CFSSIR

‧₊˚ 5 ‧₊˚

Lu Zhao led her and walked slowly, but Shen Qingyao's heart was beating rapidly. She took a light breath, wondering if her heart disease was acting up too frequently.

The two of them remained silent. Only the faint sound of their footsteps on the snow could be heard. Shen Qingyao moved her hand that was held by Lu Zhao slightly, then he tightened his grip with greater force. His thumb lightly traced Shen Qingyao's palm, causing her entire arm to go numb.

Lu Zhao originally intended to take Shen Qingyao to the warm pavilion nearby. However, before they could approach, laughter reached them from a short distance away. Shen Qingyao turned to look and saw several young men and women on the other side of the garden, chatting and laughing.

"Who are they?" Shen Qingyao couldn't recognize them for a moment. Why was her family's garden so lively?

Lu Zhao naturally noticed them too. He glanced at Shen Qingyao's expression and understood. He then said, "Those are your second and third uncle's children?" Although it was a question, his tone was affirmative.

Shen Qingyao suddenly realized. The three families of the Shen family had already established their own residences. However, as Shen Qingyao's father Shen Huai held a high position, relatives often visited their Shen's mansion, seeking favors. Hence, her second and third uncles would bring their children to the mansion under the pretext of visiting, but in reality, it was to gain some benefits.

Today, with Shen Qingyao's engagement ceremony with the Duke's mansion, they could also have a chance to meet with the people from the Ducal house. They wouldn't let this opportunity go.

She knew all this from reading the original plot, but what surprised her was that Lu Zhao actually knew these people. She couldn't help but turn her head to look at him with a puzzled expression.

Lu Zhao didn't mind. He met her gaze with a slight smile and casually said, "I heard it from your eldest brother."

Why would Shen Yushu talk to Lu Zhao about the affairs of their second and third uncles? Shen Qingyao was even more suspicious.

Shen Qingyao was lost in thought, unaware that the group of people had already noticed them. Some of them, including Shen Qingyao's cousin Shen Fu, lit up at the sight of Lu Zhao.

Shen Fu's face turned slightly red, and she pretentiously adjusted the silk flower on her head. Then, she elegantly walked over, suddenly exclaiming and lunging forward when she got close to the two.

Shen Qingyao : ...Why does this scene look so familiar?

Caught off guard, Shen Qingyao was stunned in place. As the person was about to crash into her, she couldn't react in time. However, Lu Zhao suddenly pulled her aside with a quick motion, skillfully avoiding the humanoid bomb.

The fake fall turned to a real fall, and Shen Fu fell on the ground.

Shen Fu seemingly hadn't expected that there would be no one to catch her. She sat on the ground in shock, taking a moment to feel the pain on her knees. Her eyes turned red.

With a lowered head and a pitiful look, she softly said, "Young Master... I..."

Confused by Shen Fu calling out to Lu Zhao, Shen Qingyao felt that something was off. She looked at him, questioning the unfolding situation. What kind of act was this?

Shen Qingyao's belated reaction made her realize that the person had actually gone for Lu Zhao just now!

Obviously, there are so many good men available!! I certainly don't want another female rivals!

An alarm bell rang in her mind. Unconsciously, she tightened her grip on Lu Zhao's hand, and the other hand casually hooked onto Lu Zhao's arm, as if reminding him not to get involved with other girls.