Chapter 9

Chapter 9

And so, Xuan Zhou settled into my home.

I gathered some timber, planning to build another bed for him. However, the moment I picked up the saw, he snatched it away.

“Miss, you mustn’t! I can handle this kind of work myself!”

I stood by and watched for a while, my brow soon furrowing. “I’d better do it after all.”

“The wood you’re sawing is all crooked.”

Xuan Zhou retreated in silence.

It took me three days to finish the small bed.

Xie Shanyu pulled me onto his lap, holding me close. “Zhaozhao is so impressive!”

Basking in the praise, I leaned in. “I haven’t had a kiss today yet!”

Xuan Zhou tactfully closed the door and stepped outside.

Xie Shanyu’s lips were so soft.

He carried such a pleasant fragrance. I held his face, kissing him over and over as if tasting a delicious piece of candy.

That was until I felt something strangely hard pressing against me, making me quite uncomfortable.

I shifted a little, and he let out a muffled groan.

Panic-stricken, I reached out to feel around. “Did I hit your wound? Has it not healed yet?”

Xie Shanyu caught my hand and smiled. “It’s nothing.”

I felt like he was just trying to comfort me, which only made me more worried.

“When Fang Jingheng comes next time, I’ll have him take you to see the best doctor in the capital.”

Xie Shanyu looked thoughtful. “I often hear you mention Fang Jingheng, Zhaozhao. I wonder what your relationship is with him?”

So, I told him everything about my past with Fang Jingheng.

I placed special emphasis on one point: “He said he’d take me to live in the capital later, and he even gave you to me to be my husband!”

As I spoke, I showed him the gifts Fang Jingheng had sent. There was also the pouch I hadn’t given away yet.

“I heard he’s going to the border soon. This contains a peace talisman I specifically went to pray for!”

Xie Shanyu picked up the silver hairpin and examined it. Then, he tossed it back into the box with a light chuckle.

“A free gift from Yinghui Pavilion for any purchase over ten taels. He actually had the nerve to give such a trifle as a gift.”

His tone was full of disdain.

I was bewildered. “What is Yinghui Pavilion?”

“The most famous jewelry shop in the capital.”

I suddenly leaned my head close to his. “You’ve been there?”

“…I wandered in by accident. Don’t worry, Zhaozhao, I didn’t go there to buy jewelry for other girls.”

Xie Shanyu picked up the pouch. “Zhaozhao, why don’t you give this to me? My injuries just won’t heal; I suppose I’m lacking a peace talisman’s protection.”

“Alright.”

I nodded. “Then when I get the chance later, I’ll go pray for another one for Fang Jingheng.”

Xie Shanyu smiled again. “No rush.”

He really was beautiful when he smiled.

Dazed, I leaned in closer. “Can I have another kiss?”

“You can.”

“Then put your dagger away this time. It’s poking me.”

“…Alright.”