Chapter 225 - 112: Zhao Ci’s Point-Blank Ultimate, the Young Auntie Carelessly Loses Her First Kiss

Chapter 225: Chapter 112: Zhao Ci’s Point-Blank Ultimate, the Young Auntie Carelessly Loses Her First Kiss

"I’m not bitter about it."

Zhao Ci said, "Miss Luotang is a good girl, it’s true, but I don’t have any romantic feelings for her. After we’re married, she can go pursue her own dreams, and I’ll just stay home and coast by. During these next few years of political strife, I can make some contributions to the Great Yu. How could the Great Yu possibly mistreat me then?"

Gu Xiangzhu said indignantly, "I told you, I can help you!"

"Help me?"

Zhao Ci’s emotions flared. "How are you going to help me? The only reason we’re even sitting here talking is because of that damned Alchemy of Wine. You’ve been good to me lately, I’ll admit. But what happens after that?

What am I to you?

A business partner? An investment project?

Once you get what you want, what will I be then?

Do you think I want to resign myself to this fate?

My so-called grandfather-in-law who just popped out of nowhere—sure, he’s well-respected, but what power does he actually command?

And then there’s my ninth uncle, Xiang Yunzhan. Besides his title as Former General, what does he have that can protect me?

And what about you?

You’re Gu Xiangzhu, not Princess Consort Jing.

Aside from this sham identity as my mother’s consort, what relationship do we even have?

We...

We aren’t even friends.

So you tell me. How am I supposed to believe your promises?"

Gu Xiangzhu: "..."

She suddenly remembered the day he’d tried to force an embrace, and how she had pushed him away.

’Is that what this is about?’

Zhao Ci abruptly shot to his feet, a look of lingering attachment in his eyes as he gazed at her. "Thank you for treating me so well lately. I know you had your reasons, but I was genuinely happy. Still... this pretense isn’t what I want.

But don’t worry.

The last thing I ever want is to be indebted to anyone.

You’ve helped me a great deal, and I won’t let you walk away with nothing.

Here, take this. I don’t know if it’s enough to repay you, but it’s all I have to give.

Goodbye."

With that,

he took a small booklet from his robes,

placed it on the table, and turned to leave.

Gu Xiangzhu’s eyes fixed on the booklet. On its cover were three large words: Alcohol Refining Technique.

For a moment, her eyes grew hot.

A pang of shame pricked her heart.

’Such an innocent boy.’

’And here I am, scheming against him at every turn?’

"Wait!"

She stood up and grabbed Zhao Ci’s wrist.

Zhao Ci turned, glanced at her face, then quickly looked away. His voice was strained. "What else is there to say?"

[Gu Xiangzhu’s Current Wish: This poor boy deserves to be loved. Wish Completion Reward: Comprehension +100, Pity Talisman x1.]

Zhao Ci: "..."

’Oh, no.’

’So the Demon Sect auntie has a soft spot after all.’

’What do I do? My heart’s starting to flutter.’

"I have one last thing to say."

Gu Xiangzhu looked at him. "If Zhao Huan is right, and rebuilding the Yun Dynasty is truly the grand ambition of the Human Race, then it’s understandable that some would be willing to sacrifice themselves for it. But that kind of sacrifice must be voluntary. Of course, many will be forced into it, but I don’t want you to be one of them."

[Gu Xiangzhu’s Current Wish: Use sweet words to conquer his heart and turn Zhao Ci into a submissive little puppy who obeys my every command. Wish Completion Reward: Comprehension +1000, Dog Taming Chain x1.]

Zhao Ci: "???"

’Hold on, you were just being all sweet and tender a second ago.’

’How did we suddenly get to taming dogs?’

A mix of joy and sorrow flickered in his eyes, finally melting into a bitter laugh. "So what? What are you to me? Why should I believe you? There’s no way you can’t see how I feel about you, but you’re just not willing to grant me that trust!"

Gu Xiangzhu blurted out, "How do you know I’m not willing?"

The moment the words left her mouth, she felt something was wrong.

But she was caught up in the heat of the moment. If she didn’t say it now, her little puppy would really run off.

’But saying that should be fine... right?’

The air fell silent for a long moment.

She saw the light slowly return to Zhao Ci’s downcast eyes.

"Really?"

Zhao Ci asked.

Gu Xiangzhu nodded. "When have I ever lied to... AH!"

She felt the ground vanish from beneath her feet as he swept her into his arms.

Staggering a few steps, they tumbled together onto the lounge chair.

Luckily, Zhao Ci was careful not to hurt her. Though he’d lost his balance, he reacted quickly, grabbing the back of the chair to keep from crushing her with his full weight.

But with his young body pressed so close, her mind went blank for a second.

The young man’s ragged breathing was deafeningly clear in her ear.

Those eyes full of longing and dependence drew closer and closer.

Zhao Ci had no intention of stopping, leaning in and committing completely.

"Mmph..."

A searing heat pressed against her lips.

Gu Xiangzhu felt something explode in her mind.

All her thoughts evaporated, leaving just two phrases echoing in her mind.

’Oh, no!’

’I’ve gone too far!’