Chapter 104: It is LOVE!
"Why are you running away from me?"
The blush on Ning Xia's face deepened and she could feel her heart racing, and before she could fully gather her thoughts, a quiet and hesitant mutter slipped from her lips,
"T-That... I was just feeling a bit embarrassed..." Her voice trailed off, barely above a whisper.
-_- Huh?
Zhang Yuan was dumbfounded and frowned slightly "You are embarrassed?"
"I-I mean..."
Embarassed to look into his eyes, Ning Xia lowered her head as she played with her fingers "Yesterday... you suddenly kissed me without saying anything..."
Her eyes fluttered nervously as a wave of embarrassment washed over her "I-I... uh what do you expect me to do... when you do that out of nowhere."
Hearing her reasons, it made sense and Zhang Yuan let out a deep sigh as it seemed like he was the one overthinking.
Looking at him sigh, Ning Xia's gaze squinted "What happened... Young Lord?"
Zhang Yuan shook his head and replied "No... I just thought that maybe you didn't like the kiss and ran away from there."
Eh? Ning Xia was startled to hear this and quickly shook her head from side to side "No, No, Young Lord... I d-didn't hate it."
Keeping her head lowered she muttered in a soft tone "I am your maid... so I shouldn't refuse your orders, so it is okay for you to use my body."
A frown crept on Zhang Yuan's face and he spoke "Use your body?"
Ning Xia tilted her head, hearing his confused tone and replied in an innocent voice "Um, Young Lord... since I am your maid.. I should obey you.."
"... and it also includes servicing you."
H-Huh? Zhang Yuan couldn't help but chuckle and pulled her towards him, making her fall on his chest.
"Y-Young Lord?" She placed her hands on his shoulders for support.
Zhang Yuan's hands went to her waist, as he held her softly in his arms, his eyes locking with hers...
"I love you, you idiot..."
HUHHHHH????
Ning Xia's eyes trembled in shock and her heart began to race by his sudden confession.
Her words stumbled and faltered as she didn't know what to even say in this situation "Y-Young Lord... you l-l-love?? as in.. like you love.. in a uh... huh?"
Looking at her surprised face, Zhang Yuan chuckled light-heartedly and hugged her.
Ning Xia shook her head and took a deep breath and she could practically hear her own heartbeat.
Zhang Yuan planted a kiss on her forehead and Ning Xia raised her gaze to look at his eyes.
"Young Lord... you love... means like in a relationship... I am your romantic partner?"
Zhang Yuan nodded his head and pinched her cheek "Yeah.. " he replied, his tone infused with a mix of affection and playfulness.
Ning Xia was once again shocked and asked hastily "B-But Young Lord..." she exclaimed, her voice trembling with uncertainty "I am just a maid... I-I am not even that beautiful..."
"Me... as your wife?"
Zhang Yuan gently raised his hand, his fingers delicately brushing a strand of golden blonde hair away from her face and tucking it softly behind her ear, which made her blush hard.
"Your smile always makes my heart flutter... Haha. you are so cute..."
Upon hearing his compliment, Ning Xia felt a rush of warmth and embarrassment wash over her, causing her cheeks to flush a deep shade of crimson.
She averted her gaze momentarily, unsure of how to respond to such kind words and Zhang Yuan asked "So what do you say?"
"W-What I say?"
Zhang Yuan gave a nod and uttered "I love you... what about you?"
Looking into his delicate golden eyes, Ning Xia smiled "How can I refuse you, Young Lord..." she said softly, her voice tinged with both admiration and a hint of hesitation "b-but I want to ask you again. Are you really ok-"
Zhang Yuan shut her lips with his lips and Ning Xia was caught off-guard by his sudden kiss.
Her eyelashes trembled in vivid feelings and she closed her eyes letting the warmth of the kiss sink deep in her skin.
"Young Lord..."
She softly sipped on his lips as the warmth of his body radiated against her, and she instinctively tightened her grip on his shoulders, her fingers digging in.
Her breath caught in her throat as he suddenly bit her lips.
Zhang Yuan pulled her even closer, pressing her body against his, his hands exploring the curves of her delicate waist.
"Xia..."
A little while later, they gently broke away from the kiss, and Ning Xia's eyes were sparkling with warmth and tenderness, filled with deep affection as she glanced at him.
Embarrassed, she gently pushed him and went to the kitchen counter "I-I need to work, Young Lord..." she stammered, trying to regain her composure as she turned her attention to the tasks at hand.
Zhang Yuan walked to her and gently hugged her from behind, placing his chin on her shoulder "Xia..."
As Ning Xia felt the warmth of his strong arms wrapping securely around her waist, a delightful flutter of excitement raced through her heart which brought a shy smile to her lips.
She again turned on the stove and continued to boil the milk.
As Zhang Yuan was hugging her, he turned his gaze to her seductive neck. With a gentle and tender touch, he leaned in closer and pressed a soft, lingering kiss against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
"Y-Young Lord?"
Ning Xia's body twitched and Zhang Yuan didn't stop as he opened his lips, biting her neck gently.
"Hnghh~ Young lord..."
With a light-hearted laugh escaping his lips, he turned to her with a playful glint in his eye and inquired "Are you going to still call me as Young Lord?"
Ning Xia's eyes crescented in affection and she asked in a teasing tone "So, what do you think about me calling you 'Husband'?"
Zhang Yuan nodded his head "hm, That's good..."
Eh? Ning Xia was startled "I-I was just kidding, Young Lord.."
"No, let's stick to that... You can call me like that."
He caressed his cheek with hers, mumbling in her ear "Call me like that..."
Ning Xia shook her head "No, that's embarrassing..."
"Haha..."
Ning Xia pouted her lips and turned around in his embrace, pushing him by his shoulders "Now, gooo..."
"I have already prepared the bath for you, go and refresh... Husband." as she uttered the word, a shy smile crept on her lips.
Zhang Yuan smiled and left the kitchen...
Looking at his back, Ning Xia raised her hand and placed it above her chest feeling the heart which was beating rapidly inside her heart.
"My husband..."
...
A while later, Zhang Fumin came out of her room, stretching her arms as a glint of determination passed through her eyes "Today is the tournament..."
Ning Xia also came there with a cup of tea in her hand "Young Lady..."
Zhang Fumin nodded her head and Ning Xia spoke with a big smile on her face "Good luck for today's tournament... Young lady."
"En, thank you, Xia."
...
"YAAAYYY!!" The Arena was alive with the roar of the crowd.
Thousands of spectators filled the grandstands, their voices merging into a thunderous wave of excitement that echoed through the vast area.
The arena itself was a magnificent structure, an open-air coliseum surrounded by towering stone walls etched with the names of previous Kings.
On one of the VIP stands, Zhang Yuan was sitting with Ning Xia on the couch.
Ning Xia smiled dryly as she spoke "I didn't expect that we could see the match from the VIP seats..."
Zhang Yuan who was sitting beside her smiled and Ning Xia uttered "You are rich.... H-Husband..."
Zhang Yuan couldn't help but chuckle seeing her blushing and she gently hit his chest "Husbanddddddd....."
At this time, the announcer's voice was heard "Today's first match... Zhang Fumin is fighting against the Second Prince of our Xiangli kingdom, Xiangli Deng."
"YAAAYYYY!!!" The crowd erupted into cheers hearing the second prince is coming out in the first match itself.
Hearing this, Ning Xia's gaze squinted "It seems like they want to eliminate Young Lady in the first round itself."
"Hoh?"
Zhang Yuan turned his gaze to the two people who were sitting on two thrones in the highest of the pavilion.
The King and Queen of the Xiangli Kingdom. Xiangli Jie and Xiangli Zhi.
Soon, Zhang Fumin and Xiangli Deng came to the arena to fight the first match of the tournament.
Xiangli Deng stood in a relaxed stance, his sword held loosely in his right hand and his expression was calm, his sword gleaming in the sunlight.
A gong sounded, and the match began.
Zhang Fumin moved first, her body a blur as she closed the distance between them in an instant.
With a flick of her wrist, she sent a wave of fire rushing toward Xiangli Deng.
But Xiangli Deng was ready. With a fluid motion, he swung his sword in a wide arc, and a gust of wind erupted from the blade.
*swish* The wind met the flames head-on, and for a moment, it seemed as though the fire would engulf everything and Zhang Fumin smirked.
But then the wind surged forward, cutting through the flames and dissipating them into crimson sparks that fizzled out.
Zhang Fumin's eyes narrowed and she leaped into the air, flames spiraling around her as she jumped.
*swish* She brought her hands together, and a massive fireball materialized above her, crackling with power.
*woosh* She hurled the fireball at Xiangli Deng, its sheer force causing the ground beneath her to tremble.
Xiangli Deng's response was immediate. He thrust his sword forward, and a whirlwind erupted from the tip, spiraling upward to meet the fireball.
*BOOM* The two forces collided with a deafening explosion, the impact sending shockwaves through the arena.
"WOOOWWW!!!" The crowd gasped as the arena floor shook, dust and debris flying everywhere.
Xiangli Deng waved his sword and with a gust of wind, the dust spiraled away.
His sharp eyes were fixated on Zhang Fumin who was standing across him "Not bad, little sister."
Zhang Fumin gritted her teeth in frustration "Don't call me that... I will punch your mouth."
Xiangli Deng's response was calm and he uttered "After my sword..."
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!