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

The awning boat was not large, but the cabin was elegantly decorated and filled with the aroma of sandalwood.

Huang Rong sat on the soft couch, holding a book in her hands, but didn't turn a single page for a long time.

Feeling bored, Guo Fu went to the bow of the boat to get some fresh air.

Yang Guo was in charge of rowing.

He's good at this job.

The awning boat bobbed rhythmically with the waves. Yang Guo stood at the stern, and through the half-open window, he could see Huang Rong's profile.

She leaned against the couch, one hand supporting her forehead, her posture languid. Her beautiful figure was on full display.

Yang Guo glanced at it, then immediately turned his head away, not daring to look any longer.

I'm afraid the more I look at it, the angrier I'll get.

The boat rocks slowly and steadily.

This shaking can easily make people sleepy and also easily lead to wild thoughts.

Huang Rong was indeed a little sleepy. She hadn't slept well last night, and then Guo Jing had kept her up early. Now, with the boat rocking, her eyelids were drooping.

In a daze, she felt as if she were back in the bathtub from the previous night.

The air was thick with moisture.

The fog was thick.

Perhaps because she couldn't sleep soundly, Huang Rong let out a soft murmur in her sleep.

This soft hum drifted into Yang Guo's ears on the wind.

Yang Guo almost dropped the oar from his hand.

That voice is so alluring.

She didn't seem like the dignified and authoritative Aunt Guo she usually was; she seemed more like a young woman longing for love in her boudoir.

He peeked out.

Huang Rong seemed to be asleep, the book lying on the edge of the bed. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her breathing was a little rapid, and her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were having a dream.

Yang Guo's lips curled into a wicked smile.

"Hey! Yang Guo!"

A sharp shout interrupted Yang Guo's reverie.

Guo Fu lifted the curtain and slipped in, munching on an apple. "Haven't you eaten? The boat's rocking so slowly, at this rate, when will we reach the shore?"

Yang Guo withdrew his gaze, his face instantly adopting a fawning expression: "Miss Guo is right. I was just worried that if I rocked too fast, Aunt Guo would have to rest."

Guo Fu snorted, glanced at her sleeping mother, and said in a low voice, "You're smart enough to shake her properly! Don't wake my mother up."

The awning boat drifted at sea for half a day.

The sun gradually rose higher.

It was a bit stuffy inside the cabin.

Huang Rong also woke up, but she had something on her mind and didn't say anything. She just leaned against the window and stared blankly at the sea.

After Guo Jing left, she always felt a void in her heart.

And to top it off, Yang Guo was sitting across from him.

Although Yang Guo was now rowing a boat and far away, the feeling of being spied on lingered.

Even without turning around, she could feel that gaze.

They were not unrestrained; in fact, one could say they were quite well-behaved.

But it was precisely these rules that made her feel uncomfortable.

That's too formal.

They were so well-behaved, it was as if they were trying to hide something.

"Mom, I'm hungry."

Guo Fu broke the silence.

She rubbed her stomach, looking spoiled, "I only had some porridge this morning, and now my stomach is practically sticking to my back."

Huang Rong snapped out of her daze, glanced at her daughter, and a hint of doting flashed in her eyes.

There are some snacks in the food box, have some to tide you over.

She pointed to the red lacquered food box placed in the corner.

Guo Fu opened the food box, took out a piece of osmanthus cake, took a bite, and then put it down with disgust.

"It's dry and doesn't taste good."

She tossed the pastries back into the box and brushed the crumbs off her hands.

"I want to eat fish. Fresh, grilled fish."

She turned and shouted towards the stern of the boat, "Hey, Yang Guo! Do you know how to catch fish?"

Yang Guo is rowing.

Hearing this, he didn't stop what he was doing.

"Young Miss, I'm clumsy and afraid I won't be able to catch any fish."

His voice was respectful.

"waste."

Guo Fu rolled her eyes. "What use are you? You can't even catch a fish."

Huang Rong frowned.

"Fu'er, don't be rude."

"Guo'er is busy rowing the boat, how can he have time to catch fish for you?"

Guo Fu pouted, "But I can't go hungry."

There's a small town ahead.

Huang Rong glanced at the sky. "We'll be ashore in half an hour. We'll find a restaurant to eat at then."

"It'll take another half an hour..."

Guo Fu slumped on the soft cushion, looking utterly hopeless.

Yang Guo listened to the conversation between the mother and daughter, and pondered in his heart.

Half an hour.

Although the awning boat is not large, it has all the necessary parts.

In the middle of the cabin was a small table, and on both sides were cushioned couches.

Huang Rong and Guo Fu occupied one side.

The other side is empty.

Yang Guo had been standing at the stern rowing the boat the whole time, and he was indeed getting tired.

Although this body has practiced some Toad Kung Fu, it hasn't reached a high level yet, and its physical strength is limited.

"Aunt Guo".

Yang Guo suddenly spoke up, "The current is calm ahead, and the wind is favorable. Could you... rest for a while, Guo'er?"

Huang Rong was stunned for a moment.

She glanced back.

The boy's forehead was covered in sweat, and his clothes on the back were soaked through, clinging tightly to his body and revealing his thin but wiry back.

The sun was scorching, and being out in the sun all the time was truly unbearable.

"Come in."

Huang Rong said calmly, "Have a sip of water."

"Thank you, Aunt Guo."

Yang Guo secured the oar and let the boat drift with the current.

He lifted the curtain and went into the cabin.

A wave of heat followed him in.

But the heat carried the distinctive smell of sweat that is unique to teenagers.

It doesn't smell bad; on the contrary, it has a masculine quality.

Huang Rong subconsciously shrank back a little.

The cabin space is cramped.

When Yang Guo entered, the place seemed a bit crowded.

He didn't dare sit on the cushions there, but instead sat cross-legged on the floor by the door.

He was only two feet away from Huang Rong.

This distance is very subtle.

So close you can smell the faint fragrance of orchids emanating from her.

They maintained basic courtesy despite their distance.

"Drink water."

Huang Rong pointed to the teapot on the table.

Yang Guo didn't stand on ceremony, poured himself a cup of cold tea, and drank it all in one gulp.

The sound of Adam's apple bobbing was exceptionally clear in the quiet cabin.

Huang Rong looked at his profile.

Sweat trickled down his temples, across his jawline, and dripped into his collar.

This kid does have good features.

He was much more handsome than Jing-gege was when he was young.

Especially those eyes.

Even with her eyes lowered, you can still see that the corners of her eyes are slightly upturned, giving her a charming, alluring look.

Men with this kind of face are most attractive to women.

Huang Rong's inner alarm bells were ringing.

What's wrong with me?

Why are you staring at this kid all the time?

She looked away, somewhat annoyed.

"Yang Guo, your body stench is unbearable."

Guo Fu covered her nose, looking disgusted. "Stay away from me."

Yang Guo smiled and didn't refute, but simply moved a little further towards the door.

"Young Miss is right. I'll go out for some fresh air and get some fresh air."

He made a move to get up.

"Please sit down."

Huang Rong suddenly spoke.

His voice was a little hoarse.

"It's very sunny outside, be careful not to get heatstroke. You'll have to trouble me to treat you then."

That was a bit awkward.

But it was a genuine attempt to retain them.

Guo Fu's eyes widened: "Mother? Why are you keeping him here?"

"Shut up."

Huang Rong glared at her daughter, "Say less and no one will think you're mute."

Guo Fu turned around angrily, her back to the two of them, and stopped talking.

An eerie silence fell over the cabin.

The water was splashing.

The boat rocked gently.

Yang Guo sat on the ground with his head down, seemingly honest, but in reality, he kept glancing at Huang Rong out of the corner of his eye.

She wore a plain white dress today, which made her look somewhat aloof.

But the fabric was thin and clung to the body, which actually accentuated her figure.

Sit upright with your back straight.

She truly resembled a dignified and proper matriarch.

It seemed that they had noticed the faint gaze.

Huang Rong suddenly turned her head.

He met Yang Guo's gaze.

Yang Guo did not dodge.

Instead of dodging, he smiled at her.

The smile was clean and pure, like the respect a junior has for an elder.

But Huang Rong sensed something else in that smile.

That's the way a man looks at a woman.

Huang Rong's heart skipped a beat.

This kid...

"Aunt Guo, why are you looking at Guo'er like that? Is there something dirty on Guo'er's face?"

Yang Guo touched his face, looking completely innocent.

Huang Rong took a deep breath, suppressing her surprise and doubt.

"It's nothing."

She said coldly, "I just think you look like your father."

"My dad?"

Yang Guo's eyes darkened. "Guo'er has never met his father. I've heard that he's a bad man."

Huang Rong's hand holding the teacup tightened suddenly. Her eyelids twitched, and her gaze locked onto Yang Guo's face.

This kid, he knows?

Who told him? Ke Zhen'e? Impossible. Although the master is a chatterbox, he can distinguish the importance of such a crucial secret.

Brother Jing? That's even more impossible. That blockhead would rather die of sullen silence than utter a word.

Who is that?

Huang Rong's mind raced with a thousand thoughts, but her face remained impassive.

"Who are you listening to gossip about?" Huang Rong's voice was cold and unreadable. "You are you, and your father is your father. Don't be a child and believe everything you hear."

In the corner, Guo Fu was fiddling with the tassels on the cushion with her back to the two of them. When she heard this, she perked up her ears but did not turn around.

Yang Guo sat on the floor, hugging his knees with both hands and resting his chin on his knees, like an abandoned puppy.

Nobody gossips.

He lowered his eyes, staring at the pair of jade-like feet peeking out from under Huang Rong's skirt. Although she was wearing embroidered shoes, they still looked small and exquisite.

"Guo'er isn't stupid." Yang Guo gave a self-deprecating smirk. "Ever since we entered Peach Blossom Island, Eunuch Ke has been shoving his cane on the ground whenever he sees me, as if he wants to poke a hole in me. Uncle Guo is kind to me, but every time he mentions my father, his eyes dart away, and he sighs. As for you, Aunt Guo..."

He raised his head, his gaze meeting Huang Rong's eyes.

"You taught Fu Mei and Da Wu and Xiao Wu martial arts, and you taught me to read. I know it was for my own good, because you were afraid that I would learn martial arts and use it to harm people. Just like my father whom I never met."

Huang Rong was startled.

This child is incredibly insightful.

She always thought she had done the perfect thing, using the excuse of "self-cultivation" to avoid teaching him martial arts.

Unexpectedly, the child had already seen through this facade.

The embarrassment of having one's thoughts exposed welled up inside.

"Guo'er, you're overthinking it." Huang Rong avoided his gaze and reached for the round fan on the table. "Studying and understanding principles is the right path. Your father suffered because he was uneducated..."

"My father didn't suffer because he was uneducated; he suffered because he was dishonest."

Yang Guo interrupted her.

The fan in Huang Rong's hand stopped in mid-air. She turned her head in surprise, as if she were seeing this young man for the first time.

There was no resentment on Yang Guo's face, only a coldness beyond his years.

"Although no one has said it outright, after spending so many years in the streets, I've pieced together a rough idea." Yang Guo shifted his posture, sitting up cross-legged. "He was a prince of the Great Jin Dynasty, living a life of luxury, pampered and loved. Uncle Guo helped him so much back then, and Master Qiu taught him so much, and what was the result?"

Yang Guo sneered: "Recognizing a thief as one's father, indulging in vanity. He clearly held a winning hand, yet he squandered it all."

The cabin was so quiet that only the sound of waves lapping against the hull could be heard.

Huang Rong was completely stunned.

She had imagined Yang Guo's reaction countless times after learning the truth. He would cry, he would hate, he would swear revenge.

I never expected him to evaluate Yang Kang so calmly.

Even with a hint of...disdain?

"Aunt Guo, do you think this kind of person is stupid?" Yang Guo asked, tilting his head.

Huang Rong opened her mouth, her throat feeling a little dry.

stupid?

Yang Kang was clever all his life, scheming against people's hearts, but in the end, he met such a tragic end. In Yang Guo's words, he was simply "stupid."

"Indeed...not smart enough." Huang Rong managed to squeeze out these words.

"So," Yang Guo spread his hands and shrugged, "why should I follow his example? Even though I have no parents, I still have a sense of shame."

His words were crude, but every single one made sense.

Huang Rong looked at him. The young man did indeed resemble Yang Kang in his features, and even his cleverness was similar. But the clarity in his eyes at this moment was something Yang Kang never possessed, even in his death.

Yang Kang's cleverness is superficial, but this child possesses great wisdom.

The thorn that had always been in Huang Rong's heart loosened slightly at this moment.

She's been wary of him for so many years, only to find out she was just being too clever for her own good?

"Guo'er..." Huang Rong sighed, her guard down considerably, "It's because your aunt... underestimated you."

"It's not your fault, Auntie." Yang Guo lowered his head, his voice deepening. "He's my father, after all. It's understandable that you're wary of me."

That's a really hurtful thing to say.

Huang Rong's heart clenched suddenly.

Looking at the boy's dejected head, she suddenly wondered if she had gone too far these past few years.

A child, burdened by his father's sins, carefully struggles to survive in the cracks, and even has to comfort his elder.

She's so sensible.

She's so sensible it breaks my heart.

"Nonsense!" Huang Rong raised her eyebrows, her tone stern yet revealing concern. "Mencius said, 'Human nature is inherently good.' As long as you act uprightly and honestly, who would dare to say you're not good at all?"

"Really?" Yang Guo looked up abruptly, his eyes sparkling. "Then Aunt Guo... doesn't dislike me?"

Those peach blossom eyes, shimmering with moisture, held a hopeful look, much like a little animal begging for food.

Huang Rong's heart softened, and her eyes welled up with tears.

"Silly child." She reached out her hand and, without hesitation this time, gently placed it on the back of Yang Guo's hand.

"If your aunt disliked you, why would she have taken you to Zhongnan Mountain? Why would she have given you the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill?"

"In the past... Auntie misunderstood."

Her tone was apologetic.

Yang Guo looked down at the hand.

Fair-skinned, soft, and extremely well-maintained.

He did not become rough despite years of martial arts training.

He used his backhand.

Palms facing upwards.

He gently took Huang Rong's fingers in his hand.

"Aunt Guo, you flatter me."

He didn't let go.

He gently rubbed his fingertips against her palm.

The movement was very light, seemingly unintentional.

But Huang Rong sensed it.

The rough calluses brushed against my palm, sending a faint electric current through me.

She should have pulled her hand away.

But looking into Yang Guo's sincere and admiring eyes, she realized she was just overthinking things.

The child just opened up about his feelings and treated me like family. What's wrong with shaking hands?

If you overreact, it will make you seem guilty.

So she didn't move.

He let that large hand hold him.

The temperature inside the cabin seemed to have risen a bit.

Guo Fu watched from the side, feeling that something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Hey, how long are you going to hold on?"

Guo Fu threw the apple core out the window and muttered something.

Huang Rong pulled her hand back as if she had been electrocuted.

A flicker of panic crossed his face.

"cough."

She smoothed her sideburns to hide her embarrassment.

"Now that we've laid our cards on the table, you'd better behave yourself in the Quanzhen Sect from now on. Don't embarrass your Uncle Guo."

"Yes."

"I promise I won't embarrass Aunt Guo!"

Yang Guo withdrew his hand, the soft warmth still lingering on his fingertips.

"Alright, stop being so cheeky." Huang Rong turned her face away, picked up her round fan, and fanned herself vigorously a few times.

The wind lifted the stray hairs at her temples and brushed against her fair neck.

The cabin was stuffy and hot.

Huang Rong fanned herself a few times, then felt her collar was a little tight and subconsciously tugged at her clothes. With that tug, the snow-white skin beneath her collarbone was revealed even more.

Yang Guo, with his sharp eyes, immediately spotted a red mark deep inside the collar.

That was the night before last...

His Adam's apple bobbed, and he quickly looked away, pretending to look at the scenery outside the window.

The first step was successful.

Once the biggest threat of being "Yang Kang's son" is eliminated, half of Huang Rong's psychological defenses against him will collapse.

The rest.

It's like grinding water; you slowly work your way up.

"Mom, I'm so hot!"

Guo Fu started causing trouble again, slamming the soft pillow she was holding onto the ground. "When will this lousy boat ever get off? I want to get off! I want to take a bath!"

That shout instantly dispelled the ambiguous atmosphere in the cabin.

Huang Rong snapped out of her daze and regained her maternal authority: "What are you yelling about? Calm down and you'll feel cool. Just bear with it a little longer, the town is just ahead."

"I can't take it anymore!" Guo Fu, in a fit of temper, lost all sense of propriety. "Yang Guo! Are you slacking off? Why is the boat moving slower and slower?"

Yang Guo looked completely innocent: "Miss, even with everything going smoothly, I can't make it fly."

"You dare talk back!" Guo Fu raised her foot to kick him.

The cabin was cramped, and when she kicked out, she didn't hit Yang Guo, but instead kicked the wooden table in the middle.

"Splash!"

The teapot tipped over.

The herbal tea spilled out, flowing down the wooden table, with most of it splashing onto Huang Rong's skirt.

Huang Rong exclaimed in surprise and instinctively stood up.

The boat was already rocking, and she got up so fast that she slipped and lost her balance.

Yang Guo was quick-witted and agile.

This is a freebie delivered right to your doorstep; only a fool wouldn't take it.

Instead of using his hands to support her shoulders, he leaned forward, opened his arms, and gave Huang Rong a tight hug.

"Bang."

The two of them fell to the floor together.

Yang Guo is below, Huang Rong is above.

Yang Guo's mind went blank for a moment.

This touch... is a hundred times more real than the one I felt through the water the night before last!

"Mother!" Guo Fu was terrified.

Huang Rong was also stunned.

She placed her hands on Yang Guo's chest, trying to get up, but found that his arms were tightly wrapped around her waist. The force was astonishing, making it hard for her to breathe.

"Guo'er..." Huang Rong's face flushed red, both ashamed and angry. "Let go!"

"Aunt Guo...Aunt Guo, are you alright?" Yang Guo's voice trembled, with a hint of tears in it. "I was so scared! I thought you were going to hurt yourself."

As he spoke, he reluctantly let go of her hand, but as he did so, his fingertips "accidentally" brushed against her side waist.

Huang Rong suddenly felt all her strength drain away again.

This isn't the road to the Quanzhen Sect; it's clearly a fast ship to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

That damned enemy!

Huang Rong frantically propped herself up, her skirt clinging uncomfortably to her legs, soaked with sweat. She dared not look Yang Guo in the eye, and could only vent her anger on Guo Fu.

"Look what you've done!"

Guo Fu shrank into a ball after being yelled at, not daring to utter a sound.

Yang Guo also got up. He lowered his head, seemingly very frightened, but his hand, hidden in his sleeve, was still savoring the wonderful feeling from just now.

"Aunt Guo, your clothes are wet, you'll easily catch a cold," Yang Guo said considerately. "We'll be at the shore soon, I'll go buy you a new set."

Huang Rong took a few deep breaths, forcibly suppressing the panic in her heart and that inexplicable heat.

She gave Yang Guo a deep look.

Was that hug from the kid unintentional or deliberate?

If it's unintentional, then what about the body's reaction?

If you intend to...

Huang Rong dared not think any further. She found that she was not actually averse to it; in fact, for a brief moment, a long-lost desire had surged through her body.

Eighteen years of living as a widow, is that really going to drive a person crazy?

"No need." Huang Rong turned around, her back to Yang Guo. "After we reach the shore, let's find an inn to rest. I have a change of clothes with me."

"Yes," Yang Guo replied respectfully.

A wicked smile curled at the corner of his mouth.