Chapter 524
Chapter 524 Pointing the Sword at the Fortress
Miss Xu wore a subtle smile, her gaze filled with unspoken emotion as she looked at him. Her gentle words echoed endlessly in Lin Wanrong's ears, leaving him momentarily stunned. ‘Have I been foolish?’ he pondered. ‘Why have I taken on such a dangerous task? This isn't my style!’ Deep in thought, a sudden intuition washed over him. On the battlefield where home and country were defended and blood was shed, any hot-blooded man would be compelled to partake, driven by an innate yearning. Even for someone as crafty and opportunistic as himself, there was no exception.
Seeing that he had remained silent for a while, Miss Xu smiled gracefully. "This seems out of character for you. Are you truly prepared to leave behind all that is dear to you, to undertake such an uncertain task?"
Lin Wanrong sighed heavily and reluctantly replied, "Do you think I want to go? But some tasks have to be undertaken, and what's most hateful is that I happen to be the most suitable person for this job. What else can I do but resign myself to fate?" He shook his head, appearing wretched, but the meaning behind his words was crystal clear—he had made up his mind to go.
Xu Zhiqing stared blankly at him, memories flooding her mind. Their first meeting at the Jade Buddha Temple to escape the rain, their second encounter at the Jinghua Academy, discussing orchids and praising the natural world in the Grand Prime Minister Temple, casting nets in Weishan Lake to catch silver. Throughout their time together, he had been playful and cheeky, never missing an opportunity to take advantage. Now, on the battlefield, he revealed himself as a man of valor and steel, earning even the respect of the ferocious Turkic warriors. Bravado and flippancy—two extremes in one man, causing her both delight and concern. She wondered which version of him she preferred more.
Noticing Xu Zhiqing's fluctuating expressions—her face flushing, then paling, shifting between joy and worry—Lin Wanrong grew anxious. He hastily waved his hand before her eyes. "Miss Xu, what's wrong with you? Oh, you look like you've caught a cold and are shivering. Quickly, let me take your pulse."
"You're the one who's shivering," Xu Zhiqing gave him a disdainful glance, her cheeks flushing hotly. "I'm considering your proposal and trying to figure out whether you're telling the truth."
"Really?" Lin Wanrong grinned, focusing on her flushed cheeks. "Let me give you a tip, Miss Xu. When people lie, their ears turn red. If you don't believe me, feel for yourself."
Almost reflexively, Xu Zhiqing reached out to touch her earlobe but suddenly caught herself. "What are you doing? Trying to trick me again? You're the one with red ears—you have them all the time!"