Enchanted by Youthful Beauty

Sweetheart with skin hunger & ruthless powerful official

Nurturing daddy / growing-up romance / age gap / an old flame reignited

Years ago, Pei Zhan was away on official business when he unexpectedly rescued Wen Ling, the daughter of an old acquaintance whose entire family had been slaughtered.

The little girl was curled up in a closet, her fair little face smeared with dirt, tears streaming as she called him, "Uncle."

Pei Zhan was only sixteen at the time, but he accepted the title with stiff reluctance.

Everyone in the capital knew that the Jinyiwei commander, feared by both the living and the dead for his cruel methods, had a soft little girl in his home who would trot after him, calling him Uncle.

The commander who had been skinning and stuffing people in the imperial prison only moments ago would come home with warmth and a faint smile in his eyes, reaching out to her. "A Ling, come here and let Uncle hold you."

Wen Ling had lost both parents when she was young and depended on him. Cradled in his arms, her little body would give him a loud kiss on the cheek.

Wen Ling had been raised well. With her delicate nose, cherry-red lips, fair skin, and flower-like beauty, her clear almond eyes had never been touched by the slightest trace of bloodshed.

On the day she came of age, the girl had grown to his chest. Looking at the handsome, refined man before her, she could no longer bring herself to call him Uncle.

Pei Zhan personally placed a hairpin set with colorful gemstones and pearls in her hair.

Time had only enhanced the man's sculpted, handsome features. He carried himself with noble authority, and the weight of his high position pressed from his brows, but his gaze was exceptionally gentle when he looked at her.

Wen Ling opened her mouth and, as if possessed, called him, "Brother."

Her voice was sweet and soft as a rice cake.

The man's gaze darkened. The heartstrings that had long lain silent seemed to stir, ever so slightly.

Pei Zhan had thought that, having raised the girl himself, he would be able to find her a suitable match without a second thought and watch her marry with a happy smile.

But on the day she came of age, when the young woman stood before him with a bright smile, he realized she had truly grown up.

The precious jewel he had raised with his own hands would one day marry someone else.

The possessiveness in his heart grew wildly, consuming every last bit of his reason.

If she had to marry someday, why couldn't she marry him?

A little scene:

When Wen Ling reached the age for marriage, families across the capital began making discreet inquiries, and the matchmakers nearly wore down the threshold of the Pei residence.

In a hidden corner, Pei Zhan held the girl's slender waist tight and gently kissed her moist, crimson lips, lingering and savoring the moment.

"A Ling, pay attention."

"Have you forgotten everything your brother taught you?"

Theme: Loving someone is like tending a flower.