After settling Yao Jing in her room, Zhao Tian returned to the terrace and saw that Qian Shi was the only one sitting there, still drinking.
His eyes squinted slightly âShe is Sect Masterâs close friend... right?â
With such thoughts, he walked to her and smiled faintly "Miss Shi.."
Qian Shi turned her head to look at him and returned the smile "Ah, Zhao Tian. Decided to return to my company, have you?"
Letting out a low chuckle, he settled himself beside her, maintaining a respectful distance. "Still not feeling sleepy, Miss Shi?"
She responded with a small nod, reaching for the wine bottle in front of her. She tilted it gracefully, pouring a generous amount into an empty cup before sliding it toward him.
"Care to continue drinking with me, newlywed?"
Hearing this, Zhao Tian chuckled faintly and reached out taking the wine cup "Sure."
With a nod, Qian Shi replied "Thank you..."
Zhao Tian took a bite of the still-warm barbecue meat from the side dish platter.
The smoky flavor paired perfectly with the red wine, and he savored the combination in silence for a moment.
Qian Shi gave him a sidelong glance before asking "As Li Jia said earlier..." she began, swirling the wine in her cup, "why are you here? Shouldnât you be spending the night with your new bride?"
Zhao Tian smiled dryly "Give me a break. Sheâs been giving me the cold shoulder since the ceremony. I can barely get a few words in with her."
"She made it clear from the start that this marriage is just a formality to her. She wants nothing to do with me."
With a thoughtful nod, she asked "Seems like you want to be close to her. Arenât you scared of the rumors..."
"That her past three husbands died..."
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Zhao Tian let out a sigh "I kind of think that the three deaths might just be a coincidence and this whole curse is just a misunderstanding."
Hearing this, Qian Shiâs eyes crescented "Maybe... this is all just a big misunderstanding."
Taking a sip of his wine, Zhao Tian replied "Mhm.. I tried to get close to her, but..."
Qian Shi raised her hand and placed a hand on his shoulder, making him turn to look at her.
"You have to be patient... you canât do everything in one day."
Qian Shiâs smile faded slightly, replaced by a contemplative expression.
She withdrew her hand, leaning back in her seat "Fear can be a powerful thing. It can make people push others away, even when what they truly want is connection."
He took another sip of wine, letting the warmth of the drink settle in his chest. "But how do you reach someone who doesnât want to be reached?"
Keeping her smile, Qian Shi replied "You canât force someone to open up. But you can show them that youâre not like the others... that youâre willing to stay, no matter how high she has built the walls around her."
"Slowly try to get close to her and break the ice. She will surely open up to you..."
Qian Shi reached for the wine bottle and poured herself another cup. "Patience, Zhao Tian. If you truly believe in her, then give her time. And in the meantime..."
She raised her cup in a mock toast. "Keep yourself alive, just in case those rumors turn out to be true."
"And donât give up on her."
Zhao Tian let out a chuckle as he raised his own cup, clinking it lightly against hers. "Noted."
They both drank, the atmosphere between them lightening as the conversation shifted to less serious topics.
The two of them sat in silence after that, the only sounds coming from the gentle rustling of the night breeze and the faint chirping of crickets in the distance.
Eventually, Qian Shi glanced at Zhao Tian, who was getting dizzy because of the alcohol and getting sleepy.
She gently set her cup down and rose from her seat.
"I think Iâve had enough for tonight," she said, stretching slightly.
"Thanks for indulging me, Zhao Tian. Youâre a surprisingly good drinking companion."
Looking up at her, Zhao Tian shook his head to clear his drowsiness and mumbled "Likewise..."
"Mhm.." With a nod, she walked to her private chambers for the night.
Placing the cup down, Zhao Tian also stood up and made his way towards his room.
Zhao Tianâs steps were unsteady as he walked down the dimly lit corridor, the effects of the wine weighing on him.
As he approached his room, he paused, his gaze drifting to a slightly ajar door of Yao Jingâs room.
Zhao Tian pushed the door open gently, the wooden frame creaking softly as he stepped into Yao Jingâs room.
A soft smile appeared on his lips, looking at the beautiful figure of Yao Jing in the dimly lit room.
The wine had dulled his usual clarity, but still, he managed to walk to the bed.
With a quiet sigh, he sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb her.
"Master," he whispered again, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair away from her face.
His fingers barely grazed her skin, but even that small touch sent a warmth spreading through him.
Yao Jing stirred slightly, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came.
She shifted on the bed, turning onto her back, the quilt slipping slightly to reveal the delicate curve of her neck and collarbone.
Smiling, he gently moved, lying beside her on the bed, as the mattress dipped slightly under his weight.
He raised his hand, gently hugging her from behind as he moved closer, burying his face onto her neck.
Inhaling her sweet scent mixed with wine, Zhao Tian sighed "Master..."
Meanwhile, Yao Jingâs body shuddered faintly as she felt his arms around her waist âI-I am not your Master.. Zhao Tian.â
Her purple eyes trembled in embarrassment as she turned her head to look at Zhao Tianâs face âI am your Sect Master...â
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!