He reached out and gently patted Mu Wanqing on the shoulder, his tone domineering. "I'll remember this score."
"Since they dared to hurt you, I don't care who they are. If I run into them again, I'll make them pay."
Mu Wanqing stiffened slightly. Feeling the warmth of his hand on her shoulder, she sensed the ice she had built around her heart crack in that instant.
"No one will ever hurt you again while you're by my side."
Lin Xuan made the promise as naturally as if he were stating a fact.
Mu Wanqing said nothing. She only lowered her head and stared silently at the reins in her hands.
"What does he mean, no one can hurt me while I'm by his side..."
She silently repeated his words to herself. Her heart inexplicably skipped a beat. "What are we to each other, anyway? Is it because he saw my face? Or because he saved my life?"
She wanted to retort and preserve her icy image, but when the words reached her lips, she couldn't bring herself to say them.
Watching Lin Xuan's tall figure ahead and Zhong Ling nestled in his arms, her face full of happiness, Mu Wanqing's feelings grew unusually complicated.
Author's Note:
I've been updating less these past two days because I'm writing a side story. Please bear with me!
Strange Internal Energy
Dali City's bustling streets were utterly unlike those of the Central Plains.
The city walls were built from large blocks of blue-gray stone, giving them an ancient, imposing appearance.
The streets were full of people dressed in colorful ethnic clothing. Some carried bamboo baskets on their backs; others led horses. Their faces were lit by the simple smiles of people untouched by worldly strife.
The air carried a faint sandalwood fragrance mingled