Chapter 12: The Genius Summoner’s Beloved

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Lu Ningshi instinctively stepped back, a broad, warm palm pressing against her back to shield her from impact. In the blink of an eye, all that met her eyes returned to its original colors.

“Xiao Man, you’re back.”

Yu Xuan rested his chin against her slender neck, his arms tightly wrapped around her waist, nuzzling like a pitiful little dog.

Lu Ningshi frowned and grabbed his ear sharply.

“Yu Xuan, snap out of it. This is a dream. There’s still a group of people outside waiting for you to save them.”

“No.”

Yu Xuan’s arms tightened again, as if he wanted to fuse her into his very bones and blood. He refused to believe this was a dream; wherever she was, that was the truth.

“Xiao Man, don’t leave me. Stay by my side forever.”

“Yu Xuan, you’re usually so calm. Think carefully about what we just encountered. Don’t get lost in…” Lu Ningshi struggled, trying to move, but couldn’t push him away.

She wanted to wake him, but he covered her mouth, preferring to drown in illusion rather than come back to reality.

Lu Ningshi was on the verge of madness. If this continued, they’d both perish here.

“What exactly do you want?”

Helpless, Lu Ningshi relented, deciding to take a step back and play along for now.

“Never say the word to break the contract.”

“Fine.”

“Don’t neglect me. Don’t smile at other beasts or people.”

Veins bulged at her temples. “Okay.”

“Say you love me and that you’ll stay with me forever.”

Yu Xuan’s dark eyes shone brightly, sparkling like brilliant stars.

Lu Ningshi drew a deep breath, gritting her teeth with a forced smile. “I love you, and I’ll stay with you forever. Is that enough?”

Yu Xuan pondered before shaking his head. “Not enough. You have to swear.”

“Swear? Ha.”

Lu Ningshi laughed bitterly in frustration.

Suddenly, her expression changed. She raised her leg and struck him low, and as he dodged, she landed a punch that instantly gave him panda eyes.

“Swear, swear, swear your damn oath! I’ve been giving you face, and you just keep pushing!”

She attacked with fists and kicks, beating him until he collapsed, unable to get up.

Kneeling on one knee, she grabbed his collar with one hand and asked darkly, “Are you awake now?”

Yu Xuan nodded, looking wronged.

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Lu Ningshi exhaled deeply and released him to stand up. “If you’re awake, then hurry and leave. Continue with the competition.”

“This is our home. If we don’t stay here, where else should we go?” Yu Xuan covered his face pitifully, sitting on the ground, puzzled. “What competition?”

Lu Ningshi’s wrist stiffened. She leaned against the wall, her vision darkening repeatedly.

So all her effort and sweat had been for nothing?

Suddenly, her footing lightened, and her balance shifted. She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck to find support.

“What are you doing?” she asked angrily.

“You’re tired and need to rest.”

Yu Xuan lifted her onto the bed and lay down beside her.

Lu Ningshi immediately rolled twice to put some distance between them, warning warily, “This is my room. If you want to rest, go to your own.”

“Did you forget? This is our honeymoon suite. We’re supposed to sleep together.”

“Ho… honeymoon suite?”

Lu Ningshi’s mouth twitched.

Yu Xuan held her hand and kissed it softly. “Yes, we’re already married.”

A flock of crows cawed ominously overhead.

Lu Ningshi covered her eyes with her arm to hide the despair within.

She never knew that deep in his heart, his desire was to be married to her.

Yu Xuan, at some point, had drawn close, one arm around her and the other gently patting her back. “Sleep now.”

Her eyelids twitched, weariness sweeping over her, and soon she closed her eyes.

The scent of food wafted in, tempting her from sleep.

Lu Ningshi lay sprawled on the bed, staring blankly at the white ceiling.

The other side of the bed was already empty, leaving only the traces of someone having slept there.

She felt confused, unsure how to wake him next.

The bedroom door opened, but she made no move, simply closing her eyes softly, unwilling to engage.

Yu Xuan knelt by the bedside, his shallow breaths drawing near. Just as he was about to touch the softness, a hand blocked his chest.

His gaze rose to meet her angry eyes, a faint smile curling his lips. “Awake?”

“I never knew the man praised for his propriety was actually a backstabbing villain,” Lu Ningshi said with biting sarcasm.

“Kissing one’s own wife isn’t really a sneak attack,” he replied.

Seeing her fury, Yu Xuan stepped back, unwilling to anger her further, raising his hands in surrender.

“This time was my fault. Next time, I’ll get your permission.”

Lu Ningshi, frustrated, turned away without looking at him.

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She threw back the covers and got out of bed. In the bathroom, she found toothpaste already squeezed onto the toothbrush and froze for a moment.

“Want me to brush your teeth for you?” Yu Xuan followed, standing at the door, eager to help.

Lu Ningshi’s face darkened instantly. Through clenched teeth, she said, “No need.”

She quickened her steps, pushed him out, and slammed the door shut with a bang.

Alone in the room, she finally felt the space was no longer crowded.

Lu Ningshi approached the sink, looked straight into the mirror, a trace of restless defiance in her eyes.

Splashing cold water on her face brought a refreshing chill that cleared her mind.

She would never admit defeat before the last moment.

Suppressing the chaos in her heart, she pushed the door open decisively.

Striding to the living room, she suddenly beamed brightly when Yu Xuan looked her way.

“Ah Xuan, what delicious food did you make today?”

She leapt into his arms, eyes landing on the dining table. Excited, she exclaimed, “Wow, braised pork ribs, sweet and sour pork—my favorite dishes! Ah Xuan, you’re so good to me. I love you so much.”

Yu Xuan’s usually cold eyes trembled slightly, then gradually shimmered with radiant light.

A soft smile curved his lips as he spoke gently, “I’m glad you like it.”

Lu Ningshi continued to lavish him with praise, giving him face.

After that, she never provoked him again, and their relationship blossomed rapidly.

Until one day, Lu Ningshi lay on the bed, pale and weak.

“Ah Xuan, I’m afraid I can’t make it.”

Her chest rose and fell heavily as she struggled for breath.

Trembling, she reached out her right hand to touch his face; Yu Xuan immediately grasped it tightly against his cheek.

“Xiao Man, I will heal you. You’ll be fine.”

“Cough, cough, cough…”

Lu Ningshi coughed relentlessly, as if trying to expel her very heart and lungs.

She shook her head in pain, her breathing gradually stabilizing under his soothing. Then, gasping, she asked, “Ah Xuan, do you love me?”

“Yes, I love you,” Yu Xuan answered without hesitation.

Lu Ningshi gave a pale smile and slowly parted her lips, “I love you too.”

Just as he grew excited and happy, she shifted the topic, “But I don’t believe you love me.”

Yu Xuan was taken aback, about to protest, but Lu Ningshi pressed a finger gently against his lips.