At the summit of Cliff Mountain stood a manor.
The manor covered several hundred mu, yet looked plain and unadorned. Inside, there were many trees and rockeries, and if one looked down from the sky, they would notice the arrangement followed a mysterious pattern.
Deep within the manor stood several courtyards.
In one of these courtyards, a silver-haired old woman sat alone, playing Go.
Behind her stood two elegant middle-aged women.
After half an hour, the old woman put down her Go piece and asked the two middle-aged women, "Has Kevin arrived?"
"Old Ancestor, Kevin is waiting outside," one of the middle-aged women answered respectfully, her tone noticeably softer when she mentioned his name.
"Let him in!"
"Yes!"
Soon, a tall and handsome young man with an impressive bearing walked into the courtyard, knelt before the old woman, and kowtowed three times. "Kevin greets Old Ancestor!" he said respectfully.
"Rise," the old woman said, raising her hand slightly.
"Thank you, Old Ancestor!"
Kevin Ji stood up and remained respectfully in place.
"Kevin, Old Ancestor has a task for you this time. Are you willing to go?" the old woman asked kindly, smiling.
"If it's a mission from Old Ancestor, I'll do it!" Kevin Ji replied obediently.
"Good child. However, this mission carries considerable danger. Are you still willing to go?"
"No matter how dangerous it is, I'll go!" Kevin Ji replied, determined.
"Very good. Old Ancestor hasn't doted on you for nothing. This time, your task is to go to Sunvale and find a man named Ian Song, then invite him here!"
"I understand!" Kevin replied.
"Go now!"
The old woman waved her hand, and only after Kevin Ji saluted again did he leave.
Once Kevin Ji had left, both middle-aged women showed worried expressions. "Old Ancestor, isn't it too dangerous to send Feng'er to invite Ian Song?"
"Jade must be carved to become a useful vessel!"
Old Ancestor responded lightly, then stood up and walked inside.
Once inside the room, a cold, sinister smile appeared on the old woman's face. She murmured to herself, "Ian Song, oh Ian Song, I've waited over sixty years for you to show yourself. As an old friend, I must send you a grand gift. I hope you like it! Hehehe!"
Hearing the chilling laughter from inside, the two middle-aged women outside exchanged uneasy glances.
Song Family Clinic.
Two young eunuchs had already been waiting outside for a full hour. Seeing that Consort Jade still hadn't come out, both began to look anxious.
Finally.
After another half an hour, Lena Yu emerged from inside.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
The two hurriedly bowed.
"You two can return to the palace. If Emperor Aiden Qin asks, just tell him I won't be coming back!"
Upon hearing this, the two young eunuchs immediately knelt down. "Your Highness, if you don't return, if Emperor Aiden Qin finds out, he'll have us killed!"
Seeing this, Lena Yu felt a pang of sympathy and thought for a moment. "In that case, you can stay here!" she said.
"Uh..."
The two eunuchs hesitated, unsure what to do.
One of the young eunuchs mustered his courage and said, "Your Highness, you should really return to the palace!"
"Insolent! Do I have to follow your orders now? I've made myself clear—if you want to go back, go. If not, stay!"
With that, Lena Yu ignored the two and walked straight to the back courtyard.
In the back courtyard, Ian Song sat at a stone table, with his sketching tools laid out. He pointed to a stone stool. "Lena Yu, have a seat. I'll paint your portrait."
"Thank you, Ian," Lena Yu said, her face lighting up with joy.
Ian smiled and picked up his brushes, his movements deft and practiced. As he worked, Lena found herself captivated by the sight of Ian painting with his true, youthful face revealed.
A little over ten minutes later, Ian set down his brush and smiled. "All done. Take a look—do you like it?"
"If it's painted by you, I'll love it no matter what!" Lena Yu replied warmly.
Lena hurried over, and when she saw the portrait, her eyes widened in amazement. The likeness was uncanny—it was as if she had been brought to life on the page.
That night.
Ian was reading under the lamplight.
Suddenly, Lena Yu entered, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of soup.
"Ian, I made this soup for you. Try it and tell me what you think," she said softly.
"Thank you, Lena. Just set it down over there," Ian replied, setting aside his book with a gentle smile.
"It's best while it's hot," Lena insisted, picking up the bowl and bringing it to Ian herself.
"Alright, thank you," Ian said, accepting the bowl.
Ian took the bowl and finished the soup in a few quick gulps, then smiled. "It's delicious."
"As long as you like it, I'll make it for you every day," Lena said, a playful glint in her eyes.
Suddenly, Ian felt a rush of heat rise from his lower abdomen. He looked at Lena, bemused. "What did you put in this soup?"
Lena Yu lowered her head, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "It's stewed deer penis soup," she admitted quietly.
Ian realized what she meant and thought, amused, 'She's bold—she must be offering herself.' He looked at Lena with new appreciation.
She was stunningly beautiful; it was no wonder the emperor had once favored her.
She was already exceptionally beautiful; otherwise, she wouldn't have won the emperor's favor.
"Lena, you're playing with fire—are you sure you know what you're doing?"
"I'm willing to give you everything, Ian!" Lena suddenly looked up, her eyes burning as she met his gaze.
With things this clear, if Ian could still sit unmoved, he wouldn't be a normal man.
He beckoned, and Lena flew into his arms with a surprised cry.
Ian gently lifted her delicate chin and smiled. "Lena, are you sure about this?"
"From now on, I'm yours," Lena whispered, and pressed her lips to his.
Their lips met.
Lena's lips were soft and sweet. Ian savored the kiss, teasing her lips open and exploring deeper. His hand slid up, finding her curves, and Lena moaned softly beneath his touch.
Soon, Ian's hands were no longer content to caress her through her clothes.
Rip!
He tore away her layers, revealing creamy skin and the alluring swell of her breasts, tipped with rosy peaks.
Lowering his head, Ian kissed her without hesitation.
With the rising sun,
Ian slowly opened his eyes to find Lena's soft, naked body in his arms. Remembering the night's passion, he felt himself stir again.
But he quickly suppressed the urge; Lena was already thoroughly spent after last night.
He got up, dressed, washed up quickly, and went out into the courtyard to practice his forms.