After Zhou Yi left, Jiang Ning made an excuse to go out and buy rice and vegetables for dinner. She took a basket and went out, leaving Liu Ming'an alone in the house to clean and pack their luggage.
When she came with Zhou Yi earlier, Jiang Ning had indeed seen an alley full of shops. Her claim of going shopping wasn't entirely a pretext, but her main purpose was to inquire about Wei Fangxiong.
Just as Blind Yang had said, Wei Fangxiong was quite well-known in this area. When Jiang Ning asked while buying rice, she immediately got an answer.
The rice shop boss, assuming Jiang Ning was also looking to buy a maid from Wei Fangxiong, enthusiastically gave her directions.
"Wei Fangxiong? His house is right at the corner of that alley, with a stone pixiu statue at the entrance. You can't miss it."
Jiang Ning nodded, paid for the rice, and then bought some vegetables. On her way home, she deliberately took a detour through that alley to memorize the route.
When she returned home, Liu Ming'an had already finished tidying up the room and was sweeping up the bamboo leaves on the floor.
Seeing Jiang Ning return, Liu Ming'an put down the broom, walked over to take the basket from her hands, and placed it in the kitchen.
"Finally, I can eat Ning's cooking again!" Liu Ming'an said with a bright smile in his eyes.
Infected by his mood, Jiang Ning's lips curled into a slight smile. "We've been staying at inns most of the time these past few months. Didn't the inn food suit your taste?"
"It's not the same. Your cooking is the best!" Liu Ming'an declared with conviction.
Jiang Ning's smile deepened, accepting the compliment. "Alright then, eat more tonight."
As it was still early, Jiang Ning accompanied Liu Ming'an on another outing to the bookstore to buy the Four Books and Five Classics that would be tested in the imperial examination.
"You haven't studied since we left Lotus Flower Village. Do you still remember this content?" Jiang Ning asked with some concern.
Liu Ming'an smiled confidently in response. "Don't worry, Ning. Even if I've forgotten, I'll remember everything after reading it once more."
Right, she had forgotten that Liu Ming'an was a top student.
Jiang Ning recalled the two old people in Lingshan Town who had lavishly praised Liu Ming'an's exam papers. It seemed their praise wasn't exaggerated; her scholar indeed had some real talent.
Jiang Ning stopped worrying needlessly and started washing vegetables and rice to prepare dinner. Half an hour later, two dishes, a soup, and a pot of white rice were served. Liu Ming'an showed his appreciation by eating everything.
After dinner and washing up, Liu Ming'an picked up his books to study after a long hiatus. He spread paper on the table, held a brush in his hand, and occasionally wrote down a sentence or two.
Jiang Ning sat beside him, grinding ink for a while. When she noticed it was getting dark, she went to the kitchen to brew a pot of tea.
"Here, have some tea," Jiang Ning said, placing the teacup next to Liu Ming'an.
Liu Ming'an put down his brush, smiled at her, and picked up the teacup.
However, as soon as the tea touched his lips, Liu Ming'an frowned.
The tea had a bitter taste, just like the "sleeping tea" Jiang Ning had given him before.
Jiang Ning noticed Liu Ming'an's hesitation when drinking the tea. Her eyelashes fluttered as she casually said, "I bought this tea when I went to get rice. The shop owner said it's this year's new tea, so it might be a bit bitter, but it's good for staying alert and clear-headed."
Liu Ming'an sighed inwardly. His Ning was too clever, lying so smoothly. If he hadn't already known the truth, he might have been fooled by this plausible explanation.
Jiang Ning kept watching Liu Ming'an, waiting for him to drink the "tea" so she could use the same trick again and sneak out at night to interrogate someone for the information she wanted.
But Liu Ming'an sighed and put down the teacup. "Ning, I won't drink it."
Jiang Ning raised an eyebrow, about to ask "What's wrong?" when Liu Ming'an suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace, making her sit on his lap.
A pair of arms encircled her waist, and Liu Ming'an rested his chin on her shoulder. Jiang Ning couldn't see his expression but heard his somewhat muffled voice near her ear:
"Ning, do whatever you need to do, just be careful and stay safe. I won't stop you... Don't drug me anymore, I won't interfere with your plans."
Jiang Ning's body stiffened. When had Liu Ming'an figured it out?
Sensing her sudden tension, Liu Ming'an pulled back a little, looking at Jiang Ning with eyes full of tenderness. He reached out and gently poked her cheek. "It's okay, I'm not angry with you."
Jiang Ning felt somewhat awkward but couldn't figure out where she had slipped up. "How did you know?"
Liu Ming'an caressed her face and explained, "When I checked out of the inn in Qushui City, the manager of Tidal View Inn said they didn't have that kind of tea at all."
Jiang Ning thought to herself that she had been careless; she shouldn't have said it was from the inn.
Jiang Ning lowered her eyes, feeling guilty. Then she heard Liu Ming'an say with a smile, "You must have your reasons for doing this. I really don't blame you. If you don't want to tell me, then don't. I'm just worried about your safety. At any time, do your best, but please ensure your own safety above all."
These heartfelt words made Jiang Ning feel even more remorseful. Her actions must have hurt Liu Ming'an.
Not knowing how to make amends, Jiang Ning wrapped her arms around Liu Ming'an's neck and kissed him hard.
Liu Ming'an was stunned at first but then gladly accepted. Gripping her waist, their lips and tongues entangled as their hearts drew closer and closer.
After a while, Liu Ming'an pulled away from those luscious lips, steadying his breath. His voice was somewhat hoarse as he said, "Ning, you can go now."
Jiang Ning opened her eyes. Her usually cold gaze was now tinged with desire, like rippling autumn waters, filled with tender affection. The sight made Liu Ming'an's throat involuntarily bob.
Sitting on Liu Ming'an's lap, Jiang Ning could clearly feel certain changes in his body. At this virile age, Liu Ming'an had repeatedly suppressed his desires, and she couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
The hand that had been around his neck slowly moved downward. Before Liu Ming'an could react, that slender hand slipped under the hem of his robe.
"Ning, what are you doing?" Liu Ming'an's body jolted as he grabbed the mischievous hand.
Jiang Ning smiled softly. In the dim candlelight, she looked like an enchanting spirit.
Liu Ming'an watched as she leaned forward, pressing her lips against his again. She spoke seductively, "Liu Ming'an, you're too good to me. I like you. I'm willing to do this for you..."
Jiang Ning's other hand covered Liu Ming'an's, moving it away. Beneath the clothes, the hand that was skilled at wielding knives to kill began to explore territory its owner had never ventured into before.
"Ning, don't... don't dirty your hands..." Liu Ming'an's breathing was completely erratic.
"It's not dirty. I'm doing this of my own free will..." Jiang Ning murmured softly. Then her red lips gradually moved down from Liu Ming'an's chin, finally biting his Adam's apple.
"Snap!"
Liu Ming'an clearly heard the last thread of his self-control break in his mind. He could no longer resist being pulled into the abyss of passion.
This was truly... maddening!