Chapter 198: If you call nicely, I'll let you off

He carefully looked at the tightness of the ring wrapped on Wen Ling's finger; although it was made according to her finger size, he still worried it might not fit.

Seeing it fit, he relaxed and asked Wen Ling: "Does it look good?"

Wen Ling nodded, praising: "It looks good, really good; your taste is truly excellent."

Zhou Yinghe's tail perked up, swayed, and he lifted his chin, saying: "Of course."

Wen Ling smiled, glanced at him, and continued admiring the large pink diamond on her finger.

She had plenty of jewelry, including rings like this, but this one was different—it was a gift from Zhou Yinghe.

From Sijiucheng to Guishan is just over three hours, so Wen Ling also got some sleep.

When Zhou Yinghe called her awake, she kept feigning sleepiness, Lu Zhaoye teased her mercilessly, and only then did she reluctantly rise, leaning entirely on Zhou Yinghe as they disembarked.

Wen Lao saw her like that, frowned, and asked: "What time do you usually go to sleep? Why are you always unable to wake up?"

……

…… Wen Ling glared angrily at Zhou Yinghe.

Last night she could have gone to bed early, but Zhou Yinghe came back and wouldn't let her sleep; she scolded and even hit him, to no avail against that shameless Fifth Young Master Zhou's misdeeds.

Fortunately, he eventually had a conscience, hastily ended things and let Wen Ling rest; otherwise, she wouldn't know if she could get up this morning.

Men, selfish!

Zhou Yinghe guiltily averted his gaze from the others; Lu Zhaoye slipped his hands into his pockets, turned back, gave them a meaningful look, then leisurely withdrew his gaze and continued walking ahead.

In her heart it wasn't that painful, just a slight odd feeling.

Qin Yuyang didn't understand, looked puzzled at Zhou Yinghe and Wen Ling, about to ask when Lu Zhaoye pressed his head and turned him away, whispering: "Watch the road, don't talk to improper people."

"Ah?? Oh." Still didn't understand, but obeyed.

Arriving at the hotel, Wen Ling slumped onto Zhou Yinghe's back, still somewhat drowsy; Zhou Yinghe couldn't attend to the two elders, but fortunately they'd brought a steward, who handled check-in and escorted the two elders to their rooms. Qin Yuyang, being young, had originally been told to sleep with Qin Lao, but once check-in came he refused to go, insisting on staying with Lu Zhaoye.

Lu Zhaoye had no choice but to lead him away.

Wen Ling and Zhou Yinghe were still in the hotel lobby; Zhou Yinghe bent over, picked her up on his back, and asked: "Shall we go back to the room for a bit more sleep?"

Wen Ling shook her head: "No more sleep; let's go out for a stroll."

"Not sleepy?" Zhou Yinghe glanced back, somewhat surprised; he had originally wanted to wander with Wen Ling while no one was around, but seeing her limp, listless state, he assumed she didn't want to go out, so he didn't bring it up again.

"Not sleepy." Wen Ling lifted her arm, pointed at the door, and said: "Let's go, let's go."

Zhou Yinghe had no choice but to signal the steward to send their belongings back to the room first, adding: "If the elders ask, just say we're nearby."

The steward acknowledged, and Zhou Yinghe carried Wen Ling out of the hotel.

Wen Ling sniffed the air and said: "The air here is really good."

The hotel they stayed at is close to the mountains they plan to visit, nestled by hills and water, with beautiful scenery; Wen Ling really likes this environment.

She got down from Zhou Yinghe's back, linked arms with him, and they walked slowly together.

Having been together for a while, they actually don't have much to say; mostly they're silent, with occasional casual chat, and because the unfamiliar setting feels fresh, Wen Ling constantly exudes pleasure.

She brought up Wen Zhuo.

"Grandfather told me that Zhuo wants to come to Sijiucheng."

Zhou Yinghe chuckled lightly, hummed: "That's fine too."

He lowered his eyes, suddenly recalling what Zhou Shuanglin had said the night before departure, and feigning nonchalance asked: "When do Uncle and Aunt plan to return?"

"I'm not sure either; they might come with Zhuo, or might not return for a while, after all we're all in Hua Guo, and the Wen family has no one looking after it."

Zhou Yinghe said: "Even if they come back for a few days, can they not leave?"

Wen Ling's tone rose on the "ah" as she wondered: "Why? Is there something going on?"

"Nothing, just asking casually." Zhou Yinghe curled his lips, raised his arm and rested it on her shoulder.

Wen Ling didn't press further, and stretched her waist.

They didn't wander long; Wen Ling felt tired, so they returned to the hotel.

Dinner was handled at the hotel; they ordered some Guishan specialties, which Zhou Yinghe couldn't stomach, but Wen Ling loved.

Thinking they'd have to rise early for the mountains the next day, Zhou Yinghe was unusually honest that night, to the point Wen Ling began to doubt.

"You're not... incapable, are you?"

Zhou Yinghe narrowed his eyes, gazing at her intently.

"Tomorrow we're going to the mountains; the route isn't short, he feels sorry for her fatigue, but now it seems he feels sorry for making a mistake?"

Wen Ling shrank back, explaining: "I'm not, uh, you—"

Before, he really was dishonest—even when inconvenient, he'd still grope through clothes; this time he didn't even touch any off-limits spot, just held her properly, so how could Wen Ling not suspect?

Zhou Yinghe sneered: "I feel sorry for you, yet you insist on saying things to provoke me."

Saying that, he flipped over, pinned her hands to either side, and gritted his teeth: "I'll let you see if I'm capable."

Wen Ling struggled, begging for mercy in a soft voice: "I was joking; I know you're capable, I just said it offhand—don't take it seriously, we still have to get up early tomorrow and go to the mountains."

"It's fine; if you can't walk, I'll carry you."

Zhou Yinghe's fingers slowly traced her cheek, neck, collarbone, moving ever lower.

Wen Ling flinched, whimpering, hoping Zhou Yinghe would spare her this time; in other situations she'd surely be bold, but now she daren't, fearing backlash.

She could only say she'd make it up to him later.

"But I just want to show you tonight that I'm capable."

"No more, Baobao." Wen Ling shook her head pitifully.

Zhou Yinghe curled his lips, his fingers restless, being close to her, Wen Ling easily sensed his abnormality, wanting to cry but unable to.

"Call me husband and I'll let you go."

"Won't call."

"Not call?" Zhou Yinghe exerted some force; Wen Ling gave a soft hum, biting her lip, refusing to admit defeat.

Alright, then I'll trouble you.

While saying that, Zhou Yinhe reached out and pinched her waist, pulling her toward himself. Seeing him get serious, Wen Ling widened her eyes and hurriedly said: "I'll call, I'll call, is calling not enough?"

Zhou Yinhe's action stalled, his jet-black eyes now tinged with crimson, and he said hoarsely: "Call out, call sweetly, and I'll spare you."

Wen Ling's cheeks flushed, her eyes moist and glistening, she opened her lips and softly uttered two words.

"I can't hear you clearly; it seems you're not sincere."

Saying that, Zhou Yinhe continued his unfinished action; Wen Ling was startled and shouted loudly: "Husband!!!"