Chapter 357

At this moment, it was filled with anxiety, but fortunately, that worry seemed unnecessary.

In the tranquil snowfall, Ning Ning silently reached out and gently tugged on his sleeve, swaying it slightly in a comforting gesture.

Her touch was like a key, pulling Pei Ji abruptly out of the chaotic memories and back into reality.

His expression remained calm, as cold and distant as every corner in the depth of winter.

Yet, beneath his long sleeve, Pei Ji reversed his grip and hooked her fingers with his, applying an irresistible pressure.

As a master, Tian Xianzi finally showed generosity for once today, declaring he would take everyone to the finest restaurant in the town below the mountain for a feast to celebrate his young disciple’s birthday.

There was still some time before evening, so the group returned to the courtyard to rest.

Ning Ning, holding two gift boxes for Pei Ji, brought them into his room.

She was in high spirits, humming a little tune as she placed the boxes on the desk and raised an eyebrow.

“Pei Ji, don’t you want to know what gift I prepared?”

As her voice fell, she received no response.

When she turned to face him, she found herself enveloped in a cold embrace.

Pei Ji’s body was cold, as if he were seeking warmth from her, his icy hands pressing firmly against her back with a quiet desperation.

His voice was hoarse.

“Did you tell them?”

Amid the clean, woody scent of his embrace, Ning Ning could feel the rhythm of his breath against her.

She rubbed her face against his chest, smiling.

“Mm-hmm. Don’t you like it?”

His reply was halting. “…I like it.”

How could he not?

But such emotions burned too fiercely.

He, as the vessel, was small and damaged, barely able to bear such overwhelming feelings.

For a moment, he felt lost, unsure how to respond.

This was everything he never dared to hope for.

And yet, Ning Ning had brought it all to him.

The chill brought in from outside gradually faded, and Pei Ji felt his body warming.

Suddenly, her voice came again, soft and distinct: “Pei Ji.”

Pei Ji took a step back in response, still keeping his hands loosely wrapped around her waist.

Their eyes met.

He had extraordinarily beautiful eyes.

Dark pupils like pools of ink, their upward curve at the corners drawing a faint, captivating arc.

Ning Ning gazed at him for a moment, then stood on her tiptoes and kissed his thin lips.

Her kiss was tender and lingering.

In the cold winter air, even this light touch carried a warmth and allure that felt especially intense.

Though his entire body was cold, the heat from her lips fascinated him.

Like a tiny hook, it effortlessly pulled at all his scattered thoughts.

Becoming more adept at kissing, Ning Ning moved forward with deliberate steps.

It was a guiding motion, and Pei Ji, unsure of its meaning, followed her lead, retreating step by step.

Then his calf bumped against something solid, and with a gentle push from Ning Ning, he sat down in the wooden chair before the desk.

Ning Ning paused briefly before settling herself onto his lap.

Pei Ji’s breath caught.

This sensation was entirely different from an embrace—more intimate, more intense.

Through the thin fabric of their clothing, he could feel her warmth.

It was winter, yet heat radiated in waves, searing through the air and clouding his thoughts.

In this position, Ning Ning was slightly above him.

“Standing was too tiring.”

Her face flushed, and her voice trembled with nervousness.

“Do you want to see the gift I prepared?”

Sitting on his lap like this had already pushed Ning Ning to the limits of her courage.

Afraid to move recklessly, she lowered her head to search for the gift.

Soon, a faint glow emerged from her storage pouch.

It was a jet-black sword scabbard, surrounded by the scent of sandalwood and brimming with spiritual energy.

Just one glance made it clear that it was no ordinary object.

“This is for you—and for Cheng Ying.”

She smiled as she spoke.

“It’s been with you for so many years. It can’t keep wearing that old sword’s scabbard anymore.”

If Cheng Ying hadn’t been left in the guest room earlier, Pei Ji’s ears would surely have been filled with its frantic goose-like sound.

Ning Ning’s lips curled into a smile, her voice lifting with a hint of pride.

“Besides, for someone as amazing as Pei Ji, the sword and scabbard must also be the very best.”

He wasn’t amazing, nor was he particularly good.