it."
Somehow, Cai Mei'er's restrained elegance was more captivating than outright exposure.
"Don't cover up, Mei'er. You're stunning in this dress. Only someone with your figure could bring out its true beauty," Qian Ran said as he moved closer, pulling her into his arms.
"I only wore this because you've done so much for me. Don't think I'll wear something like this again," Cai Mei'er huffed, her delicate fists lightly pounding against Qian Ran's chest. Yet, her heart swelled with pride and a touch of joy.
Cai Mei'er didn't understand why some women felt embarrassed when their lover admired their body so openly. To her, wasn't it better for him to be smitten than indifferent?
Still, she was wise enough to know the value of restraint.
"It's not about being indulgent all the time," Cai Mei'er thought. "It's about keeping things fresh. He doesn't want us to be reckless; he wants moments like these to remain special."
"Mei'er, is everything alright out there?" Yan Shaozhe's voice called out from the study.
"What could possibly happen?" Cai Mei'er replied curtly, her expression briefly stiffening.
"Alright then," Yan Shaozhe muttered, his tone tinged with disappointment. He had hoped for a warmer response. "I should've never gone after Xian Lin'er. Now I've made a mess of everything."
In his mind, Cai Mei'er's coldness stemmed from lingering jealousy over his old infatuation with Xian Lin'er.
"Do you think he suspects anything?" Qian Ran whispered, his voice tinged with genuine concern. Yan Shaozhe was, after all, a Super Douluo. With his sharp spiritual senses, a simple probe would expose their secret.
"I made him seal his spirit power and spiritual sense. Otherwise, what's the point of kneeling on a durian?" Cai Mei'er chuckled at Qian Ran's rare display of anxiety.
"Even the boldest men have their moments of hesitation," she mused, enjoying the moment.
"Sealed himself… voluntarily?" Qian Ran asked, incredulous. The thought of relying on someone's self-discipline for secrecy felt like walking a tightrope.
"Don't underestimate how desperate he is to win me back," Cai Mei'er said, her tone confident. "But isn't this thrill what you enjoy most?"
Qian Ran smirked, finally letting himself relax. "She's not wrong," he thought.
"You're really pushing it, Mei'er," Qian Ran teased, watching as Cai Mei'er unbuttoned her blouse ever so slightly, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of skin.
"Focus on me, not him," she whispered, her lips brushing against his ear.
"Don't mind if I do."
Without hesitation, Qian Ran pulled her down onto the sofa, their passionate embrace leaving no room for restraint.
When the moment passed, the two headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Cai Mei'er, still wearing her seductive tassel dress, tied on an apron. Despite Qian Ran's playful distractions, she diligently focused on cooking.
"Say ah," Qian Ran said, holding up a carrot with a mischievous grin.
Cai Mei'er glared at him, her face flushed. After a brief moment of hesitation, she opened her mouth and bit down on the carrot.
Today, she resolved to fulfill all of Qian Ran's whims. It was her way of expressing gratitude for the incredible opportunities he had given her.
When the food was ready, Cai Mei'er returned to her room to change into a modest pencil dress before calling Yan Shaozhe to join them.
Qian Ran couldn't help but admire her ability to keep Yan Shaozhe in line. It was no wonder Yan Shaozhe had never dared to pursue Xian Lin'er seriously—he was utterly subdued by Cai Mei'er's fiery personality.
"Qian Ran, you've outdone yourself this time," Yan Shaozhe said as he sat down. "The treasures you shared with Mei'er and Lin'er—those were life-changing. It's rare to meet someone as selfless as you."
Qian Ran almost laughed. "Selfless? Sure."
Yan Shaozhe's words only confirmed how oblivious he was to the truth.
"People like you are destined for greatness," Yan Shaozhe continued, his admiration sincere. "You've already given so much to this academy, to its people…"
Yan Shaozhe had been watching Qian Ran closely, hoping to catch a hint of further opportunities. If Lin'er and Mei'er could advance so much thanks to Qian Ran, why not him?
Even now, the gap between his strength and Cai Mei'er's gnawed at him. She had become a powerhouse of the Extreme Ice element, her potential now far beyond his own.
If there was anyone who could help him catch up, it was Qian Ran.
"Do you think there are more treasures like the Icefire Dragon King remnants out there?" Yan Shaozhe asked, trying to sound casual.
Qian Ran inwardly rolled his eyes. "What does he think I am, a walking treasure map?"
"I wouldn't know," Qian Ran said, feigning innocence. "Treasures like those are far from common."
"Exactly!" Cai Mei'er interjected, her tone playful yet firm. "Do you think these things grow on trees? If there's something suitable for you, Qian Ran will surely let you know."
Despite his disappointment, Yan Shaozhe forced a smile. "Fair enough. I'll leave it in your capable hands, Qian Ran."
"Of course, Dean Yan. Should I ever find something worthy, you'll be the first to know," Qian Ran said, his tone smooth. "Even if I don't, I'll make sure you receive a meaningful gift in the future."
Passing his empty bowl to Cai Mei'er to refill, Qian Ran acted every bit the master of the house, while Yan Shaozhe—kneeling earlier—seemed more like a guest.
Yan Shaozhe's mood brightened. "I'll look forward to it, then!"
As he watched Qian Ran and Cai Mei'er interact, he felt a pang of gratitude and hope.
"This young man truly is one of a kind," Yan Shaozhe thought, silently giving Qian Ran a thumbs-up in his heart. "If anyone can help me regain my footing, it's him."
(End of Chapter)