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Ji Yucang’s expression paused slightly, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, and then he couldn’t help but laugh, “Your temperament is really quite different from ordinary women, you can’t even say something nice.”
“You like to hear nice words?” Shen Ning raised an eyebrow, “I can say them to you, but you’re not a fool, you should be able to tell if I’m being sincere or not.”
Ji Yucang was speechless, “…”
“Before, there were rumors that you were cold-blooded and merciless, bloodthirsty and ruthless. I don’t think the rumors match the reality.” Shen Ning looked at him calmly, “Are those rumors because of your indulgence?”
Ji Yucang raised an eyebrow, “Is that important?”
Shen Ning was silent for a moment, then shook her head, “No, it’s not important.”
Ji Yucang reached out to test the temperature of the bowl’s edge, elegantly brought the bowl to his lips, and even the act of drinking the medicine seemed extraordinarily noble.
Shen Ning watched his movements, and a faint smile appeared on her lips, “Drinking it so slowly, isn’t it bitter?”
“It is.” Ji Yucang replied, “But maintaining my dignified and solemn image is more important.”
Shen Ning chuckled, “You’re probably the first person to drink bitter medicinal soup with the demeanor of savoring tea.”
Ji Yucang leisurely finished the bowl of medicine, pulled out a silk handkerchief to wipe the corners of his mouth, and only then looked up at Shen Ning, “You seem to be in a much better mood today.”
Shen Ning’s smile faded slightly, and she was silent for a while before remembering that she used to have a lively and active personality.
It’s just been too long, so long that she seems to have forgotten the once simple and beautiful times.
Time is the best temper for a person, while pain and betrayal can make one grow up instantly.
“Ji Yucang.” Shen Ning stood up and walked in front of him, looking at the face that commanded trust, “These days living in the Regent’s residence, I actually never considered myself your wife. I only saw it as a transaction. I cured your poison, and you temporarily provided me with a shelter from the storm. Eventually, we would still go our separate ways.”
Ji Yucang pursed his lips, “And now?”
“Now, I think you’re quite good.” Shen Ning reached out, mimicking his previous habit of rubbing her head, somewhat awkwardly rubbing his head, “I was once a failure, the lessons I learned were harsh, so I can’t fully trust someone like before, but I will try my best to become someone who can fight alongside you, try to accept you, and then…”
She pondered for a moment and said, “If you think I can really do something for all living beings, then I’m willing to try, not for the sake of leaving a name in history, but to have no regrets in this life.”
“A noble aim to have no regrets in this life.” A touch of emotion flickered in Ji Yucang’s eyes, and he couldn’t help but pull her into his embrace, lowering his head to kiss her red lips, as if he had waited and longed for a long time, “Shen Ning, this is your promise, you can’t take it back.”
Shen Ning was stunned by his sudden intimate gesture, forced to lie in his embrace, looking at him with wide eyes. Her deep, calm eyes showed no trace of emotion, only confusion and bewilderment.
This gaze made Ji Yucang feel guilty and uneasy.
He felt like he was bullying a weak and innocent girl.
In fact, Shen Ning’s actual age was not that of a weak and innocent girl, but no matter how old she was, this was her first real intimate gesture with a man, and it was normal to be at a loss.
However, after regaining her composure, Shen Ning quickly suppressed the heat on her cheeks and looked at Ji Yucang with a calm demeanor, “You caught me off guard.”
Caught off guard?
Ji Yucang suddenly chuckled, his eyebrows and eyes tinged with amusement.
He was already born with a handsome and noble appearance, and this smile was like the first thaw of snow in the mountains, the morning sun shining on the clean snow-covered peaks, dazzlingly bright, so beautiful it took one’s breath away.
“Alright.” He responded softly, his voice deep and pleasant, “Next time, I’ll definitely wait until you’re ready before I attack.”
Shen Ning: “…”
Rising from his embrace, Shen Ning looked up at the distant horizon and coughed lightly, composing her emotions.
“I only said I would try to fight alongside you, I haven’t agreed to become an intimate couple with you yet.” She said, “In the future, without my consent, you are not allowed to be rude to me.”
Ji Yucang took her hand and kissed it lightly, “Your husband obeys.”
Shen Ning’s brows furrowed repeatedly, suddenly realizing that Ji Yucang was also a man who took liberties once given an inch. Before, he had never crossed the line with her, and she thought he didn’t take their marriage seriously either.
Unexpectedly, a single sentence from her revealed his true nature.
Shen Ning pursed her lips, belatedly tasting a bitterness. She raised her hand to wipe her lips and saw the fleeting shadow in Ji Yucang’s eyes. She subconsciously explained, “It’s a bit bitter.”
Ji Yucang’s eyebrows relaxed, “Husband and wife should share both the sweet and the bitter.”
Shen Ning looked at him expressionlessly and turned to walk towards the pharmacy, “I’ll go prepare the medicine for tonight.”
Ji Yucang didn’t speak, only his gaze followed her figure, the smile on his lips impossible to suppress.