"Gu Zhixing," she sighed softly, her voice muffled against his chest, "what exactly do you want?"

Gu Zhixing loosened his grip on her slightly and cupped her face in his hands.

His palms were warm and dry, but his fingertips trembled slightly, as if he were holding some fragile treasure.

Sunlight shone from behind him, gilding his features with a golden edge, but making it impossible for Shen Jintang to see the emotions in his eyes.

“I want you to care about me a little more,” he said in a deep, gentle voice, like a night breeze brushing against the strings of a harp, “just a little more each day.”

His thumb gently stroked her cheek, his movements careful. "Before... I couldn't even feel your sincerity towards me."

There was a hint of vulnerability in his voice, "You pay more attention to Shen Huaixu than I do. You're so good to him, which makes me feel very insecure."

Are you jealous?

Shen Jintang raised an eyebrow, a gesture that made the corners of her eyes slightly upturned, like a proud cat.

"Yes, I'm jealous." Gu Zhixing admitted frankly, with a hint of stubbornness in his eyes, "I'm jealous of everyone who gets to look at you twice."

As he spoke, sunlight shone directly into his eyes, giving his dark pupils an amber luster.

Shen Jintang remained silent for a moment, then gently pushed his hand away.

Her fingertips accidentally brushed against the inside of his wrist, and Gu Zhixing trembled involuntarily.

“If you cooperate with me,” her tone returned to its businesslike calm, as if discussing a transaction, “I will not treat you unfairly.”

She straightened her sleeves, the mauve fabric shimmering softly in the sunlight. "I guarantee you'll benefit more than you are now. I'm a very good business partner."

A flicker of pain crossed Gu Zhixing's eyes.

He pulled her into his arms again, this time holding her even tighter, as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones.

Shen Jintang could feel his breath brushing against her ear, warm and rapid.

“I don’t want to be so calculating with you,” he said, his lips almost touching her earlobe, his voice low and husky, “I want you to rely on me, like…like husband and wife.”

Shen Jintang stiffened and then pushed him away forcefully.

Her movements were a bit large, and the hairpin in her hair swayed gently, drawing dappled light in the sunlight.

"Gu Zhixing, you want too much." Her voice turned cold, like spring water suddenly freezing. "People who are too greedy usually don't have a good ending; they often end up with nothing."

Instead of retreating, Gu Zhixing pressed forward, forcing her to a crabapple tree.

His arm braced against the tree trunk beside her ear, trapping her between himself and the tree.

This position brings the two people so close that they can exchange breaths.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting shadows on his face and highlighting his handsome features, which also conveyed a sense of aloofness.

"I'm greedy?" He chuckled softly, but there was no smile in his eyes. "That's because you've given too little."

His gaze fell on her lips, his voice low and husky, "It was here last time too, I kissed you, and you slapped me twice."

Shen Jintang looked up at him.

The sunlight cast dappled shadows on his face, softening his sharp features.

She could smell the faint scent of agarwood on him, mixed with the aroma of sunshine, which inexplicably made her feel at ease.

"So you're here to collect a debt?"

She asked softly, her tone less cold.

Gu Zhixing did not answer, but simply lowered his head slowly.

His nose was almost touching hers, their breaths mingling.

This is both a clear invitation and a silent inquiry.

Shen Jintang could see her own reflection in his eyes, small and filled in those extremely beautiful eyes.

She sighed softly and raised her hand to wrap around his neck.

This movement caused her sleeve to slip down, revealing a section of her fair wrist.

Gu Zhixing stared at the severed wrist, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily.

Shen Jintang took the initiative to kiss him. The kiss was very light, like a butterfly fluttering across a petal, yet it sent a shiver down Gu Zhixing's spine.

He quickly took the initiative, holding the back of her head with one hand and deepening the kiss.

As their lips intertwined, he tasted the faint aroma of tea in her mouth, along with a hint of indescribable sweetness.

When the two finally parted, Gu Zhixing's eyes were filled with unbelievable joy.

His thumb gently brushed against her slightly swollen lips, his voice hoarse: "No slap this time?"

Shen Jintang turned her face away, her ear tips as red as the crabapple blossoms on the tree.

"……Shut up."

Her voice was three degrees softer than usual, completely lacking any intimidation.

Gu Zhixing chuckled softly and pulled her back into his arms.

A spring breeze swept by, scattering a tree full of crabapple petals that fluttered down onto the two people's hair and shoulders, like a pink snowfall.

A petal landed on Shen Jintang's eyelashes. Gu Zhixing lowered his head and gently blew it away, earning her a reproachful look in return.

The calls of maids searching for their master could be heard in the distance, but neither of them moved.

The sunlight stretched their shadows long, making them blend into one on the stone path, indistinguishable from one another.

Gu Zhixing's fingers quietly intertwined with Shen Jintang's, their fingers clasped together, as if making a silent promise.

The Imperial Palace.

The glazed tiles of the palace shimmered softly in the spring sunshine. As Shen Jintang passed through the many palace gates, several tender green grass sprouts emerged from the cracks in the bluestone bricks beneath her feet.

She looked up toward Yongning Palace, where the princess resided. The upturned eaves and corners of the palace were nestled among the newly blossoming peach and plum trees, giving it an even more leisurely atmosphere than usual.

"Lord Siyan, this way please."

The palace maid leading the way lowered her head and spoke softly, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility of spring.

Shen Jintang nodded slightly and followed.

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