The dark vault of heaven hung overhead, and heavy snow whirled through the air.
At the foot of the desolate city, in an ancient alley.
The young man and woman in white kept drawing closer, their lips gently meeting.
It was Li Mu Yang's first kiss, and Ying Qian Du's first kiss as well.
Awkward yet deep with feeling.
They only sampled the moment before parting at the slightest touch.
Li Mu Yang was still lost in the shock and beauty of that instant when Qian Du lowered her heel, her lips sliding away from his.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her heart burned like fire.
A little bashful, she was too embarrassed to meet Li Mu Yang's eyes again. In a soft voice, she said, "No matter what happens, you must live well. Leave your family to me—I'll protect them. Whatever you want to do, go and do it to your heart's content. Only if you stay alive will your family have hope. Otherwise, they may be worse off than dead."
"I understand." Li Mu Yang nodded gently. "I will definitely live. No matter what it takes, I'll live well. Whoever wants me dead will have to pay a terrible price."
"The best solution is for you to leave now, before they arrive—"
Li Mu Yang let out a soft laugh. His heart swayed like reeds in a breeze, like delicate willow branches drifting lightly. Happiness was like spring rain, seeping into his heart in fine, moist threads until his brows lifted in a smile he could neither hide nor conceal.
"You don't need to persuade me anymore." Li Mu Yang looked at Qian Du with her head lowered. At that moment, some of her firmness and composure had fallen away, leaving her far gentler and more graceful. He