Chapter 1503

The wild arrogance from moments ago could no longer hold up, and directly turned into an expression of pain.

But this definitely wasn't pain—after all, the energy points were climbing and climbing.

Zhuang Ya collapsed onto Zhao Chi, unable to straighten her waist again.

Soon, the Silver Moon transformation ended, and Zhuang Ya's head of black silk long hair returned once more.

She gazed at Zhao Chi with grievance, pouting as she frowned.

"Do you still remember what you just said to me?" Zhao Chi turned the tables and pinched her chin.

"I remember… I'm sorry, okay? You're not mad, are you?"

"Of course not."

"That's good… You wrecked me this badly just because of how I acted earlier?"

"What do you think?"

"Those words earlier really were mine, but… could you just treat it as me acting cute, okay?"

"Okay."

"You're really not bothered, right?"

"Really not bothered."

"That's good. After transforming, I really felt like I was invincible under heaven, but I never meant to disrespect you. I just felt like you were this delicate little brother, and I wanted to protect you."

Zhao Chi laughed: "Protect me?"

"Yeah, I was afraid you'd tire yourself out, so I came."

"Alright, I believe you."

"Okay… I'm so tired. Are you satisfied, Zhao Chi? If not, go find Tang Ruan—I can't hold on anymore."

"Sleep. I'll be right here with you."

"Okay, I don't want to move anymore. I'll just lie on top of you and nap for a bit."

"Mm, sleep."

4 a. m.

Zhao Chi woke up.

Refreshed and clear-headed.

All the gloom was swept away in an instant.

What had already happened couldn't be changed; only the present could be changed.

Zhao Chi gently moved Zhuang Ya to the side, tucked the blanket over her, and quietly walked out of the room.

Time to get to work.

Work is still the best.

Work is the simplest thing.

Put in time, and you get a return.

The wooden cart didn't need to be made for now, and the gear was already fully crafted. Next up was fashion.

Zhao Chi had always wanted to use Gu Qing's new silk to make new outfits, but had never had the time.

Coincidentally, during this period Gu Qing had been helping Zhao Chi produce silk and degum it, and the latest Spider Empress silk thread had already piled up to fill half a storage room.

All of it was translucent white silk.

Not a single thread bundle carried the slightest yellow.

This could also be seen from the side—Gu Qing really was drinking huge amounts of water every day just to produce more silk.

But she had never once mentioned this kind of thing.

This could count as her silent dedication behind the scenes.

These were things Zhao Chi could see, could think of.

But there were still many things Zhao Chi couldn't see, didn't know about.

And it wasn't just Gu Qing—the other women were all the silent-dedication type too.

The most directly visible was the massive stockpile of Tang Ruan jade armor in the storeroom.

This was all dedication…

But after such a long time together, none of them had ever claimed credit.

Thinking of this, Zhao Chi's heart warmed, and his impression of them rose once more.

【Your "Favorability" toward Gu Qing has been unlocked. Current level: Tier Five "Heartbound in Dreams"】

【Your "Favorability" toward Tang Ruan has increased. Current level: Tier Four "Soul-Overturned"】

【Your "Favorability" toward Qi Yue has increased. Current level: Tier Four "Soul-Overturned"】

【Your "Favorability" toward Zhuang Ya has been unlocked. Current level: Tier Three "Heart and Mind in Chaos"】

Not easy.

His favorability toward Gu Qing was finally maxed too.

From now on, when Gu Qing used skills on him, it would also grant an extra 100% effect.

When those few of them received this news, they'd probably be very happy too, right?

Just as he was thinking, a heavy bump suddenly struck his back.

The force was great, yet it didn't hurt at all.

Too soft.

Without even needing to turn around, he smelled Gu Qing's uniquely warm and soft, rich fragrance enveloping him.

"My lord, your favorability toward me is actually maxed?"

His voice carried a note of pleasant surprise.

"It's been full for a long time, but the system only just showed it now."

"Hehe, as long as it's full, that's good. Our feelings seem to have progressed awfully fast — it's only been a little over three months, right? And we've already maxed out each other's affection."

"Fast?"

"Fast! Normally, it would take several years at least."

"Several years? That long? Aren't there plenty of love-at-first-sight cases? The moment they meet, their eyes meet, and they go straight up in flames."

Gu Qing covered her mouth and laughed: "Going up in flames? Aren't there plenty who pay for it or just have a one-time fling? Do they have affection between them too?"

"…Well, no, they don't."

"Don't we also go up in flames every day? Especially before, when it was only me — didn't you have to set me ablaze several times a day? But even so, we've only just now maxed out each other's affection, right?"

"Mm, fair point."

"My lord, why are you spacing out? Hehe."

"You're the one spacing out."

"My lord is the one spacing out."

"Fine, I'm spacing out."

"Hehe, no matter how spaced out you are, my lord, I still like you very much~ I won't bother you any longer, I'm off to Chaoge Village. You go on and be busy too, my lord."

"Alright."

Gu Qing leaned in, gave a loud smack, then vanished with a smile.

Zhao Chi went to find Qi Yue.

Before he could even look, he spotted Qi Yue standing in the distance at the tailor shop's doorway.

Zhao Chi walked over.

Qi Yue watched him with a beaming smile.

"My lord, thank you for your affection."

She smiled, her gaze fixed on Zhao Chi.

Zhao Chi smiled back: "I should also thank you for your affection for me. So, how about it — have you woken up?"

"I'm awake."

"Just now, you… were honestly a little enchanting, so I might have been a bit rough… you…"

"Aiya, why bring that up, my lord? I didn't blame you. You already said it was because I was enchanting, so isn't that fine? It's a happy thing for me to bear a little more."

Zhao Chi laughed: "Qi Yue, you're still the most sensible one at this moment."

Qi Yue asked: "Huh? Am I not sensible after transforming?"

"There are some changes, but at the very least, among the four of you, you're the most sensible one."