Her Marriage: The Night is Still Young-Chapter 220: What Was He Pretending That Night?

Chapter 220: Chapter 220: What Was He Pretending That Night?

Looking at Julian Grant’s serious expression.

Josephine Thompson felt a lump in her heart and began to hesitate again.

After all.

This isn’t just a place to find a vacation spot.

This is a very dangerous undertaking, something that could cost lives.

Besides, it’s the end of the year, with such an old map. Even if there’s treasure inside, it might have been discovered long ago.

"...You really plan on going to find it?"

Julian Grant looked up, "Yes, do you think I’m joking with you?"

"But, it’s very dangerous, and..."

"And what?"

Josephine Thompson put down her chopsticks, "I think this might just be a legend. Even if there really is treasure inside, after all these years, it must have already been excavated."

Julian Grant laughed, "Hehe, our goal isn’t to dig up treasure."

"Then what is it?"

"It’s the adventure itself that holds the meaning."

"..." Josephine Thompson furrowed her brows, looking at him in confusion.

"Think about it, how fascinating it is. We found two maps in these two antiques."

"Aren’t you curious about what’s hidden at the map’s location?"

"..." Josephine Thompson furrowed her brows even tighter, deep in thought.

Curiosity killed the cat.

Honestly, her curiosity isn’t that strong.

She just wants to find out the true cause of her parents’ death back then.

More so, she wants to find out what her parents were searching for back then.

Julian Grant was serious, much more interested than her, "Think about it, if we discover a huge treasure, how meaningful that would be? It might even shake the world."

"But..."

Julian Grant held her hand, his eyes shining like stars, "Come on, Josephine, there’s no ’but.’ This is a heavenly guidance, leading us to complete a fantastic journey together."

"But it’s too dangerous."

"That’s why we need to find a professional team, and also make plans in advance. Once we return safely, let’s get married, okay?"

"Ah??" Josephine Thompson looked utterly shocked.

Julian Grant chuckled sheepishly, "Hehe~, of course, I’ll listen to you. If you really don’t want to go, we’ll hand the map over to the country."

"..." Josephine Thompson, after hearing this, fell into hesitation again.

She’s not interested in treasure.

But she’s interested in mysterious tombs and ancient research.

Therefore, she still wants to personally unveil this mystery.

"Are you afraid of trouble?"

"I’m not afraid of trouble, I’m genuinely scared..." Her voice softened, her fingertips brushing over the calluses on Julian Grant’s hand, "I’ve been injured before during desert expeditions, and this time it’s even harder in the mountains. If something happens, I really can’t explain it to your parents."

She choked up with emotions.

Julian Grant tightened his grip on her hand, gently rubbing her finger pad, his tone softening: "Foolish girl, our safety is of course the most important. So, we’ll find the most professional guide, research every part of the road’s geology in advance, making all kinds of plans and preparations, even bringing double sets of first-aid kits."

"And I promise you. As soon as we notice anything wrong, we’ll withdraw immediately, no bravery."

He paused and then added with a smile, "As for the ancient tomb and historical research you’re interested in, if we really can find the Astral Temple Ruins, we might see the architectural traces from The Dawnveil Dynasty, or even find artifacts from that time."

"This is far more interesting than looking at exhibitions in a museum, and it will help you understand what your parents were searching for back then. Isn’t this what you want to know?"

Josephine Thompson lowered her eyes, her hesitation slowly wavering.

"Then... we’ll make plans in advance and prepare thoroughly."

Julian Grant nodded, "Of course."

"First, check historical records from The Dawnveil Dynasty at the library, then visit Opengate Old Street and ask the elders. If we can find any solid clues these days, we’ll form a team. If there are no leads, we’ll hand the map over to the Cultural Relics Bureau, okay?"

Julian Grant heard this, immediately smiled, and drew her into his arms: "Okay, I’ll listen to you. Whatever you say, we do it that way. After all, as long as I’m with you, I’d go to the ends of the earth."

Josephine Thompson furrowed her brows slightly, looking up at Julian Grant: "Forming a team is prudent, but I still feel we shouldn’t rush."

"Think about it, we’ve only just touched the edge of the clues, and we haven’t even pinpointed the exact location of Astral Temple. If we hastily bring people into the mountains, not only is it easy to leak information, it could also be problematic if we disturb potential ruins."

Julian Grant paused, following her train of thought: "You’re right, I’ve been too hasty."

He pulled her closer, letting her lean on his shoulder, "What do you think we should prepare?"

"Let’s start with preliminary investigation."

Josephine Thompson sat up, pointing at the map’s markings, "Tomorrow, instead of finding Astral Temple directly, let’s first wander around Opengate Old Street and ask the local elders. My dad’s notebook mentioned that the old street often has stories passed down through generations, maybe someone has heard of ’Astral Temple’ legends and can guide us to a general area."

"Additionally, just looking at papers about The Dawnveil Dynasty hydrology isn’t enough. Tomorrow we’ll visit the city library for more detailed local chronicles. Hopefully, we can find hand-drawn maps from The Lumian Dynasty or the period of Republic that can correspond with current topography."

"Also, we need to check the meteorological and geological data of Eagle’s Beak Peak. Knowing which road is prone to landslides on rainy days, and what times are suitable for entering the mountains will help us avoid detours when bringing the team along later."

Julian Grant looked at her clear-headedness, amusement sparkled in his eyes as he ruffled her hair: "You really think things through."

"I just focused on pressing forward and forgot to lay the foundation. Tomorrow, we’ll do exactly as you said, visit the old street and library first, without rushing into the mountains."

Josephine Thompson smiled, "Finish your meal quickly, and rest early after dinner."

"Tomorrow, we’ll see how we can get to Opengate."

"Yes, okay."

The two exchanged a smile and continued eating and chatting.

...

After dinner.

Returning to the courtyard, it was already half past eight in the evening.

Josephine Thompson took off her coat, massaging her sore waist, "These days have been so tiring, let’s rest early tonight."

"You should stay in this room tonight!"

Julian Grant looked at her with deep affection in his eyes, "Then where will you stay?"

Josephine Thompson: "I’ll stay in my own room."

"Every brick and tile in this house are antiques. Sleep still, don’t cause any damage."

Julian Grant joked around with a smile, "Then forget it, I’ll give you a room to yourself."

"No way."

"Why not? In the archaeological team, we always shared a room, didn’t we?"

"How is that the same?"

Julian Grant shrugged, "How not the same?"

Josephine Thompson blushed instantly, pushing him away with some embarrassment, "That was during the archaeological team! Everyone stayed in temporary dorms, gathering together was for taking turns watching the relic. How can it be the same?"

She pointed to the lattice of the wooden window, "This is home, and there’s enough rooms. What are you crowding for?"

Julian Grant deliberately moved closer, his warm breath swept past her ear, teasing her with a smile: "How is it not the same? Back in the tent, you were afraid of the dark and clutched my sleeve. Now after changing rooms, you don’t recognize me?"

"You!" Josephine Thompson’s cheeks grew hotter, she covered his mouth with her hand, "Don’t talk about the past!"

She paused, softened her tone, "And this courtyard’s things are all left by my parents, I feel at peace staying in my own room. You can stay in the next room, it’s close enough, just shout if anything comes up."

Julian Grant saw her serious look, stopped teasing her, only reached out to ruffle her hair: "Okay, I’ll listen to you. But if you feel scared of the dark at night, remember to knock on my door, I’ll be there for you anytime."

"..." Josephine Thompson was rendered speechless, opening the guestroom door, she turned to walk to her own room.

Returning to her room.

She took a hot shower, and changed into silk pajamas.

"Hmm, the bed is still comfortable at home."

"After sleeping on hard cots for so long, my back is completely ruined."

She massaged her waist while lazily lying in bed.

It’s been too exhausting lately.

Tonight, I really need to catch up on sleep.

After looking at her phone for a while,

she turned off the bedside lamp, ready to sleep.

"Bang bang bang!"

There was a knock at the bedroom door.

Josephine Thompson was groggily woken up and knew it was Julian Grant knocking, "What’s wrong?"

Outside the door.

Julian Grant’s voice came through, slightly panicked, "Josephine, open the door quickly." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Josephine’s heart skipped a beat, thinking something had happened. She hurriedly got out of bed to open the door.

"What’s wrong? Has something happened?"

As soon as the door opened,

Julian Grant rushed into the room, pretending to be panicked as he hugged her, "Josephine, I’m so scared."

"Scared of what?"

Julian Grant put on a face of fear, "Ugh~, the room’s decor is terrifying. I’m afraid there are ghosts; I can’t sleep alone."

This is an authentic courtyard house.

The room’s decor follows the style left from The Lumian Dynasty.

The furniture and bed are antiques.

Josephine was startled by his sudden action, pushing his stiff back with a mix of anger and amusement, "How old are you, still scared of ghosts? Not afraid of the wilderness, but scared of this place?"

But Julian Grant wouldn’t let go, nuzzling her neck while deliberately softening his voice: "It’s different; it’s my first night in the old courtyard, and seeing those wooden carvings is creepy."

"Look at the bat pattern on the window lattice, all dark and eerie; I keep thinking it will start moving any moment."

"Also, lying in bed, I keep feeling there’s someone under it. I’m afraid a Lumian Dynasty girl will climb onto my bed in the middle of the night."

Pffft!

Josephine couldn’t help but laugh and cry.

While Julian was speaking, he secretly glanced at her reaction. Seeing her barely suppressing a smile, he pushed for more: "Besides, you have a warm lamp in your room while mine has an old bulb that shines cold. Josephine, let me stay here for the night. I promise I’ll sleep on the floor and not touch you."

Josephine was tangled up by him, her heart softened when she recalled his earlier "panicked" tone.

She sighed, pushing him away gently, "It’s too cold on the floor; if you don’t mind, sleep on the sofa."

Julian’s eyes lit up immediately, nodding eagerly, "I don’t mind! The sofa is perfect!"

Afraid she might change her mind.

He turned and lay down on the sofa next to her bed, not forgetting to flash her a smile, "You go ahead and sleep; I won’t disturb you."

Josephine lay on the bed, tossing and turning but no longer sleepy.

The sofa was made of sandalwood and very hard.

She was constantly worried that Julian was uncomfortable sleeping, especially since he was 1.9 meters tall and undoubtedly cramped.

She hesitated for a long time.

Eventually, she flipped the blanket open and said to him, "Don’t sleep on the sofa, the bed is big enough, let’s sleep together."

After all, it’s just sleeping side by side.

He’s not as awful as Nathaniel Gallagher.

When he says he won’t touch her, he really means it.

Julian’s eyes snapped open, instantly clear and no longer the slightest trace of "fear of ghosts," rather a bit of triumphant smile: "Really?"

Josephine glared at him, "The sofa is too hard; you’d better sleep on the bed."

Julian immediately got up and gingerly walked over to the bed.

Then, he lifted the blanket and lay down beside her.

The room was only lit by a small warm yellow nightlight.

The light fell on Josephine’s face, making her look exceptionally gentle.

They lay on the bed, separated by the width of a pillow, their breathing audible in the quiet room.

Josephine yawned, closed her eyes and prepared to sleep.

But Julian had no intention of sleeping at all.

Breathing in the subtle fragrance on her body, his hormones surged uncontrollably.

During the archaeological expedition,

Conditions were harsh, lacking the comforts of warmth and softness.

But now...

It’s hard to restrain.

"Josephine." He turned, tentatively drawing closer to her.

"What’s up?"

"Well... does that still count?"

Josephine looked puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Julian took a heavy breath, the dopamine rush making him feel ’better off dead’, "You know, that night?"

These past few days!

He’s been regretting it endlessly.

That night, she had taken the initiative to take off her clothes, wanting to sleep with him.

But he had played the gentleman.

Looking back, he was filled with regret.

What was he acting like that night?

After so many days, he hoped she would take the initiative again.

Unfortunately...

She never took the initiative again.

Moreover, she’s really treating him as a gentleman. Maybe she’ll even think he’s impotent, treating him like a ’girlfriend’.

"Which night?" Josephine looked confusedly at him.

Julian let out another heavy breath, resisting for a few seconds, finally choosing to stop pretending.

"Josephine, I love you."

He suddenly flipped over and pressed down on her.

Lowering his head,

he gave her a dominant and impulsive kiss on the lips.

Josephine’s mind went blank.

The sudden warmth and aggressive touch on her lips made her instinctively want to push him away.

Her hands hit Julian’s chest, feeling his burning skin and rapid heartbeat, making it impossible to resist.

"No, stop..."

Julian’s kiss was urgent and deep, like he was pouring all his suppressed thoughts into it.

His fingertips lightly grasped her wrist, while the other hand supported beside her.

No further actions were taken, yet his force expressed an uncontrollable concern.

Until Josephine’s breathing gradually became erratic.

He then slightly pulled away, his forehead pressed against hers, voice hoarse: "Josephine, are you ready now?"

Josephine’s mind was blank, breathing so intensively it was nearly reactive.

Besides Nathaniel Gallagher.

Julian Grant was the second man to press her down.