Lan Shuqin's face was burning hot, and she quickly lowered her gaze, clutching at the front of her maid robes. "M-Master Tian… I-I should go… I'm getting late, the breakfast for Lady Hanyue and you."

But Zhao Tian only smiled faintly and his hand was still resting lightly against her cheek, keeping her from slipping away. "You can go... after you kiss me."

Her entire body went rigid "K-Kiss…?"

Her ears turned deep red and she swallowed hard before whispering "…like this?"

Then, in the faintest show of courage, she rose on her toes and pressed a soft, quick kiss to his lips.

Stepping back immediately, her eyes darted away as she muttered "I-Is that okay…?"

Zhao Tian tilted his head slightly, "…No. Not like that."

Her heart skipped a beat. "N-No…?"

His voice lowered as he looked at her lips "…Kiss me like you kissed me yesterday."

"…the third kiss."

Her entire face flamed in crimson, and she covered her mouth with her hand, shaking her head lightly "M-Master Tian…?"

But his expression didn't waver, and he simply waited for her with a calm gaze.

Her heart pounded so fiercely she thought he might hear it.

Finally, she lowered her hand before slowly rising on her toes once again.

This time, instead of a fleeting peck, she let her lips linger on his lips as she gently pressed herself against him, letting her lips move against his lips in a true kiss.

When she finally dared to pull back, she saw the faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

His eyes softened as his arm slipped around her waist, pulling her flush against him.

"Mm…" his low chuckle vibrated against her lips. "That's more like it."

Lan Shuqin buried her forehead against his chest in embarrassment "…You're cruel, Master Tian."

Her muffled protest against his chest, only made Zhao Tian's smile deepen. "Cruel?"

His hand slid from her cheek to the back of her head, "If this is cruelty… then I'll be cruel again."

Before Lan Shuqin could even react, he tilted her chin up and claimed her lips once more.

This time, there was nothing fleeting or hesitant about it.

His lips pressed against her lips, coaxing her into a deeper kiss.

Her eyes widened in shock, but the moment his arm tightened around her waist and drew her firmly into his chest, her strength seemed to melt away.

"Mmph-"

Every inch of her body burned and yet the warmth of his embrace only drew her deeper into the storm.

When his lips moved gently against hers again, coaxing her to respond, something inside her gave in.

Hesitant at first, she began to move her lips in return, matching his rhythm.

The small, uncertain kisses grew steadier under his guidance until she was almost leaning into him

Zhao Tian smiled faintly against her lips.

Sensing her surrender, he deepened the kiss, pressing more firmly.

She gasped softly at the sudden intensity, and he took advantage of her parted lips, brushing his tongue teasingly against hers for just a moment.

When he finally pulled back just enough for air, their foreheads touched as their breaths mingled in the narrow corridor.

"Huff.. Huff …M-Master Tian…"

She closed her eyes, unable to look at him directly, and instead buried her face against his chest once more.

"Shall I... take my leave, Master Tian? I already kissed you..."

Looking into her green eyes, he gave a nod "Alright..."

He took a step back and let her go.

She bowed her head and hurriedly ran away from there like a rabbit.

With a chuckle, he turned around to walk towards Zhou Hanyue's quarters.

...

The balcony was wide and airy, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming spirit-flowers, while golden sunlight spilled across the table where Zhao Tian and Zhou Hanyue sat side by side, enjoying a peaceful breakfast.

Lan Shuqin stood dutifully behind them with her hands folded neatly at her waist.

To anyone looking, she was simply a loyal maid fulfilling her role.

Yet her gaze often drifted toward Zhao Tian, lingering on the curve of his lips as he savored the food.

Each time he lifted a morsel of her cooking to his mouth, her heart swelled with a quiet, shy joy.

Zhao Tian suddenly set his chopsticks down and turned his head, "Shuqin, your cooking is amazing. I really love it."

Lowering her head slightly, she nodded with a small smile. "Thank you, Master Tian."

The praise alone was enough to make her chest flutter.

Stepping forward, she carefully brought another dish to the table as she set it down before Zhao Tian.

She turned gracefully to leave, but just as she was passing his chair-

Smack!

Zhao Tian slapped her ass playfully.

"GIK!" Lan Shuqin jolted, and a small squeak escaped her lips, and her hand immediately covered her mouth.

"Hm?" Zhou Hanyue, chopsticks paused halfway to her lips as she turned her head toward her maid. "Shuqin, are you alright?"

"Y-Yes, Lady Hanyue… I am alright!" Shuqin stammered, bowing her head quickly.

Her mind was spinning 'What was that? What if Lady Hanyue saw us?'

Desperate to compose herself, she smoothed her apron with trembling hands and backed away from the table, trying to look calm.

Behind her, Zhao Tian sipped his tea with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Zhou Hanyue leaned forward and whispered, "Husband... keep your naughty hands to yourself."

He pecked her lips and muttered "Let me play for a bit..."

Zhou Hanyue simply picked up another piece of food with her chopsticks and focused on her breakfast, shaking her head at his antics.

Lan Shuqin busied herself with gathering trays at the far side of the balcony, and her thoughts were in chaos.

'Master Tian… you… how can you do such a thing with Lady Hanyue right there…?'

She took a deep breath to steady herself, and just at that time, a pair of warm hands hugged her from behind.

'WHAT'

She screamed in her mind and turned to look at Zhao Tian hugging her.

Her eyes shrank, and she glanced at the back of Zhou Hanyue, who was sitting on the table eating her food.

There is only a small distance between the balcony and table, and if Zhou Hanyue turned her head, it would be so over for her.

Lan Shuqin panicked and hushed "Master Tian..."

Zhao Tian grinned and hugged her closer "Your body is so soft, Shuqin..."

'M-MASTER TIAANNNNN???'

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