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Each light smack from Dai Chengfeng sent a delicate shiver through Ning Rongrong.
She bit her lip hard, struggling not to let any strange sounds escape—but her increasingly ragged breath and the way her body grew softer by the second betrayed her completely.
She felt like she was melting, her mind hazy and clouded.
"Dai Chengfeng…"
She finally couldn't hold back, calling his name in a voice thick with unshed tears—though she wasn't even sure if she wanted him to stop… or keep going.
Dai Chengfeng paused. "Do you understand your mistake now?"
His warm breath brushed against her burning ear.
Ning Rongrong's thoughts were a complete jumble—she had no idea what "mistake" he was even referring to. But instinctively, she nodded frantically, strands of sweat-damp hair clinging to her flushed cheeks.
"I-I know… I know…"
"And what exactly was your mistake?"
He refused to let her off so easily.
She faltered. What was her mistake?
She just… just couldn't take it anymore.
"I… I shouldn't have… shouldn't have run off…"
She grasped at the first excuse that came to mind, her voice barely audible.
Dai Chengfeng chuckled lowly—the vibration of his chest unmistakable against her back.
"That doesn't count."
He leaned even closer, his lips nearly brushing her ear as he whispered in a voice meant only for her:
"Think harder… Is it because you've been hiding something from me?"
Ning Rongrong froze.
He knew.
He truly knew about her… that unspeakable, mortifying quirk…
A wave of shame crashed over her—ten times stronger than the embarrassment of being spanked.
She wished she could vanish into the floor and never reappear.
"I-I haven't…"
She denied it weakly, but her voice held no conviction whatsoever.
Dai Chengfeng didn't reply. He simply delivered another firm, deliberate pat.
"Mm!"
Ning Rongrong let out a short, involuntary sound, her whole body trembling again.
"Really nothing?"
"I… I…"
She stammered for a long moment—then, defeated, buried her scorching face deeper into his neck with a tiny, resigned sob.
"I'm sorry… I-I'm just… a little weird… Please don't tell anyone…"
Finally, Dai Chengfeng released her. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her waist, settling her more securely on his lap like a frightened kitten, gently stroking her back to soothe her.
"There, there… No more crying," he murmured, his voice returning to its usual calm warmth—laced now with unmistakable tenderness.
"What's so strange about that? Everyone has their own little secrets… their own private quirks. It's perfectly normal."
Ning Rongrong sniffled softly in his arms, then lifted her damp, glistening eyes to look at him—her nose and eyelids red, resembling a pitiful little rabbit.
"You… you don't think I'm… shameful?"
"No."
Dai Chengfeng reached up, gently wiping away a tear at the corner of her eye with his thumb. "I just never imagined our fearless Miss Ning would be shy about something like this."
"W-Who's shy!"
She reflexively snapped back—but immediately realized how flustered she sounded, and her blush deepened. She ducked her head, refusing to meet his gaze.
Dai Chengfeng smiled but didn't tease her further. He simply held her, letting her slowly regain her composure.
The room fell quiet—only Ning Rongrong's gradually steadying breaths and the occasional birdsong from outside filled the air.
After a long while, she spoke in a small voice:
"So… what are you going to do about the ring?"
"What do you mean?"
He idly twirled a strand of her soft hair around his finger.
"You know… the resonance…" Her voice grew quieter still. "Are you… going to use it?"
Dai Chengfeng's hand stilled. He looked down at her.
Ning Rongrong was peeking up at him too—when their eyes met, she quickly looked away, the faint pink on her ears blooming anew.
Watching the girl in his arms—so bashful, so vulnerable—and feeling the gentle warmth emanating from the jade ring on his finger, Dai Chengfeng's heart stirred.
"Of course I'll use it. Why wouldn't I?"
He spoke slowly, deliberately winding her hair around his finger. "Such a valuable artifact would be wasted if left unused. Who knows? It might prove crucial someday."
But then, almost immediately, his tone shifted—tinged with regret.
"Though… it's a pity there's only one ring. Even if we wanted to activate the bond, we can't."
Ning Rongrong shifted slightly in his lap, lifting her still-flushed face. She nodded.
"Yeah… but if one exists, maybe there's another somewhere. We'll find it eventually."
"How about we check the markets in Spirit City right now?"
Dai Chengfeng suggested, his hand leaving her back to gently smooth her slightly tousled hair.
Ning Rongrong blinked in surprise. "Now?"
"Mm. Strike while the iron's hot."
He stood, offering his hand. "I don't expect much luck, but it won't hurt to look. And after… everything just now, you could use some fresh air."
He phrased it gently—but Ning Rongrong understood instantly. After such an emotional whirlwind, she did need distraction.
And the fact that he was willing to accompany her was comfort in itself.
Warmth bloomed in her chest. She rose from his lap, smoothed her skirt, cheeks still pink—but her eyes already brightening with renewed energy.
"Alright! Let's go right now! I know exactly where the biggest market in Spirit City is!"
Seeing her bounce back so quickly, Dai Chengfeng's eyes softened with amusement.
This was the Ning Rongrong he knew—emotions fleeting, curiosity endless, like a mischievous little witch-cat always chasing the next spark of wonder.
"Go tidy up first. I'll wait outside."
He stood, ruffled her hair affectionately, and stepped out, closing the door softly behind him.
Ning Rongrong stood frozen for a few seconds—then hurried to her dressing table.
The girl in the mirror had flushed cheeks, slightly puffy eyes—a clear picture of someone who'd just been thoroughly flustered.
Mortified, she stomped her foot, splashed cold water on her face, and carefully fixed her hair and dress.
Once presentable, she took a deep breath and pushed the door open.
Sure enough, Dai Chengfeng was waiting in the corridor. When she appeared, his gaze lingered on her face for a moment before he extended his hand.
"Let's go."
Ning Rongrong hesitated for just an instant—then slipped her hand into his, heat rising to her cheeks once more.
Soon, they were out of the Spirit Hall and onto the main street.
Spirit City's central avenue was wide and bustling. The afternoon sun bathed everything in golden light.
Shops lined both sides, their signs swaying gently in the breeze. Shouts of vendors, haggling customers, and the rumble of carts over stone tiles blended into a vibrant symphony of urban life.
The moment they hit the street, Ning Rongrong returned to her usual lively self. She tugged Dai Chengfeng confidently toward the southern district.
"The biggest market in Spirit City is in the south," she explained cheerfully as they walked. "It's divided into several zones—daily goods, soul beast materials, and even a special section for antiques and rare treasures."
"We're looking for rings," she added, glancing up at him with sparkling eyes, "so we should head straight to the antique or rare-treasures district."
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