After resting and eating, Lu Jingze and the others finally caught Wang, who was trying to escape, and pulled him back into their arms.
"Where do you want to go?" Lu Jingze's voice was deep and slightly teasing, as if he had already seen through her thoughts.
Wang Xiuxiu's heart tightened, but she forced herself to remain calm and said, "I'm not going anywhere, I'm not going anywhere."
As she spoke, a hint of innocence flickered in her eyes, and she deliberately put on a pitiful look.
Seeing her act like this, Lu Jingze couldn't help but snort, "Alright, stop pretending, I have something to say to you."
His gaze was intense. "I was seriously injured that day, why didn't you take the opportunity to escape?"
"I ran away! We still escaped together, didn't we?"
Wang Xiuxiu's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously lowered her head to avoid his deep eyes that seemed to see through everything.
Seeing this, Lu Jingze frowned slightly, reached out a finger and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look up and meet his eyes.
His gaze was piercing, pressing closer with each step. "Don't pretend. You know what I mean. Why didn't you take this opportunity to abandon me and run away? Haven't you always wanted to stay away from me? Why give up such a good opportunity?"
Knowing she couldn't fool him anymore, Wang Xiuxiu steeled herself, raised her head and looked him straight in the eye, her tone stubborn: "Although you have a bad temper, you are a good official who serves the country and the people. You shouldn't lose your life at the hands of thieves like this."
Hearing this, Lu Jingze raised an eyebrow and stared at her with interest: "Just because of this?"
"Not entirely. You've saved me several times before. One can't be ungrateful!"
Lu Jingze's lips curled up slightly, forming a faint smile as he looked at her with a half-smile, "Oh, are you trying to subtly guide me with your words?"
Wang Xiuxiu's little scheme was immediately exposed, and her face flushed. She lowered her head in embarrassment, her voice becoming barely audible: "No...no..."
"Even if that's the case, it doesn't matter. You're right, I should indeed repay your kindness."
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiuxiu suddenly raised her head, her previously dull eyes instantly brightening as she looked at him expectantly.
However, just as Wang Xiuxiu was about to make her request, Lu Jingze suddenly leaned down slightly and got closer to her.
The warm breath gently brushed against her sensitive earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine.
His voice was deep and carried an undeniable firmness: "I'll do whatever you say, except let you leave."
Wang Xiuxiu's heart sank, and the expectation on her face instantly froze.
She bit her lip, a surge of resentment and anger welling up inside her, her face flushed red, and she was so angry that she couldn't speak for a long time.
Seeing her like this, Lu Jingze's heart softened slightly, but he still refused to back down.
"You should know that if I could let go before, I could never let go again from the moment you saved me."
Lu Jingze held her tightly, wishing he could completely melt her into his bones and blood.
He held Wang Xiuxiu tightly in his arms, and she felt the warmth from his chest. She gave a bitter smile and said, "So it's my fault?"
Lu Jingze gently cupped her face, the warmth of his fingertips passing through her skin and reaching her heart.
His gaze was gentle yet firm, as if he wanted to envelop her entirely in his world.
"No, it's all my fault. I didn't want to let you leave, and I was being unreasonable. But no matter what, Xiuxiu, the situation is turbulent right now. Not only are there rebels eyeing us covetously, but even those corrupt officials in the capital are targeting you. Even for your safety, you have to stay by my side so I can protect you."
His tone was firm and unyielding, yet it also conveyed an overwhelming plea.
Wang Xiuxiu's heart skipped a beat when she heard this. She wanted to refute it, but found that she couldn't find any reason to do so.
She is not an impulsive person, nor would she risk her safety for the sake of a moment of loyalty.
Those people are ruthless and insane. If I insist on leaving, I will probably only fall into greater danger.
But if she stays, how will she cope?
The entanglement between her and him was already too complicated to explain, and if it continued like this, she was afraid...
The two were so close that she could even clearly hear Lu Jingze's breathing.
His warm and gentle breath caressed her hair, carrying his unique, cool scent, like an invisible net that gradually entwined her.
Unbeknownst to her, Wang Xiuxiu's heart began to beat faster and faster uncontrollably, and even her fair cheeks gradually flushed red.
Wang Xiuxiu instinctively tried to back away, but Lu Jingze's hand firmly gripped her waist.
His palm was warm and strong, as if silently declaring: this time, he would never let her escape again.
Just then, Lu Jingze's voice rang out again, carrying a hint of seductive hue: "Xiuxiu, stay, okay?"
His voice seemed to possess a magical power, gradually eroding her previously firm defenses.
Lu Jingze slowly lowered his head and gently kissed Wang Xiuxiu's forehead.
In an instant, it was as if the whole world had stopped turning, and everything around became blurry.
Wang Xiuxiu's cheeks were burning hot, and even the roots of her ears were flushed.
Lu Jingze, however, did not let her off the hook.
His lips slowly moved down from her forehead, gently brushing past the tip of her nose, and finally resting on her lips.
His breath grew increasingly hot, carrying a hint of suppressed longing.
"Lu Jingze, please don't do this..."
But he seemed not to hear her and gently took her lips into his mouth.
The kiss was tender and lingering, tinged with a hint of probing and tenderness, as if it were a rare treasure.
After an unknown amount of time, Lu Jingze slowly released her.
His forehead remained pressed against hers, his breathing slightly rapid. "Xiuxiu, don't run away anymore. Let me protect you, okay?"
Wang Xiuxiu knew she could no longer escape.
Whether for her own safety or for the feelings she could no longer ignore, she had no choice but to stay.
She nodded slightly, her voice so low it was almost inaudible: "Okay."
Lu Jingze's eyes were filled with joy as he hugged Wang Xiuxiu tightly.
His embrace was warm and firm, as if it could shield them from all storms.
Wang Xiuxiu leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and felt a strange sense of peace in her heart.
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