The two of them remained in that intimate and somewhat shy embrace for quite a while, their minds still awkwardly processing the situation.

From an outsider’s perspective, it looked as though the man was holding the woman’s face with his long, slender hands, kissing her, while the woman had her arms wrapped around his neck, responding eagerly. Her slender, pale arms hung on the man, contrasting sharply with the bronze skin of his neck, creating a visually striking and stimulating scene.

In reality, though, Shen Nan didn’t actually kiss her.

Apart from that initial brief moment when he took advantage of Zhou Zuizui, he didn’t do anything else. They were merely standing close, their noses nearly touching, their breaths mingling together in a lingering, ambiguous atmosphere.

Zhou Zuizui was smart. She knew her elusive husband’s line of work, and the moment Shen Nan began speaking to her in that familiar, teasing tone, she figured it out—he was either hiding from someone or trying to mislead someone.

His hands cupped her face, shielding her from prying eyes outside.

They stared at each other in silence. Zhou Zuizui found herself getting lost in Shen Nan’s deep-set eyes. His features were striking, with thick brows and bright, dark eyes that seemed to hold a flickering fire within them.

It had been two years since they last saw each other, and she never imagined their reunion would be like this.

Shen Nan’s eyes showed no emotion as he looked at Zhou Zuizui, as if he were staring at a stranger. The passion they’d shared on the street moments ago seemed completely absent.

Just when Zhou Zuizui felt she couldn’t bear his gaze any longer, Shen Nan suddenly tilted his head.

In that instant, Zhou Zuizui snapped out of it, pushing his hands away and pursing her lips.

Shen Nan stepped back, watching her actions without saying a word.

After she finished, he finally spoke. “Sorry.”

The reason for his sudden change in demeanor, acting as if they were affectionate lovers, was because someone had been following them. As for their intentions, Shen Nan could guess.

Zhou Zuizui looked up at him, her eyes flickering. She was somewhat annoyed by what he had done earlier, but she remained calm as she asked, “When did you come back?”

“A couple of days ago. I didn’t get a chance to tell you.” Shen Nan’s voice was low and emotionless, even colder than hers.

It was as if the person who had been flirting with her moments ago was someone else entirely. Though she knew he was just playing a role, Zhou Zuizui still felt a bit irritated.

After all, they were married, even if there wasn’t much affection between them. They had slept together once, at least… He could’ve said something when he returned.

She scoffed, feeling a mix of emotions.

This man hadn’t changed in two years—still just as indifferent.

“Are you on a mission?” Zhou Zuizui couldn’t help but ask.

Anyone would be surprised if the person they dreamt of last night suddenly appeared before them in real life the next day. It was like her dream had come true for the first time.

Shen Nan didn’t reply, and Zhou Zuizui understood. His silence was an acknowledgment, but she knew that a soldier had to keep their missions confidential. It wasn’t something he could discuss, not even with his wife, let alone his parents.

Zhou Zuizui decided not to press further. After two years of not seeing each other, there was no point in digging deeper.

After a moment of silence, Zhou Zuizui looked at the man standing before her and asked, “Do you need my help?”

Shen Nan lowered his gaze, his eyes dark and thoughtful as he looked at her. “Not for now. You should head back.”

Zhou Zuizui pouted, about to say something, but Shen Nan stopped her again.

“Wait.”

“What?”

Shen Nan watched her for a moment before softly reminding her, “Try to stay indoors for the next few days. It’s not safe outside.”

Hearing this, Zhou Zuizui’s eyes twinkled with amusement. She playfully hooked a finger under Shen Nan’s chin, teasing, “You actually care to tell me that?” She shrugged and nonchalantly agreed, “Alright. Goodbye.”

Without waiting for his reaction, she turned and left, head held high, like a proud peacock.

Shen Nan watched her slender figure disappear, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

A few minutes after Zhou Zuizui left, Tong Yuanming returned to Shen Nan’s side.

They had been followed earlier. Tong had gone off to buy something, so they had split up. Little did he know that in just that half hour, his always-admired captain had experienced something unusual!

Tong looked at Shen Nan’s indifferent expression and asked quietly, “Shen Ye, we’ve been spotted.”

Shen Nan nodded, glancing out the window at the scorching morning sun that hurt his eyes. He squinted, pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a drag. After a moment of contemplation, he looked at Tong and asked, “Have you found out where they’re staying?”

“Yes.” Tong’s eyes lit up with admiration as he looked at Shen Nan. “You were right. They chose an inn at the end of another alley. Next to the inn is a tavern, and beside that tavern is the largest lake in Qingyue Ancient Town.”

Shen Nan’s throat tightened, and he asked in a deep voice, “What’s the name of the tavern? Can people stay there?”

“It’s called ‘Drunkenly Follow You,’ but no, it’s not for lodging.”

Hearing the name, Shen Nan fell silent.

“Shen Ye.” Tong looked at Shen Nan with confusion, asking, “Should we go check it out?”

After a moment of thought, Shen Nan shook his head. “Book two rooms at a nearby inn.”

“Yes.”

The two of them moved quickly.

…

After settling in, Shen Nan and Tong discussed the route and received information from others.

Shen Nan sat by the window, glancing at a shop diagonally across the street. After pondering for a while, he finally sent a message to someone.

Meanwhile, after returning to the small tavern, Zhou Zuizui went straight to her room upstairs to catch up on sleep. She had a decent routine, always making sure to get nine hours of sleep a day; otherwise, she’d feel drained no matter what she did.