A glint flashed in Lu Qi's eyes, and his body "coincidentally" leaned slightly forward due to the wind. He "frantically" reached out to support Chen Zhao's shoulder with one hand, while his other hand "accidentally" pressed against the back of her hand holding the reins. At the same time, his face "unexpectedly" drew close—

"Hmm!"

A warm kiss, carrying the refreshing scent of youth, landed precisely on Shen Zhao's slightly pouting lips, which were filled with surprise! It lasted a little longer than their last touch in the garden, and they could even feel the softness and warmth of each other's lips.

Shen Zhao's eyes widened instantly, her mind going completely blank! The unfamiliar yet burning sensation on her lips sent a shiver through her body, and she even forgot to breathe. The wind and sand seemed to freeze at that moment.

Lu Qi quickly and "panicked" straightened up, creating some distance between them. His face was filled with an expression of utter "annoyance" and "apology," as if he were the biggest victim: "I'm so sorry, Zhao Zhao! The wind is too strong! I... I lost my footing! Are you... are you alright?" He looked at Shen Zhao with "innocent" eyes, but his ears were secretly turning red. The real, sweet touch he had just experienced made his heart pound like thunder.

Shen Zhao finally reacted, her cheeks flushed crimson, filled with shame and anger. Her almond-shaped eyes instantly welled up with tears; this time, she was truly on the verge of crying: "Brother Lu Qi! You...you..." She stammered for a long time, unable to utter any words of accusation, only feeling the spot on her lips where he had touched her burning like fire. She abruptly pulled on the reins, turned her horse around, and said in a voice filled with deep grievance and shame: "I...I'm ignoring you!" Without waiting for Lu Qi's reaction, she spurred her horse and galloped off towards the poplar forest, leaving only a red silhouette behind.

Lu Qi watched her flee again, but this time he didn't chase after her immediately. He raised his hand, his fingertips gently caressing his lips, savoring the brief but incredibly real sweetness from just now. He couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth, his eyes filled with a triumphant, sparkling smile, and a hint of lingering satisfaction.

"Tsk, the wind in Longxi... it's really my best friend." He muttered to himself, a broad smile and anticipation in his eyes, before slowly urging his horse to follow the direction where Shen Zhao had disappeared. It seems he'll have to find a more "sturdy" place with even stronger sandstorms next time. The poplar forest has many tree roots, making it easy to trip over... he thought smugly.

Happy times are always short-lived, and Lu Qi lingered in Longxi for a few days.

Every day, he could always find some "accidents" to get close to Shen Zhao, from "tripping over a tree branch" and falling on her, to "slipping his hand while handing her water" and touching her fingertips, to "being blown off balance by the wind while watching the sunset" and hugging her waist... Every time, it made Shen Zhao blush and her heart race. From the initial embarrassment and indignation to the later helpless coquettishness, when her bright almond eyes stared at him, they were watery and sparkling, seemingly angry and reproachful, making Lu Qi's heart itch unbearably. He felt more and more that teasing this "little white rabbit" was the most interesting thing in the world.

He was even more captivated by the cunning and radiance that Shen Zhao inadvertently revealed beneath her deliberately maintained docile facade.

However, due to urgent military matters, Lu Qi had no choice but to set off back to the northern frontier.

On the morning of their parting, outside the gates of Longxi City, a thin mist had not yet dissipated. Shen Zhao was still wearing that pale yellow riding outfit, but the bright smile on her face from the previous days was gone. Her eyelashes were lowered, casting long shadows beneath her eyes. She unconsciously twisted the tassel of her riding whip in her hand. The sense of loss and sadness shrouded her like a thin veil, making her appear as vulnerable as a little white rabbit.

“Sister Zhao Zhao,” Lu Qi looked at her like this, and his heart felt like it had been tugged by a small hand. All his playful thoughts vanished, leaving only a deep sense of reluctance and heartache. He took a step closer, his voice extremely low, filled with unprecedented tenderness, “Don’t be like this, I’ll be back soon. As soon as things are settled over there, I’ll come to see you immediately, okay?”

Shen Zhao suddenly raised her head, her almond-shaped eyes instantly filling with tears, yet she stubbornly refused to let them fall. The way she held back her tears was even more heartbreaking than if she had cried out loud. She bit her lower lip, her voice trembling slightly, "Brother Lu Qi... you have to keep your word."

"Of course I keep my word!" Lu Qi said firmly, looking at her with unwavering eyes. "I, Lu Qi, swear to heaven that I will marry no one but Shen Zhao in this life! Wait for me!" He reached out, wanting to touch her cheek as usual, but afraid of upsetting her, he only gently squeezed her slightly cool hand before letting go.

Just then, a morning breeze blew by, carrying dust that stung Shen Zhao's eyes. She instinctively raised her hand to rub them.

"Don't move, there's sand." Lu Qi immediately stepped forward, gently supporting her shoulder with one hand, and with the other hand, he very naturally and tenderly cupped her face, his thumb and forefinger gently brushing under her eyelids. "Let me blow on it for you."

He was very close, his warm breath brushing against Shen Zhao's face. Shen Zhao's body stiffened slightly, but she no longer flinched. Instead, she obediently tilted her head back slightly, closed her eyes, and her long eyelashes trembled like startled butterfly wings. That complete trust and dependence melted Lu Qi's heart completely.