Eyes Charming

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The bathwater in this pool is drawn from natural mountain springs and is warm all year round, making it hundreds of times more comfortable than modern artificial hot springs! This is the best thing about the unpolluted ancient times. When you're feeling irritable, a soak in the hot spring will make all your worries disappear. Your tired body and mind will feel much more relaxed after soaking in the hot spring, and all your tension will instantly unwind.

Something seems to be missing? Oh, right, why hasn't Xue come yet? Ever since she hurt Jinxuan so badly, she's been showing up almost every day while Jinxuan is soaking in the hot springs, laughing and frolicking in the tub for a while before slowly getting to the point. That's her real purpose for all this rambling—to give her a lecture, trying to brainwash her. Humph, she can't be bothered with her! Let her talk, let her sleep, we're separate. She'll only stop when she's completely hoarse, then slip away looking utterly defeated.

She had been listening to Xue's words, but was it really possible? Could she truly disregard forever and only cherish the memory of what she had? Could she truly let her heart gravitate towards this ancient form of love? Could she truly find happiness here, just like Xue? Her heart seemed to waver. Perhaps Xue was right; she couldn't make the decision for Jin Xuan or Yelü Ying. She couldn't presume that hurting Jin Xuan was for his own good, nor could she assume that their inevitable departure would cause them unbearable pain… Yet, she still couldn't face Jin Xuan with equanimity. Call her cowardly, call her a tortoise, she was avoiding the issue for as long as possible. As for Yelü Ying, she feared she couldn't give him a fair chance either, because she couldn't face him either…

As Ao Jun comfortably closed her eyes to rest, she was lost in her own thoughts, completely unaware of the unusual aura emanating from the bathroom. She didn't even notice when the person appeared and stared directly at her, who was lazily squinting her eyes, until that person's calm voice, so composed that it was impossible to discern any emotion from him, came through the bathroom.

"Grand Tutor Mo is having a good time!" A faint mocking voice pierced through the misty room and reached Ao Jun's ears as he was deep in thought.

Ao Jun was startled, her sharp eyes shooting towards the source of the sound. She coldly demanded, "Who!" Who dared to trespass into her residence, even entering her bathroom, without her noticing? She didn't know how long the person had been there, but she was certain their martial arts skills were extremely high; otherwise, even if she were deep in thought, she wouldn't have been completely oblivious. That voice seemed somewhat familiar, as if…

"It's only been a few days since we last met, and the Grand Tutor has already forgotten even my voice. How heartless!" The newcomer said with a slight smirk.

"It's you." Ao Jun's eyes widened in disbelief. She was truly shocked this time. She quickly submerged herself in the water, down to her chin, before coldly asking, "Why are you here? How long have you been here?" She hoped he had only been here a short time, and with the bathroom so foggy, he couldn't possibly see her father. But was that possible? For someone with internal energy, this thin fog was nothing. She could see him clearly. Her only hope was that he had only been in there a short time and hadn't yet adjusted to the foggy room.

"Of course I've come to visit the strategist. After all, we fought side by side before. It's only been a few days since we last met, and you've already become estranged from me! It really saddens me!" Jin Xuan said, feigning sadness, but his sarcastic tone made everyone uncomfortable.

"How long have you been here?" Ao Jun pressed again, her tone laced with suppressed urgency. Her body, hidden in the hot spring, trembled involuntarily. Jin Xuan before her was utterly unfamiliar. He stood with his arms crossed, a cold, mocking smile playing on his lips. His deep eyes betrayed no emotion. He appeared casual, yet his entire being exuded an undisguised kingly aura, instantly making the entire bathroom feel oppressive. Even the hot spring, which had felt so comfortable just moments before, now felt chillingly cold, making her want to escape.

Why did Jinxuan suddenly come? And why did he become like this, a complete stranger to her? Since that day, he hadn't come to the manor to see her again. She thought he had finally given up. Although her heart ached, wasn't this what she wanted? To stop thinking about him, she kept herself busy. But why did he come again today? And unlike before, when the steward would announce his arrival, he appeared in her bathroom without warning. Clearly, he hadn't alerted anyone in the manor. His tone was strange, as if he was suppressing his anger. This side of him really frightened her, and she couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

"Just arrived." Jin Xuan stared intently at Ao Jun in the water for a long while, until he saw that she was feeling unwell. Her face, which was already red from the warm spring water, was now even redder, making her look even more radiant and beautiful. She was clearly very anxious, but she was trying to appear calm. She was so beautiful and adorable. Her mouth was a little dry, so she turned her head slightly and said in a very magnetic voice, with a cold smile still on her lips.

"Phew, you can leave now." Seeing Jinxuan's words, Aojun didn't suspect anything and let out a soft breath, her heart finally at ease. But then, with a cold face, she ordered him to leave. How could she get up if Jinxuan didn't leave? She couldn't stay here forever! She would get sick. Although this place was very comfortable, soaking for too long would make her dizzy, and she didn't want to die here.

"Get out? I am, after all, a prince. For the Grand Tutor to issue such an order to leave is blatant insubordination!" Jin Xuan said with a sarcastic smile as he slowly walked to the edge of the bath, squatted down, and gently splashed the warm water with his flawless hand. His movements were so elegant and captivating. His perfectly sculpted face was also slightly flushed by the steam, making his already cold and aloof demeanor appear so gentle. If one ignored the mocking smile at the corner of his mouth, it would truly be a beautiful sight! It was enough to make one's heart itch with desire!

Ao Jun unconsciously swallowed hard, a strange heat rising in her body. His actions of stirring the water seemed to be stirring her heart, making her feel as if a thousand ants were crawling inside her. Instinctively, she moved back, her heart pounding rapidly: Oh no, she'd been soaking for too long, her body was already reacting. She had to get rid of this plague quickly, or she would suffocate.

"Hmph, Your Highness? Does Your Highness mean you can just barge into someone's home and spy on them while they bathe?" Ao Jun sneered coldly, her sharp eyes fixed on Jin Xuan, expressing her anger. However, hiding in the water, she had no imposing presence at all. Her flushed face, her dark eyes shimmering with moisture, and her slightly upturned red lips made her look like she was trying to seduce Jin Xuan.

"Hehe... How can you say it's someone else? What kind of relationship do we have? Why bother with these formalities? Isn't that right, my young master Mo Jun?" Jin Xuan suddenly chuckled as if he had heard something funny. He smiled innocently at Ao Jun with a slightly roguish air, as if they were buddies. However, the word "young master" seemed to be uttered through gritted teeth.

"You are a prince, and I am the Crown Prince's tutor. Our relationship is merely that of fellow officials, isn't it, Prince Jin? Your Highness has a penchant for barging into ministers' homes to watch them bathe. I have no interest in putting on a show for Your Highness, so please have some self-respect and leave." Ao Jun said coldly, pointing to the door with a sullen face, ruthlessly drawing a line between them. At this moment, she was completely focused on dealing with the unfamiliar Jin Xuan, and didn't even notice the difference in how Jin Xuan spoke of Young Master Mo. Her heart was screaming: Get out of here! She felt so uncomfortable all over. Was this how they were punishing her father? They might as well just take a knife and kill her to make it quick. This Jin Xuan really left her in a dilemma, unable to advance or retreat.

"Oh, so that's all our relationship is like! How heartbreaking. I thought we were at least friends! Back at the border, Strategist Mo didn't treat me like this. Could it be that I'm no longer of any use to you?" Jin Xuan raised an eyebrow and walked along the edge of the bath, a smile that could charm anyone. As for what she meant by 'reality show,' he had no idea and didn't want to ask.

He was waiting, waiting for her to finally break down and tell him everything. He knew she must be feeling terrible right now, and that was exactly the effect he wanted. He, the dignified Prince Jin, wasn't someone to be trifled with. She would have to pay the price for her heartlessness. Of course, if she preferred to endure this torment rather than tell the truth, then she had brought it on herself. Although he would feel sorry for her, he had to force her.

“If Your Highness wishes to discuss this matter, could you please leave first and wait until I am dressed before we talk?” Ao Jun became even more flustered upon seeing Jin Xuan pacing over the bathtub, and her tone softened as if she were negotiating. Jin Xuan’s gaze seemed to see right through her, making her tremble with fear. He was acting so strangely today; he had never treated her like this before. For a moment, she didn’t know how to handle him; she couldn’t understand him.

"Why should we? Aren't we both men? What's there to be ashamed of if I see you?" Jin Xuan stopped closest to Ao Jun, grinning wickedly. Seeing Ao Jun retreating, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead from the warm steam, his eyes darkened, a fleeting hint of pity flashing across them. Then, he flashed an even more harmless, dizzying smile, saying, "Strategist, you've been bathing for so long and still don't want to get up. It seems this bath must be very comfortable. Perfect timing, I haven't bathed yet and I feel uncomfortable all over. I'll borrow your bath for a bit! I hope you won't mind?" Though it was a question, Jin Xuan had already started taking off his clothes as soon as he finished speaking, smiling strangely as he did so.

Ao Jun was so frightened by Jin Xuan's words and actions that her whole body stiffened, her face turned pale instantly, and her head, which was already a little dizzy from being stuffy, became even more confused. In a moment of distraction, Jin Xuan had already taken off his clothes and entered the bath.

As Ao Jun retreated, she pointed angrily at Jin Xuan, who was walking towards her, and shouted, "Stop! Get out!" Her voice trembled uncontrollably. If he got any closer, her identity would definitely be discovered, and in this situation, it would be incredibly embarrassing. Looking at Jin Xuan's broad, hard chest, the memory of their intimate encounter at the border pool that night shamefully resurfaced. This time, her face turned red not just to her ears, but her entire body. The surrounding water seemed to boil instantly, growing hotter and hotter, and her whole body felt increasingly weak.

"Mmm, this is so comfortable! No wonder you always hesitate to get up. Good things should be shared, shouldn't they? My great strategist." Jin Xuan ignored Ao Jun's anger, squinted his eyes and said with a look of enjoyment. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, his eyes shooting out a piercing light. He smiled slightly and stared straight at Ao Jun, quickly walking towards him.

"Don't come any closer, or I'll call for help." Ao Jun said weakly as she backed away. Her feeble voice carried no threat whatsoever; instead, it sounded more like a feigned reluctance. As Jin Xuan approached, a powerful, invisible pressure enveloped Ao Jun, making her already struggling breathing feel like she was suffocating. Her brilliant mind went completely blank, unable to think straight, and she didn't even realize how idiotic and useless her words were.

"Heh... Do you think you can still be called a person now?" Jin Xuan said with a sneer, emboldened. At this moment, he was only two steps away from Ao Jun, with his arms crossed and his eyes fixed on Ao Jun's beautiful face.

“You…” Ao Jun’s beautiful eyes widened, but she couldn’t say a word.

Jin Xuan's burning gaze startled her, instantly bringing her back to her senses. She realized the nature of their conversation and suddenly felt an urge to laugh. Jin Xuan seemed like a lecherous wolf trying to harass an innocent woman, while she was a helpless, desperate woman struggling for survival! This reminded her of a scene she often saw on television: a beautiful, vulnerable woman being held captive by a lecherous man, who would cry out, "Let me go, or I'll scream!" The lecher would then confidently reply, "Go ahead and scream! Scream your lungs out, no one will come to save you." She never imagined such a scenario would one day play out between her and Jin Xuan. How ridiculous!

Jin Xuan saw Ao Jun suddenly laugh for no apparent reason. In the misty bath, her smile appeared so hazy and mysterious, making her already stunning beauty even more radiant and captivating. How could he have never realized she was a woman before? He still remembered it clearly: their chance encounter by the pool that evening. Her jet-black hair was smooth and soft, lying flat against the stone like a ribbon. She was like a quiet child, leaning against the stone, so carefree and languid. The bright moonlight scattered across her face, creating a mysterious, hazy beauty. The slight smile at the corner of her mouth was so mesmerizing. Her graceful neck was smooth and delicate, her collarbones beautiful, her body translucent, the soft touch of her hands, and the faint, pleasant fragrance emanating from her…

Looking at the beautiful scenery before him, and recalling the heart palpitations he felt holding her that night, a deep desire surged up, his whole body burning with heat, every cell screaming, "I want her, I want her..." Damn it, he only wanted to scare her a little, to punish her a little, but he never expected that she could so easily arouse his hidden desires, making his proud self-control vanish.

Taking advantage of Jinxuan's distraction, Aojun sank down and submerged completely in the water. She had to take a gamble, otherwise she would definitely not be able to escape.

Jin Xuan, who was struggling with his desires, felt a sudden jolt of water, and his beloved was gone. Frustrated, he was about to dive into the bath when suddenly a large splash of water appeared in front of him. He instinctively closed his eyes, but when he opened them, an even larger splash appeared. A figure flashed by, and before he could see clearly, the figure grabbed a piece of clothing from the side, casually threw it on, and disappeared into the bathroom in an instant.

Looking at the empty bathroom doorway, Jin Xuan's face darkened, and he gave a cold laugh: "You can run away from the monk, but can you escape the temple? My lord... this time you can't escape..."

Kyoto Chapter 66: A Night of Turmoil

Ao Jun returned to her room with lingering fear. She had just hurriedly escaped from the bathroom and in her panic, she ran to the backyard. After calming down, she realized that she had run in the wrong direction, so she slowly came back. Honestly, she was really scared by Jin Xuan tonight. How could he become like that? Did she hurt him too deeply and make him a little out of his mind?

"Finally, you've decided to come back." As soon as Ao Jun entered the house, a captivating voice rang out from the darkness.

Ao Jun was startled. What was he doing here?

The room lit up instantly. Ao Jun looked up and saw Jin Xuan sitting leisurely on her bed, his deep eyes, which revealed no emotion, staring intently at her as if trying to see right through her.

"You... what are you doing in my room?" All of Ao Jun's composure and calmness had vanished; she stared in shock at the uninvited guest. What was wrong with Jin Xuan tonight? Why was he constantly haunting her?

"I'll be waiting for you!" Jinxuan said matter-of-factly, and then lay down on the bed. Jun's bed is so soft and fragrant! Just like Jun, it's so intoxicating.

"You...you get up!" Ao Jun strode over and grabbed Jin Xuan to pull him up, her face full of anger. She had reached her limit.

But Jinxuan remained lying still, refusing to get up no matter how much Aojun tried to pull him up. He even closed his eyes and pretended to be dead.

"Ouyang Jinxuan, what exactly do you want?" Ao Jun finally roared, unable to bear it any longer. Tonight, he had already made her so dizzy that she had even gone to the wrong room. She couldn't believe that he still wouldn't let her go. This was truly unbearable. Even Buddha would be furious.

"What are you doing? That's a question for you, Jun." Jin Xuan suddenly opened his eyes, pulled Ao Jun down with his hand, then flipped over and pinned Ao Jun down on top of him. His sharp gaze shot directly at Ao Jun as he spoke calmly.

She was finally furious! He had thought she could always remain indifferent to him like this! My lord, do you know how chilling your indifference towards me truly is? Why do you, a woman, keep rejecting me? What is the obstacle between us? But no matter how difficult the obstacle, I, Ouyang Jinxuan, will disregard it all. I will slay gods and Buddhas alike, and no one can stop me from taking your heart.

Ao Jun was surprised that Jin Xuan would do this so suddenly. He was pulled down and pinned down by Jin Xuan so easily. He immediately reached out and pressed against Jin Xuan's chest, suppressing the pounding in his heart. He said coldly, "Get up." Although he tried to suppress his unease, his heart, like a thunder drum, started pounding uncontrollably.

"What if I don't get up?" Jin Xuan had anticipated that Ao Jun would resist. He placed one hand on Ao Jun's side and wrapped Ao Jun's hand, which was pressed against his chest, in his warm palm, and said shamelessly.

"Jinxuan, just say it! What do you want? This is making me very uneasy." Aojun looked at Jinxuan helplessly. She wanted to push him away but couldn't. She was angry with him, but he didn't see it. He thought she was just playing the piano. He treated her coldly, but she thought he was being passionate. She was tired and had no energy to play this game with him.

"Uneasy? Even a king can feel uneasy? I thought you were heartless! Turns out you do have feelings after all." Jin Xuan gave Ao Jun another mocking smile. He seemed to really enjoy showing that smile tonight.