Understanding his thoughts, Lu Lili smiled tenderly.
In a relaxed yet sincere tone, she said, “I know, you want to tell me that even though you entered the brothel, you’re not here to seek the company of the girls. Instead, you’re here to appreciate poetry, indulge in art, and engage in activities that are kept secret.”
Although the last sentence sounded strange, she was mostly correct in what she said.
Pei Yijian nodded in agreement, and his tone suddenly carried a hint of pleading. “So, please don’t misunderstand me and the girls in the brothel anymore. It weighs heavily on my heart.”
As if to complement his expression of discomfort, after speaking, he bent down and buried his face in Lu Lili’s shoulder, tightly embracing her with both hands.
“I have no connection with any of those girls. From the beginning to the end, the only person I have ever liked is you. The only person who occupies my thoughts is you.”
“Lili, besides you, I wouldn’t want anyone else. Can you believe me?”
Seemingly finding courage by burying his face, Pei Yijian finally managed to express his true feelings.
And he held the person in his arms even tighter.
Afraid that she might refuse, afraid that she might push him away, afraid that she might run away…
But in that moment when Pei Yijian leaned his head closer, Lu Lili suddenly felt the vulnerability he unintentionally revealed.
It turned out that beneath his usually carefree and unrestrained demeanor, always wearing a mischievous smile, he also had a fragile side.
“I’m sorry, it was my mistake. I will never doubt you again.”
Lu Lili comfortingly stroked his head and confessed to him, “You’re also the only person I’ve ever liked from the beginning to the end. Every day since we parted, I’ve been thinking of you and longing to see you.”
At that moment, all the tension and uneasiness dissipated. Pei Yijian’s heart was clearly filled with joy, yet he pretended to be low-spirited. “I feel the same way, as if I’ve been enchanted. I think of you countless times every day!”
Two people embraced each other tenderly, creating an atmosphere that resembled a scene from a tragic play.
But somehow, Lu Lili’s mind suddenly went blank, and as she touched Pei Yijian’s firm head, it felt like she was petting a large dog. Unable to control herself, she burst into laughter.
The atmosphere was instantly disrupted, and Pei Yijian found it difficult to continue playing the role of a melancholic youth in love.
In truth, he was very strong, but occasionally being comforted by someone when he felt vulnerable made him happy! He straightened his posture, took hold of a soft and boneless hand, and blew out the two oil lamps in the room.
“We should leave, Lili. I’ll take you back to the inn to rest.”
In the dimness, Lu Lili couldn’t see Pei Yijian’s expression, but she felt that his voice was extremely pleasant.
And the warmth of his palm, as always, provided her with a sense of security.
This made her unable to resist shaking the hand he held, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness, “I don’t want to go to the inn, I want to go home with you!”
Pei Yijian’s heart tightened, and his voice became low, “Don’t joke, Lili…”
As Lu Lili followed his steps, she continued, “I’m not joking. I don’t want to stay at the inn. There are all sorts of people there, it’s scary.”
Although she said this, there was no trace of fear in her tone.
Instead, a mischievous smile flickered in her eyes.
Pei Yijian didn’t notice it at all and immediately nodded, “Alright, I’ll help you prepare a room when we get back.”
—Compared to her staying alone at the inn, it was indeed safer to stay with him.
Pei Yijian silently thought to himself.