Chapter 112: Winning Over Ma Xiaotao
In the inner courtyard's dorm area, Ma Xiaotao finished tidying her room, then curled up on the couch under a blanket, staring blankly at the doorway.
Today was her birthday—she should have felt happy.
But she couldn't.
Because he still hadn't shown up.
"Where are you…? I clearly told you my birthday…" she murmured softly, her eyes dim. "Idiot."
"I'll count to ten. If you still don't come… I'll never speak to you again."
"One…"
"Two…"
...
Ten minutes later.
"Ten…"
Ye Chen still hadn't appeared.
Ma Xiaotao's disappointment reached its peak.
"Forget it… maybe he really is busy."
She tried to comfort herself with that thought, but tears slipped uncontrollably from the corners of her eyes.
She'd gone through countless injuries before—never crying, even when a Blood Infant Soul Master corroded her flesh and soul power.
But this time… she simply couldn't stop.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Who is it?"
Her heart tightened. She hastily wiped away her tears—she didn't want anyone seeing her like this.
Still, her eyes were visibly swollen and red.
"Sister Xiaotao, are you there? It's me."
That familiar voice—Ye Chen's—came from outside the door.
"Xiao Chen!"
Her body reacted before her mind—she leapt up from the couch and ran toward the door.
But just before opening it, she remembered her frustration. A flicker of resentment crossed her face as she stopped, turned around, and said flatly, "The door's not locked. Come in yourself."
Click.
The door opened quietly.
Ye Chen slipped inside, expecting her to rush into his arms—
—but instead found her standing with her back to him, arms folded, silent.
"Sister Xiaotao?" he called carefully.
"Hmph!"
She didn't even turn her head.
"Hmph, if that idiot really forgot my birthday, I'll ignore him for a whole day!" she scolded inwardly.
"Uhh… is she mad at me?" Ye Chen thought helplessly.
Still, he walked forward and gently wrapped his arms around her slim waist.
"Stop… don't touch me," she mumbled, squirming lightly.
Her resistance was weak though—her suppressed evil fire stirred restlessly, and the icy aura radiating from Ye Chen's body soothed her heat, leaving her weak and trembling.
Realizing she truly was angry, Ye Chen quickly pulled out a delicate jade box and placed it before her.
Click.
The box opened, revealing two silver rings resting on velvet inside.
Each was engraved with intricate patterns.
The thicker one bore dragon-scale carvings that shimmered faintly blue, exuding a cool Aura—crafted from the rare Extreme Frost Mithril of the Far North, stolen from Xian Lin'er's treasury.
The thinner ring was etched with a pattern of phoenix feathers—each line elegant, glowing with softly flowing warmth.
This one was made from Crimson Flame Darksteel, a rare fire-attribute metal from the earth's depths—also "borrowed" from Xian Lin'er's vault.
Placed together, they looked like dragon and phoenix entwined, their opposing powers—ice and fire—miraculously harmonizing in perfect balance.
"This… this is…"
Ma Xiaotao clasped her hands over her mouth as tears welled uncontrollably—large, shining drops spilling down her cheeks.
"Sister Xiaotao, happy birthday~" Ye Chen whispered by her ear, then knelt down.
He gently took her delicate right hand and slid the frosty ring onto her middle finger.
"I made these for you. Each holds a link. As long as one of us infuses soul power, we can sense the other's presence—no matter where we are."
After quickly explaining how it worked, he smiled and asked, "So… do you like it?"
"Xiao Chen! Sob… I'm sorry… I doubted you…"
Overcome with emotion, Ma Xiaotao threw herself onto him, clinging tightly, burying her face in his chest.
"I thought you'd forgotten my birthday…"
Her head pressed softly against his, her voice choked between sobs. She was touched beyond words.
He hadn't just remembered—he had prepared something so meaningful.
Rings.
Of all gifts, he'd chosen rings.
Her heart raced as warmth and sweetness filled her chest.
The sentiment behind his gesture made her feel giddy inside.
Even if they hadn't been a rare fourth-level soul device—even if they had been simple rings or trinkets—she would have loved them all the same.
Because they came from Ye Chen.
"Sister Xiaotao is one of the most important people to me. How could I ever forget?" Ye Chen said with a soft smile.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead—thank heavens for his Heaven and Earth Infinite Eye. If not for that, he might never have remembered—and calming her down afterward would've been impossible.
"Mhm… and Xiao Chen, you're the most important person to me too…"
Her voice trembled sweetly. Happiness overflowed from her heart.
They were so close now that their breath mingled, their warmth blending together.
Ye Chen leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers.
This time, Ma Xiaotao didn't resist. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back passionately.
...
Moments later, their clothes lay scattered on the floor.
The two embraced on the sofa, skin against skin.
Ye Chen brushed a damp strand of hair away from her ear and whispered, "Sister Xiaotao, I want…"
"Mmm…"
Her body quivered softly at his words.
"Always thinking about that… shouldn't you focus on cultivation at your age?" she murmured, pretending to protest—but her eyes darted shyly, unable to meet his gaze.
Ye Chen didn't reply, just looked into her eyes.
His hot breath grazed her flushed cheek, making her tremble.
Finally, she couldn't stand his gaze any longer.
Closing her eyes, she nodded faintly.
Her heart had melted completely.
She could never truly refuse him.
Every time he said those words, she instinctively tried to resist—
and every time, she ended up surrendering.
He had always respected her boundaries, stopping whenever she shook her head.
But this time…
(END CHAPTER)
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