Mr. You's fictitious marriage

Chapter 6

The morning began as usual. You Huo cast a skeptical glance Qin Jiu's way as he drank his cup of black coffee, procured from Francesco. It evoked memories of how, at Francesco's, he had failed miserably on his first attempt to finish his own cup of this disgusting black liquid. That time, Qin Jiu had to finish the cup in his place.

After breakfast, Qin Jiu introduced him to the rest of the occupants of the estate he hadn't met the night prior, and they finally started their intended promenade.

As they strolled along the dusty road on horseback, their eyes fell upon a delightful scene. A merry troupe of children, their rosy cheeks flushed with excitement, frolicked after a flock of sheep with youthful exuberance. Their peals of laughter soared through the crisp air, filling Qin Jiu's heart with warm reminiscences. In that moment, he was transported back to his own childhood, spent amidst the fields of a similar rural village. There, he too had joined in the joyful pursuit of herding livestock alongside the neighboring children, running away from boring lessons.

Continuing his leisurely walk through the verdant countryside, You Huo's eyes were drawn to the small marketplace nestled in the square. There, diligent villagers erected stalls with fresh produce and meticulously crafted handmade wares. Seeing his interest, Qin Jiu mentioned to him the upcoming annual fair in the nearest town, a grand event set to commence in just a few short days, promising an even more exciting and vibrant atmosphere.

The anticipation and excitement surrounding annual fairs and festivals in rural areas was palpable. This small marketplace in the village was just a taste of what was to come at the fair.

You Huo could imagine the bustling crowds, the vibrant colors, and the lively atmosphere that would soon engulf the streets. It was a time when the entire community came together, eagerly preparing for the festivities that would bring joy and entertainment to their otherwise monotonous lives.

Having thoroughly surveyed the main settlement and the humble village, they strolled leisurely along the meandering west road, which directed them towards the uninhibited expanses of fields that lay ahead.

"Whoever wins will get to choose the weapon for the next spar!" Called You Huo, suddenly spurring his Xiao Hei forward and leaving an unprepared Qin Jiu behind.

Qin Jiu, however, didn't find such a move to be foul play and laughed hard, ready to overhaul him in the next few moments.

They rode out of the settlement and farther into the groove that led to the neighboring socage. Their horses' hooves seemingly didn't touch the ground. Above, the heavens seemed to gallop by in a whirl of billowing clouds. It really felt like they were flying. You Huo found himself overcome with a sense of elation, a smile tugging at his lips. He almost felt like laughing at that moment.

He was seized by the competitive spirit and looked for a chance to shake Qin Jiu off his heels. And it was in that pivotal moment that his keen eyes caught sight of a seemingly inconspicuous road veering off to his left.

Deliberately allowing Qin Jiu to overtake himself by half a head, You Huo abruptly turned at that very fork of the road. Qin Jiu shouted something behind him, but he couldn't hear it properly because of the wind and his own uncontained laughter bubbling in his chest.

He hasn't felt so free for a long, long time. After assuming his duties as captain of the royal guard, he inevitably came into contact with the intrigue of the Court. Being free and unrestrained like this was out of the question in that kind of stifling environment, so all he could do was hide every such impulse under a facade of icy composure and polite decorum. But Qin Jiu managed to bring that suppressed wildness to the surface, and he couldn't bring himself to mind it in the slightest.