The moment Solon entered the simulated world, a wave of lively noise instantly flooded his ears while the blended aromas of various foods rushed into his nostrils, making him feel as if he'd returned to strolling through a night market food street.
Yet soon his attention was completely captured by the feminine figure beside him.
A faint, night-blooming lotus-like cool fragrance kept drifting into his nostrils—a scent so elegant and uniquely refreshing that no amount of food spices could mask it.
The slender waist beneath his left palm had skin tender and smooth, yet he could vaguely sense tremendous latent power beneath.
But now this power, much like its owner, was shackled by chains of burning desire—unable to break free yet constantly scorched by the flames of lust, leaving her helplessly enduring both the burning and her ever-rising passion.
"Jingliu, why didn't you invite me when visiting the Golden Alley?"
Baiheng's voice broke Jingliu from her predicament while simultaneously plunging her into fresh embarrassment.
This was absolutely not the right moment to meet acquaintances.
"I..."
Jingliu hesitated, unsure how to respond.
The lively Baiheng then turned her attention to Solon who was embracing Jingliu.
"And this is...?"
Baiheng's gaze landed on Solon's hand resting on Jingliu's slender waist, her lips curling into a teasing smile.
Before Jingliu could speak, Solon confidently introduced himself: "I'm Jingliu's boyfriend—and also her disciple."
Baiheng immediately covered her mouth in shock, while Jingliu's eyes widened in disbelief at his words.
Compared to other Xianzhou ships, the Luofu was relatively conservative, and teacher-student relationships had always been controversial throughout history.
Neither expected Solon to publicly admit their taboo romance.
But true to her unconventional nature, Baiheng's large fluffy tail wagged wildly behind her like an excited puppy's.
Rather than just shock, her large eyes sparkled more with excitement and curiosity.
Recovering, Baiheng attempted to forcibly change the subject: "Jingliu! When did you get a boyfriend? How could you not tell me!"
Jingliu parted her lips to answer when suddenly a blush spread across her face, her expression tensing.
Solon had actually begun slipping his hand beneath her armor—right in front of Baiheng.
The bold move froze Jingliu completely.
If Baiheng discovered how indecently they were carrying on, she'd surely die of shame on the spot.
The embarrassment of being caught by her friend, the fear of being discovered... these emotions turned Jingliu's body stiff as ice.
Meanwhile, Solon relished the feel of Jingliu's silken skin while smiling at Baiheng: "Given the sensitive nature of our teacher-student relationship, we've kept it private. I'd appreciate your discretion, Baiheng."
Baiheng immediately patted her chest: "Cough! Don't worry! As Jingliu's bestie, my lips are sealed! You have my word!"
Despite her words, her eyes darted mischievously between them, her sly smile clearly indicating less-than-honorable intentions.
Solon paid her no mind—even if she talked, it hardly mattered.
Two consenting adults in a proper relationship—what was there to criticize?
"Since fate brought us together," Solon offered, "we were about to try Golden Alley's famous Spicy Chopped Beef Offal. Care to join us, Miss Baiheng?"
"Ah, me?"
Baiheng meant to decline—it was clearly a date, and intruding would be rude.
Moreover, she noticed Jingliu's silent but obvious reluctance.
This only confirmed she was interrupting a secret rendezvous.
Just as Baiheng prepared to refuse, Solon insisted warmly: "Please don't stand on ceremony. Jingliu often speaks of the 'High-Cloud Quintet,' saying you're her dearest friend."
"I've long wanted to thank you for your care. I insist you honor us with your company."
"Well..."
With such earnest invitation, Baiheng could hardly refuse.
"Mmm—!"
Jingliu tried to speak when an unexpected sensation interrupted her.
Solon's meaningful glance made his warning clear, forcing her to swallow her words.
Meanwhile, the burning heat from that wandering hand at her waist felt scorching enough to brand her skin.
An involuntary tremble ran through her, deepening her blush.
Baiheng noted their subtle interaction—though in her eyes, it merely confirmed their passionate romance.
Soon the beef offal arrived.
Chopsticks in one hand, Solon kept the other firmly around Jingliu's waist, fingers misbehaving shamelessly.
Whenever Baiheng's view was blocked, his fingertips traced slow, deliberate paths along Jingliu's spine...
This brazen provocation before her friend left Jingliu biting her lip hard, suppressing any compromising sounds.
Yet her restraint only fueled Solon's teasing.
Initially trying to distract herself, Jingliu found her focus gradually hijacked by that mischievous finger's perfect rhythm—not too fast nor slow, not too light nor heavy.
What began as faint tingles evolved under Solon's persistent caresses: warmth became searing heat, accumulating and spreading from each touch until her entire body burned.
These were the flames of desire.
Soon Jingliu trembled uncontrollably, thighs rubbing together unconsciously, her pale face now crimson, eyes glistening as if weeping, her entire body wordlessly issuing invitations.
The meal finally ended.
True to its reputation, the Spicy Chopped Beef Offal lived up to its intense heat—leaving all three red-faced, sweating, and panting.
Solon's gaze lingered on Jingliu. Though all appeared equally flustered, only Jingliu's eyes held that unmistakable, lingering seduction.
Baiheng across the table noticed nothing amiss.
If anything, she'd interpreted Solon's actions as sweet intimacy between lovers, happily indulging in their coupledom while devouring both food and their dynamic.
After the meal, a satisfied Baiheng patted her slightly rounded stomach and assured them: "Rest easy—my lips are sealed! Your secret's safe with me!"
---
Read Up To 30+ Advanced Chapters in pat/reon.com/KyokaSuigetsu