Chapter 26: The Theater, Qing Tan, and a Lap Pillow

After saying those words, Qing Tan looked at Lin Yan with both anticipation and nervousness, waiting for his response.

The reason she felt this way was that, during this period, she had secretly confirmed her own feelings.

It seemed… perhaps… she might really like Brother Lin Yan.

Previously, Qing Tan had asked her mother what it felt like to like someone.

Her mother had said that seeing him would make her happy, being apart would make her feel lost, and when not together, her mind would be filled with thoughts of him.

At that moment, Qing Tan realized she probably liked Brother Lin Yan because her symptoms matched exactly what her mother had described.

For this reason, she had been feeling conflicted for quite some time.

She had wanted to invite him earlier, but since Brother Lin Yan had been diligently training, she didn't want to disturb him. Otherwise, she would have asked him out long ago.

Now that she knew Brother Lin Yan was free, Qing Tan immediately gathered her courage. If she missed this chance, what if he became busy again?

"Where's Lin Dong? Isn't he coming?"

Lin Yan, unaware of the thoughts running through Qing Tan's mind, found her request a bit surprising and asked.

Qing Tan shook her head and replied, "Brother Lin Dong said he was going to train."

In reality, Lin Dong had no plans to train tonight. But now, even if he wasn't planning to, he had to—he couldn't afford to ruin her plan.

Lin Yan nodded at her response. Seeing the look of expectation on Qing Tan's face, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.

He agreed, "Alright, let's go watch the opera then."

Qing Tan's smile bloomed like a flower.

To make this move today, she had to summon an immense amount of courage.

But at this moment, she felt grateful for her bravery.

Because of it, she now had a chance to get closer to Brother Lin Yan.

"Let's go then, Brother Lin Yan."

Qing Tan said cheerfully, her steps light and full of joy.

The two soon arrived in Qingyang Town. As they walked through the streets, Qing Tan became the center of attention, drawing numerous glances.

This was mainly because she was naturally cute and playful in appearance.

Although her attire wasn't overly flashy, her fair, slender legs were exposed, making her stand out.

'If only I could find a chance to hold Brother Lin Yan's hand… His hands are so big; they must feel really safe to hold.'

As Qing Tan walked alongside Lin Yan, she noticed many couples on the street walking hand in hand.

She felt a bit envious.

But she was too shy to just come out and say it, which left her conflicted.

Just then, a cold breeze blew past, and a sudden idea struck her. Without hesitation, she grabbed Lin Yan's hand.

"Hm? What's wrong, Qing Tan?"

Lin Yan looked at her in confusion and asked curiously.

"Hehe, Brother Lin Yan, I'm a little cold."

Qing Tan said bashfully.

Lin Yan raised an eyebrow and asked, "Should we go back then?"

Qing Tan immediately panicked.

She had worked so hard to get him to come out—how could she let him leave just like that?!

Quickly, she shook her head and said, "No, no! It's not that cold. Brother Lin Yan, just let me hold your hand for a while—it's warm."

Lin Yan found it a little odd.

Could holding hands really warm someone up?

Still, he didn't refuse.

Qing Tan's smile widened so much that it nearly split her face.

She happily hummed a tune, feeling the warmth of Lin Yan's palm, her grin refusing to fade.

'Brother Lin Yan's hands are so big, so firm, so warm…'

Catching herself drooling, Qing Tan quickly wiped her mouth and straightened her posture.

She didn't want to ruin her image in Brother Lin Yan's eyes over something like this.

Soon, the two arrived at the theater.

They took their seats in one of the better spots.

However, Qing Tan felt a bit disappointed when, upon reaching the theater, Lin Yan let go of her hand.

She found herself missing the warmth.

'I wish I could keep holding Brother Lin Yan's hand… It's so warm and comfortable.'

Blushing at the thought, she subtly scooted her seat closer to Lin Yan's side, being careful not to let him notice.

Lin Yan, however, paid no attention to her movements.

He simply sat in place and watched the performance.

But the truth was—he had no interest in opera.

Watching the performance felt just like listening to a teacher lecture in his past life—before he realized it, drowsiness began creeping in.

Lin Yan had no idea when he fell asleep. As soon as he closed his eyes, he was out.

"Brother Lin Yan?"

Qing Tan softly called out to him, only to realize that he had already drifted off.

Carefully, she adjusted his head and placed it on her lap, letting her thighs serve as his pillow.

"He must be exhausted… He's been training so hard lately. Gaining strength comes with a price."

Qing Tan muttered to herself, a trace of heartache flashing across her eyes as she gently stroked Lin Yan's hair.

Lin Yan continued sleeping peacefully, his soft breathing brushing against her skin.

Qing Tan felt the warmth of his breath on her cheeks, making them flush red.

Meanwhile, as Lin Yan's hair shifted slightly against her skin, her legs began to itch.

Even so, she pressed her thighs together and endured it, unwilling to wake him up.

"Sorry… I accidentally fell asleep."

By the time Lin Yan woke up, the opera had already ended.

Although there weren't too many people in the audience, the sound of them leaving was enough to rouse him.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he noticed how tightly Qing Tan was pressing her legs together.

Feeling a bit awkward, he quickly sat up and scratched his head in embarrassment.

Qing Tan, her face slightly flushed, didn't blame him at all.

In fact, she had enjoyed the moment.

Looking at Lin Yan, she smiled and said, "Brother Lin Yan, how about you make it up to me by taking me out again next time?"

Lin Yan nodded. "Alright."

Qing Tan's expression lit up with a mischievous grin, as if she had successfully pulled off a little scheme.

Seeing that it was getting late, the two of them returned to the Lin Clan.

In the following days, Lin Yan resumed his training at the Lin Clan.

Although he wasn't as fanatical as when he was refining the Beast Flame or learning new Dou Techniques,

he still spent most of his time focused on cultivation.

Under this dedicated training, Lin Yan felt himself getting closer to a breakthrough, and his mastery over the Purple Flame became increasingly refined.

"My little friend, perhaps it's time for you to attempt refining a second-tier pill."

One day, after observing Lin Yan's growing proficiency with the Purple Flame, Yao Lao's voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

"Is that so? Then I'll give it a try, Senior Yao Lao."

Lin Yan agreed without hesitation.

He then received a second-tier pill formula from Yao Lao and headed toward Qingyang Town Bazaar to purchase medicinal ingredients in preparation for his first attempt at refining a second-tier pill.