Chapter 21: Tender Jade and Warm Fragrance (Bonus Chapter 1)

After Gu Chen retracted his spirit weapon, the Sky Net Umbrella, back into his martial spirit, he surfaced from the water shortly thereafter.

Seeing him emerge, the reactions were mixed—some felt concern, while others harbored hatred. Dai Mubai’s teeth were nearly ground to dust, and for a fleeting moment, Tang San’s face turned incredibly gloomy, though he quickly masked it. Zhu Zhuqing, however, beamed with joy. She sprinted toward the center of Sacred Heart Lake, entirely unconcerned that her clinging, soaked garments left little to the imagination as she reached for Gu Chen.

Xiao Wu was momentarily dazed. While her expression appeared composed, her inner world was in turmoil. Had it not been for the two glaring "bright lightbulbs" of Tang San and Dai Mubai present, she might have rushed over just like Zhu Zhuqing. She cared for him. Ever since he had stroked her furry ears, kissed her sensuous tongue, and guided her small hands while they played their intimate games, she had become helplessly obsessed with this man.

His scent was intoxicating—better than the natural fragrance of any woman. His eyes were crystal clear, even when he was up to no good. The arms that held her were powerful and firm, and the muscles that pressed against her soft curves were solid. Every breath he took and every movement he made was so gentle. His long index fingers would send electric tingles across her skin, leaving her trembling and yearning for more. She felt as though she couldn't breathe; he had cast a spell over her entire being. No one knew how indulgent they had been that night, or the side of her he had revealed—a side she would never show before Tang San.

Even when Tang San told her to her face that Gu Chen was a scoundrel with malicious intent, she knew better. He was a real man—a man of responsibility and integrity. Even if he were a "scumbag," he was one in such a natural, refreshing, and unconventional way. He taught her how to enjoy life’s pleasures and shared secrets on how to rest comfortably. He knew every acupuncture point on the human body like the back of his hand, including her most sensitive spots, yet he refrained from crossing certain lines. He explained how to massage these points to relax, respecting that some areas were a girl’s private domain. He didn't want to tarnish the purity of their friendship with base desires.

Zhu Zhuqing pulled Gu Chen onto the shore. He was incredibly weak—so weak that he didn't even have the strength to lift his eyelids.

"Zhuqing, how is Junior Brother Gu Chen?"

"His spirit power is completely drained; he’s suffering from severe exhaustion. We need to find Oscar immediately."

"Ah! How did this happen? Is he injured?" Xiao Wu asked, her face filled with anxiety.

Ignoring the fact that Tang San might grow jealous, she stepped forward, wanting to help Zhu Zhuqing carry him. "Zhuqing, your clothes are soaked. Let me take Junior Brother Gu Chen, and you go find a way to dry off."

"Thank you, Sister Xiao Wu! But with Tang San here... I can see he’s heavily injured, so you should go take care of him. I can handle Gu Chen myself." Zhu Zhuqing’s expression remained cold as she adjusted her grip, pressing Gu Chen closer to her chest. The heavy weight made it difficult for him to breathe. Fortunately, he had mastered the art of suspended animation, or he might have become the first man to survive a lake only to be suffocated by a beautiful woman.

Seeing Xiao Wu’s embarrassment and the envious look she cast toward her chest, Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly and whispered something only the two of them could hear: "He’s my junior brother, anyway. You don’t mind if I take advantage of him a little, do you? Tee-hee..."

"Cough, cough, cough..." Tang San suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, trying to draw Xiao Wu’s attention.

Xiao Wu didn't even look back as she said to Dai Mubai, "Boss Dai, I’ll leave my brother to you. I need to look after Zhuqing. Junior Brother Gu Chen is still very weak; there are some things that shouldn't be done."

"Zhuqing, it’s uncomfortable for you to carry him like that. Let me help." Without waiting for Zhu Zhuqing’s consent, Xiao Wu forcibly draped one of Gu Chen’s arms over her own shoulder. Together, they carried him away.

The drifting, semi-conscious Gu Chen felt something soft against him but was too weak to protest. The owner of that softness didn't seem to mind, instead giggling. The next second, words that nearly made him snap to attention echoed in his ear: "Junior Brother Gu Chen isn't being very well-behaved even in his sleep, still trying to take advantage of his senior sister. Does it feel good?"

The speaker was none other than Zhu Zhuqing, who then pouted, "I won't hold it against you for taking liberties with me now, you little rascal. But once your wounds are healed, I’m going to devour you!"

Hearing this, Xiao Wu, who had been worried about Gu Chen’s injuries, suddenly turned to look at Zhu Zhuqing. She saw a long, fair hand exploring a certain "mountain peak," as if searching for hidden treasure. Compared to that, her own peaks felt less majestic, and being ignored made her slightly jealous.

Seeing Zhu Zhuqing’s nonchalant and even slightly indulgent expression, Xiao Wu asked with a hint of jealousy, "Zhuqing, you’re acting strange! Tell me, have you two already... done it?"

"Done what?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, feigning ignorance.

"Oh, you know... that thing. The thing that makes boys and girls so happy!"

"What kind of thing is that?"

"It’s..." Xiao Wu whispered something into her ear, her face turning bright red.

"No, he only gave me a calf massage. But as he massaged, he reached... Oh! That little rascal always likes to tease me halfway and then stop. It’s so annoying!"

When women get together, the topics they discuss are often beyond a man’s imagination. They spoke of such explicit matters while secretly comparing themselves. Gu Chen, lying in their arms, was physically drained but mentally alert. He heard every word and cried out in his heart, "I am wronged! Can you two stop making things up? I didn't..."

Gu Chen didn't know that because of him, two sisters who were once as close as kin had begun to compete, and a great conflict was brewing. But he had no energy to care. He knew he had offended Tang San and Dai Mubai, and his future would not be easy. Not only would he have to guard against their underhanded schemes, but he would also have to endure the "heavy" love of his senior sisters.

After Gu Chen was taken away, Dai Mubai reached out to support Tang San, only to have his hand slapped away. Tang San cursed, "Dai Mubai... are you out of your mind?"

"Xiao Wu tells you to help me, and you just jump to it?"

"Are you Xiao Wu’s pet dog?"

Tang San continued to lash out like a machine gun, leaving Dai Mubai stunned and feeling deeply wronged. Seeing Tang San’s blood-red eyes, Dai Mubai didn't dare to talk back, despite the injustice he felt.