After settling Yao Jing in her room, Zhao Tian returned to the terrace and saw that Qian Shi was the only one sitting there, still drinking.


    His eyes squinted slightly ’She is Sect Master’s close friend... right?’


    With such thoughts, he walked to her and smiled faintly "Miss Shi.."


    Qian Shi turned her head to look at him and returned the smile "Ah, Zhao Tian. Decided to return to my company, have you?"


    Letting out a low chuckle, he settled himself beside her, maintaining a respectful distance. "Still not feeling sleepy, Miss Shi?"


    She responded with a small nod, reaching for the wine bottle in front of her. She tilted it gracefully, pouring a generous amount into an empty cup before sliding it toward him.


    "Care to continue drinking with me, newlywed?"


    Hearing this, Zhao Tian chuckled faintly and reached out taking the wine cup "Sure."


    With a nod, Qian Shi replied "Thank you..."


    Zhao Tian took a bite of the still-warm barbecue meat from the side dish platter.


    The smoky flavor paired perfectly with the red wine, and he savored the combination in silence for a moment.


    Qian Shi gave him a sidelong glance before asking "As Li Jia said earlier..." she began, swirling the wine in her cup, "why are you here? Shouldn’t you be spending the night with your new bride?"


    Zhao Tian smiled dryly "Give me a break. She’s been giving me the cold shoulder since the ceremony. I can barely get a few words in with her."


    "She made it clear from the start that this marriage is just a formality to her. She wants nothing to do with me."


    With a thoughtful nod, she asked "Seems like you want to be close to her. Aren’t you scared of the rumors..."


    "That her past three husbands died..."


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    Zhao Tian let out a sigh "I kind of think that the three deaths might just be a coincidence and this whole curse is just a misunderstanding."


    Hearing this, Qian Shi’s eyes crescented "Maybe... this is all just a big misunderstanding."


    "Mhm.." With a nod, she walked to her private chambers for the night.


    Placing the cup down, Zhao Tian also stood up and made his way towards his room.


    Zhao Tian’s steps were unsteady as he walked down the dimly lit corridor, the effects of the wine weighing on him.


    As he approached his room, he paused, his gaze drifting to a slightly ajar door of Yao Jing’s room.


    Zhao Tian pushed the door open gently, the wooden frame creaking softly as he stepped into Yao Jing’s room.


    A soft smile appeared on his lips, looking at the beautiful figure of Yao Jing in the dimly lit room.


    The wine had dulled his usual clarity, but still, he managed to walk to the bed.


    With a quiet sigh, he sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb her.


    "Master," he whispered again, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair away from her face.


    His fingers barely grazed her skin, but even that small touch sent a warmth spreading through him.


    Yao Jing stirred slightly, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came.


    She shifted on the bed, turning onto her back, the quilt slipping slightly to reveal the delicate curve of her neck and collarbone.


    Smiling, he gently moved, lying beside her on the bed, as the mattress dipped slightly under his weight.


    He raised his hand, gently hugging her from behind as he moved closer, burying his face onto her neck.


    Inhaling her sweet scent mixed with wine, Zhao Tian sighed "Master..."


    Meanwhile, Yao Jing’s body shuddered faintly as she felt his arms around her waist ’I-I am not your Master.. Zhao Tian.’


    Her purple eyes trembled in embarrassment as she turned her head to look at Zhao Tian’s face ’I am your Sect Master...’


    --------------------------------------------------


    I hope you guys liked this chapter!