"That's too dangerous. Besides, plans can't always keep up with changes. What if something goes wrong in the middle?"

When Shen Suqing said this with a frown, Fu Shouan, who had been stunned, came to his senses and echoed his words.

"Yeah, that's right. What if we get caught?"

Zhan Xinjia dismissed it, "What's the big deal? I'll just kill whoever finds me. I'll stab them one by one. At worst, I'll spend more time slitting their throats before searching."

Fu Shouan: "..."

Goodness, high skill makes you speak with confidence; it's all about numbers, no skill involved.

But what this girl said is right. With her high attack and defense, even if she really wanted to fight her way in, probably no one could stop her. Right now, she's only trying to steal things, which is already quite kind of her...

On his way home, Shen Suqing remained worried.

Zhan Xinjia stepped forward and took his little finger. Her thin face was still pale and weak, and her lips were also bloodless, but her peach blossom eyes were as clear as if they had been washed by spring rain.

Her eyes curved into crescent moons, shimmering with a gentle light.

"Does Lord Shen not believe me?"

He lowered his gaze in solemn silence.

He naturally believed her, but he couldn't help feeling inferior, as he felt he couldn't help her much.

…Perhaps Ah Zhi should find someone as capable as herself to be with, someone who can protect her in critical moments, help her overcome obstacles, and keep her in a safe place so that she no longer has to take risks.

At the very least, it shouldn't be a weak scholar like him who can't even protect himself.

Thinking of this, Shen Suqing's mood became even heavier, and even his expression carried a hint of forced self-mockery and bitterness.

He wanted to selfishly hold the hand that was clasped on his little finger, but reason and pride also got in the way, making him anxious and doubtful about whether he was really good enough for A-Zhi, whether he could stand shoulder to shoulder with her.

But whatever the answer is, he is reluctant to let go.

Even if it's selfish, despicable, or makes her hate him, he knows very well that he will not let her go.

Even if it means clinging, he'll cling to her until he dies...

The deeper the unspeakable obsession in his heart, the darker his gaze became. The unspoken stubbornness clung to his entire heart, tightening inch by inch, aching, reminding him that he was not the upright gentleman he appeared to be.

As September approaches and summer draws to a close, the temperature is getting cooler day by day.

The sky was a deep blue, with the occasional lone crow flitting across the horizon.

The cool breeze brushing my cheeks carried a faint dampness; perhaps soon a torrential downpour will arrive, washing away the dust of the world.

There were few pedestrians on the street, making it seem rather deserted.

The little girl stopped and gazed at him intently.

Her tone was light and cheerful, with a smile on her face.

"Actually, I don't like the feeling of being protected. Rather than hiding behind someone and enjoying that sense of security, my personality... I prefer to always be at the forefront!!"

I really, really love protecting the people I care about.

You will feel full of courage, proud, and needed.

"Young Master Shen, think about it... actually, as long as one person in the family is good at fighting, that's enough. Why worry about such trivial matters? Besides, I think Young Master Shen is the best!"

A top scholar who came from a poor rural area.

A lonely scholar who lost both parents at a young age and grew up relying on the charity of others.

If she were placed in the same situation as Master Shen back then, she certainly wouldn't have been able to do as well as him. Perhaps she would have lost her true self and become numb long ago, worn down by the passage of time.

And what about Lord Shen?

Despite having weathered many storms, he still took good care of himself. He planted many beautiful flowers in his yard, kept his home in perfect order, and lived a simple yet warm life.

Master Shen has the ability to make anyone feel genuinely happy no matter who they are with.

Anyone who is with him will feel inner peace and tranquility.

Thinking of this, Zhan Xinjia's smile became even brighter, and she gripped his hand even tighter.

"...Well, there may be times when I do something wrong that makes you very worried."

I know that Mr. Shen can be a bit strange sometimes, perhaps because he's afraid of losing things, but that's okay. If you want to hear it, I can say it a thousand times, ten thousand times.

I love Xiao Shen the most!

Only Lord Shen could take such good care of me. I need Lord Shen so much; I can't live without him. I want to stay by Lord Shen's side forever!

Her childlike tone, set against her bright smile, was dazzling.

This is his paper.

The gloom in my heart gradually dissipated, replaced by warmth.

Like shards of light filtering through the darkness, it allowed his wandering heart to find its way home and find peace amidst his confusion.

He opened his lips, but remained silent for a long time.

Many words were on his lips, but he didn't utter a single one. Perhaps words were no longer important at this moment; she could guess what he wanted to say.

Zhan Xinjia snuggled into his arms and acted coquettishly.

"It looks like it's about to rain. I don't want to walk anymore. Can you carry me back, Master Shen?"

Shen Suqing naturally wouldn't refuse.

Feeling the warm weight behind him, he spoke very softly.

What do you want to do today?

The little girl on his back swung her legs, nestled her face against his shoulder, and affectionately hugged his neck.

"Then when we get home, Master Shen, please read to me!"

Actually, she wasn't interested in the serious books that Master Shen read. To be honest, the melodramatic stories that Fu Shouan had collected were more interesting. But when she was with Master Shen, it seemed like she could do anything.

At that moment, a torrential downpour began outside the eaves.

The sky was a gloomy, dark blue, with heavy clouds overhead. Fine, thread-like rain fell obliquely, occasionally pattering against the wind chimes adorned with green tassels hanging from the eaves, making a tinkling sound.

The ringtone sounded exceptionally clear amidst the noisy rain.

The room was dimly lit. Chen Suqing was reclining on a soft couch in the study, leaning against a bamboo pillow. A thin blanket was draped around his waist, and his long, slender, fair hands held a book. He listened to the sound of rain in the dim light from the window.

The little girl leaned on his shoulder, dozing off, her stray hairs brushing against his neck, while a purring orange cat curled up beside her legs.

Rain pattered against the bamboo leaves outside the window, causing the green branches to sway and making a crisp "thump" sound. The rain tapped against the lattice window, and the faint aroma of tea mingled with the moist fragrance of flowers wafting in from outside, creating a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere.

Tea was simmering on the stove, the boiling water making a bubbling sound, and the steam rising in wisps like drifting clouds.

For Shen Suqing, this age couldn't be better.

He would be willing to remain frozen in this moment forever.

Still half asleep, Zhan Xinjia barely opened one eye. Before her vision was clear, a warm hand touched her head.

That hand pulled the thin blanket up a little, then wrapped its arms around her, holding her even tighter and closer.

The hand that wrapped around her shoulder brushed against her slightly cool cheek, its warm knuckles tenderly and lovingly stroking her hair, making her already hazy consciousness even more drowsy, almost unable to open her eyes.

The young man's soft, deep voice came close to my ear, with a hint of a smile.

"Didn't you say you were going to listen to me read aloud? How did you fall asleep?"

"Master Xiao Shen..."

The little girl mumbled incoherently in her sleep.

From his angle, her fluffy black hair was disheveled, her soft white profile was bathed in the gentle sunlight, and her sleeping posture with her legs bent made her look like a little fox curled up with her tail.

She was yawning sleepily, rubbing her eyes with her fingers, and her voice was muffled and unclear.

"...Hmm, which line did you read, Master Shen?"

So calm and pure, her heart almost melted into a pool of spring water; she was adorable and so tender-hearted no matter how you looked at her.

He took the hand that was rubbing her eyes, leaned down and gently kissed her eyes. A few loose strands of hair slipped from his shoulder and landed on her neck, tickling her.

When he looked up again, he was propping his head up with his hand, and the smile in his eyes was even warmer.

"I read about a scholar who had a terrible life who picked up a not-so-bright fox in the rain and became entangled with it."