Fortune Across the World

Chapter 148: Riding Together on the Majestic Mechanism Road (Middle)

With only one saddle on the horse, Ding Qiyu couldn't help but be pressed closely against Yi Girl in front of her. The scent of roses from Yi Girl's hair filled her nose, creating an awkward tension. Attempting to shift back using her feet, Ding Qiyu quickly realized she couldn't occupy Yi Girl's stirrups. Relinquishing her foothold, she found herself sliding along the saddle's curve, ending up pressed against Yi Girl's back.

Feeling the warmth at her back, Le Zhuyi stiffened. Riding together was one thing, but being so close was another! She bit her lip, glancing sideways to reassure herself that the little carpenter was only helping for Qianli Palace's safety and that she shouldn't mind these minor details. Gripping the reins, she gave a sharp command, and Chini, her horse, leapt forward with a spirited neigh—

Ding Qiyu hadn't anticipated Chini's sudden leap. The inertia threw her backward as if she might fly off the horse. Startled, she instinctively reached forward, grabbing onto whatever was in front of her. Amidst the chaos, she found herself clutching Le Zhuyi's slender waist tightly, as if it were a lifeline, finally stabilizing herself from flying off.

"You—" Le Zhuyi was momentarily stunned, her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and anger. She hadn't expected that as soon as Chini started running, this person would take full advantage, touching everywhere and now holding onto her tightly! Slowing Chini down, she snapped, "Let go!"

For someone who didn't know how to ride, even at a slower pace, a majestic steed like Chini was fast. The path they traveled was a mountain road, with a steep cliff on one side and a sheer drop on the other. Hearing the wind whistle past, Ding Qiyu shook her head vigorously, protesting loudly, "I'm not holding on intentionally! If I let go, I'll fall; I can't control it!" Her arms remained securely around Le Zhuyi's waist, her chest pressed tightly against her back, fearing that a slip would send her tumbling down.

"Tsk, you're so clumsy!" Le Zhuyi scolded, her face red with frustration. This little carpenter was really testing her patience.

"Skills have their specialties; I'm not good at this!" Ding Qiyu retorted, unaware of the potential danger.

"Shut up! If you keep talking, I'll kick you off!" Le Zhuyi was furious, tempted to grab the little carpenter's ear and give her a good whipping.

"I—" Ding Qiyu began, but Chini, spurred by its master's command, suddenly sped up, altering her voice's pitch. Now convinced that Yi Girl might actually kick her off, Ding Qiyu grimaced at the cliffs swirling with mist, closed her eyes, and tightened her grip, not daring to speak. This girl was fierce—better not provoke her!

Le Zhuyi glanced down at the "vine-like" arms clinging to her waist, her gaze blazing as if trying to burn them away. Taking several deep breaths, she quelled the urge to kick off the person behind her, focusing instead on guiding the horse. But the blush at her ears, contrasting with her crimson attire, refused to fade.

On horseback, one heart was anxious about falling, while the other was lost in thoughts of shame and annoyance. A journey that shouldn't have taken long felt endlessly prolonged, filled with silence. Eventually, they reached the vicinity of the front mountain entrance.

Chini gradually came to a halt, snorting and pacing in place. Le Zhuyi glanced down to find the hands still fixed at her waist, showing no sign of release. She gritted her teeth, "Are you going to let go or not?"

Huh? They'd arrived? The wind had stopped, and Ding Qiyu opened her eyes, breathing a sigh of relief. "Phew..." She smiled genuinely, realizing the fiery presence in front of her. Quickly, she released her grip, apologizing, "Sorry!"