Chapter 228: Capturing Xian Lin'er 2
"Teacher."
Just then, Ye Chen spoke softly.
His voice cut through the monotonous hum of the lab, gentle yet tinged with palpable concern.
Xian Lin'er stiffened imperceptibly at the sudden sound.
She whirled around. When she recognized Ye Chen standing in the doorway, the weariness and irritation that had dimmed her eyes vanished instantly. They lit up as if infused with starlight.
"Xiao Chen! When did you come back?"
She straightened almost instantly, the gloom and irritation on her face swept away like a breeze, replaced by pure delight.
Forgetting the still-humming soul-guided core, she hurried around the lab bench, arms outstretched, rushing straight toward Ye Chen.
Thud~
Soft, fragrant flesh met his chest.
Xian Lin'er clung to Ye Chen as if she couldn't wait, her arms wrapping tightly around his waist. She buried her face deep into the crook of his neck, greedily inhaling several sharp breaths.
"Mmm... You little rascal, not visiting me for so long. I thought you'd forgotten me..."
Her voice muffled against Ye Chen's chest carried a hint of reproach, yet it was overwhelmingly filled with contentment and an indescribable sense of security—like a desert traveler finally finding sweet spring water.
"...It smells so good... Every time I smell it... it feels like my tense nerves relax a lot." Xian Lin'er thought silently to herself.
The scent on Ye Chen's body, a blend of icy chill and sunny freshness, acted like a natural soothing balm for her, relaxing her entire being.
Ye Chen returned her embrace, clearly sensing the stiffness and faint tremors in her body gradually dissolving within his arms.
He gently nuzzled her sensitive earlobe with his chin, inhaling the familiar scent. A hint of concern tinged his voice as he asked, " Teacher, you look terrible. Has the pressure been too much lately? Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Hmph," Xian Lin'er murmured, her voice laced with playful teasing as she gently bit Ye Chen's neck.
Though it was a playful snort, her tone carried an indescribable softness.
Clearly, Xian Lin'er felt Ye Chen's concern, a warmth spreading through her heart. The love in her eyes as she looked at him nearly overflowed.
Their relationship had long transcended that of ordinary teacher and student.
From their initial mutual testing and admiration, to later closeness and dependence, and now this distinctly ambiguous intimacy—both tacitly savored this special emotional bond.
Though they hadn't crossed the final intimate boundary, such affectionate gestures had become commonplace.
"No matter how important the research, you can't burn yourself out. Your health is paramount—a Soul Guide's energy is drawn from their very essence."
Ye Chen sighed helplessly, leaning down to kiss Xian Lin'er's cheek. His gaze then fell upon her black stockinged feet adorned with high heels. An idea spontaneously formed in his mind, prompting him to suggest, " "Teacher, why don't you sit down and rest for a bit? Let me give you a foot massage to relax. It's been ages since I last massaged you~"
Xian Lin'er paused slightly at his words, then a mischievous smile flashed swiftly across her bright eyes, like a sly kitten.
Far from refusing, she let Ye Chen's gentle guidance lead her to a cushioned lounge chair tucked in the lab's corner.
She lifted one black-stockinged foot, dangling it before Ye Chen's eyes. Her ankle was slender, her calf smooth and gracefully sculpted.
Her high heels swayed slightly with her movement.
A curve of enchanting, teasing amusement played at the corners of her lips.
"You little rascal. Are you genuinely concerned I'm tired, or...?"
Her gaze fixed intently on Ye Chen, as if trying to pierce his thoughts, her tone lazy and teasing.
"Ahem…"
A rare flicker of embarrassment crossed Ye Chen's face, his thoughts exposed.
He cleared his throat awkwardly, but quickly regained his composure. Reaching out, he gently grasped her ankle, his fingertips feeling the soft, delicate warmth of her skin through the sheer black stockings. Lifting his gaze to meet hers, he declared earnestly, "Who can resist Teacher Xian Lin'er's beauty? It's impossible not to adore her~"
"Hmph, smooth talker. Wonder who taught you that? Get on with the massage."
Xian Lin'er lifted her foot, the tip of her black-stockinged toe lightly brushing across Ye Chen's face.
Yet she turned her head slightly away, unable to meet Ye Chen's gaze, her cheeks flushing crimson in an instant.
"Alright, alright~"
Seeing Xian Lin'er blush even more easily than himself, Ye Chen chuckled softly before lowering his head to begin the massage with focused care.
His warm palms began gently kneading her soles through the smooth black stockings.
His technique was professional—first gently pressing the arch to ease the tension from prolonged standing.
Then his fingertips slowly massaged along the meridians of her instep, applying just the right amount of pressure. It wasn't too light to be ineffective, nor too heavy to cause discomfort.
"Hmph, your massage skills have improved. I wonder how many girls you've charmed with them..." Xian Lin'er noticed Ye Chen's notably enhanced technique and let out a soft snort, tinged with obvious jealousy.
After all, Ye Chen had returned long ago, bringing valuable gifts that were said to have helped purify the evil fire from Ma Xiaotao's martial soul.
Such a precious thing, and Ye Chen hadn't given it to her...
Of course, she understood how rare and valuable such treasures were, and she didn't really expect one.
But at least a regular gift should be in order...
She didn't need anything extravagant; as long as it came from Ye Chen's heart, she would cherish it.
"Nonsense, I've just been swamped with work..."
Ye Chen stammered awkwardly, his voice thin with guilt.
"Oh really? Then tell me what you've been so busy with?"
Xian Lin'er lifted her foot again, pinching Ye Chen's cheek between her toes, seemingly determined not to let him off the hook.
"Preparing a gift for my teacher, of course~"
Ye Chen smiled faintly, gently pinching Xian Lin'er's small foot, his expression brimming with confidence.
"Oh? A gift? Tell me about it~"
Xian Lin'er's interest was instantly piqued. "If your gift satisfies me, I won't hold it against you for not visiting me all this time."
Of course, in Xian Lin'er's eyes, Ye Chen's gift wouldn't be anything precious.
It would likely be some odd soul-guided device or a specialty from another region.
It might be strange.
But it definitely wouldn't be expensive.
Still, anything from Ye Chen would please her. Even if he gave something half-hearted, she could pretend to adore it.
She didn't demand much from Ye Chen.
As long as he spent more time with her and showed her care, she felt content.
After all, their relationship couldn't be made public...
"No rush with the gift—the massage isn't even over yet~"
Ye Chen placed Xian Lin'er's small foot back in his lap, grinning as he spoke.
"You're such a rascal... After all this time, how can you still enjoy doing this..."
Xian Lin'er planted her foot squarely on Ye Chen's lower abdomen, her face flushing as she pouted playfully.
She instantly understood what Ye Chen wanted...
After all, this was exactly his thing.
Back when she first teased him...
"Teacher, please~"
Ye Chen looked expectant, even a bit nostalgic.
Xian Lin'er: ...
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/LightKira10