Chapter 5

I told Lin Feizhi that we barely knew each other. We should spend more time together and develop some affection before choosing a wedding date.

The idea was evidently rather ahead of his time.

Still, he agreed.

Because I’d found him a good post.

Innocent Lin Feizhi had yet to learn that heaven’s gifts came with price tags attached.

His body was already as good as mine!

I used lessons as an excuse to invite him over.

He began coming to my residence every day.

Lin Feizhi took scholarship seriously. When he taught me, he was utterly focused.

So was I. On looking at him.

Then he’d raise his book to shield his face, leaving only the reddened tips of his ears exposed.

Sir, were you trying to get my attention that way?

Excellent. It was working!

I’d been in this world for a month, and I, an erotic-fiction heroine, still hadn’t had any action.

I’d thought that with daily opportunities, I could have Lin Feizhi within three days.

Instead, five days had passed, and I’d only just managed to touch his hand, under the pretext of having him teach me calligraphy.

His fingers were rough. The moment his hand covered mine, he pulled it away as if struck by lightning.

I caught his hand and smiled at him.

In my experience, this was where Lin Feizhi should kiss me.

But after a long stalemate, he actually pushed me away.

Pushed me away.

I had nothing to say.

There had to be something wrong with him.

“Forgive my offense, Your Highness.”

He bowed to me.

Seriously, did babies in this chaste world just appear out of thin air?

Couldn’t we have a little of the good stuff?

I couldn’t stand it. How was I supposed to get Lin Feizhi at this rate?

Then inspiration struck. I’d forgotten: I’d chosen the plotline where I took him by force.

Exactly.

Why was I dithering when the entire point was to take what I wanted?

So I lifted his chin. “Lin Feizhi, remember who I am.”

Before he could recover from his shock, I pressed my lips to his.

The element of surprise. That was the key.

He froze. Humiliation and shock, tinged with shyness, colored his face in a wonderful array of reds.

But he soon regained his composure and lowered his head. “Yes, Your Highness.”

He seemed a little aggrieved.

Damn it. Even more tempting.

After that day, I grew bolder.

Lin Feizhi had to give me my tea from his lips.

The hand that practiced calligraphy had to paint my brows in the shape of distant hills.

The hands that wrote poetry had to pin up the black hair spilling over my shoulders.

At first, naturally, he was unwilling.

If I pushed him too far, he’d make excuses and stay away for two or three days.

But never more than three. Then he’d reappear at my residence, peaceful and composed once more.

He’d wear the sky-blue robe I’d chosen, the jade crown I’d given him, the jade pendant I’d bestowed at his waist.

He would simply stand there, his willow-leaf eyes as still as an ancient well.

Beautiful enough to have stepped out of a painting.

He didn’t have to say a word.

I’d forgive him.

Alas. Beauty leads us astray.