Chen Zhiyi's pupils suddenly dilated, her breath tightened, and she instinctively wanted to grab onto something to lean on...

She subconsciously grabbed Xiao Zhongxuan's hand.

The next second,

Xiao Zhongxuan suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her back with force, seemingly saving her from falling. She crashed straight into his arms.

A tightness around the waist

Their bodies pressed tightly together instantly.

The sweet, medicinal scent emanating from him began to permeate her every inch of her body once more. He was dressed relatively lightly, and the warmth of his body penetrated through the thin fabric, invading her body temperature...

It's a bit hot.

“Madam…” he whispered softly in her ear.

Every time he called her "Madam",

It always has a gentle and tender feel to it.

Why are you so cold?

This contact reminded Shen Zhiyi of the night she was drugged, when they had embraced so tightly, causing a blush to rise on her face.

"Madam, what are you thinking about?" Xiao Zhongxuan noticed the change in her expression and a smile appeared on his lips.

Shen Zhiyi hurriedly pushed him away, saying, "It's none of your business."

"real?"

Xiao Zhongxuan, however, persisted, staring intently at her, his gaze lingering on her face. Shen Zhiyi, recalling what happened that night, felt her face flush and her heart ache, and dared not look at him.

He just smiled and took her hand again. "What's wrong with you? It's almost summer, and your hands are still so cold."

"It's possible they were poisoned."

"who?"

"The Regent".

"..." Xiao Zhongxuan's body visibly stiffened.

While Shen Zhiyi was oblivious, the corner of his mouth even twitched violently.

“Xiao Zhongxuan, I am very grateful for your help during this time, but as you have seen, there are many people watching me now. The Regent even tried to poison me. So following me will not do you any good, and you may even lose your life.”

"So..." Xiao Zhongxuan looked at her seriously, "You took advantage of me, and now you want to abandon me?"

"What happened that night was an accident."

"Is accidental homicide not considered murder?"

"you……"

“I am from a good family. You took advantage of me and did all sorts of things to me. You even said you would take responsibility for me. Now, how are you any different from people like Song Yuxiu?”

Shen Zhiyi was dumbfounded.

Why compare her to that scumbag Song Yuxiu?

After her trip to the palace, she had many thoughts. She feared that staying by her side might endanger her life.

Xiao Zhongxuan was just an ordinary person. Giving him some money so he could return to western Sichuan, settle down, have children, and live out the rest of his life in peace would be the best thing ever.

"If I told you that I would die if I followed you, would you still be willing?" Shen Zhiyi looked at him earnestly.

Xiao Zhongxuan only asked her, "You..."

"Did you offend someone above you?"

Shen Zhiyi had to admit that Xiao Zhongxuan was indeed astute, and that was why she had enjoyed working with him for so long. "Now you're scared? I'll give you a sum of money that will ensure you have enough to eat and wear for the rest of your life."

Before she could finish speaking, Xiao Zhongxuan suddenly leaned down, his gaze level with hers, and said gently:

“From the moment the ransom note came along, we were already in the same boat. I’ve already taken care of a lot of things for you.”

"How can one go alone to deal with the enemy?"

"lady……"

"Do you find this knife easy to use?"

"If you think it's good, why not keep it by your side for protection? Perhaps... it can also help you kill enemies."

His voice was casual, as if he were talking about the weather today.

Shen Zhiyi felt a tightness in her chest.

Does he even know what he's saying?

Even if it might cost him his life, he was actually willing...

Become the knife in her hand!

Shen Zhiyi knew in her heart that Xiao Zhongxuan was definitely not a bad person. He knew too much, including when she was drugged. If he had any evil thoughts, he could have confirmed their relationship.

He's full of frivolous talk, yet he's a gentleman.

He stood before her, bathed in sunlight, seemingly enveloped in a halo of light. He gently held her hand, the warmth of his palm slowly soothing her.

As their hands warmed each other, she gradually felt a surge of heat.

His eyes were direct and devout.

So fervent.

It's as if he would sacrifice his life for her.

Shen Zhiyi was bewitched.

Shameful...

I'm smitten!

He nodded as if possessed.

The next second, Xiao Zhongxuan pulled her back into his arms. "Madam, you can't go back on your word."

"after……"

"I'm yours now."

——

After having lunch and resting, Shen Zhiyi gradually calmed down.

she,

I regret it!

At that time, she was preoccupied with wondering who was behind Song Yuxiu. The more she thought about it, the more confused she became. She was completely bewildered. Her parents and brothers were not around, and she didn't even know how to bring up the recent events with her family.

Feeling lost and confused

At this moment, Xiao Zhongxuan appeared.

That warmth

It threw her into a state of confusion.

Why did I agree to keep him by my side?

Oh no, male beauty is a curse!

Since Xiao Zhongxuan had already shown his face to Song Yuxiu, Shen Zhiyi gave him a cover, saying that he came from western Sichuan, had received her help, had nowhere to go, and stayed in the mansion as a guard to repay her kindness.

Xiao Zhongxuan thus rightfully moved into the Duke's mansion.

Shen Zhiyi would inspect the shops during the day and check the account books in the study at night. Both Hongrui and Lühe could tell that their young lady seemed to be intentionally avoiding Young Master Xiao.

That evening, Shen Zhiyi was in her study looking at the account books as usual.

“Miss,” Hongrui whispered, “it’s getting late. We can’t finish reading the ledgers. The light is poor at night, so you should get some rest.”

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!