Chapter 24: A Few Things at Night

“Senior Sister, I’m coming in.”

Wang Shuheng pushed open the door—and froze.

Lin Lingshu had already changed into her robes, though they seemed to have been splashed by water.
The damp fabric clung to her slender figure, outlining every curve in a way that was… hard to ignore.

She sat at the small table, nibbling on side dishes and sipping wine.
When she turned her head toward him, she naturally noticed where his gaze lingered.
Her bath had been relaxing, but she hadn’t taken her clothes far from the tub—so the splashing water had soaked them.

She hadn’t brought a spare set either.
Thankfully, her inner garments weren’t too wet.
Otherwise, she’d have had no choice but to wrap herself only in her outer robe.
And if even that had been soaked, she would’ve rather worn just the robe than put on those sticky, clammy underclothes.

Lin Lingshu picked up a peanut with her chopsticks and popped it into her mouth.

“Like what you see, Junior Brother? Keep staring and I’ll dig your eyes out.”

Her tone was sharp and dangerous.

Wang Shuheng instantly lowered his head.
He slowly walked forward, then took a thin blanket out from his storage pouch and gently draped it over Lin Lingshu’s shoulders.

“Sorry, Senior Sister.”

Lin Lingshu blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.
Had he continued staring—or even sneaked another glance—she would’ve lashed out without hesitation.
But his sudden act of modesty… threw her off balance.

She was the kind of person who returned courtesy for courtesy—and fire for fire.

“Mm. Junior Brother, come eat. There’s too much for me to finish alone.”

“Alright.”

Wang Shuheng didn’t refuse.
He sat down across from her, quietly serving himself some food, never once lifting his gaze.

Lin Lingshu pulled the thin blanket tighter around her shoulders.
If it slipped while she was eating, that would be mortifying—especially with him sitting right there.
He might not be looking up, but still… better safe than sorry.

“Junior Brother, how much farther do we have to go?”

“We should reach our destination by tomorrow.”

He answered with his head still lowered, which made her feel a twinge of discomfort.

“Lift your head, will you? Just… be careful next time.”

“Yes, Senior Sister.”

He finally raised his head.
That’s when he noticed the damp ends of her long hair, dark strands glistening faintly.

“Senior Sister, your hair’s wet. I can dry it for you.”

“No need. It’ll dry on its own overnight.”

She reached back to touch it.
It was still slightly damp, but nothing troublesome.

After they finished the meal, each went about their own routine.
Lin Lingshu lay down on the straw-filled mattress, while Wang Shuheng spread a mat on the floor and began his cultivation practice.

The moon—white as jade—hung high in the night sky, silver light spilling through the window.

Lin Lingshu lay on her back, eyes closed, unable to fall asleep.
The rough mattress scratched her skin through the thin bedding.

She cracked one eye open and glanced toward Wang Shuheng.

He was meditating, drawing in the surrounding spiritual energy.
From her Foundation Establishment-level senses, she could tell—he was close to reaching the ninth layer of Qi Refining.

“Junior Brother, can you see in the dark?”

Her voice floated through the dim room.

Wang Shuheng opened his eyes and looked toward her—those light-blue eyes, half-lidded and drowsy, glowing faintly in the dark.

“What is it, Senior Sister?”

“Junior Brother, I’m going to take off my clothes. Close your eyes.”

“Understood.”

He not only closed his eyes but turned his whole body to face the door.

Lin Lingshu quickly removed her robe, laid it across the mattress, then wrapped herself tightly in the blanket.

“Thanks, Junior Brother. You can turn around now.”

She said this softly—then drifted off almost immediately.

Within moments, the gentle sound of her snoring filled the room.

Wang Shuheng turned back, opened his eyes, and glanced at the sleeping woman.
A faint smile touched his lips before he resumed his meditation.

When the moon sank and the sun rose, a knock came at the door.

Knock, knock, knock!

“Guest, would you like some breakfast?”

Wang Shuheng, just finishing his night of cultivation, looked over at Lin Lingshu, still fast asleep.

“One bowl of vegetable porridge, please.”

“Right away, sir!”

The inn’s servant bustled off.

Wang Shuheng stood and walked over to the bed.

Lin Lingshu was curled up tightly in her blanket, only the top of her head peeking out.

A smile flickered in his eyes.

He gently patted her head.

Half-asleep, she murmured, “Mom… it’s the weekend, no school today…”

“Senior Sister, it’s me. Morning’s here.”

He gave her shoulder a little shake.

Her eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep.

“Oh… Junior Brother. I’m getting up.”

She reached out from the cocoon of blankets to throw them off— but Wang Shuheng quickly caught her wrist.

Startled, she blinked at him.

“What are you doing, Junior Brother?”

Her voice held confusion more than anger; she still wasn’t fully awake.

“Your robe’s on the bed.”

He pointed to where her robe lay neatly spread out across the straw mattress.
Following his gesture, she saw it—her outer robe.

In an instant, she was wide awake.
Which meant… right now, she was only wearing her undergarments.
If he hadn’t stopped her, and she’d thrown off the blanket just now—

Utter humiliation!

Her face turned crimson.
Wang Shuheng’s smile deepened as he released her hand.
She instantly pulled it back under the covers.

“I’ll wait outside.”

He gave her head another light pat, then turned to leave.

Lin Lingshu froze.
Did he just… pat me like a pet?
A thousand silent curses ran through her mind.

After a moment, she climbed out of bed, grabbed the robe she’d used as a makeshift bedsheet, and threw it on.

“All set, Junior Brother. You can come in.”

“Alright, Senior Sister. I’m coming in.”

He entered carrying a bowl of steaming vegetable porridge.
He handed it to her.

“Here, breakfast.”

“Thanks, Junior Brother.”

She took the bowl, sat down at the table, and ate in small, steady spoonfuls until it was gone.

When she finished, she leaned back, rubbing her small belly contentedly.
Wang Shuheng handed her a handkerchief, and she wiped her mouth.

“Thanks, Junior Brother. I really couldn’t have managed this trip down the mountain without you.”

“I’m glad you’re pleased, Senior Sister.”

“Is it sunny outside?”

“It is.”

“Then let’s get going. We’ve got a road to travel.”

She stood and stretched, arms high above her head, before walking out the door.

Wang Shuheng followed, watching her figure disappear down the road—then hurried after her.

But still… ‘Mom’? ‘Weekend’? ‘School’?
What on earth did those mean?

He pondered silently.