"Gu Zheng-"
Song Ning called to him, then said earnestly,
"I know you have a lot of questions! Later... I'll tell you everything! And I'll take you to the place I promised, too! If we can't make it tomorrow, then the day after... is that all right?"
The light in Gu Zheng's eyes brightened at once.
"Of course! I can stay with you these next few days! Wherever you want to go, I'll go with you!"
"All right!"
Song Ning looked at him, a smile blooming across her face.
The lights beneath the eaves reflected in her smiling eyes, as though endless radiance shimmered within them.
Gu Zheng smiled back, entranced by the sight of her.
Then he suddenly noticed tears glistening at the corners of Song Ning's eyes.
His heart skipped a beat.
Unable to hold back any longer, he stepped forward and drew Song Ning carefully into his arms.
"Don't cry! I'll be here with you! No matter what happens, I'll stay with you!"
Song Ning gently rested her head against his chest and said nothing for a long time.
Gu Zheng had wanted to stay at the Siheyuan Courtyard to keep Song Ning company.
It was her first day here, and she would be living alone. He was afraid she might have trouble adjusting.
He could stay in Song Wang's room.
But Song Ning declined with a smile.
For one thing, there was no need.
For another... he hadn't been home in a long time. Now that he finally had leave, he ought to visit his own family.
Gu Zheng's home was actually not far away.
It was in Xingfu Lane in Chaodong District, right next to Heping Lane.
It was one of Capital City's well-known Ministry Compounds for ministry officials.
He hadn't told his family in