288, Careful Thoughts (5 More)
He held the cup and helped Xie Zhinuan drink it down.
Xie Zhinuan leaned on Li Hengyi’s shoulder and sniffed.
So endearing.
Li Hengyi didn’t send her back to her room, as he very much enjoyed this feeling that Xie Zhinuan trusted him wholeheartedly and nestled by his side.
With one arm around her waist, he took bites of food with the other, occasionally clinking glasses with Lian Sheng and exchanging a few words.
Now and then, he would feed Xie Zhinuan a bite of food.
The old lady, Mrs. Lian, and the younger Mrs. Lian had long since retired, claiming they could not hold their liquor.
Lian Sheng didn’t dare look at Xie Zhinuan in her drunken state, nor did he dare to ask, not even letting his glance sweep over in her direction.
Seeing him like this, Li Hengyi actually thought better of him.
After all, with Xie Zhinuan’s looks, she could attract countless admirers, not to mention her charming and naïve demeanor when drunk. How many men could resist the temptation to look at her?
Even he, himself, was restless with thoughts.
Filled with fantasies.
Although the fine wine was delightful, one must not be greedy, and as soon as Li Hengyi felt slightly tipsy, he shook his head, refusing to continue drinking, and after eating a few bites of food to fill his stomach.
Yuanbao promptly handed him a wet towel to clean his hands.
“Your Highness, the guest quarters have been prepared for you, please!”
“Mmm!”
Li Hengyi carried Xie Zhinuan to the guest quarters.
Along the way, maids and old women who saw this were surprised but quickly curtsied and withdrew.
“Wow, His Highness is so handsome!”
“And so gentle too!”
“If only His Highness could hold me like this, even just once, I’d die happy!”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, why don’t you look in the water and see your own worth!”
A few maids looked like they were about to quarrel.
The managing old woman snapped in a stern voice, “One by one, if you’re not working, blabbering here instead, are you itching for a spanking?”
At that, the maids trembled with fear and scattered in a hurry.
The managing old woman huffed a breath.
Who wouldn’t be envious? That Miss Xie has truly cultivated good karma over several lifetimes to have such tremendous fortune.
At this very moment, Xie Zhinuan was already sprawled on the bed, fast asleep.
Li Hengyi cleaned her face and hands for her.
Yuanbao peeked into the room from the doorway, thinking his master would take the opportunity to do something but, to his surprise, he did nothing.
The boldest action was a gentle touch on Miss Xie’s red lips.
Coward!
Yuanbao huffed and went to assist the mute servant with Xie Yi.
After all, Xie Yi had little secrets; the fewer people who knew, the better. That was Zhinuan’s original intent, and he understood.
He also appreciated Zhinuan’s kind heart.
He would naturally help conceal Xie Yi, preventing other maids and old women from getting in contact with him.
Two grown men caring for a baby, and, surprisingly, they did quite well.
Especially the mute servant-gentle and meticulous in taking care of Xie Yi, attentive and thoughtful.
Bathing Xie Yi, changing him into clean clothes, making him little shoes and clothes.
“Mute uncle, can you make me a piece of clothing too? They look rather nice!” Yuanbao said softly.
The mute servant raised his eyes to glance at Yuanbao and pursed his lips. He finally spoke, “Alright then!”
The mute servant wouldn’t refuse anyone, and usually, no one talked to him.
Rarely asked by anyone, how could he not oblige?
Inside the guest room
Xie Zhinuan felt warm and fumbled loosely at the fastening of her collar.
“…”
Li Hengyi had just taken the water out and upon entering the room, saw Xie Zhinuan’s clothes half-removed.
He froze in place.
Reason told him that he should not look at her undressed and that he should immediately leave and close the door.
But another voice in his head was coaxing him.
Look, just look.
After all, she was drunk and wouldn’t know you had seen such a beautiful sight.
In Li Hengyi’s mind, a battle waged.
By the time he snapped back to his senses and looked at the bed again, Xie Zhinuan had thrown her clothes onto the floor and covered herself with a thin blanket.
“…”
Chapter 289