"Serena Feng, I like you. I like you very, very much."
People say you can't trust everything a man says in bed, but in this moment, whether Prince Nolan's words were true or not, Serena Feng believed him. Even if only a little was real, it didn't matter.
Moved, Serena Feng didn't forget what she wanted to say: "Nolan Dongling, I like you. Serena Feng likes you. I've only ever liked you."
Serena Feng turned and hugged Prince Nolan, burying her head in his chest. She was happy—truly, deeply happy.
Soon, Prince Nolan felt a dampness on his chest. He didn't say anything, just gently patted Serena Feng's back in silent comfort, telling her—he was there.
He had finally taken another step forward. He believed that next time, he would hear Serena Feng say she loved him.
Love is more than just liking—it's liking, and then some.
With Prince Nolan's soothing, Serena Feng's emotions gradually calmed. Seeing this, Prince Nolan half-tested, half-hopefully asked, "Serena, since you like me and don't dislike me, can I stay tonight?"
If Serena Feng looked up, she would see Prince Nolan's pitiful expression.
"No," Serena Feng pushed Prince Nolan away. Tears still streaked her face, her eyes filled with lingering affection, but her words were clear-headed and rational, not at all swayed by Prince Nolan.
Liking him was one thing, but she couldn't ruin her future just because of it. The longer Prince Nolan stayed here, the more trouble it would bring her. Whenever someone brought up this incident, she would have no way to defend herself.
Smack—Prince Nolan slapped Serena Feng's buttocks, grumbling, "Serena Feng, you really are an infuriating woman."
"Nolan Dongling, did you just hit me?" Serena Feng's face flushed instantly. No one had ever slapped her buttocks before—how utterly humiliating.
"Does this count as hitting?" Prince Nolan slapped her again, leaving red marks on both sides. Satisfied, he thought: he wanted Serena Feng's body covered in his marks, just like the Phoenixfield Heiress Brand—unless she died, those marks would never fade.
"How is that not hitting? Nolan Dongling, all these years, no one has ever dared slap my buttocks—you’re the first. Congratulations." Serena Feng was furious, her eyes wide.
Prince Nolan shrugged shamelessly. "If you say it's hitting, then it's hitting. But since I've already hit you, what now? Want me to let you hit me back?"
"You... you're just teasing me." Serena Feng shoved Prince Nolan hard, but he went along, falling back and pulling her into his arms, planting a light kiss on her lips. "Now that's called teasing. Little lady, come on, give me a smile."
"Go away, you’re never serious." Serena Feng couldn’t help but laugh, her anger over the spanking vanishing. She tried to push him away, but ended up falling right into Prince Nolan’s arms.
They rolled together on the bed, and then... neither said a word. They simply lay there quietly, the warmth between them enough to make anyone drunk with happiness.
After who knows how long, Prince Nolan finally moved. "Don’t sleep yet. I’ll carry you to bathe. After that, you can still sleep for half an hour."
"Alright." Serena Feng wrapped her arms around Prince Nolan's neck, her voice soft and flirtatious.
The bathing room was already prepared with hot water. As soon as Serena Feng and Prince Nolan left, someone came in to tidy up the bed. By the time they returned, the sheets were fresh and clean, and the musky scent of lovemaking had been replaced by the delicate fragrance of bamboo.
Serena Feng yawned. "Your people are so efficient. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you spend all day seducing women."
"Wrong. I do spend all day thinking about how to seduce you." Prince Nolan put Serena Feng on the bed and shamelessly climbed in, gesturing for her to move over and make room for him.
Serena Feng scooted over, giving Prince Nolan half the bed. Her eyes flashed dangerously. "You’re so skilled at this—does that mean you’ve practiced undressing girls with your left hand before?"
If Prince Nolan dared say yes, she'd kick him out of bed instantly.
"No, no, I swear this is my first time." Prince Nolan used his injured right hand to hold Serena Feng as they lay down, pulling the blanket over both of them with practiced ease.
"Yeah, right..." Serena Feng rolled her eyes at Prince Nolan, turning away and giving him the back of her head—clearly unconvinced. Prince Nolan hurried to explain, "It really is the first time. Last time I used my right hand to undress you. If I seem so skilled with my left, it's only because I've rehearsed it in my mind so many times." As he spoke, his voice grew softer, a little embarrassed.
"Really?" Serena Feng rolled over to face him, her eyes sparkling...
Seeing Prince Nolan embarrassed made her happy!