Lin Qinghe immediately retorted without thinking, "Don't be silly. If I drank your blood every day, wouldn't you become anemic? Although I don't like the taste of that blood, it's not unbearable. I'll feed myself regularly and won't starve to death. Stop worrying."
You Rong rested his chin on Lin Qinghe's shoulder, his deep eyes fixed on her, and said in a low voice, "It's okay. I'm a werewolf. My physical condition is much better than any human. Didn't you say that a regular, measured amount of fresh blood is beneficial for humans? It won't do me any harm."
Lin Qinghe: "..."
Was this child a bit masochistic, only happy if someone drank his blood?
As Lin Qinghe pondered how to persuade You Rong, he spoke again, "You brought me back and have been so good to me, yet I can't do anything for you... If we were family, we should cherish each other. I just want to do something for you, is that not allowed?"
Lin Qinghe seemed to waver, her expression showing hesitation.
You Rong pressed his advantage, continuing, "I believe you won't lose control due to your instincts. You only ever drink a little of my blood, right?"
Looking at the boy's trusting face, Lin Qinghe was indeed moved. She was repulsed by other people's blood, but could accept You Rong's. This was true. Perhaps with restraint, drinking a couple of sips occasionally would be better than forcing herself to drink other blood while feeling disgusted, wouldn't it?
After much deliberation, Lin Qinghe finally made a decision.
She said to You Rong, "It's possible... but you have to promise me. I'll come to you when I need to drink. If you dare to cut yourself again to force me to drink your blood, I, I... I'll really drain you dry in one go!"
You Rong narrowed his eyes slightly, the corners of his mouth curving upwards, his heart filled with certainty.
She wouldn't. She couldn't bear to.
Outwardly, You Rong was as obedient as could be, nodding heavily, "Mhm, I understand. I'll listen to you."
Lin Qinghe lowered her gaze to You Rong, who was leaning on her shoulder, and sighed inwardly. She then shook off the chaotic thoughts from her mind, deciding not to dwell on other things for the moment.
Lin Qinghe pressed her finger against You Rong's forehead and pushed him away. "Alright, it's so late, and you dared to come to the Elder Council. None of the vampires here have seen you. Aren't you afraid they'll eat you? Hurry back."
You Rong frowned at this. "Aren't you coming back with me?"
"I have some things to take care of. I'll come back in a couple of days."
You Rong's disappointment was visible, and he lowered his eyes, remaining silent.
Lin Qinghe raised an eyebrow. "You don't want to go back yet?"
You Rong still didn't speak, but his stomach suddenly rumbled. Lin Qinghe immediately frowned and asked, "Are you hungry? Didn't you eat dinner?"
You Rong's eyes flickered, and he leaned back onto Lin Qinghe's shoulder, muttering, "The takeout that Butler Zhang and the others ordered was too awful. It was either too salty, too spicy, or bland... It's been like this for half a month, and I really have no appetite."
Lin Qinghe's mood soured upon hearing this.
For the past few years, she had doted on You Rong, preparing a variety of meals for him every day. When had she ever let him go hungry, let alone for half a month?
Lin Qinghe grabbed You Rong and pulled him outside without a second thought. "Let's go! I'll take you back first, and I'll make you something good to eat. I'll come back to the Elder Council tomorrow."
You Rong: "...Mhm."
You Rong lowered his gaze to the hand Lin Qinghe was holding, a triumphant smile flashing in his eyes. Lin Qinghe hadn't noticed this.
As they left the room, Lin Qinghe encountered Zhang Yi, who was seeing Bai Ye off. She immediately began to chide him with dissatisfaction.
"Zhang Yi! What's going on? I told you every day to take good care of You Rong, and you... you've been letting him starve? If you're all incompetent at cooking, fine, but can't you even order good takeout? Or order more options so he can choose what he likes? You can't even do that? And! I ask You Rong how he's doing every day, and he keeps saying he doesn't like those things, but you never told me?"
Zhang Yi looked wronged after being reprimanded. He had already ordered from every human restaurant nearby, presenting a table full of dishes, all kinds of flavors, expensive and cheap. The young master simply didn't like any of them, and he was helpless!
Unfortunately, Lin Qinghe ignored Zhang Yi's grievances and made a decision that almost made Zhang Yi and the other vampires cry.
"It seems my previous expectations of you were too low. Starting tomorrow, you will all enroll in a human culinary class. Each of you will learn to cook! When I'm unavailable, you will cook for You Rong!"
Zhang Yi wore a pained expression and seemed about to speak, but upon meeting Lin Qinghe's threatening gaze, he could only force a smile and agree, "Yes, Progenitor. We will enroll in a class to learn cooking tomorrow."
Only then did Lin Qinghe relent, pulling You Rong into the car.
Zhang Yi dared to mutter softly in his heart, weak and helpless, Progenitor! Do you still remember we are vampires? You're making us learn to cook from humans. Isn't that a bit... inappropriate?
Outside the balcony of a room on the upper floor.
Mu Shaoqing watched as Lin Qinghe took You Rong into the car. The car slowly drove away until it disappeared into the night.
Mu Shaoqing's expression was inscrutable, as if lost in thought.
At this moment, Shang He entered from outside and walked to Mu Shaoqing's side, saying with a grim expression, "Your plan to place Bai Ye near the Progenitor is likely foiled. The Progenitor almost killed him just now. And the Progenitor's sudden trip to the eastern city for nearly ten days... although she hasn't said anything since returning, I have a feeling she suspects something."
One might expect Mu Shaoqing to look greatly displeased upon hearing this news, but instead, he smiled and retorted to Shang He, "Don't you think the Progenitor places too much importance on that werewolf she keeps by her side?"
Shang He blinked. "What do you mean?"
A calculating glint flashed in Mu Shaoqing's eyes. "When a strong person has something they care about, they have a fatal weakness. I am increasingly looking forward to that day!"
Shang He didn't need to ask further; he immediately understood the implication of Mu Shaoqing's words. He agreed with Mu Shaoqing but couldn't help but feel worried.
Everyone could see that You Rong was special to Lin Qinghe. But if they were to really make a move against You Rong, what would happen to Lin Qinghe...
-------------------------------------
In the castle.
As soon as Lin Qinghe returned, she personally prepared a meal for You Rong. After watching You Rong finish eating, they returned to the bedroom to rest together.
Lin Qinghe lay awake, her eyes open and lost in thought. You Rong suddenly leaned over and hugged her, nuzzling her shoulder like a puppy.
Lin Qinghe shook off her thoughts and flicked You Rong's forehead. "It's so late, and you're still not asleep. Will you be able to wake up for training tomorrow?"
"Mhm... I'll sleep now. You should sleep too. We can think about the Elder Council tomorrow."
"...Alright, I'll sleep too."
Saying this, Lin Qinghe truly closed her eyes. Although she had no intention of sleeping, Lin Qinghe, with her eyes closed, didn't notice You Rong holding her and contentedly closing his eyes as well.
Family... it was quite good that he and Lin Qinghe were family. It meant they would never be separated, could always live together, and would be the most inseparable beings.