Chapter 306 – Great God, I heard you’re going to travel a thousand li to deliver (40)
What exactly happened that made her hide your gender?
What exactly happened that led a girl like her to indulge in decadent things like smoking and drinking?
What exactly happened that shaped her into this awkward, aloof, yet somewhat desolate person, making his heart ache unbearably?
Fang Shi wanted to know.
Everything about Yan Luo, he was desperate to know.
With his means and abilities, he could uncover every detail if he wanted. But he wanted to hear it from her, to hear her say it herself. He wanted her to tell him, to trust him without reservation.
He knew it was too soon. After all, they had only just knew each other a few months ago. But he couldn’t help it.
Why?
Why was there someone who could make him act so unlike himself?
Things he once disdained, he could now do with ease. Things he once scoffed at, he now did willingly.
He wanted to keep her in his sight at all times, to cherish and admire her, especially now that they had met. The thought that so many people had known her before he did, spent time with her before him, inexplicably filled him with irritation.
A feeling he himself could hardly believe churned within him, dark and restless. Until the moment she looked at him, and it vanished.
Holding her in his arms, the usual indifference and sharpness in him melted away. He was like a large, tamed beast, quietly lowering his head to gaze at her.
His eyes were bright, and if he had a tail, it would be wagging non-stop.
He wanted to say—
—I like you so much. I can’t control myself because of you.
—I can retract my claws, hide my fangs, and pretend to be well-behaved, for you.
—So, please, talk to me a little more? Even if you’re sulking, even if you’re throwing a tantrum.
—I want to experience every word, every moment, and remember them all.
Yet again, he was being sentimental. But this time, he didn’t want to deny it.
Fang Shi pressed his lips together, watching Yan Luo’s reaction.
The moment he brought up the question, he could feel her tense in his arms. Something complicated flickered in her eyes.
And just like that, his heart twisted.
Suddenly, he regretted asking.
Yan Luo could feel the storm of emotions of the original owner. Hatred, most likely. A father without love, a mother who only sought to use her, a stepmother full of schemes, and the stepmother’s two equally calculating children.
No place to call home. Nowhere to belong.
Her lips parted slightly, then closed again. A trace of frustration crossed her eyes as she struggled to her feet, gaze lowered, as if she was trying to hide a vulnerability she didn’t want anyone to see. Her voice sounded normal, but—
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
She turned back and glanced at Fang Shi, who was still frozen in place, his eyes stormy with emotion.
She hesitated for a moment, then leaned down and lightly pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips.
“Don’t ask me. Find out for yourself.”
The faint scent of lemon drifted close. Soft warmth brushed his lips for just a second, then vanished.
Fang Shi, still caught up in her refusal to confide in him, was stunned.
He dumbly looked up at her, blood rushing to his face and ears.
His eyes widened in shock, utterly unable to react.
This time, he really was blushing. And his brain had completely stopped working.
[*Ding*—Fang Shi’s blackening value -5 (55/100)]