frank

No matter how hard Qu Linghan tried to recall, he could not remember what he had ever been so terrified of.

She lost a loved one when she was young and was mocked by other children, so she would secretly fight back.

With 100 days left until the college entrance exam, I stayed up day and night, even all night, without eating, to stand out from millions of applicants.

When her former boss made things difficult for her at work, she switched jobs to a rival company and became the design director in less than a year thanks to her talent.

Even now, in this unfamiliar era, she still runs her own brand, and everyone in her household, including the villain who almost killed her on their first meeting, is completely under her thumb...

It seems she has never considered or experienced what fear is.

But what is the reason for today?

In that instant, a host of terrifying thoughts flashed through her mind.

She seemed genuinely afraid—afraid of forgetting her past, afraid of not being able to reach her future.

Like lightning, a sharp pain shot through Qu Linghan's head.

She took a few steps back and lifted her forehead.

Upon seeing this situation, Lu Shuyu immediately took Qu Linghan's arm.

Her voice was filled with anxiety, "Ling Han, what happened?"

Qu Linghan freed his left hand.

"No problem, no problem."

"It's an old problem."

Qu Linghan wanted to rest on a chair, but the pain in her head was getting more and more intense, to the point that she could no longer walk steadily.

Lu Shuyu helped Qu Linghan, who was walking unsteadily.

"Aren't you really going to see a doctor?"

"It's just a minor ailment, nothing serious, I'll be fine after some rest."

"Oh well."

......

Qu Linghan lay on the lounge chair in the private room.

The pain from before had long since subsided, and Qu Linghan felt a sense of unease.

In the 21st century, Qu Linghan was a true workaholic with incredible physical fitness.

I have never had any minor ailments like headaches or colds.

How did we get here...?

She had a headache and was feeling cold; she truly felt that this body's physical condition was too poor.

I don't know if it's because I'm not used to the space.

Or perhaps it was originally the original owner's problem.

"well."

Qu Linghan let out a long sigh.

Just then, Lu Shuyu pushed open the door and entered.

"What is it now, my lady?"

"It's nothing, I just feel that my physical condition is a bit poor."

Lu Shuyu placed the fruit plate on the table next to Qu Linghan, then forked a piece of mango, which was bright yellow and looked very appetizing.

Qu Linghan opened his mouth and said "Ah".

Lu Shuyu pretended to place the mango in front of Qu Linghan, and when Qu Linghan leaned forward...

"Hey, no way."

"Boring."

Qu Linghan pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest.

Hahahahahahahahaha.

"Lu Shuyu, your laughter is a bit too loud."

After some twists and turns, the very appetizing-looking mango was finally served to Lu Shuyu.

What does "poor physical fitness" mean?

Lu Shuyu looked at Qu Linghan with a serious expression.

It means that you are not in good health.

"oh."

Lu Shuyu then revealed a cryptic smile.

"I was thinking, isn't your husband a military officer? He must be in great shape. Why don't you ask him to teach you how to keep your body healthy?"

As soon as Lu Shuyu finished speaking, Qu Linghan's face immediately showed a bitter expression.

What happened?

"It's a long story."

"Then let's get to the point."

"OK."

Since they were already friends, Qu Linghan simply explained the whole story of his relationship with Bai Hui to Lu Shuyu.

"Oh, you're a substitute bride? You two haven't developed feelings for each other yet?"

"Yes, that's how it should be."

"But in my opinion, Bai Hui has already been tempted."

"Oh no, really?"

"You've devoted yourself entirely to your career, and your emotions have been shunned by it."

"How so?"

Qu Linghan leaned towards Lu Shuyu, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"Think about it, before you came, was his house even considered a home?"

"I'm afraid his home will only feel warm and welcoming after you come."

Qu Linghan pursed his lips.

"I don't think so. He seemed to be doing quite well before I came."

Lu Shuyu tapped Qu Linghan's forehead with her finger.

"You. You shielded him from arrows, talked to him, helped him catch corrupt officials, and introduced him to your brother. Before you came, had anyone treated him like this?"

"And then..."

"What are you saying?"

Lu Shuyu's eyes darted around.

"Besides, our Ling Han is incredibly beautiful, with a face that could make fish sink and geese fall from the sky, and a beauty that could shame the moon and put flowers to shame. Everyone loves her, and flowers bloom for her..."

"Oh dear, I can't bear to look at this, I can't bear to look at this."

Qu Linghan's dizziness completely disappeared, and she quickly got up from the recliner.

"Stop talking, stop talking, I'm going back now."

"Alright, alright, go back and appease your proud and arrogant man..."

...

Fortunately, Lanxu Pavilion was not too late from the Bai residence, and Qu Linghan arrived at the courtyard in no time.

Summer arrived without us even noticing, and Qu Linghan's dress was tinged with the fragrance of flowers.

The butterflies were attracted and rested on her skirt.

The pink dress resembled a vibrant, blooming flower.

It made the girl look even more charming.

Qu Linghan lifted a thin layer of veil on her skirt, squatted down, wanting to gently pluck the butterfly, or let it fly away on its own.

What a coincidence!

They encountered... Bai Hui, who appeared to have just finished exercising.

A thin layer of fine hair, an indescribable sadness in his eyes, and a few fallen petals clinging to his hair.

"Hi~ Bai Zhaoming."

Bai Hui: hi

What does this mean?

Before Bai Hui could react, Qu Linghan waved to him.

"Come here for a moment."

Bai Hui handed the sword to Qin Hang and then walked to Qu Linghan's side.

"Husband... what are you doing?"

Qu Linghan did not reply, but instead issued the order.

"Could you please remove this butterfly for me? I'm afraid I might hurt it if I walk too fast."

"Um."

Bai Hui responded and reached out to the butterfly on Qu Linghan's skirt.

Such slender, bony hands... How come I never noticed how charming Bai Hui was before?

Qu Linghan was still captivated by Bai Hui's beauty.

The man in front of her had already removed the butterfly from her skirt and was about to stand up.

"That's good."

After he finished speaking, the butterfly fluttered into the air, its delicate wings flapping.

Wow.

Bai Hui looked at Qu Linghan, and he really couldn't understand what was so amazing about a butterfly taking off.

Until Qu Linghan turned around and looked at him,

"Isn't it beautiful?"

Bai Hui looked directly into Qu Linghan's eyes.

"Yes, it's very beautiful."

The two were very close, and only then did Qu Linghan notice that a few fallen petals were lying on Bai Hui's hair.

I instinctively reached out to pick it off for him.

Qu Linghan felt that she was just trying to be kind.

However, when it came to Bai Hui, it turned into... getting closer to him.

"you…"

He rejected me on one hand, but provoked me on the other.

Okay.

"Did you practice all morning?"

"yes."

Are you tired?

"Hmm. It's alright."

Are you hungry?

"Yes, a little."

"Shall we go to the West Market?"

"Can."

Following closely, asking and answering questions

—

Qu Linghan then stood up and pulled... accidentally pulled it into Bai Hui's belt.

"Excuse me…"

Qu Linghan's face instantly turned red.

"It's alright."

…

Bai Hui seemed to have mentally prepared herself before awkwardly taking Qu Linghan's hand.

"Let's go."

Even out of sight, Qu Linghan's ear tips turned red.

And so the two of them awkwardly held hands.

We walked down the street as if we were all forced into it.

"Hey, look at those two, isn't that girl being forced into marriage?"

Yes, she was forced into marriage. She woke up one morning to find herself in the bridal sedan chair.

"Hey, what are you saying? I think that young man was the one who was forcibly taken. Look at how handsome he is..."

Qu Linghan couldn't help but look at Bai Hui, then burst out laughing.

Bai Hui said irritably, "What are you laughing at?"

"I'm laughing at how handsome you are. Oh no, I'm laughing at how good-looking the old lady is."

After saying this, Bai Hui gripped Qu Linghan's hand tightly and strode forward, displaying the demeanor of a military general.

"Slow down, slow down, I won't laugh anymore, okay? You tsundere."

The two laughed and walked to the West Market.

Wow, what a dazzling array of things!!!

"Haven't you been here before?"

“This time is different.”

"What's different?"

Qu Linghan kept Bai Hui in suspense, deliberately walking ahead of him and leaving him to guess.

Bai Hui smiled helplessly, then followed closely behind Qu Linghan, walking along a horizontal axis.

"Tell me, what do you want to eat?"

"Um..."

Qu Linghan placed her fingertips against her chin.

"Let me think about it!"

"good."

"Yes! I want to eat roasted meat, meat soup, sashimi, boiled pancakes, lotus root cake, and jujube rice cake!"

Qu Linghan finished speaking in a flash.

Oh dear, isn't this a bit too much? Will he think I'm starving?

Oh well, whatever he thinks.

Is there anything else?

That's all for now.

After speaking, Bai Hui gestured to Qu Linghan.

"Come with me."

Okay.

Bai Hui led Qu Linghan to a restaurant whose decor and furnishings were not particularly exquisite, and could even be described as somewhat old-fashioned.

To be honest, Qu Linghan was stunned for a moment.

Could it be that we're about to hear him recount painful childhood memories?

Could it be...?

"Impossible, impossible, it can't be that bad."

"Ling Han, what are you doing? Come and sit down."

"Okay, okay."

Bai Hui led Qu Linghan to a less conspicuous spot, where Qu Linghan curiously observed everything.

Previously, due to unfamiliarity and lack of courage, she had never ventured into the depths of the West Market alleys, let alone this restaurant that required winding through alleys to find.

To be honest, this restaurant looks pretty good.

The floors were spotless and shiny, the shopkeepers seemed unassuming, and the food smelled delicious—everything was great.

I just don't understand why the location was chosen to be so remote.

Bai Hui summoned a waiter and had him remake all the dishes Qu Linghan had just ordered.

"Roasted meat, meat soup..."

Is there anything else?

The waiter smiled at the customer before him, while Bai Hui relayed his message to Qu Linghan.

Is there anything else?

Qu Linghan waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no."

This feels like a sarcastic remark...

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing, oh right. I was just wondering why this restaurant is so out of the way. I've never heard of it before. How did you find out about it?"

In a panic, Qu Linghan frantically tried to salvage the situation.

"This is Uncle Xu's property. Uncle Xu was my mother's best friend. After my parents passed away, he took care of me for several years. As for why the location was chosen in such a remote place, it's because..."

Qu Linghan appeared to be listening attentively.

In reality: If I really want to talk about the dampness of my childhood.

Then, as if possessed, she looked directly into Bai Hui's eyes.

"Are you...?"

"You like me?"