Chapter 684
Renxue's Warmth
"Difficult?"
Recalling Qian Daoliu's murderous gaze, Dai Chengfeng pursed his lips with lingering fear, "It almost scared me to death."
"But at least they relented and told me to treat you better, otherwise they'd skin me alive."
Qian Renxue chuckled. She could imagine her grandfather's furious expression and Dai Chengfeng's embarrassed and awkward look.
She reached out and gently poked his chest: "Serves you right, who told you to... in the middle of the night..."
"Who makes you so tempting?"
Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly, placed a kiss on her neck, raised his head, looked at her delicate face so close to his, his eyes full of tenderness, "But it's worth it."
Qian Renxue blushed, avoided his burning gaze, and buried her face in his chest.
Dai Chengfeng stopped teasing her and simply held her quietly, enjoying the rare tranquility of the morning.
After a long while, as if remembering something, he pressed his lips close to her sensitive earlobe and whispered:
"How are you doing in the Heaven Dou Empire? Has anyone been bullying you?"
His voice was deep and earnest, filled with undisguised concern.
Qian Renxue felt a warmth in her heart and gently shook her head in his arms: "Fortunately, everything is going according to plan."
But... sometimes I feel a little tired, a little... lonely.
Dai Chengfeng tightened his arms, holding her even closer, as if trying to transfer his strength to her:
"You've worked hard. Actually, if you don't want to, you don't have to pretend anymore."
"no……"
Qian Renxue shook her head.
"Don't try to persuade me, I can't give up halfway..."
"Alright alright."
The two embraced and talked in hushed tones, from trivial matters in the Heavenly Dou Empire to their hopes for the future, and time slipped by unnoticed.
After a long while, the sunlight had completely illuminated the entire room.
Qian Renxue stirred slightly and said, "It's time to get up."
This time, Dai Chengfeng didn't renege on his promise and released his arm as instructed.
The two got up one after the other and straightened their somewhat disheveled clothes.
Looking at the bright sunshine outside the window, Qian Renxue turned to Dai Chengfeng and said, "Want to come with me to Wuhun City for a stroll?"
It's been so long since I've been back; it feels a bit unfamiliar.
Seeing the expectation in her eyes, Dai Chengfeng naturally had no reason to refuse.
He walked to her side, naturally took her hand, and smiled: "Alright, I'll accompany you on a good stroll today, my angel princess."
Qian Renxue's cheeks flushed slightly, but she did not pull away from his hand, letting him lead her. The two walked out of the room side by side, facing the morning light, towards the bustling streets of Wuhun City.
As dawn breaks, shops gradually open on the streets. The shouts of vendors, the clatter of wheels rolling over the cobblestones, the aroma of freshly baked bread, the savory fragrance of hot soup, and the faint scent wafting from the flowerbeds in the distance...
Qian Renxue and Dai Chengfeng walked side by side in the bustling crowd, her hand firmly held in his palm.
This simple and intimate gesture brought her a long-lost sense of security, tinged with a touch of luxury.
Having long been lurking in the Heavenly Dou Empire, maintaining the perfect disguise of "Xue Qinghe" at all times, she almost forgot what it would feel like to walk in the sunlight without any scruples, with her true face and true identity.
Dai Chengfeng keenly caught the complex emotion that flashed across her eyes.
He turned his head and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:
"What's wrong? Not used to it?"
Qian Renxue gently shook her head, a faint yet genuine smile curving her lips:
"It just... feels a little unreal. Like stolen time."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the familiar scenery along the street. "Wuhun City hasn't changed much, yet it feels like everything has changed." "It's not the city that has changed, it's the people."
Dai Chengfeng tightened his grip on her hand, his thumb gently stroking the back of her delicate hand. "You're back. Look at it with a new mindset, and it will naturally be different."
Qian Renxue felt a warmth in her heart and turned to look at him. The sunlight fell on his angular profile, outlining his handsome features. His eyes, which were usually as sharp as a hawk's, were now filled with tenderness for her.
She suddenly felt a strange sense of belonging as she walked through this city, which held so many of her complex memories, being led by such a person.
"Where do you want to go?" Dai Chengfeng asked, his tone full of indulgence.
"Let's just wander around," Qian Renxue said, her gaze drifting to a stall selling exquisite jewelry not far away. "Take a look at those little trinkets."
The two strolled off.
The stall owner was a kind-faced middle-aged woman who immediately greeted the two distinguished-looking people warmly.
Qian Renxue's gaze was drawn to a silver brooch inlaid with a pale blue crystal. The crystal reflected a cool luster in the sunlight, just like the color of her martial spirit.
"You like this?"
Dai Chengfeng followed her gaze, picked up the brooch, and his fingertips inadvertently touched her collarbone, causing a slight itch.
He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "It suits you perfectly, just like you, cool and dazzling."
Qian Renxue's cheeks flushed slightly. She glared at him reproachfully but did not refute him.
She took the brooch, held it up to her neckline, and it truly complemented her perfectly.
"Wrap it up," Dai Chengfeng said to the stall owner, then picked up a finely woven headband adorned with tiny gemstones. "I'll take this one too."
"Why did you buy so much?" Qian Renxue asked, somewhat surprised.
"Give me the hairband."
Dai Chengfeng paid the money, took the items, and then, without saying a word, gently tied the hairband to her golden hair that was swaying in the wind, making a simple knot.
"Alright, this makes her look more like a young lady sneaking out to play, rather than the high and mighty heir of the angels."
He examined it with satisfaction, a mischievous smile in his eyes.
Qian Renxue touched her hairband, a sweet feeling rising in her heart.
He always noticed these details, using this seemingly casual but actually thoughtful approach to shorten the distance between them, allowing her to temporarily forget the burden of her identity.
They continued walking aimlessly.
After passing through the bustling main street, turn into a quieter alley. Deep in the alley is a time-honored dessert shop, wafting out an enticing sweet aroma.
Do you remember this place?
Qian Renxue stopped in her tracks, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "When I was little, my grandfather would sometimes bring me here to buy honey cakes."
"Shall we go in and have a taste?" Dai Chengfeng suggested.
The shop is furnished in a rustic style, with wooden tables and chairs worn smooth by time.
The two found a seat by the window and ordered the signature honey cake and two cups of tea.
The cake is soft, sweet, and has a rich honey flavor; it melts in your mouth.
Qian Renxue ate in small bites, memories flooding back—back then, her grandfather's face wasn't as stern and imposing as it is now; he would occasionally reveal a kind smile…
"Thinking about Senior Qian Daoliu?" Dai Chengfeng guessed what was going on based on her expression.
Qian Renxue nodded, put down her spoon, and sighed softly: "Grandpa... actually loves me very much, but the way he expresses it... is a bit forceful."
She recalled her grandfather's heartbroken lament last night, "The cabbage has been eaten by the pig," and couldn't help but smile, yet also felt a little helpless.
Dai Chengfeng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said meaningfully, "He's just worried about you. But I'll make him feel at ease eventually." (End of Chapter)