Chapter 21: You’re Afraid Part 3

With that thought, she pinched Hua Man’s chin, applying slight force to make her look at her.

There was faint reluctance in her eyes; pinned beneath her, she clearly wasn’t willing.

Yang Zhao didn’t mind her unwillingness, but it did heighten her taming interest.

So she curved her lips and reached out to hug her again. “Sleep.”

Burying her face in Hua Man’s neck, inhaling her scent, Yang Zhao’s breathing gradually evened out, sleepiness returning.

The room fell completely quiet.

Hua Man remained rigid. Feeling the warm breaths on her neck steady further, she tentatively moved. Yang Zhao reacted immediately without letting go, but her face, buried in the neck, was exposed.

Eyes tightly closed, features serene.

She looked utterly like she was deep in peaceful slumber.

Hua Man’s suspended heart finally settled.

Though she’d prepared to be Yang Zhao’s lover, when it actually came to being on the bed, she realized her preparations were still insufficient.

Fortunately, Yang Zhao didn’t continue.

It was hard to believe, but Yang Zhao really had just brought her to nap.

She just didn’t know what Yang Zhao would do upon waking.

Thinking of her uncertain future, Hua Man’s head throbbed faintly, but she’d take it one step at a time. Things had come to this; there was no turning back.

This time, Yang Zhao chose a Chinese restaurant.

The decor was antique and elegant, with even the private dining rooms styled like ancient elegant private rooms. Their booth overlooked a window with a nice view.

But neither paid much attention to the scenery outside.

Though hungry, Yang Zhao had a small appetite and was picky about food. After a few bites, she lost interest and set down her chopsticks.

Lifting her eyes, she saw Hua Man pause as well. She raised a brow. “Eat your food.”

With that, she propped one hand on the table, resting her cheek on it as she watched Hua Man.

Even the way Hua Man ate was attractive, her movements carrying an indescribable grace that was utterly captivating.

Yang Zhao suddenly felt playful.

She extended her foot and lightly nudged Hua Man’s calf.

Hua Man’s eating paused, and she looked up at her. Yang Zhao blinked innocently. “What’s wrong?”

After a moment of silence, Hua Man shook her head. “Nothing.”

She continued eating.

Yang Zhao curved her lips, and her toe probed again.

But this time, as soon as it reached out, her foot was swiftly clamped between Hua Man’s legs. It was as if Hua Man had been waiting for it—her strong, toned legs pinned Yang Zhao’s foot in place at the calf, immobilizing it.

Their eyes met.

Yang Zhao burst out laughing. “Manman, you’re really good at clamping.”

No sooner had the words left her mouth than she felt Hua Man release her immediately, her expression shifting through a rainbow of emotions.

Yang Zhao was surprised but quickly caught on, giving her a half-smile. “I meant your legs are really good at clamping. What did you think I meant?”

“I didn’t think anything.”

Hua Man tried to keep a straight face.

At that, Yang Zhao chuckled. “Then I must have overthought it.”

With that, she picked up a piece of meat with her chopsticks and leaned forward to offer it at Hua Man’s lips, smiling warmly. “I apologize.”

Hua Man lowered her gaze, staring at the meat right by her mouth for a few seconds before finally leaning in to take it.

“Good girl.”

Yang Zhao smiled and withdrew her chopsticks.

Feeding Hua Man like this gave her a deep sense of satisfaction. Watching her eat what she fed her felt incredibly fulfilling.

She picked up another dish and offered it again.

“I can get it myself.” Hua Man frowned.

Yang Zhao’s expression didn’t change, but she pushed her hand forward, pressing the food against Hua Man’s lips. She curved her mouth. “Be good.”

Hua Man: “…”

Seeing Hua Man obediently open her mouth and eat it, Yang Zhao was pleased.

But Hua Man’s initial refusal dampened her enthusiasm for feeding. She set down her chopsticks and idly watched Hua Man again.

Hua Man also put down her bowl and chopsticks.

“I’m full.”

“You’re full?”

Yang Zhao glanced at her bowl—only half a bowl of rice. She was used to eating light meals, but Hua Man wasn’t. How could this be enough?

“Mm.” Hua Man nodded.

Yang Zhao’s brows furrowed, though her mood was still decent. She compromised. “I won’t tease you anymore. Eat.”

But Hua Man insisted. “I’m full.”

Yang Zhao’s eyes darkened slightly.

She stared at Hua Man silently for a few seconds before tugging her lips. “Fine.”

A beast freshly caged acted just like this.

Wild and untamed.

No matter. She could tame beasts, so she could certainly train Hua Man.

*

C City was famous for its rugged terrain. Besides the Stone Forest Scenic Area, it had plenty of other interesting spots.

In the past, Yang Zhao had always left her travel itineraries to Yu Shan. They had grown up together, and Yu Shan knew her best—every plan she made was to Yang Zhao’s liking.

This time, without bringing Yu Shan, Yang Zhao handed the task to Hua Man.

“I’ll plan it?” Hua Man hesitated. “I’m not familiar with this sort of thing. I might not do it well.”

“It’s fine.” Yang Zhao placed the tablet in her hands. “First time’s the hardest. From now on, these tasks will be yours. You’ll get the hang of it.”

Hua Man fell silent.

If she was taking over these duties from now on, that meant replacing Yu Shan. Back home, Yu Shan would surely resent her.

And…

Her gaze fell on Yang Zhao.

Why would she be in charge of planning Yang Zhao’s itineraries from now on? Was that a lover’s job? Then what about Yu Shan, who had always handled everything for her? Was she a lover too?

“What are you thinking about?” Seeing Hua Man’s thoughtful expression, Yang Zhao grew curious.

“Just thinking about the itinerary.”

Hua Man snapped back and opened the tablet. It was filled with info on C City’s attractions and restaurants—she just needed to plan a schedule.

The eldest miss’s tastes were hard to read. After agonizing over it, Hua Man cautiously selected a few spots that seemed suitable for girls.

“An amusement park?” Yang Zhao eyed her disdainfully. “That’s for kids.”

“Red Panda Manor… What’s so great about them? Do I have to see them in person? Boring.”

She scrolled down—more places she disliked. She glared at Hua Man again. “I see you didn’t put any thought into this!”

Otherwise, why pick all these places she hated?

She deleted them all and planned herself. “I hear the Cliffside Heavenly Ladder and rapids at Heaven Climbing Gorge are famous. Let’s check it out.”

“Heaven Climbing Gorge is too dangerous.”

Hua Man had seen the info earlier. Especially that heavenly ladder—suspended on a sheer cliff hundreds of meters high, swaying precariously. The safety was questionable.

Heaven Climbing Gorge wasn’t just the ladder; the cliff climbing and high-wire walks were risky too. She’d ruled it out first.

“So what?” Yang Zhao laughed lightly. “I’ve skydived and bungee jumped from heights. This is nothing.”

She tapped the screen and lit up. “They even have bungee jumping here?”

In a few taps, she finalized it and handed the tablet back. “Plan it like I said. We’re going to Heaven Climbing Gorge.”

Seeing Yang Zhao’s enthusiasm, Hua Man could only agree.

She had never tried these dangerous activities and couldn’t understand why anyone would find them thrilling.

Risking their lives for a rush? To her, it was just courting death for those who thought they had too much life left.

But the eldest miss wanted to court death—and drag her along.

At the Cloud Ladder entrance, staring at the mist-shrouded cliffs, Hua Man took a deep breath and asked steadily, “You really want to do this?”

“Of course.” Yang Zhao didn’t hesitate, her eyes eager. Suddenly remembering something, she turned to Hua Man. “Are you scared?”

Hua Man froze.

She wanted to deny it toughly, but under Yang Zhao’s perceptive gaze, the words stuck in her throat.

She was indeed afraid.

The next moment, her cold hand was grasped.

“Don’t be scared.”

Unexpectedly, Yang Zhao didn’t mock her cowardice but comforted her gently enough.

Just two short words, yet they soothed her remarkably. Feeling steadier, Hua Man subtly furrowed her brows.

Yang Zhao went first. The moment her foot hit the ladder, the entire Cloud Ladder seemed to sway. Even knowing there were safety ropes, Hua Man’s heart still leaped.

The slender ladder stretched endlessly into the mist, as if reaching into the heavens.

Yang Zhao turned and reached out to Hua Man. “Come on.”

Mist swirled around her like an ethereal fairy, but against the light, she looked like a seductive demon.

“Manman?”

Seeing no response, Yang Zhao was puzzled. “Really scared?”

The next instant, Hua Man gripped the steel cables on both sides and stepped onto the ladder.

Yang Zhao let out an enigmatic chuckle, withdrawing her hand casually.

Taming a beast was no fun if it had no wildness.

She continued climbing.

The cliffside Cloud Ladder was indeed thrilling—each step made it sway, as if it might hurl her off.

She glanced back.

Hua Man’s face was ashen, hands clenched on the cables, frozen in place, swaying as if she’d plummet any second.

Poor thing.

Yang Zhao sighed softly.

Hua Man, now bound by contract, was no different from a beast in her private menagerie. No rush.

She said, “You go back.”

Seeing Hua Man stunned, she approached, pinched her cold cheek, and commanded, “Wait for me below.”