As the journey to the northern border drew closer, Gu Zhao had to face a problem he didn't want to confront but couldn't avoid: the possibility that Zhu Qingyu might one day suddenly vanish and return to her own world.
If she were destined to return, would he rather remain ignorant and one day simply find her gone without a trace? Or should he ask her directly in advance, trying to find a solution—even if that risked her disappearing right before his eyes?
After thinking it over for several days, Gu Zhao decided he would rather die knowing the truth than live in ignorance. So he would ask her clearly.
What's more, if she had truly come for the plague, and the plague had not yet been resolved, then the likelihood of her leaving now should be at its lowest.
Having weighed the risks and rewards last night, Gu Zhao decided to act today.
They say drunken words reveal sober thoughts. If she were sober, she might not answer him. But now that she was in a good mood and drunk, her guard would be down, making it much more likely she would tell him.
After asking his question, taking advantage of Zhu Qingyu's drunken state, Gu Zhao quickly grabbed her hand, which was resting on the edge of the table. He watched her warily, then looked cautiously around them, and even more warily at the sky outside the window.
Her hand was held in his—real and warm, not vanishing from his grasp.
All was quiet around them. No mysterious door like the one Manager Liu had described suddenly appeared.
The sky showed no change whatsoever, not a single sign of celestial beings descending to the mortal world.
Gu Zhao thought to himself: he had bet correctly. At least for now, she wouldn't be going back.
Zhu Qingyu had been half-asleep, slumped over the table. Hearing Gu Zhao's question, she groggily opened her eyes, her head still resting on the table, turning sideways to look at him. She even seemed a little dazed.
Alcohol had numbed her will; she hadn't even heard clearly what he was asking.
From this angle, she simply admired Gu Zhao from head to toe.
Vice Minister Gu sure cared a lot about his image, didn't he? When he went fishing, he had to wear new clothes. When he came to collect medicinal herbs, he also had to wear new clothes.
When he wore dark-colored clothing, he exuded the natural gravitas of a high-ranking court official, making him seem unapproachable—someone to be admired from afar, not to be desecrated.
But when he wore clothes as bright as flowers, that air of dignity was softened, making even reckless, audacious people dare to entertain the desire to pluck and toy with this strikingly handsome Vice Minister Gu.
Like her, at this very moment.
After Zhu Qingyu's gaze swept over Gu Zhao from head to toe, it finally settled on his lips.
Perhaps it was because she had been drinking, but they looked especially kissable.
Gu Zhao leaned in closer and asked something else.
Completely drunk and emboldened by alcohol, Zhu Qingyu couldn't make out a single word he said. Those sentences passed through her mind without leaving a trace. Her thoughts were now a chaotic mess, full of scenes of Vice Minister Gu in his crimson robes—and her reducing him to tears.
Whatever he was asking, her heart and eyes were now fixed entirely on his lips, which were so close and looked so very kissable.
They moved, opening and closing. What was he saying?
Who cared what he was saying? She just wanted to shut him up and taste him.
People are at their most patient when they're about to do something bad.
Zhu Qingyu, plotting her mischief, thought this to herself. Afraid of scaring him off, she put on her gentlest, most endearing smile. At the same time, she hooked her finger around the collar of his robe, pulling him toward her, and coaxed him in a sweet, honeyed tone:
"Little Brother, what do you want to ask? Come closer, and I'll tell you."
Oh, this "Little Brother" looked so big and strong, but he was so easy to fool. With just a gentle tug, he leaned in.
Because the smile on Zhu Qingyu's face was so warm, and the look in her eyes as she gazed at him was so unrestrained, she appeared utterly mesmerizing.
Gu Zhao was momentarily captivated by her like this, even forgetting what he had wanted to ask. Caught off guard, she pulled him forward, and he nearly stumbled right onto her.
The two of them were now far too close. The warm breath from their breathing intertwined, so close that if Gu Zhao tilted his head slightly, he could kiss her lips.
But no—he couldn't.
She had told him to show her respect.
If he acted recklessly, she would only grow angrier.
Last time she was angry, she had avoided him for so long. If it hadn't been for the excuse of purchasing military medical supplies, she wouldn't have come out with him today. If he offended her again, she might really never have anything to do with him anymore.
He had to control himself. He had to endure.
Gu Zhao forced himself to hold back, hastily stepping back to create some distance from this dangerously close proximity.
A "Little Brother" within reach, and he thought he could run?
Zhu Qingyu hooked her finger firmly around his collar, rising up as he retreated, and stumbling after him, she fell into his lap as he sat back down.
Gu Zhao himself hadn't even steadied himself properly when she fell on him. Flustered, he caught her, holding her tightly in his arms.
When was the last time he had held her like this? It felt so long ago, like a past life.
This isn't my fault, he thought. You're the one who fell on me.
Once he had her in his arms, he didn't want to let go. His mind wandered, lost in the moment.
Oh, now this "Little Brother" couldn't escape.
Zhu Qingyu looked up in satisfaction, her fingers sliding upward to gently caress his Adam's apple, as she coaxed him:
"Little Brother, come here. Lean in, and I'll whisper it to you."
Wherever her fingers touched, he felt soft and hot.
Just that light touch, and Gu Zhao felt his whole body heating up. Unable to resist, he lowered his head.
Oh, this "Little Brother" was far too easy to fool.
Zhu Qingyu smiled. Her hand, which had been caressing his throat, wrapped around his neck. Her other arm slid beneath his, embracing him. And then she leaned in and kissed him.
When their lips met, Gu Zhao froze for a second, not even daring to breathe.
Was this an accident?
Who was she kissing?
Did she mistake him for someone else?
But when her soft tongue brushed against his teeth, he could no longer hold back. He pulled her tight, kissing her back deeply and passionately, entwining himself in her.
Whoever she thinks she's kissing, I'm the one kissing her now. She's mine!
The wine from the north wasn't like the fruit wines of the south. The lingering taste was spicy and strong from the drinks she'd had today, intoxicating all the more.
Zhu Qingyu had only intended to take a little taste—to savor this delicious-looking "Little Brother," sample him, and then escape.
But once it started, when she tried to pull away, Gu Zhao wouldn't give her the chance to retreat. He kissed her with a fierce passion, as if he wanted to devour her whole.
Zhu Qingyu grew even dizzier—whether from the kiss or the wine, she couldn't tell. When they paused to catch their breath, she lay in his arms, floating as if on a cloud, lightheaded.
Gu Zhao, having first satisfied his craving, remembered he had a score to settle. Breathing heavily, he demanded,
"Didn't you tell me to respect you? Then why did you kiss me?"
Gu Zhao thought to himself: if she dares say she kissed the wrong person, he would show her exactly what that meant.
Oh, this "Little Brother" was not only easy to fool, but he also didn't seem very bright.
Why would someone kiss another person? Of course, it was because she liked him.
Still dazed, Zhu Qingyu lay in his arms, pressing her finger against his soft, kissable lips. Smiling sweetly, she said,
"Because... I like you."
