Traveling through the second dimension, the joy system encourages me to laugh heartily!

The next moment, he appeared in front of Maho's bedroom door and gently pushed it open.

This was the unspoken agreement reached between Taldo and Maho when they exchanged that glance earlier. Even in the moments before falling into a deep sleep, the kind-hearted Taldo clung to her last shred of consciousness, softly reminding him in his ear, "Brother...go and keep Maho company...she's waiting for you too..."

In the bedroom, under the soft light, Maho was indeed still awake.

She was sitting in a chair by the window, holding a book in her hands, but her gaze seemed not to be focused on the pages. Instead, she was looking at the huge planet outside the window, her profile carrying a hint of imperceptible loneliness.

Hearing the noise, Mahe turned her head and saw Chen Ming's figure. Her eyes instantly lit up with surprise, but that light was quickly masked by her habitual aloofness.

"Professor, you actually arrived early..."

She put down her book and stood up, her tone carrying just the right amount of surprise and joy, "I was already mentally prepared to wait alone until dawn."

As she spoke, she instinctively reached out to brew Chen Ming a pot of her specialty herbal tea, just as she always did.

Marho's herbal tea has a unique flavor, just the right amount of sweetness, and a pleasant aroma. Drinking it can indeed soothe the mind and body, which Chen Ming has always liked.

"Don't rush with the tea," Chen Ming said with a smile, stopping her and taking a few steps forward. "Today, could you try brewing the tea a little... a little more bitter?"

Seeing the slightly puzzled look in Maho's eyes, he stretched out his hand and waved it gently in the air.

In an instant, as if by magic, a table full of exquisite and tempting desserts appeared on the nearby table. Various macarons, cream cakes, fruit tarts, chocolate lava cakes… a dazzling array, exuding a sweet aroma. This perfectly catered to Maho's tastes and also provided a timely sugar boost to her body, which had just undergone strenuous exercise and expended a lot of energy.

Chen Ming explained to Ma He, "I remember you really like these kinds of desserts, right? The feeling of bittersweetness is perfect for the atmosphere right now."

"Wow……"

Marho let out a soft gasp, looking at the table full of her favorite desserts, her purple eyes brimming with joy, "I'm so happy, these are all my favorite desserts!"

While Maho was happily refining the tea, Chen Ming glanced around the room, then raised his hand again, conjuring a cluster of exquisitely beautiful flowers unique to this other world—the Muna Flower. This flower has petals of varying shades of purple, an elegant form, and a delicate fragrance, making it Maho's favorite.

He ceremoniously placed the bouquet into the crystal vase on the table, adding a vibrant and romantic touch to the room.

Chen Ming's approach was quite effective; if he had used Taldo or Tia instead, the flowers wouldn't have been as effective.

Taldo would probably be even happier to receive a pile of delicious food;

If given to Tia, a precious magic book would please her even more.

However, among the three, Maho's sensibility is undoubtedly the most in line with the traditional understanding of "woman". She appreciates this kind of subtle and elegant romance.

"Oh my, it's a Muna flower."

Mahe returned with the freshly brewed tea, her eyes immediately drawn to the bouquet of purple flowers. Her gaze lingered between the flowers and the table full of desserts before finally settling on Chen Ming's smiling face. A smile played on her lips, but her tone carried a hint of playful teasing:

"You even managed to gather all my favorite desserts and bouquets... Mentor, you're being a little too thoughtful. It might make people feel... wary, since there's always a reason for such kindness!"

Despite saying that, her beaming smile and radiant expression, like the first melting of snow, betrayed her true feelings.

It seems that this carefully prepared "compensation" has indeed pleased Maho.

Chen Ming secretly breathed a sigh of relief—after all, she had so generously given up her "priority" and waited here alone for quite some time. He should make it up to her, both emotionally and logically, and let her feel that he valued and cherished her equally.

In terms of balancing relationships with the girls in his harem, ensuring that each one feels uniquely treated and carefully cared for, Chen Ming has long been experienced and can be considered a professional.

This night will undoubtedly be an unforgettable memory filled with sweetness and warmth for Maho.

"Because I made you suffer, I have to be considerate."

Chen Ming's words were gentle and sincere, like a warm breeze that gently brushed across Ma He's heart, creating ripples.

"Is that so...Teacher, that's what you think. That's perfect, I have something I'd like to ask you."

Marho, holding a carefully brewed cup of herbal tea, sat down on the soft chair opposite Chen Ming and gently placed the teacup on the coffee table between them.

"I will agree to anything that is within my ability."

Chen Ming's answer was without the slightest hesitation, revealing his indulgence towards the girl.

Maho's lips curved slightly, but the smile quickly disappeared, replaced by an expression that was a mixture of shyness and determination.

“Only you can do it,” she emphasized, her voice soft yet firm, her gaze meeting Chen Ming’s. “But… I’ll ask you for help after we finish dessert. Now, please enjoy the tea I’ve made.”

“As you say,” Chen Ming nodded readily, his gaze falling on the fragrant herbal tea in front of him. “It would be a real waste to let the herbal tea you painstakingly brewed go cold. It’s quite a pity.”

He knew that Marho was extremely meticulous in brewing herbal teas. She would carefully adjust the water temperature according to the type of tea she selected, precisely calculate the steeping time, and even be extremely particular about the water quality.

Of all the people Chen Ming knew, only Mahe was so meticulous in brewing tea.

Behind this lies her unique and elegant way of expressing care.

The two temporarily set aside the unspoken "please" and began a relaxed conversation over the table laden with exquisite desserts. The conversation ranged from daily life in the Heavenly Palace Space City to their experiences in magic cultivation, and then to some trivial anecdotes…

Sweet pastries and warm, fragrant vanilla tea are a perfect match, and the relaxed atmosphere gradually dispelled the last trace of tension between Maho's brows.

Before we knew it, the tea and snacks on the table were all gone, and the teacups were emptied.

So, as if she had made up her mind, the girl deliberately cleared her throat, and the sound was particularly clear in the quiet room.

Then she raised her head, her cheeks flushed with a beautiful blush, like white jade bathed in the glow of the setting sun, and began to speak:

“Just now… Taldor did that too, didn’t she…” She didn’t say it explicitly, but they both knew what was going on. “Teacher, if… if I wanted it too, could I?”

She paused, as if organizing her thoughts or gathering more courage, and tears began to well up in her eyes. Behind those tears lay a long-suppressed unease and longing.

“I like my mentor, I really like him… But if we just maintain this relationship, I feel like I don’t receive as much love as Tia or Taldo. I even start to doubt whether I’m the most insignificant, the most negligible one… Because I’m the only one who hasn’t developed that kind of intimate relationship with my mentor… If this continues, I can’t have confidence in myself, and I can’t be sure of my place in my mentor’s heart…”

As she finished speaking, the tears welling up in her eyes finally slid down her cheeks, but she immediately wiped them away and leaned forward to look at Chen Ming with anticipation. Her expression was both incredibly cute, like a young girl revealing her true feelings, and full of heartbreaking vulnerability and sincerity.

Chen Ming's heart was filled with complex emotions: pity, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility as the one in charge of the relationship. He looked back at her calmly and honestly, his tone solemn:

"Maho, I need to make it clear first, I can't love only you..."

Before Chen Ming could finish speaking, Ma He puffed out her cheeks.

It's rare for her to act so childlike.

"I understand. Even so, I'm willing!"

"And that's not all, I'm much older than you..."

"I don't care!"

Maho's answer was faster and more resolute. She stood up abruptly and sat down next to Chen Ming, closing the distance between them and demonstrating her determination through her actions.

Then, the girl stopped talking and just gazed at him silently and affectionately. Her watery eyes were filled with expectation and pleading—what she wanted was not a discussion full of rational analysis, but a positive answer!

Seeing this, Chen Ming no longer hesitated. He reached out and gently cupped Ma He's burning cheeks, leaned down, and tenderly kissed her lips, which were trembling slightly with nervousness.

He responded directly with his actions!

For a long time, the lips are divided.

Maho greedily inhaled the fresh air to relieve the dizziness caused by oxygen deprivation in her brain.

Her eyes were a little unfocused as she murmured softly, "Hmm...it feels completely different from the hugs, kisses, and lifting me up high before...it's...it's an adult's kiss..."

Maho's words instantly transported Chen Ming's thoughts to distant times, recalling the times he used to play with her. Everything seemed so innocent, familiar yet completely different. Time had passed, and she and Taldo had indeed grown up, shedding their childishness and becoming big, round, and fair-skinned...

"Because in the past, I treated you more like family." Chen Ming explained gently, his fingers lightly brushing away the stray hairs on her forehead.

Marho nestled in his arms, feeling the intimacy of their growing relationship, her voice soft yet carrying a clear plea: "We can continue like this... I'll always be your family. But from now on, you have to treat me like your lover too."

"As you wish." Chen Ming smiled, giving her the promise she most wanted to hear. He gently patted the girl's pink back and suggested, "Then, shall we go take a bath?"

This suggestion revealed his thoughtfulness—after all, he still carried Taldor's scent and needed to be cleansed before giving Marho a perfect and memorable first experience, ensuring she didn't feel slighted or confused. This was also his way of expressing his appreciation.

"Okay, I've already filled the bathtub with water."

"Maho said softly, with a hint of self-satisfaction in her tone," Maho said.

"So thoughtful." Chen Ming sincerely praised her. This advance preparation not only demonstrated her meticulousness but also revealed her deep concern for what was about to happen.

"I'm really looking forward to it!"

A sweet, shy smile curved Maho's lips as she reached out and gently took Chen Ming's hand. Her fingertips were slightly cool, yet held a firm strength, leading Chen Ming step by step into the warm, steamy bathroom.

That smile as she turned back, bathed in the dim bathroom light, seemed to embody all tenderness, causing Chen Ming's heart to flutter and leaving him slightly mesmerized.

At that moment, he realized with absolute clarity that the little girl who needed his protection back then, who was somewhat aloof and distant, had truly grown up.

Her growth was not instantaneous, but in this particular moment, all the changes condensed into the slender figure before us and the charming and captivating look in her eyes.

He couldn't help but think of Taldo, that lively and straightforward girl, who had grown up to be even more charming and adorable, like a plump and juicy fruit;

Maho, on the other hand, is like a finely crafted jade, having shed its initial immaturity and radiating a restrained yet elegant brilliance—a beauty that is more serene and intriguing.

This beauty is almost incongruous with the guarded and uneasy, frail figure I first met.

Even so, facing the obviously nervous yet expectant girl before him, Chen Ming told himself that he had to appear very composed. He was her mentor, her support at this moment. If even he showed the slightest sign of panic, then Mahe, who was already mustering her courage, would surely become even more uneasy, and might even back down.

We need to stay calm.

He silently repeated it to himself.

The bathing process took place in a tacit and tranquil atmosphere, with the warm water washing away the dust and seemingly easing some of the tension in the nerves.

After taking a shower, Chen Ming dried himself with a towel and stepped out of the bathroom first.

About fifteen minutes later, the bathroom door was gently pushed open again.

Amidst the rising steam, Maho's figure slowly emerged.

She didn't approach Jing immediately, but stopped a few steps away, her hands nervously clasped in front of her, her voice filled with obvious shyness and anticipation, as she softly asked, "What do you think...?"

As she spoke, she turned slightly so that Chen Ming could see the whole picture.

What Maho was wearing was not ordinary pajamas, but a "decisive battle suit" specially prepared for tonight.

The color was a deep black with a hint of blue, like a tranquil night sky, which perfectly complemented her long, cascading blue hair, making her both mysterious and elegant.

The design is bold and provocative, perfectly outlining her already mature and beautiful curves. The details of lace and ribbons further accentuate her unique allure, somewhere between youthful innocence and maturity, under the dim lighting.

Chapter 285: Embracing Both

Chen Ming scrutinized her carefully for a moment, his eyes revealing undisguised appreciation, and sincerely commented, "It suits you very well."

These four simple words instantly lit up Maho's eyes.

He then beckoned, his tone gentle yet carrying an irresistible pull: "Come here."

"Okay, okay." Maho moved her feet as instructed, but her voice was much softer and sweeter than Ping's, and even had a slight tremor.

"Your tone is different from when you were pinging." Chen Ming noticed this keenly. When he was pinging, Maho's voice always carried a cool and calm tone.

“Yes…” Maho honestly admitted, her cheeks turning even redder, “I’m starting to look a bit like Taldo… because I get nervous too.” She revealed her helplessness, and this honesty only made her more endearing.

Chen Ming sat down on the edge of the bed and patted the spot next to him.

Mahe, who originally intended to sit down as instructed, changed her mind the moment she leaned against Jing. As if she had lost all her strength, or perhaps she longed for more direct contact, her body went limp and she fell directly into Chen Ming's broad and warm embrace.

Chen Ming took a deep breath: "There's a unique fragrance..."

“I used magic oil,” Maho explained, her voice muffled in his arms, “After showering, I rub it on my body, and it not only gives off a special fragrance and makes my skin look and feel better, but also… it makes my skin feel smoother and more delicate.”

The girl made no secret of the little tricks she used to please him.

"Pairing the battle suit with sesame oil, that's really thoughtful."

Chen Ming couldn't help but sigh, and his arm naturally wrapped around her. This habit of making thorough preparations beforehand and striving for perfection was indeed very much in Marho's style—rigorous, meticulous, and with a unique romanticism.

Upon hearing this, Maho slightly raised her head, a barely perceptible hint of inferiority flashing in her eyes: "I'm not as charming as Tia or Taldo... I can't stand in front of you with peace of mind without dressing up properly."

"That's not true."

Chen Ming immediately denied it, his tone firm yet gentle. He lowered his head and looked directly into her eyes, "They both have their own charm, but you, Maho, you are just as dazzling, by no means inferior."

"I've got it..."

Maho stubbornly retorted in a low voice, but her eyes softened considerably at his words:

"Besides, even if that's the case... I can't truly feel at ease without making these preparations. I want to... present the most pleasing side of myself to you as much as possible."

"Besides, I'm also very good at preparing for lessons. I've read a lot of books in advance to study, all to please you..."

Chen Ming stroked the girl's long hair and praised, "Is that so? Maho is such a good student, truly remarkable!"

"Yes, I became like this to meet my mentor's requirements. So, leave everything to me today... I will absolutely make you fall head over heels for me."

After saying that, Maho smiled and gave Chen Ming a sweet kiss, then whispered in his ear, "I love you the most~"

The girl in his arms was trying her best to please him, and she had made so many preparations in silence. These careful and sincere actions filled Chen Ming's heart with a warm tenderness, making him feel incredibly comforted.