Qian Chen held her ankle.
Golden light rose from his palm.
The lingering dark-gold Soul Power was swiftly dissolved.
Snow Empress stood on one foot on the ice.
Her pure white dress fell along the lines of her long legs.
She leaned forward slightly, her hand settling naturally on Qian Chen's shoulder.
"Chen'er."
"Yes?"
"Did what Xiong Jun said just now bother you?"
Qian Chen raised his eyes to her.
"Did it bother you, Snow Sister?"
She did not answer.
Snow Empress's ankle remained in his palm.
The skin there was fair and delicate, glowing softly beneath the golden light.
A moment later, Qian Chen released her.
"All better."
Snow Empress did not immediately draw her foot back.
The tip of her shoe lightly brushed Qian Chen's wrist.
"You still haven't answered me."
Qian Chen stood up.
The distance between them narrowed.
"How other people see our relationship isn't important."
"Then what is?"
"How you see it, Snow Sister."
Snow Empress gazed at him.
Her expression gradually softened.
"Chen'er has grown up."
"You know how to sweet-talk me now."
"I'm not sweet-talking you."
"Then say it again."
Qian Chen gathered the silver hair that had fallen over her chest and swept it behind her shoulder.
His fingertips brushed the side of her neck.
Snow Empress did not pull away.
She gently took Qian Chen's hand and pressed his palm against her cheek.
"Why have you gone quiet?"
"What do you want me to say, Snow Sister?"
"Say that you care how I see it."
"I care."
Snow Empress gently closed her eyes.
Her cheek rested against Qian Chen's palm.
A breeze through the woods stirred her long dress, its hem tracing the contours of her long legs.
A white sash cinched her slender waist.
Her silver-white hair fell past her