Chapter 280: Zhang Lexuan's Open-Front Sweater
After spending a few days accompanying the Ice Empress and Snow Empress, Ye Chen finally stored them back into his spiritual sea and left for the Inner Court to find Zhang Lexuan.
After all, helping Zhang Lexuan obtain her ninth soul ring meant securing a hundred-thousand-year one, and Ye Chen wouldn't feel at ease going without the Ice Empress and Snow Empress by his side.
At the same time, he planned to officially introduce them to Zhang Lexuan.
It was something that would happen eventually anyway. He had already mentioned the Ice Empress to Zhang Lexuan before, though not in detail. She knew the Ice Empress was his soul spirit, but not that she could take human form—and was, well, quite useful that way.
It was about time to come clean.
After all, Zhang Lexuan already knew about his relationships with Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, and even Wang Dong from the Outer Court.
One more or less didn't make a difference.
Of course, he couldn't just blurt it out. Women might say they don't mind, but deep down, there's always a shadow of jealousy.
So Ye Chen intended to spend a few peaceful days with Zhang Lexuan first, waiting for the right moment to bring up the topic.
…
The afternoon sunlight poured lazily into Zhang Lexuan's small courtyard, gilding the cobbled ground and the well-tended plants with warm, golden light.
A small stone table sat in the center of the yard, covered with seven or eight exquisitely prepared dishes.
The braised pork gleamed with a glossy reddish hue, the stir-fried greens shone a vivid emerald, and the milky-white fish soup released gentle curls of steam. The simple home-style dishes filled the air with a comforting aroma.
Beside them stood two unopened bottles of red wine.
Whoever prepared this meal had put a great deal of care into it.
Just then, the courtyard door creaked open, and Ye Chen stepped inside.
The first thing his gaze found was the steaming dishes—because he caught the scent before anything else.
"Xiao Chen, you're here~"
A graceful figure stepped from the house—it was Zhang Lexuan.
She carried two freshly rinsed wine glasses, clearly finishing up her final touches.
But Ye Chen's eyes weren't on the table—they were on her.
Because Zhang Lexuan looked quite unlike her usual self today.
No longer dressed in her crisp Inner Court uniform, nor any elaborate gown, she wore instead a plain white, form-fitting sweater.
The material was soft and fine, hugging every delicate curve of her body. The upper part especially accentuated her full, rounded form with a natural, alluring contour.
The neckline stood out—a deliberate, heart-shaped cutout.
Through that small window of fabric, he could clearly see a patch of pale, flawless skin and the faint shadow of a deep, tempting line that dazzled the eyes.
She paired it with a black, tight leather skirt. The polished material hugged her hips closely and ended just short of covering her curves.
Below the hem stretched a pair of long legs sheathed in thin, black stockings—so sheer they revealed the skin tone and graceful shape beneath, tapering down to small, refined ankles.
Her feet were pointed inside sleek black stilettos, the high heels accentuating her tall, elegant frame.
On her nose now rested a delicate, frameless pair of glasses, the clear lenses reflecting a hint of restrained allure in her eyes.
The entire combination altered her aura in subtle but striking ways.
Her usual composed grace remained, but the tight sweater and leather skirt lent her a touch of sensuality. The heels and glasses added refinement and charm, blending into a contrast of disciplined allure and playful temptation.
She looked both untouchable and irresistibly captivating—the perfect balance of elegance and seduction.
Watching her, Ye Chen couldn't help recalling the faint image of a youthful yet refined homeroom teacher from his past life—gentle, strict, and dangerously beautiful.
"Jiejie…"
Ye Chen came back to his senses and grinned mischievously, his gaze fixing on her form without moving away. "You look so…"
"So what?" Zhang Lexuan raised a brow.
"So stunning!" he declared at last.
"Enough of your slick tongue."
Zhang Lexuan let out a soft huff, pretending to frown as she stepped toward him.
The click of her heels on the stone path echoed crisply—tap, tap.
Reaching him, she extended her hand—not roughly, but just enough to pinch his cheek lightly.
"Tell me honestly," she said in a mock-stern tone, "where have you been running off to lately? I've sent you messages every day on the All-Seeing Communicator. Did you even listen to one of them?"
As she leaned closer, Ye Chen caught the faint fragrance on her body—a mix of perfume, natural scent, and the subtle sweetness of fresh soap. It was intoxicating.
"Haha, how could I ignore you? I listened to every message, really! I've just been too busy responding, that's all."
Ye Chen laughed, stepping forward as his arm naturally slipped around her soft, slender waist, drawing her gently toward him.
Her waist wasn't thin to the point of fragility—but wonderfully supple.
Through the sweater, he could sense the warmth and delicate elasticity of her body.
Lowering his head slightly, Ye Chen's nose brushed against the heart-shaped cutout at her collar, and he couldn't help but take in a deep breath.
A faint milky sweetness mingled with her scent, tickling his senses and tightening his chest.
It was a familiar scent—comforting and dangerously pleasant.
"Hmph, excuses... I don't buy it," she murmured in soft protest, her cheeks flushing lightly.
But though she said so, she didn't push him away. Instead, her hand gently rested on the back of his head, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she inhaled his scent too.
After a warm moment, they sat together at the stone table in the courtyard.
The afternoon sun bathed them, gentle and golden.
The table was still covered with Zhang Lexuan's lovingly prepared meal, its aroma deliciously tempting.
Resting her chin on one hand, she tilted her head slightly, gazing at Ye Chen through narrowed eyes—her expression half scolding, half affectionate.
The golden sunlight traced the lines of her delicate face and the fan of her long lashes.
"Hmph, you'd better have a good explanation... or I'll be very angry~" she said softly, her red lips curving upward in a teasing smile.
Though the words sounded stern, the warmth in her eyes betrayed a tender amusement.
Then, as if unconsciously, she shifted slightly.
Her ankle flexed gently, and one heel slipped off her foot with a quiet click.
A moment later, the other followed.
Both high heels tipped over onto the grass beside the table.
Her stocking-clad feet lifted gracefully into the air and, almost without thought, rested lightly across Ye Chen's lap.
(END CHAPTER)
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