Rebirth Plan to Save Leader

Chapter 17

She even used the word “kiss,” which was so direct it bordered on vulgar, yet her tone was filled with frank curiosity and a hint of imperceptible… provocation.

The last trace of restrained warmth in Zhan Shuo’s eyes abruptly froze.

He had never believed any of her declarations of “affection.” His current action was purely intended as intimidation, a display of force and control, meant to shatter her feigned composure and make her understand who truly held dominance in their relationship.

Yet, even with their bodies pressed tightly together, even with his aura completely enveloping her, he still found no trace of the expected panic or submission in those eyes, so close he could see his own reflection. There was only a bottomless, calm lake surface with a faint smile, and even… a subtle frankness, as if awaiting his next move.

This calmness angered his nerves, accustomed to absolute control, more directly than any resistance.

Thus, the moment her smiling counter-question fell, the arm he had wrapped around her waist abruptly tightened. His other hand swiftly and forcefully covered the back of her head, fingers sinking into her soft hair, fixing her slightly upturned face with a strength that brooked no refusal, even carrying a hint of punishment.

Then, he no longer hesitated, suddenly lowered his head, and fiercely kissed the lips that had uttered such bold words.

This was not a gentle kiss.

It began with a brutal crushing and invasion, a clear conquest and warning. The moment their lips met, he distinctly felt an unexpected softness, cool and delicate, like newly bloomed petals. He intended to pry open her teeth with his tongue, continuing this unilateral punishment.

However—

Not only did she not resist or clench her teeth, but she slightly parted her teeth the moment he applied pressure.

And even, as his tongue, laced with anger and coldness, intruded, she clumsily, yet remarkably actively, gently met him.

It was not evasion; it was an invitation.

This subtle, utterly unexpected response was like a faint current, surging through Zhan Shuo’s taut nerves without warning.

The young woman’s mouth was warm, soft, and moist, carrying a faint tea fragrance and her unique sweet scent. The kiss, originally purely punitive and intimidating, abruptly changed its meaning under this silent acquiescence. That forceful power, attempting to destroy something, was imperceptibly dissolved and entwined by this clumsy softness.

Zhan Shuo’s movements paused for a moment, even he himself unaware.

Immediately, the almost biting brutality uncontrollably softened and gentled. The fingers of his hand cupping the back of her head were still forceful, but they seemed to hold less cold restraint and more an indescribable lingering. His tongue was no longer merely a weapon for conquest; it began to unconsciously explore that unfamiliar sweetness and softness, seizing her clumsy yet unyielding response.

The kiss deviated from its initial trajectory, becoming long and deep in the silent room.

So long that the cloud shadows outside the window shifted again, so long that the medicinal and grassy scents in the air were covered by another fervent atmosphere.

Finally, Zhan Shuo seemed to suddenly awaken from some迷障, abruptly withdrew his lips and tongue, released his hold on her, and stepped back.

His chest rose and fell almost imperceptibly, his breathing slightly heavier than usual.

As for Xie Lanyin—

Her face was flushed with a captivating blush that spread all the way to her earlobes. Her previously pale lips were now swollen and moist, glistening invitingly from the saliva. A few strands of hair had escaped her jade hairpin, clinging to the damp side of her neck. Most crucially, the tiny, faint scarlet tear mole at the corner of her eye, which had been rather inconspicuous, seemed to be lit up by the misty, flushed atmosphere, a shimmering dot that added a breathtaking, natural allure to her exquisitely beautiful face.

She gasped faintly, looking up at him, her eyes still clear, but veiled with a thin, moist mist. As her gaze shifted, the lingering traces of their recent passionate kiss had not yet completely faded.

Zhan Shuo’s Adam’s apple bobbed almost imperceptibly.

A nameless fire suddenly flared in his heart, burning, making his gaze even darker, and completely incinerating that inappropriate moment of distraction.

Truly… a bewitching siren!

This thought uncontrollably flashed through his mind, immediately overshadowed by a deeper, cold anger—anger at her scheming, and even more at his own momentary lapse. He raised his thumb and forcefully wiped his lower lip, as if to erase all traces of her scent and warmth, his movement carrying a hint of imperceptible ferocity.

“Miss Xie, to seek…” he began, his voice hoarser than before, yet colder, “a ‘unique’ position with me, truly… you’ve gone to great lengths.”

“What you previously requested, though beyond reason.”

He paused slightly, his gaze pressing down on her like a tangible weight, filled with scrutiny and warning:

“However, since Zhan has accepted an imperial decree for marriage, he must prioritize the peace of his household and the undisturbed conduct of his duties.”

“If you can maintain your proper conduct and not cause trouble,” he laid down his conditions, clear and harsh, “Zhan can also… avoid many unnecessary disturbances.”

“However, this is not a promise, but a temporary measure. Should you cause transgression or trouble in the future, these words today shall naturally be void.”

Having spoken, he said no more, nor did he even look at her. He abruptly turned, pulled open the door, and strode out.

The door slammed shut behind him, rattling the window lattice.

Xie Lanyin stood alone, raising a hand to lightly touch her slightly swollen, warm lips. They still seemed to retain his domineering presence and that final, unexpected tenderness. She slowly exhaled a trembling, long breath, her body belatedly feeling weak, forcing her to lean on the edge of the table.

The tear mole at the corner of her eye, unseen in the shadows, subtly trembled with the slight curve of her lips.

Zhan Shuo’s private residence was located in a relatively secluded alley on the east side of the city.

The study’s furnishings were so simple they were almost sparse. Aside from the necessary desk, chair, and cabinet for official documents, there was only a black-sheathed long saber hanging on the wall, with no other decorations.

He had just removed his dust-covered outer robe when Xiang Da, like a hound sniffing out a trail, slipped in. He unceremoniously sat on the hard wooden chair opposite the desk, propped up his legs, and wore his usual grin, eager for a show.

“Well, Boss, did the sun rise from the west today? Rare to see you back in your own den at this hour.” Xiang Da’s gaze swept over Zhan Shuo’s face, harder than usual, and his tight-fitting attire, still carrying the scent of outside the city, which he hadn’t had time to change. His curiosity almost overflowed.

“Counting the days, there aren’t many left until the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. You, the groom… surely you won’t be holed up in the Imperial Prison all day, even after your wedding, right? From now on, will you be living in this residence, experiencing life with a family?”

Zhan Shuo ignored him, poured himself a cup of cold tea, and drank it in one gulp. The tea was icy, sliding down his throat, yet it couldn’t suppress the inexplicable irritation in his heart.

Xiang Da wouldn’t let him off so easily. He leaned closer, lowered his voice, his tone even more teasing:

“I heard that Miss Xie of The Xie Family is ill? You went to visit her right after leaving the palace, didn’t you? How was it? Did you see her? Did she… give you daggers with her eyes?”

He imagined the scene: a noblewoman forced into marriage, facing her future husband, especially one of their status—it would be strange if she had a pleasant expression.

“But Boss, we have to understand. She was raised in luxury, destined to be an imperial consort, then suddenly handed over to… *cough*, it’s natural for her to hold resentment and dislike us.”

Seeing Zhan Shuo remain silent, merely rubbing the cold teacup, he assumed Zhan Shuo was displeased and changed to a “sincerely advising” tone:

“I’m telling you, Boss, don’t just ignore your wife after the wedding just because the girl doesn’t like you now. You still need to show concern; after all, you’ll be spending a lifetime together. Besides, a harmonious husband and wife and a stable household mean fewer worries for you when you’re on duty, right?”

“Are you done talking?” Zhan Shuo finally looked up, his eyes as cold as blades.

Xiang Da: “…”

Right, he’d hit a sore spot again. He awkwardly rubbed his nose, knowing this topic was completely ill-fated, and dared not babble further. Mumbling, “I’m just concerned about you, Boss,” he scurried away quickly.

The study door closed, returning to silence.