Chapter 37 Hesitation
"Brother Crown Prince," Zheng Nianru lifted her head, feeling both enchanted and intoxicated by this sensation. Just a moment ago, she had been resenting his absence, and the next, he was right before her, indifferent to whether she wanted his company or not, as if everything in her view was merely a figment of her unwilling imagination.
The boiling rage inside Zheng Congyuan vanished instantly. Indeed, what did she really know? How could she possibly have met that Wen Zan? Upon investigation, the sordid intentions would be clear, and Nian Ru was innocent.
"Are you happy today?" Zheng Congyuan resumed his usual composed and graceful demeanor, ethereal like the faintest mountain shadow in an ink painting, and as refreshing as orchids after a rain in the mountains. At first glance, one could not help but become immersed in his presence, gradually warming up to his gentleness.
"Seeing Father, Nian Ru is naturally happy," Zheng Nianru said with a smile, her eyes as clear and bright as a deer’s, "Thank you, Brother Crown Prince."
Zheng Congyuan wanted to say something, but something felt off—an incorrectness that made the anger in his heart begin to surge once again. But what exactly was wrong? Zheng Nianru seemed even more obedient than usual, could it be...?
Would she thank him? Why would she need to thank him?
"Is there nothing else?" Zheng Congyuan was slightly distracted, trying to pinpoint what was different, "I’ve been a bit busy these days, so..."
Zheng Nianru, noticing Zheng Congyuan’s expression, naturally understood the crux of the problem. In the past, she would visit the Crown Prince’s Mansion every few days, and her sudden withdrawal naturally threw him off balance.
"Nothing else, Brother Crown Prince," Zheng Nianru continued, reaching for Zheng Congyuan’s sleeve, "look, I even saved a grilled fish for you. If you hadn’t come, I would have..."
Zheng Congyuan attempted to pull his sleeve away, but suddenly realized that his heart, like that sleeve, seemed to find tranquility only in the girl’s grasp and settled down.
"I turned back halfway here, remembering there was a secret edict," Zheng Congyuan said helplessly, tugging at his sleeve. Seeing that it couldn’t be freed, he let it be. "Your hair is still wet. Let Nian Xia dry it for you before I eat the fish and leave?"