CHAPTER 488: CHAPTER 420: THE WAY YOU MANAGE ME, I KIND OF LIKE IT

"Do you want me to mind?"

As Shang Ruyi spoke, she gazed deeper into those eyes that were always calm and profound, but at this moment seemed to have a flicker of fluctuation. After all, whether she minded or not was her own business. Even if there were tumultuous emotions, she could swallow them down.

But what about him?

Did he want her to mind?

What kind of emotion would he have towards her concern?

And what kind of answer was he hoping for by asking her this?

Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi had a sudden flash of insight, as if she had realized something, and leaned in closer, saying to those already flickering, even evasive, eyes: "Do you want me to—"

Before she could finish, a trace of anger suddenly appeared on Yu Wenye’s face.

Before Shang Ruyi could speak, he lowered his head and fiercely blocked her mouth!

"Mmm?!

Shang Ruyi was caught off guard, and all the words that she couldn’t say were forced back down. The man seemed unable to suppress his anger, biting her forcefully. A sting immediately spread from her already fragile red lips, making Shang Ruyi cry out in pain, almost bringing tears to her eyes.

She pushed him away: "What are you doing?!"

In the past two days, there were more than just skin-to-skin moments between them, but almost every time, Yu Wenye would leave domineering marks on her lips involuntarily. With this one added, her lips were already wounded in several places!

This time, instead of holding her tightly to keep her from escaping as before, Yu Wenye just gasped for breath while staring at her for a moment. His gaze fell on her swollen, crimson lips. Seemingly feeling guilty, his eyes shifted away.

Covering her lips, Shang Ruyi glared at him angrily.

Only then did she realize that even though this man was born into a noble family and carried the demeanor and grace of a noble son, at times, he had a certain rogue nature.

For instance, when he couldn’t win an argument or couldn’t respond, he would answer directly with his body.

And the one who suffered was herself.

Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi glared at him again with red eyes and said, "Yu Wenye, you really are a bastard!"

Yu Wenye also looked back at her, with emotions still roiling in his eyes, and said in a deep voice, "Do you want me to do it again?"

"..."

Even though Shang Ruyi was indignant, she could only obediently shut her mouth.

Seeing her so angry yet helpless, Yu Wenye couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. After a moment of silence, he reached out, gently stroked her cheek, and said softly, "I don’t like people controlling me, not even the Empress Dowager has ever controlled me."

"..."

"But the way you control me—I kind of like it."

"...!"

Shang Ruyi’s heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at him, only to see Yu Wenye immediately retract his smile, pull his hand back, lightly cough, and say seriously, "But this doesn’t mean I allow you to control me."

"..."

Shang Ruyi blinked at him, feeling once again at a loss.

He kind of liked it, but he wouldn’t allow it...

What did that mean?

She wanted to ask more, but seeing Yu Wenye’s somewhat awkward expression, she realized that any further questioning would lead nowhere, and if she pushed him too hard, he might become more of a rogue, more of a bastard, and the one at a disadvantage would still be her. So she gave up.

After a quiet moment between them, she said softly, "By the way, I have something I want to discuss with you."

Hearing her tone, as if she was going to talk about something serious, Yu Wenye turned to her: "What is it?"

Shang Ruyi said, "This expedition, I want to bring Wo Xue along, is that okay?"

"..."

At these words, Yu Wenye’s brow instantly furrowed again.

Not just because she mentioned bringing Wo Xue, but more because she was determined to join the expedition. Yu Wenye said, "Are you really going?"

Shang Ruyi said, "Didn’t Father just agree?"

"..."

Yu Wenye’s brow furrowed even tighter.

Earlier, before going to the dining hall, he had planned to persuade Shang Ruyi not to go on the expedition. After all, this battle was tough, and even if someone was assigned to protect her, swords know no eyes, who could guarantee absolute safety? Yet he didn’t expect, before he could speak up, they went to the dining hall, and Shang Ruyi directly sought permission from Yu Wenquan, and now it was too late to hesitate.

After a moment of silence, Yu Wenye could only relent, then asked, "Why do you want to bring her?"

"..."

"She is—"

Shang Ruyi hurriedly said, "I know you’re concerned she once plotted against me. But her actions were just following orders, not truly malicious. Besides, now her master is already—so, leaving her in the world, she’s just a lonely soul."

"..."

"Killing her or imprisoning her doesn’t hold much meaning."

"..."

"If we could give her a chance, wouldn’t it be a benevolent act?"

Yu Wenye was silent for a while, then said, "Aren’t you afraid she might scheme against you again? If we face off against Xue Xian, I might not have the extra energy to protect you."

Shang Ruyi quickly said, "I don’t need your protection, I can protect myself."

"..."

"Besides, the last time she plotted against me was due to special circumstances, with no time to guard against it. But now that her identity is exposed, I think, with my brain, it shouldn’t be possible to be schemed against by someone right under my nose again."

This time, Yu Wenye said nothing further.

After a moment of silence, he just let out a cold snort and said, "You speak as if you’re very smart."

Shang Ruyi knew he was teasing her based on yesterday’s conversation, but trying to argue with him would ultimately leave her at a disadvantage, so she just glared at him and said, "So, you’re agreeing?"

Yu Wenye laughed lightly, "I can agree with you, anyway, she’s detained on my side. Letting her out isn’t a big deal. But if you want to bring her, what about Tushere? I see that girl is straightforward. If she knows you intend to keep such a person by your side, she’s bound to cause a fuss."

At the mention of this, Shang Ruyi indeed felt a bit of a headache.

Since learning of Wo Xue’s identity, Tushere had been scolding her daily, and her relationship with Chang Wan had improved quite a bit. To such a simple-minded, clear-cut girl, there’s no middle ground—either an enemy or a friend.

If she really knew not only did I spare Wo Xue but also intended to keep her close—

Shang Ruyi felt a chill down her spine.

She took a deep breath and said, "I know what to do, I can handle it."

Yu Wenye raised an eyebrow at her, seeming to see a spark flash in her eyes that quickly returned to calm. After thinking for a bit, he did not ask more questions, and only said, "Okay then."