Bu Shulin’s body stiffened, her mind buzzing. She stared ahead in shock. She had learned from Shen Xihe that Cui Jinbai had developed feelings for her – and had fallen for her while believing her to be a man. It seemed incredible.

She had complete faith in Shen Xihe’s words and thus felt guilty for having affected such a fine young man to this extent. Moreover, being a woman in disguise, she could never reveal the truth to Cui Jinbai. She didn’t know if she would ever see a day of freedom in this life – how could she make promises so lightly, causing such a refined and talented man to waste his life waiting for an uncertain future?

So she had gone along with him, stayed away, avoided provoking him as if they had never crossed paths.

Yet fate was cruel. On the Lantern Festival, he had been the first to rush to her aid. In such a crowded situation, even Mo Yu, sent by Shen Xihe who had first noticed her predicament, couldn’t push through. This could only mean Cui Jinbai’s appearance wasn’t coincidental.

He must have been following her to be able to help so promptly.

These thoughts alone were enough to make Bu Shulin avoid deeper contemplation. She never imagined he would… would confess his feelings to someone he believed to be a man!

“Have you lost your mind?” Bu Shulin ignored her wound and used her inner force to break free from Cui Jinbai. A sharp pain shot through her chest, causing her face to pale as she frowned and clutched her chest.

“Your wound…” Cui Jinbai hurriedly stepped forward.

Bu Shulin quickly retreated, holding out her hand to keep her distance: “Don’t come closer.”

Cui Jinbai stood frozen helplessly, his eyes full of worry and guilt, wanting to approach but not daring to.

After a long while, when the pain had subsided somewhat, Bu Shulin spoke: “Have you considered society’s views? This isn’t like our previous playful pretense. By pursuing you, my unrestrained behavior – people were used to it, half-believing it was just entertainment. If we really… your official career would be ruined!”

“I don’t care.” Cui Jinbai took a small step forward, gazing at her intensely. “I know you can’t let go of Shu Nan right now. It’s alright, I can wait for you, wait until everything is settled. We can then retreat to the mountains, just you and me, away from worldly troubles and gossip. If you find the deep mountains boring, we can travel the jianghu together, never staying in one place too long, so no one will look at you strangely.”

Bu Shulin’s face grew paler than when she was in pain. This person… he must have been contemplating this all this time. He had thought everything through. Bu Shulin clenched her fists, letting her nails dig into her palms to force herself to stay calm: “Your Cui family has many branches and descendants. I am the only heir of the Bu family. I cannot… Please calm down. I apologize for using you before…”

“I don’t want your apology.” Cui Jinbai suddenly looked at Bu Shulin with a calm expression. “You said you took that flying weapon for me because you didn’t want to owe me. You’re lying. Don’t forget I’m the Deputy Chief of the Court of Judicature. I’ve seen countless criminals – I understand what people’s actions in moments of crisis mean. You have feelings for me too. I won’t force you to accept me now, but this isn’t one-sided love. You’ll never escape me in this lifetime.”

After speaking, Cui Jinbai placed the food box on the table, softening his previous forceful manner as he gently reminded her: “Eat while it’s hot. I have official duties to attend to, but I’ll come see you later.”

He opened the food box and began arranging its contents.

His demeanor of acting like the master of the house angered Bu Shulin so much that if she weren’t injured, she would have jumped in fury: “Get this straight – this is my manor. You’re a noble family’s young master – where are your manners?”

“Manners are for outsiders.” Cui Jinbai finished arranging everything and looked at her with an indulgent gaze. “You told Yin Shan that I’m the mistress of your household, you said you would marry me yourself.”

Bu Shulin was so shocked by Cui Jinbai openly speaking of being the mistress and being married that she couldn’t help backing up two steps: “Are… are you possessed by something unclean?”

This person was too abnormal, too strange – what man would be happy to be married off? Happy to be seen as a woman?

“I’m not possessed, just bewitched by you.” Cui Jinbai’s smile grew increasingly indulgent and gentle.

“Get out, get out right now!” Bu Shulin was so frightened she could only cling to a nearby pillar, watching Cui Jinbai warily.

But Cui Jinbai approached her wearing that harmless, extremely gentle smile: “Aren’t these words I’m saying now the same ones you once said to me? Since you said such things and made me dream of you constantly, I assume you were happy about it. So from now on, I’ll say such things to you often, until you pine for me just as deeply, hmm?”

Bu Shulin’s eyes nearly popped out of her head, but Cui Jinbai particularly enjoyed her innocent and helpless expression, like a lost deer in the forest.

His large hand patted her head as he softly repeated: “Remember to eat.”

He even gave her a slight smile before striding away cheerfully.

Long after Cui Jinbai had left, Bu Shulin remained in the same position, blankly pressed against the pillar.

Thoroughly frightened by Cui Jinbai, she didn’t dare eat what he had brought. She ran straight to the Princess’s manor. Shen Xihe had just returned with Xue Jinqiao from buying flowers and herbs, saying she would personally make rouge and powder for Xue Jinqiao.

“You you, you you, you must save me.” Bu Shulin rushed forward to grab Shen Xihe’s wrist, but Xue Jinqiao chopped down with her hand.

She couldn’t understand why Bu Shulin, this libertine, showed no propriety and was always touching her Sister, completely ignoring the proper distance between men and women.

Of course, Shen Xihe never resisted Bu Shulin’s familiarity, which Xue Jinqiao interpreted as Shen Xihe being too gentle and not quick enough to react, allowing Bu Shulin to take advantage. As for Shen Xihe’s servants, they were constrained by Bu Shulin’s position as World Son – at least, that was her interpretation.

“Little demon, I don’t want to fight with you today, don’t provoke me.” Bu Shulin was troubled. Usually, she would tease Xue Jinqiao, occasionally exchanging blows, which Shen Xihe never stopped. The scene was very familiar – it was just like when she was at home.

“You’re not allowed to touch Sister casually.” Xue Jinqiao stood in front of Shen Xihe.

Seeing the genuine worry in Bu Shulin’s expression, Shen Xihe patted Xue Jinqiao’s shoulder, and after she moved aside, asked: “What’s happened? Why are you so panicked?”

“I…” Bu Shulin was about to speak but stopped upon seeing Xue Jinqiao.

Shen Xihe had to turn to Xue Jinqiao and say: “Qiao Qiao, when I’ve finished making it, I’ll invite you to the manor to choose.”

Xue Jinqiao wasn’t upset about Shen Xihe sending her away. Everyone had secrets, just as Shen Xihe never told others about her illness. Bu Shulin might also have something she couldn’t tell others.

She nodded, then glared fiercely at Bu Shulin once more: “You better behave yourself, or I’ll let Dian Dian bite you!”