Hearing this, Yun Xi was momentarily stunned. At Qi Rong's blatant words, she felt as if stung in her heart. Her whole body burned with embarrassment, and her blush spread from her face to her neck and ear tips.
Meeting Qi Rong's intense gaze, Yun Xi felt even more uncomfortable. She looked at him warily, as if he were a big bad wolf.
And she herself was the little white lamb about to be devoured by him!
"Y-y-you, don't do anything rash!"
Yun Xi stared at him warily, crossing her arms over her chest and deliberately creating a distance between them.
Seeing Yun Xi stutter and look flustered, Qi Rong let out a low, hoarse laugh. He found her extremely cute at this moment and couldn't resist teasing her.
"You were quite enthusiastic when we kissed just now. I thought you had already given yourself to me voluntarily. Why are you getting shy now?"
Qi Rong looked down at Yun Xi's blushing face, his eyes full of tenderness.
He had been holding back from making a move on Yun Xi because of her physical condition. He didn't want her to endure his passion when she was so weak.
Moreover, if Yun Xi were to conceive, it would be a burden on her current body.
So, he had to find a way to improve her physical condition first...
But even so, he couldn't be a monk and abstain from all desires for the rest of his life, could he?!
Hearing Qi Rong's teasing, Yun Xi was both embarrassed and angry:
"I wasn't voluntary! It was all because you seduced me!"
In her panic, Yun Xi was like a cat with its fur standing on end. Without thinking, the words just blurted out.
Qi Rong raised his eyebrows in surprise. The next moment, he couldn't hold back his laughter and looked at Yun Xi with great interest:
"If I can seduce you, it at least proves that you like me. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been seduced. I remember someone clearly saying they didn't like me before. Thinking about it now, it seems a bit contradictory!"
Qi Rong found it extremely enjoyable to tease Yun Xi and watch her get flustered. This feeling was addictive, and the smile on his lips grew deeper.
Yun Xi was at a loss for words. She gritted her teeth and glared at Qi Rong, who was clearly enjoying her discomfort.
Unable to bear it any longer, she retorted angrily:
"Don't you have any idea what you look like?"
He had a handsome and peerless face, like a charming male goblin.
So, even someone who didn't like him might be attracted to his appearance. Therefore, there was nothing embarrassing about it!
She didn't want to let Qi Rong get the better of her!
Hearing Yun Xi's words, Qi Rong suddenly smiled, leaned forward, and got closer to her face:
"Oh? Tell me what I look like that makes you fall in love with me uncontrollably?"
Qi Rong had a bright smile on his face, looking eager to hear her answer.
His beautiful face so close made Yun Xi's skin crawl, and her heart skipped a few beats. If this continued, Yun Xi was worried that her heart disease would act up!
"Don't get so close. It's so hot!"
Yun Xi was extremely embarrassed. She pounded on Qi Rong's chest with both hands and pushed him away.
Not wanting to continue this topic, she pretended not to hear Qi Rong's words and quickly asked:
"Will you participate in the competition outside the palace tomorrow?"
"What if the poison in your body flares up during the competition? You haven't completely cleared it yet!"
Yun Xi's two questions revealed her anxiety.
If anything happened to Qi Rong during the competition tomorrow, the secret he had been trying to hide would be exposed in public!
Wouldn't this pose a potential threat to him?!
"Do you care about me?"
Qi Rong didn't answer but instead asked, staring deeply into Yun Xi's eyes. His gaze was so intense that Yun Xi had nowhere to hide.
Of course she did! Yun Xi wanted to answer immediately, but the words got stuck in her throat. She was too awkward to admit it.
It was impossible not to care. After all, everyone had a heart. After experiencing so many things and hardships together, how could she not care?
But this man was really persistent in forcing her to admit her feelings for him. It was endless!
If she admitted her deep feelings for Qi Rong, considering how he had "humiliated" her and made it hard for her to face her family and friends, she was afraid that all she would get in return was his smug look and his contempt.
If she went after him like a fool, even she would look down on herself!
Thinking of this, Yun Xi's face darkened. She didn't lie but just glared at Qi Rong without saying a word, giving him a look that said, "You figure it out for yourself."
Seeing the worry in Yun Xi's eyes that she couldn't hide, Qi Rong smiled gently and patiently explained:
"I'll participate tomorrow, but I know my limits and won't put myself at a disadvantage."
"Moreover, with your Thousand Flower and Dew Pills, the remaining poison in my body can be controlled. There won't be any major problems."
Qi Rong's voice was always cold, but at this moment, it had a strange ability to soothe people's hearts.
Hearing this, Yun Xi felt a little relieved. She wanted to give him a few more reminders, but Qi Rong grabbed her arm, pulled her into his embrace, and held her tighter.
"If you're still worried, why don't you accompany me to the competition? Besides court officials and concubines in the harem, many female relatives of officials will also go. As a member of my Xian Prince's Mansion, you can naturally go and watch."
By then, he could tell Zhan Feng in advance to arrange a comfortable seat in the viewing area and prepare more fruits and refreshments.
Even if she sat for a long time, she wouldn't be too tired, and there would be something to eat so she wouldn't be bored...
Hearing Qi Rong's words, Yun Xi immediately shook her head:
"What would I go there for? I don't want to go!"
Yun Xi refused straightforwardly without any sign of longing.
For events held by the royal family, although officials could bring their female relatives, it was usually the wives or legitimate children who accompanied them.
As a concubine in the prince's mansion, if she went to such an event, wouldn't she just be embarrassing herself?!
Seeing Yun Xi's dejection, Qi Rong immediately understood what was bothering her. Suddenly, his heart tightened, and he felt a slight pain.
He stared at Yun Xi seriously, word by word:
"If you really care so much about your status as a concubine, I can elevate you to princess consort tomorrow."
He had once thought that although he didn't want Yun Xi to be in danger because of his attention.
But at the same time, he didn't want her to feel wronged either!
Her every frown and smile almost tugged at his heartstrings. Every time he saw her sad face, his mood would turn irritable.
He really wanted to get rid of all the things that made her unhappy and only leave her with happy emotions!