The orange-red sunset slowly spread across the sky.
Only then did Shen Hanyu land steadily with Shui Bing'er outside the little courtyard's fence.
Inside the courtyard, several people led by the Snow Empress sat gathered together, chatting and laughing about something. Crisp laughter burst out from time to time.
Hearing the voices from within, Shui Bing'er reluctantly released Shen Hanyu's hand. Then the two of them walked into the courtyard together.
The Snow Empress, who had been softly saying something to Shen Liuyu beside her, glanced at the pair and chuckled.
"So, have you two had enough fun outside?"
Seeing the Snow Empress's slightly smug and adorable expression, Shen Hanyu chuckled as well.
"Looks like Xue'er had plenty of fun with Ayu and the others today too. You haven't even wiped the grease from your lips yet..."
The Snow Empress froze slightly, then instinctively touched her red lips. Finding them as smooth as ever, she realized Shen Hanyu was teasing her.
Shui Bing'er secretly tugged on Shen Hanyu's robe from behind. Before the Snow Empress, the "principal wife," she felt inexplicably nervous, even though the other woman had already acknowledged her.
Ever since childhood, the Snow Empress had given her an even greater sense of pressure than Shen Hanyu. After all, during their time together in the early years, the Snow Empress had always been aloof and cold. Only in recent years had she gradually begun to smile.
Shen Hanyu glanced back and gave Shui Bing'er a reassuring look, signaling for her to be braver.
Yet before the hesitant Shui Bing'er could speak, the Snow Empress spoke softly first.
"Bing'er, why are you standing there? Come sit down. Let that bastard Shen Hanyu stand by himself..."
Shui Bing'er paused, then looked at Shen Hanyu before obediently walking over to sit