The Changing Tide

Xiao Yu had already rushed out of the pavilion and ran toward Duan Rong, who stood by the lakeshore.

They had not seen each other for more than a month, and whether either would live or die had been uncertain.

Both were overcome with emotion. They embraced and kissed by the lake, making Zhu Xiaoqi, standing in the pavilion, blush furiously.

After their long kiss ended, a trace of bashfulness flashed across Xiao Yu's face. She stepped back, gathered her skirts, and curtsied. In a gentle voice, she said, "My husband, please do not blame me. My feelings carried me away just now, and I behaved improperly."

It had indeed been Xiao Yu who had thrown herself into Duan Rong's arms, and she had been the first to offer her fragrant lips.

Duan Rong smiled and immediately helped Xiao Yu up. "How was it you who behaved improperly? Clearly, it was your husband who behaved far more improperly!"

Xiao Yu looked at Duan Rong with some confusion in her eyes.

Stroking his chin, Duan Rong said, "I have not bathed in over a month. I am covered in stubble, stink all over, and my hair is a complete mess. Is that not improper enough?"

His movements and tone made both Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi burst into laughter.

Zhu Xiaoqi giggled in the pavilion. Duan Rong truly looked rather comical at the moment.

The three looked at one another, and in that instant, the warmth of family filled the space between them.

"You are the only one who does not mind me." Duan Rong looked at Xiao Yu, then glanced at his reflection in the lake. "Even I could not bring myself to kiss someone who looked like this."

Seeing that Duan Rong's joke had gone a little too far,