The wind in Longxi is different from that in the northern frontier; it is less biting and more dry and warm, carrying the scent of dust and grass.
Shen Zhao changed into a neat pale yellow riding outfit, her long hair simply tied into a ponytail, adorned only with a small silver hairpin. Leading two docile chestnut horses, she stood outside the side gate of the Shen residence, the morning light outlining her slender yet upright figure. Seeing Lu Qi, dressed in a smart outfit and brimming with energy, stride towards her, she immediately lowered her eyelashes slightly, two blushes appearing on her cheeks, her voice soft and sweet: "Brother Lu Qi, the horses are ready."
Looking at her meek and submissive "little white rabbit" appearance, Lu Qi couldn't help but smile with amusement. He knew all too well the cunning in this girl's bones. After the "accident" in the garden last time, she hid from him for several days, and it was only with the newly acquired ancient Longxi musical score that he managed to coax her out again. He took the reins, his gaze sweeping over her delicate face and those almond-shaped eyes that seemed timid but occasionally flashed with cunning: "Thank you, Sister Zhao Zhao. Where will you take me to broaden my horizons today?"
“There’s a great place for horseback riding in the west of the city, and further on there’s a poplar forest. Although it’s not as grand as the northern frontier, it has its own unique scenery in spring.” Shen Zhao mounted his horse with fluid and natural movements, exuding an unintentional dashing charm.
Sunlight fell on her porcelain-white skin, and her long eyelashes cast a small fan-shaped shadow under her eyes. Beneath that deliberately feigned gentleness, a vibrant vitality and the radiant charm of a girl from the border town were palpable.
"Alright! I'll follow Sister Zhao Zhao's arrangements!" Lu Qi nimbly leaped onto his horse, but his gaze remained fixed on her.
The two rode side by side, their horses' hooves kicking up fine dust on the dirt road outside Longxi City. At first, Shen Zhao meticulously controlled the horse's speed, playing the role of a demure woman. But once they were outside the city gates, the view opened up. The distant rolling hills shimmered with gold in the sunlight, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and the wind carried a sense of freedom on her face. The carefree spirit inherent in her, typical of the people of Longxi, gradually became undeniable.
“Brother Lu Qi,” she turned her head, the sunlight making her smile bright and radiant, like a blooming Gesang flower, her eyes sparkling with a lively and mischievous light, “Shall we have a race to see whose horse is faster? Let’s go to that grassy slope over there!” Before she finished speaking, she spurred her horse and shouted, “Giddy up!” The chestnut horse shot off like an arrow, its tail drawing a beautiful arc in the air, her laughter as clear as silver bells, drifting away on the wind.
Lu Qi was momentarily stunned by her sudden liveliness and bright smile, then burst into laughter: "Sister Zhao Zhao is cheating!" He immediately spurred his horse to catch up. The two horses chased each other across the open plain. Shen Zhao's red riding attire was like a leaping flame. She controlled the horse skillfully, her body rising and falling with the horse's gallop, exuding a wild beauty. Where was the timidity of a "little white rabbit"? That deliberately feigned docility vanished in the free wind, leaving only the most genuine, vibrant agility.
Lu Qi's heart burned with desire as he spurred his horse to follow closely behind her, his gaze intense.
Finally, the two reached the top of the grassy slope almost simultaneously. Shen Zhao reined in her horse, slightly panting, her cheeks flushed with a charming blush from the exertion and excitement, and fine beads of sweat glistened on her forehead in the sunlight. She turned to look at Lu Qi, her eyes sparkling with a hint of smug pride: "Brother Lu Qi, you're too kind!" Her smile was bright and radiant, like the most dazzling sunshine in Longxi.
Lu Qi's heart pounded like a drum. Looking at her face, which was particularly vibrant from exercise, his Adam's apple bobbed. He spurred his horse closer, almost alongside her, his gaze falling on her smooth forehead: "Running so fast, you're all sweaty." He naturally reached out his hand, his large palm calloused, carrying an undeniable tenderness, and gently brushed her sweaty temples. "Don't move, there's dust on it."
Shen Zhao's body stiffened slightly, and she subconsciously wanted to dodge, but was held in place by his legitimate reason of "cleaning up the dust." His warm fingertips lightly brushed against her sensitive temples, bringing a slight tingling sensation. She lowered her eyelashes, her long eyelashes trembling restlessly like butterfly wings, and the blush on her cheeks deepened. The lively spirit she had just released was covered by a hint of shyness, contradictory yet charming.
Lu Qi's fingertips lingered on her temple for a moment, but his gaze involuntarily slid to her petal-like lips, which were slightly parted due to her panting. His throat tightened, and a thought began to stir within him.
Just then, a slightly stronger gust of wind blew by, stirring up sand and dust from the ground.
"Oh dear!" Shen Zhao subconsciously turned her head and closed her eyes, thinking about how to create an accident? How could she get Brother Lu Qi to take the initiative?
Great opportunity!
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