Deep in the valley, the night breeze was cool, and the campfire gradually died down.
Zhou Yun'an stood outside the tent, listening to his subordinates' whispered reports, his brows gradually furrowing.
"...Prince Jing, Lu Jingze, has returned to the capital and sealed off all the main roads leading out of the city. The checkpoints along the way are strictly inspecting, and we have suffered heavy losses."
Zhou Yun'an's fingers tightened slightly inside his sleeve, but his face still held that nonchalant smile: "Lu Jingze is quick on his feet."
After a moment's hesitation, the subordinate added, "Also... the Prince Jing's mansion has released a message saying... saying that if anyone can provide information about your whereabouts, they will be rewarded with a thousand taels of gold."
Zhou Yun'an scoffed, "Is my life worth that little bit of money?"
The subordinates dared not respond and remained silent with their heads down.
Zhou Yun'an waved his hand, signaling him to step back, then turned around, lifted Wang Xiuxiu's tent curtain, and went inside.
Inside the tent, the candlelight flickered. Wang Xiuxiu was sitting at a low table, slowly peeling a wild fruit. When he came in, she didn't even lift her eyelids.
"What's wrong, Young Master Zhou? Can't sleep tonight and want to chat with me?"
"You're quite composed," he scoffed.
Wang Xiuxiu raised her eyes, her gaze cold: "You can't escape, Lu Jingze will catch you."
Zhou Yun'an's eyes darkened, then he smiled again: "What, you're still hoping he'll come to save you?"
Wang Xiuxiu said calmly, "Yes."
Zhou Yun'an suddenly leaned forward, his tone playful: "Tell me, if he knew you'd spent so much time with me, what would he think? If he knew your reputation was ruined, do you think he'd still go to such lengths to find you?"
Wang Xiuxiu scoffed, "Zhou Yun'an, when did you start using those vulgar people to talk about a woman's reputation?"
Zhou Yun'an's eyes darkened slightly, but his tone remained flippant: "Isn't reputation important to you?"
Wang Xiuxiu's expression remained unchanged; she even slightly curled her lips: "It's important, but I don't care."
Zhou Yun'an narrowed his eyes: "You don't care?"
“Chastity is not something that comes with being under a skirt.” She looked up at him directly, her eyes showing no fear. “If I cared about that, I should have thrown myself into the well the first time you abducted me.”
Zhou Yun'an stared at her, then suddenly laughed: "What a fine 'chastity is not beneath the skirt' statement. You were able to escape unscathed back then, and you think you can do the same now?"
He leaned closer, his voice low and menacing, "You don't care, but doesn't Lu Jingze care either?"
Wang Xiuxiu sneered: "I've already suffered enough, why should I care about him? If he dislikes me, I'll just find another one."
She said each word slowly and deliberately, "I can live very well even if I rely solely on myself."
Zhou Yun'an stared at her for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter, his laughter carrying a hint of admiration: "Wang Xiuxiu, you are truly amusing."
He straightened up, stood with his hands behind his back, and looked deep in thought: "Unfortunately, there are too few women in this world who think like you, but too many men who are 'proud' like Lu Jingze. Things don't always go as you wish."
Wang Xiuxiu ignored him, reopened the book, and said calmly, "Instead of testing me here, you should think about how to escape."
Zhou Yun'an turned and left. The moment the curtain fell, the smile on his face vanished, replaced by a chilling expression.
Wang Xiuxiu was too clear-headed, so clear-headed that he had no way to make a move.
He had intended to break her will, but instead, she saw through his pathetic state.
————
The next morning, before dawn, the campsite was already packed up.
Wang Xiuxiu stood by the stream, gazing at the distant, layered mountains, her expression serene.
Zhou Yun'an walked to her side and said calmly, "What, are you reluctant to leave this scenery?"
Wang Xiuxiu shook her head: "No matter how beautiful the scenery is, it's not a place to go home."
Zhou Yun'an glanced at her sideways: "Where do you intend to go? To the Jing Prince's residence? Or... to Lu Jingze's side?"
Wang Xiuxiu chuckled: "My destination is always my own choice. It will only be my home when I am willing."
Zhou Yun'an decided to change course, no longer taking the official road, but instead detouring through the dangerous mountain and forest roads.
He mounted his horse, and seeing that Wang Xiuxiu was still standing in the same spot, he said coldly, "Mount up."
Wang Xiuxiu looked up at him: "You can't escape."
Zhou Yun'an sneered: "So what if I can't escape? At least I can make Lu Jingze pay the price."
Wang Xiuxiu stared at him, then suddenly asked in confusion, "Do you hate him?"
Zhou Yun'an's eyes darkened. He didn't answer, but suddenly reached out and pulled her onto the horse's back, holding her close to him.
“Wang Xiuxiu, you better remember this—” he whispered in her ear, his voice cold, “If I don’t survive, you and Lu Jingze won’t have a good time either.”
The sound of horses' hooves rose, dust billowed, and their figures gradually disappeared into the morning mist.
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