"Whoa, dang, so many people here?"

When Xiaofan returned to the dormitory, he found Li Kuo's room crowded with people.

Shen Junjie really had a nose like a dog's. He knew that Xiaofan would definitely buy some liquor today when he went out, and this time, he even brought the other three members of the Four Heroes of Yanhuang along.

Moreover, Xiaolei's team leader also arrived immediately after his shift change. Everyone was sipping on the liquor and eating cured meat, and the atmosphere was incredibly harmonious.

"Come, come, Xiaofan, we haven't drunk it all yet, we're waiting for you," Shen Junjie called out, waving Xiaofan over as soon as he saw him.

His manner suggested he was the host or something, yet the liquor was bought by Xiaofan. How could he take over like that?

"No, I'm going to sleep for a bit first. You all go ahead and drink. Remember to get up early tomorrow, finish your special training, and then meditate for two hours to calm your minds."

With that, Xiaofan didn't wait for a response and gently closed the door, heading back to his own room.

Everyone was taken aback; Xiaofan's behavior was a bit strange. Could he have been given a hard time by Shen Zuimo?

"Hey, Brother Jie, what's really going on between Xiaofan and your sister?" Xiaolei asked during a momentary lull.

"How would I know? Anyway, I admire Xiaofan's character. Besides, little couples arguing is common, and maybe they'll just make up one day," Shen Junjie blurted out, he hadn't drunk much, but the words came out spontaneously.

He did somewhat understand his own sister; after so many years with the Red Butterfly, her life could no longer fit into that of an ordinary person. Before, she was definitely not going to accept any man's affections. If Xiaofan could truly open his sister's heart, it would be a very good outcome. As for everything else, that would be up to her own decision.

What Shen Junjie was contemplating was Ren Ling, who was in Xiaofan's room. Although he never asked, seeing how close they were usually, he could somewhat guess. Personally, he felt that Xiaofan was sincere towards his sister, but having other women around made things complicated.

Shen Junjie naturally hoped Xiaofan wasn't a fickle man, but ultimately, the decision was in his sister's hands. He wouldn't interfere, nor could he.

"What's up? You look so sullen, did Shen Zuimo beat you up again?"

Inside the room, Ren Ling heard the sound of Xiaofan returning and popped up from the bed.

This little girl was always so genuine in front of Xiaofan, her petite figure always evoking a bit of affection in men.

Ren Ling was still wearing the nightgown she brought from home, and under the white dress, her skin looked even more pure and lovely.

"Not asleep yet?"

"Waiting for you."

"Come over and talk to me for a bit."

"Okay."

Ren Ling obediently came to Xiaofan's side and gently snuggled into his arms, letting Xiaofan's big hand wrap around her slim waist.

The two lay side by side, facing each other. After a brief silence, Xiaofan slowly opened up.

"I'm suddenly not sure how to face her."

"Because of me? No, because of us?"

Although Ren Ling looked small and a bit clueless, she was actually quite perceptive and immediately guessed why Xiaofan was feeling unhappy.

"That's part of it. And of course, there's the assassination order issue, too."

Indeed, Xiaofan didn't know how to face Shen Zuimo because since last time he left, he had developed certain unshakable relationships with Chen Mei'Er and Ren Ling. In his heart, he felt he had wronged Shen Zuimo. Plus, the assassination order added more stress, which made it hard for Xiaofan to interact with Shen Zuimo as freely as he used to.

"Oh," Ren Ling softly replied, then shifted her position a bit in Xiaofan's arms to find a comfortable spot and started to fall asleep.

"What? You're not going to talk me through this? You're the only one I can talk to about it now."

"Talk you through it? You still don't know how to handle such a simple matter? Or are you just lost in the details?"

"How about sleeping?"

"Well, it's simple—you just eliminate. If you're asked not to see her again for the rest of your life, would you be willing?"

"But..."

"Just eliminate the 'but,' then it's clear, isn't it?"

Eliminate? Eliminate it? Xiaofan suddenly seemed to grasp something, looking at Ren Ling in a daze.

"Do you remember what I said when we met at your rented place? You may not know who I am, but I know you very well. If you're worried about the assassination order, just eliminate the Red Butterfly. You can escape the order, and Shen Zuimo would be free. If she cares about me, or us, once I've had a baby for you, I'm willing to step back. As for Chen Mei'Er, that's something you'll have to sort out with her yourself..."

"Don't say any more. I know what to do. Silly girl, I'm sorry…"

Yes, Xiaofan felt the tremble in the little girl in his arms when she said those words. Willing to step back? It sounded easy, but the tears quietly deceived her true feelings.

What virtue or capability did he have to make such a pure girl pay so much for him? Putting aside Elder Ren's agreement, could Xiaofan truly say he had no feelings for her? How could there be none?

Yes, the process of elimination. Now, all he could do was let things run their course. After all, half a year had already passed. That intense longing was finally relieved. At least now, he could see her every day. Knowing she was living well. Loving her didn't necessarily mean possessing her, but if he was the only one in the world who could bring her happiness, Xiaofan would fight for it with all his might.

Ren Ling suddenly felt Xiaofan's arm tighten around her, causing her to instinctively look up.

Meeting those affectionate eyes, Xiaofan gently smiled, and the next moment, Ren Ling's big eyes slowly drew closer.

Her lips softly pressed against his. It seemed this little girl was easily moved by Xiaofan's tenderness, as her little feet under the blanket mischievously gripped Xiaofan's thigh. Her body stirred around tantalizingly.

The nightgown was gently lifted, once again revealing that supple skin.

"Xiaofan..." she softly called out to him, her eyes gradually clouding over. Her moist lips slightly parted, the fragrance of a young maiden's breath wafted towards Xiaofan.

Xiaofan's large hand wandered among the soft mounds, though he only lingered a short while before moving down to gently pat her back.

"Sleep..."

"Xiaofan, could you... touch again? It feels so... so nice..."

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