Top Soldier Pursued by a Beauty

Zhao Dong smiled. "Miss Xu, does anyone usually live in this house?"

Xu Qingyue pursed her lips. "No one lives here, Zhao Dong. Only our Xu family members stay here temporarily when they're on business trips."

Xu Qingyue keenly sensed the implication behind his question. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she smiled. "Zhao Dong, if you want to stay, you're more than welcome."

Zhao Dong chuckled. "You've misunderstood me. I was just asking. I have my own place." He stroked his chin and added with a meaningful look, "Your brother seems to have a problem with me, and it isn't a small one, is it?"

Xu Qingyue gave a bitter smile. "Zhao Dong, please don't take what my brother does to heart. He's still young and acts like a child sometimes."

Zhao Dong said coolly, "Tell him for me that he needs to start taking things seriously. Today was just a small lesson. Also, he's forbidden from causing trouble for the Gu family again."

Xu Qingyue forced a smile. "I understand, Zhao Dong."

Zhao Dong nodded and drained the tea from his cup in one gulp. "From now on," he said, "can your Xu family stop causing trouble for the Gu family?"

Xu Qingyue fell silent for a few moments. "Rest assured, we won't. We owe you for saving us, and I'll explain everything to my grandfather."

"Good. After all, the Gu family has no quarrel with yours, and they're just trying to do business honestly."

"I understand, Zhao Dong."

Xu Qingyue was quick to oblige. Seeing Zhao Dong's cup was empty, she picked up the teapot to pour him more. Suddenly, her hand slipped, spilling the hot water all over her dress. She let out a startled yelp and shot to her feet, but her dress was already soaked through.

Zhao Dong felt awkward, and Xu Qingyue blushed deeply. He touched his nose and stood. "Well, it's getting late. I should be heading back."

Just as Zhao Dong was about to leave, Xu Qingyue stopped him. "Wait a moment, Zhao Dong. Please, sit back down. I have something for you."

Zhao Dong paused, a curious look on his face. Xu Qingyue gave him an embarrassed glance before heading back to her bedroom upstairs.

In her bedroom, Xu Qingyue hesitated for a moment. Then, her cheeks flushing, she changed into a dark red silk nightgown.

The silk was incredibly smooth and of fine quality. A bow at the low-cut neckline added a uniquely seductive allure. The nightgown accentuated Xu Qingyue's perfect, snow-white figure, making the ample curve of her chest particularly captivating.

Biting her lip, she retrieved something from a safe in her drawer before heading back downstairs.

Downstairs, Zhao Dong heard footsteps. He glanced toward the staircase, and his breath caught in his throat.

Walking down the stairs was Xu Qingyue, her long, slender legs as white as milk, ending in a pair of soft cotton slippers. They were flawless—long, slender, and impossibly smooth. That sight, combined with her generous bust, sent a sudden, hot jolt of desire through Zhao Dong.

Her face was flushed a deep crimson, making her look irresistibly beautiful as she walked toward him, holding something in her hands.

Zhao Dong's pulse quickened. He forced himself to remain calm, clearing his throat. "Miss Xu, you're..."

Before he could finish, Xu Qingyue placed the object she was holding on the table in front of him. It was a small, exquisite box made of golden phoebe wood.

Zhao Dong blinked. "What is this?"

Xu Qingyue gave a demure smile. "Open it and see."

After a moment's hesitation, Zhao Dong opened it. Immediately, an intoxicating fragrance wafted out. The scent was so captivating it seemed to instantly relax his body and mind. Even the Spiritual Energy within him stirred, as if in joyful anticipation.

Zhao Dong stared in astonishment. Inside was a plant that resembled a lotus but was no bigger than his palm.

He looked up, stunned. "Miss Xu, what is this?"

Xu Qingyue smiled faintly. "This is a Phoenix Lotus. I thought it might be useful to you. Eating it raw can purge the body of impurities and filth, and it can clear the meridians of obstructions, which is highly beneficial for cultivation. If it's refined into medicine or a pill, its benefits are even greater!"

"The Phoenix Lotus?" Zhao Dong stared at the plant, his mind reeling in disbelief. He had heard of the Phoenix Lotus. It was a top-tier medicinal ingredient with powerful restorative properties. A single piece could save the life of someone on the brink of death.

There was only one way to describe it: priceless.

Zhao Dong looked at Xu Qingyue, taking a long moment to compose himself. "Miss Xu, why are you giving this to me?"

Xu Qingyue smiled. "It's a gift, Zhao Dong."

Zhao Dong was floored. "A gift? For me? Miss Xu, this is no joking matter. Do you have any idea how precious this is?"

Xu Qingyue chuckled. "Of course I do. But you saved my brother and me today. Why shouldn't I give it to you? Please, accept it. It's a token of my gratitude."

Zhao Dong was truly shaken. The Phoenix Lotus was incredibly precious, and to be honest, it was something he desperately needed.

And yet...

As Zhao Dong hesitated, Xu Qingyue pursed her lips and said softly, "Please, take it, Zhao Dong. You saved my life today, so you've earned it. Besides... I hope we can be friends."

Zhao Dong stared at her, and a faint blush colored her cheeks. "I don't mean anything else by that," she added quickly. "I just... hope you'll consider me a friend."

Xu Qingyue was speaking from the heart. A man as talented as Zhao Dong wasn't just someone her family should recruit—he was someone worth befriending personally. She could tell he was an upright man of incredible power. She would be genuinely happy to be friends with someone like that. In fact, the thought had even crossed her mind that becoming his lover wouldn't be so bad, either. After all, he was tall and handsome, with a heroic air and so much potential... But she knew she had to take things slowly and not reveal her intentions too obviously. For now, her goal was simply to become his friend. The Phoenix Lotus was a gift given of her own free will.

After a final moment of hesitation, Zhao Dong took a deep breath. "In that case, Miss Xu, it would be rude to refuse. Thank you."

Xu Qingyue smiled. "You're welcome."

Xu Qingyue crossed her alluring legs. She was still wearing the sheer, flesh-colored stockings from earlier, and as the hem of her nightgown rode up, it revealed a delicate lace border. Zhao Dong's eyes landed on it by accident, and his breath caught, a sudden heat rising in him.

Noticing his gaze, Xu Qingyue glanced down and blushed. She quickly tugged at the hem of her nightgown, covering the tantalizing curve of her hip.

Zhao Dong quickly averted his gaze, his own face flushing, as Xu Qingyue's cheeks burned.

Her face still red, Xu Qingyue changed the subject. "By the way, Zhao Dong, there's something else. My family members will be arriving in East Sea tomorrow. In a few days, we'll all be heading back to Silver Sea together. They'll want to have a meal when they arrive. I've already told my grandfather you're the one who saved me, and he asked me to invite you."

Zhao Dong gave a strained smile. "I'm not a big fan of those kinds of gatherings. Do I have to go?"

Xu Qingyue's expression turned pleading. "Please come, Zhao Dong... I'd really appreciate it if you did."

Zhao Dong scratched his head and sighed in resignation. "Fine, I'll go. Just come and get me when it's time."

"No problem!"

"Alright, it's getting late. I should head back now."

Zhao Dong stood, and Xu Qingyue rose with him, her face still faintly flushed. "Okay, I'll see you out."

When they reached the entrance, Zhao Dong stepped outside. Xu Qingyue stood in the doorway, watching him go. Soon, he got into his car, and its taillights slowly disappeared into the night.

Xu Qingyue closed the door. When she turned around, she found Xu Yongnian standing at the bottom of the stairs. He must have come down at some point, and his gaze was deep and thoughtful.