Chapter 26: Hold Me

Fang Zhixun looked gravely at Shen Jin, who stood silently to the side.

“Don’t tell me you’re going soft-hearted again?”

Frustrated, he strode over to Shen Jin. How many times had they nearly lost their lives? How many days and nights had he and Jiang Jiuyue struggled to bring him back from the brink? If, after all that, Shen Jin returned only to pity Lu Qingqing again, Fang Zhixun would be utterly disappointed.

“She betrayed you and married Xie Zhiyun. Wake up. If it hadn’t been for her this time, Jiuyue would have already gotten hold of the evidence that incriminates your family.”

Fang Zhixun grumbled angrily, the mission a failure, and Jiang Jiuyue badly wounded.

“We’ve alerted the enemy now. That damned emperor is bound to grow suspicious, and all those things will be hidden away again.”

He laid all the blame at Lu Qingqing’s feet, even though she hadn’t known the thief that night was Jiang Jiuyue.

“Enough.” Shen Jin’s face was dark as thunder. “I told you from the start, I didn’t want Jiuyue taking such risks. These dangerous schemes—why did you encourage her to join you in such recklessness?”

Fang Zhixun bristled at Shen Jin’s rebuke.

“Fine, fine, you’re the master here. Jiuyue gives her all for you, and this is how you repay her…”

With a heavy slam, Fang Zhixun stormed out and ran straight into Jiang Jiuyue waiting outside. His voice softened at once.

“It’s a cold, damp night. You’re not in good health, you shouldn’t be wandering about, especially not for people who aren’t worth your sorrow.”

“Are you upset again, Brother Zhixun? You know better than anyone what a temper A’Jin has.” Jiang Jiuyue smiled. “Don’t be angry with him.”

The three of them had been inseparable for years; a few gentle words from Jiang Jiuyue were enough to soothe Fang Zhixun’s annoyance.

“If he dares upset our miracle doctor, I’ll help you get even.”

Jiang Jiuyue teased, her words both coy and charming. Fang Zhixun couldn’t help but laugh. “Exactly, we’ll deal with him ruthlessly.”

Back then, when Shen Jin had been bitten by a viper on the battlefield, it was Jiang Jiuyue who brought him to Fang Zhixun. Though renowned for his skills, Fang Zhixun was eccentric and often refused to treat people. As Shen Jin hovered near death, Jiang Jiuyue somehow persuaded Fang Zhixun to help. From that day forward, he became Shen Jin’s personal physician.

Inside the room, Shen Jin still stood by the window when Jiang Jiuyue hurried inside.

“I’m sorry, A’Jin. This is my fault—I wasn’t fully prepared and ended up startling the enemy. It’ll be so much harder to get the evidence now.”

“It’s all right. It’s not your fault. This should have been considered more carefully from the start. I’m sorry you were hurt because of this,” Shen Jin replied, his guilt deepening as he looked at Jiang Jiuyue’s pale face.

How could he possibly deserve such unwavering kindness and devotion from Jiang Jiuyue?

But as for love—Shen Jin hesitated.

“Tomorrow my milk tea shop opens. Think of something happier, A’Jin.” A faint smile lifted Jiang Jiuyue’s lips. “The emperor may be suspicious, but he has no proof. We were so lucky this time.”

Shen Jin actually felt relief at her words. “Do as you please in the capital, but there are some things you simply don’t have to do.”

“It’s only me making things hard for you,” she murmured, lowering her head, her eyes reddening with sudden tears. She was always this delicate—just a few harsh words would leave her aggrieved.

Shen Jin let out a long sigh. “I only hope you’ll stay safe. That’s all I can ever do to repay you.”

“I don’t want that.” Suddenly bold, Jiang Jiuyue threw her arms around him from behind, her voice urgent. “You know what I want, A’Jin. I don’t want your gratitude—I want you to hold me.”