Chapter Forty-Three: The First Kiss Lost Its Magic

Liu Ling’er stared at Bai Lixian in utter disbelief after hearing his request. Truly, one can know a person’s face but not their heart—he actually wanted her to kiss him? Hmph, did he really think he was such a prize?

Seeing Liu Ling’er frozen on the spot, Bai Lixian realized he might have been too forward. No matter how bold Liu Ling’er was, she was still a young woman. What was he thinking, making such an outrageous demand?

“Um…” he began, about to explain himself, when he saw her eyes dart mischievously. Suddenly, they lit up. She stepped forward, grabbed his head, and before Bai Lixian could react, she planted a kiss on the other side of his mask, imitating Xiao Shuangshuang’s earlier gesture. Now, his mask bore another damp imprint.

Liu Ling’er hopped to the side and stretched out her hand. “Hand over the money. I’ve kissed you.”

Bai Lixian was speechless, watching her grin slyly like a little fox. Moments ago, he’d worried she’d think him indecent—how unnecessary that had been! For her, these things were nothing at all.

He grumpily reached into his robe for his purse, but before he could hand it over, Liu Ling’er snatched it away in a flash, as if he might renege on the deal.

As soon as the money was in her hand, she turned to leave. But just as she did, Bai Lixian caught her by the arm. With a tug, she spun around and fell straight into his embrace.

At some point, his mask had slipped off. Liu Ling’er found herself staring at that face—beautiful enough to bring calamity to kingdoms. As expected, she lost all composure, gazing at him, utterly entranced.

Bai Lixian looked down at her, his gaze lingering on her flushed cheeks and alluring lips, which seemed to beckon him.

He mumbled, “That kind of kiss doesn’t count.” With that, he lowered his head, his lips brushing against the corner of hers. Liu Ling’er closed her eyes, only to discover that he merely pressed against her lips and did nothing more.

Frustration surged within her. Bai Lixian, do you even know how to kiss? Suddenly, she burst out laughing. In her mirth, she accidentally bit his lip, the taste of blood instantly spreading in her mouth.

Watching Liu Ling’er bend over with laughter, Bai Lixian’s fury was palpable. “Liu Ling’er, what on earth are you doing? Don’t tell me you’ve had a fit!”

Still shaking with laughter, Liu Ling’er pointed at him. “So this was your first kiss? I can’t believe it! How did you manage to have such a reputation at the brothel? No wonder they say you’re all show and no substance!”

Why was this room so cold? Liu Ling’er shivered and glanced toward the source of the chill. When she saw Bai Lixian’s face dark as thunder, his presence emanating an icy hostility, she clamped her mouth shut.

She hunched her shoulders and retreated to the doorway in a few brisk steps. “Um, Xiao Tao is waiting for his medicine. I’m busy—goodbye!”

She finished her words and vanished from his sight with astonishing speed—faster than a rabbit, really. Truly, a girl who hadn’t bound her feet was best suited for making a quick escape.

Carrying a bowl of herbal medicine for Xiao Tao’s cold, Liu Ling’er walked away, berating herself. Heavens! What possessed me to let that scoundrel Bai Lixian kiss me? There goes my first kiss.

Back in the main hall, Bai Lixian clapped his hands, and four shadows glided silently into the room. Four masked figures stood in a row before him, bowing respectfully. Three of them spoke in unison, “Master, you summoned us—what are your orders?”

Bai Lixian’s voice was low. “I have a question for you.” The four exchanged glances; if there was a problem even their master couldn’t solve, it was unlikely they could help. Then he asked, “Can any of you tell me how to kiss? Jin Wula, you answer first!”

Fortunately, Liu Ling’er wasn’t there. If she had seen someone wearing a pure gold mask, she would have pounced to snatch it for herself—poverty was an excellent motivator.

Jin Wula, the one with the golden mask, answered awkwardly, “Master, I really don’t know. I’ve only heard it’s a wonderful thing.”

Tie Wula, wearing an iron mask, blushed furiously at the question and was promptly ignored by Bai Lixian. Meanwhile, Tong Wula, whose mask was bronze, replied coolly, “I only know how to kill. I have no idea what kissing even is.”

But Yin Wula, the one in the silver mask, was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. He wanted to speak, but his voice was sealed. What a waste—he was the most experienced in such matters!

Bai Lixian glanced at Yin Wula. To avoid the man’s incessant chatter irritating him, he left his voice sealed and said coldly, “All of you, go and write an essay about kissing. There will be a heavy reward for the best, and punishment for those who do poorly!”

At the mention of punishment, all four shuddered, recalling some terrifying memory. In a flash, the four shadows vanished, their speed easily surpassing Liu Ling’er’s.