Gu Xiaoxi picked up the photo and newspaper, her face instantly darkened.
The photo was of the two of them entering the airport, probably taken by someone in secret.
Her and Danny Jay’s positions, spaced some distance apart, was unproblematic. However, the newspaper, embellishing and adding frivolous words, gave these few photos an entirely different flavor.
Maybe others wouldn’t recognize the person in the photos as her, but Quan Shaoqing definitely could.
Without a second thought, Gu Xiaoxi slapped the photo down on the table, then squatted in front of Quan Shaoqing with her hands clutching her ears. She looked up at him cautiously, her voice soft as a mosquito’s hum, "This is absolutely unfounded. I just know him, and we don’t have any special relationship. I ran into some trouble in D state, and he helped me out. That’s all."
There she squatted, hands clutching her ears, her delicate face filled with anxiety.
Her actions, seen through his eyes, somehow had an indescribable cuteness, especially those misty eyes of hers, like sunshine-illuminated crystals, rippling in the cold depths of his heart.
The anger he had repressed a moment ago dissipated instantly, as he instinctively believed her words.
Quan Shaoqing sighed, stepped forward, and extended his hand to Gu Xiaoxi.
Seeing his gentle demeanor, Gu Xiaoxi placed her hand in his palm and allowed him to help her up, a sly glint flickering briefly under her long lashes.
Her heart finally relaxed, glad to have this matter brushed aside so easily!
Danny Jay had gone too far, using her to spread rumors.
As a noble, if he hadn’t given his consent, who would dare to report on his scandal?
Gu Xiaoxi felt that Danny Jay was ambiguously moral, his nature hard to discern, and it was better to stay cautious around such a person.
Quan Shaoqing saw Gu Xiaoxi looking down, clearly showing that she knew she was in the wrong. He reached out, his large hand cupping her head, pressing her forehead into his chest with tender movements. He spoke earnestly, "Running off like that worried me. Car racing is so dangerous, and you didn’t have anyone with you."
"Su San was with me... there won’t be any trouble..." As soon as Gu Xiaoxi spoke, she felt uneasy all over.
Seems like she had said something she shouldn’t have!
Sure enough, in the next second, Quan Shaoqing’s brows furrowed as he inquired, "And who is Su San?"
Gu Xiaoxi pouted and honestly confessed, "He’s a friend of Lu Xi."
Quan Shaoqing pinched her fair cheek, a bit speechless, "He’s not even your master anymore, and still you go defending him."
"Master was kind to me, and he was framed by someone. Naturally, I should defend him, whether he acknowledges me as his disciple or not." Gu Xiaoxi tilted her head to look at Quan Shaoqing, her expression more serious than ever.
Quan Shaoqing caressed her head, acknowledging her as a good, loyal woman, and decided not to take the matter too much to heart.
It’s not like he could really hold it against her.
Quan Shaoqing sighed and, holding her hand, headed upstairs together until they reached the door of Gu Xiaoxi’s room, where he stopped.
Gu Xiaoxi held his hand, her little face flushed as she looked up at Quan Shaoqing and asked, "Was the mission successful? Was anyone hurt?"
Actually, she wanted to tell him that she had been worried about him as well. Now, as the words reached her lips, she swallowed them back down. Seeing him return safely was all the reassurance she needed.
Standing tall, Quan Shaoqing’s looming figure was like a ridge of hills overshadowing her. With a tone full of resignation, he said, "For the peace of our nation, injuries are unavoidable. Xiao Xi, it’s late, you should rest. We’ll head back to the military base together in the morning."
"Mm! Good night!" Gu Xiaoxi obediently nodded her head.
Suppressing the pain in his heart, Quan Shaoqing couldn’t resist, and bent down to gently kiss her lips.
Gu Xiaoxi closed her eyes, even finding herself falling for his tenderness.
It’s said that details reveal a person’s true nature, and Quan Shaoqing was the kind whose gentleness made it hard to let go.
His warm lips carried the sweet taste of red wine, their light touch intoxicating.
In the corridor, they kissed each other frankly and boldly for the first time, feeling as if it could last until the end of time.
Suddenly parting, Gu Xiaoxi still felt a bit shy, turned around, pushed open the door into the room, and shut Quan Shaoqing out.
Separated by a door, their heartbeats thundered.
Quan Shaoqing watched her bashful figure, his lips curving into a radiant smile. She was too beautiful, her purity moved him deeply.
But suddenly, his brow broke out in sweat, and a pang of pain spread through his chest.
This was a virus of love, as sweet as it was painful.
In an instant, Quan Shaoqing’s complexion changed, and he turned to walk toward his own room. Despite feeling pain, it was nothing compared to the sweetness in his heart.
Emotions can’t be suppressed. Even with heart-wrenching pain, he loved without regret.
She shone brightly at the Gold Cup race; her composure, her bravery, her loyalties, and that touch of innocence, all were worth him protecting for a lifetime.