CFSSIR

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Until Lu Zhao finally convinced Grand Princess Duanhua to let Shen Qingyao come out, Shen Qingyao hadn't said another word.

Lu Zhao held the girl's slightly cool hand, noticing her unusual silence. He stopped walking and lowered his eyes to look at her, only to see the girl with her eyes downcast. Her usually lively face showed no expression, looking somewhat unhappy.

Lu Zhao's heart tightened. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Yaoyao, do you... not want to go to the southern border?"

The girl had supported him in front of Grand Princess Duanhua, but after all, this decision had not been discussed with her. The southern border was harsh and cold, so it was natural if she didn't want to go.

But Shen Qingyao shook her head, cheeks puffed up. She took a breath, pressing down the overwhelming emotions inside her. Feeling it was not enough, she quietly added, "It's not that."

Lu Zhao felt a slight relief but was even more puzzled. Then why was she so downcast?

"Elder Brother Lu Zhao." Shen Qingyao called him softly, still looking down. Lu Zhao quietly watched her, waiting for her to continue.

"It's the same everywhere, as long as Elder Brother Lu Zhao is there. I don't fear the hardships of the southern border because I will always be with you, won't I? As long as Brother Lu Zhao can be with me, I can go anywhere." She spoke earnestly.

While part of her resolve was due to her mission, binding her to him, her willingness to stay with him was genuine.

"I just didn't expect that your decision to go to the southern border would be because of me..." Shen Qingyao's voice was very low, but Lu Zhao felt a warmth in his heart. So this was the crux of the matter...

He chuckled softly and, with a gentle tug, pulled the girl who didn't dare look at him into his arms. He sighed, "So this is what you're worried about?"

His voice was gentle and understanding, making Shen Qingyao's nose tingle with emotion. He continued, "Of course, it's for your sake. Yaoyao, don't worry. The southern border has its own unique medical practices that will surely cure you."

"Mm." Shen Qingyao nodded, her eyes red. She wanted to say that it wasn't necessary, that as long as he didn't blacken, she would be fine once the mission was completed. But she didn't want to reject his good intentions.

In her past life, she had always been alone in the hospital, even when she was critically ill and in surgery. Her family never visited. This feeling of being constantly cared for was something she deeply cherished.

She was attached to the warmth of Lu Zhao's embrace but couldn't help feeling insecure, thinking that all his kindness was for the original Shen Qingyao. She was just an intruder. Shen Qingyao's nose tingled again, and she felt tears welling up.

"Elder Brother Lu Zhao, can you..." She wanted to ask if he could not fall for the female lead, but given the current situation, his feelings for the female lead were probably no longer an issue. Then she wanted to ask if he could not like the original Shen Qingyao, but she feared she'd be seen as a monster and thrown out. After hesitating for a long time, Shen Qingyao, with a soft cry, asked, "Elder Brother Lu Zhao, do you like me? Can you... only like me?"

Hearing the girl's tearful voice, Lu Zhao felt his heart melt. He tightly held Shen Qingyao, deeply feeling her longing, dependence, and the insecurity and fear from deep within her. It was as if she was drowning and had grabbed onto him as her only lifeline.

"Silly girl, you are my wife. Naturally, I will only like you," Lu Zhao said solemnly. "Only you."

[Host, why are you daydreaming again?]