Chapter 21: How Could He Still Resist Kissing Her?

Chu Hengyang’s study.

"Little sister..." Chu Hengyang opened the study door with a smile, only to be met by the breathtaking and overly striking face of Xiao Yixi.

He panicked instantly.

His eyes darted about, searching for Chu Ying, who could always restore his composure.

But she was not there.

In the vast, open space stood only Xiao Yixi, dressed in lake-blue silk finery, her expression indifferent and aristocratic.

"Y-Your Highness—" Chu Hengyang could hear nothing but the frantic thumping of his own heart in his ears.

He bowed respectfully, his gentle, jade-like courtesy tugging at Xiao Yixi’s heartstrings.

"Your Highness, I was unaware of your presence outside the study; please forgive my lack of decorum." Chu Hengyang felt a rush of heat; in the empty space, only the sound of their breathing remained.

He forced himself to remain calm. "May I ask where my little sister is?"

*Little sister, although I have always hoped you would never marry and would stay by my side to be cared for forever,* he thought, *I never imagined that even if you didn't marry, I would still wish for you to stay by my side, never moving even half an inch away.*

Xiao Yixi’s clear, cold eyes fixed upon his bowed head.

Her crimson lips curled slightly.

How could she so easily reveal that "Little Yingying has charmingly departed, leaving only you and me behind"?

Xiao Yixi took a step forward, and Chu Hengyang, his breath hitching and his earlobes turning red, retreated half a step in flustered alarm.

Feigning confusion, Xiao Yixi raised her slender, exquisite hand. In a turn of events completely beyond Chu Hengyang’s expectations, her cool fingers hooked his chin.

Chu Hengyang: "!?!"

Xiao Yixi’s expression was cold and puzzled, as if she were doing something entirely ordinary.

Her lips parted, revealing white, pearly teeth and a pale pink tongue. "Master Chu, why does this Princess feel that you seem afraid of me? As if... you are hiding from me?"

Chu Hengyang’s Adam’s apple bobbed. The face before him was so close that he felt as if he could kiss it just by lowering his head a few inches.

To kiss those fragrant, alluring lips that were moving right before his eyes—the thought was overwhelming.

His heartbeat grew louder, and his pale skin flushed with a peach-colored warmth. "I, I... I am not, Your Highness."

"Are you sure?" Xiao Yixi leaned in closer.

Standing several inches shorter than him, the fragrance from her hair drifted into Chu Hengyang’s nostrils.

But what truly made it impossible for him to stay calm were those watery eyes that stared at him without blinking.

And her lips.

Chu Hengyang was restless, unable to find an answer.

Xiao Yixi tilted her head slightly, her graceful swan-like neck clearly visible.

*Can he truly resist kissing me?*

Xiao Yixi felt a flicker of frustration.

However, gazing at this jade-like face—the very face she had dreamed of countless times—joy bloomed in her heart.

*Little Yingying, thank you so much.*

*Because of you, I can be this close to the Hengyang of my dreams.*

*I truly like you.*

"Never mind." Xiao Yixi let go, deciding to stop while she was ahead.

Although she hadn't managed to entice him into a kiss, clearly discerning his feelings for her was a victory in itself.

Once Little Yingying entered the Imperial Academy, she would visit more often to see her, finding opportunities to spend more time with him.

And to "entice" him even more.

Xiao Yixi turned around. "The Ninth Miss Chu went to look for some books; she should be back shortly."

"Thank you for informing me, Your Highness." As Xiao Yixi moved away, Chu Hengyang let out a sigh of relief.

At the same time, an uncontrollable sense of bewilderment began to rise within him.