Ruoye's Reading Nook

Hearing his words, Tang Wan nodded without hesitation. At her response, Bingtong’s face immediately lit up with happiness. Although his temperament was usually shy and easily flustered, when it came to such matters, he treated them as something entirely natural, without the slightest embarrassment. It was this contrast that left Tang Wan feeling rather helpless. When he ought to be shy, he was completely unaffected, yet at the smallest unexpected moment, he would blush uncontrollably. It was difficult to predict him at all. The next day passed quietly. Worried that Tang Wan might feel bored, Bingtong even brought several books from the library and read them aloud to her, his tone earnest and careful as he explained each part she could not understand. However, as evening approached, the little demon responsible for buying food suddenly rushed in, his expression filled with panic. “This is bad, Master He! Yuda has been captured by humans!” At those words, Bingtong’s expression darkened i...

Only now did Tang Wan fully understand why Bingtong had reacted with such wariness when she mentioned going ashore. Every method she had casually suggested—cooking for him, asking to leave the water—had already been used countless times by the brides recorded in that book. No wonder he had been so cautious. For a moment, she could not help but sigh inwardly. It seemed her approach had been far too ordinary. Still, it didn’t matter. As long as she gradually gained his trust, he would come to understand that she was different, that she had no intention of deceiving him. After listening to him recount more than a dozen such stories, Tang Wan gently stopped him. “Alright, Tongtong, you don’t need to read anymore. I understand what this book is about now. No wonder you were so guarded earlier.” At her words, Bingtong slowly lowered the book in his hands. Tang Wan then looked at him seriously, her gaze steady and sincere. “But you don’t need to worry. I’m not the same as the brides in those ...

Seeing Tang Wan turn away as though hurt, Bingtong panicked instantly. The book slipped from his hands, forgotten, as he hurried after her in a fluster. “My lady, don’t go! Please listen to me—I really didn’t mean it!” His speed far surpassed hers, and in only a few steps he caught up, stopping in front of her just as her eyes reddened and tears seemed ready to fall. The sight struck him deeply, leaving him at a complete loss. “My lady… it’s my fault, don’t cry,” he said hastily, his voice filled with urgency. “I’ll let you see it. I’ll tell you everything written in that book, alright?” At those words, Tang Wan slowly lifted her head, her gaze still shimmering faintly. “Really?” she asked softly. “Really,” Bingtong replied at once, nodding firmly. “As long as you don’t cry, I’ll tell you everything now.” “But… if it wasn’t important, why were you so nervous just now?” Tang Wan pressed gently, her tone carrying a trace of lingering doubt. “It’s not important at all!” Bingtong said quic...

Tang Wan understood that Bingtong’s refusal came from genuine concern for her safety. She was not the kind of person who would recklessly walk into danger simply out of curiosity, so she quickly nodded and said with a reassuring smile, “I understand. Don’t worry, Tongtong. I know you’re doing this for my own good.” Seeing her so readily give up the idea, Bingtong visibly relaxed, the tension in his heart easing at once. “Mm,” he replied, a faint smile appearing on his face. As long as she no longer thought about going to the Demon Market, everything was fine. To shift the atmosphere, Tang Wan looked ahead and asked with interest, “Hmm? Tongtong, what’s that place over there?” “That’s the library of the He Bo Palace,” Bingtong answered. “Can I go take a look?” she asked. “Of course,” he replied without hesitation, immediately leading her inside. The moment they entered, Tang Wan’s gaze was drawn to the walls, where numerous portraits were displayed. Dozens of images depicted past River ...

Tang Wan raised a hand to her forehead, unable to hide her speechless expression as she looked at Yu’er. “You’re courting a chipmunk demon, and you keep giving her fish? Even if you brought her pearls or coral, it would make more sense than this!” Yu’er blinked at her, utterly puzzled. “What’s the use of pearls? You can’t eat them. They just sit there and do nothing,” he said honestly, his tone full of confusion. Tang Wan fell silent for a moment, feeling a familiar helplessness rise within her. This… was probably what people called a straight-minded fool. Suppressing a sigh, she explained patiently, “Then at the very least, you should give her something she actually likes. She’s a chipmunk—why wouldn’t you bring her nuts? If you don’t cater to her preferences, it’s no surprise she keeps rejecting you. And as for pearls… maybe you think they’re useless, but girls like beautiful things. They can be used as decorations, as ornaments. That matters.” The crab demon beside them immediately ...

After leaving the room, Bingtong led Tang Wan through the vast expanse of the He Bo Palace. As they walked, Tang Wan gradually realized just how enormous the place truly was. It stretched endlessly in all directions, its scale far surpassing anything she had seen before—even the imperial palaces of the human world seemed small in comparison. Along the way, shrimp soldiers and crab generals stood guard in orderly rows, their presence lending the palace an air of solemn authority. Among them, she also noticed quite a few catfish-like demons similar in form to Bingtong, each carrying themselves with a certain quiet strength. As they continued, they arrived at a wide, open area. There, Tang Wan’s attention was suddenly drawn to a catfish demon sprawled across a piece of coral, sobbing pitifully. The sound of his crying echoed softly through the water, filled with obvious sorrow. Bingtong immediately straightened, his expression turning serious as he spoke with authority, “Yu’er, why are yo...

Tang Wan’s words immediately unsettled Bingtong. His expression changed at once, anxiety flashing across his face as he blurted out, “How can that be allowed?” The thought of her growing weak or even dying simply because she stayed here was something he could not accept. A moment later, however, hesitation crept into his features, his emotions caught between caution and concern. Seeing this, Tang Wan spoke again, her tone gentle yet firm, “It’s really alright. If staying here can prove my sincerity to you, then I’m willing to remain by your side like this forever.” Those words finally shook him. The firmness in her voice, the lack of hesitation—it stirred something deep within him. After a long pause, he nodded slowly, as though coming to a difficult decision. “Alright… when the time is right, I’ll take you to the shore.” The moment he agreed, Tang Wan’s expression brightened. “Thank you, Tongtong. You’re so good to me,” she said warmly. Before he could react, she suddenly stepped forw...