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

The boat docked.

It was a bustling town called Shuangqiao Town. People came and went at the dock, and the shouts of porters rose and fell.

Huang Rong didn't rush off the boat. She sat in the cabin, holding a round fan to cover the large tea stain on her body.

A gust of wind blew, and I felt a chill on my skin.

How can I face anyone looking like this?

"Mother, we've arrived! Hurry up!" Guo Fu, who had been waiting impatiently, urged from the bow of the boat.

"What's the rush?" Huang Rong snapped coldly. She glanced at Yang Guo, who was tying the rope.

The boy, with his back to the cabin door, laboriously carried the luggage like an old ox. Three large bundles, along with Guo Fu's pile of odds and ends, were all hanging on his back.

"Guo'er".

"Oh, Aunt Guo." Yang Guo turned around, his face covered in sweat, and smiled憨厚ly.

"Bring me that cloak."

Yang Guo moved nimbly, pulling a gray cloth cloak from his bundle. This was an old item left by Guo Jing, originally intended for Yang Guo to keep warm.

Huang Rong took the cloak and wrapped herself up tightly. The large cloak concealed her graceful figure and the wet stains that made one blush. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief and stand up, holding onto the cabin door.

"Let's go."

The group went ashore.

It was lunchtime, and the aroma of food wafted from the restaurants and eateries in town. Guo Fu, smelling the fragrance, felt her stomach rumble even louder and dragged Huang Rong towards the largest restaurant.

It was an old establishment called "Yuelai Inn," a grand three-story building.

Yang Guo followed behind, his body laden with bags and bundles, looking like a refugee. But his eyes were elsewhere, fixed on the figure in front of him, wrapped in a gray cloak.

Although he couldn't see anything, his mind was filled with the scene in the cabin.

That feel is so bouncy.

Upon entering the lobby, it was bustling with noise. Waiters with white towels draped over their shoulders flitted among the tables and chairs like butterflies.

"Sir, would you like a meal or a room?" The waiter came up and, with his sharp eyes, immediately recognized Huang Rong's extraordinary bearing. Although she was wearing an old cloak, her face and noble air were impossible to hide.

"We'll have both a meal and a place to stay," Huang Rong said calmly. "Give us three superior rooms, and prepare a bucket of hot water to be delivered to our rooms."

All she wanted to do was get these wet clothes off as quickly as possible. They were sticky and uncomfortable against her skin.

The waiter's smile froze for a moment, and he apologized with a bitter expression, "Oh dear, madam, what bad luck. You're a step too late."

"What's wrong?"

"There's a temple fair in our town today, and merchants from all around have come. Forget about the best rooms, even the shared rooms are full." The waiter pointed to the people sharing tables in the main hall. "You see, you have to queue to eat."

Huang Rong frowned.

Guo Fu immediately exploded: "What kind of shabby inn is this! Not even a room? I've got plenty of money, call your manager here!"

"Miss, this isn't about money," the waiter said, bowing repeatedly. "No rooms means no rooms. Even if you summoned the emperor himself, I couldn't conjure up a room."

"What should I do?" Guo Fu stamped her foot. "I'm exhausted, and I still need to take a shower!"

Huang Rong was also annoyed. Normally, she would simply go to another shop. But dressed like this, she really didn't want to walk around the streets. What if the wind blew her cloak open, revealing the dignified leader of the Beggars' Sect in such a disheveled state? What kind of image would that be?

"Not a single one?" Huang Rong persisted.

The waiter scratched his head, thinking for a long time: "It's not absolutely impossible... There's a 'Top-Tier' suite in the backyard. It was originally reserved for a distinguished guest, but that guest just sent word that they can't make it. However..."

"Just what?"

"This is the only room left," the waiter said, shrugging.

One room?

Huang Rong's expression changed.

There were three of them.

"No way!" Guo Fu shrieked, "I don't want to share a room with Yang Guo! Men and women shouldn't be so close; how will I ever get married if word gets out?"

The diners around them turned their heads and looked at the man and two women with ambiguous expressions.

Huang Rong, embarrassed, snapped, "Shut up! What are you yelling about in public!"

She turned to look at Yang Guo.

Yang Guo stood behind a pile of luggage, head down, looking extremely awkward and humble.

"Aunt Guo, Fu-mei is right," Yang Guo said softly. "My status is too lowly to share a room with you and Aunt Guo. I see there are some benches in the main hall. I'll make do here for the night and keep watch for you."

He spoke sincerely, appearing to be completely concerned about the bigger picture.

Huang Rong looked at his thin frame.

This kid just opened up to me on the boat, and now I'm making him sleep on a bench? If Brother Jing finds out, won't he blame me to death? Besides, he's still injured.

"Nonsense." Huang Rong sighed. "You're Brother Jing's nephew, how can you be allowed to sleep in the main hall?"

She turned to the waiter and asked, "What's the layout of that apartment?"

"Madam, that's our best room. It's two rooms, separated by a wooden railing. The inner room has a large canopy bed, and the outer room has a daybed; it's very spacious."

Huang Rong pondered for a moment.

Two rooms, one inside and one outside, would suffice.

"This room will do then," Huang Rong decided. "Fu'er will sleep in the inner room with me, and Guo'er will sleep on the daybed in the outer room. There's a door and a screen in the middle, so we won't disturb each other."

"Mother!" Guo Fu protested again.

"Otherwise, you can sleep on the streets," Huang Rong said coldly, cutting off Guo Fu's words.

Guo Fu pouted, looking aggrieved, and glared at Yang Guo fiercely.

Yang Guo was overjoyed inside, but on the surface he looked apprehensive: "This...this is not a good idea, is it? I'm afraid of disturbing your rest, Auntie."

"Alright, when you're traveling, you have to be flexible." Huang Rong tightened her cloak; the damp, sticky feeling was unbearable for a moment longer. "Waiter, lead the way. Bring up some hot water quickly."

……

The top-tier room was indeed spacious.

Upon entering, there is a small hall furnished with a round table and stools. To the left is a large daybed covered with a brocade cushion. Further inside is a carved mahogany moon gate, draped with thick beaded curtains and drapes. Through the drapes, one can vaguely see a large, gilded bed inside.

There is indeed a difference between the inside and outside.

The waiter brought hot water into the inner room and poured it into a large wooden tub that could hold two people. The steaming water instantly warmed the room.

"Please enjoy your meal, sir. The food will be served shortly." The waiter left, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

The room fell silent.

Huang Rong stood in the inner room and said to the outside through the beaded curtain, "Guo'er and Fu'er, you two rest outside for a while. Don't come in without my permission."

"Yes, Guo'er understands."

Yang Guo readily agreed. He unloaded his bundle onto the couch and collapsed onto it.

This is a good location.

He lay on the couch, turned his head to the side, and looked into the inner room.

Although a partition was installed to obscure the view, the partition was covered with window paper, allowing light to pass through and providing poor sound insulation.

The rustling sound of fabric rubbing together could be heard from inside.

That was the sound of a belt being unbuckled.

Yang Guo held his breath.

A graceful silhouette was reflected on the screen.

First, the cloak slipped off.

Immediately afterwards, the figure raised its hand, seemingly to unbutton its collar. The movement was somewhat hurried, clearly because the wet clothes were too uncomfortable clinging to its body.

"Mother, I want to wash too," Guo Fu suddenly said.

"Wait a minute," Huang Rong's voice was a little muffled. "I'm covered in tea, it's sticky and uncomfortable. I'll wash first, then you can wash after I change the water."

"oh."

The shadows behind the screen swayed.

The shadow instantly became thinner, but also more shapely.

He heard the sound of water.

"Splash!"

That was the sound of water entering the vessel.

"Yang Guo!"

Guo Fu suddenly stood up and came out.

Yang Guo was startled and quickly closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep.

"Stop pretending, I know you're not asleep." Guo Fu walked over and kicked the foot of the bed. "Get up and get me a glass of water."

Yang Guo opened his eyes, looking bewildered: "Miss, the kettle is right on the table, can't you pour it yourself?"

"I'm the young lady, and you're the servant, so of course you should pour it," Guo Fu said matter-of-factly.

Helpless, Yang Guo could only get up and pour her water.

The sound of water continued in the inner room.

You can vaguely hear the sound of Huang Rong splashing water on her body, and a soft sigh after extreme relaxation.

Guo Fu was drinking water and didn't notice.

Yang Guo's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, and a few drops of scalding tea splashed onto the back of his hand, but he was completely unaware of it.

"What are you looking at?" Guo Fu asked him suspiciously.

Yang Guo quickly looked away and pointed out the window: "It's getting late. I wonder when the food will be served."

Just then, the sound of water inside stopped.

With a "splash," the sound of water gushing out.

Then came the sound of wiping a body.

After a while, the beaded curtain rustled.

Huang Rong came out.

Yang Guo caught his breath after just one glance.

She changed into a moon-white undergarment, over which she wore a light blue long robe. Her hair was still damp, casually tied into a loose bun, with a few strands clinging to her cheeks and neck.

The most deadly thing is that face.

Steamed in hot water, it turned a pale pinkish-white, like a ripe peach, so juicy it seemed ready to burst with juice at the slightest touch. Its usual dignified and imposing aura was softened by the dampness, instead gaining a unique charm characteristic of a young woman.

Those eyes were shimmering, and when they looked at people, it was as if they had hooks in them.

"Mother, are you done washing?" Guo Fu put down her teacup. "Then I'll go wash up."

"Go ahead. Tell the waiter to change the water." Huang Rong walked to the table and sat down.

She felt a little thirsty.

Yang Guo, being very perceptive, immediately offered a cup of warm tea: "Aunt Guo, please have some tea."

Huang Rong took the teacup, her fingertips touching Yang Guo's hand.

Hot.

Yang Guo kept his head down, not daring to look at her. But that uniquely masculine aura seemed particularly aggressive in this enclosed space.

Huang Rong felt a little uncomfortable.

"Guo'er".

"exist."

"You must be tired from your journey." Huang Rong tried to keep her voice calm. "When we get to the Quanzhen Sect, I'll leave you more money. You must also strive to do well."

"Guo'er knows." Yang Guo stood beside her and bowed slightly.

Huang Rong seemed to sense something, subconsciously adjusted her collar, and looked up at him.

Her eyes held a hint of warning, and a hint of panic that she herself didn't even realize.

"Why are you standing so close?" Huang Rong frowned. "Sit further away."

"Yes." Yang Guo took two steps back and sat on the stool opposite him.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Sir, your food is ready!"

The waiter pushed open the door and came in, carrying a tray.

The waiter was stunned for a moment as soon as he entered.

Why does the atmosphere in this room feel so strange?

The beautiful woman's face was as red as if she had been drinking, and although the young man sat properly, his eyes looked as if he wanted to devour her.

"Put it down," Huang Rong instructed.

The waiter quickly set the dishes out and then fled as if escaping.

The dishes were plentiful.

Braised lion's head meatballs, steamed sea bass, and a pot of Shaoxing wine.

Guo Fu was still taking a bath inside, and the sound of the rushing water never stopped.

Only Huang Rong and Yang Guo were in the outer room.

"Eat up." Huang Rong picked up her chopsticks. "No need to wait for Fu'er, she takes a long time to bathe."

"Thank you, Aunt Guo."

Yang Guo didn't stand on ceremony and picked up a piece of fish and put it in his mouth.

"Is it tasty?"

"It's delicious," Yang Guo nodded, "but not as delicious as Aunt Guo's."

Huang Rong chuckled lightly: "Smooth-tongued."

That smile was like a hundred flowers blooming.

She poured Yang Guo a cup of wine: "Have some, it'll help you feel better. You must have had a tiring day on the boat."

Yang Guo was flattered and accepted the wine cup with both hands: "Thank you for the wine, Aunt Guo."

The two drank together.

The wine is good, mellow and smooth.

After a few drinks, Huang Rong's eyes became somewhat glazed. She wasn't a heavy drinker to begin with, and with something on her mind, she was even more prone to getting drunk.

Under the lamplight, the boy's face across from me became increasingly blurry, and gradually, it overlapped with the shadow of the person in my memory.

It wasn't Yang Kang.

It was when Brother Jing was young.

No, he's even more handsome and wicked than Brother Jing.

"Guo'er..." Huang Rong rested her forehead on her hand, her voice soft and sweet, "Do you hate your father?"

This is the same question again.

Yang Guo put down his wine cup and looked at Huang Rong's pretty face, which was so close to his.

She was drunk.

The neckline opened a little wider due to the large movement. That glimpse of snow-white skin was dazzling under the light.

"I don't hate you," Yang Guo said softly.

He stood up and walked to Huang Rong's side.

"Aunt Guo, you're drunk."

"I'm not drunk..." Huang Rong waved her hand, trying to stand up, but her legs went weak.

Yang Guo reached out and grabbed him.

This time, there was no rocking of the ship, and no accidents occurred.

He held her firmly in his arms.

One hand around her waist, the other supporting her back.

The body in my arms was burning hot, and as soft as a puddle of water.

Huang Rong leaned against his chest, her breath spraying onto his neck, carrying a strong scent of wine and orchids.

"Brother Jing..." she murmured.

Yang Guo stiffened, then a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

Brother Jing?

The person holding you now is Yang Guo.

He lowered his head, his lips almost touching Huang Rong's earlobe.

"Aunt Guo, I am Guo'er."

Huang Rong groggily opened her eyes and looked at the magnified face in front of her.

Peach blossom eyes, high nose bridge, thin lips.

That face is really beautiful.

She reached out and touched Yang Guo's cheek as if possessed.

My fingertips felt slightly cool.

"Guo'er..."

Yang Guo grabbed her hand and pressed it against his chest.

"I am here."

Just then, Guo Fu's voice came from the inner room.

"Mom! I'm done washing!"

Huang Rong suddenly woke up with a start.

Like a startled rabbit, she shoved Yang Guo aside, staggered back two steps, and bumped into the table, making a clattering sound as the bowls and chopsticks fell.

"Mother? What's wrong?" Guo Fu, wrapped in a bath towel, poked her head out.

Huang Rong leaned on the table, panting heavily, her face flushed red.

She dared not look at Yang Guo, feeling her heart pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of her throat.

"It's nothing." Huang Rong turned her back, her voice trembling. "I bumped into something by accident. Hurry up and get dressed so we can eat."

Yang Guo stood there, the soft, warm touch still lingering in his hand.

He watched Huang Rong's flustered figure and licked his lips.

This liquor is really strong.