Upon arriving at Wenxiangju, Zhang Xiaoyu was unusually absent.

When asked, Shi San said that Zhang Xiaoyu had gone to the Prime Minister's residence that morning. After returning, she instructed Shi San to remember to deliver the Empress's meal after she arrived, and to watch them finish eating. After giving these instructions, she took some clothes and went out.

Last night, due to the intense fighting, Zhu Xinning's clothes were torn to shreds by him. It seems that Zhang Xiaoyu went to bring her clothes. However, even when she went out, she did not forget to send someone to keep a close eye on him. She is really dedicated!

She just forgot that Shi San was his man!

As for why he didn't run into Zhang Xiaoyu on the road, Jing Zhe didn't think much of it; maybe they took a wrong turn!

Taking advantage of Zhang Xiaoyu's absence, Jing Zhe quickly led Murong Xi out of Wenxiang Residence. As for Chu Xia, she reportedly stayed behind to digest what she had learned yesterday...

Since early summer is so promising, Jing Zhe thought, "I must seize this opportunity today."

"Aren't you going to eat before you go?"

When the two of them came out, Shi San had just brought in the food, which is why Murong Xi was a little curious.

"It's too late!"

Jing Zhe said, "Xiao Yu should be back soon. Let's buy some and eat on the way—just like the night before last!"

Murong Xi was somewhat tempted upon hearing this, her eyes sparkling, but she still asked with a smile, "What, didn't you say she's your wife? Are you that afraid of her?"

How could I be afraid?

Jing Zhe laughed heartily: "I just really want to eat some street food!"

"Huh? She's here?"

"Where, where?"

Jing Zhe turned around nervously, but there was no sign of Zhang Xiaoyu on the street. When he turned back to look at Murong Xi, he saw her eyes narrowed into crescent moons, and she covered her mouth and chuckled softly, a sight that lingered in his mind.

Jing Zhe knew he had been teased, but seeing Murong Xi so relaxed made him feel satisfied from the bottom of his heart.

"Let's go see what we can eat!"

"Um."

Murong Xi nodded in agreement. Jing Zhe took two steps but found that she hadn't moved. He turned around and saw Murong Xi holding out her hand, looking at him with her chin held high in a proud manner.

Jing Zhe understood, walked over and took her hand, just like the night before last, buying and eating at the same time.

The street vendors had no idea that the bold and unbelievably beautiful young couple were none other than the famous President Jing and the Empress of Yueyao Kingdom. If they did know, they probably wouldn't even want to read the upcoming newspapers…

After a short but enjoyable shopping trip, the two, having eaten their fill, left the main street and walked along the alley towards the newspaper office.

The road wasn't long, but the two walked very slowly.

"I have something to tell you."

Murong Xi suddenly stopped and looked at Jing Zhe.

She's here! She's here!

Jing Zhe thought excitedly.

Two days ago, he deliberately ignored Murong Xi, and with the constant provocation from the three women, Jing Zhe felt it was time for Murong Xi to explode. He wanted to see what her final decision would be. He wouldn't take the initiative to make a move; he wanted to see her take the initiative to make him make a move!

His face remained calm as he said in a deep voice, "What?"

"Now…"

Murong Xi thought for a moment and said, "Let's not talk about it for now!"

"..."

Jing Zhe was speechless: If you're not going to say it, then why did you bring it up?

Seemingly guessing Jing Zhe's thoughts, Murong Xi pointed around and said, "Even if I wanted to say something, this isn't the place! Let's talk about it back at the newspaper office!"

Jing Zhe curled his lip and said, "If I'm not mistaken, Xiang Rong should be here by now. Once you get to the newspaper office, with her watching over things, you probably won't have a chance to say anything!"

Unexpectedly, Murong Xi burst out laughing: "It's precisely because Xiang Rong works at the newspaper that I can say that!"

"..."

Jing Zhe raised an eyebrow, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Murong Xi laughed and said, "You guessed right. Xiangrong and I are very close now. Even if I say something, Xiangrong won't tell anyone else. For example, what I wanted to tell you, I actually told Xiangrong yesterday, but she didn't tell you, did she?"

"..."

Jing Zhe was somewhat impressed by Murong Xi; he hadn't expected her to win over Yu Xiangrong in just one day…

So he stopped talking, quickened his pace, and thought of going to the newspaper office to hear what she had to say.

...

Sometimes, life is full of surprises.

He thought that since Chu Xia hadn't come and Murong Xi had promised to "take care of" Yu Xiangrong, today's newspaper office would be a private time for the two of them. So he walked much faster, eager to get to the newspaper office as quickly as possible, firstly to hear what decision Murong Xi had made, and secondly to see if there was any chance to make a move.

After all, what we can't have is always what we desire the most.

However, when he saw the beautiful figure outside the newspaper office, he was completely stunned.

Really?

Why is she here?

Murong Xi's expression also turned somewhat unpleasant. She had been full of confidence, after all, she had agreed with Yu Xiangrong that, just like yesterday, no one would disturb them, and today would be her and Jing Zhe's time alone.

But why did Su Mochen come?

Yes, it was Su Mochen who appeared outside the newspaper office. Today, she was wearing a dark green cotton dress, her hair was piled up high, and her face was lightly made up. Her originally rosy cheeks were slightly pale due to the cold, making her look as dazzling as fireworks on a winter night.

"Senior sister, what brings you here?"

Jing Zhe was inwardly suffering, but he still had to put on a happy face.

"I heard that there's only one issue of the newspaper left before the New Year, and everyone at the newspaper office is working overtime. I didn't have anything to do in the palace, so I told my father that I was coming to see if there was anything I could do to help!"

Su Mochen said lightly.

"That's really... thank you so much, Senior Sister!"

"Your not coming is the biggest help you can give me," Jing Zhe added in his mind.

"Are you happy?"

"Yes, I'm so happy."

Jing Zhe nodded and said earnestly.

Su Mochen's smile grew even brighter as he looked at Murong Xi and said, "Your Majesty, we meet again. What a coincidence!"

Murong Xi nodded: "It is indeed quite a coincidence."

Like Jing Zhe, Murong Xi was even angrier. Judging from Su Mochen's attitude, he would probably be watching her all day, and she would definitely not have a chance to confide in Jing Zhe again.

Thinking of this, she felt even more bitter, and extremely guilty and regretful: If I had known it would turn out like this, I should have found an opportunity to say it directly yesterday. It would be much better for Xiang Rong to be here than for Su Mochen!

"Alright, it's cold outside, I'm freezing! Let's go inside, junior brother!"

As he spoke, Su Mochen glanced at Murong Xi, then, without any hesitation, took Jing Zhe's arm and strode towards the newspaper office.

Murong Xi finally lowered his head and followed dejectedly, as if he had lost a battle. He was still wondering if he would have another chance if he didn't get one today.

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