Hearing her say that, Wenge quietly let out a breath of relief—but before he could fully relax, she asked again, “What kind of noble lady gets called ‘Your Highness’?”
Wenge froze. “You know what ‘Your Highness’ means?”
Feng Lezhen gave him a baffled glance. “I already told you—I lost my memory, not my mind.”
“…It’s a pet name,” Wenge explained. “We live far from the capital—no emperor nearby—so people in the household just call you that casually. No harm done.”
Feng Lezhen: “Was it me who told them to call me that?”
“I’d only just arrived at your place for a few days—I don’t know all the details,” Wenge said vaguely.
Feng Lezhen: “Just a few days and you managed to seduce me into eloping? Clearly you’re not someone who plays by the rules.”
Wenge: “…”
After saying that, Feng Lezhen quietly leaned back against the wall. Her lowered lashes trembled gently like two butterfly wings—evoking an inexplicable sense of pity.
Wenge laid against the wall, listening for a long while, confirming that the searchers hadn’t gone far. When he turned back, he saw her sitting there so quiet and pitiful.
He paused. “What are you thinking about?”
“Apples,” Feng Lezhen said slowly.
Wenge: “…What?”
“Apples,” she repeated, looking at him. “Weren’t you going to get one for me?”
Wenge fell silent for a moment, then looked away. “I couldn’t get any.”
Feng Lezhen didn’t press the issue. She simply closed her eyes slowly. Knowing that her head injury hadn’t fully healed, Wenge figured it was normal for her to feel drained, so he didn’t disturb her and just gently covered her with his outer robe.
But Feng Lezhen suddenly opened her eyes and glanced at him. “Feels like… you’ve been treating me better since those people showed up.”
“Mm. I’m afraid you’ll run off with them,” Wenge said offhandedly. In truth, all he could think about was how she had thrown off her attendants and ran straight to him without hesitation.
Feng Lezhen closed her eyes again. “Don’t worry. I won’t. After all… it wasn’t easy to elope together.”
Wenge’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t say anything more.
The single candle burned out quickly, plunging the hidden chamber back into darkness. The noise outside gradually faded. At some point, Feng Lezhen fell asleep again. When she next woke up, her limbs felt completely stiff.
Hearing a slight rustle, Wenge asked, “You’re awake?”
“…Mm. When can we go out?” Her voice was raspy with sleep.
Wenge: “They’ve probably left, but just to be safe, let’s wait a bit longer.”
“Alright,” Feng Lezhen agreed.
They continued to wait.
The darkness blurred their vision of each other and dulled their sense of time. Feng Lezhen dozed off two more times. Each time she woke, she felt hungrier than before. By the third time, her stomach growled so loudly it woke her up.
“…They should be gone by now. Let’s go,” Wenge said, pushing open the hidden door.
Sunlight spilled in from above. Both of them instinctively closed their eyes, needing time to adjust before they could climb out. Just as Wenge had said, no one was around. But to be safe, they had to find a new place to stay.
“Come on,” Wenge said with a nod.
Feng Lezhen, pale-faced, stood in place and didn’t move.
Wenge hesitated. “Should I… carry you?”
Feng Lezhen: “Sure.”
Wenge clearly hadn’t expected her to agree so quickly and was briefly speechless.
“I’m injured,” Feng Lezhen added.
Wenge almost said, I’m injured too, but the look in her eyes reminded him that she had forgotten that.
With her on his back, the two slowly left the place they had lived for half a month. Feng Lezhen, low on energy, fell asleep again on his shoulder. When she woke, she was already lying in a side room with a table of food set out.
“Hungry?” Wenge asked, seated by the table.
Feng Lezhen jumped out of bed, ran over, and began eating immediately.
Watching how eager she was, Wenge couldn’t help but laugh. “Slow down.”
Feng Lezhen gave him a glance and ignored him.
Though her movements were hurried, they remained graceful. Even dressed in a simple floral jacket and stripped of her memories, the noble bearing in her gestures couldn’t be hidden.
Wenge watched her for a while, then lowered his gaze and served her a bowl of porridge.
“You haven’t eaten for two whole days and nights. Don’t overeat, or you’ll feel awful.”
“We were in that well for that long?” Feng Lezhen was mildly surprised. “No wonder I’m starving.”
“Eat less,” Wenge reminded again.
Feng Lezhen still didn’t listen. She only stopped once she was slightly too full. As soon as she set down her chopsticks, she slumped against the table and groaned that she didn’t feel well.
Wenge frowned. “I told you not to eat so much. Now who do you have to blame?”
“It’s not my stomach—it’s my head…” Feng Lezhen furrowed her brows and gave him a disgruntled look. “It hurts.”
Wenge grew serious. “Why would your head suddenly hurt?”
“How should I know? Hurry and get the doctor,” Feng Lezhen urged.
Wenge agreed and quickly got up. But just as he reached the door, he paused and looked back at her, hesitating—
If he left, she’d be alone here. Should he chain her up just in case?
Just as he was wrestling with the thought, Feng Lezhen, pale-faced, looked at him. “Remember to bring the same doctor from last time—don’t call someone new. If too many people find out about us, they might report to my family.”
“…Alright.”
With that reminder, Wenge hardened his resolve. He decided to trust her this once and left decisively.
As soon as he was gone, Feng Lezhen laid down on the bed. By the time Wenge returned with the doctor, she was nearly asleep again.
The moment he pushed open the door and saw the empty table, his heart dropped. But before he could panic, a voice rose from the bed—
“Oh, you’re back.”
The trust and reliance in her words pierced his heart like two sharp arrows. Wenge’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, and he turned to glance at the doctor.
The doctor gave a sheepish smile and quickly stepped forward to examine Feng Lezhen. Wenge kept a close eye on his face—when the doctor frowned, he frowned; when the doctor nodded, he nodded too. Their synchronized expressions made Feng Lezhen chuckle softly.
After the checkup, the doctor stepped back and said, “This young lady is not in serious condition. The headache is just a typical aftereffect—it should pass in a few days with rest.”
“But my memory still hasn’t returned,” Feng Lezhen said.
The doctor paused, then asked a bit awkwardly, “How many days has it been since the amnesia began?”
“Five or six days,” Wenge answered on her behalf.
“And in these five or six days, has she remembered anything at all?”
Wenge immediately looked to Feng Lezhen.
Under both of their gazes, she slowly shook her head. “Not a single thing.”
The doctor forced a dry laugh and cast an uneasy glance at Wenge.
“What is it?” Wenge asked.
The doctor said, “In most cases of amnesia, patients eventually recall bits and pieces. But for this young lady to remember absolutely nothing… Based on my thirty years of medical experience, I’m afraid she may never regain her memory.”
Wenge was stunned.
Feng Lezhen, however, remained calm. “If I can’t remember, then I can’t. It’s not that important.”
“Y-yes…” the doctor nodded stiffly.
The doctor soon took his leave, and the room was left with just the two of them. Wenge stared at Feng Lezhen silently. He couldn’t believe that just one kick of a ball had made her forget everything for life. Although she had become much more obedient after the memory loss and he no longer had to stay on edge all day, there was still a bitter taste in his heart.
In the silence, Feng Lezhen let out a soft sigh. “It’s nothing to brood over.”
Wenge blinked, only then realizing she was trying to comfort him.
“Out with the old, in with the new,” Feng Lezhen teased.
Wenge let out a half-laugh. “If you ever remembered what you lost, you’d probably want to kill me.”
“But since I won’t remember for the rest of my life, even if someone tells me, it’s not the same as a memory I recall myself. It’ll always feel distant.” She glanced at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you.”
“I’m not afraid of being blamed,” Wenge mumbled.
Feng Lezhen pretended not to hear. “Where are we?”
“An inn,” Wenge replied.
Feng Lezhen was surprised. “An inn? With all those people out there looking for us, you still dared to stay in an inn?”
“Don’t worry. This place is near a busy marketplace—they won’t dare launch a large-scale search. At most, they’ll inquire door to door. And I booked this room a month ago, so even if they come, they’ll only check recent guests, not us.”
“Booked it a month ago? You sure planned far ahead,” Feng Lezhen remarked.
Wenge ignored her comment. “We’ll stay here for a few days so you can heal. Once you’re better, we’ll move elsewhere.”
“Alright,” Feng Lezhen agreed.
That night, Feng Lezhen drifted off in a daze. Wenge made a makeshift bed on the floor, but before lying down, he hung his bell on the tightly shut window. If it opened, the bell would ring.
But the night passed in perfect silence—not a sound from the bell.
They stayed at the inn for three or four days. Once Feng Lezhen’s post-concussion headaches completely subsided, Wenge took her out of Yue City to a village halfway between there and Yingguan. There, they arrived at a grand home with stone lion statues flanking the entrance.
“You’ve got a house here too?” Feng Lezhen was surprised.
“The family’s gone south to visit relatives and won’t be back until year-end. I’m watching the house for them,” Wenge said calmly.
He wasn’t lying. While Feng Lezhen was recovering at the inn, he had been searching for a good hideout. In the end, he paid a silver or two to a labor manager at the market to get this temporary gig. Now that the owners were away, they could move in freely.
“Let’s go.” With the luggage he had “borrowed” from their last place slung over his shoulder, Wenge unlocked the door and walked in. Halfway into the courtyard, he realized she hadn’t followed.
He looked back instinctively and saw her standing alone at the entrance, a strange, unsettled expression on her face.
He paused. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing… It’s just a new place. Feels unfamiliar,” she said with a faint smile.
Wenge was silent for a while, then suddenly reached out his hand.
Feng Lezhen’s eyes flickered. After a moment of stillness, she stepped forward and placed her hand in his.
“Don’t be scared. I won’t let anything happen to you,” Wenge said.
A trace of a smile appeared in Feng Lezhen’s eyes. “Will you protect me for a lifetime?”
Wenge froze slightly and suddenly fell silent.
“What does that silence mean?” Feng Lezhen sounded displeased. “I gave up a life of riches for you. Can’t you at least say something sweet to coax me?”
“…A promise like that shouldn’t be made lightly. What if I can’t keep it?” Wenge looked away.
Feng Lezhen chuckled. “So what if you can’t? It’s not like the heavens are watching and ready to strike you down with lightning.”
“If I can’t keep it, I’d rather not say it at all.” Wenge was generally easygoing, but once he got stubborn, even eight oxen couldn’t drag him back.
Feng Lezhen had been around him long enough to understand his temperament. She didn’t press the issue.
The house they were now staying in was a proper courtyard residence. Though the yard wasn’t large, it had a front hall, kitchen, guest room, and bedroom—all fully equipped. They no longer had to squeeze into a single room and could live more comfortably.
But despite the improved conditions—Feng Lezhen couldn’t sleep.
After tossing and turning in bed for a long while, she eventually got up, still wearing her clothes.
In the courtyard, Wenge was lying on a rocking chair, quietly gazing at the moon in the sky. When he heard the door open behind him, he didn’t even turn around. “Why aren’t you sleeping?”
“Can’t sleep,” Feng Lezhen replied, dragging over a small stool to sit beside him.
Wenge glanced sideways at her. “Not used to the new place?”
“Maybe. What about you? Why aren’t you asleep?”
Wenge was silent for a moment, then looked back at the sky. “I couldn’t fall asleep either.”
“You’re worried?” Feng Lezhen noticed the concern in his eyes. “Worried that those people will find us?”
“…Mm.” Wenge gave a vague hum.
“If you’re that worried, why not go farther?”
Wenge paused. “I still have something I haven’t finished.”
“What is it?” Feng Lezhen pressed.
Facing her puzzled gaze, Wenge fell silent for a moment, then decided there was nothing to hide. “I still have a friend locked up in your house.”
“In my house?” Feng Lezhen looked surprised. Before he could explain, she caught on. “I get it. The one who helped us elope?”
“…Something like that.” Wenge cleared his throat.
“Then of course we have to get them out. What’s your plan? Need my help?” she asked, curious.
Wenge gave her a look. “They won’t let anyone go that easily. I plan to use you as leverage to force them into a trade.”
Feng Lezhen stared at him in a daze, confused.
Wenge suddenly didn’t dare meet her eyes. “The agreed time is in a few days.”
“You mean… you’re going to use me to exchange for them?” she asked carefully.
Wenge said nothing.
Feng Lezhen abruptly stood up. “Wenge, how could you do this! You’re the only person I know right now. Those so-called family members are no different from strangers to me. How could you hand me over to them?”
Wenge hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from her. After a moment of shock, he tried to explain. “If you regain your memory, you might be happier to go back…”
“Will I really get my memory back?” Feng Lezhen retorted.
Wenge thought of what the doctor said and suddenly didn’t know how to answer.
“Right now, I don’t want to go anywhere. I just want to be with you.” She cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. “You’re the only one I know.”
Wenge’s face was squished into a dumpling by her hands. After a long pause, he let out a muffled “Mm.”
“That’s a yes?” Feng Lezhen asked.
Wenge nodded perfunctorily, his cheeks squished even more under her tightening grip. Feng Lezhen found it increasingly adorable and leaned in to kiss him.
The kiss was brief—a light brush of lips. Wenge’s eyes widened slowly, and when he looked at her again, his face was bright red. “Y-You… What are you doing?”
“What? Can’t I kiss my lover?” Feng Lezhen countered.
Wenge was speechless.
Feng Lezhen let go of his face and leisurely watched him blush to the roots of his ears. “After doing something as scandalous as eloping, I thought we’d already done everything there was to do. But judging by your reaction, you haven’t even kissed anyone before.”
Wenge: “……”
“So, did we really elope?” she asked, almost regretfully.
Wenge could still feel the warmth from her lips. His brain was mush. Without thinking, he blurted out, “Of course we eloped!”
“Then kiss me,” Feng Lezhen demanded, arms crossed.
Wenge: “……”
“Guess not, huh—”
Before she could finish, Wenge had already grabbed her face and kissed her. It wasn’t so much a kiss as it was a collision—their lips bumped, their teeth even clashed. Feng Lezhen let out a soft grunt of pain, but before she could complain, Wenge had already let go and jumped to his feet.
“I-It’s getting late. I’m going to bed!” he stammered, then fled inside without looking back.
Feng Lezhen watched his hasty retreat with a laugh. She touched her lips, where he’d left a slight bite mark. “So clumsy, and yet he dares claim he’s been with women before.”
Wenge, even after lying in bed, still felt his heart pounding wildly. His mind was a mess, swirling with the two kisses. They were just talking about the tradeoff plan, so how did it suddenly turn into this?
Oh right, she started it—kissing him out of nowhere. That’s why he… reciprocated. Sort of.
No, he didn’t reciprocate. He only kissed her to allay her suspicions. He had no choice.
Yes. He had no choice. That’s what Wenge told himself. But the moment he closed his eyes, he couldn’t stop thinking about the warmth still lingering on his lips.
“Ugh…” He buried himself in the blanket and after a while, suddenly punched the mattress.
Unlike Wenge, who spent the night sleepless and flustered, Feng Lezhen slept extremely well. When she woke up in the morning, she looked bright and refreshed.
“Morning,” she greeted, spotting Wenge washing vegetables in the courtyard.
Wenge shot her a dark look, then turned back to washing the cabbage.
“…If you keep scrubbing, that cabbage’s going to fall apart,” she helpfully noted.
Wenge ignored her.
Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow. “Did I offend you again?”
“No,” Wenge replied this time.
Feng Lezhen squatted down beside him, mimicking his posture. “Then why the long face?”
Wenge said nothing, continuing to scrub the cabbage.
“Seriously, if you wash it anymore, it’ll die a tragic death,” Feng Lezhen said, reaching for the basket. Sensing what she was doing, Wenge instinctively pressed down on it—only for her hand to land directly on the back of his.
He froze. The memory of last night came flooding back.
Seeing the flush spread across his face, Feng Lezhen understood. “Wenge, your way of blushing really is one of a kind.”
“Who’s blushing…”
He turned his head to retort, but before he could finish, Feng Lezhen kissed the corner of his lips. Wenge’s eyes widened in shock, staring at her as if he’d seen a ghost.
“You’ll get used to it after a few more kisses,” Feng Lezhen said, gave his head a pat, then picked up the vegetable basket and walked off.
Wenge stared blankly as she walked into the kitchen, and after a short while, saw her come out and return to the bedroom. Only when her door closed did he finally snap out of it and yell toward the shut door, “Stop taking advantage of me!”
Unfortunately, no one answered.
His anger lasted only a moment before it vanished completely, along with the frustration from a sleepless night. All that was left in his head was one thought: She kissed me again.
They stayed in the village for a few more days, until the date of the previously agreed-upon one-month deadline arrived.
“We agreed. I’ll help you save your people, but you can’t abandon me,” Feng Lezhen warned, gripping Wenge’s collar before they left.
Wenge looked down at her tightly clenched hands, his heart softening for a moment. But meeting her gaze again, he steeled himself. “Is this the tone of someone asking for help?”
“You think I’m asking?” Feng Lezhen let out a laugh, her imposing presence so strong that Wenge almost thought she’d regained her memory. “I’m telling you in advance: if you dare leave me behind, I’ll haunt you even in death.”
“Oh.”
“You—”
“Enough nonsense, get in.” Wenge shoved her onto the carriage.
He had bought the carriage in town a few days ago. Though simple, it was light and comfortable. In case of emergency, he could cut the shaft and escape on horseback.
They rode for nearly a whole day. Along the way, Feng Lezhen would occasionally lift the curtain to speak to Wenge, but he brushed her off each time. After a few tries, she went silent with a cold expression. Once she stopped talking, Wenge oddly found himself feeling empty. He’d glance back now and then, but the curtain always blocked his view.
Though he had promised not to hand her over, Wenge knew the people at Yingguan weren’t fools. If he didn’t turn her in, he probably wouldn’t be able to retrieve his comrades. Besides… they were enemies. That hadn’t changed, even if she’d lost her memory. Right now, he was sparing her for the sake of saving his comrades—it didn’t mean he wouldn’t kill her in the future. Keeping her close was bound to lead to her death.
At that moment, Wenge had to admit—he didn’t want her to die.
—
They finally arrived near Yingguan City.
Ah Ye and the others had been waiting outside the city for some time. The moment they saw the carriage, they snapped to attention.
The carriage stopped several zhang away from them. Wenge, face covered, stood atop the carriage, one foot on the shaft, looking down at the hundred-strong troops ahead.
“Where’s my people?” he called.
Ah Ye: “Where’s Her Highness?”
Wenge lifted the curtain and dragged Feng Lezhen out, holding her in front of him.
“You’re using me as a shield?” Feng Lezhen asked in disbelief.
“…It’s just for show.”
“You really used me as a shield,” she repeated, still incredulous.
“I said it’s just a stopgap.”
“You—”
“Shh! Don’t talk.” Wenge frowned.
Feng Lezhen curled her lip and calmly looked ahead.
The moment Ah Ye saw her, she was visibly emotional. “Your Highness, how is your injury?”
“Almost healed,” Feng Lezhen replied.
“And your memory? Has it returned?”
“Say it’s back,” Wenge whispered.
“It’s back,” Feng Lezhen said.
“Good, that’s good,” Ah Ye let out a breath. “Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ll rescue you now.”
“Release his people first,” Feng Lezhen said.
“Your Highness…” Ah Ye frowned.
“Do it,” Feng Lezhen insisted. “Wenge has treated me well. Even if you release them first, he won’t hurt me.”
Wenge hadn’t expected her to still trust him this much, even now. He was briefly silent, then unconsciously tightened his grip on her arm.
“Easy,” Feng Lezhen reminded him gently.
Wenge immediately loosened his grip.
Their interaction didn’t escape Ah Ye’s notice. She hesitated again. “Your Highness… have you really recovered your memory?”
“Yes, I have,” Feng Lezhen replied with sudden irritation. “I told you to release them. Quit the chatter.”
Ah Ye froze, then reluctantly nodded. “Then… alright. I’ll obey.”
With that, the soldiers behind her brought several people forward. Wenge’s eyes lit up when he saw them. Their shackles were removed one by one, and they staggered toward him. One of them collapsed after a few steps. Wenge instinctively moved forward but held himself back in the last moment, watching as the others hurried to help.
“You’re not going to greet them?” Feng Lezhen asked.
Of course he wanted to, but something about this seemed too smooth. So he hesitated.
“They’ve already brought your people to you. What are you still so cautious about?” Feng Lezhen didn’t understand his hesitation.
Wenge glanced at her—then suddenly tied her to the shaft using his bell string.
Feng Lezhen was startled. Once she realized what had happened, she demanded, “Wenge, what is this supposed to mean?”
“To protect you,” he lied casually.
Feng Lezhen let out a laugh of disbelief. “Is it protection or precaution? You think I’d go back with them?”
Wenge said nothing, only gave her a deep look. That one look made Feng Lezhen turn her back in frustration.
“Everyone, step back,” Wenge ordered. After a brief silence, when he raised his head again, the coldness in his voice had returned.
Ah Ye glared at him but raised her hand—everyone retreated, moving farther from the prisoners. Only when Wenge saw there was enough space did he finally move quickly toward them.
“Ah Chen, Brother Yu… how did you all…”
He didn’t finish his sentence—one of the men suddenly looked up, and the instant their eyes met, Wenge realized they weren’t the people he was looking for. He immediately turned to retreat.
But it was too late. Just moments ago, those men had needed help to even walk. Now one of them suddenly flung a handful of powder at him. Wenge managed to dodge most of it, but some still got into his eyes.
His vision instantly blurred. Relying on his hearing alone, he dodged a blade and kicked the attacker away, then ran in the direction of Feng Lezhen using what little sight he had left.
As his surroundings turned into a formless blur of white, despair began to rise in his chest. He was just about to risk everything for one last fight when a sudden rush of hoofbeats rang out beside his ears.
“Wenge!”
It was Feng Lezhen’s voice. Acting on instinct, he kicked away another assailant and reached blindly toward the sound.
The next moment, amidst the white haze, someone grabbed his hand. He sprang into the carriage, and Feng Lezhen yanked the reins tight. The horse neighed sharply and bolted forward.
“Your Highness!” Ah Ye called out anxiously.
Feng Lezhen didn’t look back once as she drove the carriage away.
The soldiers immediately moved to give chase, but Ah Ye shot them a cold glance. “Don’t pursue too closely. If he gets desperate, he might hurt Her Highness.”
“Yes!”
Everyone responded, but the result of not giving chase in earnest was having to watch helplessly as the two escaped.
Feng Lezhen drove the horse furiously. Only after leaving the pursuers behind did she ask, “Are you alright? Did you get hurt?”
Wenge, now blind, instinctively turned his body toward her voice. “I’m fine.”
“Good. I saw you moving sluggishly just now and thought you were injured.” Feng Lezhen let out a breath. “How could they be so dishonest? I showed up like they asked, and they still didn’t release your friends.”
“I was careless.” Wenge’s voice was low. If she hadn’t come to his rescue, he would’ve likely ended up in the Eldest Princess’s private dungeon by now.
Feng Lezhen didn’t know what he was thinking. She casually reassured him, “It’s them being despicable—it’s not your fault. Don’t worry, as long as they know you’ve still got me, they won’t dare refuse the exchange.”
Wenge’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Didn’t you say you didn’t want to be a hostage?”
“What normal person wants to be a hostage?” Feng Lezhen sighed. “But knowing your friends got caught trying to help us escape—how could I just stand by?”
Hearing her speak so unaware, Wenge’s smile froze slightly. A faint guilt stirred in him.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” she asked.
“…My eyes hurt,” Wenge muttered.
Feng Lezhen paused. “Should I take you to a doctor?”
“No. Let’s go home.” Wenge refused.
Feng Lezhen agreed and didn’t ask further.
The trip out had been quiet, but the return was even more silent. By the time they drove the carriage into the yard, most of the night had already passed.
Wenge couldn’t see at all. Feng Lezhen helped him back to the bedroom. After lighting a candle, she asked, “What should we do now?”
“Go to the kitchen and get some lard. I’ll try to wipe my eyes.” Wenge tried to open them but only felt a strong stinging pain and quickly shut them again.
Feng Lezhen frowned. “Are you sure you don’t need a doctor?”
“They don’t hurt badly. It’s probably nothing serious.” Wenge tried to reassure her.
Feng Lezhen sighed. “Wait here.”
Wenge replied softly. He listened to her footsteps fade, followed by the door opening and closing. Then the room fell into complete silence.
Not being able to see was a terrible feeling—especially when you were alone. He could still sense the light from the candles, yet everything was dark. The loneliness and helplessness rolled in like a tide, drowning him in a suffocating, wordless misery that made him feel as though he were sinking into the dust of the earth.
Creak—
The door opened again, and Feng Lezhen’s returning footsteps instantly dispersed the loneliness. Wenge’s lashes trembled slightly as he turned toward the sound. “Did you get it?”
“Mm.”
Wenge held out his hand. “Give it to me.”
“Alright.”
Before her words even finished, something was placed into his palm. Wenge instinctively closed his fingers around it—only to realize the instant he gripped it that it wasn’t a bowl of lard, but her hand.
Maybe his reaction was too amusing, because Feng Lezhen chuckled. “You can’t see anyway. I’ll do it for you.”
Her voice was gentle, like the glow of a dim candle. Wenge murmured his agreement, then heard the soft clink of a ceramic bowl being set on the table.
When her fingers, coated in lard, touched his eyelids, Wenge stiffened slightly. Only then did he realize—he was still holding her other hand.
He instinctively started to let go, but before he could, Feng Lezhen said lightly, “Just hold it. I’ll allow it, since you’re injured.”
“No need.” Wenge immediately let go—but his face flushed with heat.
