Chapter 24: Amusing Awakening

Ling’s reaction to her position in my bed the following morning was both amusing and worrying.

When her breathing pattern changed, she felt my warmth and snuggled closer. And I pushed one of her rebellious bangs behind her ear, relishing in the sense of closeness.

But my gesture also alerted her waking mind.

Her eyes blinked open groggily and stared at my smiling face for a moment.

“Huh?”

I saw recognition in her eyes, but she couldn’t comprehend why I was in bed with her.

“Wha-wha-?” I placed my hand over her lips and closed in to whisper in her ear.

“Easy there. You are fine, everything is fine.”

As we laid there, I was able to witness the moment her brain engaged and became aware of our current situation: her arm and leg draped over me, and our naked bodies under the covers.

“Oh ancestors, forgive this Xiao Ling for breaking protocol!” she began to tear up and looked at me as if she had offended me. “Master Shen! Ling has done something unforgivable- I-I-”