The Highest Good Is Like Water

As soon as I'd said it, I realized I shouldn't have said so much. Qian Lun gave me a teasing look and said,

"So we've been together all day, then?"

He leaned toward me, his lips brushing warm breath just above the tip of my nose as he asked softly,

"Tell me! How much do you care about me now?"

I gently pushed him away and stood up.

"I'm tired. I'll head back to my room."

I started walking quickly, forgetting that the soles of my feet were injured. After my first step, the pain became unbearable, and I toppled sideways straight into Qian Lun's arms. He wrapped both arms tightly around me and showed no sign of letting go. With my right side pressed against him, I turned and saw a tenderness in his eyes so deep it seemed impossible to melt. I froze for a moment, then began to struggle.

"Young Master!"

Qian Lun turned me to face him, still holding me fast.

"Don't call me Young Master. I'm not your young master."

He sounded like a child who hadn't gotten his way.

"Don't be like this. I..."

The rest of my words were cut off by Qian Lun's kiss. His soft lips settled lightly on mine, cool at first, then warm. The gentle kiss gradually deepened. I tried to pull away, but his arms held me so tightly I couldn't move. In desperation, I bit his tongue, not knowing it was the worst thing I could have done. It only spurred Qian Lun on, making his kiss more savage and more intense. His body moved with me as I tried to shift away. In the silent room, the faint sound of our lips brushing together was joined by soft moans. Qian Lun's body grew hotter and hotter. I hurriedly tried to push him away, but no matter how hard I struggled, he wouldn't budge. Instead, he freed one hand to gently stroke my face, then slid it down to the front of my robe. My mind went blank with panic. Just then, a familiar, clear voice rang out from the doorway.

"I've brought the medicine, miss!"

Xiao Jiu couldn't have shown up at a better time. Qian Lun's hold loosened as his attention wavered. I quickly summoned my strength and kicked him. He fell back onto the bed, frowning as he shut his eyes and bent over to rub the spot on his leg where I'd hit him. Then he looked up at me and said,

"Miss, you..."

He stood and stared at me with evident amusement.

"You're blushing?!"

At his words, I lowered my head even further.

"I'm tired. I'm going back to my room. Get some rest soon."

I turned to leave, but saw Xiao Jiu staring at Qian Lun and me, her mouth hanging open in shock. She must have seen everything that had just happened. I didn't know how to react as I looked at her. Qian Lun's voice came from behind me.

"Xiao Jiu! Was the medicine ready that quickly? If you don't boil it long enough, it won't work as well. You know that, don't you?"

Xiao Jiu closed her mouth and blinked.

"You're right, Young Master. I'll heat it up some more."

She began backing away.

"You should close the door too. The wind's picking up. The young master can't catch another chill."

As she said this, she made a show of getting ready to close the door.

"Xiao Jiu!"

I called out.

"Hurry up and bring the medicine in!"

Only then did she step inside, watching me warily. I turned around just in time to see Qian Lun nod. When he noticed me looking back, he hurriedly turned away and pretended to be interested in something else. I glared at him, took the bowl of medicine Xiao Jiu handed me, and said,

"Drink this and get some rest. Xiao Jiu, let's go back to our room."

Qian Lun took the bowl and said,

"Xiao Jiu! Help your miss back to her room. Be careful, she's hurt the soles of her feet. Remember to change her dressings on time every day. You've let your miss get hurt again. Last time it was an internal injury, and this time it's an external one. I'll make a note of this, you know. Don't let anything else happen."

"Yes, Young Master. Xiao Jiu understands."

A little romance, a little chivalry, a touch of fantasy, and a hint of danger.

I hope you enjoy it.