Just then, a different sound came from inside the room. The little eunuch stared blankly inside. The Fourth Prince had... grown up.

Ah Li never expected that she would be hugged by someone while half-asleep.

Liu Xiu's face was flushed. He was holding Ah Li, as if he had just woken up from a dream. He had been so engrossed in looking at her that he hadn't realized when he had kissed and hugged her.

Ah Li reached out and placed her hand on Liu Xiu's shoulder, looking at the scroll on the long table. "Is it finished?"

"Um."

Liu Xiu tried to step back, but Ah Li grabbed his sleeve and reached down along the wide hem of the sleeve towards Liu Xiu's arm.

Liu Xiu's heart suddenly started beating even faster than before, and he felt his cheeks getting slightly hot.

At this moment, Ahri's eyes were clear and bright, not at all like someone who had just woken up, as if one could see right through him.

Liu Xiu tried to avoid her gaze, but Ah Li kept staring intently at him.

Because of Ah Li's unwavering gaze, Liu Xiu felt his body inexplicably burning and wanted to do something.

"you……"

Liu Xiu stammered as he spoke, but then realized he didn't know what to say.

Ah Li smiled slightly and said softly, "Liu Xiu, do you know? I've always liked you, from the first moment I saw you."

Liu Xiu was stunned; he hadn't expected Ah Li to say that so suddenly.

Ah Li smiled gently at Liu Xiu's stunned expression. She leaned closer to him, hugged his waist, and rested her head on his shoulder.

Liu Xiu's body stiffened for a moment, but he quickly relaxed and gently hugged Ali back, feeling her warmth and softness.

The two hugged quietly for a while until Ahri let go of their hands.

She looked at Liu Xiu, her eyes sparkling with anticipation: "Liu Xiu, would you like to be with me?"

Looking into Ah Li's eyes, Liu Xiu felt a surge of courage.

He nodded, smiled, and said, "Ah Li, I like you too, and I want to be with you."

Ahri smiled brightly after hearing this.

She took Liu Xiu's hand and placed it on her waist. "Then... shall we continue what we were doing at the rockery?"

Liu Xiu slowly approached Ah Li and replied, "Okay."