She looked up from his embrace, staring at him in surprise, but he put his arm around her shoulder and took two steps to the side.

She was startled and turned around, only to see an old man pushing a cart past her.

If Fu Rongchen hadn't pulled her back in time, she might have been hit by that cart.

After realizing what had happened, she felt a little embarrassed; she had actually misunderstood...

"Let's go." Fu Rongchen's calm voice came from behind him as he was lost in thought.

"Oh," she replied.

As she walked out, Fu Rongchen considerately shielded her from the jostling crowd.

Although Fu Rongchen was thin, when he was protecting her, she felt a sense of security.

Upon arriving at the Prime Minister's residence, Shangguan Yanran rummaged through a pile of trinkets she had bought and pulled out a comb, which she then handed to Fu Rongchen without hesitation.

"Thank you for accompanying me shopping tonight. This comb is for you."

Having said that, before Fu Rongchen could react, she grabbed a handful of things and ran into the Prime Minister's residence.

Watching the girl's figure disappear behind the door, Fu Rongchen suddenly felt a sense of loss.

He looked down at the wooden comb lying quietly in his palm and was immediately at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Why did this girl have to give a comb of all things?

But he still put it away.

She had spent a long time choosing a comb at the stall before picking this one out. He had thought she was going to keep it for herself, but to his surprise, she gave it to him right away.

So, she picked it out especially for him?

He felt a strange sense of joy and pleasure welling up inside him.

Not long after Shangguan Yanran returned to her courtyard, Madam Shangguan arrived.

"Mother, why did you come here?" Shangguan Yanran asked, somewhat surprised.

Madam Shangguan coughed lightly and said, "I've had someone inquire about that young master Wang. He does indeed have an improper private life, so let's drop this matter."

Shangguan Yanran raised an eyebrow and took her arm. "See, I didn't lie to you, did I?"

Madam Shangguan felt somewhat guilty and assured her, "Don't worry, next time before you go to someone for a matchmaking, I will do my research to make sure the person is of good character before letting you go."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yanran immediately deflated. Why was her mother still so persistent?

Madam Shangguan thought of something and said with a little excitement, "Young Master Chen is not bad. Although he lacks some knowledge, his martial arts skills are quite extraordinary. It is said that he will participate in the martial arts test in the second half of the year. He wants to pursue the path of a military general. Tomorrow I will send someone to inquire about him. If Young Master Chen's character is acceptable, I will arrange for you two to meet."

Shangguan Yanran's lips twitched slightly. "Mother, I don't like warriors."

"Why don't you like him?" Madam Shangguan was a little confused and began to list the advantages of martial artists. "Martial artists don't have so many tricks up their sleeves, and they are physically strong. Marrying such a person would make you feel very safe."

Shangguan Yanran poured cold water on her idea, saying, "But similarly, if I marry someone like that, and a conflict arises in the future, I won't be able to beat him, and I'll be bullied to death."

Madam Shangguan was taken aback. "How come I didn't think of that?" she said, glancing at her daughter's thin arms and legs. "But with a physique like yours, you can't beat even an ordinary man, let alone a martial artist."

"So I'd rather not get married. What if I get married and get beaten to death someday?" Shangguan Yanran shuddered at the thought of that scenario.

Madam Shangguan was somewhat swayed by her words, "But... not every man is like that. Look at your father, he treats me quite well, doesn't he?"

"You're lucky to have met someone like your father. If you were unlucky and met a man who only beats women, you'd be doomed and your life would be ruined." Shangguan Yanran deliberately exaggerated the situation.