The Crazy Fox Demon Devours My Heart - Chapter 25

When Hu Yan woke, he instinctively clenched his palm. The soft touch immediately brought him to full consciousness. Half-sitting up, he looked at the person asleep by the bedside.

The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting light on her delicate face. Her fair skin glowed like jade. With her eyes closed in peaceful slumber, she looked gentle and warm, less distant than usual.

A Yu had stayed by his side… it felt like a dream, and he could hardly believe it was real.

Hu Yan’s fingers caressed the back of her delicate hand, reluctant to let go.

Qingyu hadn’t slept until the sky was just beginning to lighten, leaving her in a drowsy haze.

Seeing her sleep so soundly, Hu Yan’s eyes were full of adoration. He reached out and gently touched the tip of her small nose.

“Are you awake?” Qingyu stirred at his touch. “I’ll go see if the medicine is ready.”

As she tried to get up, he pulled her back. Frowning, Qingyu looked at him; his wrist was wrapped in white bandages, now soaked with bl00d.

“Let go!”

“No.” Hu Yan simply stared at her, his face showing a faint sickly pallor, with an attitude that seemed to say, I won’t let go—what can you do?

He looked at her softly. “A Yu… my hand hurts.”

If it hurts, then just let go!

Qingyu clenched her fists tightly. She couldn’t argue with someone so seriously injured, so she sat back down.

Seeing the faint fatigue in her eyes, Hu Yan patted the other side of the bed. “A Yu, you must be tired. There’s still space here; you can come lie down.”

Qingyu was stunned by his audacity, giving him a look that clearly said, You shameless thing!

Hu Yan’s expression fell a little when she didn’t comply. They had often shared the same bed as children—why couldn’t she now?

Just then, Cangya came in with the prepared medicine.

“Young Master, you’re awake!”

“The medicine is ready. I’ll feed it to you.”

Hu Yan shot him a dark, suspicious glance. Cangya immediately understood, handing the medicine bowl to Qingyu. “I… I have some matters to attend to. Please, Your Highness, feed him.”

Without another word, Cangya hurriedly left.

Qingyu held the medicine bowl, glanced at the person on the bed waiting to be fed, and began spooning the hot liquid into his mouth without hesitation.

Hu Yan choked, his lips reddened, eyes glistening with tears. “Hot…”

“Blow, A Yu.”

Qingyu’s hand trembled slightly as she held the spoon. Her patience had reached its limit. “If it’s hot, then don’t drink it!”

Hu Yan, seeing her genuinely annoyed, stopped feeding her. He coughed a few times, trembling as he tried to lift the bowl himself. The bl00d on his bandages spread further, and he was too weak to hold it steadily.

Qingyu, seeing his condition, took a deep breath and snatched the bowl back. She lowered her head, blew gently on the spoon, and continued feeding him. “Drink the medicine.”

Hu Yan obediently opened his mouth, a triumphant smile in his eyes. Though the medicine was bitter, it felt as sweet as honey to him.

The medicine was finished quickly, though Qingyu felt the time stretch endlessly.

Why did he keep staring at her like that?

Once the medicine was done, and there was nothing more to attend to, Qingyu got up to leave.

Fu Yin then brought in a bowl of porridge. “Princess, the porridge is ready.”

Qingyu paused, planning to pretend she hadn’t heard and continue walking.

A weak voice behind her called out, “A Yu… I’m hungry.”

Of course!

Hu Yan had stopped her, leaving her caught between going and staying.

“I haven’t eaten for two days in the water prison. Would A Yu really refuse me food?”

“Forget it. A Yu annoys me. I’ll get up and eat myself.” Hu Yan attempted to rise.

Fu Yin exclaimed in alarm, “Young Master, don’t move! Your wounds will tear open!”

“You were injured for the princess’ sake. How could she annoy me?”

Qingyu gritted her teeth and, helpless, returned to feed him the porridge.

She had thought feeding him the porridge would be enough. But the person lying there was restless—soon he was thirsty, then wanted the blanket adjusted, then complained about the wind and asked the window closed.

After a whole morning of tending to him, Qingyu was exhausted and fell asleep on the small table.

Hu Yan got up from the bed, no longer looking weak. His black hair flowed down his back, and his white nightclothes were spotted with small flecks of bl00d. He reached out and gently touched her brow.

Ignoring his own wounds, he bent down and carefully lifted her to the other side of the bed, lying himself on the outer side. He pulled the blanket over them both, holding her close.

Feeling the warmth of the person in his arms, Hu Yan thought of their upcoming wedding. The beautiful features in front of him carried a look of contented satisfaction.

Once married, they could share a bed like this every day, staying by each other’s side. Even in death, they would be buried together.

Forever, forever together.

When Qingyu woke again, it was dusk. Before her eyes was a face of ambiguous beauty, making her instantly alert. She awkwardly got out of bed and stared at the person lying there.

How was she on his bed? Sleeping with him?

Hu Yan stirred at her movement, his voice lazy. “A Yu, what’s wrong?”

Qingyu stared at him in disbelief. “How am I on your bed?”

Hu Yan blinked innocently. “A Yu, why ask me? You climbed up yourself.”

“Impossible!”

“How is it impossible? I saw you sleepy and confused, climbing up. I couldn’t move, so I could only let you get on my bed.”

Hu Yan sounded aggrieved, as if she had taken advantage of him.

“A Yu sleeps terribly, touching me up and down. With my injuries, I couldn’t resist.”

The longer he spoke, the more absurd he became. Qingyu pressed her sore temple to stop him. “Shut up! Say no more!”

Hu Yan saw he’d gone too far and stopped, watching her flustered retreat with a deeper smile.

His A Yu was irresistibly cute.

In the great hall—

The officials were murmuring about the destruction of the water prison.

Elder Tiangong frowned. “Yan’er escaped from the water prison on his own. Allowing such a matter to pass lightly is far too reckless.”

The leaders of the Tiger and Leopard clans nodded in agreement. “Elder speaks wisely. The Young Master first killed Niu Er in this hall, then destroyed the water prison and escaped. He must be severely punished!”

Other clans disagreed. “The Young Master’s actions are understandable. We hope Elder Lady will be lenient.”

The Elder Lady’s gaze was cold, her words firm. “I was the one who allowed Yan’er out of the prison. This matter need not be discussed further. As for the Young Master’s offense, I will have him atone through meritorious deeds.”

Seeing Elder Lady so resolute, the others lowered their heads, knowing further objection was pointless.

Fox Zui stood nearby, face twisted with displeasure. Elder Lady had forgiven Hu Yan so easily—so biased!

After everyone left, Elder Tiangong still raised a concern. “Yan’er’s offense may be forgiven, but do you truly intend to let that human girl remain by his side?”

A subtle meaning flickered in Elder Lady’s eyes. “Besides his love for her, Yan’er has no other faults. Letting her stay may prevent further reckless acts.”

Elder Tiangong realized something. “You intend for that girl to become a weakness for Yan’er?”

Elder Lady lowered her gaze, fingers playing with her prayer beads. “If circumstances ever reach a point beyond control, perhaps she is the only one who can restrain Yan’er.”