Fortune Across the World

Chapter 126: Tenderness in the Chamber After the Rain

Fu Ruqing's breathing gradually steadied, and her heartbeat slowly returned to normal. Carefully opening her eyes, she found Ding Qiyu watching her intently. As awareness returned, a wave of shyness washed over her. She quickly covered her chest with her hand and curled up into Ding Qiyu’s embrace. However, the rapid movement caused a twinge of soreness in her waist and legs, and she felt a distinct ache from below, letting out an involuntary whimper of discomfort.

Ding Qiyu was incredibly moved by Fu Ruqing’s adorable actions, but hearing her small cry of pain filled her with concern. She gently hugged Fu Ruqing, pulling the wrinkled covers out from beneath them and noticing the red marks left behind—symbols of their union. The satisfaction in her heart grew, and with nothing else at hand, she made do with the covers, draping them over Fu Ruqing. Carefully holding her, Ding Qiyu softly stroked her smooth back and asked with concern, "Qing'er, does it hurt a lot?"

But the person in her arms gave no response, lost in her own world of shyness and discomfort.

Ding Qiyu chuckled softly, knowing they were both a bit sweaty from their earlier exertions. A bath and fresh bedding would surely make them more comfortable. She gently kissed the top of Fu Ruqing's fragrant head and attempted to get out of bed. As she rose, however, a delicate hand grasped her clothing, and she looked down into Fu Ruqing's slightly frightened eyes. Her heart softened, and she reassured her gently, "Qing'er, I'm not leaving. I just want to call for some water so you can bathe. I don't want you to be uncomfortable resting like this." After their first time, girls often felt vulnerable, even someone as strong-willed as Fu Ruqing. She needed Ding Qiyu's care and comfort, who was determined to stay with her through the night and protect her from any judgment or gossip.

The hand on her chest relaxed its grip, and Ding Qiyu leaned down to kiss Fu Ruqing's lips, making her blush again, before tucking her back into bed. "I'll call for someone," she said, rising to her feet. She straightened her partially unbuttoned shirt, quickly donned an outer robe, and glanced back at the bed where Fu Ruqing lay with only her head peeking out, watching Ding Qiyu with wide eyes. Giving her a reassuring smile, Ding Qiyu walked to the door. Outside, she found only Silver Sui, who blushed deeply and lowered her head upon seeing Ding Qiyu.

Realizing they had been overheard, Ding Qiyu was a bit embarrassed but asked calmly, "Silver Sui, could you please have some hot water brought up for Qing'er to bathe?"

Silver Sui, having already anticipated this, nodded, pretending not to know anything.

Ding Qiyu had just returned to the room when the maids swiftly brought in everything needed for bathing, retreating quickly to avoid seeing anything they shouldn't.

Approaching the bed, Ding Qiyu intended to help Fu Ruqing to the bath, but the little girl clutched the covers tightly, "I-I'll do it myself. You go out first..." Though she relied heavily on Ding Qiyu's presence, she was far too embarrassed to bathe in front of her, and her modesty temporarily overpowered her need for reassurance.

Kneeling by the bed, Ding Qiyu met her gaze, "Don't be afraid, Qing'er. We're together now; it's okay."

Fu Ruqing shook her head immediately, her voice tinged with a small plea, "Please, just go out..."

Unable to insist, Ding Qiyu hesitated before agreeing, "Alright, I'll have Silver Sui come in to help you, and I'll be back soon." Seeing Fu Ruqing nod slightly, Ding Qiyu left the room and asked Silver Sui to assist, while she returned to her room to wash up.