Hidden Moves in the Night

Jinjiang Exclusive First Release 14.

That burning, overflowing sensation surged through him once more.

Wherever Yan Yi’s fingers touched, the skin grew hot and flushed, as if hooked and unable to escape.

Wen Xiaoran stiffened slightly, sitting upright at the desk, not daring to move.

“Your Excellency, what’s wrong?” Yan Yi asked deliberately.

His throat tightened. Forcing himself to remain composed, he said, “Do not act recklessly. My demonic energy is unstable—I may hurt you.”

Yan Yi chuckled softly.

She leaned closer again and lightly kissed his lips.

Before he could react, she straightened his wrinkled collar and stepped back, speaking as if nothing had happened—

“When I said I’d give you my vital essence, I meant it sincerely.”

He felt a faint disappointment at her restraint, but quickly regained composure.

“There’s no need to mention this again. Even if your essence isn’t in your body, it is still bound to you. Have you considered the consequences if I absorb it?”

Yan Yi shook her head. “I’ve lost the pendant twice and nothing happened. Clearly, I can live just fine without it.”

He hesitated.

Someone careless enough to lose it repeatedly—yet confident enough to argue with him.

She added, “Don’t you remember? The first time, you returned it to me.”

“I remember.” He sighed, explaining patiently. “If it’s lost, it can be recovered. But if given away and fused with another, it can never return. Do you understand?”

Yan Yi replied firmly, “If I give it to you, I never intend to take it back.”

For a moment, he was speechless.

Her words filled something deep inside him.

Seeing hesitation, she pressed further, “The old Demon Lord thinks you’re weakened. If your essence recovers, you could catch him off guard.”

He was almost convinced.

Not by her logic—

But by her sincerity.

“This cannot be rushed,” he said finally. “I still have ways to deal with Wen Zhengming. However—”

Yan Yi leaned forward. “However what?”

“You… have my gratitude.”

She frowned. “Just gratitude?”

He froze slightly.

Yan Yi tapped his chest lightly. “Aren’t you happy? Don’t you like it?”

The gesture was far too intimate.

He caught her hand firmly. “Yan Yi—you’re becoming more and more presumptuous.”

She turned the grip around, holding his wrist instead. “Because… I’ve already placed you in my heart.”

He choked on his words.

A strange feeling stirred within him. “Do you always speak like this?”

Her hand paused, and she looked hurt. “I’ve only ever said such things to you.”

Her sweet words came effortlessly—

Yet they still affected him.

Before he could respond, a knock sounded.

“Your Excellency, the physician has sent medicine.”

Yan Yi quickly went to open the door.

Ling You handed over a small bottle. “One pill daily. Avoid emotional fluctuations.”

“I understand.”

Ling You hesitated. “The new residence has been completed. When will you inspect it?”

Wen Xiaoran shot him a sharp look.

Ling You immediately realized his mistake and fled.

Yan Yi returned, puzzled. “Why does he act like he’s seen a ghost around me?”

“He… isn’t good with women,” Wen Xiaoran replied calmly.

“Really?” She was shocked.

She glanced toward the door, but he interrupted—

“Why are you looking at him?”

She turned back, smiling. “Your Excellency, do you smell something?”

“No.”

She leaned in slightly, suppressing laughter. “Really? A very strong smell…”

“Of vinegar.”

He stood abruptly and walked out.

Yan Yi blinked.

He was clearly angry.

She sighed, rubbing the fox’s head.

Was teasing him about jealousy really that serious?

Back in the study, she sorted the medical books.

Then suddenly remembered something important.

The full moon was approaching.

That was when he would be at his weakest.

And she would finally have a chance.

But the old Demon Lord had disappeared at the worst time.

Something felt wrong.

After thinking carefully, she wrote a letter to Su Can.

Even though Wen Xiaoran had forbidden it—

She ignored that.

The fox raised its paw.

“No need to use magic this time,” she said gently.

After sending the letter, she practiced the calming techniques with the fox.

Everything seemed normal.

At least, it was cooperating.

By evening, she prepared incense using medicinal herbs.

The powder was fine and perfect.

Satisfied, she leaned back and dozed off.

When she woke, it was night.

Moonlight spilled through the window.

She suddenly remembered something and hurried to clean up before leaving the study.

Outside, a familiar figure approached through the night.

“Your Excellency! I was just about to look for you!”

Then she froze.

Quickly rushing back inside, she grabbed a censer and lit a strong incense.

After calming herself, she returned to the door—just as he entered.

“Your Excellency!”

He frowned. “Why were you running?”

She fanned herself nervously. “The room was messy—I didn’t want you to see.”

He glanced inside.

It wasn’t messy at all.

She laughed awkwardly. “I just finished tidying up.”

She sniffed—no trace of the burned talisman.

Maybe the incense covered it.

Or maybe she just couldn’t smell it.

The moment he stepped in—

He coughed sharply.

“What is this smell?”

She tensed. “Incense… don’t you like it?”

“What scent?”

“Eucalyptus… to repel insects.”

He clearly disliked it.

“If you don’t like it, I’ll change it,” she offered.

“Put it out.”

She hesitated.

If she extinguished it, would he notice?

But under his gaze—

She forced herself to cover it.

“Are you thirsty?”

“No.”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Something about her was off.

“Hungry?” she tried again. “I have desserts—”

“I don’t eat mortal food.”

“Right…”

She took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

“I’ll check on the fox,” she said, moving quickly toward the bedroom.

“Stop.”

She froze mid-step.

Turning stiffly, she forced a smile. “Yes?”

Wen Xiaoran looked at her steadily.

“Why are you avoiding me?”