Chapter 30

“Miss, it’s your servant,” came Xing Yue’s voice from outside the door.

Nianxi let out a sigh of relief, her expression relaxing slightly, only to realize that her back was drenched in cold sweat.

Lan Zhi was there too. “The door is locked, Miss. Are you… alright?”

Unaware of the situation inside, the two maids assumed something was wrong with Nianxi and locked the door themselves.

Nianxi said, “Wait outside for a moment.”

Xing Yue, still confused, said, “Young Master Gu was concerned about you feeling hot, so he specifically bought some fresh milk candy snow downstairs and asked me to bring it up for you. This treat melts easily, and he instructed that if the crushed ice melts, you wouldn’t like it anymore.”

Nianxi tried to steady her tone, ensuring nothing seemed unusual to those outside. “I think my period might have come early.”

With that, the iced treat would no longer be appropriate to consume.

“There are spare clothes in the carriage; I’ll fetch them immediately.”

“I’ll also bring some water.”

After the two maids left, the sound outside the door faded. Nianxi composed herself, glaring at Pei Jian with disdain. “Why are you still here?”

Having just heard Gu Ci’s name, Pei Jian had unconsciously gripped her more tightly, leaving her wrist reddened. Now, seeing this, he silently stepped back a few paces.

Pei Jian, thoroughly annoyed with the situation, spoke coldly, “I told you everything at the corner gate that day. He’ll be heading to the northern territories soon. Are you planning to go with him?”

Instead of answering, Nianxi retorted, “Is Gu Ci destined to become the future Champion Marquis?”

Pei Jian pressed his lips together and nodded in confirmation.

Nianxi’s gaze was icy. “That’s my problem, not yours.”

“Don’t act on impulse.”

From the moment he entered, Pei Jian had been infuriated by Nianxi’s flushed cheeks and red lips, causing him to act irrationally. Now calmer, he attempted to reason with her. “You still have family. I know your personality; you wouldn’t abandon everything here just to follow Gu Ci.”

“Since you already know the outcome, why continue making mistakes?”

“End things with him early to avoid getting hurt in the future.”

Nianxi couldn’t understand why she had once been infatuated with the man before her. He spoke grandly of doing things for her own good, yet at his core, he could not escape the flaws inherent to men—To them, women were possessions. Even if they didn’t want or like them, they wouldn’t tolerate others laying a hand on what they deemed theirs.

Nian Xi raised her eyes, full of mockery. “He regards you as his best brother. Won’t you save him?”

Pei Jian’s expression subtly shifted. Though he knew she was doing it on purpose, her words still struck a nerve. “In your heart, am I really this despicable?”

He attempted to grab her hand as he did earlier, but Nianxi refused to let him have his way again. She kicked over the rosewood chair by the desk and stepped back.

“Wouldn’t it be fine, then? Who said he will definitely leave?”

Her indifferent attitude left Pei Jian helpless. He rubbed his temples and, with a touch of fatigue, said, “Nianxi, I’m no longer the Prime Minister. I don’t have that much power or influence, let alone the ability to guarantee the future. The current situation is that everyone in the court believes that Northern Liang is on the brink of collapse and that our army is bound to win. Turning the tide is extremely difficult.”

As he spoke, his tone shifted. “If he’s destined to leave, why waste your time on him?”

“You have better options.”

Nianxi had been listening seriously, but at this point, she couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Better options? Are you talking about yourself?”

Pei Jian pressed his thin lips tightly together, remaining silent.

Nianxi’s eyes curved into a smile, her tone lighthearted. “Pei Jian, you really don’t understand women. I could waste thirteen years with you—why can’t I spare some time for Gu Ci? He’s so good, with such a legendary and tragic future ahead. It only makes me cherish him more.”

Outside, the sound of gongs and drums echoed thunderously. The closed window muted the noise, making the room feel increasingly quiet and stifling. Nianxi, unwilling to linger further, said, “I’ve said all I needed to. I like him and want to be with him.”

“I’ve survived a divorce; what else is there to fear about separation?”

“No matter what the future holds, at least at this moment, I am happy. You can pursue your fame and fortune, and I’ll live my joyous life. From now on, we’ll each go our own way.”

“I’ll say it one last time: don’t disturb me again.”

Pei Jian stared intensely at Nianxi. He had come today intending to have a good talk with her. As her former husband, he believed he had the responsibility and duty to advise her that Gu Ci was not a good choice. But he misunderstood what Nianxi truly needed—or perhaps he never understood her at all.

What she wanted wasn’t even a tangible future. It was the grand, naive, and fleeting passion that Gu Ci offered—a love as ephemeral as the wind.

She only cared about the present. She was clearer about this than anyone else, and he couldn’t persuade her.

Pei Jian said no more. He didn’t want to hear her nonsense about loving Gu Ci any longer. After a moment of silence, he turned and left.

Once Pei Jian was gone, Nianxi hurried to open the window, only to realize the dragon boat race had already ended.

Gu Ci had specially learned to steer the boat for her, yet she didn’t even catch a glimpse. In both her past life and this one, Pei Jian’s interference had once again ruined her Dragon Boat Festival.

Out of the corner of her eye, Nianxi noticed the jewelry box on the table. Without thinking, she grabbed it and hurled it forcefully against the wall.

…

When Gu Ci returned, the paint on his face had been washed off, and he had changed his attire, restoring his usual refined and noble appearance.

Nianxi, having composed herself, noticed his outfit and asked, “Why did you change clothes so quickly?”

“I sweated a lot and didn’t want to bother you with the smell,” Gu Ci replied as he walked over, familiarly taking her hand. With a smile, he asked, “Did you watch my race?”

Nianxi kept her expression calm, dodging the question. “Are you satisfied with the result?”

Gu Ci played with her hand; his gaze lowered as he said, “Not getting first place is a bit disappointing.”

Only then did Nianxi notice the hint of disappointment in his mood. She turned to look at him.

Gu Ci, too, was gazing at her intently, unwaveringly. That gaze was blazing and sincere, filled entirely with her.

What Nianxi had said to Pei Jian earlier wasn’t just empty words. Whether or not Gu Ci would meet the fate of his previous life, at least in the present, they had each other. As for the future, who could truly know?

Nianxi stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning against his youthful chest. Listening to the strong and vibrant heartbeat, she softly said, “In my heart, you are number one.”

“You are a hero.”

Gu Ci lowered his head, pressing his forehead against hers, and chuckled lightly. “A hero who can’t even steer a dragon boat properly?”

Nianxi shook her head, speaking seriously, “You are a great hero who stands tall and firm. You are the hero who saved me.”

Gu Ci paused slightly before pulling her into a firm embrace. “I only want to be your hero.”

“Okay.”

Gu Ci placed a reverent kiss on the top of her head.

In a corner, unnoticed by Nianxi, his eyes lingered on the jewelry box on the floor. Inside was a familiar pair of white jade earrings. He pretended he knew nothing, just like she never opened the window, even after the dragon boat race.

After lunch, Gu Ci took Nianxi boating.

Mount Tuo was picturesque, with the purple clouds swirling as if forming a mist. The peaks were as dark as ink, and the flowers and trees were lush and vibrant. At the mountain’s base, the Ningbi Lake sparkled with crystal-clear water, fed by mountain springs. A cool breeze drifted by, creating a serene and delightful scene.

The small boat glided gently across the lake. Nianxi leaned into Gu Ci’s embrace, resting in the warmth of his chest, with the fresh scent of sunshine unique to him filling her nose. The vastness of the world surrounded them, accompanied by the chirping of birds and insects. The tranquility was so soothing that she gradually fell asleep.

Gu Ci let her rest against him, his arm gently circling her waist to prevent her from suddenly slipping. However, the veins standing out on his arm faintly revealed the inner turmoil he kept hidden.

The sound of her steady breathing reached him. Only when she fell into a deep sleep did he lower his head to gaze at her. His eyes traced every delicate feature of her face, never moving his gaze as long as she slept. Even when his body grew numb, he remained still.

Finally, he softly placed a kiss on her forehead.

At that moment, nothing in the world could compare to the happiness and contentment of holding the one he cherished most in his arms.