Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1511 - 941: A Lifelong Affection

The fact that Aunt Wu found things unusual was understandable. Not long ago, Shu Ci had been carried into this humble mountain village on Baili An's back, appearing close to death from a severe ailment.

With one foot already in the grave, who could have foreseen such a swift recovery?

Aunt Wu, setting aside her umbrella near the low doorway, surveyed the young man on the bed with a smile, her hands laden with a basket brimming with eggs and wild vegetables.

Goodness, the young woman from the Shu family was a vision of worldly charm; how could she have produced such a refined and elegant son?

Aunt Wu mused inwardly, regretting that raising him would likely prove too costly, were it not for his inherently delicate constitution.

In this remote, barren area, how could they possibly manage his expenses?

If circumstances were different, she might have considered him a match for her unmarried second daughter.

After all, coming from a family of modest means, they wouldn't be concerned with his mother's profession.

However, despite the young man's good looks, Aunt Wu harbored concerns about her daughter becoming a widow prematurely.

A tender pity welled up within her as she observed Baili An's slender lips and pale cheeks; his appearance suggested a life destined to be short, stirring her compassion.

"My dear young sir, please rest. Observe your complexion; though you are awake, you must remain cautious.

Your mother has stayed by your side, day and night, tending to you with immense love. You must take good care of yourself, for her sake."

Baili An's eyelids fluttered open slightly, and he responded in a cool, detached tone, "She is not my mother..."

Aunt Wu's expression instantly shifted to one of displeasure. She inferred that this seemingly well-behaved young man was perhaps ashamed of his mother's background and wished to disavow their maternal bond.

Without hesitation, she tapped him lightly on the head, admonishing, "What foolishness is this? She is your devoted mother; how can you so readily deny her?"

Baili An tilted his head, evading Aunt Wu's touch, and met Shu Ci's gaze with clear, tranquil eyes.

Aunt Wu's heart gave a little leap. This boy, though appearing frail, possessed surprisingly swift reflexes.

Before Aunt Wu could raise her hand again, Shu Ci had already moved forward, positioning herself in front of Baili An with the fierce protectiveness of a mother hen.

A dangerous glint flickered in her eyes.

Aunt Wu was left momentarily speechless.

Very well, it seemed this young man's defiant attitude was being indulged by this younger sister.

Fine, if one was willing to strike and the other willing to endure, why should she interfere?

After placing the shepherd’s purse and eggs down, Aunt Wu chuckled, "Having slept for so many days, the young master must be quite hungry. These eggs and shepherd’s purse are for your mother to prepare for you."

With that, further conversation seemed inappropriate. As she departed, she made sure to secure the small, low door against the wind and rain.

Baili An let out a couple of coughs to clear his raspy throat, then remarked, "Young lady, you possess quite the ability, managing to spirit me away from my mother's watchful gaze.

Seen in this light, you are certainly no ordinary little sprite."

Shu Ci's expression hardened, a clear sign of displeasure. "What do you mean by 'spirit me away'? You were mine from the start. You agreed initially; you are the one reneging on your word—what more is there to say?"

With that, she unceremoniously plopped onto Baili An's bed, her annoyance palpable:

"Originally, your body was being expertly prepared, and you were nearly ready for consumption. But now, you've exerted yourself into this weakened state once more, rendering you unappetizing.

Splendid, now I must expend effort to nurse your body back to health! Why is it so difficult to obtain a bite of you?"

A weakened state?

Unappetizing?

Judging by the tone of her words, had this shameless, voluptuous vixen taken advantage of him while he was vulnerable?

Baili An was so incensed that a wave of dizziness washed over him. "Have you no sense of a lady's modesty?

I have only encountered you a handful of times. Even if you hold me in esteem, should you not possess some understanding of the concept of 'reserve', correct?"

Observing his infuriated expression, Shu Ci recognized that he had developed a rebellious spirit.

A shiver coursed through her. This particular 'food' was indeed proving troublesome, though Shu Ci had entertained the notion of preparing him in a single, decisive meal.

Yet, until the very last moment, she hesitated, as there was no certainty about the extent to which she could absorb the Karma Barrier.

The most reliable approach was to skillfully persuade him into willingly relinquishing the Karma Barrier for her consumption.

Shu Ci composed herself, her mind working through the problem for a considerable duration. Ancient texts suggested that men were more receptive to gentleness than to force, a principle that seemed plausible.

Perhaps a few days prior, her intentions had been too transparent, and her demeanor overly aggressive, thus failing to attract this particular 'dish'.

In these times, even sustenance required a degree of willing submission to its chosen 'master' before allowing itself to be consumed.

Shu Ci resorted to a circuitous tactic, her demeanor becoming more pliable. She gracefully shed her soft slippers and began to slide beneath the quilt.

Baili An's countenance, already bearing signs of discomfort, turned frigid. "What do you think you're doing?!"

In her seven-tailed manifestation, Shu Ci's visage radiated allure, her form possessing an extraordinary suppleness that was utterly captivating.

Despite the interposed layer of the quilt, not exactly thin, her comely and winding silhouette was strikingly discernible.

Although unfamiliar with the art of smiling alluringly, she feigned one for this 'prize,' appearing precisely as a wicked temptress.

Her chill, unyielding feet found their way into Baili An's trouser leg, caressing his ankle, her voice adopting the pathetic cadence of stage actors as she spoke: