Liu Yuanzhou and Er Ni walked one after the other to their old spot, the little pavilion by the river. Luckily, there was no one in the pavilion, allowing the two of them a brief moment of unrestrained intimacy.
"Second Child, why did you only come to see me now?" Er Ni lifted her head from Liu Yuanzhou's shoulder, looked at him, and pouted coquettishly.
She had meant to show him that she was upset, but once they leaned against each other, all her resentment melted away.
"Ah, it's a long story." Liu Yuanzhou sighed and roughly recounted what he had gone through over the past month or so. Of course, afraid that she would worry, he did not mention the beatings and torture he had endured in prison.
"Fortunately, it's all over now. I'm still allowed to work in the compound, and I can learn martial arts. Once I've mastered my skills, I'll be able to protect you."
Liu Yuanzhou let out a long breath and looked at Er Ni, his eyes shining brightly.
Yes, everything had passed. He could hold Er Ni in his arms, return to work in the compound, and he had endless hope ahead of him.
Er Ni had never imagined that her beloved had gone through so much during this time. What she heard made her heart pound, and she ached for him terribly. Though Liu Yuanzhou had spoken lightly of it, she could imagine the suffering he had endured in prison.
Soybean-sized tears rolled down her cheeks. Er Ni raised a hand and gently stroked her beloved's face. A thousand words filled her heart, yet her lips trembled so badly that she could not utter a single one.
The hearts of people in love were connected. Liu Yuanzhou gave Er Ni a smile.