Huang Rong from The Return of the Condor Heroes: Guo'er, calm down.

The water has cooled down.

Huang Rong stepped out of the bathtub and onto the floor barefoot.

Water droplets slid down her calves, spreading out in circles on the floor. Instead of getting dressed, she walked to the bronze mirror and turned to look at her back.

Several red marks were clearly visible on her originally fair skin.

"You heartless bastard."

Huang Rong cursed, but there was little anger in her eyes; instead, there was a hint of inexplicable resentment.

The massage I just received, though the technique was a bit unusual and the pressure varied, really loosened up her muscles and bones.

But he ran away.

Teasing someone and then running away, what kind of skill is that?

Huang Rong put on her undergarment, her hands trembling slightly as she tied the belt. She glanced towards the study, which was pitch black; Guo Jing was clearly already asleep.

"That blockhead has finally learned something; he even knows how to pretend to be asleep!"

If it were her younger self, she would have already stormed into the study with her dog-beating stick, determined to grab Guo Jing by the ear and demand an explanation: If you had the intention to steal from the house, why didn't you have the guts to finish the job?

But now she's over thirty, the leader of the Beggars' Sect, and a mother; she's easily embarrassed.

If she rushed over to confront them, she would look like a prostitute. She would never do such a thing.

"Alright, Guo Jing, you've really gotten better."

Huang Rong bit her lip and blew out the candle.

We'll see.

That night, Huang Rong tossed and turned, finally managing to fall asleep just before dawn. Her dreams were filled with those large, fiery hands setting her ablaze, leaving her parched and thirsty.

……

East wing room.

Yang Guo didn't sleep either.

He dared not turn on the light; lying in bed, his mind was filled with thoughts of Huang Rong.

Before he transmigrated, he was just an ordinary college student. He had never seen anything like this before.

That's Huang Rong.

The first female protagonist in The Legend of the Condor Heroes, a female strategist of unparalleled wisdom and resourcefulness, the white moonlight in the hearts of men all over the world.

It was in that wooden barrel just now...

Yang Guo clenched his fists, his palms sweating profusely.

That was so damn exciting!

It's like walking a tightrope on the edge of a cliff, with a bottomless abyss below. One wrong step and you're smashed to pieces. But the adrenaline rush is so exhilarating that you can't stop.

But what followed was lingering fear.

If I hadn't been able to resist just now...

If Guo Jing had suddenly pushed the door open and walked in just now...

If Huang Rong starts to feel increasingly uneasy and goes to confront Guo Jing...

Yang Guo shivered.

With Huang Rong's intelligence, she could have easily found the flaws in Guo Jing's story by questioning him a few times.

Once he's exposed, he'll be finished in this world.

Accused of betraying one's master and ancestors, and of harassing elders, these two serious charges would mean that not only would the Quanzhen Sect be unable to continue its mission, but it would also be difficult to say whether one could even have a complete corpse.

"No, we can't panic."

Yang Guo forced himself to calm down.

He got out of bed and paced around the room.

The current situation is: Huang Rong is convinced that it is Guo Jing.

Guo Jing knew nothing.

As long as these two people don't bring it up, the secret can remain buried.

The key question is, would Huang Rong ask?

Yang Guo carefully recalled Huang Rong's personality. She was proud, extremely protective of her own, but also extremely concerned about saving face.

Tonight's events were both a source of amusement and shame for her.

When the wife took the initiative, the husband fled in panic.

Which woman would dare to confront Guo Jing about something like this? Especially the proud and arrogant Huang Rong? She would most likely sulk, give him the silent treatment, and wait for Guo Jing to coax her, but she would never take the initiative to ask, "Why did you do that last night?"

As long as she doesn't ask, this matter won't be exposed.

Yang Guo stopped in his tracks, a faint smile of relief appearing on his lips.

As long as I behave normally these next few days and don't give myself away, I'll have passed this hurdle.

even……

Yang Guo glanced at his right hand, his eyes becoming somewhat deep.

Keeping it a secret can only do so for a while.

If you really want to keep this a secret forever, the only way is to get your hands on Huang Rong.

……

The next morning.

The air on Peach Blossom Island carries a moist, fishy smell.

The atmosphere in the dining room was somewhat strange.

Guo Jing was the first to get up. After finishing his set of boxing techniques, he sat in the main seat, feeling refreshed and invigorated. He was a rough man, not one for many complicated matters. He had spent the night meditating in his study, which had greatly improved his inner energy, leaving him in a good mood.

"Rong'er, this porridge is very good today."

Guo Jing picked up the bowl, slurped down a big mouthful, and said with a smile to Huang Rong, who had just entered the room.

Huang Rong had a sullen face.

She had dark circles under her eyes, clearly indicating she hadn't slept well.

Upon hearing Guo Jing's words, she slammed her chopsticks heavily on the table.

With a "snap".

The dish of pickles on the table even jumped.

Guo Jing was startled, rice grains still clinging to his lips, and looked bewildered: "Rong'er, what's wrong? Who upset you?"

Huang Rong sneered, her gaze sweeping across Guo Jing's face like a knife.

Installed.

Continue assembling.

Last night I got angry with someone and then ran away. This morning they woke up acting like nothing happened, even praising how delicious the porridge was?

When did this man learn such two-faced tricks?

"Nobody's messing with me." Huang Rong said coldly, ladling a bowl of porridge for herself but not for Guo Jing. "Since this porridge is delicious, drink more. Once you're full, you'll have the strength to practice your Quanzhen internal energy."

The last four words were pronounced with extra emphasis.

Guo Jing scratched his head, even more confused.

He assumed that his wife was upset because he had gone to sleep in the study last night, so he said with a forced smile, "Rong'er, I was just afraid that the smell of alcohol would bother you last night, that's why..."

"Shut up!"

Huang Rong's face flushed red, and she glared at him fiercely. "Can't you even shut up while eating? What nonsense are you spouting in front of the child!"

She thought Guo Jing was going to bring up the bathtub incident from last night.

If the younger generation overheard such a private matter, would she still have any dignity as an elder?

Guo Jing shrank back after being scolded, not daring to utter another word, and could only bury his head in his food.

The two brothers, Da Wu and Xiao Wu, sitting at the lower end of the table, were fawning over Guo Fu.

"Fu-mei, here's a peeled egg for you."

"Fu-mei, try this pickled cucumber, it's very crisp."

Guo Fu was dressed in a pale yellow shirt today, looking charming and lovely. She was enjoying the attention of two sycophants, her chin held high like a proud little peacock.

Yang Guo sat at the very end.

He lowered his head and slowly drank the porridge in his bowl.

Hearing Guo Jing and Huang Rong's conversation, his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down.

Stable.

Looks like I made the right bet.

Huang Rong had indeed misunderstood, and because of her shame, she didn't dare let Guo Jing explain himself.

One person thought they were talking about sleeping in separate rooms.

One thought they were talking about something in the bathtub.

The deeper the misunderstanding, the safer you will be.

Yang Guo smiled slightly and picked up a piece of pickled vegetable with his chopsticks, putting it into his mouth.

Really fragrant.

"Yang Guo".

Huang Rong suddenly spoke.

Yang Guo paused, immediately put down his chopsticks, stood up, and bowed respectfully: "Aunt Guo."

His expression was calm, his eyes were clear, and he showed no sign of guilt.

He has a firm grasp on acting skills.

Huang Rong's gaze swept over him.

The boy was slender, and although he wore coarse linen clothes, the heroic spirit between his brows could not be concealed. Especially his peach blossom eyes, which vaguely resembled those of Yang Kang in his younger days.

Normally, Huang Rong would get angry just looking at his appearance, always feeling that this kid had a wicked heart.

But today...

For some reason, looking at Yang Guo's long, slender, and fair hands, Huang Rong suddenly recalled the large hands from last night.

Huang Rong was momentarily stunned.

Am I going crazy? How could I connect this brat with what happened last night?

That man was so strong last night, but his composure clearly indicated he was a mature man. How old is Yang Guo? He's only just come of age.

"Guo'er".

Huang Rong suppressed the strange thought in her heart and said in a light tone, "You're not getting any younger, and it's not good to idle around all day. I see that you don't pay much attention to your martial arts practice. Why don't you go to the study and copy the Analects of Confucius ten times to cultivate your character?"

It's just copying books again.

Yang Guo sneered inwardly.

Huang Rong guarded against him like a thief, fearing that he would learn martial arts and use them for evil.

But he pretended to be obedient, lowering his head and saying meekly, "Yes, Guo'er will go after he finishes eating."

"mom!"

Guo Fu was displeased and pouted, "You promised to take us out to sea today, but you've made Yang Guo copy books, so who's going to carry our things?"

In Guo Fu's eyes, Yang Guo was just a follower.

Da Wu and Xiao Wu chimed in, "Yes, Master's wife, although Yang Guo's martial arts are not good, he is still quite strong. He can help Sister Fu carry the fishing rod."

Huang Rong frowned.

Her original intention was to get Yang Guo away so that she wouldn't have to see him or be bothered by him.

But seeing the expectant look in her daughter's eyes, she softened.

"That's enough."

Huang Rong waved her hand, "Then let's go together. But let me make this clear beforehand, Guo'er, if you dare to cause trouble again, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"I dare not."

Yang Guo lowered his head, concealing the hint of mockery in his eyes.

Don't dare?

I did that last night, what else wouldn't I dare to do?

After the meal, the group headed towards the pier in a grand procession.

Springtime on Peach Blossom Island is extremely beautiful.

A gentle sea breeze blows, and peach blossoms bloom in vibrant colors.

Guo Jing didn't go because he needed to continue practicing his martial arts.

Huang Rong, along with her four children, boarded a covered boat.

The boat wasn't big; it could just seat a few people.

Yang Guo was in charge of rowing.

He stood at the stern, rhythmically rowing the oars. The boat swayed gently with the rise and fall of the waves.

Huang Rong sat in the cabin, her elbows resting on the windowsill, gazing absently at the sea view outside.

The sea breeze tousled her hair.

She wore a light purple dress today, with a low neckline that revealed a section of her fair neck.

As Yang Guo rowed the boat, he discreetly observed her.

During the day, Huang Rong reverted to her haughty and dignified demeanor.

But the more this happened, the clearer the vivid and sensual scene from last night became in Yang Guo's mind.

The contrast was simply overwhelming.

Seemingly noticing the gaze behind her, Huang Rong suddenly turned around.

Yang Guo immediately looked away, gazing at the seabirds in the distance, humming an unknown tune, appearing relaxed and carefree.

Huang Rong looked at him suspiciously.

Just a moment ago, she felt a chill run down her spine, as if something was staring at her back. That feeling... was somewhat similar to what she felt in the bathtub last night.

"Da Wu, Xiao Wu, keep an eye on Fu'er, don't let her fall."

Huang Rong gave an order and got up to walk to the stern of the boat.

The space at the stern is narrow.

As she approached, she was only two steps away from Yang Guo.

The faint fragrance of orchids was instantly carried to Yang Guo's nose by the sea breeze.

Yang Guo tightened his grip on the oar.

"Aunt Guo." He kept his eyes straight ahead, not daring to look around.

Huang Rong didn't speak, she just stood there quietly, looking at the sea.

After a long while, she suddenly spoke, her voice swaying slightly in the sea breeze.

"Guo'er, what do you think of your Uncle Guo?"

Yang Guo felt a chill run down his spine.

Is this a death trap question?

He considered it for a moment before saying, "Uncle Guo is a great hero, dedicated to the country and its people. He is a hero in Guo'er's heart."

Anyone can say those kinds of polite words.

Huang Rong turned around, leaning against the gunwale, and looked at Yang Guo with a scrutinizing gaze: "I'm asking you, do you think he... is sometimes a bit dull?"

Yang Guo's heart skipped a beat.

She was still agonizing over what happened last night.

It seems that last night's events have unsettled Chief Huang.

"Uncle Guo is indeed simple and honest," Yang Guo replied cautiously. "However, he is wise beyond his years. Uncle Guo possesses great wisdom."

"Great wisdom?"

Huang Rong chuckled, a hint of barely perceptible lust and resentment in her eyes and brows. "I think he's more like a complete fool."

She paused, seemingly talking to herself, or perhaps just casually complaining: "Sometimes they do things but won't admit it. I don't know if they're really stupid or just pretending."

Yang Guo's palms were sweaty as he gripped the oar.

It's unclear whether Aunt Guo was genuinely complaining about Uncle Guo or if she was implying something.

Fortunately, the ship suddenly rocked, and a wave crashed over it.

Huang Rong lost her balance, swayed, cried out in surprise, and fell straight towards Yang Guo.

Yang Guo instinctively reached out to help.

As luck would have it, this attempt to help her up resulted in him putting his arm around her waist.

soft.

That was my first impression.

Immediately afterwards, due to inertia, Huang Rong crashed into his arms.

In that instant, their bodies pressed tightly together.

Yang Guo could clearly sense that the body in his arms was somewhat stiff.

The fragrance of orchids burst forth, making people dizzy.

Huang Rong was also stunned.

She placed her hands on Yang Guo's chest, trying to push him away, but found that the boy's chest was surprisingly firm and hot.

Even worse was the hand that was holding her.

It has an astonishing resemblance to the "ghost hands" from last night!

Huang Rong's pupils suddenly contracted.

She suddenly looked up and stared intently at Yang Guo, who was standing right in front of her.

Eyes facing each other.

A fleeting look of panic crossed Yang Guo's eyes.

"Aunt Guo, be careful."

He quickly released his grip, took a step back, lowered his head, and looked extremely apprehensive. "Big Wave, please sit tight."