"Sure, but not today, I don't want to talk about them!" XiShi quickly added. She didn't wanna talk about it . Really .

Xueling's booming laugh echoed around the cave, the sound bouncing off the stone walls, as if her reluctance was the most obvious thing in the world. "Sure, let's do that, sweetheart," he continued, the nickname rolling off his tongue with casual ease.

Sweetheart? XueLing thought, a mental eyebrow arching. Was he even listening to himself? Nicknames already? It felt too familiar, too... something. "You know," Xueling continued, completely oblivious, "I never expected to settle down or mate with any female who wasn't prettier than me... but you're just as pretty as me. I mean, you're lovely, you've got a fire shade of red―you're pretty... and I didn't expect that I'd feel so many intense feelings for my mate." He seemed lost in thought, vocalizing his surprised contemplation of their relationship.

Well, all those kind words aside, did he just subtly, perhaps unintentionally, call her less pretty? Compared to his own high standards of beauty? The implication pricked at her ego, a tiny barb of annoyance. She knew full well the idea of cheating or wandering didn't exist in this world, but she wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily. A little teasing was in order.

"Did you just call me less pretty? How mean!" She exclaimed, pouting dramatically. Her brows furrowed as she dramatically turned her back to him, sitting up to emphasize her offense. She was certainly acting, but she was having fun with it.

"No, Xishi, I didn't mean it that way!" Xueling sputtered, clearly flustered. "I mean, we look good together... you're my mate... I never meant it that way..." He was tripping over his words, panic rising in his voice. He had not intended to upset his mate, especially not after the intimacy they had shared the previous night.

"If you find a prettier female? Would you leave me?" XiShi pressed, her voice still tinged with playful drama, though hidden behind the turn of her back.

"No! How dare I even think about it!" Xueling practically shouted, frustration boiling over. "She could be prettier, maybe, but I've got eyes for my mate only! Damn it, why did I even say it?" He was clearly exasperated by his own clumsy wording. He got up, pulling her back to him and settling her on his lap, forcing her to face his earnest gaze.

She couldn't hold it in any longer, a giggle escaping her lips. He immediately understood―she had been leading him a merry chase.

"Oh God, you had me worked up there, mm," he murmured, a hint of amusement threading his voice. "Now let me show you just how devoted I am." He laid her back down, locking eyes with her, a playful glint entering his own.

"Go on ahead then, honey~"