Then, the person who covered her mouth dragged her behind the artificial mountain.
The artificial mountain was hollow in the middle. There was just enough for two people to squeeze in.
Qin Shu's back pressed against the hard stone wall. The uneven surface of the stone wall felt a little jarring. Qin Shu was shocked. Just as she was about to use all her strength to break free from the other party's grip, the person leaned closer to her ear and whispered,
"Bao'er, it's me."
She heard the familiar male voice. It was deep and masculine. Qin Shu's loosened her grip.
Soon, Qin Shu was surrounded by the man's unique scent and the faint smell of tobacco from him.
The man removed his hand, which covered Qin Shu's mouth.
"Little Shu, where are you?"
The old madam said. She sounded anxious and worried.
Qin Shu wanted to step out of the artificial mountain, but the man grabbed her wrist. It was obvious that he didn't want Qin Shu to leave.
So, Qin Shu took two steps forward and exposed half of her body. She called out to the old madam, "Grandma, I'm catching fireflies. I'll be back soon."
The artificial mountain was only seven or eight meters away from the gazebo. Lights were hanging at the top of the gazebo, but no lights were hanging from the artificial mountain.
There was a street lamp two meters away from the artificial mountain, emitting a weak light.
Therefore, it was dark near the artificial mountain. People in the gazebo couldn't see the details of the artificial mountain clearly.
The old madam didn't ask any more questions when she heard Qin Shu's response. She went back to chatting with Xu Wei.
Qin Shu's body stiffened because the man leaned over from behind her. He rested his chin on her right shoulder and hugged her from behind.
"Why did you come without saying a word? Aren't you going to greet your grandmother?"
He must have returned to Bright Garden first. When he didn't see her there, he asked butler Shi and found out her whereabouts. Then, he rushed over.
"I don't want her to know that I'm here." The man's masculine voice felt hot on her ears. It was a little itchy for Qin Shu.
He actually asked his Fu Tingyan, his brother, through text while he was on his way over.
His younger brother said that it was fine.
That was why he appeared in such a manner.
Qin Shu asked in confusion, "You ambushed here. How did you know that I would come over to the artificial mountain?"
"Bao'er likes fireflies," the man answered matter-of-factly.
"Could it be that you were the one who put these fireflies here?"
The man nodded.
Qin Shu's eyes flashed with surprise. No wonder she didn't see any fireflies in the beginning.
Then the fireflies appeared out of nowhere.
How did he know that she would definitely come over if she saw the fireflies?
Fu Tingyu tightened his arms around Qin Shu. He said in a low voice, "Bao'er, were you well treated?"
Qin Shu chuckled softly. "I'm just here to eat. Of course, I was well treated. Besides, your grandma is actually quite nice. She knew that you've been busy recently and was a little worried about you not eating."
Qin Shu suddenly recalled the time he went to the Lake of No Return to catch fireflies. The memories still made Qin Shu feel nervous for him.
"You didn't go to the Lake of No Return to catch these fireflies again, did you?"
"No, I saw them on the way here. I caught them on the way."
On the way to the old house, there was a park. On the right side of the park was a large patch of grass, and fireflies often appeared there in summer.
On the way?
The fourth master of Jiang City went to the park to catch fireflies?
That didn't sound right. The fourth master of Jiang City was a noble, ascetic prince who could change the weather if he wanted to.
When Fu Tingyu hugged Qin Shu, he felt her flat stomach. It felt as if she had had enough food.
"How much did you eat for dinner?"
"A bowl of rice."
The man frowned. "Why only one bowl?"
"I just ate a few pieces of watermelon. I'm full."
The man paused, "Is it sweet?"