From Gu Zheng's explanation, Song Ning knew there had to be a mechanism to open this door. She just didn't know where it was.
This time, Gu Zheng let her take the lead and search again from the beginning.
Having someone else look would keep them from falling into the same patterns of thought.
Perhaps she would discover something new.
Gu Zheng stood behind her, holding the lamp high to light her way.
His thoughts, however, had begun to wander...
When he had explained what happened to Song Ning earlier, he had left out the part about feeding her the medicine.
But he had cooled her down physically, wiped her body, and touched her many times.
There had been a reason for it, and he hadn't done anything improper or crossed any boundaries.
He had spoken of it as a matter of course, and Song Ning had understood.
But if it had been any other girl, he would certainly have married her once they got out.
Whether he liked her or not was beside the point. He had touched her, held her, and even... kissed her.
He would certainly have taken responsibility.
Yet the girl before him was someone he wanted to take responsibility for, but had no right to.
So should I formally apologize to her?
For "certain" liberties I took.
Otherwise, I'd feel so... despicable!
"Strange! There really is no mechanism to be found!"
After searching all around, Song Ning was stumped too.
Gu Zheng snapped out of his thoughts and immediately felt that... even if he were to apologize, now wasn't the right time.
They ought to find a way out first!
They widened their search and checked the surrounding area again.
Still, they found nothing.
Song Ning stood before the bull's head carving again and said,