Chapter 58 Together

Emperor Shi Zhaodi raised her head to look at Jiang Hao'en, her eyes even redder, yet she bit her lower lip with restraint to keep the sobs from escaping.

Jiang Hao'en gazed at her in a daze for a moment before lowering his head to kiss her lips once more, as if afraid she might bite herself.

Whether it was due to her turbulent mind or sheer nervousness, just as she wanted to part her lips, she accidentally bit Jiang Hao'en.

Instantly, the coppery, sweet taste of blood filled her mouth.

She snapped her gaze up at him.

Yet Jiang Hao'en seemed entirely indifferent to the pain, kissing her with even greater devotion.

In that moment, the two of them were like trapped beasts, entwined and inseparable, locked in an intense embrace.

In a haze, Shi Zhaodi felt a slightly chilled hand press against her chest.

Her eyes flew open. Jiang Hao'en hovered above her, his face flushed, fine beads of sweat covering his brow. His eyes were heavy with desire, yet filled with a helpless confusion, as if he knew not how to ease the tempest within.

Just as Shi Zhaodi was about to surrender entirely to the moment, Jiang Hao'en suddenly withdrew his hand and rolled over, pulling her to lie flat upon his chest. He held her waist gently, calming the turbulent emotions raging within them.

After an indeterminate length of time, Jiang Hao'en pulled Shi Zhaodi up into a sitting position, straightened her clothes, and pressed a soothing kiss to her forehead. He repeated those words, "We won't be separated."

"Young Master, the Master has asked you and Miss Dora to come down to the dining room for dinner," Housekeeper Shi's voice came from outside the bedroom door.

Shi Zhaodi froze, looking at Jiang Hao'en with a trace of panic.

Jiang Hao'en, however, remained entirely calm. He pulled Shi Zhaodi to her feet and went to open the door.

"Housekeeper Shi, please invite Miss Dora to the dining room for dinner, and tell my grandfather that I'm feeling unwell and won't be joining them." Jiang Hao'en didn't even spare a glance at Dora, who was still sitting in the living room, speaking with a completely expressionless face to Housekeeper Shi.

"Young Master, the Master specifically instructed—" Housekeeper Shi looked at him, caught in a difficult position.

"I will explain it to my grandfather. If it's no trouble, please have someone send my dinner up here." With that, Jiang Hao'en moved to close the door.

"Young Master—Zhaodi, is she in there with you?" Housekeeper Shi asked anxiously, reaching out to press against the door.

"Mom—" Shi Zhaodi walked over, speaking in a low voice, "I was just doing my homework in my brother's room."

"Are you finished? If you're done, come back with me and stop bothering the Young Master," Housekeeper Shi said, looking at her daughter.

"I'm finished!" Shi Zhaodi replied, reaching for her schoolbag.

"Housekeeper Shi, Zhaodi will be having dinner with me this evening. Please trouble yourself to send her portion up here as well." Jiang Hao'en stopped Shi Zhaodi, his expression unreadable as he instructed the housekeeper.

"Brother—" Shi Zhaodi looked at Jiang Hao'en, torn with hesitation.